Batkins barrels into end zone four times as New Kent routs Bruton in Bay Rivers District opener

By Robb Johnson | September 11, 2021 11:01 am

New Kent’s Kevin Pascale (30) delivers a stiff arm against Bruton’s Emory Cherry (14) as he turns the corner on a fourth quarter run for a big gain.

Robb Johnson photo

After a season opening contest that was too close for comfort by New Kent’s standards, the Trojans football team looked to bounce back in Friday night’s home opener against the visiting Bruton Panthers. And the legs of running back Joseph Batkins did just that for the hosts.

Batkins plunged into the end zone on four rushing touchdowns as New Kent cruised toa 44-6 victory in the Bay Rivers District opener for both teams.

Batkins first score came less than four minutes into the contest to provide the Trojans an 8-0 lead. After the hosts added another score midway through the second, Batkins racked up his second end zone visit of the night, scoring from inside the 10-yard line to provide New Kent a comfortable 24-0 lead at the half.

At the beginning of the third quarter, Bruton received its first break of the night as Darrius Brokenberry returned the opening kickoff 75 yards to cut the deficit to 18 (24-6). But that touchdown would be the visitors’ only score of the night as New Kent racked up the next 20 points. The additional scores saw Batkins contributing two more touchdowns on the ground including a 25-yard scamper, and Kevin Pascale also plunging into the end zone for the final score of the game.

While offense stood out for the majority of the game, New Kent head coach John McCauley spoke about the defensive side of the ball being the reason for the game’s success.

“The defense played a heck of a game, and we took what we could tonight,” he said. “We have Cincere Hicks transfer in and at 6’5”, 340-pound guy that is a junior, we have something to build off for the future on the defensive side of the ball.

“Our offense got their blocks, and it is a whole lot better than last season,” McCauley continued. “Going into our next game against Warhill, we must execute better, get rid of sloppy play, and eliminate penalties knowing that our competition will be a little stiffer.”

New Kent improves their record to 2-0.