Brisco, Sherando Go Singin' in the Rain

No. 19 Sherando 28, James Wood 13

WINCHESTER, Va., Oct. 19 -- When running back Markeith Brisco and his offensive linemen looked out the windows of the Sherando team bus before Friday's game and saw raindrops plop on the ground, the group broke into a collective smile. Brisco knew the football was coming his way, and his linemen knew they'd be called on to plow open holes for him.

About three hours later, Brisco stood in the middle of the field with a smile still on his face -- his jersey torn in several spots and covered with mud and grass. He had just rushed for 206 yards and three touchdowns to propel No. 19 Sherando to a 28-13 victory over James Wood in a Northwestern District matchup.

"When you play football, it's the best thing to play in the mud," Brisco said. "You're getting dirty, the other team's getting dirty. It just brings up the intensity."

The Warriors (8-0, 5-0) racked up 275 yards on the ground in the waterlogged conditions, keeping their grip on first place in the district. Brisco and his brawny offensive linemen were the catalysts -- he pranced through gaping holes.

With rain in the forecast -- and the precipitation already falling -- Sherando offensive lineman Joey Christine pulled Brisco aside on the bus and reminded him to hold the football high and tight to prevent fumbles. A senior with three years of varsity experience, Christine knew that turnovers often decide games played in sloppy conditions.

"He didn't fumble once, and I'm very proud of him," Christine said. "He did a great job. This was probably his best game this year."

Meantime, James Wood (6-2, 3-2) committed four turnovers. After a Colonels interception late in the third quarter, Brisco capped a six-play drive with a 22-yard burst up the middle that gave Sherando a 21-13 lead with 11 minutes 52 seconds left. On the play, Brisco followed Christine through the line, then pushed his teammate out of the way and sprinted into the end zone.

Brisco added a one-yard touchdown plunge late in the fourth to put the game out of reach.

"We adjusted to the conditions, and everything worked from there," Brisco said. "It was fun."

No. 19 Sherando 28, James Wood 13

Future Showdown: Sherando will play Millbrook (8-1, 6-0) in two weeks in a game that likely will determine the Northwestern District champion.

Colonels Leaders: James Wood quarterback Trae Tinsman passed for 105 yards, and running backs Hunter Rutherford and Tyler Orndorff combined for 78.