WARWICK 35, GRASSFIELD 0
(From August 31, 2024 Daily Press/Virginian-Pilot)
Note: Warwick pitched a second shutout, against Bethel on September 6)
Behind the power of its stalwart defense, the #6 Warwick Raiders opened up the 2024 football season at Todd Stadium with a statement, as last season’s Peninsula District runner-up thumped the visitors from Grassfield 35-0 on the school’s alumni night.
Cameron Glenn ran for 85 yards and a touchdown on 11 attempts to lead the Raider attack, but was silent in the second half as Warwick coach Corey Hairston and his staff used the opportunity to look at some of its other talent on the field. The Raiders gained 331 yards and 15 first downs while shuffling players in and out of their lineup.
Keon Batts may have had the most impact. Batts scored the game’s final touchdown when quarterback Saeed Williams lofted a pass over the middle and the 5’6” senior receiver outraced the Grizzly defense for a 71-yard touchdown.
Williams was steady, if not sensational behind center completing 11 of 23 passes for 162 yards. However, the junior signal caller rushed for three short touchdowns and kept the offense moving through adversity, mostly caused in the form of penalties.
The Raiders were whistled for 15 penalties for 135 yards – a statistic that caught Hairston’s attention. Ironically, the unit had been playing solid in the preseason.
“We went through two scrimmages and didn’t commit a penalty,” said Hairston who was clearly disappointed by the number of flags. “We’d make forward progress and then get called back.” Asked about a solution, Hairston added, “ We just need to clean up some things.”
The Grassfield defense was on fire. Christian Corbin had a sack and fumble recovery. Senior free safety Jaden Gilliam had a fumble recovery and interception on successive Grassfield possessions.
Iziah Emery (sack) and 6’5” Dakota Brodus (interception) added critical plays for the defense, who held Grassfield to negative total yardage until midway through the fourth quarter. Emery also scooped up a blocked punt by Jaylen Jordan. Xavier Carter and Tracy Pope combined for a sack.
Asked if he was surprised by the quality of his team’s effort, which was without standout player Messiah Delhomme for the first time in over two years, Hairston was unmoved.
“We were solid tonight, especially among the front six, who made us some plays on the back end. Even though our offense made some plays, we need to go back and clean up some things,” said Hairston, whose team will match up against Bethel next weekend.
GRASSFIELD - 0, 0, 0, 0 -- 0
WARWICK - 7, 14, 7, 7 -- 35
W – Cameron Glenn 5 run (Ahmed Mohktar kick)
W – Saeed Williams Jr. 1 run (Mohktar kick)
W – S. Williams 1 run (Mohktar kick)
W – S. Williams 2 run (Mohktar kick)
W – Keon Batts 71 pass from S. Williams (Mohktar kick)
G W
1st Downs 5, 15
Rush-Yards 26 – (-14), 33-159
Pass Yards 42, 162
C-A-I 6-20-2, 11-23-0
Pen.-Yds. 11-98, 15-135
Punt-Avg. 3-29, 4-34
Fumb.-Lost 3-2, 2-1
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