2021 Joe-Zilla 5 Miler
A blog dedicated to the various high school, college, and community sports on the Virginia Peninsula. The continuation of my former weekly column with the DAILY PRESS and Virginian Pilot. VPS includes posts from my work with VirginiaPreps.com, MileStat.com, and other journalistic outlets. Please join me and send your stories of hope and triumph to jfmcgrath65@gmail.com.. My sports journey continues...please feel free to share the ride...
Osborne, Spector Win Joe-Zilla 5 Miler
Lionsbridge FC News - Soccer Rules in Newport News!
FREE YOUTH SOCCER CLINIC ON JULY 3 PRESENTED BY RIVERSIDE
We are pleased to announce our next FREE community youth soccer clinic, presented by Riverside, on Saturday morning, July 3. These spots always go *extremely fast* so do register right away!
Register for the FREE Youth Soccer Clinic!
OPPORTUNITY TO CLINCH PLAYOFF SPOT THIS WEEKEND
Lionsbridge hosts West Virginia (Fri) and Tri-Cities (Sun)
Last weekend, Lionsbridge FC captured the CoVa Cup for a third straight year (highlights). This weekend, could more history be in the cards?
The Bridge has a chance to capture its first USL League Two playoff berth in club history. If Lionsbridge wins both games this weekend, the club will clinch a playoff spot. Lionsbridge currently sits 5 points ahead of 4th place Tri-Cities with five games to go. The top three teams in the division will make the playoffs. However, there are many paths that lead to a playoff spot for Lionsbridge, including either two wins on the weekend or a tie Friday and win on Sunday.
WEEKEND SCHEDULE at TOWNEBANK STADIUM:
Friday, 7pm vs West Virginia United
Sunday, 7pm vs Tri-Cities FC
Get Tickets!
CHICK-FIL-A NIGHT on SUNDAY:
One lucky fan will win FREE CHICK-FIL-A FOR A YEAR on Sunday's Chick-fil-A Night at Lionsbridge FC!
SUMMER CAMP SEASON IS HERE!
It's not too late to sign up your youngster for Lionsbridge FC Summer Camps. The first one starts next week and they continue through July. W are offering day and night camps in Newport News, Hampton, York County, Gloucester and Suffolk. Registration is now open at LionsbridgeFC.com/camps.
Yorktown 8K Freedom Run Results - Otstot and Spector Win on Memorial Day
http://peninsulatrackclub.com/?ical_race=yorktown-freedom-run-8k
2021 YORKTOWN FREEDOM RUN MEMORIAL DAY 8K
Held at Yorktown Battlefield, Yorktown, VA
Memorial Day, Monday, May 31, 2021
Sponsored by the Yorktown Rotary Club
USATF CERT# VA14007RT
A PENINSULA TRACK CLUB and HAMPTON ROADS SUPER GRAND PRIX EVENT
Place O’All Name Age City State Time Pace PTC
===== ===== ========================== === =================== ====== ===== ===
TOP OVERALL MEN
1 1 ADAM OTSTOT 39 WILLIAMSBURG VA 25:41 5:10
2 2 ROGER HOPPER 30 CHESAPEAKE VA 25:46 5:11
3 3 BARON FREEMAN 21 HAMPTON VA 26:23 5:19
TOP OVERALL WOMEN
1 12 BETHANY SPECTOR 31 VIRGINIA BEACH VA 30:57 6:14
2 18 EMILY HONEYCUTT 30 NEWPORT NEWS VA 32:11 6:29
3 20 SVETLANA GONCHAROVA 23 WILLIAMSBURG VA 33:05 6:40
TOP MASTERS MEN
1 11 TOBY WORM 48 SMITHFIELD VA 30:37 6:10
2 13 GREG LYNN 47 HAYES VA 31:29 6:20 *
3 16 CHRIS LAWS 45 NEWPORT NEWS VA 32:01 6:27 *
TOP MASTERS WOMEN
1 39 KAREN SANZO 44 HAMPTON VA 36:14 7:18 *
2 51 CONNIE GLUECK 57 WILLIAMSBURG VA 38:30 7:45 *
3 60 MAY CARLSON 45 HAMPTON VA 40:10 8:05
MEN: 12 AND UNDER
1 37 AUGUSTUS SWANSON 12 PRINCETON IL 36:03 7:15
2 67 BRAXTON LEE 11 QUINTON VA 40:49 8:13 *
3 156 ISAAC BECK. 10 NEW KENT VA 55:01 11:04
MEN: 13 – 19
1 6 LUCAS SIMMONS 17 CHESAPEAKE VA 27:40 5:34
2 8 EVAN MCCUE 16 CHESAPEAKE VA 28:45 5:47
3 10 JARRETT SINDT 19 VIRGINIA BEACH VA 30:34 6:09
MEN: 20 – 24
1 54 MATTHEW MCILROY 20 NEWPORT NEWS VA 39:12 7:53
MEN: 25 – 29
1 4 TANNER SMITH 26 NEW KENT VA 27:07 5:28
2 14 MIKE SANDY 29 LAUREL MD 31:47 6:24
MEN: 30 – 34
1 5 BLAINE O’REILLY 32 WILLIAMSBURG VA 27:35 5:33
