by James J. Lidington

CHRISTCHURCH
Isle of Wight Academy out-rushed Christchurch School, but was ultimately overcome by the Fighting Seahorses, 35-6 in an away game at Christchurch on Saturday.

The Charger running game was on-point once again as junior Hunter Edwards rushed for a game-high 131 yards and IWA out-gained Christchurch on the ground, 205-156. But the Seahorses were too much by air, on defense and on special teams.

Already leading 7-0 in the first quarter, Christchurch quarterback Steven Stilianos connected with Jaylyn Kreimes on an 85-yard pass play that gave the home team a 14-0 lead with fewer than five minutes played.

After IWA’s final drive of the first quarter fizzled after three plays, Kreimes hauled in an Alex Stidham punt and rambled 72 yards with the return score. A PAT run made it 22-0 with 11:42 before halftime.

The Chargers’ next drive advanced past midfield, but Luke Scivanich’s first pass attempt of the day was intercepted by Seahorse defender Nick Thompson and returned for 51 yards and another score that made it 28-0 with 7:08 left in the period.

Stidham’s next punt six plays later gave Christchurch the ball at their own 40, but, on first down, Sebastian McGill ran 60 yards for his second touchdown of the game. The extra point was good as Christchurch took a commanding 35-point lead with 3:10 left in the second quarter.

Isle of Wight would not score until Colton Heard’s 10-yard run capped a seven-play, 77-yard drive with 4:11 left in the third quarter, which made it 35-6.

Stilianos was 4 for 6 passing for 112 yards. Isle of Wight did not complete a pass on three attempts: one on Scrivanich’s interception and two by Edwards.

Christchurch (6-1) was tied for third place with Norfolk Christian in the Oct. 16 Division II Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association football poll. IWA plays Christian in its final regular-season game Nov. 3. The Chargers (3-4) will play their final road game of the year on Friday, when they travel to traditional rival Fuqua School for a 7 p.m. contest.

JAMES J. LIDINGTON is a teacher at Isle of Wight Academy. He can be reached at 357-3866.