In a tough, hard-fought game, the East overcame a scrappy West squad to win a
defensive struggle 7-0. In stark contrast to the higher scoring affairs in
recent years, this game was a battle of turnovers and field position. Neither
team managed more than three first downs on a possession and the end result was
decided by one big play, a 65-yard pass from Kam Chancellor (Virginia Tech via
Maury HS) to Brent Vinson (Hargrave/Tennessee via Phoebus HS) which set up a
6-yard touchdown run by Brandon Minor (Michigan via Varina HS).

The East defense, led by an aggressive defensive line and a smothering pass
defense, held the West to only 194 yards of total offense. East Defensive MVP,
cornerback Jeremy Gardner (Towson via Courtland HS), had two key interceptions,
stopping drives in the first half. A second-half West drive was stopped by a
fumble recovery by middle linebacker Charlie Newman (James Madison via Turner
Ashby HS), who had an excellent game controlling the middle of the defense. In
addition, defensive end John Graves (Virginia Tech via Meadowbrook HS) blocked a
punt for the East after barreling over the up-back, and the East blocked a
51-yard field goal attempt before the half. Defensive end Arthur Moats (James
Madison via Churchland HS) led a fierce pass rush with 1.5 sacks and a deflected
pass.

The West Offensive MVP was quarterback Bobby Owens from Halifax County HS,
completing 5 of 9 passes for 70 yards and rushing for another 33 yards. Owens
split time with Matt Perdue (Appalachian State via Lee County HS), but neither
quarterback could sustain any drives due to the constant pressure of the East
defense. The longest play for the West was a 33-yard pass from Owens to Marshall
Dill (William & Mary via C.D. Hylton HS) that was followed by Gardner’s
interception in the end zone. Wide receiver Tony Spradlin from Salem HS made a
couple of impressive first down grabs, but overall the West offense was
overmatched by the quicker East defense.

Offensively, the East was led by co-MVPs quarterback Kam Chancellor and wide
receiver Brent Vinson. Chancellor completed 13 of 24 passes for 209 yards, and
Vinson caught 4 passes for 131 yards. Chancellor showed good mobility and a
strong arm, while Vinson was clearly the fastest player on the field. The East
controlled the ball in the second half with a couple of relatively long drives,
including the final drive where the East had the ball inside the West 5-yard
line at the gun. Matt Barbour (UVA-Wise via William Campbell HS) showed great
hands, catching 7 or 8 passes and converting a couple of fourth downs. Brandon
Minor and H.B. Banjoman (Hargrave via Warren County HS) split time at running
back, but neither back had much room to operate against a solid West defensive
front.

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