Penalties hurt Panthers as Drifters coast to 35-6 win

Charles City defenders Cecil Tyler (2), Alex Daniels (12), Mason Jefferson (4), and Charles Vaden (on ground) converge on Colonial Beach running back Lamar Lucas to force a turnover on downs.

Andre' Jones photo

Keying on Colonial Beach’s star running back Lamar Lucas, Charles City’s Panthers swarmed to the sophomore every time he touched the ball, shutting him down for a majority of the night. But it was a slew of penalties and a stagnant offense that doomed the host Panthers.

The visiting Drifters took advantage of a short field as they cruised by Charles City 35-6 in the hosts’ final non-district contest of the season.

Early in the Oct. 3 contest, Lucas lived up to expectations as the 1A East Regional top rusher, scampering for a 50-yard run down the sideline. His run set up Carter Foster’s one yard plunge and a 6-0 Drifter lead.

Charles City’s offense failed to muster any yardage in the opening quarter and resulted in taking risks, including failing a fourth and short deep in their own territory. But the Panthers’ defense rose to the occasion, preventing the Drifters from finding the end zone.

Late in the second quarter, Charles City’s defense along with a Colonial Beach penalty forced a fourth and 36. Drifter punter Nick Graves was hit on the punt by a Panthers’ defender, resulting in a roughing the punter penalty and an automatic first down. Two unsportsmanlike penalties on the hosts placed the ball at the 20-yard line. Lucas would string together two consecutive runs, his last going for nine yards and a score, giving the guests a 12-0 halftime lead.

Colonial Beach continued to take advantage of a short field. After a failed Panther onside kick to start the half, Lucas would punch in a nine yard run to up the visitors’ advantage to 20-0. Panther fullback Charles Vaden would fumble on the next possession, leading to a Chance Roy recovery. Less than three minutes later, Roy would toss a three yard pass to Cameron Headley to give the guests a 27-0 lead closing out the third stanza.

Colonial Beach punched in another touchdown early in the fourth frame, with Graves keeping the ball from his quarterback position and scampering 17 yards in front of the Panthers’ sideline. The Panthers avoided a shutout, when quarterback Troy Crawley connected with receiver Mason Jefferson for 55 yards.

After the game, head coach Steward Greene spoke about the penalties the Panthers endured throughout the night.

“Those penalties killed us tonight,” said a disappointed Greene, pointing to nine first half penalties that resulted in 70 yards. “They played a major factor in the field position game.

“Defensive wise, we executed our gameplan,” he continued. “But when we had the ball on offense and didn’t have good field position, we stalled on offense.”

Greene also spoke about how his team will work on nullifying any future penalties in future games.

“I have a great coaching staff and a good group of kids,” he added. “We have to get together on one accord and work as one like mind. Only then will we see the benefits and results that we desire.”

Charles City drops to 1-4 on the year, while Colonial Beach improves to 4-1.

Colonial Beach—– 6 6 15 8—-35
Charles City——–0 0 0 6—– 6

1st Quarter
CB (6:32)- Foster 1 yard run (pass fail) 6-0
2nd Quarter
CB (1:39)- Lucas 9 yard run (run fail) 12-0
3rd Quarter
CB (6:14)- Lucas 9 yard run (Headley run) 20-0
CB (2:14)- Headley 3 yard pass from Roy (Graves kick) 27-0
4th Quarter
CB (10:15)- Graves 17 yard run (Roy run) 35-0
CC (4:32)- Jefferson 55 yard pass from Crawley (pass fail) 35-6

Rushing (attempts/yards)
CB- Lucas 25/171, Roy 13/68, Headley 13/43, Graves 4/29, Parker 3/17, Foster 5/11, Smith 1/7, Thomas 1/-12.
CC- Wyatt 5/20, Vaden 1/10, Johnson 1/5, Crawley 9/1, Tyler 5/0, Jefferson 2/-14.

Passing (completions/attempts/yards)
CB- Roy 2/3/20, 1 TD; Lucas 0/2/0.
CC- Crawley 5/15/103, 1 TD.

Receiving (receptions/yards)
CB- Parker 1/17, Headley 1/3.
CC- Jefferson 2/72, Wyatt 2/25, Tyler 1/6.