Young dons title as first female football player at Charles City

Running down the field on kickoff, Charles City’s number 66 engages with a Mathews’ defender. With the contact, she frees up a teammate to make a key tackle on the return man. That’s right. She. Charles City freshman Tessa Young is the first female athlete to play for the Panthers’ football team. Young, who spent most of her time on junior varsity this year, saw her first varsity action at Mathews County on special teams during the Oct. 30 match-up. But Young is no stranger to playing with the boys. And the opportunity to perform on the gridiron started five…
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Panthers dismantle West Point in 50-0 Senior Night victory

Charles City’s Panthers welcomed the visiting Pointers of West Point as part of Senior Night festivities. And while the eight seniors had their time to shine, it was big plays from junior quarterback Mason Jefferson that left the visiting Pointers breathless. Jefferson accounted for six touchdowns for the hosts as Charles City blanked West Point 50-0 in the Nov. 6 season finale for both teams. Charles City moved in front to stay at the 2:36 of the first quarter. Behind the offensive line of Charles City, Jefferson took a snap and kept the ball, scampering 77 yards for a quick…
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Cox announces retirement as New Kent High School varsity baseball coach; JV coach Kuper named as replacement

Ronnie Cox, the longtime varsity baseball coach at New Kent High School, is stepping down from the position. Michael Kuper, last season’s JV coach who is a New Kent graduate and played baseball for the Trojans during his high school career, has been elevated to the varsity post. Cox has served as head varsity coach for 14 seasons and has been involved with New Kent’s baseball program for 19 years, starting out as an assistant and coaching on the JV level. His 2013 team won the Bay Rivers District regular season title, and the 2014 edition advanced to the regional…
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New Kent football season ends at powerful Lafayette

The final curtain fell Thursday night on New Kent’s 2015 football season. As expected, Lafayette’s unbeaten Rams rolled to a 48-12 victory. But the visiting Trojans’ performance was not without its bright spots. “I think we did some good things at times,” said Trojan head coach Clark Harrell, whose team ended its season at 2-8. “We battled them, and we didn’t lay down,” he said. “I kind of thought we’ve evolved this year and battled all year so that we’re not that far behind a lot of teams in this district.” One positive note was senior running back Davion Barnes…
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New Kent ousted in volleyball tournament opener

Less than two weeks ago, New Kent’s host Lady Trojans surprised Warhill’s Lions, taking three of five sets in a stunning volleyball regular season upset. Monday night in the opening round of the Colonial Conference 25 tournament, the defending 3A state champions made sure a repeat did not take place on their floor. With the tourney opener deadlocked at a game apiece, the match turned into a rout, thanks mostly to Warhill’s dominance at the net. The Lions advanced with a 25-17, 19-25, 25-12, 25-7 win. “We had nothing to stop them on the front line,” said Lady Trojan coach…
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Tyler’s plunge propels Panthers to second straight win

Charles City running back Cecil Tyler didn’t get his number called a lot during Friday night’s contest at Mathews County. But when he did, he made sure it counted where it mattered the most; the scoreboard. Tyler’s two-yard dive as time expired lifted the visiting Panthers over the host Blue Devils 38-32 in the Tidewater District contest. The victory is Charles City’s second in a row after starting off the season 0-7. Charles City had an opportunity to deter Mathews in the early going. Facing fourth and goal at the 28 on the opening drive, Blue Devils quarterback Thurman Hudgins…
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Overall champion

Allen named MEC volleyball player of the week

Karley Allen, a former volleyball standout at New Kent High School and current member of the UVA-Wise women’s volleyball team, was named Mountain East Conference Volleyball Player of the Week for the week of Oct. 12-18. Allen registered 73 kills and 68 digs over a four-match period. She also tallied seven service aces and seven assists. She achieved a career-high with 27 kills and matched a career-high in digs with 30 in a match against Urbana University. Allen has helped lead the Lady Cavaliers to a 12-9 record overall and a 7-1 record in the conference.

All-American invitation

Second half collapse ruins New Kent’s homecoming

A disastrous second half — notably being unable to either stop Warhill’s ground attack or mount a successful series on offense — spoiled New Kent’s homecoming celebration. The visiting Lions scored three rushing touchdowns following Friday night’s halftime festivities. The defense then limited the host Trojans to 18 total second half yards and two first downs on the way to a 27-0 shutout. Warhill’s defense concentrated on New Kent’s Davion Barnes, holding the Trojan running back under 100 yards for the first time this season. He finished with 93 yards on 15 carries and had only four touches after the…
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