2 74 FRANK NIXON 34 CHESAPEAKE VA 41:35 8:22
3 140 JARED B DETRICK 32 HAMPTON VA 51:34 10:23
MEN: 35 – 39
1 7 RYAN CARROLL 38 CHESAPEAKE VA 27:50 5:36 *
2 9 ADAM KENYON 39 SUFFOLK VA 28:53 5:49
3 15 CHRIS NOVAKOSKI 39 CHESAPEAKE VA 31:56 6:26 *
MEN: 40 – 44
1 21 ROBERT CLAYPOOLE 44 HAMPTON VA 33:18 6:42 *
2 25 MATT KIRWAN 41 HAYES VA 34:09 6:53
3 34 MATHEW CHERUIYOT 41 WILLIAMSBURG VA 35:20 7:07
MEN: 45 – 49
1 17 DOUGLAS MARSHALL 47 MATHEWS VA 32:08 6:28
2 27 PAUL SCRIBBINS 48 GLOUCESTER VA 34:19 6:55
3 28 TIM RYAN 47 YORKTOWN VA 34:24 6:56
MEN: 50 – 54
1 24 RICHARD KEESEE 50 HOPKINS MI 34:07 6:52
2 58 AARON CANDELLA 52 YORKTOWN VA 39:51 8:01 *
3 61 KEVIN HUGHES 52 WILLIAMSBURG VA 40:18 8:07
MEN: 55 – 59
1 19 JOHN PIGGOTT 56 WILLIAMSBURG VA 32:38 6:34
2 22 JON LEIDING 58 VIRGINIA BEACH VA 33:29 6:45
3 29 ORLANDO PEREZ 59 NEWPORT NEWS VA 34:33 6:57
MEN: 60 – 64
1 31 KELVIN ANDERSON 60 NEWPORT NEWS VA 34:34 6:58 *
2 49 TIMOTHY HODGE 61 VIRGINIA BEACH VA 38:26 7:44
3 55 JOHN OLSON 61 YORKTOWN VA 39:27 7:56 *
MEN: 65 – 69
1 30 STEPHEN J CHANTRY 66 WILLIAMSBURG VA 34:33 6:57 *
2 42 JIM DUFFY 69 POQUOSON VA 37:19 7:31 *
3 77 JAMES GULLO 66 WILLIAMSBURG VA 41:49 8:25 *
MEN: 70 AND OVER
1 53 DALE ABRAHAMSON 72 YORKTOWN VA 38:54 7:50 *
2 78 GEORGE CARRIGAN 72 WILLIAMSBURG VA 41:49 8:25
3 104 JOSEPH L VERDIRAME 71 SUFFOLK VA 45:54 9:14 *
WOMEN: 12 AND UNDER
1 87 ANNA BLACKSTON 9 MIDLOTHIAN VA 42:35 8:34
2 144 ELLIE EPPS 11 YORKTOWN VA 52:17 10:31 *
3 180 LILY BROWN 10 WILLIAMSBURG VA 1:05:00 13:05
WOMEN: 13 – 19
1 32 SORENNA JEAN 19 WILLIAMSBURG VA 34:42 6:59 *
2 59 BROOKE SWARRINGIM 15 LANEXA VA 40:04 8:04
3 81 CANNON JEAN 16 WILLIAMSBURG VA 42:00 8:27 *
WOMEN: 20 – 24
NONE
WOMEN: 25 – 29
1 36 EMILY PHILPOTT 25 YORKTOWN VA 35:48 7:13
2 43 MYKAYLA HERGES 27 VIRGINIA BEACH VA 37:20 7:31
3 109 SARA MORROW 29 NORFOLK VA 47:08 9:29
WOMEN: 30 – 34
1 23 KRISTIN ROBERTS 34 ALEXANDRIA VA 33:42 6:47
2 90 JCOURTNEY WILLIAMS 33 WILLIAMSBURG VA 43:18 8:43
3 92 EMMA HARDY 32 TOANO VA 43:27 8:45
WOMEN: 35 – 39
1 35 MEGAN SCHULZE 38 GLEN ALLEN VA 35:21 7:07 *
2 45 ERIN WOOD 35 NEWPORT NEWS VA 37:58 7:39
3 48 ERIN MACHIE 36 NEWPORT NEWS VA 38:21 7:43
WOMEN: 40 – 44
1 85 LATISHA TUCKER 41 VIRGINIA BEACH VA 42:22 8:32
2 89 STEPHANIE EITZEN 43 YORKTOWN VA 43:02 8:40 *
3 96 MICHELLE HOOPER 41 HAMPTON VA 44:03 8:52
WOMEN: 45 – 49
1 64 SUSAN HAGEL 48 NORFOLK VA 40:32 8:10 *
2 120 CARISSA WORM 45 SMITHFIELD VA 48:58 9:51
3 124 SUSAN R HUTCHINS 46 CHARLOTTE NC 49:35 9:59
WOMEN: 50 – 54
1 84 KAYE GREEN 52 SMITHFIELD VA 42:17 8:31
2 112 ALYSON KAST 52 YORKTOWN VA 47:20 9:32 *
3 113 CRIZTINA JEAN 52 WILLIAMSBURG VA 47:28 9:33 *
WOMEN: 55 – 59
1 63 DEELYN ROBINSON 55 WILLIAMSBURG VA 40:30 8:09
2 80 CAROLINE KIGGINS 57 YORKTOWN VA 41:59 8:27
3 99 CAROL GRANTZ 55 PORTSMOUTH VA 44:52 9:02
WOMEN: 60 – 64
1 83 NORMA PHILLIPS 60 WILLIAMSBURG VA 42:11 8:30 *
2 130 SHIRLEY STEPHENS 64 WILLIAMSBURG VA 50:37 10:11 *
3 155 LINDA PIERCE 62 EARLYSVILLE VA 54:34 10:59
WOMEN: 65 – 69
1 98 HELEN WORTHINGTON 66 BENA VA 44:41 9:00 *
2 135 MARTHA GULLO 68 WILLIAMSBURG VA 50:51 10:14 *
3 142 DEBORAH LUDI 66 YORKTOWN VA 51:55 10:27
WOMEN: 70 AND OVER
1 125 PATRICIA TRAVIS 70 WILLIAMSBURG VA 49:41 10:00 *
2 131 BARBARA BIASI 73 YORKTOWN VA 50:37 10:11 *
3 150 VIRGINIA DAVIS 71 NORFOLK VA 53:39 10:48
Axsom's Army Topples Carolina Competition in Karate, Kata, and Kobudo
The spring has been busy for the martial artists of Axsom's Army. In the first of three competitions, the AAU North Carolina Karate State Championships, the Newport News based team, consisting of 34 athletes, and eight assistant coaches, brought home 71 medals: 37 gold, 24 silver, and 10 Bronze. Below is a breakdown of the competitors' accomplishments. The tournament was held in Raleigh, NC at the Jewish Community Center.
