Riverheads wins seventh consecutive Class 1 State Championship, powers past George Wythe 49-27

HARRISONBURG, Va. (WHSV) - On Saturday, Riverheads captured its seventh consecutive Class 1 State Championship with a 49-27 victory over George Wythe.

The Gladiators threw only one pass but racked up nearly 600 yards on the ground. The running back duo of Cayden Cook-Cash and Luke Bryant combined for seven rushing touchdowns. Cook-Cash had 17 carries for 282 yards and five scores while Bryant rushed ten times for 106 yards and two touchdowns.

“This is discipline,” said Bryant. “We start the season when it’s 90 degrees outside and we finish here when it’s 20 degrees out. I love it.”

Although Bryant is a senior, Cook-Cash still has one more year with the Gladiators.

“It feels amazing,” said Cook-Cash. “They’re like family. This is such a great team.”

After the departure of long-time Riverheads head coach Robert Casto, some doubted the future success of the Gladiators program. However, in his first year at the helm of the team, Ray Norcross led Riverheads to yet another Class 1 crown.

“Our kids played hard and played well,” said Norcross.

Riverheads ends the season with its tenth Class 1 State Championship since 2000.

Copyright 2022 WHSV. All rights reserved.