Alleghany Cougars Fall to Riverheads Gladiators Under Friday Night Lights By Jennifer Bailey Staff Writer   Covington, VA (Oct. 23, 2026)— On Friday evening, October 23, the Alleghany Cougars faced off against the Riverheads Gladiators at Boodie Albert Stadium on Hall of Fame Night. The game kicked off at 7:00 p.m. and unfolded into a hard-fought battle for Alleghany. Ultimately, the Gladiators emerged victorious, defeating the Cougars with a final score of 42-27. The football game began with Alleghany receiving the ball, but their momentum was quickly halted by a Riverheads interception with 9:33 on the clock in the first quarter. This early turnover seemed to set the tone for the Gladiators' defense who went on to secure a second interception just eight minutes later. The first quarter would conclude with the Gladiators taking a 7-0 lead over the Cougars. The second quarter saw the Gladiators extending their lead with an early touchdown, followed by one additional touchdown before the half. The Cougars responded with a single touchdown, scored by Buddy White, with just 13.9 seconds left on the clock in the second quarter. Despite their efforts, Alleghany ended the first half trailing 21-7 to the Riverheads Gladiators. Both teams seemed to enter the third quarter with newfound determination. Each secured a touchdown, with Buddy White adding another touchdown for Alleghany. However, the third quarter concluded with the Gladiators maintaining their lead, 28-14, over the Cougars. In the final quarter, both teams demonstrated a surge in their offensive games, each scoring two more touchdowns. For Alleghany, Colton Jack and Buddy White each contributed one touchdown. The Cougars also successfully executed an onsides kick that led to White's score, but it wasn't enough to close the gap. The Gladiators maintained their lead, ultimately defeating the Cougars 42-27.

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