FUMA's Postgraduate football team lost to Maryland's JV team Monday evening by a 16-7 margin. FUMA played tough as they grabbed the lead in the first half when WR/RB Adam Dyer caught a deflected ball and scooted 52 yards for the score and then he added the extra point to give FUMA a 7-0 advantage. The home team, after some stalled drives, put together a long drive capped off by a one yard run to tie the score at 7-7. The 1st half ended deadlocked at 7-7.
The Terps offensive grabbed a 14-7 lead half way through the third quarter, when they connected on a 58 yard scoring strike. FUMA battled the rest of the game before it was put out of reach, when Maryland got a safety in the games final three and half minutes on an unusual penalty in the endzone. This was unfortunate, since LB Alex Bazzie recovered a Maryland fumble at FUMA's 40 yard line on the penalty play. FUMA was led on offense by RB Tony Gregory's 18 carries for 78 yards and RB Mario Crawford's 9 carries for 68 yards. TE's Alex Johnson and Jonathon Sharp caught a couple of big catches each, and they helped support the offensive line with some key blocks. QB's Jeff Legree and Nick Owens had a solid game from their QB position. Each QB led the offensive group on several drives.
Alex Johnson also helped out the FUMA defense as he contributed three tackles and 1 TFL. The LB corps was led by Alex Bazzie, Ben D'Aguilar, and Troy Russell. Bazzie and D'Aguilar contributed 6 tackles and 2 TFL's each and Russell added 4 tackles and 1 TFL. LB/DE Jordan Rigby played physical contributing to the defensive effort with a QB sack and 5 tackles.
FUMA wraps up October with an afternoon Halloween game, Friday October 31st versus Hargrave Military Academy. Kickoff is set for 1:00pm in Chatham, Virginia.
The Orienteering Team traveled to Syracuse, NY, to participate in the North American Orienteering Championships. The three day event featured 2 "sprint" races on Friday, a middle distance event on Saturday, and a Classic length event on Sunday. In the novice courses, Freshman Anthony Leger surprised the field, medaling in every event and winning the middle distance championship in his first National Level Meet. At the advanced level, seniors Josh Timmons and Jon Snyder both reached the medal stand.
The weekend challenged the orienteers. The battled rain and very intricate, technical terrain and maps. The team hopes that this type of training will pay off in future events.
The Blue Devils fall short once again. Unfortunately the same mistakes that were made most of the season came back to haunt them one more time. FUMA had four fumbles and 60+ yards in penalties. As always, the Blue Devils defense kept the team in the game, highlighted by Obie Okeyo's interception. FUMA's offense struggled in the first half seeing two fumbles, three punts, and were only able to amass 28 total yards. In the second half, the Blue Devils clawed their way back into the game with an eight play 61 yard drive, highlighted by Alex Colin's 5 yard touch down run. The two point conversion was successful on a Colin run up the middle. This tied the game at 8-8. On the next series another FUMA fumble set up STAB for the winning touchdown, but the offense was not finished. They put together another gutsy no huddle performance with less than two minutes to play in the game. They put together another eight play drive only to fall short on the twelve yard line. FUMA suffered their fifth loss of the season to finish 2-5 for the year.
We would like to thank all the parents and FUMA fans out there. I have appreciated all the kind words about the Jr. Prep football team. We start tomorrow getting ready for 2009! See you next season.
Cadet Jake Hargrove provides this video documenting FUMA's inspection of barracks rooms and cadets' personal appearance in this "Behind The Scenes" episode.
If you were unable to attend, you missed another great football game. The game was decided literally on the last second of the game.
The first half went by very quickly, as FUMA saw the ball only six times in the 1st quarter. Benedictine scored first late in the 1st quarter to go up 0-6. FUMA immediately turned the ball over on the kickoff return giving Benedictine yet another shot at the ball. The FUMA defense put up a huge goal line stand stopping the Cadets of Benedictine on the 1/2 yard line. FUMA then answered on a seven play 99 yard drive. During the drive, TJ Dudley carried the ball three times for 92 yards and the touchdown. The two-point conversion was successful on a three yard run by Alex Colin putting FUMA ahead 8-6.
