Le'Troy Alexander scored a touchdown with about 2 minutes to play, and Meadowbrook went for the lead. But the two-point pass attempt was caught out of bounds and Thomas Dale, No. 9 in The Times-Dispatch Top 10 prep rankings, prevailed 14-13 last night in a Central District matchup.

After a scoreless first quarter, Torrean Crowell (12 carries, 74 yards) dashed 20 yards for a touchdown as the Monarchs struck first.

The Knights, shut out in the first half, got the offense going when quarterback Howard Spencer raced into the end zone on a 22-yard run. Spencer was 3 for 9 for 42 yards and had 32 yards on six carries.

In the final quarter, Tyqun Oxendine (16 carries, 102 yards) put the Knights (2-0, 3-2) on top with a 22-yard touchdown run.

On the ensuing scoring drive, Alexander provided a key play with a 35-yard run. His 2-yard touchdown gave Meadowbrook (0-2, 2-3) a chance, but the 2-point attempt failed. Alexander rushed for 148 yards on 25 carries.

The Knights' defensive unit was led by junior linebacker Malcolm Piggott (11 tackles) and senior defensive end Rashad Delenia (12 tackles, sack).

The game was played last night with bad weather in the forecast for tonight and Saturday.

Meadowbrook ------------------------- 0 7 0 6 -- 13
Thomas Dale ------------------------- 0 0 7 7 -- 14

M -- Torrean Crowell 20 run (Andre Harrison kick)

TD -- Howard Spencer 22 run (Jonathan Kuda kick)

TD -- Tyqun Oxendine 22 run (Kuda kick)

M -- Le'Troy Alexander 2 run (pass failed)