Whaley's 3TD's Leads Salem To Beach Title
Sun Devils Clinch First Outright District Title in School History
Virginia Beach, VA - The battle for the Beach District took place at Tallwood High School between two schools separated by just a few miles in the heart of Kempsville, Salem came in as the powerhouse of the district, having rolled over every oponent in their way. The Tallwood Lions have been the surprise of the Hampton Road football season, entering the game with a 7-1 record after a 2-8 finish last season.
The Sun Devils established the tone early with a 15 play, 75 yard drive on their first possession. All-Gameday player of the year candidate, running back Kevin Whaley did most of the damage on the drive and capped it off with a 5 yard touchdown run. The drive ate 8:21 off the clock and clearly set the tone for what Salem wanted to do on offense. Turnovers would play a huge role in this game as well. Salem came into the game first in the Eastern Region in turnover margin at +19 for the season. After forcing their second turnover of the game, Whaley and the Sun Devils once again punched in a touchdown to go into halftime with a 14-0 lead. Salem would force six turnovers and make none in this contest.
On senior night at Tallwood, the Lions came out in the second half with passion, but Whaley quickly busted that bubble with a 59 yard run to the 1 yard line; taking it in from there for his third touchdown of the game. The Lions showed heart and cut the lead to 21-7 on a Brian Jackson quarterback draw, but Salem quarterback Rich Kresinske answered back with a 24 yard touchdown pass to put the Sun Devils back up by 3 scores. Whaley drew 2 defensive backs on the play, and Leon Johnson was wide open for an easy touchdown..
All-Gameday Team nominee, Jamel Conley put his finishing touches on the game with a 50 yard interception returned for a touchdown, and a 91 yard returned inside the 5 yard line to seal the game and a 35-7 win for the Sun Devils who clinched their first Beach District title. Whaley finished with 33 carries for 218 yards and 3 touchdowns. Tallwood is still alive in the playoff race but needs a win over First Colonial next week.
