By Ashley McLeod, staff writer
Nov 30, 2015, 13:16
HOPEWELL — The Hopewell Blue Devils began their playoff game against the James Monroe Yellow Jackets a little rough.
The team was down 17 points at the beginning of the second quarter, following a first that included fumbles and missed passes by the team.
But that all changed with minutes left in the quarter. Following a 67-yard punt return for a touchdown by James Monroe’s Matt Felton, which brought the score to 24-7, the Blue Devils scored two touchdowns within minutes. At halftime, Hopewell trailed James Monroe 24-21.
Coach Irby contributed the change in playing to mental toughness.
“Our kids are very resilient. We talked about before the game about not getting caught up in the highs and lows, and playing each play. We’ve been a second-half team all year and it continued today. I’m proud of these kids and the way they played,” said Irby.
When the Blue Devils hit the field in the second half, the momentum continued. Hopewell quickly gained possession, scoring a field goal to bring the game to a tie. With five minutes left on the clock, Hopewell’s Dewonyea Westry intercepted a pass by James Monroe, running 32 yards to score a touchdown and put Hopewell in the lead.
The pick-6 was followed up by the Yellow Jackets scoring again, bringing a tie at the end of the third quarter, 31-31.
An interception early in the fourth brought possession back to Hopewell, who within a few plays scored again to bring Hopewell in the lead. The Yellow Jackets failed to score in the fourth quarter, allowing Hopewell to take the title and move on to the 3A state semifinals.
The Blue Devils will now travel to Roanoke to face Lord Boutetort on Saturday.
Irvin Field Goal
TD – Hill (2), Cooper, Westry (2)
