Due to a concussion, Landon Nettles had to watch last week’s Brookhaven Academy-Parklane game from the sidelines. Cleared to play Friday night, Nettles steamrolled his way through Wayne Academy’s defense, leading the Cougars in a 41-14 victory on R.M. “Red” Stuard Field.

     Nettles (5-11, 190), a hard-running junior, finished the night with 19 rushes for 144 yards and 2 touchdowns. His tackle-breaking, 14-yard gallop put the Cougars up 28-7 early in the third quarter. A twisting, 43-yard sprint through the Jaguars’ defense on the first play from scrimmage of the second half, set up the score.

     After the game, Nettles received congratulations from friends and family, plus a big hug from his cute girlfriend.

     “It felt good to be out there again,” said Nettles. “I really missed it last Friday. When I got my speed back, I moved my feet pretty good.

     “My line really helped me out. Our right tackle, Travis Thornton, made some good blocks.”

      Overall, it was good night for the Cougars (3-2) who had lost back-to-back games to Simpson and Parklane by a touchdown or less. Next up is a another home game against powerhouse Centreville.

     “Landon ran the ball hard,” said BA coach Tripp McCarty. “I’m proud of our front line. They are working hard. They handled  Wayne’s linebackers. Our defense gave a lot of effort, too.”

     The Jaguars, making the 130-mile journey from Waynesborro, are coached by Teddy Taylor. They remain winless in five games.

     “Wayne had a hard time with our speed and our skill people,” said McCarty. A 3-touchdown, third-quarter barrage put the Cougars up 41-7 with 5:16 showing.

     BA senior quarterback Gage Posey scored on a 1-yard  run. The PAT kick by Kevin Nettles was partially blocked.

     Posey produced another offensive show, completing 6 of 13 passes for 108 yards. He threw a 16-yard TD pass to wide receiver Matthew Evans. Posey also rushed 6 times for 65 yards and 2 TDs.

     Playing a safety position on defense, BA’s Heath Hickman alertly picked up a fumble by Wayne quarterback Blake Pugh and returned it 26 yards to paydirt. It pushed the score to 35-7.

     The scoreboard was inoperative and time was kept on the field. That didn’t slow down the Cougars who took a 21-7 halftime lead. They drove 81 yards in 11 plays on their first possession of the game, climaxed by Nettles scoring on a 1-yard plunge. A 39-yard completion from Posey to wide receiver Seth Rushing highlighted the drive.

     Evans made the catch and cut back across the field, picking up blocks along the way to the end zone. Posey later scored from 7 yards out on an option.

     The Jaguars, unable to establish a passing attack, relied on the runs of tailback Matthew Trigg to administer their offense. Trigg rushed 17 times for 66 yards and a TD. Justin Jenkins rushed 9 times for 58 yards and a fourth-quarter TD.

     On defense, the Cougars were led by senior lineman Colby Culbertson who made 7 tackles. Tramel Shedd  had 6 tackles. Garrett Pace and Taylor Ruttland each had 5.5 tackles.