DALEVILLE, Va. – Update:
A beautiful night in Daleville set the stage for a high-stakes rivalry game between Lord Botetourt and William Byrd, ending with a 35-21 victory for Lord Botetourt.
The first quarter was all defense, with neither team able to score. That changed early in the second quarter when Lord Botetourt’s recent 1st and 10 Player of the Week found a gap and took it to the house, putting the Cavs up 7-0.
Late in the first half, with Lord Botetourt leading 14-0, Jamez Toler made a huge gain. Though stopped inside the 10-yard line, he punched it in easily to bring the score to 14-7.
William Byrd responded before halftime. Angel Rigney connected with Jones on a deep pass, with no defender guarding him, making it 21-7 at the half.
The third quarter saw Lord Botetourt extend their lead to 28-14. A blocked punt gave the Terriers prime scoring position, and Toler again found the end zone, narrowing the gap to 28-21.
However, a key interception by Angel Rigney in the fourth quarter sealed William Byrd’s fate. The Cavs put the game on ice with another touchdown, finishing the game at 35-21 and advancing to the Region 3D final.
Final score: Lord Botetourt 35, William Byrd 21.
Update:
William Byrd has come a long way since its winless season in 2021. Now the Terriers are on the cusp of another playoff run — their third straight in as many years.
The most impressive part of this season is the visible growth the Terriers have made. It’s real-time evidence — from an early-season loss to Bassett to just last week, when they knocked the Bengals out of the playoffs handily.
When it comes to the matchup against Lord Botetourt, Byrd has won four of the last five, including the regular-season showdown a month ago.
But in the playoffs, everyone is back to 0-0.
Cannin Lutz, the Terriers’ quarterback, said the team’s early loss to Bassett came with key players unavailable.
“You know, we had some injuries that first Bassett game that had some key players out that game,” Lutz said. “But I think that was kind of a confidence booster, definitely beating Bassett this week. You know, I think we were all pretty motivated going into that game, knowing that it was tight with a couple of our huge, you know, offensive players out. But, you know, that was a huge confidence booster going into this week.”
Head coach Brad Lutz said the team’s preparation is what matters most.
“Monday through Thursday is probably more enjoyable for me as a coach than any other day of the week, including game day,” he said. “So I think our kids have done a really, really good job of making it about the work and making the priority about the prep. And it’s going to really come down to that Friday night, who prepped the best during Monday through Thursday.”
Cannin Lutz said the postseason stakes speak for themselves.
“I think just this game, I think just being in the playoffs, win or go home, is, you know, really all the confidence we really need,” he said. “You know, coming off this huge Bassett win, like I said, it’s just kind of all we need right now. We’re just going to stay within the team and we’re going to keep our heads down and work hard.”
Original:
William Byrd and Lord Botetourt will meet again in a highly anticipated Blue Ridge District playoff rematch. The first game between these two teams was a nail-biter, with the Terriers edging out a 42-41 win in double overtime.
This time, the game moves to Daleville at Lord Botetourt High School, where the winner will advance to the region final.
The two teams have met in the postseason for three consecutive years. Lord Botetourt has won four of the last five matchups, including the recent close victory in October.
William Byrd’s team this season is younger in key positions but has grown more mature, relying on a balanced offensive attack as their main strength.
Lord Botetourt has used their previous loss as motivation, making adjustments they hope will lead to success in this rematch.
Other region semifinal games will also be recapped tonight, including Floyd County at Gretna and Craig County seeking another win. Heritage faces Magna Vista, and both city schools will compete in Region 5C.
Fans can join 10 Sports for 1st and 10 at 11:10 p.m. for full coverage of these matchups.
For a full breakdown of scores across our region, click here.