SALEM, Va. -- The Essex Trojans won the VHSL Class 1 state football championship after trouncing the Grayson County Blue Devils, 22-0, on Saturday afternoon at the Salem Civic Center.
Congratulations to Essex (@EssexTrojan1) for winning the @VHSL_ Class 1 State Championship after a 22-0 win over Grayson County! It's the program's 1st State Title since 2009! @CBS6 #FSFCBS6 #FinalScoreFriday pic.twitter.com/8EH6AgfAYH
— Sean Robertson (@CBS6SportsSean) December 14, 2024
The opening drive for the Trojans featured Keione Hence, who rushed 53 yards for a touchdown. Essex added a two-point conversion and led 8-0 after the first quarter.
In the second quarter, Essex’s defense, which has been stifling this postseason, continued to make things difficult for its opponents. Zion Darby recorded a sack. The Trojans led 8-0 at halftime.
In the third quarter, the Trojans’ defense continued to dominate, with Darby getting another sack and forcing a fumble that Demonte Johnson recovered in Grayson County territory.
This led to a score as Zay Bundy took a direct snap, was initially stopped, but pushed forward across the goal line for a touchdown. The Trojans led 14-0 after a missed two-point conversion.
In the fourth quarter, with the same score, Bundy ran a keeper down the sideline for a 30-yard gain inside the 10-yard line.
A couple of plays later, Bundy called his own number for a touchdown, giving Essex the insurance score as they completed their championship run.
Returning to the title game one year after losing by a point, the Trojans capped off a 14-1 season with their first state championship since 2009, defeating Grayson County, 22-0.
Essex head coach Todd Jones said Saturday was a "big day" for more than just the championship win.
"My oldest daughter graduated from JMU today. I didn't get to be there for her. Congratulations, Peyton," Jones said. "I lost my uncle here last year. Had a massive heart attack right before Gaylax kicked that field goal. That's a lot going through my mind. It's just good to come back and to finish it, it just means a lot."
Bundy said the coach treats his players like family.
"You know coach, he would never miss anything for his daughters," Bundy said. "His family comes first. He treats us like his family. We come first. His daughter means a lot to him."
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