Phoebus Rocks Sherando 34-0 to Reach State Final; Win Streak Now at 48

PHOEBUS 34, SHERANDO 0 

Sherando  (12-2)      0, 0, 0, 0 -- 0

Phoebus    (13-0)      7, 13, 7, 7 -- 34

HAMPTON – Aiming to defend its Class 4 state championship, to go along with a pair of Class 3 titles in 2021 and 2022, the Phoebus Phantoms used the arm of Maurikus Banks and legs of Davion Roberts to whitewash the Warriors of Sherando High 34-0 on Saturday afternoon at Darling Stadium.

The Phantoms, who extended their win streak to a state-leading 48, will face the Varina Blue Devils for the state title next Saturday at Bridgeforth Stadium on the campus of JMU in Harrisonburg.

Sophomore Maurikus Banks was on fire in the game’s first 20 minutes, completing his first twelve passes for 149 yards, including a 24-yard touchdown throw on a textbook post pattern to Noah Jefferson, just one play after a 15-yard gainer from Jefferson was negated by a Phoebus penalty. Banks, who threw four touchdown passes in the first half of last week’s Region 4A win over Hampton, completed 23 of 28 passes for 251 yards and the pair of scoring tosses to Jefferson.

Romeir Smith, who caught four balls for 107 yards, explained the strategy. “We’re opening up the playbook. Today we went pass heavy. We brought them down with hitches and compromised with the deep ball.” Jefferson finished with six receptions for 62 yards and a second touchdown, while Brandon Diggs was a beneficiary of the hitch passes, grabbing five catches for 35 yards, including a pair of receptions on the Phantoms first two plays to earn the game’s initial first down.

Roberts was tough to stop, often requiring three and four Warriors to pull him down. The senior totaled 137 yards on 23 carries with three scores, but it was the ability to avoid losses by keeping himself in motion and driving for extra yardage that was most notable.

The defense pitched its third shutout of the playoffs, and Phoebus has outscored its playoff opponents 114-0. The Phantoms held Sherando (12-2), who hail from the Northwestern District and Stephens City, to 93 yards, 38 of which came on a breakaway pass to Ben Taylor in the game’s last minute. The Warriors entered the contest averaging just over 37 points per game, but coach Jeremy Blunt and staff had their plan ready. On Saturday, Sherando could only muster two first downs.

“They’re a run to pass team, so we had to key on the run, and also to be ready for their false reads,” said Blunt, who is aiming for his fourth state crown as the Phoebus coach. The ground game never surfaced for the Warriors, who rushed for 26 yards on 19 carries, while chasing quarterback Micah Carlson, who spent most of the game running away from defenders, while completing five of 16 passes while being intercepted by Brenden Thompson and Isaac Lipkins. Kaleb Tillery added a fumble recovery.

P – Davion Roberts 3 run (Farriss Knight kick)

P – Roberts 1 run (Knight kick)

P – Noah Jefferson 24 pass from Maurikus Banks (kick failed)

P – Jefferson 12 pass from Banks (Knight kick)

P – Roberts 6 run (Knight kick)

                        S      P

1st Downs         2, 16

Rush-Yards  19-26, 37-140

Pass Yards     67, 251

C – A – I      5-16-2, 23-28-1

Pen-Yards     4-40, 8-64

Punt-Avg.     5-46, 2-32

Fumb-Lost    1-1, 1-0

Lafayette Topples Norcom to Win 3A Crown

JAMES CITY --- Lafayette broke open a tight defensive battle in the second half and cruised to a 33-6 win over I.C. Norcom to capture the Region 3A championship on Friday evening at Wanner Stadium.

With the win, the Rams (13-0) will face Kettle Run of Culpeper in a Class 3 state semifinal next weekend.

As Coach Andy Linn explained after his team scored 27 points in the second half to run away with the victory, “This was the best game we have played this year.”

It may have also been one of the riskier ones. Leading 6-0 to open the second half, the Rams marched down the field behind the legs of backup fullback Tyree Wilson, who gained 241 yards on 26 carries in place of Breon Stokes. A 35-yard run by Wilson gave Lafayette a first-and-goal from the Norcom 8. Three rushing attempts pushed the ball to the 1, but also set up a fourth down.

The Rams could have kicked the safe 18-yard field goal to take a nine-point lead and allow a defense which has given up just 5.5 points per game to hold Norcom’s offense at bay. Or they could go for the touchdown.

They went for the touchdown.

Said Linn, “I asked the kids (during a timeout) what they wanted to do. They wanted to go.”

Baum Hogge was stopped at the goal line, but the Rams had been called for an illegal shift anyhow, ending the drive.

However, the risk was minimal as Lafayette tackled the Norcom punter after a muffed snap and regained possession of the ball at the Greyhound 29. Wilson and Brayden Smalls (12 rushes, 95 yards) would alternate carries with Smalls scoring on a six-yard run.

Matthew Outten immediately cut the lead in half to 12-6 with a 58-yard scamper from the Wildcat position, breaking at least four tackles before spinning off the last defender and sprinting the last 30 yards to the end zone.

The Rams would answer again, needing only two plays, as Wilson ran for 21, and then Smalls broke right and back to the middle for a 42-yard score, pushing the margin to 19-6. Wilson would follow up a 42-yard run to the Norcom 2 with a short touchdown, and Daniel Jackson caught a 10-yard pass in the flat to score Lafayette’s last touchdown.

Norcom came out ready for smashmouth football, with senior back Outten (13 carries, 133 yards, TD) leading the charge. The Penn State commit’s first carry went for just two yards and was squashed by a holding penalty on the Greyhounds, but Outten would break off first down runs of 25 and 17 yards, eventually rushing seven times for 57 yards. However, another holding penalty pushed Norcom back to the Ram 29, and was soon followed by a Sebastian Nix interception which gave Lafayette the ball and the momentum. Nix would later recover a fumble in the second quarter to end another Norcom possession.

The Rams would embark on an extended drive, hanging on to the ball for the rest of the opening quarter and then using three minutes of the second quarter to complete their monstrous 18-play, 88-yard drive with a 24-yard field goal by Aidan Gerda.

Norcom  (8-5)         0, 0, 0, 6,     ----   6

Lafayette (13-0)      0, 6, 6, 21   ----  33

L – Aidan Gerda 24 FG

L – Gerda 28 FG

L – Brayden Smalls 6 run (run failed)

N – Matthew Outten 58 run (run failed)

L – Smalls 42 run (Gerda kick)

L – Najee Wilson 2 run (Gerda kick)

L – Daniel Jackson 10 pass from Baum Hogge (Gerda kick)

                         N        L

1st Downs         10, 16 

Rush – Yds    29-174, 48-360

Pass Yds.          41, 21

C- A–I          2-10-1, 4-7-0

Punts – Avg.   0-0, 0-0

Pen. Yds.        4-45, 6-60

Fumb – Lost   2-1, 0-0

 

Grafton Girls Volleyball Wins Region 3A 3-2 Over Rival New Kent

Rematch in Class 3 state semifinals set for Tuesday

YORK – The Grafton girls volleyball team survived its first scare from a local team this season but used a late surge to come back and defeat New Kent 3-2 (18-25, 25-21, 21-25, 25-23, 15-9) and win the Region 3A championship on Tuesday night at their home gym.

