Special teams play swings game, possibly season in New Kent’s favor
A big play in the second half of New Kent’s Oct. 17 contest against York at Bailey Field proved to be the momentum the Trojans needed to swing the game around. And their season.
A blocked punt led to a touchdown for the Trojans, who added a second one later in the contest to conquer the hosting York Falcons 14-9.
After the first quarter ended in a stalemate, York orchestrated a drive midway through the second quarter. Their efforts placed them on the 16-yard line before New Kent’s defense stepped up to halt the attack. York settled with a field goal for a 3-0 advantage.
Just before the halftime break, New Kent’s offense was forced to punt the ball. The kick ended horrendously, with York taking control on offense only 35 yards away from the end zone. This time the effort paid off as the Falcons ran the ball in for a touchdown. The two-point conversion afterwards failed, resulting in the hosts leading 9-0 at the intermission.
In the third quarter, New Kent Head Coach John McCauley elected to punt the ball on fourth and three near midfield instead of going for it. The result pinned York at their own nine-yard line. The Trojan defense halted the Falcons on three plays, forcing them to punt. The Trojans’ special teams did their job, with the kick being blocked and the visitors jumping on the ball. A few moments later, Braylon Simpson connected with Dylan Bowman on a 19-yard pass for a score and cutting York’s advantage to two (9-7).
In the fourth quarter, York attempted to control the clock and keep the Trojans’ offense off the field. The Falcons did all they could do but ended up punting the ball back with 1:42 remaining in the game. Starting at the visitors 33-yard line, New Kent did not panic, using a 17-yard scamper by Nathaniel Christian to get within striking distance of the goal. On the next play, Simpson called his own number, making a move down the sideline and diving into the end zone for a Trojan touchdown with 40 seconds remaining. The placement kick after upped the visitors’ advantage to 14-9.
York’s last efforts moving down the field were denied, as pass break-ups and tackles in the backfield forced time to expire off the clock, handing the Trojans their third consecutive win and keeping their postseason hopes alive.
After the contest, McCauley spoke about the fight his team demonstrated on the road.
“This win means a lot,” the victorious coach said. “These guys keep fighting every week and they are determined to win.
“We have leadership with this young team, and we have to continue to play hard,” McCauley continued. “We have to continue to try and play mistake free football going into next week.”
New Kent improves to 3-4 on the season.