Tyler Gilliam (#5) of Appomattox returns a kickoff in the first half against Heritage. Photo by Charles Conrad/Times Virginian.

The rainfall in Lynchburg was slow but steady for the high school football matchup between Appomattox and Heritage on a night when the Pioneers rained down 52 points on the visiting Raiders for a 52-14 victory.

Appomattox played from behind the entire night after Heritage jumped out to a 14-0 first quarter lead on touchdown runs by running backs K.J. Vaughan and Krystian Rivera.

Down 21-0 at halftime, the Raiders emerged from the locker room with a surge of energy to score on the opening drive of the second half on a touchdown run by Keyshawn Baker, cutting the deficit to 21-7.

However, Heritage disrupted the Raiders' party on the next possession on a touchdown pass down the left sideline for a 28-7 advantage.

Appomattox would not score again until 2:11 remained in the game when Tyler Gilliam returned a kickoff for a touchdown. Gilliam was a playmaker for Appomattox tonight with several long returns on special teams.

Heritage improved their record to 2-1 and travels to Liberty (1-2) in Bedford next Friday.

Appomattox (1-2) has a bye week upcoming and continues play Sept. 27 at home against Staunton River (1-2).