New Kent gets much needed win on gridiron, keeps playoff hopes alive

New Kent’s Logan Hodge locks in on the football as he hauls in a 48-yard pass for the Trojans final touchdown of the game.

Robb Johnson photo

As New Kent’s Trojans sat just outside of playoff contention entering Saturday afternoon’s contest, the visiting Trojans knew they had to win out to even earn the opportunity to make an appearance in the Group 3A Region A playoffs. A trip to Jamestown to take on the hosting Eagles was the first step in the right director.

The visiting Trojans amassed more than 500 yards in total offense as they pounded Jamestown 49-14, keeping their chances alive for a postseason bid.

New Kent only needed two-and-a-half minutes to take the lead, an advantage they wouldn’t relinquish the rest of the way. Joseph Batkins 15-yard scamper provided the visitors a 6-0 lead. Jamestown fumbled on the next series, with New Kent’s Andrew Wallace recovering the ball. Moments later, quarterback Ashton Whitlow connected with wide receiver Logan Hodge from 16 yards out to up the advantage in the Trojans’ favor to 14-0.

Jamestown took its best shot at the beginning of the second quarter, as a touchdown one minute into the frame sliced the visitor’s lead in half (14-7). But New Kent was unphased by the score, as a Batkins 33-yard run set up Whitlow’s one yard-plunge for a touchdown. After Jamestown failed to convert on downs, Ryan Grey trotted in from eight yards out to boost New Kent’s lead to 28-7.

And the scoring before halftime wasn’t done. With 2:05 on the clock, Batkins scored on the ground once again, this time from 62 yards out, shedding only 17 seconds off the clock. New Kent took over possession with less than a minute remaining in the half. Whitlow took to the air, connecting with wideout Josiah Reedy from 55 yards out with 24 seconds until the break to provide the Trojans a comfortable 42-7 lead at the break. Both teams exchanged one score in the second half to round out the scoring in the contest.

New Kent Head Coach John McCauley spoke about the team’s performance after the contest.

“The kids came out and executed and had fun,” the victorious coach said after the game. “This was all about the ground. We are better than what our record stands and I keep telling the kids to keep fighting each week and something will come through us.

“We just have to keep grinding,” the coach added. “Our playoff hopes are still alive, and we have to bring home a win next week against Smithfield.”

New Kent improves to 4-5 on the season.