Drifters defeat W&L Eagles, end 43 year drought
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- Published on Thursday, 08 November 2012 13:54
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The recent battle between Northern Neck District foes, Colonial Beach and Washington & Lee ended in a 12-0 Drifter victory, and it marked the first time in school history that the outcome favored Colonial Beach.
Former long-time athletic director (39 years) Wayne Kennedy was the head coach of the Drifters during their first game against Washington & Lee (5-6, 5-5) in 1968. “We’ve been playing them not every year, but off and on since 1968, and that’s 43 years,” Kennedy said. “So when I start screaming, and yelling, hitting the fog horn, going crazy when you do something, it comes straight from the heart. You won this one for the town, and all the people who wear black & gold.”
While Nov. 3, 2012, at Monroe Park will forever have a historical significance for the Drifter faithful, head coach Scott Foster will have the task of refocusing the Drifters (6-3, 6-4) on the upcoming Eastern Section, Division 1 game against visiting Lancaster (5-5, 4-5) on Friday. “It’s a county rivalry, and its huge for the team, and it’s huge for our community, which says that Colonial Beach is still here,” Foster said.
The winner of Saturday night’s game earned the privilege of hosting the first round of the Eastern Section, Division 1 playoffs.
Colonial Beach and senior citizen passes will not be accepted during the Lancaster post-season playoff game. Only certain passes through the VHSL and VHSCA will be accepted. All gate proceeds go the regions/sections, not to the home team.
Game
The first half was literally a defensive stalemate, as both teams marched up and down the field without penetrating the goal line. Although the Eagles turned the ball over once, the Drifters were not able to capitalize on their miscue.
At the start of the second quarter, after a drive from the Drifter 35, the Eagles tried four times to cross the goal line, but the Drifters defense held them one yard short of the goal line. “We said if we were in town this week, the game would be won on defense,” Foster said.
The Drifters took a 6-0 lead at the start of the third quarter, when Nick Graves connected with Shamir Shanks for a 35-yard touchdown.
While the third quarter ended in another defensive draw, the Drifters converted a 66-yard drive into a Dion Gonzalez five-yard touchdown run. The Eagles spent the remainder of the game throwing desperation passes down field, with the hope of establishing a late game rally.
Leonard Banks
Sports editor
