Smithfield scores touchdown in overtime, dampens New Kent Senior Night festivities

New Kent running back Nathaniel Christian is wrestled out-of-bounds by a Smithfield defender during a third quarter run.

Robb Johnson photo

Friday night’s football contest between the New Kent Trojans and the visiting Smithfield Packers centered on two teams looking for positive momentum. And while the two teams battled to the point where it took an extra session to settle the contest, it would be Smithfield who sent the home team packing.

An overtime touchdown by the Packers offset an earlier score by New Kent, allowing for a 27-24 victory and dampening Senior Night Festivities for the hosts.

Smithfield opened the scoring in the contest, as Kinye Martin scampered 41-yards for a touchdown at the 1:56 mark of the first quarter. At the end of that frame, New Kent tried to execute a trick play with a halfback pass. While the play was unsuccessful, a roughing the passer penalty provided new life for the Trojans. The home team capitalized on the drive in the beginning of the second quarter, as a run by Sir Mimms got the ball down to Smithfield’s 37-yard line. Two plays later, Nathaniel Christian toted the ball for a 36-yard touchdown, with Tyler Hybiak’s placement tying the game up at seven apiece.

The Trojan defense made the next impact, stopping Smithfield on a fourth-and-one opportunity after declining a penalty. It would only take three minutes for the Trojans to register more points, as Jordan Howard’s five-yard carry provided the hosts a 14-7 lead that would last through the halftime intermission.

At the beginning of the third quarter, Smithfield received the momentum they had searched for all night. New Kent punter Ole Lastovka’s attempt was blocked by Messiah Jones deep in Trojan territory. Jones followed suit, scooping the ball up and taking it in from five yards out to tie the game at 14 all.

Transitioning into the fourth, Smithfield’s momentum led to a Ja’Ki Parker to Jakeim Montgomery 13-yard connection to return the lead to Smithfield (21-14).

But just 19 seconds later, New Kent knotted the game again. Christian found a gap in the middle of the Packer defense and scampered 72 yards for a score. With Hybiak’s placement, the game returned to a tie at 21 apiece.

Each team looked to cinch the game winning score in the waning moments of the game. The Packers pushed the ball into New Kent territory before Martin fumbled the ball. The pigskin was recovered by New Kent’s Chase Wilds.

The Trojans furiously drove down the field and found themselves an opportunity to win. However, the field goal was missed, sending the game into overtime.

In high school football, each team gets possession of the ball starting at the 10-yard line. With New Kent on offense first, the Trojans struggled to find the end zone. Hybiak entered the game, converting a field goal to provide the hosts a 24-21 advantage.

The Trojans now had to stop Smithfield from scoring a touchdown to win the contest. However, the Packers were able to find the end zone during their offensive possession, earning the win over the hosts and keeping their playoff chances alive.

New Kent (1-8) will conclude their season on the road on Nov. 3 at Bruton.