In preparation for last night’s Colonial District game against J.R. Tucker, Hermitage football coach Patrick Kane kept his quarterbacks and receivers after practice Thursday for a little extra pitch-and-catch workout in the rain. Kane’s diligence paid off in the second half, when junior quarterback Brendan Riddick tossed three touchdown passes on a soggy field and led the Panthers to 27 unanswered points in a 34-19 victory.

With J.R. Tucker High quarterback Jered Bennett on the ground clutching a sprained right ankle, Curtis Coleman got that nervous, worried feeling. Coleman, you see, is the Tigers’ backup quarterback. His lifetime experience under center consisted of one unsuccessful play, when he was sacked earlier this season. Put one on the successful side that eclipses everything.

All games 7:30 unless noted

Mills Godwin: Matt Hatcher (140) looks for a fourth district championship. Matt Brunke (152) is a district champion and regional runner-up. Blake Edwards (160) and Adam Regulinski (171) placed in the district.
  Hermitage: Senior Marty VanPeppen (112) moves up. Regional champ Justin Dennis is at 125. Tom Kizer (Jr. 135) joins brother, John Kizer (Sr., 130). Regional runner-up Marc Heathcock (171) returns, along with Josh El (Sr., 189).

CHARLOTTESVILLE - St. Catherine’s took home the LIS Division I girls tennis title for the second consecutive year and finished out the season undefeated in the conference both this year and last. No. 1 singles player Callie Whitlock, No. 2 singles Anne Garland and No. 4 singles Allie Gullquist were all undefeated in each of their matches this season, and Whitlock and Garland were unbeaten in doubles.

Saturday’s and the week ahead

Last night’s top performers

Yesterday’s prep football scores

Three fourth-quarter touchdowns from Douglas Freeman weren’t enough to overtake visiting Hermitage, which held on to claim a 34-28 Colonial District shootout last night

Games at 7:30 p.m. unless noted

Rushing leaders, passing leaders, receiving leaders and scoring leaders

Thomas Dale’s Eric Williamson ran a 16:45 yesterday to help the Knights win the Central District boys cross country title over the upper course at Pocahontas State Park. It was the 18th consecutive in individual title for a Knights runner. Thomas Dale also won the team title, upsetting regular-season champion Matoaca. Coach-of-the-year honors went to Thomas Dale’s Bob Gulley.

Games in the next week

Dontae Jefferson passed for one touchdown and ran for another as L.C. Bird, ranked third in the T-D Top 10 Poll, knocked off No. 10 Monacan 21-7

Friday’s top high school performances