12/15/2025  - SANDUSKY WINS OVER LCA IN A GREAT GAME

It was a thriller at LCA Monday night with Sandusky Middle School. 

 Boys playing Sandusky.  LCA went up by 11 points, then Sandusky erased a portion of an 11-point deficit, trimming the lead to 7 points. 

With LCA 34 and Sandusky 24. Both teams were even on the boards, rebounding, defense, and offensive boards.

Second-half LCA shooting collapse, they went cold, couldn't buy a basket.

Sandusky was able to secure the victory at the free-throw line and the final seconds.

Final score Sandusky 54, LCA 44.

P. Jackson, guard for Sandusky, led all scorers with 20 points.  In a losing effort, Chestnut had 15 points for LCA.   

Atavista and Rustburg meet for the first time this year at  Rustburg in a non-conference game 
 The Rustburg Girls won, and the Boys lost. The Rustburg Girls control the game to
end The final score 32-25 The Red Devils went to a full court press in the third quarter in Altavista went to a 3-2 Zone Rustburg went up by eight points in the third quarter with 45 second left in the third quarter. 
A breakdown of the game 
First quarter  Rustburg 8 Altavista 6
Halftime score Rustburg 18 Altavista 14 
Third quarter  Rustburg 27 AltaVista 18
 Final score Rustburg 32, Altavista 25. Top score for Rustburg 
  Simyah Jackson with 12 points and the top score for Altavista
Kyra Puryear with 11points. The Boys breakdown: Rustburg had a problem shooting from the outside; they missed a lot of layups and missed free throws. Atavista went up by 17 points
At halftime. They went to a half-court press, which was causing a lot of turnovers against Rustburg. Spencer Fisher caused a lot of problems for Rustburg, coming off the bench for
Atavista scored inside and out with his aggressive  He finished the game with 17 points and got help from his teammates, Christia Gavin, 13 points Jamari Slayton, 20 points, Tanner, 14 points
Rustburg top scorer Jaydon Herndon with 17 points.

The LCA Bulldogs were nearly unstoppable in the regular season.  This team had a taste of the state tournament last year and fell just a little short.  They began with the title journey at home against a familiar foe.  The Lady Bees of Brookville High had already won a playoff game and now had the tall task of pulling off the upset at the #1 seed in LCA.

The Lady Bulldogs had swept the regular season two meetings and was looking to add a third victory.  As the defending district champ of the Seminole, the Bulldogs were looking to take their game to another level and keep home court advantage throughout the regional tourney.

The Bees knew they had to play their best and were not fazed with the prowess of LCA and the fact they only travelled about 10 miles, it was slightly less the home court advantage that could be expected.

LCA was slow to start and the Bees kept pace but with each passing volley or set up for a kill, the Bulldogs became more comfortable and efficient.  The Brookville squad scrambled and battled but continued to come up short with some ineffective swings or miscues that seemed to work against them.

The first two sets were never in doubt but Brookville was not an easy opponent.  They made LCA burn both timeouts in set number 3 while taking the lead in the best back and forth action of the evening.  Just when momentum was on their side, the Bulldogs placed the final perfect spike to end the match and the season for Brookville.

LCA winning in three sets allows them to perserve some energy as they await the next opponent in the semifinals of Region C.

The Bees were defiant and no pushover.  They were prepared but were not able to maintain the pace that was set by the Bulldogs.  They finished the season with a winning record and a playoff win to help them build momentum going into next season.

EMSPORTS 11/5/2025

 In this new world of NIL, the money flows and so do the players however, the coaches who for years got the highest pay, are now unhappy.  The players are finally getting more than ever.  The coaches are not able to control player movement and it has them upset.  When they were use to making all the decisions, the players were left with little financially because they were used as the means to drive the money machine in college football.

That is really no longer the case because NIL which has become far more legal and very lucrative for the players who now get to decide, judge and almost hand pick where they want go for the right price.  The coaches appreciate the fact that players get paid, but it has made their job even harder for now they must deal with agents, money managers plus all with the extra attention outside of the Xs and Os found on the football field. It is only fair that these young players who have put their bodies on the line, who have sacrificed have sacrifice their own social and personal time at needs at the whims of coaches, now have the opportunity to be rewarded for the efforts on the field.  

So if all the millions to even billions of dollars that flow into the bank accounts of these universities, it seems fitting that the players get more of the proverbial money pie. The access to multiple streams of finances with through merchandising, television and streaming, is opening up more ways for everyone to be compensated.  Now the players have the opportunity to make money off of their name, their image and their their likeness talentswell beyond what the initial idea was long ago.  

It will never be equal for they will always be on the short end of a power struggle and a structure set up to benefit the administration and coaches. Now the players are getting sustainable money to reward them for their dedication and commitment. This new financial opportunity also has given the players some control over their futures and it allows them to better plan for their life after college football. If pro football does not work out, NIL provides them a great start financially and emotionally, it takes away so stresses that they no longer have to face.  
This also allows them to continue to play the game they love. 

