Varsity falls to rival in overtime, 20-17

by Rashi Branche

The clock ran out with the score tied 17-17 in Varina’s game against Hermitage. 

The overtime clock showed on the scoreboard, and Hermitage had the ball. Hermitage attempted three rushes, which were all unsuccessful. Their last chance at winning was senior kicker John Stiebel. His foot flew, and the ball soared 31 yards through the goal posts, winning the game for Hermitage.

Going into the game, the Blue Devils had a three-year losing streak to Hermitage, but many felt that this year was going to be different.

Ranked second in the district, Varina was supposed to have the game in the bag. In the end, Hermitage won 20-17.

Game day had begun with the team coming to school dressed in their home game jerseys. Most of the players, including senior quarterback Brandon Wood, junior wide receiver Donovan Dowling and senior offensive tackle Brent Bowen were looking forward to the game. So were the fans.

Coach Stu Brown talked about the rivalry between the two schools.

“It’s always decided by a touchdown or less,” Coach Brown said.

Varina had their share of mistakes.

“We have to limit our mistakes. We had too many. We had four turnovers to their two, and we had 13 penalties to their five. As in any game, the team with the fewest mistakes mentally and physically will win the football game,” Coach Brown said.

The team was devastated by the loss. They knew that they gave their all and played hard, but still came up short in the end.

“We can’t even practice today because they’re still so beat up, and that tells you something, when you have several kids that can’t even get on the practice field today, and that just tells you the effort they put forth,” Coach Brown said.

Coach Brown said a few words to the players to give them perspective on the game.

“I told them that they have to learn from it, and you got to get better. You can’t show any weakness, and we have to get to a point where we can play them again,” he said.

Coach Brown said the game against Hermitage wasn’t as important as everyone else thought.

The following game against Lee Davis was twice as important because it was a district game. In order to get to the playoffs, Varina has to win its district games.

Coach Brown said he is proud that the Blue Devils played as hard as they could.

“You cannot be more proud as a coach or a coaching staff, and the guys should be proud of themselves for the effort that they put forth,” Coach Brown said.