Penalties, big plays plague New Kent as Grafton spoils Homecoming contest

New Kent’s Josiah Reedy (8) watches a pass sail over his head as Grafton cornerback Makale Barnett (11) shadows him on defense.

Robb Johnson photo

Friday night’s homecoming football contest saw a New Kent team that have compiled five straight wins against a Grafton team that continues to improve. For the hosting Trojans who were riding an emotional high after a road win at York, the visiting Clippers put a damper on all celebrating that night.

Grafton built up a double-digit lead after the halftime intermission and coasted to a 29-13 win over New Kent in the Bay Rivers District contest.

After a scoreless first quarter, Grafton was the first team to put points on the board. On the opening play of the second quarter, Clipper quarterback Koy Snyder found receiver Ben Samson on a pass that got over the head of New Kent defensive back Jonathan Campbell to provide the guests a 6-0 advantage.

It wouldn’t be until late in the first half for the Trojan offense to get going. A 40-yard dash by Khoen Christian placed the ball at the 10-yard line with the hosts threatening to score. After a penalty set the team back, New Kent faced a fourth and goal at the six. Quarterback Ashton Whitlow connect with Christian, who escaped out the backfield, for the touchdown. With the placement successful, New Kent led 7-6.

But that lead was momentarily as back-to-back unsportsmanlike penalties called on the Trojans placed Grafton in field goal position. Clipper kicker Emilio Estrada connected on a 27-yard attempt as time expired to return the lead to the visitors 9-7 at the break.

Both teams traded possessions to start the third. New Kent elected to punt the ball after facing a fourth and one deep in their territory. That decision played a pivotal part in the momentum swing as Samson returned the ball to the Trojans’ 25-yard line. Two plans later, Snyder ran down his team’s sideline for 20 yards for another score. Estrada’s placement upped Graton’s lead to 16-7.

On the next series, New Kent’s punt attempt was blocked by Grafton’s Thomas Wilson in the end zone. Clipper Victor Jackson dove on the ball, resulting in a touchdown and grew the visitors’ lead to double digits (22-7).

The transition into the fourth quarter culminated New Kent’s woes, as a fumble deep in their own territory would lead to another Grafton touchdown. The hosts added a late-game score, but the outcome remained the same as the visitors spoiled festivities for the Trojans.

New Kent (3-4) will look to make one final push to the playoffs, beginning with a trip to York County to face the Tabb Tigers.