Ball control Blues frustrate Charles City in playoffs

Charles City defenders Jovan Howard (11), Jaelan Cotman (8), Garrett Smith (51), and Jaelen Williams (58) combine to bring down Parry McCluer’s Logan Arthur.

Andre' Jones photo

Charles City’s Panthers aimed for their first football playoff win since 1998, but in order to achieve that feat they would have to slow down Parry McCluer’s Fighting Blues and their talented running back Ryheem Dawson. Unfortunately, neither came to pass.

Dawson accumulated 188 rushing yards and two touchdowns as Parry McCluer (7-4) ended Charles City’s (5-6) season last Friday in Buena Vista.

The Panther defense jumped on Dawson early, forcing him to fumble. However, Dawson would make amends pounding 45 yards on the ground for a score to give the hosts a 6-0 lead. The drive milked nine minutes off the first quarter clock.

Parry McCluer began the second quarter with the ball and once again took advantage of its ground game. Dawson ended a five and a half minute drive with a two-yard plunge into the end zone to up the score to 12-0.

Charles City fought back. Quarterback Avery Jones connected with Jovan Howard on a 22-yard reception. Following a defensive penalty, Jones scrambled for 23 yards.

But the Fighting Blues lived up to their namesake. On third and goal from the two, they stopped Panther running back Tesean Greene on the one from a stacked backfield formation. On fourth and goal, they stuffed Howard, who was at quarterback, and thwarted the drive. Charles City’s last drive in the second quarter ended with a Morgan Henderson interception.

After being forced to punt in the third quarter, the Fighting Blues methodically milked the clock. On third and 19, quarterback Josh Perry connected on his only pass attempt on the night, finding Henderson on a 63-yard reception. Perry would score a few plays later on a quarterback sneak from two yards out, stretching the lead to 18-0.

Panther special teams cracked the scoring column. On the ensuing kickoff, Howard fielded the ball at the 10 yard line and found a crease, escaping down the visitors’ sideline for a 90-yard score. Nils Friese’s placement sliced the deficit to 18-7.

Immediately after scoring, Jones recovered an onside kick for the Panthers. However, the Fighting Blues forced the Panthers to punt to end the third quarter.

Transitioning into the fourth, Parry McCluer’s Logan Arthur broke two defender tackles and scampered 31 yards to the end zone to up the score to 26-7. Jordon Dayo sealed the game late in the fourth for the hosts with a one-yard touchdown run.

Charles City’s offense wasn’t able to produce, only accumulating 96 total yards. Part of the total yards can be attributed to Parry McCluer’s offense. Out of a possible 48 minutes of play, the hosts possessed the ball for 32 minutes, a two-to-one ratio over the Panthers.

After the game, Charles City head coach Steward Greene spoke about the outcome and how frustrating it was to not get off the field on defense.

“Parry McCluer was physically stronger than us,” he said. “They play old school football. They get three yards at a time and manage the clock well.

“They are well disciplined and do the fundamental stuff,” he continued. “They go straight downhill with their running game and it’s difficult to get off the field when they manage the clock well.”

Greene is also saying goodbye to nine seniors from this year squad. Among them are two first team all-district selections in Jones and Jaelen Williams and one second team selection in Howard. Williams finished with 21 tackles on the night.

“I want to thank these seniors for the ride,” said Greene. “These young men have given a lot to this football program and helped pave the way for those who are to follow in their footsteps.”

Charles City now prepares for its move to the Tidewater District, leaving the Tri-Rivers District after being a member for 12 years. Charles City will also renew a rivalry since New Kent is slated for the 2013 schedule.

“It’s going to feel like old times being back there,” concluded Greene.

Charles City——-      0      0      7       0      ——    7

Parry McCluer—-     6      6      6      15     ——  33

1st Quarter

PM (2:08)- Dawson 9 yard run (run fail) 6-0

2nd Quarter

PM (6:38)- Dawson 3 yard run (run fail) 12-0

3rd Quarter

PM (2:01)- Perrt 2 yard run (pass fail) 18-0

CC (1:47)- Howard 90 yard kickoff return (Friese kick) 18-7

4th Quarter

PM (10:58)- Logan 31 yard run (Dawson run) 26-7

PM (:53)- Deyo 1 yard run (Beverley kick) 33-7

Rushing (attempts/yards)

CC- Jones 10/25, Howard 3/17, Greene 3/0.

PM- Dawson 39/188, Long 11/37, Arthur 6/62, Gibson 4/10, Deyo 4/10, Perry 3/0. Spinner 1/2.

Passing (completions/attempts/yards)

CC- Jones 9/18/54, 1 Int.; Howard 0/1/0.

PM- Perry 1/1/63.

Receiving (receptions/yards)

CC- Carroll 4/11, Howard 3/36, Cotman 1/4, Wyatt 1/3.

PM- Henderson 1/63.