The Mathews High School varsity football team had its best performance of the year, dominating the visiting Charles City Panthers, last Thursday night, 49-14.

The win was the second of the season for the Blue Devils, providing a much-needed morale boost as they head into this week’s season finale at home against long-time rival Middlesex.

The Devils’ pounding ground game, led by senior running back Austin Fravel (200 yards on 21 carries) and five second-half interceptions, led to the lopsided victory.

"We had our moments," Mathews head coach Ryan Wenner said following the Charles City victory. "They’re getting better in just figuring out how to play."

The MHS players, he said, struggled in keeping their composure in following the coaches’ assignments, but came together in the end for the win. And the defense played a heck of a game in the second half, with several key interceptions, to put the game away, he added.

Mathews has been suffering from a nu...