The second half started off as a defensive battle, until FUMA's third series in the half, when Anton Bartsevich connected with Kara Stewart on a 63 yard pass for a touchdown. The two point conversion was unsuccessful putting FUMA ahead 14-6. Benedictine answered right back tying the game at 14. The FUMA offense was able to keep their focus and turned right back around and put together a four play drive for 65 yards, capped off by a 47 yard touchdown run by Dudley. The two-point conversion was unsuccessful putting the Blue Devils back on top 20-14. It did not take Benedictine long to answer back as they returned the kickoff for a touchdown. The PAT was successful putting the Cadets of Benedictine back on top 21-20. FUMA got the ball back with two minutes left in the 4th quarter as Anton Bartsevich orchestrated a nine play 56 yard drive using the no huddle offense. Bartsevich took the last snap of the game with one second left on the clock and took the ball one yard over the goal line giving FUMA its second win on the season, 26-21.
I cannot say enough about this year's football team. They have worked extremely hard, stayed focused, and played their hearts out; but the guys that deserve the most credit tonight is the offensive lineman. The line has consistently gotten better each week and were the backbone of the offense tonight. The offense accumulated 336 total yards, a season high, and that was hugely in part to the line's efforts. The offensive line consists of Daniel Elie, Roger Altizer, Mike Gaylor, John Tu'uta, Jamonte Hunnicutt, and Jordan Rifenberg.
The Blue Devils (2-4) conclude their season Tuesday, October 28 at 3:30PM at HOME. We appreciate your support and we hope to see you Tuesday!
Each year the students at Fork Union Military Academy organize a food drive to collect food for our local food bank. This food drive is done in a competitive but gratifying spirit. The company that collects the most food will receive points toward winning company competition at the end of the year. Last year we over collected 5,800 pounds of food and raised enough purchase 2,000 meals for children that are in the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank Network.
If you would like to help support this project you can either donate funds to purchase food or bring in and/or send back food with your cadet when he is home on leave. All food items need to be non-perishable. The food drive will run until December 15th.
The TAC Officer of each company will help out with this project. If you have any questions on our food drive or how to donate money, please contact Mrs. Bev Hanlin, Community Services Coordinator, at 434/842-4211 or email hanlinb@fuma.org.
Caring is Sharing and that is what it is all about!
Haden Yonce (FUMA '09) selected Correspondent of the Day
The Richmond Times-Dispatch today published a letter to the editor from FUMA senior Haden Yonce, featuring Haden as their "Correspondent of the Day." Cadet Yonce addressed the current financial crisis involving Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and took issue with a recent op/ed piece the paper had published.
Coach Arritt spoke briefly in chapel this morning about one of his former players, John Smiley. John and his twin brother James attended FUMA 1985-86. John became a State policeman and then went to work for the Department of Corrections. While on vacation he was the victim of a shooting where a bullet hit him in the spine. At this time he cannot walk but he says one day he will walk again. He has two young children.
On October 27th, which is Monday, they are having golf tournament in Charlotte, North Carolina to raise funds to help with his rehab expenses. This is being done through NTAF Spinal Cord Injury Fund and any donations are tax deductible. Bobby Cobb will be going to Charlotte and playing in the tournament and we as a school would like to sponsor a hole at the tournament. There is a donation jar on my desk and you can place donations in the jar if you wish. We thought it would be nice for him to know that he is being remembered. Please keep his family in your prayers.
Any checks can be made payable to: NTAF Southwest Spinal Cord Injury Fund - Note on memo section of check: In Honor of John Smiley
The FUMA Blue Devils lost another tough game tonight 16-28 to Collegiate School in Richmond, VA. From week to week, the Blue Devils have been averaging more than 50 yards in penalties and three turnovers. Tonight was know different as FUMA turned the ball over two times and had 62 yards in penalties.
We are a young football team, more then 2/3 of the Jr. Prep team are freshman. We seem to be learning the tough way how not to win each week. If you have been at the games, you find yourself asking the question how did that one slip away? This is one of the most talented and physical JV football teams I have coached. I love coaching these boys every week because I know they will leave it all on the field!
