Keno Woods, a Hampton Christian Academy 10th-grader, recently was a runner-up in kumite (free-fighting) at the nationals for the second consecutive year in the age 14-15, 70-kilogram (about 154-pound) class.

That finish earned him an invitational to Sao Paulo, Brazil, for the Pan American Championships. Woods earned a bronze medal there.

“He’s relentless, he trains all the time,” said Hobson, who has studios in Hampton and Yorktown. “He doesn’t just practice, he practices to get better. He has a strong competitive spirit and will to win.”

Hobson and Woods’ parents went to Brazil to provide support, with Hobson going to get his referee license.

Woods “has been training with me for eight or nine years and is a first-degree black belt,” Hobson said, noting that Woods’ goal is to be an Olympic or world champ.

Karate was removed from the Olympic sport list after the Tokyo Games three years ago and won’t be back until at least 2032 in Sydney, Australia. But if it returns, Woods might have a realistic chance.

Mid-Amateur connections: Area players have a presence in this year’s U.S. Golf Association Mid-Amateur championships.

Old Dominion women’s golf coach Mallory Kane is in the women’s tournament at Brae Burn Country Club in West Newton, Massachusetts, near Boston. It’s just getting underway.

On the men’s side, four-time state amateur champ Brinson Paolini, a Cox High and Duke player, and Western Branch High graduate Adam Horton will join Norfolk Academy grad Evan Beck, who was exempt because he was last year’s U.S. Mid-Amateur runner-up.

The men’s tourney is Sept. 21-26 at both Kinloch Golf Club in Manakin-Sabot and Independence Golf Club in Midlothian.

Reminiscing: Older folks know what a big anniversary weekend this is for college football around the state.

It has been 25 years since 1999, when Michael Vick, Corey Moore, Shayne Graham and company led Virginia Tech to an undefeated season and the Sugar Bowl, that season’s national championship game. The Hokies briefly led in the fourth quarter before succumbing to  Florida State.

Meanwhile, it has been 20 years since William & Mary and James Madison enjoyed their finest football seasons to that point. Led by quarterback Lang Campbell, the 2004 Tribe won the Colonial Athletic Association and two playoff games in Division I-AA (now called the Football Championship Subdivision). JMU, though, recovered from a home loss to the Tribe to win four playoff contests away from home and the national title.

In the third of those four, the Dukes outlasted W&M in an unforgettable semifinal that, under temporary lighting, was the first night game at Zable Stadium. The experience convinced W&M to order permanent lights, enhancing Tribe football’s atmosphere, and the title set the stage for JMU’s three ESPN “GameDay” appearances, its rise to FBS and its first bowl game last season. Coach Mickey Matthews and that team are being honored in Harrisonburg this weekend.

What’s coming up

Monday: Kingsmill’s River Course is the site for the William & Mary Invitational women’s golf tournament, which will run through Tuesday.

Tuesday: In men’s soccer, there are a pair of all-757 matchups at 7 p.m. William & Mary visits Old Dominion, and Regent plays at Virginia Wesleyan.

Thursday: The W&M women’s soccer squad will face Hampton at noon in a Coastal Athletic Association match at Powhatan Field in Norfolk.

Friday: Duke’s field hockey team comes to ODU for a 5 p.m. contest.

Saturday: Christopher Newport’s men’s soccer team will play host to Rutgers-Camden at 2 p.m.

Last season: 4-6

Coach: Vince Brown (fourth season, 15-14)

Standouts

T.K. Petty: Jr., 5-9, 165, WR. The speedy rigger from Norfolk’s Booker T. Washington High has accumulated 70 receptions for 1,298 yards and has scored nine touchdowns over the past two years. He should be a frequent target this season.

Xavien Hunter: Sr., 5-9, 185, DB. The shipfitter, nicknamed “Buck,” can be an offensive and special-teams threat, but he concentrated on defense last season, taking part in 31 tackles, intercepting two passes and recovering two fumbles.

