Fast start leads Buckingham to win over Chatham

Three touchdowns in the first quarter sealed a 31-8 win for the Buckingham County Knights over the Chatham Cavaliers on Friday night.

Despite the loss, the Cavaliers showed improvement on both sides of the ball. The offense started to gain yards in the second quarter, while the Cavaliers defense ratcheted it up in the second half to keep the Knights from scoring any more touchdowns.

“We just have to work on being consistent and having a killer’s mentality — attack from the start,” Chatham head coach Malon Dalton said.

Knights running back Maurice Taylor carried the ball four yards for the first touchdown seven minutes into the game.

Chatham’s offense lost control over the ball and Knights quarterback Tarian Ayers ran 49 yards for another touchdown with 5:47 left in the quarter.

Chatham’s Dominique Foreman blocked the kick for the extra point, making it 13-0.

The Cavaliers (0-3) then lost the ball again when quarterback Cam McClellan fumbled, with Buckingham (5-0) recovering the ball with possession at the 35 yard-line.

The Knights Taylor drove the ball up the center for another touchdown with 3:25 left in the quarter. They got the two-point conversion, ending the first quarter up 21-0.

In the second quarter, Cavaliers defensive linemen Ashton White, Dakotah White and Dominique Foreman managed to hold Buckingham County in check until Antonn Briley intercepted the ball — and the Knights gained control of the game. Taylor picked up another touchdown for the Knights on a 7-yard run with 3:51 left in the second quarter. The Knights tacked on the extra point, ending the first half 28-0.

In the third quarter, the Cavaliers’ offense improved, picking up first downs and driving down the field. With just two yards to the goal, Preston Astin replaced quarterback Cam McClellan. Astin didn’t let the team down and running back Brandon Walker scored the Cavaliers’ only touchdown with 6:06 left in the quarter. They got the two-point conversion, ending the third quarter with the Knights up 28-8.

In the fourth quarter, the Cavaliers defense forced the Knights into a fourth down with 14 to go, so the Knights kicked a 34-yard field goal with three minutes left in the game.

Dalton admitted the Cavaliers need to become more consistent and better able to think on their feet, but was glad to see to the defense getting more physical and the offense moving the ball better this week.

“It’s all about execution, plain and simple,” he said. “We have to grow as a team.”