Collegiate scored the first touchdown of the afternoon going up 7-0 early in the first quarter. FUMA answered right back on a 15 play, 12 minute, drive capped off by a one yard touchdown by Alex Colin. The two point conversion was successful on a three yard run by Fernando Miranda putting FUMA ahead for the first and only time 8-7. Collegiate answered right back with a kickoff return for a touchdown. Collegiate scored late in the 2nd quarter to end the half with a score of 21-8.
The second half was a defensive ball game in which another special teams error lead to Collegiate's final touchdown of the evening. Late in the 4th quarter FUMA put together another 10 play drive utilizing the no huddle offense. This late touchdown was highlighted by Obie Okeyo's 2 receptions for 62 yards. Anton Bartsevich capped off the drive with a one yard quarterback sneak. The two point conversion was successful on another three yard run by Miranda.
Offensive notables:
QB - Anton Bartsevich: 9-14, 64%, 135 YDS
RB - Alex Colin: 19 Carries, 90 YDS, TD; and 2 Receptions, 5 YDS
RB - TJ Dudley: 9 Carries, 31 YDS; and 2 Receptions, 34 YDS
WR - Obie Okeyo: 2 Receptions, 62 YDS
WR - Kara Stewart: 1 Reception, 28 YDS
WR - Alex Suarez: 2 Receptions, 6 YDS
The Jr. Prep football team plays next Thursday, October 23, at home at 3:30pm. We had a huge fan turnout for this game and we appreciate all the support from our fans near and far! We hope to see you next week!
Larry Johnson, FUMA Class of 1964, is running an underdog campaign for the U. S. House of Representatives in California's 21st Congressional District. Johnson is running on the Democratic ticket against Republican incumbent Devin Nunes.
On October 11, 2008 the Debate Team traveled to Madison County High School to compete in their first tournament. Ten cadets traveled and competed in Lincoln-Douglas Debate, Public Forum Debate and Student Congress. Three of the ten were members of last year's Debate Team.
The team won two fourth place trophies and one fifth place trophy.
The winners listed below qualified to compete in the State Finals tournament which will be held on February 28, 2009.
- Greyson Mann, fourth place in Lincoln-Douglas Debate
- Nate Van Huss and Justin Gootee, fourth place in Public Forum
- Jonathan Blair, fifth place in Student Congress
Debate team members who competed on October 11, 2008
Lincoln-Douglas Debate
- Greyson Mann
Public Forum Debate
- Min Sang Ha and Yong Chul Lee
- Sean Sandoval and Mac Sturtevant
- Nate Van Huss and Justin Gootee
Student Congress
- Jonathan Blair
- Jong Lim
- Robert Rich
The team plans to travel to Clover Hill High School in Richmond, Virginia on November 8, 2008 for their second tournament. We are very grateful to Mrs. Burkhart, Mr. McIlnay, LTC Nothanagle and LTC Ransone for giving their time to serve as judges.
FUMA alum Will Furrer to be honored by Virginia Tech
Will Furrer will return to his alma mater, Virginia Tech, to be honored during the Hokies November, 6, 2008 match-up against the Maryland Terrapins. The Virginia Tech Football program has invited Furrer to be honored during a field presentation for his award-winning football career at Virginia Tech and in the NFL. Today, Furrer is President of IF marketing & advertising, a full-service marketing and advertising agency in Austin, TX.
The "Hokies in the NFL" Flashback Presentation will be held at the end of the first quarter at Worsham Field/Lane Stadium in Blacksburg, VA. Kick-off for the Hokies' match-up against Maryland has been set for 7:30 PM ET on ESPN Thursday, Nov. 6, 2008. Furrer will join Virginia Tech Director of Athletics, Mr. Jim Weaver, for the presentation, which will feature a highlight video of his career at VT and in the NFL.
After an outstanding high school career at Pullman High School of Washington state, Furrer attended Fork Union Military Acadamy in Fluvanna, Virginia as a postgraduate student. Soon Furrer was recruited by the Virginia Tech football program, where by his senior year he was named one of only eight National Scholar-Athletes by the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame, being awarded an $18,000 graduate fellowship. Furrer is currently ranked third on the list of all-time career Passing Leaders for Virginia Tech with 5,915 total yards and 43 touchdowns. In 1992 Furrer began his six-season NFL career when he was drafted in the 4th round by the Chicago Bears. Furrer also played for the Phoenix Cardinals, Denver Broncos, Houston Oilers, Amsterdam Admirals (WLAF), and the St. Louis Rams. On June 15, 2006 he was inducted into the Fork Union Military Academy's Sports Hall of Fame.