Grant Swanger: Sr., 6-1, 210, QB. It won’t be easy to replace Mason Tatum, the best quarterback in recent Apprentice history, but Swanger, a sheet-metal worker, is ready to assume the challenge after two years without football. The Grassfield High graduate played eight games in 2021, completing 83 of 153 for 1,018 yards, three touchdowns and five interceptions. He’s also on the Builders’ golf team. “He wanted to come back his senior year and go out the right way,” Brown said. “He took some time off to get healthy.”

Syncere Hawkins: So., 6-0, 185, S. Called an “all-world” safety by coach Vincent Brown, the 6-foot, 185-pound Maury High graduate made 37 tackles last season as a freshman, including two for a loss, and intercepted two passes.

Chase Gayness: Jr., 6-1, 220, LB. Brown calls Gayness “a true leader” leading the linebacking corps. With 50 stops last season, the Powhatan High product is the Builders’ leading returning tackler. He had four tackles for a loss and 1 1/2 sacks, and he recovered two fumbles.

Storylines

Planning to bounce back: After losing just one game in 2022, arguably the best season in program history, the Builders fell back to earth last year. Four of their losses came by seven or fewer points, including three such defeats in a row. Brown expects a roster of about 58 or 59, including eight seniors who will graduate this year.

Perhaps an aberration: Last year aside, the program seems on solid footing. Because of the skyrocketing costs of college, the opportunity to get paid for work while still being able to compete in football has tempted better players to come to Apprentice in recent years. Having a job at the Huntington Ingalls shipyard available upon graduation also is a huge benefit.

More experienced guys: Seniors Haiden Moody, Alden Custer and Nathan Jedlick, a Salem High graduate, are offensive linemen “that have a lot of experience, a lot of games under their belt. They did a great job in the weight room and leading the young guys.” Nose tackle Roshard Phipps and linebacker Jaiden Carthorn, “who loves attacking the football,” are seniors who should help Hawkins, Gayness and Hunter anchor the defense.

But look out for youth: As usual, though, the Builders will rely on plenty of freshmen and sophomores. For example, second-year Logan Eastman can be an effective place-kicker and punter. Sophomore Grady LaRoche and freshman Ty Taylor, a freshman from Phoebus High’s state champs, “are going in as the 1-2 punch” at running back, Brown said. Freshman Hugh Spencer and Cameron Liufau could have an impact as tight ends, and sophomore Josh Hubbard can contribute at wide receiver. Freshman Ian Bacon could be a factor on punt and kickoff returns, and high school quarterback Eduardo Rios Jr. is transitioning to receiver. Hubbard, Bacon and Rios all sparked Warwick to a pair of memorable seasons. Defensive lineman Darius Carney “put on some muscle and is a rush specialist,” and defensive back Jshon Miller Arrington “has really set the bar for the team as one of the top players out of the spring.” Carney and Arrington are both sophomores from Kempsville.

Grab bag: Since Apprentice lacks a conference or an annual rivalry game, the Builders have more difficulty filling their schedule than most teams. They play six rematches from last season, including against four who beat them. Brown said if they can finish over .500, they could head to the Neptune Bowl in Virginia Beach against a quality Old Dominion Athletic Conference team.

Schedule

Sept. 7 Southern Virginia, 1 p.m.

Sept. 14 at Washington and Lee, 2 p.m.

Sept. 21 Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology, 2 p.m.

Sept. 28 Louisburg, 1 p.m.

Oct. 5 at Alfred State, noon

Oct. 12 Maine Maritime Academy, 1 p.m.

Oct. 26 at Army Prep, 1 p.m.

Nov. 2 Georgia Warhawks, 1 p.m.

Nov. 9 at Hocking, 1 p.m.

Nov. 16 Monroe, 1 p.m.

The numbers didn’t add up for Norfolk Christian and Portsmouth Christian, who featured competitive varsity teams last year but are not fielding squads in 2024. In both cases, there weren’t enough athletes trying out.

Both programs included some talented players, some of whom have been attempting to find new schools while some have tried to find alternative extracurricular activities. Their scheduled opponents, especially Norfolk Christian’s, scrambled to find opponents to replace them on the schedule.

