Warhill’s ground game runs over New Kent’s defense

New Kent’s Logan Frederick tries to break the grasp of Warhill’s Logan Mooney after a completed pass.

Robb Johnson photo

Unable to stop the ground and pound attack of the visiting Warhill Lions, New Kent’s Trojans found themselves on the wrong side of the scoreboard Friday night.

Powered by more than 300 rushing yards, Warhill dominated New Kent 36-6 in the Bay Rivers District clash at the Ed Allen Jr. Athletic Complex.
New Kent’s defense stuffed Warhill’s ground game in the first quarter, preventing the visitors from putting points on the scoreboard. However, the hosts would continuously hinder themselves, including a block in the back that stalled an early second quarter drive.

A short punt provided much needed field position for the Lions, as Michael Akpan’s one-yard plunge provided the guests a 6-0 advantage. On Warhill’s next drive, Apkan raced 60 yards down the field for another touchdown. A two-point conversion provided a 14-0 lead to the guests. A failed field goal attempt by Trojans kicker Luke Broze prevented any points on the board for the hosts heading into the halftime intermission.

New Kent’s lack of offense in the second half only made matters worse as Warhill began to find its groove. With only 61 yards on the ground, New Kent’s lone bright spot was a Wade Grubbs to Hayden Smith 12-yard touchdown toss in the fourth quarter. But by that time, the Trojans were 22 points in the hole (28-6) before a late Warhill score sealed the game.

New Kent head coach John Fulks commented about the tough loss to a much more dominant Warhill team.

“We weren’t really battle tested in the first two games and you really don’t know what you have until you get a real test,” he said. “We got a test tonight and we failed that test.

“We tried a little bit of everything, but we saw some concerns that I had in the preseason that didn’t show up until today,” Fulks continued. “Similar to our scrimmage [at Fork Union], it was a team that we didn’t want to tackle tonight. We have to tackle better and put the guys in the right spots because we have a lot of new guys. Warhill is just a different team than what we faced so far this year.”

New Kent falls to 2-1 on the season.