Following his NFL career, in 2002 Will Furrer reunited with former NFL teammates Jeff Novak and Tony Boselli to found IF marketing & advertising. Today, the full-service ad agency ranks among the largest in the Austin area, recently earning the honor of the #4 fastest growing private company in Central Texas and the #5 Web Design Agency in Austin. IF marketing & advertising provides a range of strategic and creative services, including brand identity, web design, print, interactive and multimedia campaigns.
Furrer will be joined by his wife, Kelli, also a Virginia Tech alumnus and former student athlete.
"My experience at Virginia Tech and the NFL truly prepared me for success in my career and in life," said Furrer. "Learning about teamwork is essential for any student group, athletics program, or business--and at Tech the opportunities for this kind of learning are endless. Of course, Kelli and I are always happy to find our way back to Blacksburg, especially during football season!"
Brandon Caleb (FUMA '06) waits his turn at Oklahoma
Richmond Times-Dispatch writer Fred Jeter offers up a great feature on FUMA's own Brandon Caleb, now a redshirt sophomore at Oklahoma where he is 2nd on the depth chart behind a couple of great Oklahoma Sooners wide receivers.
The rifle team lost their match against a very good Fishburne squad on Thursday, October 16. The final score was 1047-843 and drops the team's 2008 record to 2-3; the 843 points was the high score of the season for FUMA.
FUMA top four shooters in the match were Connor London (236 - a season high), Joe Edwards (227), Nathan Driscol (210 - a season high), and John O'Connor (179).
The team will travel to Hargrave for a match on Thursday, October 23. It will be the last match for the team before the state meet on October 30 at Virginia Military Institute.
The Fork Union PG football team defeated the reigning "National Champions" of NC Tech 33-29 on a very warm, humid day in Monroe, NC. FUMA was paced on offense by RB Tony Gregory, who ended the day with 22 carries for 186 yards and two TD's, including an 84 yard run to paydirt late in the 4th quarter. Tony also added FUMA's second two point conversion. Nick Owens had a solid day from his QB position going 7-12 and tossing a two point conversion to WR Deon Miller. Others who caught passes from Owens on the afternoon included: TE Jonathon Sharp, FB Matt Socholotiuk, WR DJ Coles, WR Deon Miller, and RB/slot Paris Walker. QB Jeff Legree also contributed with a two pass completions and 8 carries for 31 yards.
The defense was paced by LB/S Jelani Woseley who contributed two QB sacks and five solo tackles on the afternoon. LB Alex Bazzie had a big day contributed two TFL's and ten total tackles from his inside linebacker position. Mohammed Seisay halted a NC Tech scoring drive with an interception in the endzone. Seisay also returned a blocked extra point 95 yards for an additional two points for the visiting team. Overall, the DL had a big day as they applied QB pressure and big run stops when FUMA needed it most. Bill Romanow had a tackle, but a near interception with less than two minutes to play, proved to be a big play in the ball game. CB/S Averick Walker had a big play on fourth and three from FUMA's 15 yard line with a pass break up. CB Richard Democker added two tackles on special teams.
The big play on the afternoon came on FUMA's special teams, when LB/DE Troy Russell returned a botched punt 45 yards for a TD. The return came from a snap over the punters head, when Tony Owah hit the punter just has he got turned around to kick it. Overall, it was a great team effort from FUMA. Many thanks to the families who showed their support as well as the many alumni who helped support the winning effort. The postgraduate team will take the field again on Monday October 27th as they will battle the University of Maryland's JV team, and then they will wrap-up October with an in-state battle against archrival Hargrave Military Academy, which is set at 1:00 on October 31st at Hargrave.
