Chesapeake sinks Bennett’s regional title hopes

The James M. Bennett Clippers exceeded expectations in 2018. The team hosted back to back playoff games, won 9 games, and won their first playoff game since 1990. But none of those accolades could get the team where they ultimately wanted to be- the state’s 3A final four, falling 36-21 on Saturday afternoon against Chesapeake.

JMB would get score on an 80-yard connection from Brandon Scholl to Jahryn Long, tying the game at 7 just 3 minutes into the first quarter. The Cougars however, would continue to pound, and eventually score 20 unanswered- capped by a Colton Spangler 6-yard touchdown grab. Up 20-7 with 3 minutes until half, Chesapeake would attempt to get in once more- but Young was picked off by Troy Gibson; with Gibson returning the interception all the way to the Chesapeake 1-yard line. Scholl would get in from a yard out to cut the Cougars’ defecit to 20-14 at the break.

The second half started with a bang for Chesapeake, with Young slinging another touchdown pass out of the half to extend their lead to 27-14. Needing a play, the Clippers called on Bayside Special Teams Player of the Year Jahryn Long once more, and Long responded with a 33-yard touchdown catch.

The Cougars would respond with two long drives yielding points, capped by a Jaylen Richardson 2-yard score. Bennett finishes the season with a 9-3 overall record.