MOTHER NATURE CALLS GAME; Lightning halts Tigers’ season opener at Coalfield, Big Blue claims 21-18 victory

By Shea Haile Courier Sports 

COALFIELD — It was an eventful gridiron season opener for the Gordonsville High Tigers when the unit traveled to Coalfield High School for a test against the Class 1A contender Yellow Jackets last Friday night.

After two weather delays because of lightning, the contest was called with 1:18 remaining in the third frame. The Tigers had just regained the advantage after  Turner Bucher muscled his way into the endzone on a seven yard rush. The sophomore tailback posted two third quarter touchdowns as Big Blue took a 21-18 win. 

Prior to the ensuing kickoff, lightning in the vicinity forced the second weather delay. With inclement weather remaining in the area, game officials decided to call the contest.

At the half, Gordonsville trailed 12-7. The Tigers received the second half opening kick. The sophomore snared the opening boot and raced 66 yards through the Yellow Jackets’ coverage — setting up the visitors’ first third quarter drive at the Yellow Jackets’ 11 yard line. 

Bucher dashed to pay dirt on the next snap. Bucher’s score paired with a Gavin Kemp PAT, his second of three in the contest, gave Gordonsville a 14-12 lead. Before the ensuing kickoff lightning caused the first weather delay with 11:40 left in the third frame.

“We had a great drive right before the first delay and scored, we were able to go in with some momentum,” said Gordonsville head football coach Stephen Jackson. “I wish we could have played with the momentum instead of having to go into a break with it.”

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