With the win, the Clippers (24-2) will begin the state Class 3 quarterfinals on Saturday at home against Warren County, the Region 3B runner-up. However, New Kent (22-3) will face 3B champion Kettle Run, and if they win, the next game will be a rematch of Tuesday’s 3A championship – a match that the Trojans could have won.

New Kent gained momentum quickly, building an early seven-point lead as the Clippers committed one unforced error after another. Leah Rounds made her presence known with an early ace, and seniors Kendall White, Mackenzie Loveland, and Fallon Greenawalt eased into their positions as the visitors raced to a 25-18 first set victory.

In spite of losing their previous two matches to Grafton 3-0 and 3-1, the Trojans were ready. And this was no accident, according to New Kent coach Stuart Burnett, who with his wife Cynthia have coached the team for 37 years.

“We had two weeks off after the Bay Rivers schedule,” said Burnett “and our four senior captains looked at a lot of tape of Grafton, especially from their match against York. We found out how to build our strengths and minimize theirs.”

Their strategy worked. A series of kills from Grafton’s Kenzie Smith, Alana Washington, and sophomore Ana Breckons helped the Clippers win the second set by four, but New Kent charged back with their variety of heavy hitters to claim the third set 25-21. Their momentum carried into the fourth set as they were ahead 9-3, and then 18-11, putting them on the verge of winning the match and regional title. 

But the hosts stormed back. A kill by Smith started an 11-4 run highlighted by key shots from Washington, who stretched her 5’7” frame far above the net to land several clean kills, along with a couple of push shots by Breckons, the second of which closed the lead to 20-18. A return by Peyton Hall dropped in front of the right-side player for New Kent, and Smith’s return tied the score at 22. Another New Kent return slammed into the net giving Grafton its first lead of the set at 24-23 and they won the match point to tie the contest at two games each.

Asked about being on the brink of losing to a Bay Rivers opponent for the first time this season, the responses were similar. 

“It was crazy. It was kind of stressful, but we all had jobs to do and we did them,” said Breckons. 

Added Washington, the senior who delivered numerous clutch shots in the fourth set, “It was super stressful, but we knew we could come back and win, and we did.”

Fellow senior Kaylie Klemm noted, “This was the first team that has put up a fight.” Note – the Clipper losses were best-of-three matches to Bishop O’Connell of the prestigious Washington Catholic Athletic Conference, and Northwest Bilingual Academy of DC at the Endless Summer tournament on September 14.

Smith finished with 19 kills, while Washington added 16. Ally Burke scooped 36 digs. Olivia De La Cruz led the squad with 22 assists and Klemm finished with 17. For New Kent, Rounds led the team with 17 kills while Loveland dispensed 40 assists to go with 12 digs.

 

Yorktown 10 Miler - Osborne Nips Hopper at the Line

Submitted by Bruce Davis - Peninsula Track Club

Below and attached are the award winners and full results for the 31st Annual Yorktown Battlefield 10-Mile & 5K Runs held on the tour roads of the Yorktown Battlefield on Saturday morning, November 9, 2024. The race was sponsored by the Yorktown Lions Club.

The 10-Mile course started and finished near Surrender Field on the Yorktown Battlefield. The 10 Mile course is USATF certified #VA23002RT and was followed correctly by the runners. The Yorktown Battlefield 10 Miler is the tenth race of the 11-race 2024 Peninsula Track Club Grand Prix race series as well as a Hampton Roads Super Grand Prix event.

The 5K course started and finished near Surrender Field on the Yorktown Battlefield with a turn-around near the Washington's Headquarters loop. The 5K course is not certified.

The 2024 edition of the Yorktown Battlefield 10-Mile Run was held under good running conditions: clear, sunny and breezy, with a temperature of 56 at race start. A total of 136 runners entered the races (88 in the 10-Mile Run and 48 in the 5K) with 131 finishing (85 in the 10-Mile Run and 46 in the 5K) on the scenic Yorktown Battlefield tour roads.

One new age group course record for the Yorktown Battlefield 10-Mile Run was set today, and it is also a new Virginia State age group record in the 10 Mile distance.

The Yorktown Battlefield 10 Miler is no stranger to Virginia state records. Eight of the current Virginia 10 Mile road race state records were set at one of the previous Yorktown Battlefield 10 Milers over its 31 year history: Tom Ray (1:13:55 for M70-74 in 2003); Barbara Mathewson (1:10:32 for F55-59 in 2004); Rose Crist (1:16:01 for F60-64 in 2017); Betty Brothers (1:22:59 for F70-74 in 2017); Ben Dyer (1:25:52 for M75-79 in 2018); Joey Hallock for F65-69 in 2020); Isabella Strumke (1:19:18 for F-9&under in 2022) and Pete Gibson (1:03:57 for M65-69 in 2023).

In 2024, Bill Hart, 75 of Virginia Beach, VA set a new age group course record for Men 75-79 with a time of 1:20:31 besting the previous course record of 1:25:52 set by Ben Dyer in 2018 which is also the current Virginia State 10 Mile record for Men 75-79. Thus, Bill Hart sets a new Virginia State 10 Mile record with the time of 1:20:31.

Finish line and results services were provided by the Peninsula Track Club. A copy of the results, links to pictures from the race and listings for future road races can be found on the PTC website: www.peninsulatrackclub.com.

31st Annual YORKTOWN BATTLEFIELD 10 MILE & 5K RUNS

Yorktown Battlefield, Yorktown, VA

Saturday, November 9, 2024, 9:00 AM (10 Miler)

A PENINSULA TRACK CLUB GRAND and HAMPTON ROADS SUPER PRIX EVENT

USATF cert. VA23002RT (10 Miler)

10 MILER RESULTS

Place O'All Name Age City State Time Pace
===== ===== ======================== === =================== ===== ===

TOP OVERALL MEN
1 1 ANDREW OSBORNE 30 YORKTOWN VA 53:44 5:23
2 2 ROGER HOPPER 33 CHESAPEAKE VA 55:45 5:35
3 3 JORDAN SPECTOR 37 YORKTOWN VA 1:01:56 6:12 *

TOP OVERALL WOMEN
1 5 BETHANY SPECTOR 35 YORKTOWN VA 1:02:49 6:17 *
2 17 CATHERINE ENGLAND 35 YORKTOWN VA 1:18:48 7:53
3 19 KIRSTEN KELLY 54 VIRGINIA BEACH VA 1:20:16 8:02

