The successful inaugural season of the Suffolk Chargers, a semi-professional football team, hit a speed bump last Saturday at Camelot Park in Chesapeake against the Fredericksburg Bears.

The Bears came in with the less impressive record at 1-3, but they ended up handing the 4-1 Chargers a 21-0 loss.

Chargers head coach Anthony Waddler was disappointed with his team’s effort and approach to the game.

“They underestimated the (Bears) because of their record,” Waddler said. “I guess they thought the other team was just going to lay down. (The Bears) came out and punched us in the mouth.”

Going 3-1 in March, the Chargers had gotten off to a good start in April with a 22-12 victory over the Richmond Venom on the Saturday before last.

But last Saturday, Fredericksburg dominated the whole third quarter.

“We kind of laid down toward the end,” Waddler said. “Once they scored the second touchdown, it was like our team gave up.”

Chargers owner Angela Harper said the game was influenced by the absence of four key players. Cornerback/running back Glenn Wiggins tore his anterior cruciate ligament during the game, defensive back Daryl Boone was sidelined due to a broken wrist he sustained the game before, cornerback Swendell Stephens was out with a broken finger and defensive end Daquon Frazier was out of town on personal business.

There were some bright spots in the game, however, in the form of a running back and a wide receiver.

“A.J. Harper, he really ran the ball real good for us Saturday; he did what he could do,” Waddler said. “Rashad Whitehead, he really had a good game Saturday. Those two guys really fought the whole game. I can’t take anything from them.”

A.J. Harper had 10 carries for 99 yards, and Whitehead had three catches for 60 yards.

“We’ve really got to take care of the ball,” Waddler said. “There were a lot of turnovers on the offensive side. The line wasn’t blocking, they couldn’t pick up the blitz, so that’s what we’re working on all week long in practice. It’s definitely going to be a different outcome this Saturday against the Kryptonite.”

The Suffolk Chargers will host the Charlottesville Kryptonite on Saturday at Camelot Park in Chesapeake.