You have to go back a long ways—17 years to be exact—to find the last time the Mathews High School varsity football team got off to such a good start.

Mathews completely dominated the visiting Northumberland Indians on Friday night. The 49-30 win improved the Devils’ record to 3-0. Chris Davis sliced through the Indian defense for touchdown runs of 8, 13, 26 and 60 yards, while backfield colleague James Pavik scored on a couple 1-yard dives. Wide receiver Deondre Foster picked up the other touchdown on a 24-yard reception.

The last time Mathews began its season with three consecutive wins was in 1994 under head coach Bob Fraser. That year, the Devils posted back-to-back wins over West Point, Charles City, Poquoson (and then Rappahannock), advancing to post-season play with a 6-4 record.

Unfortunately for Mathews, the team lost in the opening round of the playoffs to Middlesex, 13-7. The Chargers went on to make it to the Division 1 state championships, fall...