Football: Loudoun Valley Dominates Woodgrove in Western Loudoun Showdown Before 4,000 Fans

By Carl Lukat
Loudoun Times-Mirror Sports Editor

Purcellville (Oct. 3, 2010 _ The first edition of a Western Loudoun football rivalry between Loudoun Valley and Woodgrove high schools proved to be a one-sided affair Oct. 1. The host Vikings exploded for 35 points in the first quarter and never looked back en route to a 51-0 victory over the first-year Wolverines in front of approximately 4,000 spectators at Leonard Stadium.

Vikes Hoist the Western Cup (photo by Carl Lukat/LTM)

"It's good to have a true rival now," said Valley coach Danny McGrath after his team hoisted the Western Cup trophy that goes to the winner of the annual game between the Purcellville schools. "I think it's good for the town, good for our high school athletic program."

Viking senior quarterback Andrew Taylor delivered touchdown strikes on his first three passing attempts and finished with 191 yards and four touchdowns. Junior Donald Devine rushed for two touchdowns, and senior Joey Druhan and junior Harrison Jackson each hauled in touchdown receptions.

Taylor said there was a buzz at school and in the community all week leading up to Friday's game.

"It was a very hyped up game," Taylor said. "We've never had that kind of rivalry to play against our friends at a close school. It was really exciting to see before the game how the crowd got really pumped up. I was really anxious to get out there and see what we could do. I thought we came out really hard and played well."

Senior David Mellstrom caught a pair of touchdown passes and also ran for a score -- all in the first quarter. Mellstrom, in his first year at Valley after transferring from South Carroll (Md.), has scored nine touchdowns in five games.

"It's great here," Mellstrom said of his new school. "The fan base is amazing. My teammates are all about the team. I'm just enjoying it all."

The Vikings (4-1) have won 10 of their last 15 games since a 1-9 season in 2008.

"You can't take away from what this group of seniors has accomplished," McGrath said. "A couple years ago, 4-1 would have probably been a dream. They put the work in, the effort in and they have earned that 4-1 record. Hopefully, there are a few more [wins] on the way."


Woodgrove recorded it’s first-ever win a week earlier when RJ Warfel converted a 19-yard field goal in overtime to give the Wolverines a 17-14 victory over East Rockingham.

The Wolverines will look to get back on track Oct. 8 at home against George Mason (1-4). Valley will host Osbourn (6-0) on Oct. 9 to begin its Cedar Run District schedule.

“We are focusing on these next five games to get better every week,” Taylor said. “Our goal all year has been to get better. We are hoping to make the playoffs and next Saturday is where it all starts.”

Vikes Hall of Fame 2010 Hall of Fame Class
(photo by Carl Lukat/LTM)

Hall of Fame

Loudoun Valley honored its 2010 Athletic Hall of Fame inductees at halftime of Friday's game.

Robert Larry Potts (1966)
Larry Jenkins (1968)
Patti Page Brown (1975)
Charles Warner (1975)
Mike Sustek (1981)
Suzanne Coburn Throckmorton (1981)
Tena Philbrick Ewing (1988)
Kenny Sims (1988)
Courtney Shomaker (1993)
Ben Cross (2000)
Coach Suzanne Leonard
Contributor Don Rose



Loudoun Valley 51, Woodgrove 0

First Quarter
LV: Jackson 12 pass from Taylor (Kiani kick) 10:59
LV: Mellstrom 13 pass from Taylor (Kiani kick) 6:14
LV: Mellstrom 9 run (Kiani kick) 4:40
LV: Mellstrom 22 pass from Taylor (Kiani kick) 2:46
LV: Devine 3 run (Kiani kick) 1:49

Second Quarter
LV: Safety, 5:25

Third Quarter
LV: Druhan 51 pass from Taylor (Kiani kick) 2:41

Fourth Quarter
LV: Devine 2 run (Kiani kick) 8:43


Individual Leaders

Rushing: W-Ntantang (13 for 38 yards); LV-Devine (19 for 81 yards, 2 TD), Mellstrom (3 for 37 yards, TD), Clarke (11 for 24 yards)

Passsing: W-Workman (0 for 8, Int.); LV-Taylor (13 of 20 for 191 yards, 4 TD)

Receiving: LV-Druhan (2 for 78 yards, TD), Mellstrom (4 for 63 yards, 2 TD), Jackson (6 for 49 yards, TD)

Read more of Carl "Dean of all Loudoun Sports Media" Lukat's great coverage of local sports online at www.loudountimes.com and in their weekly print edition!