757Teamz Bay Rivers District football preview: Lafayette looks ready for return to the top
With more than 20 seniors seasoned through four years of varsity football, Warhill finally claimed an outright Bay Rivers District championship a year ago. Even with all that experience, it took a last-second 27-21 win over Lafayette, in an all-time district classic, to secure the crown.
Warhill’s unbeaten season ended, as expected, with a Class 4 Region A championship game loss to eventual state champion Phoebus, and Lafayette went on to steal the postseason thunder. Marching through their first four postseason games by a 149-14 margin, the Rams reached the Class 3 state championship game and gave heavily favored Liberty Christian Academy fits on its home field before falling 28-14.
The Rams return so many who either started or saw significant playing time they are the favorite to reclaim the district title they’ve been denied only twice since 2012. Their most serious threat is Poquoson, Class 2 Region A champ and state semifinalist three of the past four seasons, a veteran team that lost little from a 10-win season.
Lafayette won a slugfest at Poquoson 17-14 a year ago on a late field goal. Their Nov. 7 meeting at Wanner Stadium should decide the district.
Smithfield, Warhill and Grafton, with new coach Ananias Boyd, are poised to round out the district top five. Jamestown welcomes the district’s other new head coach, James Riley, whose rebuilding task at Jamestown is Herculean.
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1. Lafayette Rams
Lafayette’s Brayden Smalls carries the ball against Liberty Christian Academy in the Class 3 State championship game at Williams Stadium on Saturday. PAIGE DINGLER/FREELANCE
Classification: Class 3 Region A
Coach: Andy Linn, 139-22 in 13 seasons
Last season: 12-3 overall, 7-1 district
On the field: A return to the Class 3 final, and winning a first state title since Spring 2021, is a realistic goal considering the wealth of returning experience and talent. Physical all-state selections in DE Daniel Jackson (6-foot-5, 210 pounds) and NT Breon Stokes (5-9, 210) return to a defensive front boosted by the full-time presence of playmaking DE Tristan Harris. A less experienced linebacker corps features a pair of future stars in Division I prospect Baum Hogge (6-2, 210) and Camden Summers (5-11, 180), both sophomores. The back end includes two of the Rams’ best athletes in returning starters Naye’Ron Hudson (5-10, 170) and Jael Love (5-10, 160). Wide receivers Hudson and Love, quarterback Hogge, fullback Stokes and tight end Jackson will play key roles in the Wing-T offense. So, too, will Tyree Wilson, who ran for 500 yards and 11 TDs for region finalist Heritage. The Rams possess other breakaway rushing threats, Brayden Smalls and Sebastian Nix, and a rugged and mobile offensive line led by all-region picks Mason Mills (6-3, 230) and Andrew Buckley (6-0, 220). It would be no surprise to see a 14-0 Lafayette team play for a state title in December.
2. Poquoson Islanders
Poquoson quarterback Eli Tyndall, left, throws a pass as he is pressured by Lafayette defenders Tripp Hassell, second from left, and Jaiden Brown, second from right, during the second half of a game at Poquoson Middle School on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023, in Poquoson, Va.
Classification: Class 2 Region A
Coach: Elliott Duty, 135-80 in 18 seasons
Last season: 10-4 overall, 6-3 district
On the field: Poquoson is known for small but rugged teams like the one in 2022 to reach the state semifinal minus a single 200-pounder. The Islanders returned to the state semis last year with a slightly larger team and makes its bid for a third straight Class 2 Region A title with its biggest group in years. The Islanders will operate their Wing-T behind offensive linemen Carter Jones (6-6, 280) and Gavin Kaufman (6-3, 300), both sophomores, and center Taylor Hollingsworth (6-1, 230). Tight end Ryan Burke isn’t quite as big at 6-1, 215, but he need not apologize after earning first-team all-state honors a year ago. Eli Tyndall, star of the state championship baseball team, begins his third season as starting quarterback poised to add “playmaker” to his role of reliable game manager the past two. Breakaway threat Cody Little (700 plus yards rushing), quick Khaleo Smith and powerful Dylan Bullard give the Islanders variety at running back. Jason Kell will be a receiving option on offense and start in a defensive backfield that will be fast to the ball and hard hitting as always. Burke, Little, Nathan Quirox, Cam Stowers and Christian Leonard all had good seasons on the defensive front.
3. Warhill Lions
Warhills handful of holdovers is led by RB/S Isaiah Rembert (No. 1), who holds a scholarship offer from Old Dominion.
