Beach District football roundup: Jarrett's two FGs lift Cox; Kellam, Landstown cruise

Cox 6, Salem 3

VIRGINIA BEACH

Drew Jarrett’s two field goals helped Cox end its winless drought against Salem.

Jarrett’s kicking ability helped neutralize Salem’s team speed as he kicked three kickoffs into the end zone that were not returned, added two field goals and his 56-yard punt with less than 2 minutes remaining pinned the SunDevils at their 9-yard line.

Cox (2-1) got on the scoreboard with 8:50 remaining in the first quarter when Jarrett -- who will be the subject of a 757Teamz.com video feature Sunday -- connected on a 48-yard FG. The SunDevils Kyle LaCroix matched Jarrett’s effort with a 44-yard FG to tie the game at 3.

Eight minutes later, Jarrett was not to be outdone as he nailed a 37-yard FG, which proved to be the game-winner, but not without late-game drama.

Salem (1-2) took over at its own 9-yard line with 2:21 left in the game and drove down the field. Chris Johnson ran for 22 yards on 4th-and-10 and two plays later connected with Tyshawn Lawton for 16 yards to put the SunDevils in field goal range.

However, LaCroix’s attempt sailed wide right and the Falcons persevered.

Key stats: Cox, Robert Thrasher 3-44 receiving, Severen Rucker 8-24 rushing (rushed for 6 first downs); Salem, Tyshawn Harris 12-47 rushing, Chris Johnson 7-36 rushing.

—Reported by Rich Salzer 

No. 4 Kellam 28, Princess Anne 14

VIRGINIA BEACH

Star tailback James Taylor didn’t play because of an ankle injury, but it didn’t prevent the Knights from remaining undefeated. Senior Sean Abrams, normally the team’s wingback, rushed for 203 yards on 28 carries and scored one touchdown in a game that featured plenty of scoring in the first half but little in the second.

The turning point in the game came when the Knights (3-0) orchestrated a two play, 64-yard drive with 25 seconds remaining in the second quarter. Matt Schmit connected with Trey Rascoe on consecutive passes, the last of which resulted in a 33-yard touchdown that pushed Kellam ahead 21-14 just before halftime.

Kellam’s defense shut down Princess Anne in the second half. Kenay Hawks had 66 rushing yards for the Cavaliers (0-3) in the first quarter, but from that point forward he gained only 27 more.

Key stats: Abrams, 28-203, 1 touchdown. Hawks 11-93, 2 touchdowns.

He said it: “Whatever I have to do to contribute to the team, I will do it” -- Sean Abrams.

— Reported by Sam Johnson 

Landstown 31, Tallwood 7

VIRGINIA BEACH

The Eagles thwarted Tallwood’s opening drive when Antoine Staton picked up a loose lateral and raced 84 yards to set the tone in a Beach District match-up.

Lions’ quarterback Lance Waddell was attempting to get the ball to Davon Britton on the play, but threw behind him.

Tallwood (1-2) cut the lead to 13-7 early in the third quarter, only to have Sterlin Phifer race 72 yards for a 21-7 Landstown lead and the Eagles (2-1) never looked back.

Tallwood was held to just 112 total offensive yards.

Key stats: L–Dominique Lennon 9-15-0 149 2 TDs passing; Lamar Gilchrist 4-99 2 TDs receiving; Phifer 15-80 TD rushing. T–Dee Whitaker 12-64 TD rushing.

He said it: “The O line was struggling, but broke through when I needed it,” – Phifer on his long touchdown run.

— Reported by Scott Baxter