TOP MASTERS MEN
1 4 DANIEL SHEAN 41 VIRGINIA BEACH VA 1:01:57 6:12

TOP MASTERS WOMEN
1 22 SHEILA SCOTTI 41 NEWPORT NEWS VA 1:21:21 8:09 *

MEN: 19 AND UNDER
1 8 BRAXTON LEE 15 QUINTON VA 1:09:04 6:55 *
2 74 MAGNUS CHILES 18 VIRGINIA BEACH VA 1:55:04 11:31
MEN: 20 - 24
NONE
MEN: 25 - 29
1 24 FELIX RIVERA 29 HAMPTON VA 1:24:25 8:27
2 44 SHAWN HANRAHAN 27 NEWPORT NEWS VA 1:34:38 9:28
MEN: 30 - 34
1 18 BLAKE BILL 32 WILLIAMSBURG VA 1:19:49 7:59
2 53 WESLEY HAGEDORN 31 VIRGINIA BEACH VA 1:38:48 9:53
MEN: 35 - 39
1 6 MATTHEW ARMENTA 37 HAMPTON VA 1:04:03 6:25
2 12 BRIAN FRIES 36 YORKTOWN VA 1:15:49 7:35
3 13 STEPHEN MOSTELLA II 37 BOYCE VA 1:15:59 7:36
MEN: 40 - 44
1 7 CHRIS NOVAKOSKI 43 CHESAPEAKE VA 1:06:42 6:41
2 15 DARREN LESLIE 42 POQUOSON VA 1:17:17 7:44
3 26 MICHAEL THOMPSON 41 HAMPTON VA 1:25:24 8:33
MEN: 45 - 49
1 25 JOHN BUTLER 45 NORFOLK VA 1:25:21 8:33
2 33 BRAD CODY 48 NORFOLK VA 1:28:47 8:53
3 79 LAMARR GRAZIONALE 46 YORKTOWN VA 1:59:28 11:57
MEN: 50 - 54
1 11 WILLIAM HUFF 54 WILLIAMSBURG VA 1:14:22 7:27
2 16 CARLTON NOLL 51 QUINTON VA 1:17:36 7:46
3 28 SCOTT SPENCER 52 NEWPORT NEWS VA 1:26:05 8:37
MEN: 55 - 59
1 40 JOE BUCK 59 CHESAPEAKE VA 1:33:43 9:23
2 57 MARK SWARRINGIM 57 LANEXA VA 1:43:13 10:20
MEN: 60 - 64
1 9 KELVIN ANDERSON 63 NEWPORT NEWS VA 1:10:03 7:01 *
2 10 JON LEIDING 62 VIRGINIA BEACH VA 1:13:41 7:23
3 14 ORLANDO PEREZ 62 NEWPORT NEWS VA 1:16:16 7:38
MEN: 65 - 69
1 32 TIMOTHY HODGE 65 VIRGINIA BEACH VA 1:28:39 8:52 *
2 35 BILL PRICE 65 CHESAPEAKE VA 1:30:33 9:04 *
3 37 DOYLE GAGE 69 WILLIAMSBURG VA 1:31:31 9:10
MEN: 70 AND OVER
1 20 JIM DUFFY 72 POQUOSON VA 1:20:21 8:03 *
2 21 BILL HART 75 VIRGINIA BEACH VA 1:20:31 8:04
3 34 TOM PICKEREL 74 GENOA OH 1:30:14 9:02

WOMEN: 19 AND UNDER
NONE
WOMEN: 20 - 24
1 65 ZOE GAUTHIER 20 YORKTOWN VA 1:45:33 10:34
WOMEN: 25 - 29
1 41 HEIDI RUSE 28 DELTAVILLE VA 1:33:59 9:24
2 43 LAURA BRANSFORD 29 HAMPTON VA 1:34:16 9:26
3 45 ABIGAIL TOPPING 28 YORKTOWN VA 1:34:50 9:29
WOMEN: 30 - 34
1 27 CHRISTINA SHOCKLEY 32 YORKTOWN VA 1:25:53 8:36
2 52 MOLLIE HAGEDORN 33 VIRGINIA BEACH VA 1:38:48 9:53
3 75 APRIL COOLEY 32 CHESAPEAKE VA 1:57:32 11:46
WOMEN: 35 - 39
1 38 CRYSTAL WITTE 39 YORKTOWN VA 1:31:45 9:11 *
2 42 JILLIAN SIMMS 38 NEWPORT NEWS VA 1:34:12 9:26
3 54 KERIN COATES 39 NEWPORT NEWS VA 1:39:55 10:00
WOMEN: 40 - 44
1 29 NICOLE VINOGROSKI 40 WILLIAMSBURG VA 1:26:13 8:38
2 30 ANGELA WEATHERHEAD 40 NEWPORT NEWS VA 1:28:04 8:49
3 31 ADELINE SMITH 40 YORKTOWN VA 1:28:35 8:52
WOMEN: 45 - 49
1 23 ANGELA RIBARSZKY 45 POQUOSON VA 1:22:20 8:14
2 47 MAURA RUST 45 POQUOSON VA 1:35:51 9:36
3 66 SHANTELL LUCAS 49 ASHTABULA OH 1:46:55 10:42
WOMEN: 50 - 54
1 49 LYNETTE MASON 53 NORFOLK VA 1:36:56 9:42
2 55 SUSAN HAGEL 51 NORFOLK VA 1:41:14 10:08 *
3 76 KRISTI CHILES 53 VIRGINIA BEACH VA 1:57:34 11:46
WOMEN: 55 - 59
1 61 CRIZTINA JEAN 56 WILLIAMSBURG VA 1:44:44 10:29 *
2 77 DAWN PURDY 57 YORKTOWN VA 1:59:00 11:54
WOMEN: 60 - 64
1 67 VALOR FOY JONES 61 NEWPORT NEWS VA 1:47:53 10:48 *
2 68 CHRISTINE WILLIAMS 62 POQUOSON VA 1:47:54 10:48 *
3 73 DENEEN VENTERS 60 NEWPORT NEWS VA 1:53:38 11:22 *
WOMEN: 65 - 69
1 59 GAIL BIERMANN 66 VIRGINIA BEACH VA 1:44:34 10:28 *
2 72 LORI WISNIEWSKI 67 WILLIAMSBURG VA 1:51:21 11:09
3 78 THEA GANOE 66 HAMPTON VA 1:59:14 11:56 *
WOMEN: 70 AND OVER
1 51 CAROL HANSEN-VESSA 70 RESTON VA 1:37:57 9:48 *

William and Mary Sneaks Past Campbell 35-28

#15/16 WILLIAM AND MARY 35, CAMPBELL 28

Campbell (2-5, 0-3 CAA) -   7, 7, 7, 7 -- 28

W&M      (5-2, 2-1 CAA) – 14, 7, 0, 7 -- 35

Williamsburg – A pair of fourth quarter rushing touchdowns catapulted the William and Mary Tribe to a 35-28 victory over Campbell for its Homecoming game on Saturday afternoon at Zable Stadium.

The win put W&M into the top six (of 16 teams) in the CAA standings, with a current 2-1 conference record, and 5-2 overall.

The Camels (2-5, 0-3 CAA) had tied the game at 21 late in the third quarter as receiver JJ Cowan caught a dump pass from quarterback Chad Mascoe, Jr. and weaved 19 yards into the end zone. Rushing touchdowns from Bronson Yoder and Hollis Mathis helped the Tribe to pull away from their scrappy competitors from Buies Creek, NC in the final quarter.