Now the transfer portal can still be corrected. It can still be improved upon to the benefit of all parties.  The structure needs to be less wide open and more controls to limit the almost open door policy.  This helps players focus on the season at hand and will allow coaches and administrators to be able to better coach players that are in the program for more than a few months. Yes, it is an advantage when a player knows where he’s going and a coach knows who his players will be so that they can set up their team and be properly prepared for the seasons ahead.

EMSPORTS 9/29/25

Joe Knowles, the baseball coach at Heritage, has resigned. Joe Knowles was the head

baseball coach at Heritage High School for several years, from 2017 to 2025. Joe Knowles has accepted an assistant baseball coaching job at Brookville High School.

6/28/25   

Brad Bradley is the new Athletic Director at Heritage High School in Lynchburg, VA.

While Dennis Knight was previously listed in that role, recent information indicates that Coach Bradley, formerly the highly successful head football coach, has transitioned into the Athletic Director position. This is a significant move for Heritage High School, bringing his extensive experience and established leadership to the entire athletic program.

Coach Bradley has a strong and respected background in high school athletics, particularly in football, where he led Heritage to considerable success. His transition to Athletic Director will likely bring a renewed focus and energy to all sports at Heritage High School.

3/17/25

3/17/25   

Message Body
Liberty University will have a lot to cheer for in this year‘s NCAA tournament.  The University is one of several colleges to send both their men and women’s teams into the renown NCAA Tournament. The two teams from Lynchburg qualified by winning their respective Conference USA tournaments. 

The women (28-6) tied with Middle Tennessee State at 16-2 in the regular season. However, the Lady Flames were able to outlast MTSU in a close tourney final.  

The Lady Flames are in the midst of an 11-game winning streak as they streak into the NCAA tournament. Their work will be cut out for them as they were placed in the Spokane Regional. As a #13 seed, they will face the #4 seed, the Kentucky Wildcats of the SEC.  There is some of a local connection as the Wildcats are coached by former Virginia Tech Hokies coach Kenny Brooks.

On the men’s side of the bracket, fans will find the Liberty Flames (28-6) close to home.  They return to the NCAA tournament in with an experienced roster and confidence.  They bring quite an uptempo offense that helped them win the C-USA tourney over the number two seed, Jacksonville  State, who had split the two regular season matchups versus Liberty.

The Flames earned the 12th-seed in the East Region.  They will face the 5th-seeded Oregon Ducks.  A weapon for Liberty is their outside shooting.  At 39% shooting, the Flames have the sixth-best three-point percentage in the country.  

They are undefeated when they hold their opponents to 70 points or fewer — something they've done 25 times this season.  The Ducks will be a heavy favorite but the Flames are riding momentum and a five game winning streak.  

Names to Know

Oregon

Jackson Shelstad: 13.2 Pts, 2.9 Reb, 2.7 Ast

Nate Bittle: 14.1 Pts, 7.4 Reb, 1.9 Ast

TJ Bamba: 10.4 Pts, 3.5 Reb, 2.9 Ast

Liberty

Taeion Peter: 13.9 Pts, 4.1 Reb, 1.1 Ast

Kaden Metheny: 13.5 Pts, 2.9 Reb, 2.0 Ast

Zach Cleveland: 11.0 Pts, 6.3 Reb, 5.1 Ast

EMSPORTS 3/18/2025

<3/12/25

Ron Sanchez Will Not Be Retained as Virginia Men’s Basketball Head Coach

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Virginia - Ron Sanchez, who served as the University of Virginia’s interim men’s basketball coach during the 2024-2025 season, will not be retained as the program’s full-time head coach. The announcement was made today by Virginia Director of Athletics Carla Williams.

Sanchez assumed the interim head coach position on Oct. 18 following the retirement of 15-year head coach Tony Bennett. This season Sanchez led the Cavaliers to a 15-17 record. It was his 11th season with the program that included two different stints with the Cavaliers. He served as an assistant coach (2009-2014) and associate head coach (2015-2018). In 2023, Coach Sanchez returned to Charlottesville to serve as associate head coach (2023-24).

“I am grateful to Coach Sanchez for accepting this role during such a critical time for the program.” Williams said. “Ron is the ultimate professional because he cares deeply about this program and this University. He is an exceptional person because he is gifted as an empathetic and caring human being. He is beloved within our department and in the UVA community. Ron and the staff provided great stability, guidance and support for the young men on the team and we are thankful for his commitment to UVA and the values that are foundational to Virginia men’s basketball.”

EM-SPORTS.ORG 12/14/2024  

The LCA Bulldogs were looking to make history in the VHSL Class 3A championship game for the 2024 football title. 

The Kettle Run Cougars were aware of the home field advantage that LCA had playing at Liberty University. However, this team’s dominance was special and their 14-0 record proved they were not just looking for a participation trophy.  

