HS Football: Simpson scores five times to lead Bluefield past James Monroe

The Bluefield junior throws four touchdowns and rushed for another in a 35-27 win

Lindside - Bluefield launched an air assault Friday night to build a lead a commanding lead and then hold off a late James Monroe comeback for a 35-27 win.

The win for the Beavers in the Class AA showdown snaps a two-game losing streak to the Mavericks.

Max Simpson completed 20 of his 30 passes for 235 yards and four touchdowns and had a rushing touchdown to lead Bluefield.

Simpson hit Jordan Hess for a 48-yard score before finding Tylee Simon from 30-yards out to take a 14-0 lead after one quarter.

James Monroe cut the lead in half with a Ryan Mann to Brock Parker 25-yard touchdown catch, but the Beavers quickly answered with a 36-yard Simpson to Jamarius Smith strike for a 21-7 halftime lead.

The lead went to 35-7 when Simpson hit his fourth different receiver for a score, Pax Calhoun, from 11 yards out and then scored with his feet from 36 yards.

The Mavericks tried to claw back with a 73-yard, Mann to Kadyn Hines touchdown pass and touchdown grabs by Wyatt Mann (21) and Bryce Gardinier (23) before time ran out on the comeback attempt.

Mann finished the night with 268 yards passing, while Hines had three catches for 125 yards. Hess finished with 94 yards receiving for the Beavers.

James Monroe (2-1) hosts Liberty Friday, while Bluefield (2-1) entertains Beckley at Mitchell Stadium.