(Report provided by Scrimmage Play)

Western Albemarle’s defense has been getting the job done this year in the Warriors’ toughest tests. The unit posted a pair of shutouts against Monticello and Liberty-Bealeton and held Powhatan to just 10 points. On Friday, the Warriors’ high-octane offense had to save them. And they were up to the task, holding off Charlottesville for a 50-49 shootout victory.

Facing a suddenly surging Charlottesville squad (3-5, 2-1) that unleashed a single-wing style power run attack after halftime, Western Albemarle (7-0, 3-0) had to match the Black Knights score for score in a showdown of the final two schools that were unbeaten in Jefferson District play.

Henry, as usual, orchestrated that offensive effort, 154 yards and four touchdowns on the ground, including all three second half scores for the Warriors. The area’s leading passer also threw a pair of touchdowns to Daniel Kuzjak and finished with 146 passing yards. Kuzjak, who also had an interception on one of the few defensive stops by either team in the game, finished with 102 yards and the two touchdown catches.

Down 50-43 with 3:43 left in the game, Charlottesville stuck with what worked all night—a heavy dose of Rashard Davis and Chris Thurston on the ground. With 10 seconds to play, Davis scrambled after a play broke down inside the 10 and scored to pull Charlottesville within a point at 50-49.

The Black Knights opted to go for the two-point conversion and the win. Davis took off to his right, seemingly, headed for a run-pass option, but threw back across the formation to set up a potential screen. The ball fell to the ground.

Davis was electric throughout, and finished with 293 yards and three touchdowns on the ground on 19 touches. Thurston notched a 202-yard night on 33 carries. With a dash of Rashad Brock thrown in, Charlottesville finished with 510 yards on the ground.