Norfolk Christian, 3-7 last season, was 29-38 in 10 years under coach Tim Bender, who moved on in February to become the head of school at Gateway Christian Academy in Virginia Beach. The Ambassadors have a junior varsity team this year.

Portsmouth Christian, 6-4 as a varsity team a year ago under coach Josh Blalock, has only a JJV (junior junior varsity) this season. Blalock has guided the Patriots to a 58-42 record in 11 years.

The area’s other private schools will keep going, paced by reigning Tidewater Conference of Independent Schools champion Norfolk Academy, which barely missed making the VISAA Division I semifinals last season.

Introducing our new high school sports newsletter: 757Teamz Extra

Tidewater Conference of Independent Schools

Catholic Crusaders

Classification: VISAA Division I

Coach: Michael Muehling, first season

Last season: 4-6, 1-2 TCIS

On the field: Muehling was an assistant for four seasons at Carthage College in Kenosha, Wisconsin, and he and his family are enjoying being closer to extended family in Williamsburg. His father used to work for popular ESPN analyst Lee Corso at Indiana. Muehling, a former Syracuse assistant who was a standout lineman on the field and in class for Linwood University, replaces John Harlow, whose Crusaders went 13-21 in four seasons. The Crusaders’ opening game Saturday was a 41-7 road loss to Fredericksburg Christian. “We will be a very young team who offers a lot of potential for growth,” Muehling said. “We will have a strong offensive backfield and group of linebackers on defense.” The Crusaders will need to replace Alex Rios, who’s now playing for Division II Wheeling University, and Seth Burnham Jr. Junior cornerback/wide receiver Arick Scott, safety/wide receiver Alex Witt and sophomore running back/linebacker Grayson Gahan should figure prominently.

Nansemond-Suffolk Academy Saints

Classification: VISAA Division II

Coach: Mike Biehl, 43-36 in eight seasons plus this year’s opener

Last season: 5-6, 2-1 TCIS

On the field: The Saints are younger than usual, but they gained momentum at the end of 2023, winning their last five regular-season games to reach the state semifinals before losing 35-0 to North Cross in Roanoke. This year, they opened the season with a 56-0 loss at North Cross. Biehl said he has just five seniors instead of the usual 10 to 12. “It’s an eclectic group but a great group,” he said. “It’s a tight-knit group. They do things the right way and they care about each other.” Wide receiver/safety Greer Barclay, middle linebacker Andrew Miller, left tackle Joey McGowan, guard/defensive tackle Bronson Grigg, defensive end Shane Rogers Johnson and one of the area’s top kickers, Henry Ross, should lead the way. Receiver/defensive back Ira “Tres” Williams has recovered from an injury that cut short his 2023 season and is “one of the fastest guys in the area,” Biehl said. Grigg is a former wrestler “who plays with that edge, and we really plan on him to bring it.” As for Rogers Johnson, “I don’t think I’ve had a kid who’s made as much progress in high school as Shane. He’s going to be a premier pass-rusher and a guy who can shut down the run on the edge.” Biehl plans for Ross to force a lot of touchbacks and be “a weapon” on field goals. The Saints must replace Isaiah Fuhrmann, a Division II Co-Player of the Year as a wide receiver who could contribute as a true freshman for Elon; and Napoleon Ellison, who is playing for Elizabeth City State after completing 143 of 243 passes for 1,742 yards, 26 TDs and 13 interceptions last season.

