Fork Union comeback falls short

By Roger Gonzalez
Published: October 10, 2008

FORK UNION — Simply put, Liberty Christian Academy knows how to win. The Bulldogs can blow you out with their potent passing attack, they can smother a team by excelling with their swarming defense and they can also go up big and hold a lead. They had to hold the advantage against Fork Union Military Academy on Friday.

The reigning state champions remained undefeated, handling Fork Union 41-27 despite a late push from the home team.

LCA fumbled four times on the afternoon and lost the turnover battle. Coach Frank Rocco realized his team was privileged to win with committing so many errors.

“Usually, the team that wins the turnover ratio wins the game,” he said.

LCA (6-0) countered the sloppy play of fumbling on running plays with great quarterback play. The coach’s son, Michael Rocco, was patient in the pocket, going 14 for 18 for 267 yards and three touchdowns.

“Mike has a chance to be a great one,” the coach said. 

The Bulldogs’ offense racked up nearly 500 yards, including several long runs. Desmond Rice had 147 yards on 18 carries for the Bulldogs.

Even with all the statistical advantages, it was the Blue Devils who got on the board first.

Running back Nathan Lundberg took a handoff inside and then bounced outside before plowing over a defender to put Fork Union up four minutes in.

LCA answered back five minutes later when Rocco hit Sam Burgraff from 14 yards out to tie it. Rocco went 5 for 5 for 62 yards on the drive.

Two minutes later, Rocco found Scott Hyland wide open on the right side for a 38-yard score.

Liberty Christian would add four more touchdowns, including a couple of one-yard runs.

“It was a good win by us against a very good team,” coach Rocco said.

Even though the game seemed out of reach, the Bulldogs did not let up.

Jahmeal Quarles-Belt tossed three TD passes to keep the score respectable. However, he only managed to complete 8 out of 21 passes.

Fork Union was forced to pass more after Lundberg exited the game with an early injury.

Next up for LCA is a battle with Hargrave Military Academy on homecoming.

Fork Union (4-4) travels to Collegiate next Friday at 3:30 p.m.