By Will Kooiker
CAPE CHARLES--Plenty of storylines were available leading into Friday night’s matchup between the Northampton Yellowjackets and the Chincoteague Poines, but the most compelling was the imminent clash between the Eastern Shore’s two best running backs: Chincoteague’s Gardner Fosque and Northampton’s Dyshawn Beckett. Both players came out with something to prove, and neither disappointed. For this writer, it was the perfect example of what makes small town high school football so special.
On Northampton’s homecoming night, Fosque (pictured) and Beckett successfully carried the brunt of the offensive load for their respective teams; a game which would only see one punt. Fosque and Beckett combined for a stunning 461 yards and 3 touchdowns. Even though gaping holes were difficult to find, they continually ground out chunks of 7 to 8 yards with each carry. Unable to contain either running back, defenses fell into prevention mode, containing the big play while hoping to force turnovers. Sure enough, like many closely contested skirmishes, turnovers would again prove the deciding factor. Two lost fumbles, one deep in their own territory with only a couple minutes remaining in the half, would be the downfall of the Yellowjackets this night, as Chincoteague would leave Cape Charles triumphant, 34-28. It was a landmark victory for the Ponies; the very first against Northampton in the history of the program.
“It always feels good to see the kids excited after a big win. We just continue to improve as we gain experience,” Chincoteague Head Coach Nick Howard commented in the post game. “It’s fun to watch them start to get it. We’ve had some injury setbacks, but they’ve worked so hard, and every player has been ready when his number’s been called.”
Despite their close proximity, Northampton and Chincoteague last met each other on the gridiron 22 years ago, that game decided like all the previous ones had, with Northampton coming out on top. In 2015, however, both teams were very comparable. After a rough 0-3 start, Chincoteague was a more confident bunch on the tails of two blowout victories, while Northampton had earlier notched their second win of the season (the first time they would record a multi-win season since 2009). Those following the Yellowjacket football team could easily see the progress second year Head Coach Ty Traiser was making, knowing full well he’d been given the task of building a program from the ground up. With the increased crowd size due to homecoming, there was a noticeable buzz surrounding the field.
In the epic battle of running backs, Beckett showcased his skills first. Northampton took the opening kick and handed the ball to their star on seven consecutive plays, until he found the endzone from six yards out. It was a bold statement made by Coach Traister and his star player: Chincoteague might know who was getting the ball, but that didn’t mean they could stop it.
On the opposite end, an undeterred Chincoteague offense proved their own mettle, with Fosque and FB Issac Haymond pounding the ball downfield until Gardner reached paydirt on a 2-yard TD run. Both teams missed their XPs, and when the first quarter came to a close knotted at 6, there’d been only one pass attempt and no penalties.
The second frame started much like the first. Riding Beckett, the Yellowjackets stretched out an 8-minute drive, capping it off when homecoming king and starting quarterback Tyler Handwerk followed his offensive line into the endzone on a QB sneak. A successful two-point conversion, and Northampton jumped to a 14-6 lead. Then their defense marked it’s first victory, stalling a Chincoteague drive and forcing a turnover on downs. However, a costly fumble two plays later gave the Ponies another chance to score before the half. It was an opportunity they would not squander, as quarterback Collin Derrickson (pictured) rolled to his right and fired a perfect pass to WR Jaquan Persinger, who managed to keep both feet in the endzone as he leaned over the line and snagged the catch. Though the inopportune turnover and consequent score stunned Northampton, their defense stopped Chincoteague’s two-point conversion, knocking away a pass and holding the lead into halftime at 14-12.
The Northampton crowd celebrated the presentation of the homecoming court during the halftime ceremony on what seemed a clear (if slightly chilly) night while they held a two-point advantage. But early in the third quarter, thin ropes of fog began to slowly snake across the field; a harbinger of a reversal in fortune for both teams.
The second-half kick went to Chincoteague, who sliced up the Northampton defensive line, easily driving the field and punching it in with fullback Issac Haymond from a yard out, taking their first lead of the game, 18-14. As Northampton attempted to answer, they lost their second fumble, and Chicoteague would expand their lead when Coach Howard threw in wrench in their offensive scheme. A beautiful play action left a wide open Austin Reed streaking downfield. Though he only attempted five passes all day, Derrickson hit him perfectly on the run, and Reed waltzed into the endzone, much to the shock, and silence, of the home crowd. A 2-point play finally worked to the Ponies favor when Derrickson threw to an open Fosque. Suddenly down 26-14, it seemed the game might be slipping from Northampton, but Beckett wouldn’t allow it, single-handedly carrying Northampton the length of the field in only two minutes. Sitting out a play after cramping up, his backup Frederick Williams would score from the goal line, and after a successful XP, the deficit was back to five points, 26-21.