Norfolk Academy Bulldogs

Classification: VISAA Division I

Coach: Steve Monninger, 73-48 in first 13 seasons plus this year’s opener

Last season: 8-2, 3-0 TCIS

On the field: The Bulldogs started last year 7-0 and seemingly were headed to one of the best seasons in recent Hampton Roads private-school history, but consecutive losses at Blue Ridge and to Collegiate of Richmond eventually kept them out of a highly selective four-team Division I playoff field. They must replace second-team all-state quarterback/punter Cooper Tyszko, who threw for 20 touchdowns and 1,314 yards on 70% completions last year and is college a freshman at Wesleyan in Connecticut. Running back/linebacker Will Foley, who had more than 1,800 all-purpose yards last year, is back to lead the way, and he scored rushing, receiving and passing touchdowns in the Bulldogs’ season-opening 34-21 triumph at Currituck County. Parker Codington (6-1, 195), who has committed to play baseball for Princeton, is the starting quarterback and is backed up by Davis Steadman, last year’s top JV QB. Tight end/middle linebacker Jack Payne (6-0, 230), who has committed to play for Washington and Lee, will be instrumental. Monninger said, “This is as big and strong a group up front as we’ve ever had.” It includes Chance Stewart (6-3, 245), Costello Ciuffo (6-7, 350), heavyweight wrestler Kaleb Gibson, Grant Marilley (6-4, 245) and Hunter Winn (6-4, 280), who Monninger said could be “one of the best linemen ever to come through NA.” Those players also figure heavily in the defense, including Codington at linebacker. “We’re strong and we’re fast, and we’re out to prove some things to some people,” Monninger said. “It’s been really a great group of kids.”

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Other private schools

Atlantic Shores Christian Seahawks

Classification: VISAA Division II

Coach: Wayne Lance, 110-71 in 17 seasons plus this year’s opener with Atlantic Shores; 140-103-1 in 23 overall seasons plus this year’s opener

Last season: 7-4

On the field: Coming off a state semifinal appearance after going 26-3 in their previous three seasons, the Seahawks return significant skill-position talent, and it showed in their 48-0 whitewash of Isle of Wight Academy. D-II Offensive Co-Player of the Year Chris Higgins (66 catches, 1,032 yards, 15 touchdowns), now a senior who has committed to William & Mary, was also a second-team all-state defensive back. Quarterback Micah Lance (176 of 267 for 2,390 yards and 31 TDs) and wide receiver/strong safety Joshua Sibley, now juniors, are coming off stellar seasons. Lance threw touchdown passes to five different receivers while completing 12 of 16 in the victory against Isle of Wight. Senior running back Jack Weaver, who had two touchdowns in that game, also is back. Sibley was a first-team tight end and second-team linebacker in state D-II balloting. Corey Williams, a wide receiver/defensive back who has committed to VMI, had 40 catches last year. Senior running back/linebacker Jack Weaver is coming off a 1,000-yard season. The biggest holes to fill are the ones the graduation of two-way lineman Nathaniel McDonald (now playing for William & Mary), leading tackler Patrick Linton and Cody Batts, who’s part of Roanoke’s restarted program. Linemen Josh Long, Will Ferguson, Tra’veon Morgan and Ezekiel Ekong are strong returnees, as are wide receiver/strong safety Malcolm Forbes and all-state linebacker/wide receiver Campbell Clark, who had eight tackles and recovered a fumble in this year’s opener.

Greenbrier Christian Gators

Classification: VISAA eight-man Division I

Coach: Kevin Washington, 24-22 in five seasons plus this year’s opener

Last season: 4-6

On the field: The Gators are hoping to bounce back from consecutive sub-.500 seasons after being a state contender, and their season-opening 62-18 rout of Kenston Forest was a good start. Tyson Morabec, a 6-foot-1 transfer from First Colonial High, starts at quarterback and defensive back. He ran for three touchdowns, threw a TD pass and caught one against Kenston Forest. Kicker Hayden Streeter and running back D.J. Caban (5-9, 160), seniors both coming off first-team all-state seasons, want to provide even more offensive production. A pair of second-team all-state seniors, offensive lineman Matthew Downes (5-10, 185) and defensive end Ethan Gosman (6-0, 210), should be leaders up front. Senior linebacker Ian Hitchings (6-1, 190) returns after gaining all-state honorable mention.

Isle of Wight Academy Chargers

Classification: VISAA Division II

Coach: Dale Chapman, 182-117 in 31 seasons plus this year’s first two games

Last season: 1-7

On the field: IWA, a traditionally strong program, struggled last season, scoring no more than 14 points in any game except a 29-0 victory over Middlesex. This year, the Chargers (1-1) beat Arcadia 37-0 but lost 48-0 to Atlantic Shores. Junior fullback Trent Harrison and senior quarterback Jason Chapman have stepped up on offense, along with sophomore Jett Williams. Seniors Grayson Brock (40 receiving yards per game last year) and Jack Baker (19.7 rushing yards and a team-high 5.3 tackles per game) could be a factor, too. Chapman intercepted two passes last season.