LCA has blazed a trail since entering the season.  The momentum of the last year’s title was still present as the Bulldogs looked to defend their first state crown from 2023.

LCA’s offense was electric.  The team was led by All-State RB Gideon Davidson, who was a threat from any point on the field.  The defense was just as powerful.  Even though the defense was overshadowed by the offense, their opponents could attest how tough it was to score on LCA.

The Cougars held the distinction of being the first even high school from Faquier County to represent in a state championship game.  This dream-like season had one more game to complete the unimaginable, the first ever football title.  The offense, in the four games of the playoffs, was providing nearly 39 points a game with a mix of run and pass that exposed the opponents, week after week. 

In contrast, LCA was more than Davidson but he was the tip of the spear.  The dynamic running back had rushed for over 2000 yards on the season.  He was the engine for an offense that was averaging over 45 points in the playoffs and was also a stingy defense on surrendering about 16 points a contest.

The anticipated matchup of unbeatens was a great opportunity for to entertain the fans.  LCA showed up early and left no doubt who was the biggest dog on the block.

The first series was a harbinger of the LCA superiority.  The threat of Davidson opened up the defense and LCA exploited the Cougars’s secondary when Tyler Jackson connected with Dalton Nesselrotte on a 53-yard pass over the outstretched hand of the Kettle Run safety.  It was only a few minutes into the game.  LCA scored two more touchdowns before Kettle Run got on the board when Jacob Mulhern found Colton Lubbe on a 17-yard strike. 

That was the highlight of the day for Kettle Run.

After the early 21-6 lead in the first quarter, the game belonged to Davidson and the LCA defense. Davidson, the Clemson commit, was a good as advertised with the final three touchdowns of the game (total of 4).  He had three on the ground and one receiving.  The defense was busy getting turnovers to allow the offense to be effective.  The Bulldogs were the recipients of five miscues from the Cougars. Kettle Run was responsible for four interceptions and one lost fumble.

Kettle Run (14-1) can take pride in making to the title game.  This squad accomplished something no other Faquier County school had ever done.  The future is bright as the Cougars will look to rebound and reload for the 2025 season.

The former private school powerhouse has captured their second VHSL football title in less than 10 years as a public school member.  At 14-0, this team’s dominance was evident early and they capped a perfect season with a near perfect performance.  The win also extended their winning streak to 28 games, as they last lost in the 2022 playoffs. 

EMSPORTS 12/14/2024

In this renewal of a growing city rivalry, the combatants from Lynchburg face off again in the playoffs.  Heritage has fared very well against the Bulldogs since LCA moved into Class 3A.  The Pioneers own a 2-1 record against their Seminole brethren.  The teams have split the 10 games between each other.

This edition is slightly different because the Bulldogs are the defending state champions.  Heritage has won the crown once in that timeframe, in 2018.

In the regular season matchup, LCA was the aggressor from start to finish.  The Bulldogs  were in the lead, but Heritage battled back every time.  The talents all-state running back Gideon Davidson were on display as he took the opening kickoff 81 yards for a score.  The Pioneers (9-2) also possessed playmakers and the combination of QB Ayden Slash and RB David Bradley kept the Bulldogs on edge.  It was late in fourth quarter before this game was decided.  The Heritage offense had a chance to tie, however LCA came up with the necessary stop to close out the victory.

The undefeated Bulldogs (14-0) will host this playoff matchup with the winner moving on to the regional final.  The loser will have seen another successful season come to an abrupt end. 

On this cold Friday night, the Pioneers and Bulldogs battled tooth and nail.  The Bulldogs used their power running game to establish a 14-0 lead at halftime on the strength of two touchdowns by Davidson.  Heritage struggled with the size and athleticism of LCA.  The defense were on display and made multiple stops to dissolve several offensive drives by both squads.

LCA was able to find paydirt again in the third quarter to extend the lead to 21-0.  The Bulldogs turned the Pioneers back on defense and immediately scored as QB Tyler Jackson found WR James Deyo for a pass down the middle of the field into the endzone.  The catch and pass helped put the Bulldogs up 28-0 heading into the fourth quarter. 

The game was basically over but Heritage did not go away quietly.  They were able to out score the Bulldogs, 14-7, in the fourth quarter.

With the win, LCA continued their march into the regional 3C finals.  The win allows them to host the championship game and they also stay unbeaten at 12-0.

The Heritage Pioneers complete a 9-3 season but once again fall just short of a chance to play for the big title.

EMSPORTS 11/22/24

The Game of the Week is a rematch between two Seminole District rivals.  The Heritage Pioneers host the Rustburg Red Devils in the opening round of the VHSL Playoffs, Region 3C quarterfinals.

11/19/24

11/1*/24 Ben Cates, (434) 385-5527

As the high school teams in fall sports, roll from August to November, the cool weather signifies that playoffs are in full swing.

