Woodruff roughs up Wildcats

Blacksburg defensive end Gary Dean Moore wraps up Woodruff running back Donnell Gray in Friday's 47-9 loss. Woodruff took advantage of six Blacksburg turnovers Friday to turn a close game at halftime into a 47-9 rout.

Woodruff led 19-9 at halftime on three touchdowns from running back Maurice Gilliam. Two scores were set up by interceptions of Blacksburg quarterback Dustin Byars.

Gilliam scored his first touchdown when Byars was intercepted by Josh Hyman while attempting to hit receiver Chris Hames, who fell down on the play. Gilliam scored on a 14-yard run on the next play.

Blacksburg answered with a seven-play, 75-yard scoring drive. Byars found receiver Rashad Earls for a 20-yard pass for a first and goal at the five-yard line.

After the Woodruff defense stiffened, placekicker Dillon Blankenship ended the drive with a 22-yard field goal to pull within 6-3.

Gilliam scored on a 53-yard run on the next possession. He scored his last touchdown of the half on a 16-yard run after Byars was intercepted by Woodruff linebacker Keshon Phillips.

"We knew there was going to be a problem if we let their running backs get into space," Blacksburg coach Robbie Blanton said. "When their backs got to the corner, their speed was a tough matchup for us."

Blacksburg used its ball control offense and a big play by linebacker Maurice Brown to keep within striking distance.

Brown forced a fumble when he sacked Woodruff quarterback Jake Lambert. Blacksburg defensive end Gary Dean Moore recovered the fumble at the 25-yard line.

Brown scored on a 1-yard run five plays later to cut the lead to 19-9.

The Wildcats entered halftime with more momentum after stopping Woodruff a yard shy of the end zone on the final play of the second quarter.

"I thought our kids played hard. We felt pretty good about where we were at the end of the half," Blanton said. "Woodruff was able to capitalize on our mistakes."

Woodruff forced three turnovers and scored 28 points to lead 47-9 at the end of the third quarter.

Donnell Gray scored on a 29-yard run following an interception by Gilliam.

Woodruff's Marquise Duncan caught a 13- yard touchdown pass from Lambert for a 33-9 lead midway through the third quarter. The scoring pass was set up by an interception by Dominque Woodruff.

Lambert scored on a 1-yard run on the next Woodruff possession. Phelps had a 20- yard fumble return for the Wolverines last touchdown.

Blacksburg (0-5) travels Friday to play Carolina Academy in Greenville.