JM Struggles in First Half of Championship

At halftime, the James Monroe High School Yellow Jackets are down 24-20 to Brookville High School in the Virginia Division III State Championship Game. 

Brookville has relied on outstanding defensive and special teams plays to stay ahead of James Monroe. The Yellow Jackets, on the other hand, suffered a string of miscues which effectively handed the first half to the Brookfield Bees. 

Brookville got on the board within the first minute of the game, scoring on a 13 yard pass to Chris Anderson. The Bees added another field goal and another touchdown before the first quarter ended to make the lead 17-0.

James Monroe struck back in the second quarter, scoring a touchdown on a 1 yard quarterback sneak from Demontaz Brown to cap off a 7 minute, 14 play, 80 yard drive. 

Unfortunately for the Jackets, Brookville senior Mark Boyd returned the ensuing kickoff 89 yards for another touchdown, bringing the score to 24-7.

James Monroe got the ball back and embarked on another 7 minute, 13 play, 48 yard touchdown drive to get back within 10 points of Brookville. The touchdown was scored on a one yard run from junior running back Eric Nelson. 

On Brookville's next possession, quarterback Kendall Becraft's screen pass was intercepted by James Monroe junior defensive end Roy Robinson at the 26 yard line who returned it to the nine yard line. 

James Monroe used this opportunity to put together a four play goal-line drive which saw Ethan Preston rumble up the middle for a one yard touchdown. The point after was wide left, leaving the score at 24-20. 

In the first half, James Monroe had 11 first downs, 89 rushing yards and 87 passing yards. Brookville had 5 first downs, 10 rushing yards and 63 passing yards. 

Check back with Patch after the game for complete coverage.