Once-Struggling Raiders Get Back-to-Back Wins

By Tim Richardson

Saturday, November 3, 2007

Up until this week, the Loudoun County football program had won only nine games dating back to when running back Adam Yesuf was in sixth grade.

Now a sophomore, Yesuf has been an integral part of the Raiders' last two victories.

"It feels great. It's wonderful," he said, after getting 115 yards and the game's only two touchdowns in Loudoun County's 14-3 win over Dominion. "Going from one-and-a-half years and no wins, it's great."

On Monday afternoon, the Raiders (2-7, 2-4) had no victories but by Friday night, thanks to two wins in five days, they were in a tie for fifth place in the eight-team Dulles District.

"Two games in five days and get both of them, that's huge for our program," Raiders Coach Todd Hill said. "They worked hard and had a short week. The kids prepped and did everything we asked them to do. I couldn't be more proud of them. They've done a great job."

Loudoun County got on the board first Friday night about two minutes into the game and never let go of the lead. On Dominion's first possession, Raiders defensive back Joe Bushrod got the first of his three interceptions when he picked off Titan quarterback Geoff McCowat to put Loudoun County in good field position.

On the next play, Yesuf ran for a 28-yard touchdown to put the Raiders up 7-0. Hill said part of the offensive strategy is to get Yesuf comfortable with carrying the ball.

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Loudoun County at Dominion

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The Titans' Nonye Onwuka, far left, and Tood Lancaster, right, attempt to stop Loudoun County quarterback Kelly Reimers as he runs the ball during Friday night's game in Sterling. (Melissa Arseniuk)

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Members of the Loudoun County football team kneel, watch and wait after one of their players is injured. (Melissa Arseniuk)

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Andrew Corkrey, 5, and his dad, Jim Corkrey, sit together and nibble on popcorn while cheering for Loudoun County during the team's Friday night matchup against the Dominion Titans. (Melissa Arseniuk)

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Loudoun County offensive lineman Matt Davis cheers his teammates on during their game against the Dominion Titans. (Melissa Arseniuk)

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Dominion marching band percussionists perform as part of the halftime show. (Melissa Arseniuk)

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Members of the Dominion High School marching band perform music by Carlos Santana during the halftime show. (Melissa Arseniuk)

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Jeff Glynn holds his daughter, Jameson Glynn, as she cheers for her mother, Shelli Glynn, who was named "favorite teacher" by Titan Hunter Nixon. The Dominion High School Titans identified their favorite teachers during their game versus Loudoun County on Nov. 2. (Melissa Arseniuk)

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Three 10-year-old boys toss a football around during Dominion's matchup against the Loudoun County Raiders. (Melissa Arseniuk)

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The Loudoun County football team watches the on-field action as the team faces Dominion. (Melissa Arseniuk)

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Loudoun County players Rick Cottom, far left, DeAndre Morris, middle left, Austin Campbell, middle right, and Clayton Lambert, right, discuss the last play as the game moves into the fourth quarter. (Melissa Arseniuk)

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Dominion defensive lineman Hunter Nixon reflects on the team's loss as fans leave the stadium following a loss to Loudoun County. (Melissa Arseniuk)

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"One of the things we're trying to do because he's only a sophomore -- it's his first time at this level -- we're trying to get him some confidence," Hill said. "He's starting to run with confidence, and if we can get that in him, I'm telling you, that's going to be huge for him and for our program."

In a game that had interceptions by both teams, the Dominion offense never got its rhythm. McCowat went 0 for 8 with three interceptions, and Andy Pont was 4 for 7 with an interception and 38 yards.

"Geoff gives a great effort. The ball doesn't always go where he wants it to go," Titans Coach Mike Dougherty said. "I love his effort. We just made a couple bad throws tonight."

To start the third quarter, Raiders quarterback Kelly Reimers (7 of 12 with two interceptions and 35 yards passing) stung the Titans' defense with several short plays that moved the ball down the field. Yesuf then got his second touchdown of the night on an 18-yard run with 8 minutes 43 seconds left in the third for a 14-point lead.

Dominion (2-7, 1-5) got its only points of the game on the next possession with a 35-yard field goal by Tommy Kowalick late in the third quarter. Dougherty said the home loss was tough for the team, particularly on senior night and the last home game of the season.

"I'm just heartbroken for the kids," he said. "We had a good week of practice, we were looking forward to a big night. We just didn't execute our game plan. Hats off to them -- they did."

Dominion tried to mount a comeback late in the fourth quarter.

With good field position starting the drive at its 42, the Titans advanced the ball 16 yards before turning it over on downs. On its next drive, Raiders defensive back Jack Lewis intercepted McCowat to seal the win with 1:46 left in the game.

The Titans will take on Potomac Falls next week, while the Raiders will play host to Heritage.

"Hopefully we can end this season on a real positive note," Hill said. "This has been great for us."

Extra Points

By Paul Tenorio and Matt Brooks