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New running back, Byrd lift Falcons past Stafford, 35-33
Every year at the Detroit auto show, new models are unveiled amidst a lot of glitter and glam and flashing camera bulbs. A curtain is lifted, as the audience oohs and aahs at the beautiful new machine.
Another sleek new model debuted Friday night in Warrenton. No. 1 in your program, Fauquier junior running back Shawn Blount purred around Falcon Field with the sleekness of a new Porsche with a touch of Range Rover. Yep, this Blount performs great off-road.
Thanks to Blount’s 170 rushing yards and two touchdowns, and the emergence of defense that had gone AWOL in the first half, Fauquier recovered for a crucial 35-33 win against the Indians.
The play of the game was made by defensive end Andrew Byrd, who gave the Falcons the lead early in the third quarter with a 10-yard interception return for a touchdown that put FHS ahead for good, 28-26.
A year ago, Fauquier defeated Stafford 27-21 in a triple overtime game that furthered the Falcons’ eventual playoff season. This was another thriller that went the Falcons’ way.
The Fauquier defense failed to stop the Indians in the first half, as quarterback Christian Monsivais carved up the Falcons with his arm and legs. Stafford led 26-14 at halftime thanks to four TDs from Monsivais, who ran for two scores and threw two TD passes to Dexter McDougle
“The talk at halftime was that we needed someone to make a play,” said Fauquier coach Mark Scott of Byrd's game-changing second half “pick six” that turned the tide Fauquier's way. “That kid is just an awesome athlete. He got his hands up and made a heck of a play.”
Byrd said he made a read on Stafford formation. “The last time they had thrown they had the running back on that side,” said Byrd, who clearly moved into the passing lane and had the play sniffed out.
But it was Byrd's ability to eventually intercept the ball instead of batting it down that made all the difference. It took a couple of touches before Byrd had it in his large hands and was running the ten yards into the end zone.
“It was high. I leaned out, then bent down and had my arms extended. I knew it was a big play that had to be made,” Byrd said...
See the Wednesday print edition of the Fauquier Times-Democrat for the complete story.
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