Poquoson Wins In Thriller By Matt Aiton
Poquoson Grabs Last Second Win At Grafton
Presented by Danny's Glass
The matchup tonight between Poquoson and Grafton at Bailey Field was an early season showing of who could contend for the Bay Rivers District Title. The game was a defensive battle until the very end when Poquoson running back Dylan Hill drove his Bull Islanders down the field and punched in a 1-yard touchdown run with 22.8 seconds left to give Poquoson the 14-13 victory Friday night in and intense emotional battle.
The game started out slow with each team trading three and outs for almost the entire first quarter. Poquoson started to drive late in the first and made it all the way to the one yard line when Grafton's defense rose to the challenge and stuffed Poquoson with a tremendous goal line stand to cause a turnover on downs. After trading punta again, Poquoson had a chance to get on the board first, but kicker Michael Lutz missed his 29-yard field goal wide left.
On Poquoson's next possession, quarterback Tee McConnell had his pass tipped at the line of scrimmage up in the air and it was picked off by Grafton senior lineman Michael Maloney. The very next play, Grafton quarterback Joe Cibrin hooked up with all purpose back, Ryan Johansen for a 22-yard touchdown pass to give Grafton the lead, 7-0 with 8:30 left in the second quarter.
After the touchdown Poquoson tried to trick Grafton up with a flea-flicker that was intercepted by Nick Pearson, but was called back on a pass interference call. Poquoson failed to capitalize and was forced to punt it away. Grafton, on their next possession was faced with a forth down and one yard to go on their own 40 yard line. Grafton faked the punt, but Poquoson snuffed it out and stopped running back Nick Pearson in the backfield for a one yard loss.
With momentum on their side and the half nearing a close, Poquoson decided to air it out and quarterback Tee McConnell was picked off for a second time, this time in the end zone. The first half came to a close with Grafton leading Poquoson 7-0. With the second half under way and with 2:55 seconds left to play in the third quarter, Grafton athlete Ryan Johansen ran a touchdown in from three yards out to make the score 13-0. The point after was blocked by Tristan Maldonado, which would play a huge part in the final outcome.
With Poquoson's fate looking grim, the Bull Islanders buckled down and started putting together a nice drive to end the third quarter and to start the fourth. Their hard work was rewarded when Poquoson running back Dylan Hill put in their first score of the night with a 15-yard touchdown run, making the game 13-7 after the PAT. After penalties and a long sack killed Grafton's next drive, they were forced to punt. Grafton pinned Poquoson back at the 11 yard line after a 60 plus yard punt.
Down 13-7 and with time running out, Poquoson began to drive down the field with authority, allowing powerful running back Dylan Hill to carry his team down the field and with 22.8 seconds left, Hill punched in the tying touchdown. After the PAT was made by Lutz, Poquoson had the lead 14-13. That's the way this hard fought battle between two very solid teams would end.
On the night running back Dylan Hill finished with 9 carries for 74 yards and two scores, he also had 2 catches for 21 yards and two big first downs. Poquoson quarterback Tee McConnell finished the night 8 for 17 with 140 yards passing and two interceptions. On the Grafton side, quarterback Joe Cibrin was 10 for 20 with 140 yards passing and one touchdown. All-purpose back Ryan Johansen finished with 6 carries for 15 yards and one score, and added 4 catches for 63 yards and another score.
Grafton (2-1) will try to get back on track next week as Warhill High School comes to visit Bailey Field and Poquoson (2-1) will try to continue its hot streak against a solid Jamestown High School team.
SCORING SUMMARY
Second Quarter
Grafton - Joe Cibrin 22-yard pass to Ryan Johansen (Kick Good)
Third Quarter
Grafton - Ryan Johansen 3-yard touchdown run (PAT Blocked)
Fourth Quarter
Poquoson- Dylan Hill 15-yard touchdown run (Kick Good)
Poquoson- Dylan Hill 1-yard touchdown run (Kick Good)
PLAYER OF THE GAME
Presented by Advanced Restoration
Poquoson Running Back Dylan Hill. Hill finished with 9 carries for 74 yards and two touchdowns, and 2 catches for 21 yards. Scored go-ahead touchdown with 22.8 seconds left in the game.