For Volleyball, the teams in Central Virginia have always had a presence in state tournaments for the VISAA (private schools) and VHSL (public).

This season was no different as several schools impressed in the regular season.  Timberlake Christian School has been a contender for nearly a decade in the private school category.  The Tornadoes have a rich history of winning and recently won the highest crown in 2021.  This team was poised to accomplish the same and do it in record breaking fashion.

With several holdovers from that team playing as seniors and leaders, Timberlake took no prisoners.  The Tornadoes swept thru the tournament and raised the trophy once again.  The dominance was evident with 31 victories in 33 matches (school wins record).

The team only lost three sets all year.  They suffered their only loss in September and also settled for a tie.  They reeled off 15 consecutive wins. The Tornadoes (31-1-1) also captured the VACA championship on their way to the coveted VISAA crown.

In the public ranks, local districts like the Dogwood, Seminole and James River’s Buckingham Knights (10-9) boasted great teams and champions as well.  The Appomattox Raiders were looking to repeat as the Class 2 champions.  The Altavista Colonels (17-7) are always knocking on the door and they want to be the winners, not the Class 1 runner-ups like last year.  

The Gretna Hawks were perfect all year and this dream like season was not to be forgotten.  In the Seminole, the powerhouse squads of LCA, EC Glass and Jefferson Forest (17-5) all looked to bring home some major hardware. Rustburg Red Devils (11-11) and Brookville Bees (12-12) also represented the Seminole in regional play.

Each team was poised to make a play into mid-November.  When it was all said and done, the schools fought hard but no team was able to get past the state quarterfinal round.  The undefeated Gretna Hawks (19-1) and Appomattox (18-6) had a chance to meet in the Region 2C final, however both were upset. Altavista and LCA (24-2) won their respective regional finals to advance to the state quarterfinals. The Hilltoppers (21-6) fell in the regional finals.

Both the Colonels (Region 1B) and the Bulldogs (Region 3C) and Hilltoppers (Region 4D) saw their seasons come to a disappointing end in the state tournament.  Neither school was able to win and breakthrough into their respective state final fours. 

A great 2024 season concludes with another state champion in the Central VA area amongst the plethora of successful teams in and around the greater Lynchburg area.

Congrats to all teams in a fantastic 2024.

EMSPORTS 11/16/2024

The 2024 football season entered the final weekend of the regular season.  The teams had fought for nearly three months and there was still work to be done.

The Seminole District is great preparation for teams preparing for a postseason run.  The Rustburg Red Devils and the EC Glass Hilltoppers were two teams with a lot on the line as they dueled to stamp their place in the VHSL Playoffs starting November 16th.

These two district opponents both entered at three wins and three losses each, have always had a healthy rivalry and the games are well contested.  This game was no different as the teams traded scores in a low scoring affair.

Rustburg led 7-6 even though Glass struck first. At halftime, the defenses were the stars.  The third quarter saw both teams score once apiece.  

As a game of chess involves great thought and careful execution, the same could be said for how the Red Devils and Hilltoppers were attacking and counterattacking in this Friday night battle.

The defenses owned the game after the third quarter.  Each team made enough plays to force overtime.

In overtime, the home field advantage and momentum turned in Rustburg’s favor.  They scored on their offensive possession.  The Hilltoppers took the ball and were unable to push through the red curtain of the Rustburg defense. Rustburg picked off two Holloway passes, both by Alex Dunn.

The emotional win capped off a great contest and gives Rustburg momentum as they prepare for the Region 3C playoffs.  The Hilltoppers must regain their composure and wait out the results of other teams in their Region 4D before they are assured of a place in the playoffs.

Scoring Plays:
EC GLASS

* Jertavius Osborne 25yd pass from Jhalil Holloway 

* Jamar Smith 8yd pass from Holloway

RUSTBURG

*Ashton Dixon 16yd pass from Jaydon Herndon 

* Dixon 8yd  pass from Herndon 

* Ari Reid 5yd run in overtime

EMSPORTS 11/8/24

The annual Hill City Battle in the gridiron starts off the last month of the regular season.  The Heritage Pioneers and EC Glass Hilltoppers share a city and a field.  There are many connections between the two schools separated by less than five miles and they are never too far from each others’ minds. 

In this newest edition of the Jug Bowl battle, the Hilltoppers own the bragging rights with a victory last year.  The Pioneers know a win over the Class 4 Hilltoppers will secure a playoff berth in their Class 3 division and almost ensure a home game when the playoffs begin.

EC Glass was in an uphill climb as their playoff future, needed some help but a win tonight would give them as much needed boost.

The Hilltoppers may have been underdogs on paper but in the field, they were the aggressor.  Heritage struck first with a touchdown from QB Slash to Travis Clark.  The lead was short lived because Glass answered when Jamal Smith took one coast to coast with a 96-yd kickoff return touchdown to the house.  The big play from Smith lit up the entire stadium and the battle was on.

