The Goochland County High School football team beat Wilson Memorial 47-21 in the Group A, Division 2 state semifinals Saturday.
After the Bulldogs scored on their first possession of the game, the Hornets answered with a long touchdown drive, which was kept alive by three fourth-down conversions, and capped off by a Malik Rucks touchdown to give Wilson the 7-6 lead.
Goochland scored back-to-back touchdowns to go up 19-7 late in the first half, but the Hornets connected on a halfback pass from Connery Swift to Mack Cullen to cut the lead to 19-14 at halftime.
The Bulldogs scored the first two touchdowns of the second half.
Swift ran for a short touchdown in the fourth quarter, but Wilson Memorial never got closer than 33-21 the rest of the way.
First-year Hornets' head coach Jeremiah Major says, "We knew it was going to be a battle. We knew they were strong physically, and they're well coached, but I'm proud of the kids. They came out and battled all season. I'm proud of them, and I love them very much."
The Hornets were playing in the state semis for the first time in school history and had never won a postseason game before this year.
"These seniors have set a high standard for this underclassmen," says Major, "and we just have to continue to build off of that. I thank the seniors for all they've done for this program, because we've made great strides, and it all goes to them."
The Hornets finish the most successful season in school history with a record of 11-3.
