Blog LIVE Blog - Heritage-NN (0-1) at Phoebus

[matthew328826]

Welcome from Darling Stadium in Hampton, site of today's Saturday afternoon matchup set for a 2 PM kick-off between the visiting Heritage Hurricanes (0-1) and the host Phoebus Phantoms.

Hopefully we don't have any weather issues like we saw the last two nights. It's cloud with a forecast of scattered storms and rain showers for later in the day. Right now it's a pretty comfortable 85 degrees with a slight breeze.

We'll have updates all game long and via Twitter @ hatfieldsports

 

[matthew328826]

Heritage receives the opening kickoff and return it to their own 17-yard line.

The first play is a run with #7 Trevon Faison, gaining a yard if that... but his next one to the right side yields big yardage - 17 to be exact.

On the move, Heritage goes backwards with a bad snap that sails over QB Darius Price's head. Fortunately, he's able to track it down before Phoebus can recover.

So Heritage is facing 2nd & 34 at their own 13 following a time-out.

 

[matthew328826]

Quick note -- some of the jersey numbers for Phoebus have changed from the roster we have received, so apologies in advance if there are any correct names on plays. We'll do our best to give proper credit where it is due.

 

[matthew328826]

The Phoebus defense gets off to a good start as on 3rd & 34, two defenders combine to sack Heritage QB Darius Price.

The Hurricanes punt it away on 4th & forever... but it's muffed and recovered by Heritage.

So the Hurricanes have it again, at their own 30, with 8:57 to go in the opening quarter, scoreless. Phoebus has yet to touch the football.

 

[matthew328826]

The Phoebus defense makes a big play, and even with some graduation departures at the linebacker and secondary spots, they tend to reload on that side of the ball. Where the Phantoms brought back most of their ingredients defensively was on the line, led by Austin Gilliam and Josh Austin.

 

[matthew328826]

Behind running back Jaylen White, Phoebus begins to move the ball, crossing into Heritage territory. However, Heritage's defense holds tough against the run, and on 4th & 1 from the Hurricanes 36 when it appears QB Chris Daniels extends the drive on a sneak, a 10-yard holding penalty is called. So Phoebus will punt it away, still scoreless with 2:53 remaining in the opening quarter.

 

[matthew328826]

Finally, Phoebus is able to punt it away on 4th & 19 from their own 46 following a second and third penalties. Anthony Wallace booms one down to the Heritage 12-yard line.

Heritage begins its third series with 2:42 remaining in the first quarter.

 

[matthew328826]

Even with an interception, a muffed punt and a couple of big hits, it was a relatively ho-hum first quarter. To me, that is to Heritage's advantage, coming off that loss to Warhill a week ago where their offensive line had major issues protecting QB Darius Price from the rush.

Heritage continues its possession, facing 2nd & 8 from their own 26, as we start the 2nd period...

 

[matthew328826]

Jaylen Givens climbs the ladder for a tough 24-yard reception from QB Darius Price as Heritage moves the ball to midfield against Phoebus to begin the 2nd quarter.

 

[matthew328826]

Heritage is giving the usually stout Phoebus run defense trouble with its power run game. Even on 3rd & 2 at the Phantoms 42, it's QB Darius Price pushing his way forward for a gain of 8 yards before its takes three to four defenders to bring him down. The Phantoms aren't wrapping up great defensively in the early going.

 

[matthew328826]

A great hole opened up by that interior o-line of Heritage, a unit much maligned a week ago and they took that to heart it appears in the week of practice getting ready for the Phantoms.

Weather bulletin -- not sure officials have noticed it yet, but we've seen about three major streaks of lightning off in the distance. So fans be prepared for a weather delay, eventually if not soon, with storms heading this direction.

 

[matthew328826]

With 8:31 to go in the second period, Phoebus begins its second drive at their own 40-yard line. They keep it on the ground, first with Jaylen White and then on 2nd & 7 it's Latrelle Smith gaining 7 on a jet sweep to get them to midfield.

We're starting to hear some louder thunder off in the distance, and to be perfectly honest, I'm surprised the referees haven't blown the whistle to put us in a delay.

 

[matthew328826]

A great job by Heritage DB Antwon Coles (#5), coming up from his safety spot to make a tackle following a penalty on the Hurricanes. Phoebus is now facing 2nd & 5 from the Canes 45.

The Phantoms dial up their first pass play of the afternoon and it's a beautiful play-action with QB Chris Daniels finding Latrelle Smith -- their #5 -- for a long gainer.

 

[matthew328826]

The Phantoms picked a good time to dial up their first pass play, which comes following eight rushes. The Phantoms are threatening.

But unfortunately... so too are the storms.

 

[matthew328826]

Boy, Phoebus fans are not too happy at all about this delay as they appeared to have some momentum following that big play from QB Chris Daniels to WR Latrelle Smith. Officials here at Darling Stadium are clearing the stands for at least 30 minutes due to the lightning delay.

Keep everyone posted as more develops...

 

[matthew328826]

Today's Phoebus / Heritage football game at Darling Stadium has been postponed due to lightning and will be rescheduled at a later date. Heritage led 6-0 with 5:51 to go in the 2nd quarter. Phoebus has it 1st & Goal at the Heritage 10 when they resume play.

 

[Lafayette]

Today's Phoebus / Heritage football game at Darling Stadium has been postponed due to lightning and will be rescheduled at a later date. Heritage led 6-0 with 5:51 to go in the 2nd quarter. Phoebus has it 1st & Goal at the Heritage 10 when they resume play.

Your going to get known as “Lightening “ Matthew based on two games you have covered in the last three days!

 

[DinwiddieProud]

Hey Matt, nothing personal, but how about not coming up our way to cover any games this year?

 

[Gunz41]

Hey Matt, nothing personal, but how about not coming up our way to cover any games this year?

You never know, lightning could strike and turn superheroes.

Wasnt that how some superhero got his powers?

Obviously I am joking and dont want anyone stuck by lightning

 

[matthew328826]

Your going to get known as “Lightening “ Matthew based on two games you have covered in the last three days!

Tell me about it! Fortunately the Maury @ Nansemond River gave me a dramatic double-digit comeback and exciting, competitive game, thought it ended past 11 PM. Almost hit that trifecta as that one got started nearly 2 hours after its scheduled kick time.

 

[matthew328826]

Hey Matt, nothing personal, but how about not coming up our way to cover any games this year?

LOL. Yeah, might not be the best idea right? Especially if there is rain in the forecast...

 

[DinwiddieProud]

LOL. Yeah, might not be the best idea right? Especially if there is rain in the forecast...

I told Mike Salem to forget the pick em. Just do an over/under on the number of game reschedules each week. What a mess this week has been. And now with the tropical Atlantic heating up, it could really get ugly down the road.

 

[Gunz41]

I told Mike Salem to forget the pick em. Just do an over/under on the number of game reschedules each week. What a mess this week has been. And now with the tropical Atlantic heating up, it could really get ugly down the road.

What were the temps down that way?