Deep Creek Stays in Playoff Race with Close Win
Chesapeake, Va - It was senior night for the Great Bridge Wildcats, and it was redemption day for the visiting Deep Creek Hornets. Coming off last week's crushing 35-0 loss to Oscar Smith, the Hornets need to right the ship to stay in the playoff race. The home team however, had stud Quarterback Casey Turner who passed for over 400 yards in a week seven victory over Nansemond River. The conditions were not ideal for an aerial attack, but that would not stop the Wildcats from throwing 52 time before this contest was over. A steady rain fell throughout the day in Chesapeake, and the field was a mudpit by halftime. Deep Creek wanted to grind it out, and Great Bridge would go to the air.
The game started perfectly for the Wildcats with Turner driving the ball down the filed with ease, but on second and goal from the three, Marquis Dickens picked of Turner in the end zone. Deep Creek's drive stalled and was forced to punt, but Turner tossed another interception. The Great Bridge defense held once again, and blocked the Deep Creek punt setting up their offense. It looked as if defenses would rule the day at this point in the ballgame as the Hornets stopped Turner on fourth down, but Sam Kirkland led Deep Creek on a long drive setting up a Marquis Dickens 2 yard touchdown plunge. Turner would throw a third pick in the first half, but got his chance to tie the game late in the first half. Down 7-0, Turner found Carlos Washington on third and goal from the 25 yard line to tie the score with 2 seconds left in the half.
The offenses started to click in the second half as Kirkland put the Hornets back on top with a 40 yard strike to tight end Devin Arrington. A Great Bridge pun pinned the Hornets inside their own 2, and a fumbled snap led to a Turner touchdown to tie things up again. Great Bridge would take the lead going into the forth quarter after a 2 yard run by Kevin Jones. The Hornets struck back as Kaleme Young ran off a 25 and a 15 yard run to set up a 1 yard plunge by Calvin Wilson. A field goal with just under 6 minutes left gave Deep Creek the lead. Turner led the Wildcats down the field, converting two fourth down passes to set up a 22 yard field goal try. The kick was no good as the holder could not find the handle, and Deep Creek escaped with a 24-21 win. Turner ended the day with 338 yard passing giving him 2,140 yards on the season; the 8th best season in South Hampton Roads history. He still has two games remaining to move up that list. Deep Creek ends the season against Western Branch in what will probably decide the final playoff spot.
