Warhill’s defense stuffs Trojans’ momentum to close out regular season

Warhill's Armond Fannin (3) is able to get around the pursuit by New Kent's Brody Smith (7).

Robb Johnson photo

After clinching its first playoff berth on Oct. 29, New Kent’s football team looked to earn one more win to gain additional momentum before heading into postseason play. Unfortunately, a visit to Warhill resulted in an encounter with a stout Lions’ defense.

Warhill’s defense shined as they held Trojan running back Evan Branch to only 46 yards as the Lions defeated New Kent 21-6 in the regular season finale for both teams in Williamsburg.

The Trojans capitalized in the first quarter by utilizing Branch as a decoy. Logan Powell’s 10-yard run set up quarterback Brody Smith’s 27-yard connection to Joey Campbell. Adam Cable would punch it in for New Kent from two yards out to give the guests a 6-0 advantage.

But with the change in the quarter came an offensive explosion by Warhill. Five seconds into the second frame, Lion running back Armond Fonnin found daylight to the end zone. Moments before halftime, teammate Noah Holmes rumbled his way for six points, bestowing a 14-6 lead to the hosts during the intermission break.

The Lions distanced themselves from the visitors in the third quarter. A march of 57 yards down the field was capped off by Jarquari Johnson’s two-yard touchdown plunge. New Kent’s final attempt to get back into the contest fell short, as a pass intended to Branch wasn’t hauled in, resulting in possession returning to the Lions who milked the clock until time expired.

Trojan Head Coach John Fulks believed his team relaxed too much after clinching a playoff berth earlier in the week.

“I do feel like we relaxed tonight but that is a good football team over there,” he said. “However, this is an exciting time with us going into the playoffs and we will watch the film and operate better on offense.

“The road to four begins to be state champions,” Fulks concluded.

New Kent finishes with a record of 6-4 in the regular season. The Trojans are expected to return to the Tidewater area for an Nov. 9 first round regional contest against the top-ranked Phoebus Phantoms from Hampton.