Classification: Class 4 Region A
Coach: Jerome Rhodes, 44-12 in five seasons
Last season: 12-1 overall, 8-0 district
On the field: The 2023 season was one for the Warhill record books with a first-ever outright Bay Rivers title, 12 first-team all-district positions, Offensive POY (Liam Francisque) and Defensive POY (Taylen Eady), as well as Coach of the Year. Almost all of the key players were among the 23 seniors to graduate. Moving into their wake is a huge and influential freshmen class featuring future stars slated for immediate duty — lineman KC Compton (5-10, 287), lineman Jackson Hayes (6-1, 285) and QB Keenan Carter Jr. (6-1, 180). The handful of talented holdovers is led by RB/S Isaiah Rembert (ODU offer) and WR/S Elijah Williams (William & Mary commit). Le’land Hudik (6-0, 260) and Maximus Schill (6-3, 260) bring size and experience to the lines, while senior CB/RB Michael Barreau adds veteran talent. “We could go 7-3 or 3-7,” Rhodes said, weighing the talent vs. experience equation. There’s talent enough for seven wins but not a BRD title repeat.
4. Smithfield Packers
Rob Ostermaier/The Virginian-PilotSmithfield coach Tracey Parker shouts during a game against Warhill at Wanner Stadium Friday September 23, 2022.
Classification: Class 4 Region A
Coach: Tracey Parker, 7-14 in two seasons at Smithfield; 68-103 in 17 seasons overall
Last season: 5-6 overall, 5-3 district
On the field: Although a hard-fought loss to Hampton in the region playoffs left the Packers below .500 for a sixth consecutive season, their five district victories were a step up. They should be better this season. The star is diminutive Kinye Martin (5-8, 185 pounds), who eclipsed 1,500 yards rushing and ran for 11 touchdowns last year. The Packers boast a trio of huge and experienced linemen in front of him in Jackson Helman (6-1, 260), Eric Jackson (6-1, 280) and Dontae Green (6-1, 300). Merlin Lance is a tall (6-3) receiver who had more than 300 yards receiving in 2023 for the run-oriented Packers. The quarterback battle to get him the ball out of the Pro -I is between promising sophomore Kyle Buggs and returner Jakai Parker. In Michael Williams and Will Flythe, the Packers have a pair large (both 6-2 and more than 222) and physical defensive ends. Linebacker Jurony Gray and defensive backs Ammon Rawlings and Jayden Ruffin give the Packers experience and ability beyond the first level of a defense likely to allow fewer than the 24.9 ppg of a year ago.
5. Grafton Clippers
Grafton’s Jaden Brown blasts past Heritage defenders for extra yardage during Friday, November 10, 2023, night’s Class 3 Region A quarterfinal in Yorktown. (Stephen M. Katz/The Virginian-Pilot)
Classification: Class 3 Region A
Coach: Ananias Boyd, first season
Last season: 6-5 overall, 6-3 district
On the field: Boom or bust? Where the Clippers land in 2024 will be interesting to watch. After consecutive winning seasons, co-head coaches Max Bolton and Creighton Incorminias departed and Ananias Boyd became the Clippers’ ninth head coach since the start of the 2016 season on the eve of fall practice. However, Boyd coached most of this group with the junior varsity the past two seasons so the transition has been seamless. He inherits a bevy of speedy skill talent, led by junior RB Makale Bennett (1,063 yards, eight TDs in ’23). Colton Sandiford, who ran for more than 1,100 yards in 2022, will give the Clippers a second explosive option running the ball if he plays. Luke Bryant took over the quarterback job from Koy Snyder in the second half of last year and threw for 801 yards and 11 TDs. Snyder, who threw for 1,267 yards in ’22, is slated to play wide receiver but could help at QB, too. Wide receiver Jaden Brown (29 receptions, 634 yards, four TDs), also a standout defensive back, is one of the district’s best all-around players. All-district linebacker Joey Foley and Joshua Lawson are also mainstays on a speedy defense. The Clippers are not big. If speed is a key to winning in this year’s BRD, it will be “boom” for Grafton. If not. …
6. York Falcons
Brady Connor (4) and Jamarcus Tyler (25) return for a York team that hopes to improve on a three-win season. (Kendall Warner/The Virginian-Pilot)
Classification: Class 3 Region A
Coach: Doug Pereira, 110-75 in 17 seasons
Last season: 3-7 overall, 3-6 district
On the field: The Falcons followed their 2021 co-district championship, a second in three seasons, with a seven-win season before inexperience, particularly on offense (9.2 ppg), dropped them into the BRD second division. The group that returns is deep enough the Falcons will play different platoons on offense and defense. A concern is the inexperience of the offensive line, where senior center Jayden Davis (6-2, 270) leads a developing group. Skill-wise, Pereira boasts multiple options at every position, starting with versatile sophomore quarterback Anthony Custis (5-10, 165), perhaps the Falcons’ best all-around player. Tight end Connor Lawson (6-0, 180), a senior, is another good athlete, while Brady Conner (6-0, 185), the quarterback a year ago, supplements a deep wide receiver corps. The defense, and particularly the defensive line led by four-year starter Xavier Ransome (6-2, 280), is solid. As always, the Falcons have their share of physical linebackers and talent in the defensive backfield, where veteran JaMarcus Tyler (6-2, 185) leads the way. A move back above .500 and return to the playoffs is achievable.
