Prince Edward County High School’s varsity football team took on undefeated Goochland High School on Saturday afternoon, challenging the host Bulldogs early, but their surprising versatility helped them claim a 38-8 victory.

The game was played Saturday to avoid heavy rain Friday night.

“I think our guys came out, played well,” Eagles Head Coach James Ford said. “… We played them close for a while. They had a really good second quarter, and that was the difference, basically, in the ballgame. The score at the end of the first quarter was 0-0, and the second quarter, they broke tendency on us, and they threw for four touchdowns.”

Usually run-heavy Goochland led 28-0 at halftime.

“We couldn’t be explosive in our special teams game,” Ford said. “We only had one kick return, and that was for about 42 yards, but their kicker negated our special teams game …”

Prince Edward was not able to score until the fourth quarter when freshman quarterback Nate Reed connected with senior wideout Rah’Quan Payne for a 97-yard touchdown. Payne also threw for 45 yards and ran for a two-point conversion.

Ford said the Eagles (3-6) could possibly still reach the Region 2A playoffs with a win Friday against visiting Buckingham County High School (5-4) and some help from other teams.