Heritage Tops Menchville 21-20

 NEWPORT NEWS – In both teams’ Peninsula District opener, Menchville, behind the power of Charlie Wilson’s 241 rushing yards, held on for a one-point win over city rival Heritage.

In a game married by 24 penalties, the Monarchs (1-1) were never in charge of the game until Corey Harris intercepted a Derrick Gurley Jr. pass in the game’s final minute. At the time, the Hurricanes (0-2) had just converted a 4th-and-3 from the 33, as Gurley’s pass was snared just inside the sideline by Sterling Anderson who landed right on the 30 before being pushed out of bounds.

The loss for Heritage overshadowed a sparkling game from Anderson, who scored on a 91-yard pass play, set up by Menchville’s failure to drop anyone back at safety. The senior also followed up Wilson’s 62-yard touchdown run with a 94-yard kickoff return for a score.

Wilson carried the ball 33 times, including eight for 51 yards on the game-clinching scoring drive. But the senior, who also plays free safety, was quick to recognize the defense.

“Defense wins championships,” said Wilson, who also made some notable tackles on Gurley (12 carries, 106 yards), who escaped the pocket on numerous occasions, leading to several games of cat-and-mouse with the Monarch defenders.

Coach Rodney Wilson praised his team, telling them after the game – “we could have given up, but tonight we showed our heart!”

Menchville held a tenuous 7-6 lead at the half, but passed up numerous opportunities to extend the margin. Three of Gurley’s first four passes were almost intercepted by Monarch defenders, and most of the seven first-half penalties came during long gains, including a 47-yard touchdown run by Amir Harrison, which was called back due to a holding call.

Yet, the Menchville defense held tight. Aside from a 70-yard dash by Gurley, the Hurricanes managed just 54 yards in the opening half. However, Gurley’s long run, from the Heritage 17 to the Monarch 13, set up an eight-yard pass between Gurley and slot receiver Zachary Ray, who connected on a crossing pattern. The Canes quarterback provided most of the offense for his team in the first half, with 93 rushing yards on six carries.

On the Monarch side, Harrison, who rushed for 104 rushing in the season opening loss to Western Branch, opted to hand off to Wilson, who picked up 108 yards rushing on 14 first-half carries.

                    Her.    Men.

1st Downs    8,  14   

Rush – Yds   20-115, 49-376  

Pass Yds.       140, 29       

C- A – I        6-19-2, 4-13-1 

Punts – Avg.   5-31, 4-28

Pen. Yds.       10-65, 14-145

Fumb – Lost   2-1, 1-0

Heritage          0, 6, 7, 7 -- 20

Menchville      0, 7, 7, 7 -- 21

M – Shane Reimann 7 pass from Amir Harrison (Edwin Baker kick)

H – Zachary Ray 8 pass from Derrick Gurley Jr. (kick failed)

H – Sterling Anderson 91 pass from Gurley (kick failed)

M – Charlie Wilson 62 run (Baker run)

H – Anderson 94 kick return (Cunningham pass from Gurley)

M – Wilson 4 run (Baker kick)