Wyatt’s three touchdowns power Charles City to homecoming win over Middlesex

Charles City punt returner Brian Hicks shows no fear as he splits four Middlesex defenders for a 40-yard return.

Andre' Jones photo

After six contests against opponents who occupied spots in the top ten football polls in their respective division, Charles City’s Panthers knew it would be only a matter of time when those games would reap benefits and success. Homecoming 2014 seemed like the right time for the Panthers.

Jaquane Wyatt punched in three touchdowns as a total of seven Panther players help contribute to the scoring column as the hosts disposed of Middlesex’s visiting Chargers 47-14 to cap off a successful homecoming night celebration.

Wyatt wasted little time finding the end zone for Charles City, rushing for 34 yards on the opening drive, including the final four to give the hosts a 6-0 lead. In the second quarter on fourth and long, Panther quarterback Troy Crawley bootlegged right and threw the ball back left to a wide open Wyatt for a 22 yard touchdown catch. Craig Jones’ placement upped the lead to 13-0 for the hosts.

Even with Wyatt exiting for a break, Charles City continued to roll on offense in the second quarter. Mason Jefferson took a quick pitch and scampered 28 yards for a score to increase the Panther lead to 19. With two minutes left in the half, Crawley connected with tight end Walter Gordon on a wide open 18-yard pass to pad the Panther lead to 26-0 heading into the half.

With the Panthers offensive output finally slowed after the half, the visitors mounted a drive and dug deep into their playbook. Middlesex quarterback Cameron Wells handed the ball to running back Andre’ Campbell. Campbell halted in his tracks and tossed a 20 yard pass to Tre Hooks to put the guests on the scoreboard and narrow the Panther lead (26-7).

But the score by the Chargers backfired immensely as it sparked a Panther rally. With 58 seconds remaining in the third, Crawley connected with teammate Kyle Jones on a 50-yard crossing pattern for a touchdown. A mishandle on the quarterback-center exchange by Middlesex resulted in Panther linebacker David Smith recovering a fumble. Wyatt would run the ball in from one yard out at the beginning of the fourth quarter to increase the hosts lead to 41-7.

More woes plagued Middlesex, as Charles City senior defensive back Devonte’ Strong reeled in his first career interception and returned it into Charger territory. Two plays later, Crawley would scramble across the field 29 yards to give the Panthers their final score of the night. Middlesex would add a late touchdown with less than two minutes to play, but the hosts would finally snap a four-game losing streak with the victory.

After the game, Charles City head coach Steward Greene spoke about the victory on a festive night with many fans in attendance.

“This was a much needed win,” said Greene. “I have the best coaching staff in the world and we did work during the week. We focused on giving our guys confidence in what they were doing and we worked on offense.”

Greene also spoke about the ongoing struggle with unnecessary penalties.

“Once again, we had way too many penalties in the first half,” he added. “I believe we had 100 yards in penalties in the first half, and two of them wiped away scores.

“We got to clean that up, but for tonight we celebrate and focus on King & Queen next week,” he concluded.

Charles City’s record improves to 2-5, while Middlesex drops to 1-6.

Middlesex——– 0 0 7 7 14
Charles City—— 6 20 7 14 47

1st Quarter
CC (9:37) Wyatt 4 yard run (kick fail) 6-0
2nd Quarter
CC (8:01) Wyatt 22 yard pass from Crawley (C. Jones kick) 13-0
CC (4:48) Jefferson 28 yard run (kick fail) 19-0
CC (2:00) Gordon 18 yard pass from Crawley (C. Jones kick) 26-0
3rd Quarter
M (1:42) Hooks 20 yard pass from Campbell (Ruark kick) 26-7
CC (0:58) K. Jones 50 yard pass from Crawley (C. Jones kick) 33-7
4th Quarter
CC (11:56) Wyatt 1 yard run (Tyler pass from Crawley) 41-7
CC (6:31) Crawley 29 yard run (kick fail) 47-7
M (1:28) Hooks 18 yard pass from Wells (Ruark kick) 47-14

Rushing (attempts/yards)
M- Lemon 12/53, Blake 11/10, Campbell 1/1, Wells 14/-46.
CC- Wyatt 21/188, Crawley 3/38, Jefferson 2/34, Tyler 4/26.

Passing (completions/attempts/yards)
M- Wells 6/19/99, 1 TD, 1 int.; Campbell 1/1/20, 1 TD; Lemon 0/1/0, Hooks 0/1/0.
CC- Crawley 9/12/84, 3 TD.

Receiving (receptions/yards)
M- Campbell 4/68, Hooks 3/51.
CC- K. Jones 2/45, Wyatt 2/21, Gordon 2/10, Tyler 2/6, Jefferson 1/2.