By Rayshaun Beamon
Special to the News-Herald

Inexperience on the offensive and defensive lines hurt Isle of Wight Academy Friday night in a 39-20 loss to Bishop Sullivan Catholic.

First-game jitters led to early touchdowns and a Crusader 19-0 first-quarter lead, IWA Coach Dale Chapman said.

“We gave up a couple of touchdowns early because of mistakes and miscommunication,” he said. “Our older guys and some of our younger guys stepped it up and played well.”

The Charger offense settled down after an interception by IWA’s Mat Brummett. The ensuing drive led to a touchdown pass from quarterback Brandon Saxby to receiver Alex Fronfelter.

“They loosened up after the interception,” Chapman said. “They saw they could play with these guys. We loosened up and made some things happen.”

But Bishop Sullivan answered with two more touchdowns to go up 32-7 at halftime.

The Chargers scored twice in the second half. Aaron Fronfelter returned an interception for a touchdown, and Brummett ran the ball in for a score.

Despite the loss, Chapman said, first-year starting quarterback Brandon Saxby played well in his first game replacing last year’s starter Ben Epps.

“All in all, he was decent,” he said. “I couldn’t have asked for more from the kid.”

IWA travels to Portsmouth Christian at 7 p.m. Friday for its next game.