Mike
The long return by Jones was called back for a block in the back. The other penalty was a personal foul on a crack back block behind the play. It is my understanding that this is a point of emphasis this year with the VHSL. The block was senseless. It was one of those big hits that everyone oohs and aahs about but they're dangerous. The kid that got hit was out of the play completely. It was a clean hit but again it's against the rules.
I thought Salem's ones did a very good job on both sides of the ball until the first drive of the second half. We came out flat and they took it to our butts. Good coaching point. The patched up Mules did well.
On the personal foul for unnecessary roughness it is as you say a point of emphasis. In fact I believe it is actually a new rule about hitting a defenseless player(not sure what it is called) but, intended just as you described to prevent that knockout hit. Maybe one of the referees on the board can clarify further. Both calls on the returns were accurate IMO and both fouls were unnecessary as the offended kids were well behind the play and nobody was catching the ballcarriers.
A good showing for both team's offenses IMO, however, JF is going to have to at least be a threat to pass the ball if they are to make noise against good teams in November and December as the first string QB didn't really appear to be a threat to throw accurately last night. Good playoff opponents seeing film of last night can man up with their DB's, out 9 in the box and dare JF to throw. Salem needs to keep Beckley upright and healthy as he throws a nice ball and has weapons at all the skill positions. Salem has the skill to have a nice run/pass mix IMO. Maybe the offenses of both were just that good but, I think both defenses will have to get much better(they can as it is early and a benefit game) for either team to be a big threat beyond the state quarterfinals. Again, it was a benefit game three weeks in to August and the above is a current opinion that can and probably will change as the year progresses
