Costly turnovers spelled the difference on Friday night, as Mathews fell to Northumberland in varsity football action, 18-7. The loss dropped the Devils’ record to 2-4 overall.

Blue Devil head coach Paul White called it "a very, very sloppy game" as his players coughed up the ball numerous times in the loss to the unbeaten (5-0) Indians. North-umberland also took advantage of a couple missed tackles for their scores.

All of the scoring for both teams took place in the first half, with the lone MHS touchdown coming off a 32-yard pass from Michael Cunningham to C.J. Kelly. Ryan Morgan kicked the extra point.

Although the MHS defense gave up a couple of big plays in the first half, they clamped down in the final two quarters, holding the powerhouse Indians to only 37 yards.

Leading rushers for Mathews were Chris Davis (16 carries, 83 yards), Anthony Forrest (20 carries for 73 yards) and James Pavik (three carries, 35 yards). Cunningham completed six passes for about 60 total yards.

Mathews travels to King and Queen on Saturday for a 2 p.m. game, kicking off the Devils’ Tidewater District schedule. The hapless Tigers are currently 0-6 overall, having been outscored by their opponents 284 points to 24.

The Blue Devils’ next home game is Friday, Oct. 22, when Mathews takes on King William in the MHS homecoming game.