It was a long night for first-year Tidewater Academy head coach David Rodgers as the Warriors dropped their season opener 47-0 to Portsmouth Christian.

The Warriors fumbled the ball to the Patriots on the opening kickoff, and the visitors scored their first touchdown in the early minutes of the first quarter. Portsmouth Christian scored on each of its possessions in the first half to roll to a 41-0 halftime lead.

Tidewater had six possessions in the opening half but never mounted a scoring threat. Quarterback Ferley Yerby broke free on some impressive runs but could not break the big one.

In the second half the Patriots, playing reserves, scored just once more. The Warriors’ biggest threat came in the final minutes of the game as Yerby connected on two passes to push the ball to the Patriots’ 40-yard line. Going back to the air again, Yerby was picked off in the final seconds of the game.

Rodgers told his players to keep their heads up.

“I am going to be here with you,” he told his squad after the game.