This one was a roller coaster.
With three major swings, Orange County and Goochland’s critical Jefferson District clash Thursday night could’ve gone either way, but a pair of fourth quarter touchdowns helped vault the Hornets to a come-from-behind 27-24 victory over the Bulldogs.
Paul Poirier rushed for 142 yards and three touchdowns on 28 carries to help lead the way for the Hornets. His final two touchdowns, both in the fourth quarter, pulled Orange within three and then pushed them ahead 27-24. Christian Simpson also had a productive at night as well with 122 yards on 12 carries.
Those two scores were a concerted response to Goochland’s own 24-point run in the second quarter spearheaded by a C.J. Towles touchdown pass to Jason Woodson and a Towles run from seven yards out. Then Gape Liptak got in the action and Tyler Black tacked on a field goal to put Goochland up 24-14 at the half.
Orange started off on fire, with a touchdown from Poirier and Bryant Chiles’ touchdown run that was part of an 80-yard night.
The win could potentially be the difference-maker in getting the Hornets into the Region 4D playoff field. Orange rolled up 344 yards on the ground and out executed Goochland in a couple of key categories including third and fourth down conversions with Goochland going .2-for-12 and Orange going 9-for-23.
Brody Foran had a pick for the Hornets, Chiles had two tackles for a loss and a sack while tying Poirier for 6.5 stops and team lead.
Towles went 11-for-19 and threw for 185 yards and the score while also notching 71 yards.. Liptak had 118 yards on 16 touches.
The Bulldogs continue a challenging finish to the year with Louisa looming next week while Orange County will try and build on the momentum from this win against Western Albemarle at home.