The Tribe was aided by several costly penalties on Campbell. In one sequence, runs of 24 and three yards from Malachi Imoh (12 carries, 122 yards, TD; three receptions, 52 yds.) were extended by 30, with the help of two personal fouls on the Camel defense. This led to Yoder’s touchdown.

The Tribe's opening drive went 75 yards in ten plays, consuming 3:45 of the clock. Yoder (24 carries, 131 yds., TD) led the opening charge with five carries for 25 yards, while Imoh finished the drive with a 14-yard scoring run.

On their next drive, with fourth-and-goal from the 1, W&M QB Darius Wilson faked inside, then called his number to the outside and ran untouched into the end zone. Eric Bernstein’s extra point put the hosts ahead 14-0.

Campbell found its aerial attack, and Camel quarterback Chad Mascoe (30-39, 320 yards, 4 TD, int.) went to work on the visitor’s next drive, with VJ Wilkins cutting the lead in half on a 35-yard TD reception from Mascoe, pulling the Camels into the game and the scoring column. Connor Lytton’s conversion was good and Campbell closed the lead to 14-7 to end the opening quarter.

W&M safety TJ McGill was disqualified from the game after being called for "targeting" Mascoe after he slid to end a scramble and was hit. The redshirt sophomore signal caller was out for four plays, replaced by Mike Chandler. However, the Camels lost a fumble and couldn’t take advantage of the costly penalty.

Mascoe did get the offense in gear on the next drive, leading the Camels down to the Tribe 10. However, his fourth down pass to the end zone was broken up by W&M cornerback Jalen Jones, preventing a scare. In the second half, Jones (Deep Creek HS) would stop another drive, ending a Camel drive with just under four minutes remaining in the game.

With the defense fending off the tying score, the Tribe offense went back to work, and Yoder galloped 30 yards for a Tribe first down. The defensive stop by W&M became more important as the Tribe scored again with Darius Wilson drilling a 11-yard TD dart through the middle of the field to JT Mayo. With the extra point, William and Mary gained a 14-point lead with 4:22 remaining in the first half.

Campbell refused to go away, and put together a 13-play, 75-yard drive, ending with the second Mascoe-to-Wilkins passing touchdown, this one on a two-yard fade route, which closed the W&M lead to 21-14 at halftime.

Campbell tied the game to start the second half. After the Camels converted on third-and-nine from the 30 (a 16-yard pass to Sincere Brown), Mascoe dumped a pass to JJ Cowan and the freshman RB weaved through Tribe traffic into the end zone, knotting the contest at 21.

Mathis rolled right and into the end zone from the 6 for what was the game-clinching TD for William and Mary.

W&M –Malachi Imoh 34 run (Eric Bernstein kick)

W&M – Darius Wilson 1 run (Bernstein kick)

Camp – VJ Wilkins 35 pass from Chad Mascoe (Connor Lytton kick)

W&M – JT Mayo 11 pass from Wilson (Bernstein kick)

Camp – Wilkins 2 pass from Mascoe (Lytton kick)

Camp – JJ Cowan 19 pass from Mascoe (Lytton kick)

W&M – Bronson Yoder 6 run (Bernstein kick)

W&M – Hollis Mathis 6 run (Bernstein kick)

Camp – Sincere Brown 11 pass from Mascoe (Lytton kick)

                         Camp    W&M

First Downs       22, 28

Rush-Yards     24-103, 57-355

Passing Yards     320, 109  

C-A-I             30-39-1, 11-17-1

Pen.-Yards       10-106, 6-65       

Fumbles-Lost    1-1, 1-1  

  

 

#8 Lafayette Tops Warhill 33-6

WARHILL (2-4)  --     0, 0, 0, 6 --  6

LAFAYETTE (6-0) – 13, 0, 13, 7 -- 33

In early October, Lafayette kept its share of the Bay Rivers District and undefeated record intact, outslugging the Lions of Warhill 33-6 on Friday evening at Wanner Stadium.

Breon Stokes rushed for three touchdowns in the second half as the eighth-ranked Rams improved to 6-0. 

Stokes finished the night with 145 yards on 13 carries. Brayden Smalls added 96 and the hosts totaled 356 yards on the ground.

The Rams offense was fueled by a collection of runners, two of who scored in the opening half. On their initial drive, Lafayette pounded for 70 yards on 11 rushes, headed by senior standout Smalls, who capped the sequence with a 12-yard rush, which started as a jet sweep to the right before Smalls turned up field, ran through the middle of his line and into the end zone. For the drive, Lafayette’s leading rusher tallied six carries for 42 yards, finishing with his 11th TD of the season.

Josh Simpson had the longest carry of the game for the Rams. On their next drive, at their own 26, the junior, listed as a wide receiver, took the handoff from quarterback Baum Hogge and hauled down the right sideline, outrunning the Lion defense for a 74-yard score. Lafayette managed 148 yards of rushing on 13 carries with their first two possessions and carried a 13-0 lead into halftime.

Warhill scored its lone touchdown after the offense sustained its longest drive of the night, totaling 13 plays, with freshman quarterback Devon Price sneaking the ball into the end zone from the Ram 2. Senior running back Eric Crane tallied 40 of the drive’s 51 yards with six rushes and a reception while finishing with 104 on 15 carries.

L – Brayden Smalls 12 run (Aidan Gerda kick)

L – Josh Simpson 74 run (kick failed)

L – Breon Stokes 35 run (Gerda kick)

L – Stokes 64 run (run failed)

L – Stokes 3 run (Gerda kick)

                        W     L

1st Downs         13, 15

Rush-Yards  33-130, 39-356

Pass Yards        87, 54

C – A – I        11-23-0, 2-3-0

Pen-Yards   10-75, 7-73

Punt-Avg.     3-32, 0-0

Fumb-Lost    0-0, 2-1

Phoebus Extends Peninsula District Streak to 63 with Win over Hampton

# 2 PHOEBUS 37, #14 HAMPTON 3

Hampton (4-2)  3, 0, 0, 0 -- 3

Phoebus (5-0)   7, 7, 16, 7 -- 37

Hampton -- Phoebus, using a bruising defense that brutalized its opponent’s offense in the second half, won its 40th straight consecutive and ninth in a row against their vaunted city rival, topping Hampton 37-3 on Saturday afternoon at Darling Stadium.

In spite of being flagged for 15 penalties for 130 yards, the Phantoms held the Crabbers to minus -4 yards and a single first down after intermission, with senior linebackers Nijay Guy and Noah Jefferson leading the charge. Both players were part of four straight Phoebus wins over Hampton, as well as another current streak, that of 63 consecutive Peninsula District wins. Jefferson said the team doesn’t think too far ahead.

“We think about (the streaks) once in a while, but we play in the moment.,” said Jefferson.

Running back Davion Roberts saved the rivalry game for his virtuoso performance, rushing for 141 yards and three touchdowns, before being replaced by Demante Williams (six carries, 44 yards, TD) in the third quarter. He talked of his team’s remarkable performance in the second half. “It’s a mindset thing, with the offense and defense. We just went out there and did our thing. But I just feel like we’re the better team.”