The FUMA M.S. Soccer team played its third game in three days, this time against a St. Christopher's 8th grade team carrying a 10-0-0 record. The team played St. Chris earlier in the season, and lost 10-3, in a game that really should have been worse than the final score. Continuing on the momentum built from the previous two days' matches, the Blue Devils came out determined to defend their home field. After an up and down first half, with the majority of the play concentrated in the midfield, the two teams went to halftime scoreless. Keeper Boland was instrumental in keeping the slate clean, as was defender McCormick who cleared many offensive chances for the Saints. Midway through the second half, miscommunication between the keeper and the defense allowed St. Christopher's to take a 1-0 lead. Soon thereafter though, FUMA tallied their first goal on a brilliant corner kick from Said and volley by Marshall. Marshall's second goal of the season was a sight to behold. After the ball cleared the front of the goal, it took one hop onto the foot of Marshall who lobbed it over the St. Chris keeper into the upper right corner. Following the tying goal, both teams tightened their defenses, and the next ten minutes were scoreless before St. Chris added a goal on a corner of their own with 4:30 to play. Desperation set in for the Blue Devils as they fought to control the ball and advance it into the offensive end.
Time and again, St. Christopher's defense stiffened and cleared the ball. Eventually, when it looked as though all hope was lost, a St. Chris midfielder misplayed a ball directly to FUMA's striker, Said. Said dribbled the ball to the top of the penalty area, shed a defender, and dribbled around the diving keeper before deftly rolling the ball into the back of the net. Three seconds following the ensuing kickoff, the official ended the contest, a 2-2 tie. An elated FUMA team celebrated the accomplishment as they came off the field. Coaches Balhoff and Butt congratulated the team on their amazing accomplishment and reminded them that all of their hard work had finally paid off. FUMA returns to the field Wednesday 10/22 at St. Anne's Belfield in Charlottesville, Va.
FUMA's Middle School Soccer team finished 1-1 in a pair of tightly contested games at Grymes Memorial School and at home against Tandem Friends School. The team started slow against Grymes leading to a 2-2 halftime tie, but the Blue Devils exploded in the first few minutes of the second half, tallying 3 quick goals. Scoring goals for FUMA were Wigal (3), Said (2), and Orvananos. Strong defensive help was supplied by Price, McCormick and Alfaro. McCormick moved to the midfield to supply the spark at the beginning of the second half, before returning to defense to preserve the lead. The final was FUMA 6, Grymes 3.
The following day, the team had a rematch with Tandem Friends School. Earlier in the season, the team had lost to Tandem 6-1, with our only goal coming with 1 minute remaining. At the beginning of the match, it appeared that a repeat of that performance may occur as Tandem jumped out to a 2-0 lead early in the first half. FUMA responded with a goal of its own, but found itself down 4-2 halfway through the first half due to a couple defensive lapses. With their backs against the wall, the defense stiffened, and the team netted a couple of goals to tie the score at 4 going into halftime. Goals were scored by Said, Suarez (2) and Orvananos. The second half was a seesaw affair with the teams running up and down the field with great play by both teams at both ends. Keeper Boland made several amazing saves to give FUMA a chance. Finally, with 26 seconds left in the game, Tandem scored on a corner kick to hand the Blue Devils their first defeat in three outings despite a valiant effort. Coach Balhoff told the team after the game that they had no reason to hang their heads. The game could have gone either way, and it was the most exciting game he has seen as a coach. The coaches are both so proud to be able to compete on a level far beyond that which we were at just one short month ago.
Jamal Hunter, a FUMA junior from Maryland, has been attracting a lot of attention as a linebacker on the football field with more 70 tackles through the season's first 7 games. But his accomplishments don't end there. Hunter, who struggled academically before coming to FUMA, is now an honor roll student and looking forward to attending college.
Cadets participate in Hunter Education & Safety training
This past weekend, seventeen FUMA cadets participated in a challenging 10-hour course on Hunter Education & Safety and have received certifications from the Virginia Department Of Game and Inland Fisheries.
Congratulations to the following cadets for their hard work and accomplishment:
Upper School
Jake Gilbow
Matthew Daugherty
Richard Beekman
Jess Stevens
Bret Giaimo
Jacob Pohl
Javier Suarez
Stephen Joslyn
Brandon Godfrey
Chase High
Jacob Tunney
Alexander Terry
Hunter Kimbrough
Cody Peck
Shammond Williams starts out well in Spain for another season
FUMA alumnus (and soon to be an inductee into the FUMA Sports Hall of Fame) Shammond Williams sat down for an interview recently, discussing his current play in Spain, his favorite NBA coaches he's played for, his record-setting days at North Carolina, and his early days at Fork Union Military Academy.
