UPDATE: In a stunning display of power, the Poquoson Islanders crushed the Southampton Indians with a commanding score of 42-6 in the Class 2 Region A semifinal held on November 10, 2023, at Poquoson Middle School. With this victory, Poquoson advances to face No. 1 Armstrong in a highly anticipated matchup on their home field in Richmond.
The Islanders, ranked No. 2, showcased an unstoppable Wing-T rushing attack, amassing an impressive 429 rushing yards without a single pass attempt. Poquoson, now 11-1 this season, has dominated the region for the past three years, further solidifying their reputation as a powerhouse.
Despite expectations for a competitive match due to Southampton’s talented quarterback, Zayden Pope, who has thrown for over 2,013 yards this season, the Islanders quickly set the tone. After a promising start by Southampton, with Pope completing five passes for 40 yards, Poquoson’s defense held strong, taking over on downs and launching a relentless offensive barrage.
Austin Conley opened the scoring with a breathtaking 39-yard run, making it 7-0 for Poquoson. Following an interception by Dom Galacgac, the Islanders marched down the field, with Cody Little scoring from 4 yards out, extending the lead to 14-0.
The Islanders’ defense was equally impressive, limiting Southampton to just 150 total yards and forcing a fumble that set up another touchdown drive. Galacgac, who had 87 rushing yards, capped that drive with a quick score, pushing the lead to 21-0.
Southampton managed to get on the board with a trick-play touchdown, as Miguel Bradshaw connected with Qmarai Allen for a 35-yard touchdown pass, making it 21-6. However, a penalty on the kickoff gave Poquoson excellent field position, and they capitalized with another touchdown from Galacgac, bringing the score to 28-6 before halftime.
Southampton struggled to catch up, facing relentless pressure from Poquoson’s defense. The Islanders sacked Pope five times, effectively neutralizing Southampton’s passing game. Conley further cemented Poquoson’s dominance with a stunning 62-yard touchdown run on the second play of the third quarter, making it 36-6.
With the clock running due to the significant lead, Poquoson continued to assert their dominance. Coach Elliott Duty praised his team’s effort, stating,
“I thought we did a good job blocking tonight, everybody. The linemen, tight ends, running backs all did a good job opening holes.”
As Poquoson gears up for their next challenge against Armstrong, the anticipation builds. Fans and players alike are eager to see if the Islanders can capture another regional title and continue their winning streak.
Stay tuned for updates as Poquoson prepares for the championship showdown!