The team from Midtown were primed for a big performance and took a surprising 14-7 lead late into the second quarter after Jhalil Holloway powered a 2-yard run into the endzone.  The Pioneers (7-2) responded.  Ayden Slash rushed 30 yards for TD to get the score to 14-13.  The point after was unsuccessful.  EC Glass answered with their own momentum and kicked a field goal to take a 17-13 lead at the half. 

The second half was a battle of wills and lack of offense.  It was not for lack of effort by both teams to break through the opposing defenses.  Yet, the defenses were the stars after halftime and the Glass defense shined the brightest.  The key play from Hilltoppers’ Sam Treacy (recovered fumble) whose tackle with 2:41 left in the game, helped stall an important Heritage drive.  No scoring took place in the third or fourth quarter, thanks in part to the game sealing interception from Glass’ Amari Davis.  EC Glass (5-4) boosted their hopes for a team battling for a playoff berth in Region 4D.  The Hilltoppers are keeping the Jug Bowl trophy for another year on Memorial Avenue. Heritage (7-2) who had won five in a row in this series, loses the Hill City battle for the second year in a row. 

STATS:
Heritage managed 238 total offensive yards (151 rushing) compared to Glass's 103 yards.

EMSPORTS 11/01/2024

William Fleming keeps it rolling with a big win over the Lord Botetourt Cavaliers.  The Colonels entered the game at 7-0.  They and won their last nine regular season contests and were looking to bring home a victory in this Blue Ridge contest.  The Cavaliers had won 11 straight matchups with William Fleming and were on a six-game winning streak since dropping the season opening game versus EC Glass High School.

It had been 18 years since Fleming could say they beat their county neighbors (October 2006), but this time, the Roanoke city team would not go home disappointed.  This game also had huge implications for the VHSL playoffs, which are three weeks away.  The Colonels hold the #1 spot in Region 5C while the Cavaliers do the same in Region 3D.

LB took the lead early 3-0 on the game’s opening possession, but that was the only time Fleming would trail.  On their initial drive, Fleming got a big play from running back Malachi Coleman, the Syracuse Orange commit, who took the handoff 64 yards untouched to the house.  As LB looked to respond, the Fleming defense came up large. 

The Cavaliers’ QB was reaching for the endzone but the ball popped loose.  Fleming wasted no time jumping on the fumbled pigskin and K’Ron Furguson could only see green as he streaked 102 yards to the other end of the field.  His scoop and score made it 14-3 for the home team and by all intents and purposes, Fleming had taken control of the game.

Trailing at halftime, 21-3, Botetourt attempted a comeback in the third quarter.  The success of the offense was evident as their adjustments paid off and the Cavaliers made the score 21-17. 

However, they would get no closer as Fleming’s defense stiffened and their offense woke up again scoring the last 14 points of the game to finish off the visitors with a 35-17 victory.

With the win, Fleming improves to 8-0 and prepares for visiting Franklin County on next Friday.  The Cavaliers (6-2) will have to rest up and clean up some mistakes before they are able to erase this defeat.  They will take on Northside in their next game.

EMSPORTS 10/26/2024

It was a great matchup for high school football fans in Lynchburg last Thursday night in September.  The reigning state champs in VHSL 3A, the LCA Bulldogs, are ready for another tough matchup in the Seminole.  The Heritage Pioneers are making the short trip over to Bulldog Stadium and looking to take control of the district. 

Both teams will benefit from a win and make a statement to the rest of the district.  A win improves the playoff positioning as well.    

Heritage was primed and ready to take the battle early.  The Pioneers jumped out to a 12-7 lead and in the second quarter looked to be in control.  However,  Gideon Davidson and crew had other ideas.  The Bulldogs bark got as loud as their bite and they proceeded to score 20 unanswered points to take a dominant upper hand at 27-12 into halftime. 

The halftime break came at the right time as the Pioneers regrouped and the defense came up big.  Heritage scored in their first drive of the second half and then added a 2-pt conversion.  LCA was bruised but found the strength to respond and took a 34-20 lead into the fourth quarter.  The defense made big plays in crunch time and Heritage kept clawing back.  After scoring to close the lead to 34-27, the Pioneers needed the defense to lockdown.  The defense rose to the challenge and force a turnover on downs by the Bulldogs.  However, LCA was just as impressive and got the ball back with a few minutes remaining.

With the game in the balance, the Bulldogs took a chance on fourth down and the gutsy play calling on fourth down moved the chains.  The conversion was enough to help the offense run out the clock and leave the Pioneers just short of a tremendous comeback.

The loss was Heritage’s (3-1) first on the year while the Bulldogs (4-0) stay undefeated in the 2024 season.

