On Wednesday, September 19, the Kempsville Chiefs went head to head with the Tallwood Lions. The score was tight in the first half: Tallwood 7, Kempsville 0. Then the tide in the game shifted. The Lions began to cut at the Kempsville defense, and in the second half, the Lions scored 35 unanswered points. Many plays were up in the air. It was a battle to the end, even if the scoreboard read a different story.

Many of the key players on the Kempsville team went down with injuries. Justin Dana Middle linebacker suffered a spine injury and is now out for the rest of the season. Curtis Beard also faced a sore ankle in the second half. These key players made the first half close, with the score being 7-0 at halftime. 

Dana has been offered scholarships by many division two colleges, this being his senior year, and Beard was a defensive monster with his speed and Defensive IQ. Both players play a key role in leading their side of the field. Despite the record losing streak, Kempsville showed that they will always fight even if the odds are stacked against them.

“We will get a win this season; we have what it takes,” Beard said.

The final score was Kempsville 0, Tallwood 42.

Photo credits to John Stevens, who retains full photo rights. Contact him at [email protected]