Thomas Jefferson snapped its 41-game losing streak — the longest active skid in the state — by beating Colonial Heights 24-6 on Friday night. Its last prior win came Nov. 2, 2007, against J.R. Tucker, 21-6.
“It’s the greatest feeling of my life,” senior lineman Chris Calloway said.
In the fourth quarter, Maurice Watkins completed a 30-yard touchdown pass to Anas Elkattan, and Kiyelle Whitaker returned an interception 85 yards to secure the Vikings’ win.
“We executed,” Calloway said. “The line blocked, and the running backs and quarterbacks carried us.”
In the spring, T.J. hired Chad Hornik as its new coach, and he immediately began working to reverse the team’s culture. The school bought new uniforms and renovated the locker room.
Before the game, Hornik told his team they had their uniforms and their locker room. They knew their offense, and they knew their defense. So they had no excuse to lose.
“This has got to be the best win I’ve ever been affiliated with,” Hornik said.