The old saying goes if you keep the other team from scoring the worst you can do is tie. And, you can add, in that case all you need to do is score once to win.
That was the case at Highlander Stadium last Friday as the host Glenvar football team only managed one score, but managed to keep visiting Northside from scoring at all. Glenvar defeated the Vikings 7-0 to even their record at 2-2 and knock the Vikings from the ranks of the unbeaten at 3-1.
The only score of the game came in the first quarter on a 38-yard touchdown pass from Kiptyn Jones to Remi Gordon. As it turns out that was all the Highlanders needed.
“We did what we needed to do, we just couldn’t get in the end zone,” said Clifford. “We had a big play called back.”
The Vikings never could find paydirt, although they threatened late in the game. The Vikings were inside the 10-yard line in the final minute but a penalty moved them back to the 13. They tried passes on third and fourth down but couldn’t complete them as Glenvar held on for a huge win over a quality Class 3 team.
“We shut ‘em down,” said Clifford. “We’ve played good defense all year.”
Garrison Burris had a dozen tackles and a sack to lead the defensive effort, Jake Franklin had 10 tackles and a pair of quarterback hurries.
Ryan Harris and Bryan Mateo had nine tackles each and Mateo had a sack and a half. Anthony Cline had nine tackles and a sack and Haden Henderson had seven tackles and a big interception in the fourth quarter.
Offensively, Mateo rushed 11 times for 31 yards after Ranger Swanson went out. Jones was 10 for 20 passing for 120 yards with five going to Henderson for 44 stripes.
This Friday the Highlanders are back home to host Martinsville and its Homecoming. The Bulldogs have already won more games than they did all last season when they finished 1-9. This season they have wins over Patrick County and Dan River around a loss to a strong Class 3 Magna Vista team.
“They have some good looking kids,” said Clifford. “They’re big and they’re very athletic. They have a new coach (Tommy Golding) and they’re always a tough matchup.”
