Poquoson and Bruton entered tonight's game of the week with matching 8-0 records. Poquoson has long been a competitor in the Bay Rivers District and their region. Bruton hasn't had a winning season since 2013. The Panthers resurgence this season has been remarkable, but Poquoson and other stalwarts of the Bay Rivers are unlikely to cede their crowns quietly. Tonight provided an opportunity for statements from either side.
The first play of the game brought Bruton momentum and an explosion from their packed visitors stands. Anthony Henderson took the opening kickoff up the left sideline and to the house, providing an early 6-0 lead for Bruton.
Poquoson has shown resilience all season while dealing with a rash of injuries, and now they would show that same mentality on the field. The Bull Islanders put together a classic Poquoson football drive, pounding the rock and bleeding the clock on their way to a touchdown and 7-6 lead.
Bruton appeared poised to respond, driving right back into the red zone with success through the air. The Panthers would fumble, however, opening the door for Poquoson to build on their lead. The Islanders would do just that, another long touchdown drive dominated by tough inside runs. The 14-6 lead grew to 21-6 with an uncharacteristic bomb through the air or Poquoson. Quarterback Eli Tyndall found Dylan Bullard, who came up with the catch despite multiple Panther defenders in the area, and then made his way to the end zone.
Turnovers were the story of the game for the Bruton offense, 4 in the first half and another in the second made it hard for them to keep up with Poquoson's ball control offense.
Now the Bull Islanders must look ahead to an even bigger game. It's Poquoson vs. Lafayette for the Bay River championship next Friday.
Here are results from Friday's high school games:
Maury 49, Churchland 7
Oscar Smith 49, Hickory 21
King’s Fork 62, Deep Creek 3
Granby 55, Manor 0
Cox 51, Princess Anne 14
Nansemond River 47, Lakeland 7
Poquoson 42, Bruton 6
Salem 55, Tallwood 20
Kempsville 31, Kellam 12
Grafton 29, Jamestown 23
Smithfield 37, New Kent 34 – F/OT
Warhill 35, Tabb 29
Landstown 29, First Colonial 10
Bayside 20, Ocean Lakes 7
Menchville 28, Denbigh 7
Indian River 42, Great Bridge 7
Western Branch 24, Grassfield 20
Saturday’s games
Phoebus vs. Warwick at Darling Stadium, 12pm
Lafayette vs. York at Bailey Field, 1 p.m.
Gloucester vs. Woodside at Todd Stadium, 12pm
Lake Taylor at Norcom, 1 p.m.