The Suffolk Chargers faced the undefeated Portsmouth Mustangs on Saturday and continued to struggle this season due to injuries and player absences. Missing 20 players, the Chargers fell 39-12 at John F. Kennedy Middle School.

Both of Suffolk’s top quarterbacks were out as Walter Boykins had a fractured ankle and Jamahl Street was away on personal business. The third string quarterback, McCoy Watkins, who had only ever practiced as a running back, had to take over behind center.

Chargers owner Angela Harper also said she was without half of her offensive and defensive lines.

Kendrey Thurman provided a rare bright spot for the Chargers, scoring on an 80-yard kickoff return.

The Mustangs improve to 6-0 in the Tidewater Division of the Atlantic Coast Football Alliance while the Chargers now fall to 1-5, eliminating them from playoff contention.

Harper said tryouts for the spring 2014 season will begin in December, and she will be going to the local high schools in search of new players, mainly linemen, who are not currently college-bound.

Suffolk will host the Virginia Warriors (1-5) this Saturday at John F. Kennedy Middle School.