Fueled by the combination of their stingy defense, explosive offense, and a couple of game-changing plays on special teams, the Dinwiddie Generals rolled past Hopewell last Friday Night by a score of 45-14.
The fireworks started early for the Generals as they took the opening kickoff and marched down the field. When a Hopewell sack of Dinwiddie QB Chris Hall was negated because of a facemask penalty, it gave the Generals another chance at third-and-long in the red zone and they didn’t squander the opportunity. Hall dropped back and found a wide open Drakar Harvell dragging across the field for a 15-yard TD to give Dinwiddie a 7-0 lead.
Hopewell’s first drive of the game wasn’t quite as successful. RB Jonavas Rhone fumbled the football away to Dinwiddie on the Blue Devlis’ first play of the game after Dinwiddie DE Corey Marshall jarred the ball loose. Dinwiddie didn’t take long to capitalize as RB Deandre Allen scampered in from 14 yards out 3 plays later to make it 14-0 Dinwiddie.
Later in the quarter following a blocked punt by the Generals, Allen would find the endzone for the 2nd time on an 11-yard TD pass from Hall that gave Dinwiddie a 21-0 lead. Despite being down early, Hopewell wasn’t ready to quit and responded with a big play of their own when Michael Smith darted 82 yards for a TD on a reverse to make it 21-7.
After the half, the Generals jumped on the scoreboard first when Hall connected with Harvell for a 30-yard TD to bump the lead to 28-7. Another defensive stop by Dinwiddie left the Generals with a short field. A 38-yard screen pass to Trey Gardner from Hall set up Harvell’s 3rd TD catch of the night, a 3-yarder that gave Dinwiddie a 35-7 lead.
Generals kicker Eder Lopez’s field goal at the beginning of the 4th made it 38-7, and an 11-yard TD run by senior Chris Hardy extended the lead to 45-7. Hopewell would add a late touchdown to finish the scoring off for the evening.
Special teams played a key role in the victory, as the Generals blocked 2 punts and controlled field position all night long because of their excellent play on special teams. LB Darec Brooks blocked both punts and was also a factor on defense making 10 tackles. Marshall was also a force, recording 10 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, and forcing a fumble. As a team, Dinwiddie forced 4 turnovers on defense.
Offensively the Generals were led by Hall, who had his most efficient night of the season. The junior QB finished 15-for-24 for 251 yards and 4 TD’s. He also ran the ball 6 times for 18 yards. His favorite target was Harvell, who finished with 6 catches for 97 yards and the 3 TD’s. Gardner made 3 catches for 48 yards and Allen added 3 catches for 46 yards while also finishing 25 yards rushing. Hardy led a balanced ground attack with 32 yards rushing.
The big win means the Generals are now 5-3 on the season. They are currently the #3 seed in the Division 5 Playoff picture behind Hanover and Clover Hill. This week the Generals take on an improved Matoaca (4-4) team that is 4-1 in the Central District after their loss last week to Meadowbrook.
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