In Eastern Henrico showdown, Highland Springs stonewalls Varina

The much-anticipated battle for Eastern Henrico football supremacy turned into a one-sided affair Thursday night, as Highland Springs – the top-rated team in Virginia – methodically steamrolled Varina, 29-0, at the Blue Devils' James E. Dawkins Stadium before a sold-out crowd. Both teams had entered the game 9-0, and Varina was rated No. 9 in the state by MaxPreps, a national high school sports website. Both teams won state titles last year.

The Springers wasted little time flexing their muscles, recovering a Varina fumble on the game's opening kickoff and then marching down the field for a touchdown three plays later, when quarterback Khristian Martin found Caron Ferguson for a 24-yard touchdown. The Springers' Jakyre Henley then converted a two-point conversion on a short run, and it was 8-0 Highland Springs. Varina kept things close until just more than 3 minutes remained in the first half. That's when Martin found Aziz Foster Powell for a 26-yard touchdown, and then just before the half, the Springers recovered a failed fake punt by the Blue Devils and converted several plays later on a 1-yard touchdown run by Foster Powell to claim a 22-0 lead.

A 50-yard touchdown pass from Martin to Henley in the fourth quarter closed the scoring, and a late-game defensive stand by the Springers preserved the shutout.

Both teams now will advance to the playoffs and attempt to defend their state championships – Highland Springs in Class 5, Varina in Class 4.

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