Chincoteague held a five-point lead as the third quarter neared an end, and the home crowd urged their defense to make a stand, but Northampton, on their heels and wary of another play-action pass, couldn’t stop the rushing attack of Fosque and Haymond. The duo carved up the Yellowjacket defense again, and Haymond burst through the line from 11 yards out to score his second touchdown. Derrickson would find Reed again on the two-point conversion, and lead was raised back to 34-21. Only a quarter remained.
Gripping a 12-point lead, Chincoteague’s defense stood strong, forcing a Yellowjacket 4th and long far in their own territory. Unwilling to risk turning it over on downs so deep, Coach Traister elected to punt; the first and only punt of the night from either team. The pigskin back in their hands, the Ponies did what they’d done all game, burn the clock on runs of 4 and 5 yards as a helpless crowd watched in dismay. Gradually moving the ball inside Northampton’s 30 yardline, the defense finally mustered a stand, forcing a 4th and 5. As was expected on such a vital play, Fosque took the handoff and neared the first down yard maker when an aggressive, sweeping tackle, seemingly out of nowhere, upended him and sent the ball flying from his hands. The crowd erupted as the home team fell on it.
When Beckett (pictured) broke loose down the left sideline four plays later, the fanatical fanbase went crazy, screaming as he out-ran the Pony defense, going 70 yards total for the touchdown. The XP made it a six-point game, but with only 3:41 remaining and a defense that had been unable to stop Chincoteague all night, an onside kick was necessary. The kick was perfectly placed, but Pony Dustin Holloway made a gutsy grab, curling around the ball and giving his offense excellent field possession at the 50-yard line. They’d never give up the ball, running out the clock on the backs of Haymond and Fosque.
When the PA announcer disclosed the final score of 34-28, Chincoteague celebrated in front of a smattering of loyal fans who’d made the trip to witness their team’s upset. Coach Howard couldn’t say enough about the performance of his line throughout the game. “We’re undersized, but we’ve managed to keep some guys from playing both sides of the ball, so it’s helped us stay fresh. I couldn’t be prouder of them. They never wore down tonight.” The Ponies bumped their record to 3-3 and ride a three game winning streak.
Although the loss was unquestionably painful, Northampton’s Coach Traister stayed positive. “We played our hearts out, and simply got beat by a very well-coached and experienced team. My hat goes off to Chincoteague and Nick Howard. That said, we’ve come so far from last season and even the beginning of this one. I’m proud of my guys. They didn’t quit and fought back against adversity.”
Even Coach Howard praised the improvement Traister has made of his squad in only a season and a half. “I can’t say enough about their improvement. Good things are ahead for them, and Beckett is a great player.”
Next week, Chincoteague hosts Eastern Shore HomeSchool, while Northampton travels to play Quantico.
KEYS TO VICTORY:
Secondary Threats: Prior to the game, it wasn’t a secret that Beckett and Fosque would shoulder the offensive load for their teams. While Northampton struggled to find a second weapon to bolster their attack and give Beckett precious moments of rest, Chincoteague did just the opposite, utilizing the bruising running of fullback Issac Haymond and the arm of quarterback Collin Derrickson to force the Yellowjacket defense to stretch their focus. Haymond played the role of accomplice perfectly, ramming the ball down Northampton’s throats anytime they concentrated too heavily on Fosque. Derrickson only threw five passes, but when two result in touchdowns, you can’t ask for better efficiency.
“As the offensive line has improved,” says Coach Howard, “Collin’s passing has improved. We didn’t need him to throw often tonight, but every completion he made was vital!”
Eliminating Penalties: Penalties in general were few and far between on this night, but one Northampton drive was ruined by successive holding penalties. As most possessions were long winded affairs that lasted half-a-quarter in length, Chincoteague managed to prevent any flags that would kill momentum and their chances at moving the chains, and they were never forced to punt.
Capitalizing On Turnovers: In a closely contested game where both defenses struggled, forcing turnovers became critical, and flipping those turnovers into points made the difference. That’s what Chincoteague did. Northampton lost two fumbles, both in untimely fashion, and the Ponies took advantage, tallying 14 points total from those miscues. Those points were the deciding factor in a 6-point win.