🔥Advanced Division Tournament Update🔥
👊Amiyr Gordon (12) Silvers - Kobudo and Kata & GOLD - Kumite * NC STATE CHAMPION
👊Ryan Sigsbee (16) Silvers - Kobudo and Kata & GOLD Kumite * NC STATE CHAMPION
👊Anna Deller (17) BRONZE - Kobudo
👊Austin Galeski (18-34) GOLDs - Kata & Kumite * NC STATE CHAMPION
🔥🔥Intermediate Tournament Update🔥🔥
👊Hunter Feicht (14) Bronze - Kobudo & GOLD - Kobudo * NC STATE CHAMPION
👊Joe Fuscia (13) Silver - Kumite & GOLDs- Kobudo & Kata * NC STATE CHAMPION
👊Kaitlyn Cooper (17) Triple GOLDs - Kobudo, Kata & Kumite * NC STATE CHAMPION
🔥🔥Update on Novice Competitors🔥🔥
👊Shianne Medlin (😎 Silver - Kata & GOLDs Kobudo & Kumite * NC STATE CHAMPION
👊Chris Gordon (7) Bronze - Kobudo & GOLD - Kumite * NC STATE CHAMPION
👊Lucas Gardner (😎 GOLD - Kobudo * NC STATE CHAMPION
👊Isaiah McClain (😎 Silver - Kata & GOLD - Kumite * NC STATE CHAMPION
👊Jalyn Wilks (10) Silver - Kobudo & Silver - Kumite
👊Conner Strickland (11) GOLD - Kumite * NC STATE CHAMPION
👊Daniela Martinez-Chellis (14) Triple GOLDs - Kobudo, Kata & Kumite *NC STATE CHAMPION
👊Miranda Martinez-Chellis (15) Bronze - Kumite, Silver - Kobudo & GOLD - Kata * NC STATE CHAMPION
👊Alex Tomaino (16) Silver - Kata & GOLDs - Kobudo & Kata * NC STATE CHAMPION
👊Brett Fallen (16) SILVER - Kobudo & Kumite & GOLD - Kata * NC STATE CHAMPION
🔥Bull-Moose Beginner Competitor Update🔥
👊Tenneson Feicht (4-5) GOLD - Kata & Silver Kumite * NC STATE CHAMPION
👊Bradley Tate (4-5) BRONZE - Kata & Kumite
👊Alana Humber (5) SILVER Kata & Kumite
👊Billy Lamping (7) Bronze Kumite
👊Reagan Strickland (7) Silver - Kobudo & GOLD - Kata & Kumite * NC STATE CHAMPION
👊Cristiano Perez (😎 Silver - Kobudo & GOLD Kumite * NC STATE CHAMPION
👊Coley Carney (10) GOLD - Kobudo NC STATE CHAMPION
👊Tanner Decker (11) Silver - Kobudo, Bronze - Kata & GOLD - Kumite * NC STATE CHAMPION
👊Ryan Wartell (12) GOLD - Kobudo * NC STATE CHAMPION
👊Brodee Blackwell (12) Bronze - Kobudo & Silver - Kumite
👊Emily Galindo (15) Silver - Kumite, GOLDs - Kobudo & Kata * NC STATE CHAMPION
👊Braeden Monroe (16) Triple GOLDs - Kobudo Kata & Kumite * NC STATE CHAMPION
👊Rhys Batchelor (17) Triple Silvers - Kobudo, Kata & Kumite
👊Hudson Burns (18-34) Bronze Kata & Kumite & GOLD - Kobudo * NC STATE CHAMPION
Here's our champions photo from the dojo.
Lafayette Wins Class 3 State Football (as seen on UltimateRecruit.com)
Mike Green’s 40-yard touchdown run on a broken punt attempt provided the game-clinching score for Lafayette, who won their first state championship since 2001, and capped an undefeated season, beating Lord Botetourt 27-13 on Saturday afternoon at Wanner Stadium in James City County. (Photo of Mike Green courtesy of Virginian-Pilot)
Leading 20-13 with 1:27 remaining in regulation, the Rams faced a fourth-and-seven situation from the Cavalier 40, and opted to punt, with the hope of driving Lord Botetourt deep into its own territory and relying on a defense that had stumped its opponent’s offense throughout the second half.
What ended up happening resulted in what Lafayette coach Andy Linn would call “the greatest play in school history.” Linn should know. He has coached with the Lafayette football team since 1997 and passed over several potential head coaching positions in the early 2000’s, as he told Recruit757 several years ago. At that time, Linn said, “I could have gone somewhere else, but I’m a Lafayette guy.”
Lord Botetourt had partially blocked a punt earlier in the game, and the constant pressure from its special team rush had resulted in several short kicks, giving the Cavs beneficial field position.
Enter Green.
The plan may have been to pooch a quick punt, but the snap was overdelivered, and the ball sailed above Green’s head, creating instant chaos.
