UPDATE: Poquoson Islanders have delivered a commanding performance in the Class 2 Region A semifinals, overwhelming Southampton with a decisive 42-6 victory on November 3, 2023. The No. 2 seeded Islanders dominated with a powerful rushing attack, racking up an incredible 429 yards without a single pass attempt.
The game, held at Poquoson Middle School, showcased the Islanders’ unmatched ground game as they advance to face top-seeded Armstrong (12-0) in the regional finals. This highly anticipated matchup will unfold on the Wildcats’ home turf in Richmond, escalating the stakes for Poquoson, who has claimed the regional title for the last three consecutive years.
Southampton, despite having standout quarterback Zayden Pope, who has thrown for over 2,000 yards this season, struggled to make a significant impact. While Pope connected on five passes for 40 yards and led his team to the Poquoson 15-yard line early in the game, the Islanders’ defense held firm, forcing a turnover on downs.
Poquoson struck first as Austin Conley sprinted 39 yards for a touchdown on their opening possession, quickly establishing a 7-0 lead. Following an interception by Dom Galacgac, the Islanders made it 14-0 with a four-yard touchdown run by Cody Little, who also contributed significantly with 101 yards on the ground.
With their defense limiting Southampton to just 150 total yards (including 126 yards passing), Poquoson continued to dominate. A fumble recovery allowed them to score again, with Galacgac rushing for a touchdown from the 19-yard line, pushing the lead to 21-0 with 10:06 remaining in the first half.
Southampton finally broke through with a trick play, as Miguel Bradshaw connected with Qmarai Allen for a 35-yard touchdown, narrowing the deficit to 21-6. However, Poquoson quickly responded, capitalizing on a Southampton penalty to score once more before halftime, with Galacgac running in a 21-yard touchdown to extend the lead to 28-6 just before the half.
The second half saw Poquoson maintain their momentum. Conley added a stunning 62-yard touchdown run on the second play, and his subsequent five-yard touchdown capped an impressive performance, leading to a running clock with a commanding 36-point lead by the third quarter.
Coach Elliott Duty praised his team’s efforts, stating, “I thought we did a good job blocking tonight, everybody. The linemen, tight ends, running backs all did a good job opening holes.” He acknowledged a few defensive lapses but emphasized the overall effectiveness of their game plan.
As Poquoson looks ahead to the regional finals, fans are eager to see if they can continue their winning streak against Armstrong. This match promises to be a thrilling showdown as the Islanders strive to secure their fourth consecutive regional title. Stay tuned for updates on this exciting clash!
