Gametime Henrico: Sept. 11-17, 2023

For the first time under head coach Joe Mullinax, the Deep Run football squad secured an on-field victory in a tight 7-6 comeback win last week to improve to 1-3 on the season. The Wildcats were down 6-0 for the majority of the game after a 47-yard touchdown run from Meadowbrook on the first play of the night. The defense was absolutely electric following that big run, though, led by junior linebacker Carson Strieffler, who totaled eight tackles along with one fumble recovery, one forced fumble and one sack. In the fourth quarter with less than one minute remaining in the game, quarterback Trey Gauch connected with receiver Cullen Burch on a 38-yard passing touchdown to tie things up, then the Cats took the lead following a successful extra point try by Drew Vantre. Not only did Burch put the Wildcats on the board for the first time to take the lead, but he also secured the game and put them in position to run the clock out after a clutch interception. Their next match up will be against a strong Freeman Mavericks team (4-0) on the road this Friday.

Freeman High School

For the third straight year, the Freeman Mavericks football team has started the season 4-0, after a 28-6 victory over Collegiate (2-1) last Thursday. Early in the first quarter, senior quarterback Jaydn Reece connected with running back Kevin China on a 22-yard passing touchdown to get Freeman on the board first. Following a successful field goal attempt by Collegiate, running back Ryan Bland found the endzone again on a 5-yard rushing touchdown to make it 13-3 with just more than two minutes remaining in the first half. Early in the third quarter, Reece found the end zone for the second time on a 78-yard rushing touchdown. After a successful two-point conversion attempt, the Mavs were up 21-6. In the fourth quarter, it was China punching in his second touchdown from 12 yards out to make it 28-6. Freeman and Godwin (4-0) are now the only undefeated teams left in Henrico County. The Mavs will host Deep Run (1-3) for their next game this Friday.

Godwin High School

The Eagles football team continued its early dominance, this time completing a 20-point comeback to win 24-21 over the Hanover Hawks as time expired. At the start of the second half, the Eagles were down 20-0 when quarterback Daniel Viener connected with running back Roman Parham on a 14-yard touchdown to give Godwin life. Viener then connected with Conner Boyd from seven yards out to make it a one-possession game heading into the fourth quarter. In the fourth, Viener found the endzone again, this time using his legs to score from eight yards out, tying things up following a successful Darren Williams extra point attempt. With just seconds left in the game, tied up at 21 points, Williams connected on a 27-yard field goal to secure the win and keep their undefeated season alive. The Eagles join Freeman (4-0) as the only undefeated teams left in Henrico and will face Hermitage (2-1) on the road for their next game this Friday.

Henrico High School

After a 0-2 start in close games versus Hermitage and Matoca, the Warriors football squad put everything together in a dominant 57-0 victory over the Tucker Tigers (0-3) last week.This Warriors team was exceptional in every phase of the game. Offensively, junior quarterback Lavell Winston made a statement, throwing for a total of 356 yards and six touchdown passes on the night. In the run game, sophomore running back Darren Williams took care of business, rushing for 170 yards. Defensively, Williams and his fellow linebackers Aamir Reily and Omari Cox totaled nearly 20 tackles and shut down a Tigers offense that had been thriving this season. Winston and his Warriors will have a strong test against Varina (1-1) for their next game this Thursday.

Highland Springs High School

The Springers football squad made it clear this last Friday how it responds to adversity, dominating Norcom (2-2) 65-0. Highland Springs put on an absolute clinic in the run game. Leading the way was star running back Eric Byrd, who found the endzone three times and totaled 144 yards on just eight carries. Others who put up rushing touchdowns included quarterback Khristian Martin, Jaymon Lewis, Anthony Hansom, Marryon Harvey and Evan Ford. Defensive back Vosean Street also found the endzone, returning an interception for a touchdown from 20 yards out. The Springers will be back in action at home versus Riverbend (2-1) this Friday.