The postgraduate football team rolled over visiting Walter Reed this past Saturday, winning 65-0. The PG team next faces North Carolina Tech, a tough opponent on the road.
Prep football falls short against Liberty Christian
The defending state champion Liberty Christian Academy played FUMA's prep football team in Fork Union on Friday afternoon and showed why they remain unbeaten this year. FUMA put enough points on the board to keep the score a respectable 41-27, but LCA was a bit too tough to handle on this day, particularly after the Blue Devils lost running back Nathan Lundberg to injury early in the game.
The Jr. Prep Blue Devils suffer another tough loss under the lights at Liberty Christian Academy. Offensively, the Blue Devils made several attempts to move the ball down the field, but a turnover or penalties halted the drives. Offensive highlights include:
Alex Colin - 58 Yards on 12 Carries, TD and 2PT Conversion, 1 Reception for 8 Yards
TJ Dudley - 34 Yards on 6 Carries
Alex Suarez - 1 Reception for 7 Yards
Obie Okeyo - 1 Reception for 10 Yards
Kara Stewart - 1 Reception for 36 Yards
Defensively, the young Jr. Prep football team played a lot better than the score indicates. The defense gave up four TDs all of which were long plays consisting of trick plays or broken plays. Defensive highlights include Fernando Miranda's 52 yard interception return to the 5 yard line setting up FUMA's only score of the evening. Martin Wiseman had an interception and Daniel Elie had a fumble recovery.
FUMA plays at Collegiate School Thursday, 16 October, at 4:00PM. Thank you for your continued support and we hope to see you at the game!
PG Football Game Against NC Tech-Location & Time Change
PG Football will take on NC Tech on Thursday, October 16th at 1:00 PM. The city of Monroe will be hosting the game. It will be held in the Parks Williams Football Stadium. The address is 2011 Ashton Avenue, Monroe, NC 28110.
The rifle team defeated Massanutten Military Academy during a home match at FUMA on Thursday afternoon. The final score was 825-792, and reflected a 67 point improvement over last week's poor showing against Hargrave.
The top four scorers for FUMA were Joe Edwards (229), Jake Smith (204), Connor London (201), and Chris Herring (191).
Outstanding performances were turned in by Regn (+50 over his season average), Herring (+43), and Smith (+40).
The team will face Fishburne Military School next Thursday, October 16th at home.
Austin Pasztor, FUMA '08, starts for UVa Cavaliers
Austin Pasztor, the Canadian who turned heads last year as a 6-6, 310lb, 16-year old (yes, 16) lineman on Coach Shuman's postgraduate football team is now a starting offensive lineman for the University of Virginia. At 17 years old, Austin is now 6-7, 312 or so and graded out at 78 in his first start as a college lineman against tough Division I opponent, Maryland.
Jerry Ratcliffe, the sports columnist for the Daily Progress tells Austin's story in today's paper:
The Orienteering Team traveled to Syracuse, NY, to participate in the North American Orienteering Championships. The three day event featured 2 "sprint" races on Friday, a middle distance event on Saturday, and a Classic length event on Sunday. In the novice courses, Freshman Anthony Leger surprised the field, medaling in every event and winning the middle distance championship in his first National Level Meet. At the advanced level, seniors Josh Timmons and Jon Snyder both reached the medal stand.
The weekend challenged the orienteers. The battled rain and very intricate, technical terrain and maps. The team hopes that this type of training will pay off in future events. For photos go to FUMA Photo Gallery
The Fork Union postgraduate football team defeated Averett University (JV) 63-7 in Danville, Virginia on Sunday October 5th. FUMA was led on offense by Tony Gregory's 11 carries for 144 yards and two TD's. Eric Sparkman rushed for a TD as did Tony Owah. Eric Sparkman also contributed three pass completions from his QB position in FUMA's "bone" package, and three rushes for 17 yards. DJ Coles added a TD reception, which was tossed by QB Nick Owens. The defense had a big day as well; thanks to the presence of Alex Johnson along the defensive front. Alex had three QB sacks on the afternoon to go along with two catches for 28 yards from his TE position.
