The Randolph-Henry High School varsity football team managed a 16-12 lead at halftime, but the Amelia Raiders returned in the second half to defeat the Statesmen 47-30 on Monday night.

Even though R-H led at the half, its second half offensive action was more exciting than the first.

Statesmen standout Joseph Reed threw a 75-yard touchdown pass to Damian Dixon in the fourth quarter, which was the longest catch of the night for R-H. The score was followed by an unsuccesful extra-point attempt.

Reed had an impressive night on the ground too, as he scored a 65-yard touchdown run in the third quarter and a 20-yard touchdown run in the second quarter.

Both Reed touchdowns were followed by two-point conversions; the first on a Reed pass to Fred Blow Tydings and the second on a Dixon pass to Reed.

Reed finished the night with 25 carries for 217 yards, two touchdowns and a two-point conversion. He also went 14-for-23 in passing for 235 yards, threw the two other Statesmen touchdowns and threw a two-point conversion pass.

Dajour Davis scored the last touchdown on a 34-yard pass from Reed. Redd would then score on a two-point conversion run. Davis would end the night with three catches for 62 yards and a touchdown.

Dixon aided the Statesmen with five catches for 130 yards and a touchdown.

Chris Powell had a fumble recovery as well.

“Special teams and turnovers doomed the Statesmen as they piled up 495 yards of total offense, but came away with a loss to Amelia,” said R-H head coach Mark McPherson.

“Amelia opened the second half with a kickoff return for a touchdown and then added a blocked punt for a touchdown, and ran in a fumble for another touchdown. The Statesmen led at the half … but could not hold on to a half time lead.”

The Statesmen varsity football team will return to action on Friday, when they host the Cumberland High School Dukes at 7 p.m.

R-H will not return to their home field again until Oct. 30, when they host Buckingham County High School at 7 p.m.