The Crabbers had a chance to pull back into the contest at the beginning of the second half as Xavier Whisenent recovered a Phoebus’ initial kickoff return fumble at the Phantom 16. But Hampton lost four, then 10, and finally, quarterback Marcus ChapMan’s pass was picked off by Jefferson.

Jefferson had two interceptions, as well as a 60-yard touchdown pass from sophomore quarterback Maurikus Banks, an airball that caused the Delaware commit to run five yards back to snare the ball before holding off his defender for 25 yards to reach the end zone. 

Beginning the game, Hampton appeared to have the initial momentum, mainly with the help of two Phoebus penalties which added 20 yards to the first down earned by an 11-yard pass to fullback Sidney Johnson. But their drive was stuffed, literally, as senior linebacker Kaleb Tillery rocked Johnson backwards on a fourth-and-two run from the Phantom 38.

Abraham Geremew put Hampton on the board with a 26-yard field goal toward the end of the first quarter, ending a six-play, 64-yard drive that was highlighted by Marcus ChapMan’s 55-yard pass to sophomore receiver Davion Perry.

Phoebus answered immediately, pulling together a 12-play, 51-yard scoring drive. Facing first-and-goal at the Hampton 6, lineman Nathaniel Anthony took the first crack at the end zone, bulling five yards to the 1. But it was Roberts who pushed in for the one-yard TD, and the hosts led 14-3 at the half.

Hampton (4-2) netted 135 total yards but were penalized 17 times for 141.

In spite of the lopsided score, Phoebus coach Jeremy Blunt was impressed with the effort from the Crabbers. “We played a team that always makes us play hard. Their quarterback has a lot of arm and holds our kids accountable in the secondary.”

P – Noah Jefferson 60 pass from Maurikus Banks (Farriss Knight XP)

H – Abraham Geremew 26 FG

P – Davion Roberts 1 run (Knight kick)

P – Roberts 17 run (Knight kick)

P – Safety (Hampton RB tackled in end zone)

P – Roberts 7 run (Knight kick)

P – Demante Williams 1 run (Knight kick)

                        H      P

1st Downs         8, 13

Rush-Yards  25-31, 33-208

Pass Yards     104, 148

C – A – I      6-25-2, 4-10-0

Pen-Yards   17-141, 15-130

Punt-Avg.     3-30, 2-32

Fumb-Lost    1-0, 1-1

 

Coach Angela Jackson Honored By Area Sports Club

(Posted by Virginia Peninsula CC News at vpcc.edu) 

She spent 45 years at College in variety of roles, mostly in athletics.

September 24, 2024

The Peninsula Sports Club honored Angela Jackson, a former player, coach and administrator at Virginia Peninsula Community College, for her many years of service to the College.

Jackson, who began her association with VPCC in 1979, received a "Milestone" award from the club at a banquet Monday, Sept. 23, at Hampton Seafood Market and Restaurant. Also honored were John "Buster" Jackson, the director of facilities and athletic support at Hampton University for more than 40 years; and Jeff Gross, Poquoson track and girls' basketball coach for 31 years.

"We are proud of Coach Angela Jackson for receiving the Milestone award from the Peninsula Sports Club," said athletics director and men's basketball coach Chris Moore. "Her 45 years of service to Virginia Peninsula Community College athletics has been recognized and we would not be where we are today without her dedication."

Jackson was a student before becoming a full-time employee and making her mark in athletics. She played one season on the men's basketball team before a women's team was formed, then coached both teams for several years. She also served as an adviser, athletics coordinator, and member of athletics operations. For more on Coach Jackson, click here .  

The Peninsula Sports Club's mission is "to provide the Virginia Peninsula with an organization presenting forums for discussion of athletics, athletic contests, and sports programs; to provide scholarships for local high school student athletes; to provide an annual awards night to honor Peninsula athletes; and to provide programs and events for the advancement of Peninsula athletics."

Tabb Remains Unbeaten With 16-6 Win Over Rival York

TABB 16, YORK 6

Although Tabb’s recovery of a Falcons’ botched punt return, which gave the Tigers the ball at the York 3-yard line, would seem like the key play of their victory on Friday night at Bailey Field, Tabb head coach John Byron went to the beginning of the play for his highlight of the game.

“I think the punt itself was the play of the game,” said Byron, whose team remained unbeaten at 3-0 after the 16-6 win over Tabb in one of the area’s longest rivalries.

“Our special teams really won the game for us,” added Byron. “We had a couple of great punts, and the field goal (29 yards from David Brooks) gave us the lead going into halftime.”

An interception by Tyler Howard gave Tabb the ball at the York 33 midway through the first quarter. Quarterback Corbin Eckert capped a, eight-play, 30-yard drive by faking a handoff and sneaking the ball across the goal line from the three-yard line to give the Tigers an early 6-0 lead.

Brooks’ field goal was crucial as York’s Carter Ward recovered a fumble in the final minute of the first half to set up Seamus Kennedy’s 17-yard catch from York freshman QB AJ Wilson to narrow the intermission lead to 9-6.

Three plays after the punt return fumble recovery, Samuel Christophel bulled into the end zone from one yard out to give Tabb a 16-6 lead which held up as the Tigers finished the game by running the final four minutes off the clock with eight consecutive running plays.

Graham Siegel led the Tiger defense with a pair of sacks. And Jaren Mitchell’s interception on York’s opening play of the second half squashed the Falcons’ chance to take the lead. The hosts record dropped to 2-1.

TABB (3-0)   6, 3, 7, 0 -- 16 

YORK (2-1)  0, 0, 6, 0 --   6

                   T            Y

1st Downs     10, 9

Rush-Yds.     45-149, 23-72

Pass Yds.          46. 74

C-A-I          7-10-0, 7-21-2

Pen-Yds.      10-85, 3-32

Punt-Avg     5-34, 3-27

Fumb-Lost    1-1, 1-1

T – Corbin Eckert 3 run (kick failed)

T – David Brooks 29 FG

Y – Seamus Cassidy 17 pass from AJ Wilson (kick failed)

T – Samuel Christophel 1 run (Brooks kick)

Warwick Opens 2024 Football Season With Shutout

WARWICK 35, GRASSFIELD 0

(From August 31, 2024 Daily Press/Virginian-Pilot)

Note: Warwick pitched a second shutout, against Bethel on September 6)

Behind the power of its stalwart defense, the #6 Warwick Raiders opened up the 2024 football season at Todd Stadium with a statement, as last season’s Peninsula District runner-up thumped the visitors from Grassfield 35-0 on the school’s alumni night.

Cameron Glenn ran for 85 yards and a touchdown on 11 attempts to lead the Raider attack, but was silent in the second half as Warwick coach Corey Hairston and his staff used the opportunity to look at some of its other talent on the field. The Raiders gained 331 yards and 15 first downs while shuffling players in and out of their lineup.

Keon Batts may have had the most impact. Batts scored the game’s final touchdown when quarterback Saeed Williams lofted a pass over the middle and the 5’6” senior receiver outraced the Grizzly defense for a 71-yard touchdown.

