Essex coach Todd Jones defense went toe-to-toe all night but miscues were the difference.
TAPPAHANNOCK- The big match maybe tonight on pay-per-view but this football game was a heavy weight fight going 12 rounds. Sussex Central and Essex played an unexpected defensive battle where both offense couldn’t make it into the redzone all night. Both teams were full of offensive talent but there is no substitute for great defense.
Essex looked good on their first possession as quarterback Tamaje Jones looked poised and delivered some good strikes. Sophomores Avante Blanks and Takeyo Day looked promising and shifty but the drive would stall outside the Sussex 30. Later in the half things would not go as plan.
Jones would be face constant pressure from the Tiger front and was force to get rid of the ball or take a sack. The Trojans looked to have an advantage out wideouts with the Tiger freshmen corners but their credibility was quickly validated in the grudge match with 3:05 lefty before halftime Malik Lankford would make a perfect read and race 45-yards untouched for the touchdown. The Tigers would get the conversion and led 8-0.
Essex offensive issues with handoffs and ball security after impact plagued them all night in a way no one could have seem coming.
KJ Dameron (Essex) wouldn't go far as Pha'Shard Harris and the Tiger defense stayed ready.
Sussex Central offense will self destruct from getting the plays too late onto the field and no sense of urgency to snap would lead to several delay of game penalties that helped kill promising drives.
Ricardo Henson came up big for the Trojan defense making big stops including a qb sack that stopped a strong Sussex Central drive early in the 4th. The Tigers were strong enough to muscle through enough yards to shorten the game. Essex still had one last chance for a drive but approaching the Sussex Central 35 and they would cough up the ball up giving the Tigers the ball. Clyde Edmond, Imir Clark, and Trevon Hatch would grind it out to seal the victory!
Sussex Central's line and rushers took what was given to capture the road win.
Hatch would lead all rushers with 19 carries for 62 yards and was an enforcer on defense. Pha’Shard Harris made 3 grabs on the night.
The third rank Tigers (1-0) will have their home opener next week when Lancaster comes to town. Essex (0-1) will go on the road to rebound against the Franklin Broncos for their home opener.
SUSSEX CENTRAL 0 8 0 0 - 8
ESSEX 0 0 0 0 - 0
SC- Lankford 45 yard int return (Barrow recovery in the endzone)
REGION A SCORES
Charles City 28 Cumberland 18......Robert Dobson Jr. had 148 yards and a touchdown to lead CC.
Chincoteague 27 Windsor 6
Gretna 20 Brunswick 14
Poquoson 23 Southampton 7...Big second quarter by the Islanders down the Indians.
Prince Edward County 52 King William 46
Rappahannock 50 Nandua 7
Washington & Lee 26 Middlesex 23....The Eagles pull it out in overtime.
