Chargers Post 14-0 Shutout Against Visiting Rockets

Warm Springs, VA – In Friday night football action, the Bath County defense played another exceptional game as the Chargers shutout the visiting Craig County Rockets, 14-0. But unlike last week’s game against Parry McCluer, the Charger offense did all the scoring.

The Bath defense forced a punt on Craig County’s opening possession and the Chargers took over on their own 34-yard line. On second down, big senior running back James McCulley plowed through the Charger defense for 60 yards to the Bath six. Three plays later, senior running back Dariene Hepler smashed into the end zone from one-yard out to give the Chargers a 6-0 lead. The extra-point kick was no good.

In the second quarter, the Chargers got good field position when its defense forced the Rockets to punt from their 20-yard line. The Chargers took a short punt and set up shop at the Rockets’ 40-yard line. Bath sophomore QB Tyler Robertson completed to senior WR Ryan Plecker, who raced 40 yards for a touchdown. Robertson completed to sophomore RB Ethan Wrights for two points and the Chargers’ 14-0 lead would hold up for the win, as the teams traded punts and turnovers in the second half.

The Chargers dominated on the offensive and defensive lines, with excellent play from reliable seniors Matthew Quantz and Mitchell Stinespring. The Chargers rushed for 352 yards in the game and passed for 70. Hepler had 103 yards rushing; McCulley, 72 yards and big sophomore Christian Woodzell, 73 yards rushing.

Robertson completed two passes for 64 yards with one TD and one interception. Plecker caught two passes for 4yards and a TD. Charger Coach Will Fields says the team relies on big linemen Stinespring and Quantz.

“They’re tough kids – both of them,” he said. “I hate to think where we’d be without those two.”

Fields says most of the credit for the excellent defensive play goes to defensive coordinator Jeremy Cutlip.

“He was here when I got here and this is his first year calling the defense and he works with Larry Grubbs also,” he said. “They work very closely on the defensive game plan and they’re doing a good job with it. I turn it over to them and I don’t really worry about it.”

The coach says his offense needs to improve to be successful in a playoff run.

“We have to be better on offense,” he said. “Take care of the football and quit making the penalties and the crucial mistakes. You can’t do that against good football teams.”

The Chargers play a road game against the Knights of James River in Buchanan on October 28 at 7 p.m.
The Knights are 2-5 and coming off a 14-13 victory against Parry McCluer.