LINDSIDE, W.Va. — No. 7 James Monroe coupled a sterling defensive effort with one of their best offensive performances of the year in a 27-0 win over No. 4 Greenbrier West. The Mavericks (6-0) remained one of nine undefeated teams in Class A. It was the second victory of the week for JMHS after the Mavericks defeated Pikeview on Monday.
“If you told me we were going to be able to do this to that team, I don’t think I would listen to you. Fantastic job on both sides of the ball. We looked so much better offensively tonight than we have all year. Hopefully this will propel us and keep us going,” said James Monroe head coach John Mustain.
“They finally saw what they can do offensively. We know it has been there all along. We have sputtered here and there. But we’ve got four games left and some big opponents left. Hopefully they can keep the momentum.”
The Mavericks opened the scoring late in the first quarter when Braydie Carr scored on a 1-yard run, giving James Monroe a 7-0 lead.
JMHS doubled their lead midway through the second quarter when Layton Dowdy connected with 6-foot-3 receiver Eli Allen in the corner of the end zone on a 6-yard touchdown. Owen Jackson added a 27-yard field goal to give the Mavericks a 17-0 halftime lead.
After a scoreless third quarter, Cooper Ridgeway scored on a 2-yard touchdown run in the fourth. Jackson added a 23-yard field goal to cap the scoring.
The James Monroe defense forced four turnovers and they secured their fourth shutout of the year.
“The defense has been like that all year long. I wasn’t super-surprised. I was surprised that we kept them out of the end zone but I wasn’t surprised with the way they played. These boys have been amped up all week.”
Jacob Profitt recovered a fumble in the first quarter for the Mavericks ands Nicklas Pitzer collected an interception in the second quarter. Allen effectively sealed the game with a pair of fourth-quarter interceptions.
“The biggest reason I wanted [Allen] out here on this team was the way he plays free safety. You can tell he has basketball in his blood because he knows how to roam the field and read the QB’s eyes. Last year, he had some diving interceptions and he had another one tonight. It is phenomenal the way he plays back there.”
Jacob Nutter recovered a fumble for the Cavaliers (6-1).