Tony Owah returned an INT 52 yards for a TD and Jonathon Sharp returned a fumble 44 yards for another FUMA score. Sharp also added two TFL's from his OLB position and two catches from his TE position. Brent Vinson started the defensive scoring off with a 27 yard INT return for a TD early in the 1st quarter. Another big contributor on Sunday afternoon was Travis Carroll, thanks to Coach Arritt's "bone" package play calls; Travis proved to be very effective from his FB position, and he put some heat on the cougar quarterbacks, late in the 4th quarter from his OLB position.
Chaz Sutton also added two QB sacks and two TFL's in the defensive effort and Adam Dyer was a perfect 7 for 7 on extra points. The varsity team will take the field again Saturday, October 11th verse Walter Reed for a 1:00pm home contest.
After jumping out to a 20 to 7 lead, the Blue Devils of Fork Union had to hang on to beat Saint Christopher's by a score of 20-14. The second half was dominated by long drives by both teams in which only Saint Christopher's was able to score. The Blue Devils will now host the top ranked team in their division, Liberty Christian, at 3:30 on Friday, October 10th.
Officials at Fork Union Military Academy announced today that their prep football team will forfeit the results of two games in the 2008 season due to the participation of an ineligible player on their team's roster. The FUMA Blue Devils, who recorded a victory over St. Christopher's this weekend to elevate their Prep League record to 3-0, will forfeit their game results against Prep League opponent Norfolk Academy and non-league opponent Hargrave Military Academy bringing their Prep League record to 2-1 and overall record to 3-3.
Fork Union officials determined that one of their players was five weeks too old to participate in undergraduate competition. The student athlete was not in the starting lineup and saw action in less than a dozen plays in the latter stages of two games this season, both of them lopsided victories with FUMA winning by more than three touchdowns. Fork Union officials contacted the Executive Director of the Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association (VISAA) to report this eligibility oversight and the consequent forfeiture of the two games in which this player participated.
Fork Union Military Academy is a member of the Prep League in the VISAA. League eligibility rules state that student athletes are only eligible for undergraduate play if they reach their 19th birthday after August 1st of that academic year.
In a statement released today, FUMA's president, Lt. Gen. John E. Jackson, Jr., notes that teaching responsibility and leadership to its cadets were two of the school's objectives. "This is a hard lesson for our school and our team," said General Jackson, "but we are confident that modeling those virtues we endeavor to teach is of more value than a win-loss record."
Statement by Lt. Gen. John E. Jackson, Jr.,
President of Fork Union Military Academy
As you know, two objectives of the Academy's mission are to teach our Cadets responsibility and leadership. Recently, we have had the opportunity to demonstrate these qualities not only to our students, but also to our colleagues in the Virginia Prep League and the Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association.
This school year the Academy enrolled a student-athlete who, due to oversight on our part, was five weeks too old to compete in undergraduate athletics. He was permitted to play in two prep football games before our coaching staff recognized his ineligibility, as determined by his birth date. Upon our discovery, we immediately contacted the Executive Director of the Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association, the governing body of our own Prep League. The school will have to forfeit the two games that the ineligible player participated in. Both were victories which will now be recorded as losses.
This is a hard lesson for our school and our team, but we are confident that modeling those virtues we endeavor to teach is of more value than a win-loss record. We ask for your continued prayers and support as we press on to do the right thing.
The rifle team competed against Fishburne Military School today, coming out on the short end of a 989-813 score. FUMA's top four shooters were Joe Edwards (239), Connor London (232), Robert Foley (171), and John O'Connor (171).
The top five improvements from last week were Thomas Regn (+56.2%), Robert Foley (+20.4%), Joe Edwards (+16.6%), Connor London (+15.4%), and Jake Smith (+13.5%).
St. Christopher's school put the first score on the board early in the second quarter putting them up 6-0. But the Blue Devil offense answered right back when TJ Dudley scampered 55 yards right up the gut, untouched, to pay dirt. The two point conversion failed tying the game at six, and that is how the half would end.