For everyone but Green.
“After the ball snapped over my head and I caught it, there was already a defender too close, so I said, ‘I need to run this,” said the UVA commit.
Without missing a beat, Green instinctively darted to the right sideline, and was immediately knocked back two yards. Breaking one tackle, and then another at the sideline, Green started toward his left, where he maneuvered through a trio of Cavalier tackles. He was almost stopped again, short of the first down, but broke free and continued to angle to his left, leaving a host of would-be tacklers to hopelessly give chase. Green escaped a final grab at the 10 and decelerated into the end zone.
“When I broke free and saw the open field, I knew we had the game,” added Green.
Lord Botetourt buried its own cause with 14 penalties (for 141 yards) in the game, including several personal fouls, which came at inopportune times, and kept one Ram drive alive, while another turned a first-and-10 into a 3rd-and-35 for the Cavalier offense.
However, it was the Cavs who controlled a good portion of the first half. After the blocked punt gave them the ball at the Lafayette 36, Botetourt overcame a holding penalty, as Dylan Wade broke free for a 26-yard gain, taking the ball to the Ram 6. Wade would finish the drive with a one-yard push into the end zone, giving the Daleville team a 7-0 edge.
Lafayette was deep in its own territory with a minute to go in the first half. Luke Hanson found Luke Gatling on a 42-yard-deep route, bringing the ball well past midfield, and set up a 40-yard Cannon Newell field goal on the final play of the half, pushing the deficit to 7-3.
The Rams would take the lead on their first possession of the second half when Hanson found Green on a 28-yard fade route into the right corner of the end zone. Newell’s extra point gave the Rams a 10-7 lead.
Lord Botetourt would quickly respond, thanks to Wade (15 carries, 108 yards) who broke free for a 44-yard run, and then followed with a one-yard burst through his line into the end zone. However, the Rams got through to block the extra point and the Cavs led 13-10.
The Rams defense, now stouter than ever, held Botetourt in check and the Cavs punted. A short drive, highlighted by a 20-yard Green reception, ended up fruitless as Newell’s 34-yard field goal attempt bounced off the left upright, ending the Rams chance to tie the contest.
Braxton Mooney’s eight-yard sack of Botetourt QB Sammy Peery set the defensive tone for the rest of the game. Soon after, the Rams caught a break as linebacker Bryce Cupp picked off a Cav pass and returned the ball to the visitors eight-yard line. Hanson followed with a one-yard sneak, and Lafayette regained the lead, 17-13. After an Aidan Byron pick, Newell added a 22-yd field goal, and the Rams opened up a seven-point lead at 20-13.
“Everybody talked about them jamming it down our throat, but we’ve got a defense that shuts it down, so that they’re meeting a rock when they run in the middle,” said Byron. While the Cavs executed the running game well at times, they totaled 241 yards for the game, with at least two-thirds coming in the first half.
Byron would later recover a Cavalier fumble setting up a stalled drive and Green’s run into Lafayette football history.
Lafayette 27, Lord Botetourt 13
Lord Botetourt (9-1); 0;7;6;0; —;13
Lafayette (9-0); 0;3;7;17;—;27
First quarter
LB — Rice 1 run (Harvey kick)
Second quarter
Laf — FG Newell 40
Third quarter
Laf — Green 28 pass from Hanson (Newell kick)
LB — Wade 2 run (kick blocked)
Fourth quarter
Laf — Hanson 1 run (Newell kick)
Laf — FG Newell 22
Laf — Green 40 run (Newell kick)
TEAM STATISTICS
; LB;;Laf
First downs; 12;9
Rushes-yards;48-248;35-137
Passing yards; 21;104
Comp-Att-Int;2-10-3;;8-22-0
Fumbles-lost;1-1;3-0
Penalties;14-141;8-45
Punts;5-28. 4;5-25.2
INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS
RUSHING — Lord Botetourt, Wade 15-108, Rice 21-102, Bratton 6-24, Peery 6-14. Lafayette, Reel 20-65, Green 1-40, Hanson 6-23, Gatling 1-7, Warren 3-4, Cupp 3-0, Team 1-(minus 2).
PASSING — Lord Botetourt, Peery 2-10-3–21. Lafayette, Hanson 8-22-0–104.
RECEIVING — Lord Botetourt, Horton 2-21. Lafayette, Green 6-66, Gatling 1-84, Jones 1-(minus 5).
Where We Are: Lafayette Plays for Class 3 State Football Title (as seen on Recruit757.com)
Lord Botetourt (9-0) vs. Lafayette (8-0), Saturday 2 PM, Wanner Stadium, Williamsburg, VA
Online TV: NFHS Network (subscription required)
Lafayette returns to Wanner Stadium this week, but this time it’s for the opportunity to capture the state championship that has eluded its grasp since 2001.
Under coach Andy Linn’s tutelage, the Rams came close once, in 2014, but fell 25-19 to a powerful Magna Vista squad that would also defeat tomorrow’s opponent, Lord Botetourt, 47-21 the following year.
The Cavaliers, from Daleville, just north of Roanoke, are also undefeated at 9-0, and arrive in Williamsburg on the heels of a 24-22 nail-biter win over Liberty Christian. This will be their third attempt at the championship, having also lost to Hopewell 35-7 in 2019.
Likewise, the Rams received a formidable challenge in the semis but recovered their own fumble in the game’s final two minutes to hold off Independence 17-13.
Both teams rely on the run, but the Cavs have a monster player in 226-pound back Hunter Rice with 995 yards and 20 TD in just nine games. Quarterback Sammy Peery has thrown for just over 1,000 yards, and 14 scores against only two interceptions.
