Predictions

Broadway (2-2) at Rockbridge County (0-4)

WHEN: 7 p.m. on Friday WHERE: Prasnicki-Ross Field at Veterans Stadium in Lexington

LAST YEAR: The Wildcats celebrated homecoming night with a dramatic 21-14 Valley District win over the Gobblers in Lexington. RC’s Daronde’ Stores scored the winning touchdown on a 91-yard run with 2:37 left. Josh Wright then intercepted Broadway quarterback Ethan Wince-Pfamater in the closing seconds to seal the victory.

THE SCOOP: RC showed both progress and spirit last week, battling back for 20 fourth-quarter points – including a rushing TD for quarterback Jayden Layman on the last play of the game – in a 38-20 loss at Blacksburg. The Wildcats racked up 252 rushing yards in the contest, led by 93 yards from Elijah Fox and 78 for Evan Maxwell.

While the finish to the game was encouraging, RC endured another dismal start, falling behind the Bruins 38-0 across the first two quarters. The Wildcats have stared up at massive halftime deficits in all four of their games this season.

The Gobblers will also enter Friday’s matchup off a defeat after falling to 2-2 on the season with a 28-14 home setback against Fort Defiance. The contest was tied at 14-14 entering the fourth quarter before the Indians grabbed the win with a pair of late touchdowns. Both of Broadway’s victories have come on the road, including a 21-6 triumph at Waynesboro on Sept. 8.

THE NEWS-GAZETTE’S PICK: Martin Cox praised his team for continuing to compete in the second half at Blacksburg, and the Wildcats were rewarded with 20 fourth-quarter points. If RC can put forth that type of effort right from the opening kickoff, the ’Cats will continue to trend in the right direction. We expect a tight game in the Valley District opener, with Broadway prevailing by a 27-20 final.