Louisa County students have to learn in makeshift classrooms now due to the damage caused by an earthquake.
Photo by Shane Mettlen
The vandals had the unintended effect of helping transform Louisa's grief into anger.
By the time the Lions and visiting Orange County took the field, 4,000 fans packed "The Jungle," the school's football stadium, eager to see the pride of Louisa County. They were whipped into a frenzy as it quickly became a rout.
Touchdowns, which came early and often, were celebrated with cannon booms, fireworks and a flame-breathing lion statue. Occasionally the live lion mascot, Bubba IV, roared his approval. By the time the first quarter ended Louisa had 21 points. Orange didn't have a first down.
"It was just a major adrenaline rush after the earthquake and losing the school," senior running back
Andre Mealy said.
Mealy rushed for 169 yards and two touchdowns and the normally soft spoken senior wasn't holding back following the 48-21 victory.
"The incident that happened this morning, that was just throwing fuel to the flame. After the ball was kicked off we erupted and showed Orange what's up."
And gave folks in Louisa a much-needed thrill in the process.
Shane Mettlen is a freelance sports writer in Virginia who covers high
school and college sports. Follow him on Twitter @ShaneMettlen.
