By Duncan Nixon
Correspondent
In a highly competitive game that came down to the final minute, the Fluvanna County High football team failed to convert on a two-point extra point attempt that would have tied the game.
The Fluvanna offense was potent, and all three Fluvanna touchdowns were scored by senior wide receiver Tramayne Minor on passes from senior quarterback Will Lambert. The Buckingham Knights scored first, late in the first quarter and their extra point attempt failed. Early in the second quarter the Flucos turned the ball over on a fumble and the Knights took advantage to promptly put up their second touchdown. A successful two-point conversion made the score 14-0.
On the first play from scrimmage after the Knight’s touchdown, Lambert launched a long throw down the left side of the field. Minor and the Knight’s defensive back were the only ones in the area. Minor out fought the defender for the ball and when the defender fell, Minor turned on his speed and ran easily for a 62-yard touchdown. An extra point kick by junior Dawson Raines made the score 14-7 with 8:41 left in the half. The Knights continued to run the ball successfully and with 4:25 left in the half they put up their third touchdown and converted the extra point with a run for a 22-7 lead. On the second play from scrimmage after the Buckingham touchdown, Lambert hit Minor in stride on the right side of the field and Minor out-raced two defenders for a second long touchdown. This one was a 72-yard strike. Raines kicked the extra point again to make the score 22-14. With only 3:29 remaining in the half.
Buckingham moved the ball on the ground and as time in the half was running down it looked like the Flucos would be down by two scores at halftime. However, a strong goal line stand stopped the Knights as time expired. The halftime score was Buckingham 22 Fluvanna 14.
On their first two possessions of the second half the Flucos moved the ball steadily down field relying primarily on senior running back Sam Loving who gaining 5-6 yards per carry. Unfortunately for the Flucos, both drives ended deep in Buckingham territory on unsuccessful fourth down plays. Buckingham’s offense was now being bottled up by the Fluco defense. The third quarter was scoreless.
In the fourth quarter, the Flucos again dominated possession but turned the ball over on downs twice. One drive was extended by a pass from Lambert to senior Tristen Hodson on a crossing pattern. Loving had two strong punt returns in the quarter. The second came as time was winding down. Loving was driven out of bounds at the 20 and a targeting penalty against Buckingham put the ball at the 10 yard line with 1:08 left in the game. A trick play with Lambert handing to Loving and Loving passing to Lambert put the ball at the one yard line. Lambert then dropped back to pass and Minor was covered but Lambert pump faked and Minor broke open for the touchdown. A two-point conversion attempt was stymied by the Knights and the Flucos lost 22-20. A large and enthusiastic crowd was on hand for this battle against Fluvanna’s neighbor from the south side of the Rivanna river.
The Flucos are now 0-2 on the season. Their next game is Sept. 12 at Chancellor High School. Then after a bye week, they travel to Louisa High on Sept. 26. The Flucos then return home to host Western Albemarle on Oct. 3.
