Charles City capitalizes off Cumberland fumble to win first home game since 2019

Charles City’s James Harris (4) protects the ball as Cumberland’s Damonte Taylor (12) attempts to force a fumble.

Robb Johnson photo

It’s been nearly six years since fans of football at Charles City County High School got to celebrate a victory on their home field. The long awaited time came to an end Friday night for the Panthers.

A fumble recovery by Charles City’s James Harris followed by a successful conversion proved to be the difference maker as the Panthers defeated the visiting Cumberland Dukes 16-14 in the home opener.

Early on, the visitors out of the James River District were in control of the contest. After Charles City came up empty on their offensive series, Cumberland was able to march down the field and punch in an early score. A subsequent conversion upped the Dukes advantage to 8-0.

After the hosts were once again forced to punt the ball to Cumberland, the visitors made a questionable play call to go for a conversion of fourth down deep inside of their territory. Charles City was able to deny a pass attempt, resulting in the hosts having to go only 20 yards for a score. The Panther stook advantage, as Damian Barnes Jr. connected with Damian Zuidema on a five-yard pass for the home team’s first score. The duo also connected on the conversion, tying the game up at eight apiece with 7:56 in the second quarter.

Cumberland struck back on their next possession, as quarterback Azzari Patterson completed a 49-yard pass to Damonte Taylor. Charles City seemed to bounce back from the big play, as Zuidema broke up another fourth down pass. However, a roughing the passer penalty against the Panthers kept Cumberland’s drive alive. The visitors took advantage of the home team’s error, as Patterson and Taylor connected for a score on fourth and goal, providing the guests a 14-8 heading into the halftime intermission.

The Dukes took possession at the beginning of the second half, beginning at their own 45-yard line. However, it would be the visitors committing an error that swung momentum of the game. A bad snap by the Dukes saw the ball hit and roll on the ground. The visitors appeared to stop playing, assuming the play was dead. But Charles City’s Harris picked up the ball, carrying it 40 yards for a score to tie the game. Barnes would connect with Zuidema on the conversion, providing the hosts a 16-14 lead.

Charles City’s defense began playing with more urgency, as Zuidema’s interception ended Cumberland’s next drive. Charles City began milking the clock but was forced to return the ball back to the Dukes with 2:11 remaining in the fourth after a turnover on downs.

Cumberland had one last attempt to take the lead in the contest. Harris’ sack forced Cumberland backwards for a brief moment before the Dukes was able to gash the home team’s defense to get to the Panthers’ 37-yard line. Patterson completed his next pass for the visitors, but Charles City defenders stacked up the receiver at the 10-yard line. Cumberland failed to get up to the line as time expired, resulting in the Panthers claiming victory.

Charles City Head Coach Sherod Jones talk about the victory, the Panthers first inside Leon C. Miles Memorial Stadium since Homecoming 2019.

“We are glad to get the win tonight,” he said. “It was a hard-fought game, and we came in ready to play.

“We have been working harder in practice and showed up tonight,” Jones concluded.

Charles City improves to 1-3 on the season.