The Rams respond with Miguel Reel (88-489-8) as the featured back. Reel carried 21 times for 107 yards in the Indy game. Luke Hanson should keep the Cavs defense honest, coming into Saturday with 925 yards and nine TD’s through the air.
Both teams have been bitten by the injury bug. For Lord Botetourt, WR/DB Kyle Arnholt is out, while Lafayette LB Sam Boyer, the Region 3A defensive player of the year, also will not play. University of Virginia commit Mike Green (6-4, 215) will be asked to pick up the slack on the Ram defense.
LORD BOTETOURT
Coach: Jamie Harless
Offense
89 TE Ethan Peggins; 6-5 235 Sr.
50 LT Gunner Givens; 6-6 272 Jr.
54 LG Trey Reiter; 5-11 265 Sr.
64 C Frank Sawyers; 5-11 240 Sr.
52 OG Troy Everett; 6-3 280 Sr.
72 OT Hunter McLain; 6-5 290 Jr.
43 WR Joey Isaacs; 5-9 145 Jr.
9 TE Xavier Stephens; 6-2 264 Sr.
1 QB Sammy Peery; 6-0 150 Sr.
44 FB Zach Horton; 6-4 240 Sr.
10 RB Hunter Rice 6-0 226 Sr.
Defense
52 DL Troy Everett 6-3 280 Sr.
78 NT Evan Heck 5-11 270 Sr.
9 DL Xavier Stephens 6-2 264 Sr.
44 OLB Zach Horton 6-4 240 Sr.
5 ILB Bryson Oliver 6-1 220 Sr.
10 ILB Hunter Rice 6-0 226 Sr.
24 OLB Nic Pitzer 6-1 207 Sr.
CB 2 Trevor Catron 5-10 170 Sr.
CB 43 Joey Isaacs 5-9 145 Jr.
11 S Jakari Nicely 6-0 180 Fr.
1 S Sammy Peery 6-0 150 Sr.
Specialists
6 PK Bryson Harvey 6-1 165 Jr.
3 P Mikey Rago 5-11 150 Sr.
—-
SEASON SCORES
W George Washington 70-6
W William Fleming 49-6
W William Byrd 55-13
W Staunton River 49-6
W Franklin County 57-7
W Northside (forfeit)
Region 3D playoffs
W Christiansburg 55-0
W Abingdon 26-8
Class 3 semifinal
W Liberty Christian 24-22
—-
Lord Botetourt SEASON STATISTICS
Rushing
Att Yds TD
Hunter Rice 98 995 20
Dylan Wade 94 626 6
K.J. Bratton 53 426 5
Passing
C-A-I Yds TD
Sammy Peery 49-64-2 1003 14
Receiving
Rec-Yds TD
Zach Horton 26-297 5
Kyle Arnholt;; 21-281-9
LAFAYETTE
Coach: Andy Linn
Offense
76 LT Bradley White 6-5 240 Sr.
53 LG Mike Julien 5-9 260 Jr.
79 C Tommy Gardner 6-4 320 Sr.
56 RG Andy Anderson 6-1 270 Jr.
75 RT Bryce Copeland 6-0 200 Jr.
4 TE Mike Green 6-4 215 Sr.
84 WR Donald Gatling 6-4 190 Jr.
2 WB Adrian Warren 5-10 180 Jr.
1 WB Bryce Cupp; 6-2 210 Sr.
8 QB Luke Hanson; 6-2 190 Jr.
5 RB Miguel Reel 6-0 190 Sr.
Defense
5 DL Miguel Reel 6-0 190 Sr.
53 DL Mike Julien 5-9 260 Jr.
79 DL Tommy Gardner 6-4 320 Sr.
9 DL Loyal Gresham 6-2 240 Jr.
7 LB Myric Harris 5-10 185 Sr.
50 LB Aidan Byron 5-11 200 Sr.
4 LB Mike Green 6-4 215 Sr.
22 LB DeMarcus Lawrence 5-11 200 So.
84 DB Donald Gatling; 6-4 190 Jr.
1 DB Bryce Cupp; 6-2 210 Sr.
27 DB Jaylin Pretlow 5-10 160 So.
Specialists
18 PK; Cannon Newell 6-0 165 Sr.
—-
Lafayette: SEASON STATISTICS
Rushing
Att Yds TD
Miguel Reel 88 489 8
Passing
C-A-I Yds TD
Luke Hanson 48-99-5 925 9
Receiving
Rec-Yds TD
Donald Gatling 20-285 6
Mike Green 14 -255 2
How They Got There - Lafayette Defeats Independence in Class 3 State Semifinal (as seen on UltimateRecruit.com)
In a game that qualifies as an instant classic, Lafayette was taken to the hilt by Independence, but a Luke Hanson fumble recovery in the game’s final two minutes sealed a Class 3 championship game berth for the Rams, who nipped the upstart Tigers 17-13 at Williamsburg’s Wanner Stadium on Saturday.
With the win, Lafayette (8-0) will host Lord Botetourt, a 24-22 winner over Liberty Christian in the other semifinal next Saturday.
Indy struck first, as Florida State commit Brian Courtney tossed a 15-yard touchdown pass to Josh Hand. The extra point gave the Tigers an early 7-0 edge.
Lafayette responded with an 11-play, 80-yard drive that took up a huge chunk of the second quarter, culminated by Adrian Warren’s 10-yard scoring run with 2:50 left in the opening half, which ended with the score knotted at seven.
The Rams relied heavily on their running game, carrying the ball 42 times for 220 times. Miguel Reel (21 rushes, 107 yards) put Lafayette in the lead with 8:40 remaining in the third quarter with a seven-yard touchdown run to put the hosts on top 14-7.