Williams was steady, if not sensational behind center completing 11 of 23 passes for 162 yards. However, the junior signal caller rushed for three short touchdowns and kept the offense moving through adversity, mostly caused in the form of penalties.

The Raiders were whistled for 15 penalties for 135 yards – a statistic that caught Hairston’s attention. Ironically, the unit had been playing solid in the preseason.

“We went through two scrimmages and didn’t commit a penalty,” said Hairston who was clearly disappointed by the number of flags. “We’d make forward progress and then get called back.” Asked about a solution, Hairston added, “ We just need to clean up some things.”

The Grassfield defense was on fire. Christian Corbin had a sack and fumble recovery. Senior free safety Jaden Gilliam had a fumble recovery and interception on successive Grassfield possessions.

Iziah Emery (sack) and 6’5” Dakota Brodus (interception) added critical plays for the defense, who held Grassfield to negative total yardage until midway through the fourth quarter. Emery also scooped up a blocked punt by Jaylen Jordan. Xavier Carter and Tracy Pope combined for a sack.

Asked if he was surprised by the quality of his team’s effort, which was without standout player Messiah Delhomme for the first time in over two years, Hairston was unmoved.

“We were solid tonight, especially among the front six, who made us some plays on the back end. Even though our offense made some plays, we need to go back and clean up some things,” said Hairston, whose team will match up against Bethel next weekend.

GRASSFIELD -  0, 0, 0, 0 -- 0

WARWICK      - 7, 14, 7, 7 -- 35

W – Cameron Glenn 5 run (Ahmed Mohktar kick)

W – Saeed Williams Jr. 1 run (Mohktar kick)

W – S. Williams 1 run (Mohktar kick)

W – S. Williams 2 run (Mohktar kick)

W – Keon Batts 71 pass from S. Williams (Mohktar kick)

                        G  W

1st Downs      5, 15

Rush-Yards 26 – (-14), 33-159

Pass Yards  42, 162

C-A-I   6-20-2, 11-23-0

Pen.-Yds. 11-98, 15-135

Punt-Avg.  3-29, 4-34

Fumb.-Lost  3-2, 2-1

William and Mary Defeats VMI in Home Opener

WILLIAM AND MARY 41, VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE 7

In their Thursday season opener, The William and Mary offense was potent and versatile, and the defense tightened up in the second half to key a decisive 41-7 victory over the visiting Keydets of Virginia Military Institute in a non-league contest at Zable Stadium.

The Tribe was nearly flawless on their first pair of drives, covering 69, and then 66 yards. Both drives finished with a one-yard touchdown run – the first from preseason All-American rusher Brandon Yoder, and the second from last year’s leading ground gainer Malachi Imoh.

For Yoder, the game marked his first action since suffering a season-ending injury in the fourth game of last season against Maine. The Tribe won that game 28-3 to start the season 4-0 but stumbled to a 6-5 mark after losing their star tailback. Imoh performed admirably as the featured back, gaining 855 rushing yards on a 6.8 average, but having the pair back together could be the key to William and Mary’s success in 2024.

“Any time you lose something that you love and then get back that joy you feel, it makes you feel like ‘We’re back,” said Yoder, who gained 54 yards on ten carries. “My nerves were sky high, but once that ball was kicked, I was ready to go.”

The special teams delivered for the Tribe in the second quarter with John Kearney blocking a Keydet punt at midfield, and Clayton Dobler picking up the bouncing ball 18 yards from the end zone and rumbling the rest of the way for a score. Eric Bernstein’s extra point extended the lead to 21-0 with seven minutes remaining in the first half.

Dobler, who overcame a horrific ankle injury at the end of last season, was not expected to recover enough to play football this year. But he was trailing a teammate as Kearney’s blocked ball began heading backwards.

“I was just running behind. Then Matt got tackled and I just picked (the football) up,” said Dobler, a redshirt freshman linebacker from James River HS in Midlothian.

For the hosts, it was their first blocked punt for a touchdown in eight years.

Hunter Rice got VMI on the board for its sole touchdown with 2:16 remaining. In spite of the 21-point deficit, the Keydets were almost even in total yardage as halftime approached, and Rice’s 12-yard jaunt for a touchdown gave the visitors a 173-169 advantage, as well as narrowing the lead to 21-7 after Caden Beck’s conversion.

Hollis Mathis’ 45-yard reception from Darius Wilson set up the final score of the half, also from Mathis, a four-yard sweep around the right side, giving the Tribe a 28-7 lead at the break.

After a fourth-and-one stop by the W&M defense to start the second half, Mathis scored again as Darius Wilson rolled left and pitched a forward pass to the designated athlete, and the senior scooted 26 yards for his second TD. Mathis rushed for 19 yards on Thursday to pass 1,000 for his career and continues his quest to become the second player in the history of college football to tally 1,000 yards in rushing, receiving, and passing. He has now eclipsed the mark in two categories and with his 71 receiving yards on Thursday night needs 526 more this season to topple the plateau.

Said Tribe head coach Mike London, “these guys don’t care who gets the credit as long as we are selfless and trying to win.”

Added Mathis, “I don’t try to do anything that’s not expected. I just do my one-eleventh.”

Wilson struck for another touchdown pass late in the third quarter, lofting a 1-yard score to tight end Sean McElwain.

William and Mary averaged 16.1 yards per completion, as Wilson completed 11 of 15 passes for 190 yards and two TD’s. The offense as a whole totaled 448 yards, with 207 coming on the ground.

VMI (0-1) -   0 , 7 , 0, 0 -- 7

W&M (1-0) – 14, 14, 13, 0 - 41

W&M – Brandon Yoder 1 run (Eric Bernstein kick)

W&M – Malachi Imoh 1 run (Bernstein kick)

W&M – Clayton Dobler 18 blocked punt return (Bernstein kick)

VMI – Hunter Rice 12 run (Caden Beck kick)

W&M – Hollis Mathis 4 run (Bernstein kick)

W&M – Mathis 26 run (Bernstein kick)

W&M – Sean McElwain 1 pass from Wilson (kick failed)

                         VMI     W&M

First Downs       14, 21

Rush-Yards     35-145, 36-205

Passing yards     96, 241

C-A-I             12-25-2, 15-20-0

Pen.-Yards       4-37, 7-63

Punt-Avg         5-36.4, 2-42.5

Fumble-Lost    2-0, 3-1

Possession Time    32:04, 27:56

 

2024 Hampton Roads HS Girls Volleyball Preview

 Five Things to Watch For

Magula Eyes 500th Win For Defending Champion Patriots

Getting ready to begin her 29th season of coaching, First Colonial’s Edie Magula, coach of the defending Class 5 champions, brings a career record of 478-190 (.716) into the season. If her team can match last year’s 27 wins, the Patriot legend will surpass the 500-win plateau. As her team was 16-0 in the Beach District last season, and 21-1 for the regular season, the odds of a celebratory win at some point in time around Halloween looks possible.

New Kids Will Earn 5A All-Region

The entire group of first team selections in Region 5A last year were seniors, setting up the stage for a brand-new lineup this year. The three most likely candidates were second teamers last year – Lucille Tignor of Cox, Mia Goode from Hickory, and junior outside hitter Santina Martcheva from Ocean Lakes.

