No. 6 Garner bounces back for big road win at No. 24 Leesville Road
Nothing cures the sting of a tough loss more than a win, as Garner found out just four days after falling on Labor Day.
A bruised Trojans football team found the remedy it needed after losing a marquee matchup against The News & Observer’s No. 1-ranked rival Middle Creek earlier in the week as the No. 6 Trojans (3-1) took care of No. 24 Leesville Road (2-2) 45-18 Friday night at Marshall L. Hamilton Stadium.
Despite having three defensive starters as well as quarterback Braxton Brokenborough and standout running back Collin Eaddy all sidelined with injuries, the Trojans pulled together for a much welcomed win heading into conference play next week.
Brokenborough’s replacement, Cody Carpenter, tossed a touchdown pass while Eaddy’s fill-in, Dwayne Holloway, ran for one score and threw for another all while the Garner defense stood up and held the high-scoring Pride, which came into the game averaging over 42 points, to just one offensive touchdown.
Leesville Road’s Evan Provost gave the Pride the early lead on a 25-yard touchdown toss to Cooper Eason-Riddle in the opening quarter but the Trojans defense stood tall and the Trojans took control, running off the next 24 points in the game.
“We needed a good win and the kids played hard,” Garner coach Thurman Leach said. “We wanted to get some momentum and hopefully that momentum will kick start us in the conference. We’ll get some guys back heading into conference play so we’re looking to get a little bit stronger.”
THREE TO KNOW
Dwayne Holloway, Garner: Holloway ended with 76 yards on 20 carries on a night which saw him score on the ground and also in the air, on a 38-yard touchdown pass to Chester Crowder.
Defensive Unit, Garner: After allowing 86 yards on Leesville Road’s first scoring drive of the game, the Garner defense buckled down, holding the Pride to zero yards rushing. The Trojans’ defense forced three turnovers.
Keion White, Garner: The senior had a big night catching a key 20-yard touchdown pass in the first half and then added two more points moments later when he chased Evan Provost out of the pocket and tackled him in the end zone.
BY THE NUMBERS
2: Bobby Haggerty punts that traveled more than 55 yards.
3: Safeties in the game.
6: Drops from Leesville Road receivers.
7: Garner sacks.
14: Tackles for loss totaled by the Garner defense.
44: Yards Leesville Road’s Jefferson Norwood’s second quarter field goal traveled.
This story was originally published September 9, 2016 at 10:27 PM with the headline "No. 6 Garner bounces back for big road win at No. 24 Leesville Road."