Appomattox falls to Graham in Class 2 Football State Semifinal

For the second year in a row, the Graham G-Men have knocked the Appomattox Raiders out of the VHSL Class 2 Football State Semifinal on their home turf in Bluefield. Graham won this afternoon by a score of 36-20 to secure a spot in the Class 2 State Championship next Saturday in Salem against Central Woodstock.

The score was all knotted up at 14-14 in the second quarter when Graham pulled ahead on a touchdown run by quarterback Brayden Meadows. The extra point was missed but the G-Men pinned the Raiders at their own 1-yard line on the ensuing kickoff and sacked quarterback Gray Peterson for a safety to go up 23-14.

Graham extended its lead to 29-14 in the third quarter on a 2-yard touchdown run by running back Sean Hughes. The extra point was blocked.

Appomattox answered with a 20-yard touchdown run by playmaker Jonathan Pennix to close the gap to 29-20. However, the Raiders faked the extra point attempt with a two-point conversion try - a run up the middle by the holder that came up short.

Another fake attempt on special teams backfired on the Raiders during their next possession, early in the fourth quarter. On fourth down at their own 38-yard line, the Raiders lined up in punt formation but a direct snap went to the personal protector who lines up in front of the punter. The G-Men were not fooled by the play and intercepted the short pass.

Graham was unable to capitalize on the prime field position but later tacked on a game-securing touchdown on a 20-yard run by Meadows to take a 36-20 lead with 1:34 remaining in the game.

The Raiders had one last chance but fumbled, giving the ball back to Graham for two kneel downs to end the contest.

Graham remains undefeated at 14-0. Appomattox finished the 2022 season at 10-4. The loss was the first for the Raiders since they began the season with a 1-3 record, snapping a nine-game winning streak.

For more information, see the upcoming Dec. 7 issue of the Times Virginian.