New Kent squanders double-digit lead, fall to Warhill in football

New Kent’s Nathaniel Christian (3) finds a gaping hole to run through thanks to key blocking from teammates Chase Wiles (2) and Tristen Jenkins (left).

Robb Johnson photo

New Kent High School’s football team looked to be in firm control as they held a double-digit lead in Saturday’s Bay Rivers District contest against the visiting Warhill Lions. But the inability to put points on the scoreboard in the second half doomed the Trojans in the Sept. 28 Saturday affair.

Warhill scored 20 unanswered points as the Lions rallied to defeat New Kent 34-24, keeping the hosts winless on the season.

In the first half, New Kent’s offense seemed unstoppable thanks to the performance of quarterback Stephen Stazenski. Stazenski utilized his feet for two scores on the ground and used his arm to his Micah Mason on a touchdown pass. The result was a 24-14 lead over Warhill at the intermission break.

New Kent opened the third quarter with the ball, looking to drive it down the field. But this time, Stazenski’s pass was intercepted by the Lions. Just a few minutes later, Warhill punched the ball in from eight yards out on the legs of Eric Crane.

After a missed Trojans field goal, it looked like New Kent’s defense would hold for the remainder of the third quarter. Instead, the wall collapsed as a screen pass by Warhill went 75 yards for a score. That touchdown returned the lead to the visitors (27-24) as the fourth quarter began.

After both teams exchanged turnovers, with New Kent being the beneficiary as they were positioned to move the ball down the field. However, a false start at midfield on fourth down pushed the ball back, forcing the Trojans to punt.

Warhill utilized that error along with an unsportsmanlike penalty against New Kent to begin a fourth quarter drive. In three minutes, a 85-yard drive in three minutes culminated in a 24-yard swing pass and a score for the visitors. The touchdown provided Warhill a 34-24 lead, one they wouldn’t relinquish for the final three minutes of the contest.

New Kent continues to search for their first win of the year, falling to 0-4.