By Phil Murphy
Content Editor, Digital Sports
**Check below the story for a video player with game highlights.**
On the final day of V.H.S.C.A. all-star week, the potent offenses of the East and West football teams collided in a projected Fourth of July shootout.
However, the fireworks – and lightning – were relegated to the skies surrounding Darling Stadium, rather than the field itself.
The West outlasted the East, 7-0, in what tied for the second lowest point total in the 37-year history of the game.
“My D-line did what they had to do,” said Blacksburg LB Tyler Holmes, the West defensive MVP. “It’s 11 men working for one job, and that’s to win.”
The only scoring play came midway through the second quarter after a muffed punt gave the West a 1st-and-goal at the East 8.
Three plays later, on a broken play, scrambling QB Cedric Mitchell (Powell Valley) lobbed a well-thrown ball towards the near sideline. Bulky West WR Derrick McCoy (Amherst County) out-muscled two East defensive backs for an 18-yard score.
“Back at my school, we were known for throwing the ball up to me,” said McCoy, who had a first-quarter blocked punt disallowed for illegal blitzing. “Coach told me to go up physically. I had that in my head the whole time. I had two defenders behind me, went up strong and came down with the ball.”
But the game – and week – was not premised on determining geographic superiority. Besides, the East and West teams split the eight events across all competitions, 4-4.
The post-game convening of opposing players in decal-clad helmets did not reflect routine, habitual scenes of victory and defeat. Distinguishing levels of elation between team Most Valuable Players was impossible.
“Anytime you get in the game, you have to do what you do best. For me, that’s running the ball,” said Meadowbrook RB Torrean Crowell, who gave a hop and “Rampage” Jackson-like howl upon being named East offensive MVP. “Having an offensive MVP player from Meadowbrook coming out of Richmond and having a lot of competition on offense feels really good.”
Added UMass-signee Holmes: “I looked at the little packet they showed and I saw the offensive and defensive MVPs. I made a goal for myself, my coaches through high school always said to set minor goals and reach them. I’m just happy to get it, man, really happy.
“There are a lot of great players in there. A lot of people went to NFL from Virginia. I’m just glad to be a part of this, I’m thankful to be invited.”
Email: pmurphy@digitalsports.com
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