Charles City’s spark fades as lightning delay, Northumberland thwarts momentum

Charles City’s Jamil Roberson (left) battles through a tackle by Northumberland’s Camden Brann (right) in the third quarter.

Robb Johnson photo

Charles City High School’s offense struck fast as lightning as they faced off against the visiting Northumberland Indians Friday night. But a lightning delay forced a continuation of the contest into Monday evening, resulting is the Panthers’ spark fading fast.

Charles City fell to the visiting Northumberland Indians 41-6 in the non-district affair that covered a two-day span.

On Friday night, the Indians took their opening drive down the field, with Lyndon Williams’ 10-yard run assisting the visitors in earning a 7-0 lead.

But Charles City relied on two of their senior athletes to make a play. Two minutes later with the hosts on offense, quarterback Joseph Simms connected with Damian Zuidema on a 60-yard pass play for a score. Charles City failed the two-point conversion, finding themselves trailing 7-6.

Northumberland required on their next offensive play as a 57-yard run increased their lead to 14-7. Charles City would hold onto the ball before a lightning delay at 10:45 remaining in the second quarter forced the game to be pushed back to Monday.

When play resumed Monday evening, Northumberland’s defense stalled the Panthers’ drive. The visitors would make amends, marching 74 yards down the field with a jet sweep carry by Zion McKinley-Arthur increasing Northumberland’s lead to 14 (20-6).

The offensive onslaught continued as the Indians piled on two touchdowns. The first touchdown was a 30-yard toss by Ty Jones to Williams with 3:55 remaining until the break. With 51 seconds remaining, a screen pass saw Jemaris Barber race to the end zone. By the time intermission arrived, Charles City found themselves behind 34-6.

In the second half, the Panthers’ offense and struggles continued to be evident as miscues and self-inflicted errors resulted in turnovers. Meanwhile, Williams added another touchdown for Northumberland, increasing their lead to 41-6 and triggering a running clock. That score would be the last of the contest.

Following the game, Charles City Head Coach Michael Logan talked about what he needs to do to turn the program around.

“We have to continue to change the culture and everyone has to buy in,” he said. “That means from the top on down and if that happens, the culture can change and we can be better.”

Charles City falls to 0-2 on the season.