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Western Tidewater public schools

Franklin Broncos

Classification: Class 1 Region A

Coach: Lamont Hill, 8-14 in two seasons

Last season: 4-7, 2-4 Tri-Rivers District

On the field: The Broncos won three games in a row to improve to 4-2 but lost five in a row, including a playoff game, by a combined 199-20 score to complete their season. Senior Altavis Turner (eight passing TDs, two rushing TDs, plus 31.6 rushing yards per game and two interceptions) is expected to return. So are senior Travis Mabry Jr. (41.8 receiving yards per game, four TDs), junior Jordan Duck (36.5 rushing yards per game) and junior Demoreon Smith (three tackles per game).

Windsor Dukes

Classification: Class 2 Region A

Coach: Benjamin DuBois II, 2-8 in one season

Last season: 2-8, 0-6 Tri-Rivers District

On the field: Despite a few lopsided defeats, the Dukes made considerable progress after a couple of winless seasons. “Year two is our continuation of our growth, maturity and development. Our expectations will always be high, but our goals are realistic,” DuBois said. He said Windsor returns eight starters on both sides of the ball. He said senior wide receiver/cornerback Fleetwood Turner has emerged as the guy young players look to. He had five receiving touchdowns last year. Turner, junior quarterback/cornerback Jeremy King and 6-3, 240-pound running back/linebacker Javion Collins, who both earned All-Tri-Rivers District honorable mention, should be focal points of the offense. King threw for 471 yards and seven TDs and rushed for 551 yards and two TDs. Collins rushed for 922 yards and seven TDs and caught eight passes for 209 yards and five TDs in 2023. As at most smaller-enrollment schools, versatility will be critical as the Dukes chase their first playoff appearance since 2012. Most of the Dukes will go both ways, such as the aforementioned players, junior Jeremiah Newby and sophomore running back/defensive end Nathan Craun, a transfer from Isle of Wight Academy. Junior Gavin Marshall will kick and punt.

Jake Cave, Carson DeMartini, Andre Lipcius and Alex Mauricio have been among the top recent performers, but some players have been released.

The numbers

(listed in alphabetical order, with jersey number, name: position, level, team, organization)

BATTERS

14 Ethan Anderson: C, A, Delmarva, Orioles; 2 games, .000 (0 for 8), 0 R, 0 HR, 0 RBI, .111 OPS.

11 Justice Bigbie: LF, AAA, Toledo, Tigers; 104 games, .245 (91 for 371), 45 R, 3 HR, 38 RBI, .682 OPS.

11 Jake Cave: OF, MLB, Colorado, Rockies; 98 games, .259 (63 for 243), 33 R, 6 HR, 31 RBI, .710 OPS.

22 Matt Coutney: 1B, AA, Rocket City, Angels; 8 games, .185 (5 for 27), 4 R, 1 HR, 2 RBI, .563 OPS; promoted July 29 from High-A, Tri-City, where he had stats of 91 games, .270 (91 for 337), 57 R, 8 HR, 42 RBI, .771 OPS.

29 Joe Delossantos: OF, A, Tampa, Yankees: 7 games, .200 (4 for 20), 1 R, 0 HR, 2 RBI, .635 OPS.

8 Carson DeMartini: SS, A, Clearwater, Phillies: 8 games, .323 (10 for 31), 9 R, 1 HR, 3 RBI, .916 OPS.

29 Hunter Fitz-Gerald: 3B, High-A, Everett, Mariners; 58 games, .281 (59 for 210), 23 R, 6 HR, 28 RBI, .799 OPS.

9 Andy Garriola: LF, High-A, South Bend, Cubs; 7 games, .375 (9 for 24), 6 R, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 1.233 OPS. Promoted Aug. 7 from A, Myrtle Beach, where his stats were 90 games, .241 (80 for 332), 49 R, 18 HR, 72 RBI, .794 OPS.

