SHENANDOAH – Strasburg head football coach Tripp Lamb has been preaching for his team to start off fast, after some slow starts earlier this season. On Friday night, the Rams started strong and cruised to victory.

The Rams knocked off Page County 35-0 in the Bull Run District season opener for both squads.

“We’ve made it a point of emphasis about coming out scoring early in these games and we did that tonight,” Lamb said. “At the beginning of the year we were coming out flat in some games. But we came out tonight and we got it done early.”

After forcing a three-and-out to start the game and a very short punt by Page County, Strasburg started at the Page County 32. The Rams needed only three plays to take the lead. Strasburg senior Brady Knight scored on a 7-yard touchdown run to give the Rams a 7-0 lead with 9:04 left in the opening quarter.

The Panthers moved the ball to the Strasburg 40 before their drive stalled. Strasburg responded with another three-play drive. Knight once again capped it off with an 11-yard touchdown run to give Strasburg a 14-0 lead with 4:56 left in the first quarter.

“It was good,” Knight said of scoring two quick touchdowns. “We came in here knowing what we were supposed to do and what we had to do – so we did it.”

The Rams needed only two plays for their next scoring drive. Strasburg junior Quincy Williams scored on a 48-yard touchdown run for a 21-0 lead with 2:34 left in the opening quarter.

Strasburg extended the lead on the first play of the second quarter on another two-play drive. Strasburg senior Nate Turner scored on a 24-yard touchdown run with 11:55 left in the opening half for a 28-0 lead.

The Rams (5-1, 1-0 Bull Run) capped off the scoring with a three-play drive. Strasburg senior quarterback Brayden Hough scored on a 3-yard touchdown for a 35-0 lead with 8:39 left in the opening half.

The Rams scored on their first five possessions on a total of 13 offensive plays.

“We played good,” Knight said. “Everybody played good. We got the job done. We had a lot of guys that usually don’t play that got to play, so that’s good too.”

Strasburg played their reserves for most of the rest of the game.

Lamb said it was good to see the younger players get playing time and experience for the future.

“It’s always a lot of fun, because you know how hard that those guys work week in and week out. And they don’t always get the playing time on Friday nights. A lot of people don’t get to see it. Us coaches see it, so it’s extra special when those guys get to play on Friday night. And especially when they have success, it’s really nice.”

The Rams outgained Page County 247-77 in the first half. Lamb said he was really proud of the team for getting a shutout, especially considering how much the younger guys played.

“It’s huge, especially at least the second half we played some guys that have bright futures for us,” Lamb said. “It was good to see them come out and get the shutout and to hold the shutout and play Ram defense. I was proud of those guys. They come to practice every day and they work really hard. And it showed tonight that those guys can play with the varsity football team, and we’re glad to have them.”

Hough went 2-for-2 through the air for 63 passing yards. Williams led the Rams on the ground with 70 rushing yards on two carries. Strasburg had 13 different players with at least one carry.

Page County (2-4, 0-1 Bull Run) was led by Logan Richards with 60 rushing yards.

Page County head football coach James May said junior running back Braxton Pettit did not play due to injury.

“We had a rough week right here at Page County,” May said. “I can’t go into details, but I feel like we lost a little respect of our football team this week. And it really reflected tonight the way we came out and played. A lot of things going against us. Braxton was out tonight. We really thought he had a serious problem when he got injured at practice earlier in the week, but it looks like he’s going to be OK. He’s an important part of what we’re doing.

“I will say this. I’m thankful for our guys that understand what playing hard means, try to do things the right way. We weren’t penalized much tonight. We had talked about penalties and turnovers. They have a quality program, they’re quality human beings – Tripp and those guys. I’m grateful for their understanding of our situation, and I wish them the best going forward.”

The Rams host Luray, who beat Madison County 54-50 on Friday, in their next game and it is also homecoming week.

“Homecoming week is always fun,” Knight said. “We’re going to play Luray next week, and we’re going to have fun and get the job done again next week. That’s all we can do.”