National champions

Colonial Beach sinks Panthers playoff run with 40-12 drubbing

After upsetting the sixth-seeded Franklin Broncos, Charles City’s Panthers entered the Nov. 18 contest looking to do the same to a Colonial Beach team they lost to by a mere six points during their regular season matchup. But for the visiting Panthers, a well-rested and prepared Drifter team ended their playoff run. With a combination of 22 second quarter points and a relentless pressure defense, Colonial Beach eased its way into the state quarterfinals with a 40-12 victory over the Panthers, ending Charles City’s record at 6-6. Charles City’s opening drive proved to be the most effective as they matriculated…
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Four Trojans land on All-Conference 25 football first team

Four New Kent Trojan football players have been named to the 2016 All-Conference 25 first team, including one senior who occupies two spots on the roster. All of New Kent’s first team selections are on defense. Senior Bryce St. Clair made the first team at two positions– defensive line and punter. Teammates and fellow seniors Trent Ragland and Hunter Pitts won first team honors at defensive end and linebacker, respectively, while sophomore C.J. Reeders made first team in the defensive backfield. Ragland, meanwhile, is a second team choice on the offensive line. Joining Ragland on second team offense are sophomore…
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Epic 22-point comeback by Charles City stuns Franklin as Panthers win first playoff game in 20 years

During the Sept. 16 regular season contest against the Franklin Broncos, Charles City head coach Steward Greene said he felt an aura despite the setback. But if the Panthers head coach felt the vibe during that matchup, he must have felt like he was in nirvana Friday night. Powered by a never say die attitude, the 11th-seeded Charles City Panthers rallied from a 22-point deficit to upset the sixth-seeded Franklin Broncos 30-28 in the first round of the Group 1A East Regional Playoffs. The win is also the first playoff victory for the Panthers since 1996, ending a 20-year drought….
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Winter 2016-17 high school varsity sports schedules

All home contests listed in bold print; times and dates are subject to change. Charles City High School girls basketball (All games at 7 p.m. unless noted) Nov. 28- Washington & Lee Nov. 30- Southampton Dec. 1- Lancaster Dec. 5- New Kent Dec. 7- Lancaster Dec. 9- Mathews Dec. 13- King & Queen Jan. 2- Northampton Jan. 5- George Wythe Jan. 6- Middlesex (5:30 p.m.) Jan. 9- New Kent Jan. 10- King William Jan. 13- West Point (5:30 p.m.) Jan. 17- Mathews Jan. 20- King & Queen Jan. 23- Southampton Jan. 24- George Wythe Jan. 27- Chincoteague (5:30 p.m.) Jan….
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Charles City’s Jefferson named Conference 42 Offensive Player of the Year

Charles City quarterback Mason Jefferson has been selected as the Conference 42 Offensive Player of the Year. Jefferson accumulated 838 passing yards with 11 touchdowns, while rushing for an additional 564 yards with 13 touchdowns. The senior signal-caller also added three touchdowns from kickoff returns. Jefferson received the nod as first team quarterback and kick returner as well. Joining Jefferson as Conference 42 first team selections are Kyle Jones (wide receiver), Cecil Tyler (running back), and Troy Crawley (linebacker). Second team conference selections are Richard Adkins (offensive line and linebacker), Andre’ Mason (offensive line), Crawley (tight end), and Jones (defensive…
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New Kent’s Jones signs with JMU

Panthers punish Pointers to earn playoff berth

It took the Charles City Panthers the entire opening quarter to get going during a Nov. 4 matchup at West Point. But once the visiting Panthers did, there was no slowing down. Powered by a 20-point outburst in the second quarter, the Charles City Panthers disposed of the host Pointers 48-14 to close out the regular season. But the ending of this game didn’t mean the Panthers would be taking a break. With losses by both Lancaster and Surry County, Charles City earned a playoff berth next week. “This team is really excited about the way we have played these…
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Unbeaten Lafayette rolls past New Kent 42-14

First two possessions out of the gate, Lafayette’s unbeaten Rams incurred 45 yards in penalties, including a personal foul call that negated an 83-yard punt return for touchdown. Both series ended in TDs anyway. New Kent’s host Trojans got one score back, but from there, the powerful Rams pulled away for a 42-14 win. The decision apparently ends New Kent’s football season at 4-6, although an extremely slim chance remains for the Trojans to back into the playoffs provided a few other teams vying in the region suffer losses. “We knew it would be a tall order,” New Kent coach…
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New Kent Middle School Lions win Bay Rivers District championship

New Kent Middle School’s football team earned the Bay Rivers District Championship title with a 20-8 victory over Berkeley Middle School on Oct. 29. The Lions finished the season with a 7-1 record, bringing home the trophy for the first time in school history. The team outscored opponents 269-88 over the eight-game span. “Their desire to be the best and determination to get better each day helped them achieve their goal of a championship set back in early August,” said New Kent Lions head coach Doug Smith in a press release. “Our goal for this year was more than to…
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