Chincoteague (3-3) 6 6 22 0 --- 34
Northampton (2-5) 6 8 7 7 --- 28
1st Quarter
N--Beckett 6-yard run (kick failed) 7:47
C--Fosque 2-yard run (kick failed) 1:53
2nd Quarter
N--Handwerk 2-yard run (Beckett run) 6:50
C--Persinger 11-yard pass from Derrickson (pass failed) 0:53
3rd Quarter
C--Haymond 1-yard run (pass failed) 9:15
C--Reed 37-yard pass from Derrickson (Derrickson to Fosque) 6:46
N--Williams 1-yard run (kick good) 4:46
C--Haymond 11-yard run (Derrickson to Reed) 1:05
4th Quarter
N--Beckett 70-yard run (kick good) 3:41
NOTEWORTHY STATS:
Chincoteague:
Gardner Fosque: 20 carries for 173 Yds, 1 TD
Issac Haymond: 11 carries for 70 Yds, 2 TDs
Collin Derrickson: 3-5 for 69 Yds, 2 TDs
Northampton:
Dyshawn Beckett: 27 carries for 288 Yds, 2 TDs
CAPE CHARLES--Plenty of storylines were available leading into Friday night’s matchup between the Northampton Yellowjackets and the Chincoteague Poines, but the most compelling was the imminent clash between the Eastern Shore’s two best running backs: Chincoteague’s Gardner Fosque and Northampton’s Dyshawn Beckett. Both players came out with something to prove, and neither disappointed. For this writer, it was the perfect example of what makes small town high school football so special.
“It always feels good to see the kids excited after a big win. We just continue to improve as we gain experience,” Chincoteague Head Coach Nick Howard commented in the post game. “It’s fun to watch them start to get it. We’ve had some injury setbacks, but they’ve worked so hard, and every player has been ready when his number’s been called.”
Despite their close proximity, Northampton and Chincoteague last met each other on the gridiron 22 years ago, that game decided like all the previous ones had, with Northampton coming out on top. In 2015, however, both teams were very comparable. After a rough 0-3 start, Chincoteague was a more confident bunch on the tails of two blowout victories, while Northampton had earlier notched their second win of the season (the first time they would record a multi-win season since 2009). Those following the Yellowjacket football team could easily see the progress second year Head Coach Ty Traiser was making, knowing full well he’d been given the task of building a program from the ground up. With the increased crowd size due to homecoming, there was a noticeable buzz surrounding the field.
In the epic battle of running backs, Beckett showcased his skills first. Northampton took the opening kick and handed the ball to their star on seven consecutive plays, until he found the endzone from six yards out. It was a bold statement made by Coach Traister and his star player: Chincoteague might know who was getting the ball, but that didn’t mean they could stop it.
On the opposite end, an undeterred Chincoteague offense proved their own mettle, with Fosque and FB Issac Haymond pounding the ball downfield until Gardner reached paydirt on a 2-yard TD run. Both teams missed their XPs, and when the first quarter came to a close knotted at 6, there’d been only one pass attempt and no penalties.
The Northampton crowd celebrated the presentation of the homecoming court during the halftime ceremony on what seemed a clear (if slightly chilly) night while they held a two-point advantage. But early in the third quarter, thin ropes of fog began to slowly snake across the field; a harbinger of a reversal in fortune for both teams.
The second-half kick went to Chincoteague, who sliced up the Northampton defensive line, easily driving the field and punching it in with fullback Issac Haymond from a yard out, taking their first lead of the game, 18-14. As Northampton attempted to answer, they lost their second fumble, and Chicoteague would expand their lead when Coach Howard threw in wrench in their offensive scheme. A beautiful play action left a wide open Austin Reed streaking downfield. Though he only attempted five passes all day, Derrickson hit him perfectly on the run, and Reed waltzed into the endzone, much to the shock, and silence, of the home crowd. A 2-point play finally worked to the Ponies favor when Derrickson threw to an open Fosque. Suddenly down 26-14, it seemed the game might be slipping from Northampton, but Beckett wouldn’t allow it, single-handedly carrying Northampton the length of the field in only two minutes. Sitting out a play after cramping up, his backup Frederick Williams would score from the goal line, and after a successful XP, the deficit was back to five points, 26-21.