Stars of the Game

?David Bradley - Heritage
8 carries for 165yds; 2 TDs

?Gideon Davidson - LCA

26 carries for 225yds with 3TDS and a 94-yd Kick Return for a TD; 6 tackles on defense 

EMSPORTS 9/28/2024

In a early season Seminole District battle, the Pioneers and Cavaliers engaged in a proverbial fistfight on the gridiron.

Heritage and Jefferson Forest were tied up in the first half of the game 7-7.  The defenses were on display and the yards were hard and few to come back.

 The total yards for the first half  were Heritage with 94 rushing yards and nine yards passing.  Their total of 103 yards was slightly less than the 110 total yards of the Cavaliers.  Jefferson Forest had 68 rushing yards and 42 yards passing before halftime.

 
 Heritage had seven first downs compared to the Jefferson Forest total of five first downs.

Jefferson Forest scored first with a 3-yard run by Quarterback Dylan Marks on to have David Bradley respond with a 2-yard run for a touchdown for Heritage, to tie the game up In the first half. 

The second half was even more defense as Jefferson Forest fumbled the ball on Heritage 19-yard line when closing in on the redzone.  Heritage capitalized on the mistake and the quarterback, Slash hit WR Tavion Clark with a 21-yard pass to put the Pioneers on 31-yard line.  The pair then connected again for a touchdown in the fourth quarter.  Slash found his favorite target with a 31-yard pass to Tavion Clark with 2:22 remaining in game. This pushed the score to a final tally of 21-7.

EM-SPORTS 9/20/24  

EM-SPORTS.ORG 8/30/24

It was a big night for Gideon Davidson, who had 126 yards in the first half and three touchdowns for the game.  Davidson scored a 31-yard touchdown with 7:54 seconds in the first quarter. LCA blocked a field goal when Salem reached the 18-yard line of LCA.  LCA flipped the field with the return and in a few plays later punched in a rushing touchdown when James Deyo took it in from the 1-yard line to make the score 14-0. 

Salem came back in the second quarter to score a 14-yard pass from Taylor to Logan. Tyler Jackson, a freshman quarterback at LCA, threw a nine-yard pass to Jackson Damon for TD.

LCA didn’t look back and took a 20-7 lead into halftime.

The second half was a classic slugfest as both teams traded hard hits, solid tackling and exchanged multiple scores. The Spartans made a late charge with a 7-yard run by Persinger for a TD.  It was too little and too late. LCA opened the season at home in the friendly confines of Bulldog Stadium with an impressive 35-21 victory. 

Salem may have fallen short on this evening however it will fuel their fire as they look to start the journey back through the rest of the season and find themselves knocking in the door for another VHSL Class 4 championship. 

EM-SPORTS  7/24/24      

LCA CAME FROM BEHIND IN THE BOTTOM OF THE 8TH INNING TO BEAT LORD BOTETOURT, 2-1 IN THE STATE QUARTERFINAL BASEBALL PLAYOFf game.

THERE WAS A CONTROVERSIAL CALL IN THE BOTTOM OF THE SIXTH INNING. IT WENT AGAINST LCA, WITH THE BASES LOADED, THE UMPIRES CALLED INTERFERENCE ON THE RUNNER GOING TO SECOND, AND HE WAS CALLED OUT.     

LORD BOTETOURT LEFT MORE RUNNERS ON BASE FOR THE GAME. 

EM-SPORTS.ORG 6/4/24 

BASEBALL
Seminole District
E.C. Glass 10, Jefferson Forest 5

              INNING  1 2 3 4 5 6 7      r  h  e
E.C. Glass:          6 0 1 3 0 0 0 —10 9  2

Jefferson Forest: 0 0 1 0 0 0 4 —  5 5  4

WP: Cooper Campbell. LP: Cayden Janney. 

Highlights: Glass — Cooper Campbell 5 IP, 4 H, 1 R/ER, 1 BB, 10 Ks (2-2, 2 RBIs); Tyler Ruhl 2 IP, 1 H, 4 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 5 Ks (2-4, 3 RBIs); Drew Barnett 1-3, 2B, 2 R. Jefferson Forest — Michael Rowlands 3-4, 2 RBIs; Landon Mitchell 1-4, 2 RBIs, R; Beckett Gilleland 1-2, 2B, R. 

Records: Jefferson Forest 8-1. E.C. Glass 8-0. 

Both teams entered the baseball game undefeated.

In the course of a basketball season, it is inevitable to avoid some challenges.  A losing streak, poor shooting or just a night where everything goes the other teams’ way. In the Region 4D semi-finals, a couple of familiar foes got together with more than a mere coincidence on the line.

The EC Glass Hilltoppers were the defending region 4 champs and fell short of a the Class 4 title in the championship game last season.  They were one step away from securing another invite into the state tournament. 

The Jefferson Forest Cavaliers had worked hard all year and earned the home game with a strong season.  More importantly, they wanted a taste of the state tournament, which had eluded them for over five years since they made it to the state Final Four in 2019.

