New Kent Charles City Chronicle

News for New Kent County and Charles City County, Virginia | March 28, 2024

New Kent blanks Smithfield to close out regular season with win

By Robb Johnson | November 9, 2019 1:59 pm

New Kent's Logan Powell (33) strips Smithfield receiver Jarleel Jones (11) as teammate Jeremy Hughlett (2) assists on the tackle.

Robb Johnson photo

Needing a win over Smithfield’s Packers and additional help in other contest, New Kent’s Trojans handled their side of the Friday night football contest.

The Trojans held Smithfield to only one first down, shutting out the Packers 28-0 in the Bay Rivers District finale on the road.

After taking a 3-0 lead on a field goal, New Kent signal-caller Nathan Thornton connected with receiver Adam Cable on a 12-yard screen to help up the advantage 10-0.

That score remained the same until the third quarter, when Cable recovered a fumble after Smithfield wide receiver Jarleel Jones coughed up the ball after a reception. The following series, New Kent marched 45 yards down the field, capped off by Thornton’s 19-yard heave to Logan Frederick for a 16-0 advantage.

Thornton’s third touchdown toss of the night, this one to Wade Grubbs, pushed the visiting Trojans advantage to 22-0. After New Kent’s Jamie Jones intercepted Smithfield quarterback Shain Hoover, Thornton called his own number for a 16-yard scamper for the final score of the game.

After the game, New Kent head coach John Fulks reflected on the season and the team for future years.

“Our guys coming back next year have a lot to get done in the offseason,” he said. “We came in and lost some games that we have to be more competitive in.

“Our offseason will be pivotal as we try to develop key roles, especially at our quarterback position,” Fulks continued. “We have a good young team and I want to see the effort in the offseason that we had in season.”

New Kent finished the regular season 5-5.