CLINCHPORT, Va. – Honaker Tigers football head coach Todd Tiller described Friday’s Region 1D showdown against the Rye Cove Eagles as a heavyweight fight.
Honaker’s Parker Bandy finally delivered the knockout blow.
With one minute and 56 seconds remaining, the 6-foot-1 senior broke loose for a 43-yard scoring reception from quarterback Peyton Musick as Honaker took a 40-32 win.
“We knew Rye Cove was blitzing to try and stop the run,” Bandy said. “I made the catch, hit the hole, and then bounced back around the corner after a great block from Malachi Lowe.”
Bandy punctuated the run with a knee-buckling swim move on the Rye Cove defensive back.
“That a little shimmy-and-go,” Bandy said. “This was one of the best games I’ve ever played in. It was a great environment and I’m glad we overcame the adversity.”
As usual, Musick set a torrid pace for Honaker. The 6-4 junior passed for 305 yards and a school record six touchdowns while rushing for 24 yards.
Bandy finished with eight catches for 77 yards, while three other Tigers collected at least 25 yards receiving
“All our receivers worked out every this day summer with Peyton, and our connections are spot-on now,” Bandy said. “I love this offense and I trust coaches trust us completely.”
Shane Wicks serves as the offensive coordinator for the pass-happy Tiller.
Like most players and fans, Tiller was drenched in sweat after the back-forth brawl.
“Our skill players are football smart,” Tiller said. “They can see things in the defense and we took advantage of that on the last touchdown pass. That was a great job by Parker and Peyton.”
In addition to catching a 49-yard TD pass for Honaker, relentless 5-10 senior running back Aidan Lowe rushed for 119 yards on 12 carries.
Honaker 8 6 6 20-40
Rye Cove 0 12 0 20-32
Scoring Summary
HON – Bandy 3 pass from Musick (Lowe run)
RC – Darnell 6 run (pass failed)
HON – Bandy 10 pass from Musick (run failed)
RC – Osborne 16 pass from Lane (pass failed)
HON – Dye 7 pass from Musick (pass failed)
RC – Jessee 4 pass from Lane (pass failed)
HON – Lowe 49 pass from Musick (Musick run)
HON – A. Musick 47 pass from Musick (run failed)
RC – Barnette 16 run (Osborne pass from Lane)
RC – Barnette 51 pass from Lane (run failed)
HON – Bandy 43 pass from Musick (kick blocked)
Team Stats
Rushes-Yards: H 22-160, R 51-223; Passing Yards: H 305, RC 163; Comp-Att.-Int.: H 18-26-0, RC 7-17-1; Fumbles-Lost: H 2-2, RC 0-0; Punts-Average: H, RC 3-37