A football game was played Friday night at Legion Field in Gate City, Va.
At times, it seemed as if only one team was out there.
The Richlands Blue Tornado used a resurgent offensive performance and a strong defensive performance to cruise past the Gate City Blue Devils 42-7.
In front of a subpar crowd — by Legion Field standards, Tornado quarterback Race Moir unleashed three touchdown strikes, while running back Trey Brown added two scores on the ground to produce a 35-0 halftime lead.
Moir looked the part. There is a certain amount of pressure and hype that comes with being the quarterback at Richlands, and Moir passed the first test.
Richlands found a running game behind the legs of Brown, Logan Steele and several jet sweeps by the wideouts.
The Moir to Horn connection is as solid as a BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger from The Bearded Moose. That will be a threat all season.
However, not all was perfect for the Blues.
Moir missed on a few throws and the line struggled at times. However, that is expected with several starters sidelined on Friday night.
The defense held the inept Devils offense to -1 yard at the half, not allowing a single first down in the first half.
The ride ramps up this Friday night as the Blues welcome friendly rival Union into the friendly confines of Ernie Hicks Stadium.
Gate City hits the road to Abingdon. It will be a homecoming for former Falcon head coach Darren Reed. It will be Reed’s first appearance since he resigned at Abingdon, where he was the head coach for the past four seasons, in July.
There’s just something about growing up in this area that lends itself to sports. Friday nights are the undisputed king. We all head to the local high school to catch a glimpse of those boys of fall.
That was no different in Richlands where I grew up with a love and a passion for those Blue Tornado. Unlike my co-host, I never strapped that lightning R on my head. I took the band route instead. But that didn’t stop me from becoming most school spirited my senior year, a title I still proudly wear today.
Leaving to get my degree at Virginia Tech actually helped solidify all that I love about this area. Sure, football is a big deal in the NRV as well, but it’s just not the same. And that’s okay. Our area is special.
I’m happy to be back in SWVA this fall and I’m ready to bring you a plethora of content options as we embark on this thing called life. RIP Prince.
Oh, and Hunt Bros. Pizza is the best pizza.
