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River runs past Magnolia, 35-21

NEW MARTINSVILLE — When one thinks of River, one thinks of “The Lukas Isaly Show.”

Thursday night against Magnolia, the Pilots senior had another spectacular day, but it was much more than him.

Drew Wagnild rushed for 224 yards and two touchdowns, freshman Michael Johnston had two big interceptions and the offensive line opened up huge holes as River went into Bill Stewart Memorial Field and stunned rival Magnolia, 35-21.

“What was impressive was how our line blocked,” River coach Mike Flannery said. “Drew Dietz didn’t catch one pass, but he blocked his butt off on offense. He was hurt all week, blocked his butt off and played a heckuva game on defense. We put that read-option in Lukas, Drew (Wagnild) and Hunter Dennis made the plays they were supposed to. They executed it right and I am really pleased how that turned out.”

Simply put, Magnolia couldn’t stop the read option.

Isaly only had to throw seven times, completing four for 19 yards.

As a team, the Pilots rushed 52 times for 456 yards and five scores. Isaly carried the ball 26 times for 176 yards and two scores.

The game couldn’t have started off any better for Magnolia.

Brooks Parsons returned the opening kickoff 88 yards to put the Blue Eagles in front.

It didn’t last long.

River answered back in three plays, culminating in a 38-yard run by Isaly.

Wagnild gave the Pilots a lead they never relinquished with a 47-yard score with 32 seconds left in the first quarter.

He added a similar run late in the second quarter, this time taking an option pitch from Isaly, stiff-arming defenders along the way to the end zone for a 21-7 lead.

Magnolia quarterback Pat Mirandy drove the Blue Eagles down the field and found Leo Herrick from 9 yards out with 15 seconds left in the half to give Magnolia life.

River quickly took the air out of them.

The Pilots started the second half with a five-play, 66-yard drive that ended with Isaly tip-toeing the sideline and into the end zone.

Magnolia drove the field, but an interception by Johnston put the Pilots in business at the Magnolia 19. Three plays later, Isaly scored from 4 yards out.

Mirandy and Parsons hooked up from 36 yards out for the final score.

“We knew going in that they were a solid football team,” Magnolia coach Dave Chapman said. “Isaly is a darn-good football player and he makes plays. It has been a while since I have seen a kid like that.

“We were out of sync a little early on. Brooks returned that kick, but we never felt like we had any kind of momentum. We tried to get that momentum, we’d shoot ourselves in the foot with a turnover.”

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