NORFOLK
One minute into their game against Maury on Saturday, the Norcom Greyhounds seemed primed to earn their fifth consecutive victory to start the season. More importantly, they appeared as if they were on their way to winning a game for their fallen teammate.
On the second play, Nashawn Palmer intercepted Maury quarterback Darryl Waters. Seconds later, quarterback Deandre Lamb scampered six yards for a touchdown.
But from that point forward, Maury dominated the line of scrimmage as the Commodores defeated No. 6 Norcom 17-7 at Powhatan Field.
A day after Norcom receiver Rashawn Finney died in the hospital of multiple gunshot wounds, the emotional fallout from the tragedy remained.
“It’s been a rough week,” Greyhounds coach Larry Archie said.
The Commodores (3-2, 2-0) didn’t make it easier. They swarmed Norcom’s backfield – choking the running lanes and pressuring Lamb to make hasty decisions.
The Greyhounds, who have one of South Hampton Roads’ most dynamic offenses, produced only 144 yards and five first downs.
Maury forced four turnovers – one of which set up the winning touchdown.
“I knew at the beginning of the season that the defense was going to carry the team,” Maury coach John Quinerly said. “And we are really starting to jell .”
After Maury made a goal-line stand on Norcom’s second possession, the Greyhounds (4-1, 1-1) ran only 13 more plays in the first half and were confined to their own end.
Eventually, the Commodores’ took advantage of the positive field position they were winning.
With 1:19 remaining in the first half, Waters connected with Laroy Reynolds on a five-yard touchdown pass as the Commodores tied the game at 7.
Charles Humphrey scored on a two-yard plunge with 8:51 left in the third quarter as the Commodores seized a 14-7 lead and never let go of it.
“It was an emotional roller coaster,” said Archie. “But they just beat us.”
See a Photo Gallery from the game.
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