Waynesboro, VA- Fans filled Little Giant Stadium Friday night as the Waynesboro High School Little Giants faced off against the Western Albemarle Warriors. The contest kicked off at 7p.m. and would have the Little Giants receiving the ball to start the contest off.
But it would be the Warriors who would score first and take a 7-0 lead in the first quarter. Abbott Wallenborn would waltz into the end zone practically untouched as he rushed 65 yards into the Little Giants end zone on the opening drive for the Warriors.
Both Waynesboro and Western Albemarle would show case their running abilities as both teams would utilize the run attack. The Little Giants running game relied heavily on Desean Dillard.
Waynesboro would score a second quarter field goal to cut the lead 7-3 with 7:30 left in the second quarter. But Western Albemarle would make their way into Little Giant territory yet again. They would score a touchdown to further increase the lead.
The Warriors botched the snap on the point after and scored on a 2-point conversion. This would make the lead 15-3. Tre Turner would intercept the ball in the end zone for Waynesboro stalling the Warriors chance at scoring before halftime.
The second half saw the Little Giants come out bound and determined and would force a three and out which would set up a low kick that would give Waynesboro good field position.
Again the Giants would rely on the legs of Desean Dillard as he would get the Little Giants down to the four yard line for a first and goal. But it would be Bryant Carter rushing the ball into the end zone on a three yard carry.
With the score now 15-10, Waynesboro saw the chance to pull off an upset. Their defense would continue to shut down Western Albemarle time and time again. The Warriors still had a little gas left in the tank as they would pick off a late fourth quarter pass with 1:40 left in the game, stopping any chance for the Little Giants to score and end the game.
The key player for the Western Albemarle Warriors was Abbott Wallenborn. He made 167 yards on 23 carries, one of which was a 65 yard rush for a touchdown on a twelve second play in the first quarter. He also passed for 60 yards and was 7-10 with 2 touchdowns on the night.
On the Waynesboro side of the ball, Desean Dillard would lead the Little Giants with a strong rushing attack. Dillard had 149 yards rushing on 25 carries and showed his athleticism by breaking tackles and finding the open holes in the Warriors defense.
Both teams would battle fatigue late in the second half as players began having cramps. Which would lead to Desean Dillard missing time on the field and the possibility to help pull off the upset in the season opener.
The Little Giants will have a bye week which will aid players in recuperating as they take the week off.
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