Grafton Reloads With Loss of Keeter; York Responds with New Coach

The Clippers graduated Class 3 All-Stater Alexis Keeter to graduation but return eight starters to a squad that has reached a state title game for seven consecutive seasons. Meanwhile, Bay Rivers District rival York, just two years removed from a 26-3 record and Class 3 state title, dropped to 11-11 last season, but hope to fare better under new coach Bill Bowman. Previously, Bowman served for 19 years as the head coach of Warwick.

Three-peat in D3 for StoneBridge?

StoneBridge, who led all Hampton Roads teams with 35 wins last season, aims to earn its third straight VISAA Division 3 state championship this fall. The Cavaliers opened their season in style, defeating Deep Creek 3-0 (25-11, 25-19, 25-21) to kick off the official volleyball season for the region. Nattie Plumlee scooped 15 digs, Camryn Weatherford had 30 assists, Kailey Curry had nine kills and Ava Baker added eight kills. 

Will the Student Top the Teacher Again?

When Lorenzo Puentes played his high school volleyball at Woodside, he was coached by Greg Maynard, who would later become his mentor as Puentes entered the coaching ranks. Ironically, Maynard’s standout player would take over the program at Menchville, not just a competitor from the same city and district, but the Monarchs chief rival. Last year, the two squared off as coaches twice in the regular season (a split) before Menchville toppled the Wolverines 3-1 to win the Region 5B final. Maynard and his Woodside team will be seeking revenge this season.

Ranking/Team/2023 Record

1. First Colonial (27-1) – Despite losing the 757Teamz Player of the Year Kayla Foley, the Patriots are well stocked this season and prepared for another state title run. Magula returns 11 players, led by a quartet of seniors who have played all four years. Iona commit Gabby Taylor heads the list. All-Region Honorable Mention Helen Murray moves to the libero position, and Rachael Zimmer transfers to Murray’s middle hitter position. Kaiyah Hines will be the team’s main setter and junior Teagan Emdadi returns to her starting outside hitter spot after missing the last two months of last season with an injury.

2. Grafton (25-5) – The Clippers aim for their eighth consecutive state championship appearance with a host of starters from last year’s Bay Rivers leading squad. First team All-State Ally Burke (444 digs, 40 aces) enters her junior year back at the libero position. Seniors Alana Washington (middle hitter), Kaylie Klemm (setter), Ellie Duer and Tiffany O’Connell (outside hitters) should ably fill the gap caused by Alexis Keeter’s graduation and departure to Florida Gulf Coast University after winning the Virginia Gatorade State Player of the Year honor in January. Sophomore Ana Brackens looks to follow up a successful freshman campaign, and fellow middle hitter, junior McKenzie Smith, will be a force for the Grafton attack.

3. Stone Bridge (35-1) – The premier private school program from last season also reloads for 2024. The Plumlee sisters, Nattie and Libbie, will spark the Cavs. Nattie, a first-team All-State heads a strong back row attack, while Libbie transitions to outside hitter. Ava Baker has “a huge arm and impressive vertical (leap),” according to coach Eric Plumlee. Senior Camryn Weatherford will run the offense. “She’s quick and has great hands,” said Plumlee. Mikayla Telfer has developed into “an incredible six-rotation outside with a powerful swing and unbelievable defensive play.” Kailey Curry, a 5-10 middle hitter, is an effective hitter with strong blocking ability.

4. Kellam (21-6) – First Colonial knocked the Knights out of contention last season, but a youth movement could be beneficial for Kellam as soon as this season. They will still rely on four seniors – Sadie Mixer (5-11, outside hitter), Sydney Stone (5-6, defensive specialist, libero), Leilah Beasley (5-7, opposite hitter), and Audriana Neil (5-11, middle hitter).

5. Jamestown (23-4) – Tom Stephenson is back as the Eagles coach after a two-year hiatus. Although the team graduated nine players, Stephenson feels that some talented young players are ready to step in. They will join a nucleus of three seniors. Madison Rogers (139 kills, 42 blocks in 2023), who has committed to CNU, had a major knee injury in February but has successfully rehabilitated. Allison Trogdon (5-10, MH/OPP) and Cayleigh White (5-8, OH) will aid in Jamestown’s attempt to dethrone Grafton at the top of the Bay Rivers standings.

6. Woodside (21-3) – The Wolverines will be one of two main contenders for the Peninsula District crown. Junior Anna Moody (279 assists, 187 digs, 140 kills, 90 aces) is a strong all-around player, and sophomore Maddie Jango (255 digs, 86 aces, 42 assists) returns to her libero position.

7. Maury (15-3) – Lily Bockheim, a first team All-Region 5B selection and Eastern District Player of the Year, will key the Commodores from the right side and setter positions. Senior teammates Madison Watts (OH) and Kathleen Searing (Libero) are the other All-District veterans. Freshman Sadie Stafford could be the top newcomer in Hampton Roads and is coming off a second-place national finish in the 14U Open Division of USAV Beach Nationals. According to Coach Andrea Everett, “Watts, Bockheim, and Stafford have created the opportunity for the Commodores to run a faster offense.”

8. Menchville (21-5) – 2023 Peninsula District Player of the Year Lillian Abbitt will lead the Monarchs from her outside hitter spot. Other key cogs in the lineup include Kamryn Keasey (6-0, M/RS) and junior Caroline Clements (5-8, OH).

9. Cox (17-7) – The Falcons sported a 14-2 record in the Beach District last season, but still finished third. Can they move up? 

10. Hickory (17-7) – Senior Mia Goode is a six-rotation player, and she will be assisted by fellow Hawks Milan Curl and Mackenzie Hunter. Coach Gus Quinones expects his team to combine good defense with his offensive weapons to fuel a deep postseason run.

11. Greenbrier Christian Academy (27-6) – the chief rival of StoneBridge for the Metro Conference title.

12. Great Bridge (19-5) – The entire starting lineup from last year graduated, so Coach Julie Bruno will build anew. Hailey Hossfield (5-7, Jr.) is “an incredible libero” according to Bruno. Junior Katarina Vardeman is “a fantastic hitter,” and sophomore Marcy Stambaugh is a great all-around player, who “will only get better.”

13. Nansemond-Suffolk Academy (21-5) – Potentially the top team in the TCIS.

14. Ocean Lakes (12-7) – Junior outside hitter Santina Martcheva may commit to a Division I school this year., and coach Christina Barnhart sees this as her “breakout” season Seniors Bella Grundy and Kayla Bennett top a strong group of veterans

15. Granby (13-6) – The Comets, led by coach Olivia Casey, will be fueled by a “big junior class with a lot of solid skills.” Cheyenne Avery (OH) and Amaiya Slaats (RS/L) will lead this group, while senior middle blocker Vienne August serves as the team captain. Sophomores Corine August (MB) and Alyssa Thornton (S) could see big production numbers.

Ones to Watch – Bruton (19-7), Bethel (14-6), Norfolk Christian (20-7), Peninsula Catholic (16-6), Grassfield (13-9).