The Blue Devil defense came up with a huge three and out to start off the second half. Four plays later Martin Wiseman ran off tackle 39 yards for FUMA's second touchdown. Again the two point conversion failed, but put FUMA ahead for the first time in the game, 12-6. Midway through the fourth quarter, St. Chris slipped their fullback through the line and hit him on a fade pattern for their second touchdown, knotting up the game at 12, and sending the game in to overtime.
Both defenses prevailed in the first overtime sending the game into its second extra period. TJ Dudley put two solid runs together for a touchdown (2PT Conversion Failed). St. Chris answered right back on their first play in the second overtime and ended the game with a successful 2PT conversion. The final score was FUMA 18 and St. Christopher's 20.
I need to give due credit to the offensive lineman (Jordan Rifenberg, Roger Altizer, John Tu'uta, Daniel Elie, and Mike Gaylor) for another stellar performance. The offense was able to amass 237 total yards in which 215 came on the ground. Another notable is running back Alex Colin. He has truly stepped up his game and was the difference maker both on offense and defense. Colin accounted for 95 rushing yards and was a major contributor to the defense. I cannot forget that incredible defense either. They are playing tremendous football. We have played two very good football teams the past two weeks and it is not going to get any easier. We hope you all get a chance to watch these young men participate because they come to play every week! They have great character, great camaraderie, great work ethic, but most important huge hearts!
The Jr. Prep football team plays next at Liberty Christian Academy at 6:30pm on Thursday, October 9th. The game will be played at Liberty University under the lights. Thank you for all your support, we greatly appreciate it.
MS Soccer takes a win against Grymes Memorial School
FUMA's Middle School soccer team won their first game in three seasons yesterday, defeating Grymes Memorial School by the score of 5-0. All of the hard work and determination shown throughout the first half of the season finally paid off, as the team was able to control the game from the onset. Cadet Said led the scoring with 3 goals, while Cadets Suarez and Orvananos-Archer netted one each.
The defense was led by Cadets McCormick, Price, Alfaro, Arnold, and Jacobson. The team was able to slow the opposition in the midfield, and allowed fewer than 10 shots to get through. Despite an uneventful afternoon, keeper Boland still made many fine plays to break up the chances Grymes was able to get. Coaches Balhoff and Butt are proud of the development of the team, but reminded the them that they have a long way to go until the end of the season. The team now enjoys a much needed week and a half break from matches until a rematch with Grymes in Orange, VA on Tuesday, October 14th.
Fork Union won its first varsity soccer game of the season in overtime against Covenant, ranked No. 20 in the state. The Blue Devils took the initiative and dominated the first part of the game. But the team from Charlottesville took the lead in the 23rd minute after an own goal by Fork Union.
It didn't take long before FUMA tied the game when midfielder Parker Corbitt surprised the Eagles' defensive line with a phenomenal shot, bringing the Blue Devils back into the game.
Fork Union started the second half determined to win, and after breakaway from Lee Woo took the lead. That situation pushed the Eagles to a more determined attack and as a results of a breakaway and foul committed by Chris Long, the FUMA defender received a red card. Therefore Fork Union finished the game with only 10 players.
With that advantage, the Eagles eventually scored the equalizer with about 20 minutes left to play. Despite attempts on both sides, neither team could score again in regulation, sending the game into overtime.
In overtime, Lee Woo beat the Eagles' goalkeeper again, putting FUMA in the lead. The euphoria didn't last long, as Covenant answered right away to tie the game. When everybody thought the game was over, in the last minute of OT, the Blue Devils beat the Eagles again. After a corner kick, Fork Union's striker missed the ball which surprised the defender and bounced off his leg and into the goal, giving Fork Union a lead it wouldn't relinquish.
FUMA will be back in action again Thursday at Christchurch at 4:30 p.m.
The rifle team traveled to Chatham on Thursday for a match against Hargrave. Unfortunately, the team suffered a humbling 1001-758 defeat. The FUMA team struggled and was disappointed with their individual efforts, with three of our top four shooters posting scores well below their season average.
FUMA's top four scorers on Thursday were Joe Edwards (203), John O'Connor (198), Connor London (181), and Jake Smith (176).
Hopefully, this young team (2 seniors, 1 junior, 2 Sophomores, and 3 freshmen) will learn from the experience as they prepare for their next match, October 9th at home against Massanutten.
