The Flucos were hosting long-time Jefferson District rival, the Black Knights from Charlottesville High School. Although, the Flucos started strong, jumping to a 12-0 lead, the roof collapsed on them in the second quarter as Charlottesville scored 27 unanswered points in quarter. The Flucos lost 47-18, and their record falls to 1-8.
Early in the game, it looked like the Fluco fans would be able to head home happy. On their first possession, on the third play from scrimmage, the Flucos faced a third and one, at their own 29 yard line. Fluco senior running back Marcus Jackson took the ball up the middle, and suddenly burst out of a pack of Charlotteville defenders. He was not brought down until he had reached the Charlottesville two yard line. The Flucos scored a touchdown three plays later on an eight yard pass play from senior quarterback Austin Foster to senior running back Taquan Lewis, and the Flucos led at the end of the first quarter 6-0.
The second quarter began with the Flucos marching down the field. Two passes from Foster to junior wide receiver Macen Dahl were the key plays. Foster scored the Flucos second touchdown on a fourth down one yard quarterback sneak. The try for a two point conversion failed and the Flucos led 12-0 with 8:05 left in the second quarter. Unfortunately, the Black Knights returned the ensuing kick-off for a touchdown, and made a two point conversion to make the score 12-8.
The Flucos went three and out, and Charlottesville quickly scored another touchdown to go ahead 14-12. Then, in the final two minutes of the half, Charlottesville put up two more touchdowns to go ahead by a 27-12 score at intermission.
The third quarter opened with the Flucos kicking off. An onside kick was unsuccessful and the Black Knights started at their 43 yard line. After gaining some yardage the Charlottesville’s drive was thwarted by the Flucos, and a 42 yard field goal attempt was short. However, the Flucos went three and out, and were forced to punt. Three running plays were all the Black Knights needed to add another touchdown, their lead was now 34-12, and it was clear that the game was over.
Despite their commanding lead, the Black Knights went with an onside kick, and it was successful. The Flucos defense rose to the occasion, as sophomore Chris Kidd sacked the Charlottesville quarterback and the Black Knights were forced to punt. The punt was short, and bouncing unpredictably, when a Fluco unsuccessfully tried to pick it up. Charlottesville recovered at the Fluco 21 yard line. The Black Knights promptly scored on a pass over the middle, and third quarter ended with Charlottesville leading 41-12.
The Black Knights scored again early in the fourth quarter on a long run. The extra point attempt was blocked and the Black Knights were ahead by a score of 47-12.
With four minutes left in the game the Black Knights finally went to a back-up quarterback. He promptly fumbled a snap, and senior linebacker Jesse Lokits scooped up the loose ball, and ran it into the end zone to make the final score 47-18. Lokits’ touchdown was a fitting end to the game, as it was announced during the half-time ceremonies that he was elected Homecoming King.
After the game, Coach Jason Barnett noted that he was proud of a number of seniors who have played hard all year despite the team’s lack of success. He was effusive regarding the development and the contributions of defensive lineman Deiondre Key. He also sited the play of wide receiver Jesse Vandyke, linebacker Jesse Lokits, running back Marcus Jackson, and offensive linemen Geoff Goodwin and Josh Wheaton. And, he noted he was “sure there were several others” he would wish he had mentioned.
The Flucos have one game remaining. They travel to Jefferson District rival Western Albemarle High on Friday Nov. 8.
PHOTO BY DEBORAH NIXON
