Foiled again: Colonial Heights stage miracle comeback to defeat New Kent 35-34 in playoffs
New Kent’s Sherman Wynn (8) darts to the whole to bring down Colonial Heights’ running back Keyon Ridley (4).Robb Johnson photo
In August, the Colonial Heights Colonials escaped by a mere point as they defeated the New Kent Trojans in the football regular season opener. In Friday night’s rematch in the opening round of the Region 3A football tournament in Colonial Heights, the Colonials emerged victorious again; and by one point again.
Blocking a last-minute field goal, Colonial Heights squeaked by New Kent 35-34, ending the visiting Trojans’ quest for a championship and bringing their heartbreaking season to a conclusion.
The Colonials, who were making their first postseason appearance in the school’s history, wasted little time taking advantage of their opportunity. After stopping New Kent on their opening drive, it would be Colonials running back Keyon Ridley who raced through a hole for a 48-yard touchdown score just over three minutes into the contest. On the next drive, Colonial Heights quarterback Najarn Bostic scampered 29 yards for a score, increasing the hosts lead to 14-0 in the first quarter.
New Kent would break into the scoring column just before the end of the opening frame. Trojan signal-caller Stephen Stazenski’s 36-yard run put the Trojans deep into the home team’s territory. Stazenski called his own number again, this time toting the ball in from 11 yards out and cutting Colonial Heights lead in half (14-7) by the end of the first quarter. That score would remain the same as both teams went into the halftime intermission.
Emerging from the locker rooms, defense became optional as both offenses exploded on the scene. New Kent running back Nathaniel Christian blasted through the Colonials’ defense, running for 71 yards down to the five-yard line. After a couple of minor setbacks, it would be teammate Sherman Wynn’s eight-yard carry to add a score for the Trojans, with the placement kick tying the game at 14 apiece.
On the next series, Colonial Heights fumbled the ball at their own five-yard line, with the Trojans jumping on the ball. From there, it was an easy five-yard running score for Christian, giving the visiting Trojans their first lead of the night (20-14). However, the subsequent extra point was blocked.
New Kent’s offensive momentum transferred to the defensive side, as Wynn stepped in front of an attempted screen pass and intercepted the ball, returning it for a touchdown and capping off three Trojan touchdowns in less than 45 seconds.
As New Kent held a dozen point lead (26-14), Colonial Heights took to the air, connecting on a pass and cutting the visitors’ lead to five (26-21) to close out the third quarter.
The Trojans looked to have firm control in the game, especially after a personal foul penalty set up Christian for a nine-yard score with 4:36 remaining in regulation. But despite trailing by 13, Colonial Heights miracle comeback began. Colonial Heights marched down the field, adding another touchdown to cut the deficit to six (34-28). On the ensuing kickoff, the Colonials were able to recover the onside kick after New Kent muffed the ball. The hosts drove down the field, scoring a go-ahead touchdown in the waning moments of the game and tying the game at 34 apiece. The extra point by Colonial Heights was good, giving them the lead (35-34) with less than a minute to go.
New Kent set themselves up to win with a good kickoff return. Driving down the field and calling a timeout, a last-minute field goal attempt was set up for the chance for the Trojans to save their win and their season. But similar to early point-after-touchdown attempts, Colonial Heights blocked the field goal to capture the win and end New Kent’s season on a sour note.
The Trojans conclude their campaign 4-7.