16 P.J. Higgins: C, AAA, Louisville, Reds; 103 games, .261 (102 for 391), 42 R, 10 HR, 54 RBI, .724 OPS.

27 Andre Lipcius: 2B, AAA, Oklahoma City, Dodgers; 09 games, .283 (124 for 438), 71 R, 21 HR, 72 RBI, .844 OPS.

8 Brandon Lowe: 2B/OF, MLB, Tampa Bay, Rays; 71 games, .249 (61 for 245), 36 R, 14 HR, 44 RBI, .826 OPS.

30 Nathaniel Lowe: 1B, MLB, Texas, Rangers; 99 games, .257 (89 for 346), 45 R, 10 HR, 48 RBI, .738 OPS.

9 Vinnie Pasquantino: 1B, MLB, Kansas City, Royals; 117 games, .259 (113 for 437), 53 R, 17 HR, 85 RBI, .757 OPS.

49 Chase Pinder: CF, AAA, Sacramento, Giants; 20 games, .250 (16 for 64), 8 R, 1 HR, 5 RBI, .744 OPS. On the 60-day injured list.

3 Chris Taylor: IF, MLB, Los Angeles, Dodgers; 64 games, .167 (27 for 162), 17 R, 3 HR, 15 RBI, .542 OPS. On the 10-day injured list.

15 Fenwick Trimble: SS, A, Jupiter, Marlins; 9 games, .297 (11 for 37), 4 R, 0 HR, 6 RBI, .694 OPS.

6 Bryce Windham: C/2B, AAA, Iowa, Cubs; 68 games, .260 (59 for 227), 25 R, 2 HR, 20 RBI, .716 OPS. On the “voluntary retired” list since Aug. 2.

14 Ben Williamson: 3B, AA, Arkansas, Mariners; 71 games, .256 (67 for 262), 32 R, 2 HR, 26 RBI, .693 OPS; promoted May 15 from High-A Everett, where he had stats of 29 games, .315 (35 for 111), 16 R, 1 HR, 21 RBI, .867 OPS.

28 Alsander Womack: 2B, AA, Birmingham, White Sox; 44 games, .214 (28 for 131), 20 R, 1 HR, 12 RBI, .539 OPS. Released Aug. 4.

32 Jared Young: 1B, AAA, Memphis, Cardinals; 74 games, .285 (67 for 235), 46 R, 11 HR, 35 RBI, .917 OPS. Released July 30.

PITCHERS

38 Sam Armstrong: AA, Tennessee, Cubs; 5 G (4 starts), 0-2, 4.50 ERA, 22 IP, 22 H, 8 BB, 18 K. Promoted July 19 from High-A South Bend, where his stats were 17 G (11 starts), 3-4, 3.00 ERA, 66 IP, 54 H, 22 BB, 66 K.

29 Noah Dean: High-A, Greenville, Red Sox; 4 G (1 start), 0-0, 5.11 ERA, 12 1/3 IP, 10 H, 10 BB, 21 K. Promoted July 23 from Class-A Salem, where his stats were 15 G (13 starts), 2-3, 3.96 ERA, 61 1/3 IP, 28 H, 31 BB, 86 K.

24 Blake Dickerson: Rookie, Florida Complex League, Tigers; 10 G (5 starts), 0-0, 3.33 ERA, 24 1/3 IP, 15 H, 16 BB, 20 K. On the 7-day injured list.

37 Graham Firoved: High-A, Aberdeen, Orioles; 31 G (0 starts), 1-7, 5.35 ERA, 38 2/3 IP, 33 H, 34 BB, 42 K.

31 Trey Gibson: High-A, Aberdeen, Orioles; 5 G (4 starts), 1-2, 3.15 ERA, 20 IP, 16 H, 10 BB, 18 K.
Promoted July 9 from Class-A Delmarva, where his stats were 16 G (9 starts), 1-5, 3.40 ERA, 55 2/3 IP, 41 H, 24 BB, 81 K.

