BREAKING: The Poquoson Islanders crushed the Southampton Indians 42-6 in the Class 2 Region A semifinals on November 3, 2023, at Poquoson Middle School. With an explosive rushing attack, Poquoson amassed a staggering 429 yards, propelling them into a highly anticipated showdown against top-seeded Armstrong next week.
The Islanders, now boasting an impressive record of 11-1, relied entirely on their Wing-T offense, never attempting a single pass throughout the game. In stark contrast, Southampton’s strategy revolved around their standout quarterback, Zayden Pope, who entered the game with 2,013 yards and 19 touchdowns this season.
Poquoson wasted no time establishing dominance. On their very first possession, Austin Conley electrified the crowd with a 39-yard touchdown run, putting the Islanders ahead 7-0. After a key interception by Dom Galacgac, Poquoson quickly extended their lead to 14-0 with a 4-yard touchdown run by Cody Little.
The Islanders’ defense stifled Southampton’s offense, allowing only 150 yards total, including just 126 passing yards. A fumble recovery at the Southampton 19-yard line set up another score, with Galacgac charging into the end zone for a quick 21-0 lead.
Despite the overwhelming pressure, Southampton managed to respond with a trick play. Miguel Bradshaw connected with Qmarai Allen on a 35-yard touchdown pass, narrowing the gap to 21-6. However, Poquoson quickly retaliated, scoring again to lead 28-6 by halftime.
The relentless assault continued into the second half. Conley showcased his speed with a remarkable 62-yard touchdown run, followed by another score from him just a play after Little’s 42-yard rush. This pushed the score to 36-6, triggering a running clock with 7:57 remaining in the third quarter.
Poquoson head coach Elliott Duty praised his team’s effort, stating, “I thought we did a good job blocking tonight, everybody. The linemen, tight ends, running backs all did a good job opening holes.” He emphasized the significance of limiting Southampton to just one major play.
As Poquoson prepares for their upcoming clash against Armstrong, the Islanders are fueled by a three-year streak of regional championships. Fans are eagerly anticipating this showdown, as Armstrong secured their place in the finals with a 20-13 victory over Thomas Jefferson.
With momentum on their side, Poquoson aims to continue their winning streak and defend their title in Richmond next week. Stay tuned for updates as this story develops!
