Suffolk News-Herald

Treveon Clemons returned an interception 87 yards to finally break open a defensive deadlock and give the Nansemond River junior varsity football team all the points it needed for an 8-0 win over visiting local rival Lakeland Thursday night. A late defensive stand preserved the win, as the Cavaliers made it inside the Warrior 10 three times in the final period, but couldn’t push over the points.

The Warriors appeared ready to jump ahead five minutes in, as Thomas Piland scooped up a Lakeland fumble at midfield, and Eric Scott charged down to the Cavalier 25. Jamar Jarrell made it to the 16, but C.J. Gregory snatched back possession for the Cavaliers.

Neither team threatened much for the remainder of the half. After a Warrior drive stalled at the Lakeland 46 with 3:26 to play in the third, Josh Meeks went to the air for Lakeland, tossing a six-yard strike to Matthew Holland and a 27-yarder over the middle to Rountrell Parker. But his next pass hit Clemons right in the numbers, and the freshman bolted all the way up the left sideline for the score. Darryl Brickhouse completed his first pass of the night to Steven Richardson for the conversion.

Holland returned the ensuing kickoff 23 yards to the Lakeland 45, and caught a 24-yard pass from Meeks at the River 28 two plays later. Clemons appeared to have yanked down another interception, but the Warriors were called for roughing the passer, giving Lakeland a first down on the 12.

Gerald Copeland carried to the eight, and Rufus Artis nabbed another yard. But Brandon Newso-me broke through to throw Rodney Bell for a five-yard loss, and Kevin Mincey knocked a pass from Holland’s hands on fourth down.

Newsome got a first down on the 24, but Copeland fell on a blown pitchout to get the ball back, and a pass interference gave the Cavaliers a first down on the 14.

Meeks misfired on first down, but hit Holland at the six on the next play. But Artis and Copeland couldn’t get the last two yards, and the Warriors got the ball back.

Still, Lakeland didn’t quit, holding the Warriors to two yards on the next three plays. A punt was blocked, and Rick Gregory fell on it at the five for Lakeland. But Newsome snatched up a fumble on the next play, then ran 21 yards on the next two plays to eat up the remainder.