Another nugget was the fact the teams had split the two regular season contests with Glass as co-champions and winners of their last matchup. A sense revenge was on the minds of the Cavaliers who remembered the lost at home and knew this time, there would be no tomorrow.

The game started out as a defensive duel but JF eventually found their stroke thanks to the hot hand of  senior Isaiah Scott.  Scott was the catalyst and the armor bearer.  He found holes in and around the Glass defense to the tune of 14 first half points.  As he was leading in offense, he and the other teammates, shut down the Glass shooting and the vaunted Glass full court pressure.

The halftime score of 27-14, indicated that JF was in control and the Hilltoppers as a team were matched by the individual scoring Scott.  

The second half would not be smooth sailing and as is the case in playoffs, both teams picked you the pace and the scoring. Even though Glass made several charges and cut into the double-digit lead, JF was able to balance out the scoring and keep a reasonable distance without ever losing the entire advantage.

Glass didn’t go down quietly but, in the end, the Cavaliers were one step ahead and made solid plays to keep the lead and walk away with a hard fought 58-50 victory.  Glass (15-8) ends their season with another championship of the Seminole District, while Jefferson Forest (17-6) moves on as the last district team standing in the playoff hunt.

EMSPORTS.ORG 2/20/2024

The 2023/2024 basketball season is nearing the regular season finish line.  Teams have battled, clawed and scratched their way through challenges both good and bad.  Every season has a special matchup and tonight’s clash in the Hill City was no different. The first time the Heritage Pioneers faced off with the EC Glass Hilltoppers it was in in the McCue gym, where Glaas calls home.

The Pioneers looked liked the team to beat in that contest. They held a double digit lead in the fourth quarter but could not close the deal. Glass made a spectacular comeback and won by three points.

Did someone say deja vu’?

The second battle in the Pioneers’ Fieldhouse followed the same script.  A close back and forth gave way to Heritage taking control and holding a late fourth quarter lead.  

As it was before, Glass was down but not out.  The Hilltoppers staged a furious comeback and scored seven of the last nine points to tie the game at 53-53.  The final points came in three clutch free throws with under two seconds to play.

In overtime,  Heritage took a 62-60 lead with the ball, with under 30 seconds to play.  However, the Pioneers were unable to score and the door was open for the Hilltoppers.  They made the most of the opportunity, with a made three-point basket with under 30 seconds.  The Pionners had one last chance to claim the win but weee unable to score.  The Hilltoppers finished off the victory with two free throws to secure a season sweep with a final score of 65-62.

The win snapped the eight game Heritage winning streak which began after the initial loss at Glass. Both teams look forward to the playoffs in their respective regional tournaments.  The win also sets up a winner take all matchup in the regular season finale, when Glass hosts Rustburg for a chance to win the Seminole District.

EMSPORTS.org 2/9/2024

EM-SPORTS.ORG    1/27/24 

Carmel took an early lead over VES in a boy's Basketball game Played Saturday at VES in Lynchburg Virginia. VES fought back to tire the game up 18-18 in the second quarter. Carmel did not score a point in the second quarter and VES only scored three points in that quarter of the game.

It was a very physical game with VES pulling it out by a score of 55-54.

High scorers:

VES: Vuk Stanic 20 points, Billy Koudelka 13 points 

Carmel: M Lewis 18 points     

EM-SPORTS.ORG 1/19/24  

Rustburg basketball team is unstoppable they remind me of the Dunbar Poets team in 1966.  They were a fast-break team who averaged 100 points a game.

They had players such as Wheeler Hughes, Donald Culpepper, Hillary Scott, Lawrence Jefferson and Buddy Davis.

 
Rustburg is undefeated in district at 7-0.  The Red Devils went up by 22 points as they used the fast break to score by hitting the open man. Rustburg shot 59% from floor while holding EC Glass to only 35%. 

Glass had 13 offensive rebounds while Rustburg had seven offensive boards.

The Red Devils were led by seniors Tayvon Vassal-Crider, Elijah Sherard, and Terrance Parrish in the 75-57 victory at home in the Rustburg High School gym. 

Vassal - Crider finished with 17 points, seven assists and two blocks.  Sherard had 10 points and Parrish led all scorers with a game-high 20 points.

Adrian Farmer was the leading scorer for Glass with 17 points and teammate Zach Wilson chipped in 11 points.

EM-SPORTS.ORG 1/10/24

Round one between EC Glass Boys and LCA, The Hilltoppers came out with the win 69-57
They'll be playing again later on in the season round two.  Since LCA joined the Seminole District, they have had tough games every time they played each other.

Glass put on a full-court press that caused problems for LCA to get the ball up the court. Both teams had quick guards, but Glass was able to force more turnovers.  

Glass and LCA scored a lot of points inside the paint. It was tied at 35-35 with 4:00 minutes to go in the third quarter. Grey Milam, a freshman at Glass, went to work, scoring 10 points in the fourth quarter and finish with 14 points. Gavin Arthur had 12 points Glass.

