Turnovers hurt junior Vikings in loss

Community's Tyler Dowdy (33) makes a nice open-field tackle on Moore County running back Matt Taggett at midfield. (T-G Photo by Jimmy Jones) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

LYNCHBURG-- Community Junior High ventured to Moore County in search of their second win only to be victimized by five turnovers, one of which led to the game's only score in a defensive gem by both squads.

Community (1-1) shut down the Raider defense as time ran out on the second half with two big hits by C.J. Dowdy and Jose Villanueva just as it seemed that they would take a two-touchdown advantage. It would be the last time that they would allow the opponent to cross their 40-yard line as Moore County won 6-0.

"We played pretty well defensively," Viking coach Aaron Reid said. "I had told our defense all week that if they could hold this team to under 14 points that we would find a way to score enough to win the game.

"Unfortunately, we failed to execute any phase of our offense with any consistency tonight and when we did get something going we killed ourselves with self inflicted penalties or fumbles.

"That is part of being a young team though, and we can get those things corrected."

The Purple and Gold came out in perfect harmony on the opening kickoff of the second half as they recovered an onside kick at midfield on a ball that appeared to be well surrounded by Moore County (2-0).

Dowdy got the crowd into the game by streaking up the middle for 9 yards, then took it around the end for another 7 yards on the next play.

What looked to be a promising drive turned to disaster moments later as a Viking ball carrier hit the hole between the left guard and tackle hard, but let the ball get away and Raider defender Austin Leeds recovered.

Neither team could muster more than a few yards at a time offensively the rest of the way as both defenses proved to be too stout.

"We lost the game and I am concerned with the way we lost it as far as our play," Reid said. "But this team gave me hope tonight because they never lost their intensity on the field.

"We didn't stay as focused as we would like them too but there was no whining or excuses made after the game. I think that we will have a good week of practice and we will be ready to go next week."

Community will kick off their first home game of the season Thursday at 6:30 against Zion Christian.