32 Hunter Gregory: AA, New Hampshire, Blue Jays; 35 G (1 start), 5-3, 5.31 ERA, 61 IP, 58 H, 29 BB, 74 K.

38 Josh Grosz: High-A, Hudson Valley, Yankees; 3 G (3 starts), 2-1, 3.07 ERA, 14 2/3 IP, 8 H, 13 BB, 5 K. Promoted Aug. 6 from A, Tampa, where his stats were 15 G (14 starts), 3-5, 4.19 ERA, 73 IP, 69 H, 27 BB, 93 K.

40 Daniel Hudson: MLB, Los Angeles, Dodgers; 50 G (0 starts), 6-1, 2.02 ERA, 49 IP, 31 H, 11 BB, 50 K.

41 Daniel Lynch IV: AAA, Omaha, Royals; 20 G (20 starts), 7-1, 3.57 ERA, 113 1/3 IP, 114 H, 30 BB, 87 K. With MLB Kansas City, 5 G (3 starts), 0-0, 6.35 ERA, 22 2/3 IP, 20 H, 8 BB, 15 K.

56 Alex Mauricio: AAA, Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, Yankees; 27 G (0 starts), 3-0, 2.00 ERA, 36 IP, 26 H, 21 BB, 40 K. Also pitched 1 scoreless, hitless inning for AA Somerset in April.

71 Connor Overton: AAA, Louisville, Reds; 3 G (0 starts), 0-0, 10.00 ERA, 9 IP, 12 H, 1 BB, 4 K. On rehab assignment in Rookie league, 6 G (4 starts), 1-1, 3.86 ERA, 7 IP, 4 H, 2 BB, 7 K. Then in rehab assignment with High-A Dayton, 2 games (1 start), 0-0, 7.20 ERA, 5 IP, 4 H, 0 BB, 8 K.

60 Colin Selby: AAA, Norfolk, Orioles; combining AAA stats with Omaha (Royals) and Indianapolis (Pirates), 25 G (0 starts), 2-2, 5.47 ERA, 26 1/3 IP, 22 H, 13 BB, 34 K. With Norfolk, 9 G (0 starts), 0-1, 6.00 ERA, 9 IP, 10 H, 5 BB, 11 K.

51 Garrett Stallings: AAA, Nashville, Brewers; 12 G (5 starts), 1-2, 5.14 ERA, 42 IP, 44 H, 19 BB, 33 K. Traded by Baltimore to Milwaukee on May 25. With AAA Norfolk, 11 G (4 starts), 0-1, 5.67 ERA, 27 IP, 31 H, 13 BB, 25 K.

35 Justin Verlander: MLB, Houston, Astros; 10 G (10 starts), 3-2, 3.95 ERA, 57 IP, 52 H, 17 BB, 51 K. On rehab with Double-A Corpus Christi and Triple-A Sugar Land (combined), 4 G (4 starts), 0-2, 8.36 ERA, 14 IP, 20 H, 4 BB, 17 K.

45 Cory Wall: High-A, Rome, Braves; 22 G (9 starts), 3-3, 3.02 ERA, 65 2/3 IP, 56 H, 18 BB, 66 K. Promoted from Class-A Augusta on May 27. With Augusta, 1 G (0 starts), 0-0, 3.00 ERA, 3 IP, 4 H, 2 BB, 4 K.

56 Ryan Yarbrough: MLB, Toronto, Blue Jays; 3 G (0 starts), 0-0, 9.82 ERA, 3 2/3 IP, 4 H, 2 BB, 1 K. Traded July 31 from Los Angeles Dodgers, where his stats were 32 G (0 starts), 4-2, 3.74 ERA, 67 1/3 IP, 52 H, 25 BB, 39 K.

Where they’re from

BATTERS

Ethan Anderson: Virginia Beach (Cox High), UVA.

Justice Bigbie: Chesapeake (Grassfield High), Western Carolina.

Jake Cave: Hampton (Kecoughtan High and Hampton Christian Academy), Peninsula Pilots.

Matt Coutney: Old Dominion.