Chincoteague held a five-point lead as the third quarter neared an end, and the home crowd urged their defense to make a stand, but Northampton, on their heels and wary of another play-action pass, couldn’t stop the rushing attack of Fosque and Haymond. The duo carved up the Yellowjacket defense again, and Haymond burst through the line from 11 yards out to score his second touchdown. Derrickson would find Reed again on the two-point conversion, and lead was raised back to 34-21. Only a quarter remained.
When Beckett (pictured) broke loose down the left sideline four plays later, the fanatical fanbase went crazy, screaming as he out-ran the Pony defense, going 70 yards total for the touchdown. The XP made it a six-point game, but with only 3:41 remaining and a defense that had been unable to stop Chincoteague all night, an onside kick was necessary. The kick was perfectly placed, but Pony Dustin Holloway made a gutsy grab, curling around the ball and giving his offense excellent field possession at the 50-yard line. They’d never give up the ball, running out the clock on the backs of Haymond and Fosque.
When the PA announcer disclosed the final score of 34-28, Chincoteague celebrated in front of a smattering of loyal fans who’d made the trip to witness their team’s upset. Coach Howard couldn’t say enough about the performance of his line throughout the game. “We’re undersized, but we’ve managed to keep some guys from playing both sides of the ball, so it’s helped us stay fresh. I couldn’t be prouder of them. They never wore down tonight.” The Ponies bumped their record to 3-3 and ride a three game winning streak.
Although the loss was unquestionably painful, Northampton’s Coach Traister stayed positive. “We played our hearts out, and simply got beat by a very well-coached and experienced team. My hat goes off to Chincoteague and Nick Howard. That said, we’ve come so far from last season and even the beginning of this one. I’m proud of my guys. They didn’t quit and fought back against adversity.”
Even Coach Howard praised the improvement Traister has made of his squad in only a season and a half. “I can’t say enough about their improvement. Good things are ahead for them, and Beckett is a great player.”
Next week, Chincoteague hosts Eastern Shore HomeSchool, while Northampton travels to play Quantico.
KEYS TO VICTORY:
Secondary Threats: Prior to the game, it wasn’t a secret that Beckett and Fosque would shoulder the offensive load for their teams. While Northampton struggled to find a second weapon to bolster their attack and give Beckett precious moments of rest, Chincoteague did just the opposite, utilizing the bruising running of fullback Issac Haymond and the arm of quarterback Collin Derrickson to force the Yellowjacket defense to stretch their focus. Haymond played the role of accomplice perfectly, ramming the ball down Northampton’s throats anytime they concentrated too heavily on Fosque. Derrickson only threw five passes, but when two result in touchdowns, you can’t ask for better efficiency.
“As the offensive line has improved,” says Coach Howard, “Collin’s passing has improved. We didn’t need him to throw often tonight, but every completion he made was vital!”
Eliminating Penalties: Penalties in general were few and far between on this night, but one Northampton drive was ruined by successive holding penalties. As most possessions were long winded affairs that lasted half-a-quarter in length, Chincoteague managed to prevent any flags that would kill momentum and their chances at moving the chains, and they were never forced to punt.
Capitalizing On Turnovers: In a closely contested game where both defenses struggled, forcing turnovers became critical, and flipping those turnovers into points made the difference. That’s what Chincoteague did. Northampton lost two fumbles, both in untimely fashion, and the Ponies took advantage, tallying 14 points total from those miscues. Those points were the deciding factor in a 6-point win.
Chincoteague (3-3) 6 6 22 0 --- 34
Northampton (2-5) 6 8 7 7 --- 28
1st Quarter
N--Beckett 6-yard run (kick failed) 7:47
C--Fosque 2-yard run (kick failed) 1:53
2nd Quarter
N--Handwerk 2-yard run (Beckett run) 6:50
C--Persinger 11-yard pass from Derrickson (pass failed) 0:53
3rd Quarter
C--Haymond 1-yard run (pass failed) 9:15
C--Reed 37-yard pass from Derrickson (Derrickson to Fosque) 6:46
N--Williams 1-yard run (kick good) 4:46
C--Haymond 11-yard run (Derrickson to Reed) 1:05
4th Quarter
N--Beckett 70-yard run (kick good) 3:41
NOTEWORTHY STATS:
Chincoteague:
Gardner Fosque: 20 carries for 173 Yds, 1 TD
Issac Haymond: 11 carries for 70 Yds, 2 TDs
Collin Derrickson: 3-5 for 69 Yds, 2 TDs
Northampton:
Dyshawn Beckett: 27 carries for 288 Yds, 2 TDs
