Northumberland no match as Charles City rolls, 30-0

Charles City running back Tesean Greene lunges for more yardage as he is brought down by Northumberland defenders.

Andre Jones photo

It had been a month since the Charles City Panthers football team played on its own field. They didn’t disappoint the home crowd.

Despite a 15-minute pregame delay and a slight drizzle towards the end of the game, the Panthers (2-3) poured on the points on their way to a 30-0 shutout of the visiting Northumberland Indians (1-4).

After exchanging turnovers with the visitors on respective opening drives, the Panthers used a heavy dose of the rushing game against the Indians. Jaquane Wyatt’s 33-yard run to the one-yard line led to the first of TeSean Greene’s rushing touchdowns as the Panthers jumped up 6-0.

After a 48-yard punt return by Jovan Howard ended the first quarter, the transition to the second quarter saw Greene with back-to-back runs, the latter going for a score for the hosts opening up a 12-0 lead.

Northumberland began to move the ball on offense, as signal caller Aaron Lewis took two direct snaps and followed lead blockers for two 22-yard carries. The Panthers quickly picked up on the trend as Greene shot through a gap in the offensive line and hit Lewis, forcing a fumble that would be recovered by the hosts’ Khairi Wyatt.

The Panthers moved the ball down the field, as Howard connected with Jaelan Cotman on a 46-yard reception. This led to Avery Jones’ 3-yard catch from Howard and an 18-0 lead.

The third quarter saw the Panthers’ opening drive culminate with a 14-yard Howard pass to Khairi Wyatt. Just before the end of the quarter, Greene would punch in the final score of the night.

The hosts were never threatened in the game, only allowing the Indians into their territory three times on the night. The Panthers’ pressure was relentless as they ended up in the backfield of the Indians on multiple plays. They also started a majority of the night either near midfield or in Northumberland territory.

After the game, head coach Steward Greene spoke about the importance of the win and the team’s two-game winning streak.

“Tonight we executed in all phases of the game,” said Greene. “Our offensive line did a good job blocking downfield, our running backs moved the ball and we were able to have our way.

“This was also a good experience for our younger kids,” he continued. “They got a taste of the varsity atmosphere and it will help this program continue to grow and get better.”
Of one major concern to Greene are turnovers. With district play slated to start next week at Windsor, keeping down the turnovers will be key to victory.

“On Friday night it comes down to personnel and execution,” he said. “We need to do those things that will make us successful on the field and one of those things is taking care of the ball.”

On the night, TeSean Greene rushed for 82 yards and three touchdowns. Howard accounted for 89 yards on the ground and 102 yards in the air. Defensively, Kennedy Greene led the charge for the Panthers with 10 tackles, including two sacks.

Charles City travels to Windsor next Friday to begin its final season in the Tri-Rivers District. The Panthers will be moving to the Tidewater District next year as part of the Virginia High School League’s realignment.

Northumberland— 0 0 0 0 —— 0
Charles City——- 6 12 12 0 —— 30
1st Quarter
CC (3:31)- Greene 1 yard run (run fail) 6-0
2nd Quarter
CC (7:26)- Greene 1 yard run (run fail) 12-0
CC (4:03)- Jones 3 yard pass from Howard (pass fail) 18-0
3rd Quarter
CC (7:19)- K. Wyatt 14 yard pass from Howard (pass fail) 24-0
CC (:54)- Greene 14 yard run (run fail) 30-0

Rushing (attempts/yards)
North- Taylor 10/29, Lewis 8/46, Newman 8/13, Lee 7/21, Jackson 5/21, Cantrell 1/3.
CC- Greene 17/82, Howard 11/89, J. Wyatt 8/60, Carroll 2/7, Strong 2/-6, Cotman 1/7, Johnson 1/2, Crewe 1/0, K. Wyatt 1/0.
Passing (completions/attempts/yards)
North- Newman 6/12/42, 1 Int.; Lewis 1/19.
CC- Howard 6/12/102, 2 TD, 1 Int.
Receiving (receptions/yards)
North- Jackson 5/51, Taylor 2/0
CC- Jones 3/42, Cotman 1/46, K. Wyatt 1/14, J. Wyatt 1/0.