By Zach Long
Thomas Dale 56, Colonial Heights 7
The Thomas Dale “Dark Zone” defense continues to impress in a 56-7 victory over Colonial Heights. The Knights only needed 39 snaps on offense to score 56 points, as the defense racked up three touchdowns. The Knights have scored 44 points on defense this season, more than the offenses of three teams in the area. Coach Kevin Tucker acknowledged just how important those kind of numbers are.
“Give our defense all the credit in the world,” Tucker said. “We only had 39 snaps on offense tonight, and that just tells you that our defense was playing lights out.”
To start the game, Thomas Dale quarterback Matt Lawton took his first snaps of the season after being sidelined by injury. The offense did not have an ideal start, going three-and-out, but that would not matter. Brent Williams picked off Colonial Heights quarterback Terry Lufsey and went 55 yards. Running back and linebacker Max Oxendine got a piece of the action as well with an interception, returning it 61 yards for the score. Elijah Burns would get his chance in the second quarter, running another interception back for a long 87 yards and the score.
Freshman running back/wide receiver Chris Tyree got the ground game rolling for the Knights in the first half. He scored three times, once on a beautiful 27-yard pitch to the outside. He would finish with 82 yards on six carries for the night. Brian Davis would roll in for a score before halftime as well, adding to the Knights’ total of 49 points when heading into the locker room. The Dark Zone would not pitch a shutout, however, as Rayquan Rodgers connected with Brandon Smith for a 42-yard score right before the half for the Colonials.
The scoring would ease up in the second half as the Knights would only find the end zone once in the third quarter, by way of another Brian Davis run. In his return, Lawton went 2 for 3 for 26 yards, as the running attack was all the Knights needed. With Lawton back, the Knights add another dimension to how they can score.
“Each week he’s gonna get a little bit better,” Tucker added. “and improve a little bit more, and once he gets back to his midseason form from last year, we’re gonna be really good offensively.”
Thomas Dale improved to 3-1 and will travel to Prince George next week for a showdown with the Royals. Colonial Heights fell to 0-4, and the Colonials could have a tall task against them next week, as they face Meadowbrook to try and earn their first win.
By Cameryn Marrow
Meadowbrook 23, Petersburg 0
Two weeks ago, Meadowbrook had a matchup with the defending 5A state champions Highland Springs.
The Monarchs, who came away with the improbable victory, proved that no matter the competition, their defense is a force to be reckoned with.
This week, Meadowbrook took on visiting Petersburg and again dominated the field on defense, defeating the Crimson Wave 23-0.
In the first quarter, the Crimson Wave was able to keep up with the Monarchs, also making some great defensive plays, making it a little challenging for the Meadowbrook offense. However, after the first touchdown of the night made by Jeremiah Medina, Meadowbrook found its rhythm and shut down Petersburg. Meadowbrook’s Cameron Bullock completed 10 of 18 passes for 159 yards. Medina, a speedy senior, had 90 yards receiving and rushed for 42 yards. On defense for the Monarchs, Dontez Braxton had 10 tackles and three pass break-ups. Defensive tackle Dre Giles turned in a big day with nine tackles and three sacks, while Jesson McCray added six tackles and broke up two passes.
For Petersburg, Chris Garris and Huckevee Bailey both had eight tackles and three sacks.
Next week Meadowbrook (2-2) will take on Colonial Heights (0-4) at 7 p.m., and Petersburg (2-2) will take on Matoaca (2-2) at 7 p.m.
By Onyx Lee
Matoaca 22, Prince George 20
There was a royal battle in Prince George on Friday night.
Matoaca, with its variety of respected offensive weapons, visited the Prince George Royals, and their main weapon Malaki Gurley.
Coming into Friday’s game, both teams were fresh off of 40-plus point wins in Week 3, so offensive highlights were sure to be expected. Early on, it looked to be just the opposite, as both defenses held their ground against the many notable athletes on both sides of the ball.
The Royals broke the scoring drought late in the first quarter on a bomb from Edward Walker to Keith Brown, who had five receptions for 162 yards. However, on the next possession, the Warriors would answer with a sideline throw to Jarrod Mosby for his only reception which resulted in a 72-yard touchdown. They seemed to wake up not only the Warriors’ defense in general, but defensive back Tre’von Stewart in particular. The Hermitage transfer put up athlete-of-the-week numbers with three interceptions and a fumble recovery to go along with 72 yards receiving on offense.
Another notable Warriors transfer took care of things on the rushing attack for the visitors; Jeremiah Carter tallied 78 yards and a touchdown.
The Royals would not go out without a fight after being down 22-7 with time winding down in the third quarter. The workhorse for Prince George, last year’s quarterback and now running back Malaki Gurley produced 127 yards on 37 carries. Keith Brown seemed to sneak open off a slant to bring the score to one possession late with his second touchdown in the fourth. With the win, Matoaca improved to 2-2 on the season and will need the momentum as it faces Dinwiddie this Friday. Prince George, which evened its record at 2-2, will travel to Chester to play Thomas Dale.
By Harrison Louis
L.C. Bird 64, Clover Hill 7
One week is sometimes all it takes to turn things around. That was the case for L.C. Bird as they rolled over Clover Hill 64-7.
After losing a tough game at home last week to Manchester, the Skyhawks went on the road and dominated. The L.C. Bird defense forced two turnovers early forcing a fumble and grabbing a fast interception. With the Skyhawks defense playing at an elite level, they also displayed an unbelievable run game with all four running backs combined for an amazing number – 440 yards.
L.C. Bird’s top running back Shedrick McCall led the team with 11 carries, 195 yards, and four touchdowns, Devonte Wright finished up with 80 yards including a 58-yard touchdown and Rakei Pope finished the game rumbling his way for 111 yards and two touchdowns.
Andre Crawley led the way for Clover Hill scoring the lone touchdown on a kickoff return.
The Skyhawks (3-1) will return home to face the undefeated Monacan. The Cavaliers (0-3) will go on the road and face Cosby (2-2) who last beat Midlothian 34-20 on September 16.