7. Tabb Tigers
Tabb players Jaren Mitchel, left, and Jaylen Mathewson celebrate a touchdown during the second half of the 50th anniversary game against York at Bailey Field. (Mike Caudill / For The Virginian-Pilot)
Classification: Class 3 Region A
Coach: John Byron, 5-6 in one season at Tabb; 15-56 in seven seasons overall
Last season: 5-6 overall, 4-5 district
On the field: This will be a pivotal season for the Tigers and perhaps a difficult one. The Tigers beat region finalist Heritage and competed well with all save Warhill and Lafayette, producing two-way standout RB/LB Cam Dixon (1,200 yards rushing), all-district lineman Diego Marin and two-way all-district pick Lance Koontz. They graduated, leaving the Tigers very young. G/DE Evan Krutko, WR/DB Jaren Mitchell, LB/WR Dre Lewis and LB/RB Sam Christophel bring experience to both sides of the ball, while players like RB Landon Howard, TE Matt Adams, WR/DB David Brooks, DE Amouri Lymort, LB VJ Shandor and LB Aaron Andrew figure to grow quickly. New QB Corbin Eckert (5-11, 175) is poised and smart, but green. Bryon’s first season went well, and weight-room participation between seasons was more than 90%. Nevertheless, the Tigers need game experience badly.
8. New Kent Trojans
Classification: Class 3 Region A
Coach: John McCauley, 17-20 in four seasons
Last season: 2-8 overall, 2-7 district
On the field: A string of three consecutive winning seasons crashed in 2023 on the rocks of inexperience. Only five seniors are on the roster, but five two-way players are among seven returning starters starters so improvement is likely. Many of the returners are large, like linemen Caleb Holmes (270 pounds), Ryan Balzar (250), Tristen Jenkins (280), Jaron Collins (230) and Brandon Foster (230). Luke Adamson, a 6-1, 245-pound sophomore, is a young, strong newcomer. Linebacker Andrew Fallon will be key defensively. All-district linebacker Chase Wiles is a reliable running back, complemented by Ben Christian and Trey Wynn, athletic backs in a program that produces them often. Athletic junior Stephen Stazenski’s development at quarterback will be key to a move back to .500 or better.
9. Bruton Panthers
Billy Schuerman/The Virginian-PilotBarrington Morrison is 13-19 in three seasons as Bruton’s head coach.
Classification: Class 2 Region A
Coach: Barrington Morrison, 13-19 in three seasons
Last season: 5-6 overall, 0-5 district
On the field: The Panthers have lost 26 consecutive Bay Rivers games, but, with their most talented cast in 12 years, a first winning mark since 2012 is a real possibility. Anthony Henderson (6-1, 175), all-state at wide receiver as a freshman (43 catches, 695 yards, six touchdowns) is legit: Maryland, East Carolina and Virginia Tech have contacted him. QB Ashton Bell (648 yards passing, nine TDs in six games) has a great second option in speedy 5-10 senior Brandon Freeman, who had 448 yards receiving and six touchdowns in four games before injuries forced him to play quarterback. The Panthers boast two other standout skill players in Darrin Banks-Harrold (400 yards rushing, seven TDs) and receiver Tyler Pollock, along with four returning offensive line starters averaging 276 pounds. LB Pollock (15½ tackles for loss, five sacks), DB Freeman and LB Banks-Harrold will play key roles on a defense that must improve after allowing more than 40 points four times. A region home game is realistic.
10. Jamestown Eagles
Classification: Class 4 Region A
Coach: James Riley, first season at Jamestown, 4-25 in four seasons overall
Last season: 1-10 overall, 0-8 district
On the field: Riley is the latest head coach, a staggering ninth in 12 years, to attempt to bring football respectability to a school whose athletic excellence otherwise has no peer in the Peninsula area. “I think there’s a misconception that there’s no (football) talent here,” said Riley, who is emphasizing the Eagles relax and play football at a faster tempo. A number of upperclassmen returners should lead the way: RB/LB Aaron Tuckey, LB/RB Brayden Strouse, athlete Vincent Creel, TE/LB Jordan Lambin and OL/DL Landon Kennon. QB Ben Hanchett (532 yards passing) was steady under continual pressure during the first seven games of 2023, when the Eagles were often competitive. Riley hopes to attract some of the athletes key to Jamestown’s eye-opening success in so many sports.
Marty O’Brien, [email protected]
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