Gold Holds Off Green, 20-14, in Annual Green vs. Gold Game

RICHMOND, Va. – What began as a slow, defensive battle eventually turned into one of the most competitive moments of Huguenot’s preseason camp as the Gold Team defeated the Green Team, 20-14, in the program’s annual Green vs. Gold intrasquad scrimmage.

Played in intense heat, the scrimmage gave Huguenot its first extended game-like evaluation of camp. William Massenburg served as head coach of the Green Team, while Carl Smith led Gold for the scrimmage. Head coach Charles Scott Sr. remained neutral and used the game to evaluate both players and coaches. Offensive coordinator Javonte Bentley, defensive coordinator Justin Waddey and JV head coach Linwood Johnson also stayed out of the coaching matchup, instead serving as officials for the game.

Head Coach Charles Scott Sr. addresses the team before the game.

The opening quarter moved slowly, with both teams trading multiple three-and-outs as neither offense was able to consistently move the football.

Green running back Aaron Bowling eventually provided the first real spark of the day. Bowling broke off multiple productive runs on one possession and helped push Green inside the Gold 10-yard line, though the drive ended without points.

The energy of the game changed during the second quarter.

Gold defensive back Izaiah Jackson intercepted a Green pass, creating one of the first major momentum swings of the afternoon. Gold’s sideline erupted after the takeaway, but the excitement was quickly followed by a mistake on offense. Gold’s backup quarterback was called for intentional grounding in the back of the end zone, resulting in a safety and giving Green a 2-0 lead.

Gold responded just before halftime.

After driving the ball beyond midfield, Gold had time remaining for one final play. Charles Scott Jr. scrambled to extend the play before launching a Hail Mary toward the back of the end zone.

Kaidyn Bailey went up against a defender and came away with the football for the touchdown.

The catch immediately sparked a celebration as Bailey reacted emotionally and his Gold teammates rushed into the end zone to surround him. The dramatic final play of the half gave Gold a 6-2 halftime lead.

Green answered immediately after the break.

Bowling took a carry more than 60 yards for a touchdown, making a defender miss before cutting back across the field and accelerating all the way to the end zone. The run gave Green an 8-6 advantage and continued an impressive afternoon for the junior running back.

Aaron Bowling celebrates as he cruises into the end zone.

Gold’s defense then created another opportunity. Senior linebacker Romelo Perry forced a fumble that was recovered by Major Dabney, an eighth-grader and younger brother of former Huguenot standouts Markel Dabney and Michael Dabney Jr. The turnover was one of the biggest defensive plays of the second half.

Green began finding more success through the air as the game progressed. After a quiet start, Iveon Lewis became more involved when the Green quarterback escaped pressure and found him downfield for a first down. Tyler Kagey also contributed receptions as Green began creating more opportunities in the passing game.

The fourth quarter belonged initially to Gold’s passing attack.

Scott Jr. connected with Bailey on an up-and-out route, and Bailey turned the completion into his second touchdown of the game. Gold followed it with a successful two-point conversion when Jhamari Cain made an acrobatic catch in the back corner of the end zone, giving Gold a 14-8 lead.

Green senior linebacker Jayce Bigelow continued to keep his team within striking distance, producing multiple stops and delivering several physical hits on defense.

Kaidyn Bailey with his 2nd TD of the game.

Gold eventually created separation.

Scott Jr. found Cain wide open for another touchdown, extending the Gold lead to 20-8 and putting the game on the verge of being decided.

Green responded one final time.

A long scramble by the Green quarterback eventually turned into a downfield completion to freshman wide receiver Anthony Reeves, moving Green inside the Gold 10-yard line. The drive ended when Green connected with Cairee Smith for a touchdown, cutting the deficit to 20-14.

Gold still needed one final first down to close it out.

With fewer than two minutes remaining, Scott Jr. connected with freshman wide receiver Davontae Robinson for the conversion that allowed Gold to keep possession and run out the remaining time.

The final whistle secured a 20-14 Gold victory and this year’s Green vs. Gold bragging rights.

Cairee Smith catches a 4th quarter TD.

Bowling was Green’s most productive offensive player, consistently creating yards and delivering the team’s biggest play with his long touchdown run. Bigelow led the defensive effort with multiple stops and big hits, while Lewis and Kagey contributed in the passing game.

For Gold, the combination of Scott Jr., Bailey and Cain led the offense. Bailey finished with two touchdown receptions, while Cain added a touchdown and a two-point conversion. Jahmeer Jones also produced several productive runs throughout the afternoon.

Perry led Gold defensively with his forced fumble, while Jackson added an interception. Tyrone Miller Jr. had a relatively quiet statistical afternoon at cornerback, largely because Green rarely challenged his side of the field.

Freshman Davontae Robinson takes a handoff.

The scrimmage also provided opportunities for younger players to make an impression. Reeves and Robinson, both freshmen, made important fourth-quarter receptions, while Dabney contributed a key fumble recovery for Gold.

The annual Green vs. Gold Game once again provided Huguenot with a competitive setting to evaluate its roster, test younger players and create game-like pressure before the season begins.

This year, Gold walked away with the win.

Box Score

Green Team: 0 | 2 | 6 | 6 | 14

Gold Team: 0 | 6 | 0 | 14 | 20

Scoring Summary

Second Quarter

Green — Safety

Gold — Bailey touchdown reception from Scott Jr.

Third Quarter

Green — Bowling touchdown run

Fourth Quarter

Gold — Bailey touchdown reception from Scott Jr. (Cain catch from Scott Jr.)

Gold — Cain touchdown reception from Scott Jr.

Green — Smith touchdown reception