Although the Randolph-Henry varsity football team held an 18-10 lead at halftime, it was shocked by Central Lunenburg, which came back to gain nine points in the second half to win the game, 19-18.

Both teams played a hard-fought tight game, however, Lunenburg crept back in the end to steal Randolph-Henry’s glory on its home turf.

Central scored the first touchdown of the night, but R-H was quick to answer with a Dajour Davis touchdown reception.

The Chargers were resilient  in their efforts and were fast in putting a field goal on the scoreboard. It wasn’t long before Joseph Reed ran in the endzone for a Statesmen touchdown, and then scored once more on a 27-yard touchdown before halftime hit. 

Unfortunately for the Statesmen, Central got recharged during halftime and put nine additional points on the board to win the game.

“The whole time I have been here I have been preaching toughness,” said R-H coach Mark McPherson. “I knew it was going to be a tough game and very physical. We just didn’t do enough to win.”

Reed finished the night with 12 carries for 87 yards and two touchdowns. He also went 8-for-16 in passing for 125 yards and threw a touchdown pass.

Davis had a touchdown reception, while Fred Tydings had five receptions for 77 yards. Tyquan Beattie followed with two receptions for 55 yards.

The R-H defense was led by Chris Powell with nine tackles and two sacks. Pelyn Mendez also had nine tackles.

The Statesmen will return to action on Friday when they trek to Bluestone High School at 7 p.m. for a district game against the Barons.