The Tigers struck back immediately, needing just over two minutes to respond, as Elijah Tidwell scored from three yards out. However, the Rams’ Brandon Jefferson got a hand on the extra-point kick to keep the Rams ahead 14-13.
Early in the fourth quarter, Cannon Newell added three more points with a 36-yard field goal, putting the Rams ahead 17-13.
The Tigers had one final chance to score the game-winning touchdown, but the Ram defense held Courtney (8-16, 79 yards, TD, 21 carries, 101 yards) and the offense in check, forcing a punt with just under four minutes left in the game.
Lafayette would face one more nerve-wracking moment when Ram quarterback Luke Hanson fumbled the center snap near midfield with 1:42 remaining. Hanson recovered the fumble, allowing the Rams to run out the clock.
Despite the finish, Independence (5-2) capped its second season of varsity football in an unlikely spot, after starting their inaugural season 0-8, before winning two games to qualify for a playoff spot. Ram coach Andy Linn was impressed with the quick progression of the Tigers.
“As I told their coach (R.J. Windows), they’ve done a great job getting the kids out and running a system. They took their lumps last year but stuck with it and it has paid off. They’ll continue to get better.”
Deep Creek WR J. Jones Commits to W&M (as seen on ultimaterecruit.com)
Deep Creek WR Jalen Jones (c/o 2021, 6-1 170) has found his collegiate home, as the speedy Hornet committed to the College of William and Mary on Thursday.
Jones, who has carried a 4.0 plus grade point average throughout his high school career (and 4.24 overall), will certainly gain from the academic challenge offered in Williamsburg without being overwhelmed by the rigor of study at one of the nation’s most prestigious academic schools.
Jones was primarily recruited for the Tribe by cornerbacks coach Ras-I Dowling, a former NFL cornerback with the Patriots and Raiders, and also a fellow graduate of Deep Creek.
And while Tribe head coach Mike London has gained some speed on the outside (at either defensive back or receiver), there is one other W&M coach who may be equally as happy with Jones’ commitment – W&M director of track and field Alex Heacock.
Jones has enjoyed a solid career with the Hornets, evidenced in his last game, a 23-12 win over Western Branch in which he caught five passes for 59 yards and a touchdown. The Creek team is 5-1 and heading to Virginia Beach next weekend for a Region 5A playoff tilt against Cox.
However, Jones has also starred on the oval which surrounds the field. In the spring of 2019, as a sophomore, he won four individual events (high jump, long jump, triple jump, 100-meter hurdles) to lead the Hornets to a Class 4A region track title. The following week, at the Class 4 state meet, he almost won the triple jump, but fell just short when a Louisa County jumper hit 47 feet on his final attempt, just one-half inch ahead of Jones’ 46-11 ½.
Although he missed his junior season outdoor track campaign to COVID, head football coach Andre Twine, who also serves as the school’s head indoor and outdoor track coach, has made one bold prediction for his star two-sport athlete.
Speaking of the triple jump, Twine told Recruit757, “he’s going for 50 (feet) outdoor,” a mark that would easily rank him in the top-three in Virginia, and among the 50 best nationally.
The Tribe football team (currently 1-2 in its spring season) is scheduled to host Richmond at Zable Stadium on April 10.
Culpeper's Harrison and Jones Commit to Apprentice Football (as seen on RecruitNoVA.com)
The Apprentice School football team has added two key cogs to its strengthened roster as Riley Harrison (c/o 2021, RB/LB, 5-10, 215) and Stewart Jones (c/o 2021, OL/DL, 6-0 230), both of Culpeper County HS, have formally committed to attending and playing football for the Newport News, VA school.
Harrison, a first-team All-Northwestern District and second-team All 4B-Region player made the announcement on his Twitter account last Friday, while Jones committed three days later. Reached by RecruitNoVA.com last weekend, Harrison explained the thought process behind his decision.
“I learned about (Apprentice) through my coaches over the summer. I had seen a little bit on Twitter, but didn’t think much of it until we had a team meeting on a Zoom call with the coaches. Our team sat in our weight room and listened to Coach (Apprentice head coach John) Davis talk about the opportunities presented and the process of getting in. I immediately was interested and wanted to look more into it.”
Apprentice is a unique program that is linked with the Huntington Ingalls shipyard on the James River in the south end of Newport News. According to its Wikipedia page, the company, Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII), is America’s largest military shipbuilding company and a provider of professional services to partners in government and industry.
The school trains individuals in one of 17 trades linked to shipbuilding. Harrison will study pipefitting at Apprentice, which provides free education, as well as paying its working students upwards of $20 per hour for a career that generally begins with a salary of 50-60 thousand per year upon school completion in 4-5 years.
Athletics is an integral part of the “Builder” experience, and the school provides six sports for its 725 students. The football team has seen increased success in recent years with the hiring of Davis as head coach, and former NFL lineman Elton Brown as line coach and recruiting coordinator. Locally, Mason Tatum, former Stone Bridge standout at quarterback, has been leading the Apprentice offense.
Harrison said he hopes to play linebacker or running back for the Builders, but would be willing to play on both sides of the ball. Jones’ position with the Builders will be determined shortly.
L.C. Bird Boys Run Away With Class 5 Track Title
The feeling going into the Class 5 boys state meet on the first Tuesday afternoon of March was that it could turn into an invasion of the Birdmen – more specifically, the L.C. version.
