Mistakes spoil New Kent’s homecoming game, Tabb emerges with 21-7 triumph
New Kent’s Logan Hodge (16) blocks a field goal attempt by Tabb kicker Jackson Shiflett.Robb Johnson photo
Friday night’s homecoming contest for New Kent’s Trojans was pivotal on many fronts as they needed a win to keep their playoff hopes alive while fighting off a hungry Tabb Tigers team who also were looking to position themselves to earn a postseason bid. But for the hosting Trojans, a dismal performance on offense along with crucial mistakes placed them in a position they did not want to be in.
The visiting Tigers did enough to hold off New Kent 21-7 Bay Rivers District contest, souring the homecoming festivities and celebration.
While the first quarter was scoreless for both teams, Tabb began a drive down the field at the end of the opening frame. At the start of the second, Tabb’s Dimarcus Gantt trotted in from four yards out, capping an 80-yard drive and providing the visitors a 7-0 lead in the early stages of the second quarter. That score would remain steadfast as halftime rolled around.
In the third quarter, New Kent’s offense sustained their most successful drive of the night. After New Kent running back Joseph Batkins runs took the Trojans into their opponent’s territory, quarterback Ashton Whitlow scampered 35 yards for a score to cap off the 73-yard drive to tie the game at seven apiece less than four minutes into the start of the quarter.
New Kent looked to gain momentum after Logan Hodge blocked a field goal attempt by Tabb’s Jackson Shiflett. But that surge didn’t last long as the hosts found themselves on the wrong side of a mistake. A bad snap on a punt attempt resulted in Tabb claiming excellent field position as they exchanged ends to begin the fourth quarter. On the first play of the frame, Gantt plunged in from one yard out to provide the visitors a 14-7 advantage.
Trouble struck again with the Trojans offense. A Batkins fumble resulted in a scoop and score for the Tigers, upping the visitors advantage to 14 (21-7) with 9:52 remaining in regulation. New Kent attempted to move the ball again down the field, but Gantt intercepted Whitlow’s pass and returned it deep into New Kent territory to seal the win for the Tigers.
After the contest, New Kent Head Coach John McCauley voiced frustration and displeasure on the execution of his team’s play.
“They weren’t focused tonight and I believe homecoming was too much for them,” he said. “We have to go back on the grind and hope we can get these next two games and push through to the playoffs.
“I know we can do it and we worked hard all week,” McCauley added. “We just made some mental mistakes again and that is what young teams do. This is just something we have to eliminate.”
New Kent drops to 3-5 on the season.