LCA was led in scoring by Lawson Sweeney with 26 points.

Rustburg Red Devils’ Boys Basketball is off to a fantastic start in the 2023-2024 season.  The team showed promise last year with a strong 7-0 start.  That beginning spearheaded a successful season that ended with a region 3C semifinal loss to Spotswood.

The Red Devils looked to build on that momentum and they have responded with a 9-0 start including a win over defending Class 3A State Champ Northside, in Northside’s Holiday Classic tournament.  That win placed them in the finals to face Tunstall High School. 

The Tunstall Trojans have been a powerful program in Region 3D for years.  That was evident when they won the first 10 games of last year and have repeated this season as well.  That last year’s team fell in the regional semifinals to Cave Spring and felt they have unfinished business.  

The battle of these two combatants maybe a precursor for a state tournament matchup in March 2024.  Until then, the victor will have to settle for some early season bragging rights and continue to keep their record unblemished.

The Red Devils faced a team of taller players as Tunstall who averaged over 6 feet per starter.  Tunstall would have to defend a team full of quickness and solid guard play who ran a constant motion offense.

The start of the game was a sign of things to come for Rustburg and it was not pleasant.  The Trojans raced out to an impressive first quarter lead of 17 to 5.  

As Rustburg attempted to limit Tunstall’s size advantage, the Trojans gobbled up missed shots and converted layups at will.  The lead only got larger, and Rustburg could only watch Tunstall do as they pleased.  The halftime score was Tunstall 42 - Rustburg 14.  The leading scorer, JaMarcus Brown, outscored the Red Devils by himself with 18 points.  Both teams took care of the ball as Rustburg committed four turnovers whereas Tunstall had five. 

Enter the third quarter, Rustburg looked to make a dent into the lead.  The Trojans did not comply and continued to apply pressure.   The score into the third quarter saw Tunstall 58 to 27 and it was all but officially over.  The Red Devils did not quit, but Tunstall won at every category and their size, length and pressure was too much to overcome as Tunstall ran away with a 69-41 victory.  Tunstall finished with 20 offensive rebounds.

Tournament MVP, Brown, finished with a game high 20 points.  His teammates, JRae Edmonds and Zay Cobbs added 13 and 12 points each.  Tunstall scored in double figures in each quarter.  Rustburg was led in scoring at 10 points by Terrence Parrish.

The valiant Red Devils scored more points each quarter and matched Tunstall point for point in the second half (27).

The win gives Chatham an 11-0 record as they prepare for 2024.  The Red Devils suffer loss their first loss of the season (9-1).  They now turn their attention to their Seminole district opponents. 

EMSPORTS.org 12/29/2023

 12;21/23 EM-SPORTS.ORG    Rustburg come out Victorious in tight game at Rustburg Thursday night. Rustburg had four players in double figures with points guard Elijah Sherard leading his team to win with 20 points and 10 assists Elijah is one of the best guard in the state of Virginia. His teammates added Cooper Stamn with 15 points, Tayvon Vassal- Crider with 17 points and Moorman has 10 points. Rustburg rally late past Jefferson Forest 60-44 in district game. Rustburg stay undefeated 7-0. Forest missed a lot of layouts in the final minutes of the game. Rustburg had a couple of players sick and Forest kep player Donovan Elliott is out for

the season with an ankle injury. Jefferson Forest top score was Cooper Stamn with 15 points.     Jefferson Forest JV beat Rustburg 42-31 Bennett Paris had

15 points for Forest win.

LINKHORNE 30 SANDUSKY 21 

BOTH TEAMS PLAY AN UP-TEMPO GAME. LINKHORNE COMES OUT VICTORIOUS IN TIGHT GAME AT HERITAGE HIGH SCHOOL. THE JAGUARS, BEHIND A STRONG SHOOTING PERFORMANCE, WERE ABLE TO MAINTAIN A LEAD FOR MOST OF THE SECOND HALF OF ACTION. THE TWO TEAMS SCRAPPED TO GET AN EDGE. 

FOR LINKHORNE, COLES AND GREMELLAN TURNED IN A STRONG PERFORMARMANCE WITH COLES SCORING 11 POINTS AND GREMELLAN HAD 7 POINTS.

SAUNDERS LED ALL SCORERS WITH 14 POINTS FOR SANDUSKY.   

EM-SPORTS 12/20/23   

12/13/23  EM-SPORTS.ORG)    Dunbar and LCA Undefeated meet for the first time this year at Dunbar Gym. The home team came out on top. Dunbar top score Abbitt had 13 points and Brarindor with 11 points. LCA cut the lead by nine points 20-11 at the end of the third quarter. Dunbar got most of the points inside the paint. Dunbar outscored LCA in all four quarters. LCA top score Z Rossel 8 points.