Jayson Ward - (photo by Mary Ann Magnant)
On paper, the Skyhawks, led by All-State long sprint aces Jayson Ward and Matthew Spicer looked to dominate the 300, 500, and 4x200, possibly picking up as many as 40 points in the three events. Adding Luke Affolder and Jacob Plummer into the distance mix brought the possibility of another 18 points (1600), while Henry Asare was the top seed in the 55-meter hurdles. If the Hawks could pick up some wood in the field, they hoped to decide the outcome before the 3200.
Even though the Hawks placed third in the 4x800 (8:29.48), it was William Fleming that took an early team lead, followed by Freedom-South Riding. However, the 1-2 punch of Ward (1:03.43) and Spicer (1:06.35) in the 500 gave Byrd 18 crucial points to boost their lead to 64–25 over Freedom, and put them in the driver’s seat to coast to the team championship on Tuesday at the Virginia Beach Sports Center.
Makai Lewis would move up from fifth with a 28.94 final lap to win the 1000 (2:39.50), and Affolder emulated his 1600 win with a victory in the 3200.
Most notably, Ward and Spicer returned for the 300, just 30 minutes later (only because of a forced 12-minute break), and again finished 1-2. The effort left both runners sprawled on the straightaway inside of the track. Asked if that was their shortest ever rest between the two races, both runners breathlessly nodded in the affirmative.
When asked if they would be running the 4x400, Ward mirrored Lewis’ earlier response – “I hope not!”
Yet, Lewis came back with Ward to help Bird end the meet with an exclamation point, which ended with Ward out leaning Salem’s Camren Mitchell to take the day’s final event by .04 seconds in 3:27.04.
In all, Bird tallied 119 points, almost tripling the total of runner-up Freedom (42). Princess Anne pulled up to third with 40, and Fleming (39) and Atlee (38.5) kept the second through fifth-place competition interesting.
Ninth Annual 10-Mile Run fpr the Heart Results
From the Peninsula Track Club (February 6, 2021)
Sponsored by the Knights of Columbus Council 5480 - benefiting the American Heart Association
The 2021 edition of the 10-Mile Run for the Heart was held under perfect running conditions; sunny and cold with a slight breeze and a temperature of 40 degrees at the race start. Two hundred and twenty-four runners entered the 10-Mile Run for the Heart with 191 completing the 10-mile course on the scenic Yorktown Battlefield. Runners were spread out in nine waves and were instructed to adhere to Covid-19 guidelines during the event, including mask-wearing at all times while not running. Social distancing and masking guidelines were followed for this completely outdoor event.
The course started and finished near Surrender Field on the Yorktown Battlefield. The 10-mile course is USATF certified #VA12072RT.
Four new age group course records for the 10-Mile Run for the Heart were set.
Winner and 1st Male Overall, Roger Hopper, 30 of Chesapeake, VA bettered the age group record for men 30-34 with a time of 56:41, improving on the mark of 1:01:31 that set by Ryan Doupe in 2018. For the women, Bethany Spector of Virginia Beach paced the field, winning in 1:12:29.
TOP OVERALL MEN 1 1 ROGER HOPPER 30 CHESAPEAKE VA 56:41 5:41 2 2 JONATHAN TORRES 31 NEWPORT NEWS VA 1:02:29 6:15 3 3 TOBY WORM 47 SMITHFIELD VA 1:03:18 6:20 TOP OVERALL WOMEN 1 18 BETHANY SPECTOR 31 VIRGINIA BEACH VA 1:12:29 7:15 2 21 GWEN RILEY 27 PORTSMOUTH VA 1:12:54 7:18 3 24 JESSIE JAPZON 34 CHESAPEAKE VA
For men 60-64, Robert Whitaker, 62 of Yorktown VA set a new age group record with a time of 1:08:19 beating out the time of 1:10:07 set by Dale Abrahamson in 2013.
On the other hand, for men 70-74, Dale Abrahamson, 71 of Yorktown set a new age group record with a time of 1:19:40 beating the time of 1:20:44 set by Langston Shelton III in 2018.
Finally for men 75-79, Ronald Kellum, 76 of Hampton, VA set an age group record with a time of 1:43:13, beating the record of 1:45:27 which Ronald himself set in 2020.
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.
(Black History Month) From the Archives - Who is Boo Williams?
Do You Know Who Boo (Williams) Is?
MileStates 2017
(In honor of black history month, I present one from the archives - an article I wrote for Milestat.com back in 2017 on Boo Williams, a Hampton, VA native who is also one of the nation's foremost youth basketball coaches and mentors. A genuine living legend.)
On Friday afternoon, I decided to give a short, impromptu quiz to several of the coaches and co-workers at the Boo Williams Sportsplex. It wasn't a tough test; in fact, it was only one question. To my surprise and amusement, many of the test takers failed.
"Do you know who Boo Williams is?"
Of course, the initial response was, "Sure, the guy that owns this building." However, there weren't many second and third sentences in the answer. Here's one -- "the multi-millionaire who donated the building."One person was surprised when I mentioned that Boo Williams would probably be walking around at the meet later. Another was shocked when I said he had to leave his "9-to-5" job as an insurance agent with State Farm before coming over.
Around 5 PM, Marcellus "Boo" Williams made his entrance into the track facility. At almost six-foot-eight, he was hard to miss. Williams regularly makes an appearance at the state track meet, and many other non-championship track events. In fact, he is a regular fixture in the building that bears his name, and hosts events almost every day of the year.
However, his legend is more recognizable on the other side of the Sportsplex building, where many athletes warmed up among the numerous banners on either side of the State Farm gymnasium.
Boo Williams is a native of Hampton and attended Phoebus High. Because of his basketball prowess, a scholarship to continue playing at St. Joseph's University followed, and then a professional basketball career in Europe. Upon returning to Hampton in 1982, Williams started his work with State Farm, but was also bitten by the coaching bug.
