New Kent pitches shutout against Jamestown to open abbreviated football season

By Robb Johnson | February 27, 2021 4:10 pm

New Kent’s Joey Campbell (5) stiff arms a Jamestown defender on his way to a 33-yard scamper in the first quarter.

Robb Johnson photo

When John McCauley took over the reins as the head coach of New Kent High School’s football team, he probably never expected that his first season of Friday night lights would kick off the last Friday in February. But the new head coach’s patience and preparation paid off in a trip to Jamestown.

The visiting New Kent Trojans’ defense stifled the hosting Jamestown Eagles, pitching a 23-0 shutout to begin the abbreviated 2020-21 football season.

Rainfall in the game played a factor as both teams were unable to score on each of their opening drives. But New Kent became the first to make an impact behind the decision-making of quarterback Joey Campbell. Campbell scampered 36 yards down the field before adding another 28 yards on another play. Cap it off with a pass to Jonathan Campbell to put them at the seven-yard line resulted in Logan Powell’s tote into the end zone for the first score of the game at the 5:11 mark of the opening quarter.

The visiting Trojans continued to threaten the end zone against Jamestown, but ball possession miscues led to turnovers for the visitors. New Kent eventually shook it off, as Joey Campbell scrambled for 41 yards before freshman running back Aquavious Dunbar carried the ball in for a score from 35 yards out to up the visitors’ advantage 13-0 at the halftime break.

The score remained unchanged until Trojan defensive lineman Wade Grubbs tackled Jamestown punter Michael Allen in the end zone after a bad snap, resulting in a safety and a 15-0 lead. New Kent’s final score came on Powell’s second touchdown on the night, concluding the contest with less than 30 seconds remaining in the contest.

After the game, McCauley commented about team returning to the field and the short amount of time to prepare due to the condensed season.

“We had conditions tonight and we played pretty well, although we had some bad snaps and lost some momentum,” the head coach commented. “We had some mental mistakes, but all-in-all, for only practicing for three weeks, we did well. The kids played hard and I am grateful that we came out with the win.”

New Kent will return to the gridiron on Mar. 5 with their home opener against Warhill.