Comets match Bulldogs’ 70-yard drive to end FB scrimmage

By John Burbridge sports@charlescitypress.com

CHARLES CITY — When a play slips off the pages of the playbook, that’s when improvised athleticism tends to take over.

After protecting the ball on offense during almost the entire duration of their pre-season scrimmage against Hampton-Dumont-CAL, the Charles City Comets looked as if they were going to give it up during the most crucial if not most meaningful moment of the unscored dress rehearsal, Friday at Comet Field.

For 50 minutes, the two teams scrimmaged primarily in the middle of the field. First-down yardage resulted in more snaps for the offense, but possessions were switched regularly in the name of giving both teams’ squads ample opportunity for live football against an opponent.

But the final stage of the scrimmage took on a more real-game approach. Each team was given the ball at their own 30-yard-line for a chance to march it into the end zone as long as the “chains” kept moving.

To note, there was no chain gang, just rough estimates from the officials on the field when it came to awarding first downs.

The Bulldogs got the ball first, and after converting several fourth-down snaps, eventually found paydirt with a 10-yard pass play.

Then the Comets got their chance to match them with a 70-yard drive of their own. Like their opponents, Charles City also faced several fourth-down plays.

On a fourth-and-3 call just past midfield, Elliott Sinnwell was able to find a seam after taking a pitch from Comet QB Marcus Cranshaw to keep the Comets — and the scrimmage — alive.

Soon after, Cranshaw broke loose along the sidelines on a keeper to get the Comets inside the 20.

Facing a fourth-and-one at the 5, senior ball carrier Dylan Koresh was able to advance the ball enough with a push in between the tackles.

But on the next play, there was a fumbled snap exchange and for a split-second it looked as if Hampton-Dumont-CAL was going to seize possession and then head back home with a victory of sorts.

But Cranshaw was able to snatch the ball off the turf, sprint around the right end and outrace the Bulldogs to the end zone.

The Comets will start the season this Friday with an away game against Crestwood, which is part of their district schedule this season.

Before the varsity scrimmage, freshman and junior varsity squads from both teams scrimmaged for 30 minutes each.

Before the varsity scrimmage, athletes from Charles City’s volleyball, cross country and football programs and the Comet cheerleaders were introduced by name to the crowd.