On a $400 investment, he formed the Boo Williams Summer League. And the rest, as they say, is history. Starting with forty-six players, the league transformed into the Boo Williams Nike Invitational, and with over 200 teams and 2,500 players is known as one of the premier AAU leagues in the United States. To list his former youth players is to read a "Who's Who" of basketball players from Hampton Roads. Players such as Allen Iverson, Alonzo Mourning and Joe Smith have called Williams their coach, helping bring many AAU national titles back to Tidewater.
Along with his collaboration with Howard White of Nike, it was some of the former players whom Williams called for financial support, when his vision for a major sports facility to house the basketball tournaments came into reality. White, the Nike vice-president in charge of the Jordan brand, was a huge supporter of the project, and is the reason for the "Howard White" with a Nike swoosh in the northeast corner of the track area.
Another fact that may be unknown to many is that the "Booplex" was originally planned to be mostly a basketball-only facility. However, after realizing that a whole section of the converted warehouse was wide open, the planners went to then-Bethel High coach Eddie Williams and asked for his advice on designing a track. City leaders, realizing that a high-level track was sorely needed in the Hampton Roads region, and that a suitable facility could attract high-level meets, and boost money into the Hampton economy, made sure that a track with state-of-the-art features was built.
In all, it cost $13.5 million to complete the Boo Williams Sportsplex, which utilizes 135,000 square feet, seats 4,000 between the two sides, and holds eight basketball courts, which can conduct games simultaneously, as well as twelve volleyball courts and eight indoor hockey fields.
On Friday, Williams was told of the comment about being the multi-millionaire who donated the building. He simply laughed and responded with one word -- "No."
To view some of our Coach Williams' former players, one only needs to look for their names on the banners hanging in the State Farm gymnasium across from the track. To view the Coach, on Friday, he was the tall gentleman near the medal table with the gray and black Nike Jordan jacket.
Of course, for identification purposes, one could say that the biggest name on the building was probably also the tallest man inside of it.
VA Showcase: Top Three State Sprinters Meet -- Kind Of, As Pyatt, Whyte, and Holland Clash
Three of Virginia’s top female high school sprinters got a rare opportunity to compete in the same race on Sunday, as Aaliyah Pyatt, Madison Whyte, and Micayah Holland squared off in the 200 meters. While the full competition never came to fruition, it did allow a few lucky track fans a possible final chance to see the three together. (Below: Aaliyah Pyatt wins at CNU HS Invite - photo by Mary Ann Magnant)
Each runner has seen notable success in their respective classes, with Whyte and Holland reaching state champion level last year as freshmen. Pyatt also won a championship in the 100 meters in 2019, while emerging from under the shadow of Godwin’s Britton Wilson in the 200 and 400.
However, during the season, Pyatt competes for Class 6 Massaponax, Holland, with Class 5 Princess Anne, and Whyte as the standout among Class 4 sprinters.
With the Virginia High School League opting to not sanction invitationals with more than three teams, the trio represented different teams at the Showcase, with Pyatt sporting an MVP League singlet, Holland with GT Academy, and in Whyte’s case, unattached.
The three almost had the opportunity to share a common goal – knocking off nationally ranked Kayla Davis (Run U Express), the junior from Hough High and Cornelius, NC. who was seeded first at 23.08, and possessed the #2 time nationwide this season at 23.92, just behind RUE teammate Shawnti Jackson (23.89). In a twist of fate, Davis was injured the week before the meet, leaving the three Virginians to race against the clock and each other’s times.
At face value, Pyatt represented Virginia’s best hope for a gold in the 200. The Massaponax HS senior had set the tone for a great upcoming weekend, as the senior long sprinter anchored the Virginia-based MVP League quartet to a 3:47.68 win in the girls 1600-meter relay on Saturday evening with her sub-55 second split. With a best 200-meter time of 23.11, she was seeded #2, right behind Davis.
Holland, who specializes in the shorter sprints, held the longest odds of medaling, but also began the Showcase with an auspicious start on Saturday. Although, three girls broke the coveted seven second barrier in the 55-meter dash prelims, none were Virginians, but Holland (GT Academy/Princess Anne HS), a sophomore, and last year’s Virginia indoor Class 5 champion, grabbed the #4 seed for Sunday’s finals with a near personal-best time of 7.04.
She was outmatched in the final, finishing seventh in 7.11, behind winner Autumn Wilson of Texas, who posted a US #1 time of 6.81.
However, Holland would get about two hours rest between the 55-meter final and the 200. Would it be enough to pose a medal challenge?
Whyte also competed on Saturday evening, in the 300 meters, where she faced Pyatt in the same heat. However, that battle was anticlimactic, as Pyatt had already run the 4x400, and both runners crossed the line in roughly 39 seconds, Whyte (39.15) placed fourth, and Pyatt (39.43) was sixth.
However, Whyte’s freshman time of 37.81 in the 300 was #1 in Virginia last year. By comparison, her best 200 time (24.38) would need to improve quite a bit for the Heritage-Newport News HS freshman to do damage on the Virginia Beach Sports Center oval.
Pyatt, weary from the 400 and 300 on Saturday, was a late scratch in the 200. Holland went first in Heat 2 and gutted out a 24.89, which ended up being good for 12th overall.
That left Whyte. The Heritage sophomore dug deep for a 24.21, but was nipped at the line by .01 by Wilson. Jackson, who was second in the 55 (6.84) ran in the next heat, but just missed beating either time with her 24.29 effort, good for fourth.
The winner, in a rarity, came from Heat 1 of 6, as freshman Avery Lewis of Wake Forest, NC, scored a one second plus heat win with an overall winning time of 23.91.