November 14, 2009

Western Albemarle football walked onto the field on Saturday morning in a position where they've never been all season. It was their first playoff game, but we're also coming off their first loss of the season at the hands of Goochland in the final game of the regular season.

Western hosted Skyline at Monticello's turf field, and it was the Hawks making an early statement. Kareem Caison returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown leaving the Warriors in a seven point hole to start the game.

Stephen Shuler led his offense onto the field for the first time, and connected with Dom Losco for a 44 yard score on a quick slant to put the Warriors right back in it. Then, on the next offensive possession, the Warriors used the same connection to go on top 13-7.

From there, they never looked back. Western held a 27-7 advantage by halftime, and despite a minor hiccup in the third quarter, steamrolled their way to a 46-20 win in head coach Ed Pierce's playoff debut at the helm of Western Albemarle football.

With the win, the Warriors advance to the Regional Semi-Finals next Friday and go on the road to face Parkview.