2024 Hampton Roads HS Boys Volleyball Preview

 
Five Things to Watch For

Trio of All-Stars are Back 

Kellam’s Joel Eanes, Granby’s AJ Angeles, and junior Wyatt Strawbridge lead the group of returning All-Tidewater team members from last season, and the three make up quite a group picture. Eanes, the dominating opposite hitter for the Knights, racked up 279 kills last season – a remarkable total, but one to be expected by the Grand Canyon University commit, who possibly sees over every volleyball (and most basketball) players) in Hampton Roads. How tall is he? Eanes, who competed with the U.S. Under 19 national team this summer, stands 6-foot-9, and has added throwing the shotput and discus, as well as high jumping, to his athletic repertoire.

On the other end, Strawbridge is an even six feet tall, while Angeles, the Comet setter, stands 5-foot-8.

Hampton Roads Teams Dominate Virginia

Although volleyball is not played in every statewide school system, it stands without question that the Hampton Roads region is a hotbed for talent within the state. Ten of the top 25 Virginia teams from the final MaxPreps.com volleyball rankings of 2023 call the Seven Cities region home. They include Kempsville (#5), Ocean Lakes (#7), Cape Henry Collegiate (#10), Granby (#11), Kellam (#12), First Colonial (#14), Hickory (#15), Maury (#18), Indian River (#23), and Princess Anne (#25).

Zuidema Returns to Cox

Over a ten-year period spanning from 2006-2015, Jason Zuidema was one of the most successful coaches on the Southside, with his Falcons winning three state titles and compiling a record of 246-35. The team regressed over a nine-year period after his departure, to the point of finishing 5-16 last season. Dwindling numbers and injuries were seen as the main reasons for the downslide. Hearing the call of duty. Zuidema, a Cox alum, is back at the helm. “Despite the program having wavered over the last few seasons, the boys are determined to put Cox back on the map,” said Zuidema. Seniors Brady Spicer, Zach Hamilton, Thomas Moore, and Joseph Maleski are tasked with keying the rebound.

Class 5 against Class 6

With the relatively low (less than 100) number of volleyball teams in the state, it is tough for certain regions to play a full post-season bracket. This can lead to some unfortunate circumstances. For example, in Region 5A, Ocean Lakes upended Kempsville to win the crown, while Granby captured the 5B championship. However, both teams fell in the state tournament, as Classes 5 and 6 have combined for one bracket. It would be interesting to see how the two teams would have fared against solely Class 5 competition. Perhaps the continued growth of Loudoun County high schools will allow for more higher state class playoff brackets in the near future.

Pre-season Tournament

The season was preceded by a Jamboree which mostly included Region 5A teams from the Beach and Southeastern Districts. Hosted by Great Bridge and their coach Bryan Stambaugh, the event featured eight teams, which included the winner, Beach Breakers, a team of home-schooled players. Stambaugh, who got the idea from a similar Denbigh Jamboree put together five years ago by their coach John Amaral, said that he and other coaches used the opportunity to either go full force or work through different lineups in the hope of finding the starting six players who will begin official play today.

Ranking/Team/2023 Record

1. Kellam (17-8) – The Knights lost only one starter from last year’s squad, prompting coach Aaron Campbell to predict that his team will have “its most promising year yet.”. Along with Eanes, Kellam is led by the other tri-captains, senior opposite hitters Austin Makovec (74 blocks) and 6’2” Bennett Barco (66 blocks). Junior setter Bennett Pyka led the team with 733 assists in 2023, while his brother Nathan joins seniors Sora Perry and 6’5” Michael Blanchard as middle blockers. Sophomore Dylan Calkins (126 digs) is an outside hitter to keep on the radar.

2. Kempsville (23-4) – The Chiefs score as a top team among the preview forms cast by most of their Beach and Southeastern District peers.

3. Granby (23-3) – Coach Michelle Neaves declared that her team is “hungry for another state run.” Considering that it took a grueling five-set loss to Class 6 Deep Run to knock the Comets out of the state tournament last year, the statement is fitting. Joining Angeles this year will be senior Percy Gordon (68 kills), junior outside hitter Alijah Lamp (47 kills) and Gabe Sol, an All-Region middle blocker. The foursome will bolster the Granby attack and Davis Mendoza will serve as the squad’s primary libero.

4. Ocean Lakes (22-6) – According to coach Evan Ballenger, only two returning players saw first team reps with last year’s Region 5A championship team. But a new crew will see plenty of action this year, starting with senior captain and libero Gavin Juhas. Fellow seniors Layne Kemp (M) and Anthony Liberator (OH) will be key performers, along with sophomore setter Daniel Copen. Keep an eye on Turner Kuhle, who has already shown his prowess on the baseball field for the Dolphins.

5. Cape Henry Collegiate (19-6) – The reigning TCIS champion should retain its spot as the top local private school team.

6. Gloucester (20-2) – Undefeated in the Peninsula District last season (18-0), the Dukes hope to ride another wave to PD perfection.

7. First Colonial (16-7) – Senior setter Sam Brown (752 assists, 58 kills, 36 blocks, 34 aces in 2023) broke his leg before the first game of last year’s playoffs, and his return will help the Patriots greatly. Other senior returners include libero Nate Duff (362 digs), and Seth Williams (76 kills, 41 blocks). The veteran squad also will see production from Bo Sawyer, Lucas Hills, and incoming sophomore transfer Zia Peterson.

8. Hickory (19-7) – First year head coach Carmen Coston looks forward to welcoming a “great group of returners,” from last season’s Southeastern District champion, including senior middle blocker Will Katchmark, to join junior outside hitters Carson Tortine and Nolan Kennedy. Setter Jason Leary is the Hawks other junior standout. 

9. Maury (16-6) – The Commodores will be another strong contender for the Eastern District championship with seniors Zach Mendoza (290 digs, 30 assists) at libero and Jonas Stafford (397 assists) as the primary setter.

10. Indian River (13-8) – The Braves look to improve on last season’s 10-3 record in the Southeastern, good for third. Their 4-4 record in the preseason Jamboree may be misleading.

11. Princess Anne (13-10) – The Cavaliers will be tough with Maclej Majchercyzyk back at his outside hitter position. Coach Jeff Kinser calls the senior, “one of the best athletes I have been around.” Six-foot-five Walt Clevenger will form the other half of one of the Beach District’s most powerful hitting duos.

12. Kings Fork (18-6) – the Southeastern runner-up from last year will be a strong challenger to Hickory and Indian River.

13. Menchville (15-5) – Another potential Peninsula District winner.

14. Great Bridge (15-9) – The senior-laden roster goes eight deep among their 12th grade lineup, with Johnathan Badowski (RS) and outside hitters Caden Wolfe and Jovan Lapera keeping the Wildcats among the Southeastern Region’s top three teams.

15. Salem (11-9) – The Sun Devils will aim to aspire to the upper ranks of the Beach District contenders.

 

Others to Watch – Warwick (16-6), Grassfield (10-8), Churchland (12-8), Kecoughtan (12-8), Heritage (12-12).