Over and done: Charles City snaps 34-game football losing streak with thumping of Mathews

Charles City’s Damian Barnes Jr. (3) turns the corner around the lunge attempt by Mathews’ Yanni Vaziouracis.

Robb Johnson photo

For five years and 34 games, Charles City High School’s Panthers have struggled to find a win on the gridiron. On Friday night, that chain of losses was broken.

Three Panther players scored at least two touchdowns as the Panthers amassed nearly 500 rushing yards in a 60-14 victory over the hosting Mathews Blue Devils.

Both teams entered Friday night’s contest not only winless, but also on losing streaks, with the Blue Devils dropping 18 consecutive. Ironically, their last win was a 57-20 win over Charles City.

But Friday night’s tale was different. The Panthers struck early after recovering a muffed kickoff, driving down the field before Shane Jones’ eight-yard tote put the guests out in front.

Transitioning into the second quarter, Charles City received their second score in the contest as Jamil Roberson’s 24-yard tote increased the lead to 16-0. On the Panthers next position, Mathews’ defenders jumped on a fake handoff, letting Jones connect with Sherod Barnes on a 45-yard receiving touchdown. Damian Barnes Jr. joined in on the scoring action for the visitors, taking it from eight yards out to provide Charles City a 32-0 lead.

But the Panthers did have their missteps, as right before the half, Liam Suthard’s pass to John Stephen Shaw put the hosts on the board, cutting the Panthers lead to 32-6.

But the second half and the Panthers long awaited breakthrough could not be halted by the Blue Devil defense. Running touchdowns by Barnes Jr. and Jones sandwiched a Mathews touchdown, providing Charles City a 46-14 lead heading into the final frame. Barnes 16-yard run at the seven-minute mark triggered a running clock in favor of the guests, with Roberson adding one more score to seal the victory for the Panthers.

After the contest, Charles City Head Coach Sherod Jones spoke about his team’s performance and snapping their losing streak.

“We have faced a lot of adversity this year,” Jones said. “Even tonight, we finished the game with 11 players.

“I am proud of this team’s performance,” the head coach continued. “But to be honest, we also have to learn how to win. I don’t want people to think this is a one-time deal. We have the talent to continue winning, but in order for this program to grow, we need players and a desire to turn the corner, along with dedication during the offseason.

“We will take this win tonight and celebrate it, but we have another game at West Point to close out the season,” Jones concluded.

Barnes Jr. carried the ball for 219 yards and three touchdowns for Charles City, who improves to 1-8. Shane Jones added 153 yards and two touchdowns, and Roberson carried for 97 yards and two scores.