The threat of inclement weather Friday night brought the area a Thursday night football matchup between Central District foes Matoaca and Hopewell. After falling behind 9-7 in the first quarter, Matoaca scored 21 unanswered points and defeated the Blue Devil's 28-15.

Running back Quentin Johnson turned in another monster performance on the ground, rushing for 206 yards on 35 carries and scoring twice. The defense notched five sacks and forced three turnovers. With the win, Matoaca snapped its seven-game losing streak to Hopewell and recorded its eighth win of the season. This is the first time the Warriors have won eight games in a season since 2006.

FIRST HALF

Hopewell raced out to an early 6-0 lead when Mason Cumbie found Jamarion Chavis on a 51-yard touchdown pass on the Blue Devil's first play from scrimmage (PAT No Good). Matoaca responded right away on their first drive of the game. Quarterback David Field connected with Riley Simmons on a 27-yard touchdown pass (PAT Gates) to put the Warriors on top 7-6.

The Blue Devil's would regain the lead after Cumbie booted a 17-yard field goal attempt to make the score 9-6 late in the first period of play. Hopewell and Matoaca exchanged punts to open up the second quarter. On the Warrior's second possession of the quarter, they turned the ball over deep in Hopewell territory.

Matoaca would more than makeup for this mistake on Hopewell's next drive. Freshman defensive lineman Caleb Williams forced a Mason Cumbie fumble which was recovered by Gavin Hall and Matoaca was back in business.

A few plays later, Quentin Johnson scored from one yard out (PAT Gates) to put Matoaca back on top 14-9. Matoaca forced another Hopewell punt and put together a strong drive to put them into scoring position before the half. However, David Field's pass was picked off on the goal line by Jamarion Chavis to end the half.

SECOND HALF

The third quarter was a stalemate between both teams. The Blue Devil's put together a nice drive towards the end of the quarter, but running back Kesean Henderson coughed up the ball and Matoaca recovered it. The Warriors ate up the remainder of the clock in the third quarter and had a crucial 4th and 2 inside their 20-yard line to begin the fourth period of play.

David Field and his center had a bad snap exchange and Ah'Daryall Hite pounced on it for the Blue Devils. Unfortunately, Hopewell couldn't get anything going on their next drive and had to punt the ball away.

Field would redeem himself on the team's next drive. He called his own number and raced 20-yards to the endzone (PAT Gates) to extend the lead to 21-9 with 6:16 remaining in the contest.

The Matoaca defense continued to make life hard on the Blue Devils by forcing another turnover on Hopewell's next drive. A few plays later, Quentin Johnson punched in another one-yard score (PAT Gates) to make the score 28-9 in favor of the visitors.

Hopewell added a final score with 2:11 left in the game when Kesean Henderson broke loose and rumbled 25 yards to the endzone (2pt conversion no good).

IMPACT PERFORMERS

MATOACA

Quentin Johnson: 35 carries 206 yards 2 TD's

David Field: 12-17 176 yards TD/INT; 6 carries 24 yards TD

Riley Simmons: 2 receptions 41 yards TD

HOPEWELL

Mason Cumbie: 5-11 131 yards TD; 17-yard FG

Kesean Henderson: 10 carries 123 yards TD

Jamarion Chavis: 2 receptions 64 yards TD; INT

UP NEXT

The #3 Warriors (8-1) entered Thursday's contest as the projected 4th seed in the stacked Region 4B playoff picture. They conclude the regular season at home against Meadowbrook (0-7). Hopewell (4-3), who was the projected 6th seed in Region 3A will head to Prince George (1-6). We will bring you updated playoff rankings on Monday.