Packers Smack Islanders
Smithfield did not just have a few captains for Monday nights game. Instead they came out as one, the whole team went to the middle of the field to show unity and they played the same way...
The Smithfield Packers needed a win against the Poquoson Islanders Monday night to secure a division 4 playoff berth, and that is exactly what they got. Smithfield rolled to a 35-14 victory with a number of big plays from their all-district running back, Montrell Johnson and a defense that put constant pressure on Poquoson quarterback Tee McConnell all night long.
Smithfield got off to an early start when Montrell Johnson scampered through the middle of Poquoson's defense on his way to a 48-yard touchdown run. Poquoson would answer with a long drive later in the first quarter that was capped off by a Cody Hutchison 2-yard touchdown run. With the score tied at seven, Smithfield coach Tyris Hill called for a play-action pass and quarterback James Wrenn faked twice and hit a streaking Lamonte Baldwin down field for a 51-yard touchdown pass.
The two teams would trade possessions for the next few minutes until late in the second quarter when Poquoson quarterback Tee McConnell was forced out of the pocket by Smithfield defensive end Jaquon Goodman, and McConnell threw a pass that was intercepted and returned for a touchdown by Rohn Springfield. However, the play was called back by a roughing the passer call and gave Poquoson a first down and more importantly, a huge swing in momentum. With Smithfield hurting from the penalty, Poquoson put together a nice scoring drive which ended with another Cody Hutchison touchdown run, this from one yard out.
After being tied at half and with their playoff hopes on the line, Smithfield turned to their horse, Montrell Johnson, who didn't disappoint. Johnson broke off a 45-yard touchdown run with 2:51 remaining in the third quarter to give Smithfield a seven point advantage. Poquoson failed to answer and was forced to punt the ball back to Smithfield. Montrell Johnson would once again prove to be too much to handle and run in a 24-yard touchdown with 44 seconds left in the third. The Islanders would try to answer Johnson's scores, and on the first play after the kickoff, quarterback Tee McConnell was intercepted by DaSean Artis, who would return the pass 35-yards for a touchdown, putting Smithfield up by 21 points.
Poquoson put forth a great effort in trying to mount a come back, but fell short and failed to score the rest of the game. Smithfield ran out the clock on their remaining possessions and came away victorious Monday night with a 35-14 win at Poquoson.
Scoring Summary
First Quarter:
Smithfield - Montrell Johnson 48-yard touchdown run (Kick Good)
Poquoson - Cody Hutchison 2-yard touchdown run (Kick Good)
Smithfield - James Wrenn to Lamonte Baldwin 51-yard touchdown pass (Kick Good)
Second Quarter
Poquoson - Cody Hutchison 1-yard touchdown run (Kick Good)
Third Quarter
Smithfield - Montrell Johnson 45-yard touchdown run (Kick Good)
Smithfield - Montrell Johnson 24-yard touchdown run (Kick Good)
Smithfield - DaSean Artis 35-yard interception return (Kick Good)
Coach Nieman's Analysis
Presented By Team Elite in Virginia Beach
Smithfield came into tonights game not yet in the playoffs and the Islanders already had their spot locked up. Doesn't make since to a lot I know because of the records with the Packers being 7-2 and Poquoson being 5-4, but the two schools are in different divisions. Smithfield punched Poquoson in the mouth by running over the Islanders all night and then they punched their ticket into they playoffs as they will play the No. 2 seed Chancellor either Friday or Saturday. Poquoson will most likley travel to Park View this weekend for their Playoff game. Another note for the Bay Rivers is that the York Falcons had to have some help to get into the playoffs and they had just that as Courtland lost last night, which helped Ben Edwards team get into the dance.
Player of the Game
Presented By Lendy's in Virginia Beach
Smithfield running back Montrell Johnson finished the night with touchdown runs of 48, 45 and 24 yards. His big plays were the difference in tonight's victory for the Packers.
