Christian’s six touchdowns leads New Kent to win, postseason appearance

Bruton wide receiver Anthony Henderson (center) fails to haul in a pass as defensive pressure from New Kent’s Josh Fiorenza (6) and Chase Wiles (2) forces the miscue.

Robb Johnson photo

After allowing the Smithfield Packers to rally from 24 points during the Nov. 1 contest to win the game, New Kent High School’s football team found themselves on the outside looking in to make a postseason appearance. But it was clear and obvious that after Friday night’s game, New Kent was not only focused on righting a wrong but wanted to keep their season alive.

Behind six rushing touchdowns by Nathaniel Christian, the Trojans exploded for a season high in points as they toasted the visiting Bruton Panthers 55-28 in the regular season finale. Coupled with the knowledge of earlier losses by other Region 3A opponents, New Kent earned a berth into the postseason.

But the win didn’t come easy for the hosts at the beginning of Friday night’s affair. Early on, Bruton attacked the home team via the ground as Anthony Henderson reversed field for a 48-yard touchdown run.

On Bruton’s next offensive play, Panther quarterback Ashton Bell’s pass attempt was intercepted by Trojan defensive back Chase Wiles. It wouldn’t take long for the hosts to capitalize as Christian’s 20-yeard scamper cut the visitors lead to one (7-6). On the next offensive drive for New Kent, Christian found a hole up the middle of the defense and trotted 73 yards for score number two of the night, providing the hosts a 12-7 lead later in the first quarter.

Christian’s offensive outburst continues as at the 9:39 mark, he added an 80-yard run to his stat line, eclipsing the 150-yard mark barrier in the first half. When Christian took a breather, it was teammate Sherman Wynn finding the end zone from 10 yards out, providing New Kent a 27-7 lead.

Bruton failed to bow out in the first half though. The Panthers used the air attack to orchestrate a touchdown drive with three minutes remaining in the half. But the points continued to pile on for the visitors, with Bruton recovering a muffed onside kick by New Kent. The visitors added another touchdown with 19 seconds left to cut the Trojans lead down to six (27-21). New Kent managed to qualm the pain on the scoreboard, with kicker Alvara Laguillo-Cubiles nailing a 30-yeard field goal as time expired in the opening half.

In the third quarter, New Kent returned to the running game behind Christian’s legs as he scored for the fourth time in the contest two minutes into the frame. Bruton continued to struggle to bring down Christian, as the running back added two more touchdowns, with Wynn adding another one as the hosts captured the contest.

After the game, New Kent Head Coach John McCauley spoke about his team’s perseverance and capturing a postseason appearance.

“We deserve to go to the playoffs,” he said. “The kids never gave up through everything this season.

“The kids played hard, and I am super proud,” McCauley added. “We have to clean up the mental mistakes. We have grinded all year long and we are a very good football team when we don’t beat ourselves.”

The win by the Trojans (4-6) not only put them into the playoffs but jumped them up to the fifth seed in Region 3A. Their efforts has earned them a rematch on the road against the Colonial Heights Colonials, a team they fell to by one point in their home opener back in August. The game is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 15, at 7 p.m.