Published: August 28, 2008 08:54 pm            

Big game at Tazewell

TAZEWELL, Va. — For several area fans, the “big game” Friday features Gate City visiting Tazewell in an early battle of unbeatens.

In a pair of non-district games, the Bulldogs got by George Wythe 21-19 in their season opener while the Blue Devils cruised past Richlands 27-14.

“I think tonight will be a classic,” says Tazewell coach Bobby Wyatt. “We both have a win under our belts. Gate City is always a challenge and we are much improved. I’m sure all the players are looking forward to this and the fans should be excited.”

Matt Muncy scored twice, including a 97-yard kick return to pace Tazewell over George Wythe. Colton Cook had three key extra points in the Bulldog win.

Gate City quarterback Tihlee Anderson passed for one touchdown, ran for another, and also intercepted a pass from his defensive back slot to pace GCHS over the Blue Tornado. Gate City’s outstanding kicker Ked Byrd also boomed field goals of 22 and 45 yards.

Nick Colobro returns as Gate City coach. Colobro coached at Tazewell from 1980-82 before replacing Blue Devils’ leader Harry Fry in ‘83. Colobro has guided the Devils to state championships twice, in 1997 and 2003.

Gate City advanced to the state Group A Region 2 finals last season before falling to Gretna. The Blue Devils play in the Clinch Mountain District and Tazewell represents the Southwest.

“Coach Colobro is one of the best,” says Wyatt. “His teams are always physical, always prepared and always expecting to win. Those are our goals, too.

“Gate City has about 20 starters back so they are very tough. We have about the same number and we know both teams are going to get after each other tonight.”

Both squads have featured the spread in their offensive attack but Gate City may often revert to the “T” formation and Tazewell sometimes gets back in the “I” attack. Multiple defensive sets are likely from either team.

Andrew Rhudy was another standout for Tazewell last week, blocking a field goal attempt to help preserve the win, registering three quarterback sacks and being in on 13 tackles.

Sophomore quarterback Cody Lockhart completed 6 passes for 168 yards including a 47-yard touchdown pass to Brandon Pauley who caught four passes for 135 yards. Lockhart also had 68-yard pass to Muncy in the end zone called back. John Corner got four solo tackles and intercepted a pass to set up Pauley’s touchdown.

Gate City was dominant over the Blue Tornado for some three quarters, with interceptions by Anderson and Dustin Clark. Running back Joe Vaughan had a score as Gate City rolled up 233 yards rushing. Dustin Olson caught a 40-yard scoring pass from Anderson. The Blue Devils had five completions for 118 aerial yards.

Gate City built a 27-point lead before Richlands scored last week. Tazewell led by nine at halftime but did not score after the break. The Blue Devils had a more balanced attack and the Bulldogs are working to add to their rushing totals. Dustin Dean was the leading rusher for Tazewell with 21 net yards.

Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. with coverage on 107.7 FM.

        

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