In a season where the Prince Edward County High School football team is looking for anything positive to build on for the future, the Eagles were able to gather a few rays of light in a 45-12 Southside District loss at Brunswick last Friday night in Lawrenceville.

“We played pretty well, considering how hard it is to play there,” said PECHS head coach Terrence Edmonds. “We gave up some big plays in the second quarter that turned the game to their favor, and once they get the lead, they're hard to catch up to.”

After giving up a Brunswick score on the Bulldogs' first offensive series, the Eagles tightened down on both sides of the ball. A punt inside the Brunswick two-yard-line, and a three-and-out by the Bulldogs, put PE in position for its first score of the night on the first play of the second quarter. Ralick Lockett capped a time-consuming PE drive with a 10-yard touchdown run to tie the game at 6-6, giving the Eagles the momentum.

“Brunswick is a team that can intimidate its opponent in a lot of different ways,” said Edmonds. “Our guys didn't let that bother them, and while they tried to adjust to our “hog package” they got quiet.”

But as is the case with 1-7 teams (1-3 Southside), something that winning teams can overcome proved to be the turning point in the contest late in the second quarter.

A rush by Lockett moved the ball down inside the Brunswick ten-yard-line, but was brought back on a holding call. A sack and an interception later, put Brunswick in prime position to score.

“Just like that. In a matter of a few plays, we went from a first-and-goal situation to having to defend on our 13-yard-line. It turned the whole game.”

Brunswick scored shortly thereafter, and scored twice more – once aided by an onside kick to take a 25-6 lead at the half.

“It turned on us that fast,” said Edmonds. “We were in a hole the rest of the way, but our defense still played a good game.”

Also not playing in PE's favor, was an injury suffered to bruising tailback Tyrek Goode, who hurt his ankle, and was unable to continue.”

“I think the three quick scores, combined with Tyrek's injury took some of the wind out of our sails.”

Brunswick extended its lead in the second half. PE did get in the endzone again when senior quarterback Jeremy Walker hit Walter Christmas for a 24-yard touchdown pass, but the Eagles could get no closer.

Lockett led the Eagles offensively with 15 rushes for 68 yards and a touchdown. Raheem Nash had 30 yards on seven carries. Walker was 1-4 passing for the 24-yard touchdown to Christmas, while Davo Adams was 1-1 passing for a 10-yard toss to George Evans.
Defensively, PE was led by Isaiah Davis, who had five solo tackles on the night. Noah Bowman and John Robertson had six total tackles apiece.

Prince Edward will host Greensville on Friday night at 7:30 p.m. for Senior Night.