Colonial Beach sinks Panthers playoff run with 40-12 drubbing

Colonial Beach's Cole Setliff (33) was among many Drifters who made the night long for Panthers' quarterback Mason Jefferson (4).

Andre' Jones photo

After upsetting the sixth-seeded Franklin Broncos, Charles City’s Panthers entered the Nov. 18 contest looking to do the same to a Colonial Beach team they lost to by a mere six points during their regular season matchup. But for the visiting Panthers, a well-rested and prepared Drifter team ended their playoff run.

With a combination of 22 second quarter points and a relentless pressure defense, Colonial Beach eased its way into the state quarterfinals with a 40-12 victory over the Panthers, ending Charles City’s record at 6-6.

Charles City’s opening drive proved to be the most effective as they matriculated the ball at a steady pace over the first eight minutes of the game and into the hosts’ red zone. However, Panthers quarterback Mason Jefferson would be intercepted by Corvion Davis, thwarting the scoring attempt. Neither team was able to score as teams flipped sided of the field heading into quarter two.

But the second quarter saw the Drifters capitalized off their single wing offense. Running back Lamar Lucas took a direct snap and scampered 63 yards down to the Panthers’ one-yard line. Teammate Kindrick Smith toted the ball in on the next play to put the hosts ahead 8-0.

After Charles City turned the ball over on downs, Drifter quarterback Alonzo Turner went airborne, finding Davis on a 37 connection to extend the margin to 14. With 12 seconds remaining until halftime, Turner rolled to his right from the pocket, connecting with speedy wingback Anajai Lewis on a 25-yard hookup to put the hosts comfortably up 22-0.

The scoreboard remained unchanged in the third quarter until Turner elected to call number, using a quarterback misdirection and leaping over a Panther defender to push the gap to 30 (30-0). On the opening play of the fourth quarter, Turner and Lewis unified through the air once again, this time from 25 yards out for a 37-0 advantage for the Drifters.

Charles City removed the goose-egg from the scoreboard with 11:18 in the final frame. Jefferson connected with tight end Troy Crawley on an out route. Crawley was able to shake one defender and received a block from teammate Justin Thomas, springing him for a 65-yard touchdown. After a Colonial Beach field goal pushed the margin to 34 (40-6), Charles City orchestrated one final scoring drive. Jefferson connected with Crawley on a 20-yard connection and followed it up with subsequent runs of 22 and 26 yards. Cecil Tyler’s two-yard touchdown carry accounted for the final points in the game and contest for the Panthers.

After the game, Charles City head coach Steward Greene spoke about the contest and the journey the Panthers had this year.

“You have to give Colonial Beach credit tonight as they were well-rested and prepared for us,” Greene said. “These young men were gassed and it was just too much for us to overcome with the turnaround.

“As I told these guys this year has been a phenomenal ride for me personally,” the coach continued. “The memories and achievements that they provided is something not many can say and I am proud of each one of them.”

As for next year, Greene admitted there is a lot of work that his team will have to do as nine seniors took the field for the final time. Along with Jefferson, Tyler, Thomas, and Crawley, the Panthers will have to replace receiver Kyle Jones, defensive linemen Armani Smith, Steven Crewe, and Deante Seay, along with offensive tackle/linebacker Andre’ Mason.

“These guys started playing for this team as freshmen and watching them grow on and off the field has been something I enjoyed,” Greene said. “But more importantly, these guys changed the culture around here and have put Charles City football back on the map. I expect my underclassmen to return and continue to make this program a successful one.”

2nd Quarter
CB (9:03)- Smith 1 yard run (Lucas run) 8-0
CB (4:01)- Turner 37 yard pass to Davis (pass fail) 14-0
CB (0:04)- Turner 25 yard pass to Ana. Lewis (Lucas run) 22-0
3rd Quarter
CB (1:35)- Turner 39 yard run (Ana. Lewis run) 30-0
4th Quarter
CB (11:55)- Turner 30 yard pass to Ana. Lewis (Dudley kick) 37-0
CC (11:18)- Jefferson 65 yard pass to Crawley (pass fail) 37-6
CB (6:25)- Dudley 35 yard field goal 40-6
CC (4:22)- Tyler 2 yard run (run fail) 40-12

Passing (completions/attempts/yards)
CC- Jeffferson 8/20/154, 1 TD, 2 int.
CB- Turner 3/7/92, 3 TD; Lewis 1/1/9.

Receiving (receptions/yards)
CC- Crawley 3/82, 1 TD; K. Jones 2/33, Thomas 1/29, C. Jones 1/10, Tyler 1/0.
CB- Ana. Lewis 2/55, 2 TD; Davis 1/37, 1 TD; Whiting 1/9.

Rushing (attempts/yards)
CC- Jefferson 19/45, Tyler 10/21, 1 TD.
CB- Lucas 9/167, Turner 19/77, 1 TD, Ana. Lewis 5/30, Smith 6/22, 1 TD; Allison 6/16, Davis 2/12, Setliff 1/3, And. Lewis 1/2, Jewell 2/1.