For the past three homecoming football games, Clover Hill has played Richmond City School of the Arts and easily defeated them each time. Following a 0-7 opening to the season, Clover Hill looked to keep their homecoming winning streak alive and pick up their first victory on Oct. 25.

In preparation for the game, the players buckled down and got to work at practice to sharpen their skills.

“It’s been a hard week of practice, because [this game] is something you just don’t want to lose, especially since it’s the homecoming game,” junior offensive lineman Chase Nelson said.

Despite this challenging start to the season, Clover Hill football players remain optimistic about the homecoming game and are excited to take on the Bulldogs.

Junior wide receiver Julius Lewis expresses his confidence, “It’s an easy team and an easy win, but honestly, we just have to do what we do every week,” Lewis said. “Just come out, play, and have fun as a football team.”

The Cavs did exactly that.  The team came out with a 7-6 lead at halftime and began to dominate increasingly during the second half.  Junior varsity (JV) quarterback freshman Koi Brown was substituted in, and ran the show for the remainder of the game, with tremendous help from junior running back Gavin Glasco. Brown’s stellar performance led the Cavs to their first-season victory, defeating the Bulldogs 39-6.

Throughout the first half, the Cavaliers put up 61 yards of offense, however, Brown’s playmaking resulted in a total of 243 yards of offense by the end of the game.  Brown completed 9 of 13 passes for 121 yards and threw two touchdowns in the third quarter.  This enabled the team to pick up significant momentum and the crowd erupted.

In addition to Brown’s offense, the Cavs’ defense put together an astonishing performance.  The team forced five turnovers – two interceptions and three fumbles, four of which were converted into scoring drives.  Senior safety Logan Estep’s interception in the second quarter preceded Clover Hill’s first score, a 5-yard touchdown run by Glasco.

Glasco ran the ball 14 times for 44 yards and brought in six passes for an additional 64 yards.  

Clover Hill Varsity football’s first victory of the season has provided the team with ample amounts of momentum, and the Cavs hope to carry this forward into the week, when they face the Powhatan Indians (4-4) at Clover Hill High School on Nov. 1.

Gallery • 5 Photos

Bailey Burket recognized as Homecoming Queen at halftime Credit: Michelle A. Perez Manzor