Demond Claiborne continues to impress and show why he is the state's top back.
CENTRAL GARAGE- In the playoffs games change momentum by the simplest occurrence during a play. It can swing either way and in some cases it can just steamroll an opponent. Friday night showed several different shifts in which many weren't expecting. Both teams were to punch their ticket to the Class 2 Region A Championship next holiday weekend.
Poquoson had their moment in the spotlight after stopping King William in their opening drive. The Bull Islanders wouldn't fare better on theirs but on the punt King William would mishandle the catch and Christopher Barber would receiver the ball at the Cavalier 15 yard line. They would not be able to get in the endzone but Ethan Snedden would connect from 27 yards out to make it 3-0 Bull Islanders in 5:47 to go in the first.
King William would prove on the next drive that having the top running back in state is quite a luxury. Demond Claiborne would break loose for a 68-yard touchdown run. He would also get the conversion to make it 8-3 Cavs with 5:25 left to play in the 1st.
Penalties would hamper the Cavaliers efforts to stop the Bull Islanders march downfield. A roughing the passer and unsportsmanlike penalty extended Poquoson drives which led to a big 3rd and 4 from the Cavalier 14. Brayden Hayes would leave know doubt about converting as he would blast through for a 14 yard touchdown to give Poquoson the lead back 10-8.
The Bull Islanders were riding the wave of momentum and even forced the Cavs to punt. Poquoson would be moving the ball but faced a 4th and 2 at the Cavalier 41. Poquoson appeared to have gotten the first but a flag was on the play for a chop block. A dislike for the call led to something stated verbally that drew another flag and just that momentum was gone. The Islanders faced a 4th and 32.
Claiborne would bust a long run on the next possession getting the Cavaliers to the 2 yard line of Poquoson. Jayveon Robinson would cash it in to make it 14-10 King William with 4:38 before halftime.
Poquoson would answer back as Hayes would find Ron Foskett for a 64 yard touchdown pass to make it 17-14 Bull Islanders with 3:40 to play. This would be the last time Poquoson would see the lead.
Brayden Hayes look deep to connect with Ron Foskett for the score.
Kavontay Hayes would take the kick-off 95 yards to shift the momentum for good. Tre Robinson would get the conversion to make it 22-17 Cavs. Following a 3 and out, Jayveon Robinson would find Tre Robinson for a 65 yard touchdown pass to make it 28-17 with 3:29 before half. Soon after, Poquoson's back would be stripped by Trenton Johnson and then scooped and returned by Chase Rosso to make it 34-17 at the half.
Claiborne would put on a show to seal the game in the 2nd half. His 51 yard run with 7:10 remaining in the 3rd gave the Cavaliers a 40-17 lead and plans to head to Crewe, VA were getting made. Claiborne would cash in 5 touchdowns on the night.
King William's defense stood tall late in the 2nd to help pull them away.
Poquoson would add to more scores the second half including a Josh Markley 20 yard touchdown run and Hayes would catch a 78 yard touchdown pass from Barber.
Next week it will be King William (10-1) travelling to face Nottoway (11-0) for the Class 2 Region A title.
Poquoson (6-5) went out fighting and will look to reload for the 2022 season.
POQUOSON 3 14 7 6 - 30
KING WILLIAM 8 26 14 16 - 64
P- Snedden 27 yard Fg
KW- Claiborne 68 yard run (Claiborne run)
P- Hayes 14 yard run (Snedden kick)
KW- Jayveon Robinson 2 yard run (pass failed)
P- Foskett 64 yard pass from Hayes (Snedden kick)
KW- Hayes 95 yard kick return (J. Robinson run)
KW- Tre Robinson 65 yard pass from J. Robinson (run failed)
KW- Rosso 24 yard fumble return (Isiah Stockwell kick)
KW- Claiborne 51 yard run (kick failed)
KW- Claiborne 3 yard run (J. Robinson run)
P- Markley 20 yard run (Snedden kick)
KW- Claiborne 11 yard run (Tre Robinson pass from J. Robinson)
P- Hayes 78 yard pass from Barber (run failed)
KW- Claiborne 50 yard run (J. Robinson run)
