The Mathews High School junior varsity football team dropped its season opener last Wednesday to the home-standing Essex Trojans, 56-0.

Mathews came out strong, forcing the Trojans to turn the ball over on the first drive of the game. After a couple back-and-forth series of killing fumbles for both teams, the Trojans were able to get on the scoreboard.

Essex ended the first quarter with a 14-0 lead. The Blue Devils fought hard but eventually the depth of Essex wore them down, JV coach Wes Griffith said.

The JV Blue Devils will hold their home opener on Monday against the visiting Northumberland Indians, starting at 6 p.m. ...