Joe Delossantos: William & Mary.

Carson DeMartini: Virginia Beach (Ocean Lakes High), Virginia Tech.

Hunter Fitz-Gerald: Old Dominion.

Andy Garriola: Old Dominion.

P.J. Higgins: Old Dominion.

Andre Lipcius: Lafayette High, Tennessee.

Brandon Lowe: Suffolk (Nansemond River High), Maryland (Newport News native).

Nathaniel Lowe: Born in Norfolk.

Vinnie Pasquantino: James River High, Old Dominion.

Chase Pinder: Poquoson High, Clemson.

Chris Taylor: Virginia Beach (Cox), U.Va.

Fenwick Trimble: Virginia Beach (Cox), James Madison.

Ben Williamson: William & Mary.

Bryce Windham: Old Dominion.

Alsander Womack: Norfolk State.

Jared Young: Old Dominion.

PITCHERS

Sam Armstrong: Old Dominion.

Noah Dean: Old Dominion.

Joe Delossantos: William & Mary.

Blake Dickerson: Virginia Beach (Ocean Lakes).

Graham Firoved: Virginia Beach (First Colonial), Radford, Virginia Tech.

Trey Gibson: Grafton High, Liberty University.

Hunter Gregory: Chesapeake (Hickory), Old Dominion.

Josh Grosz: Virginia Beach (Cox), East Carolina.

Daniel Hudson: Virginia Beach (Princess Anne), Old Dominion.

Daniel Lynch: Hampton native, Douglas Freeman High, UVA.

Alex Mauricio: Norfolk State.

Connor Overton: Old Dominion.

Colin Selby: Chesapeake (Western Branch), Randolph-Macon.

Garrett Stallings: Chesapeake (Grassfield).

Justin Verlander: Old Dominion.

Cory Wall: William & Mary.

Ryan Yarbrough: Old Dominion.

Curt Newsome, who grew up on the Peninsula, recently stepped down after 10 years as the head coach at his alma mater, Emory & Henry, which he had helped take from NCAA Division III to Division II in 2021.

Born in Newport News, Newsome played linebacker for Phoebus and E&H before becoming a five-time Peninsula District Coach of the Year.

Amid a highly competitive district, he guided Kecoughtan into one of the state’s top programs from 1987-97, earning state Division 6 runner-up honors in his final season with the Warriors.

He then moved to Heritage, helping the Hurricanes from Newport News assemble the team that won the Division 5 state title under John Quillen in 2000. Meanwhile, in 1999, Newsome became an assistant under Mickey Matthews at James Madison, recruiting the 757 heavily and sparking the 2004 Dukes to their first NCAA Division I-AA (now FCS) championship. He then spent seven years on Frank Beamer’s Virginia Tech staff, mostly working with the offensive line, and returned to JMU as an assistant in 2013 before going to Emory & Henry.

Newsome, 65, told the Bristol Herald-Courier about stepping down to focus on his recovery, “It’s like a bad dream. I hate to leave this place, but I just feel like it’s the right thing to do.”

Since being diagnosed in the spring, he has visited Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore to see cancer experts and has undergone twice-monthly chemotherapy at a hospital in Abingdon.

As Newsome copes, E&H named offensive coordinator Quintin Hunter the Wasps’ interim head coach. He was a JMU receiver while Newsome was an assistant coach for the Dukes.

Here’s to hearing good health news for a football icon.

Virginia Elite girls set national record: A team from Chesapeake’s Virginia Elite Track Club set a national relay record at the 58th AAU Junior Olympic Games on Aug. 3 in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Virginia Elite broke the 10-and-under girls 4×400-meter relay record with a time of 4 minutes, 19.27 seconds. That eclipsed the previous record of 4:19.95, set last year.

The team members were Arianna Finkley and Kennedy Johnson of Richmond, Autumn Gregory of Virginia Beach and Azalea Davis of Hampton.

Seeking nominations: The Virginia Sports Hall of Fame is seeking to honor students who exemplify excellence in athletics, academics and community service. The nomination period for its Student-Athlete Achievement Awards is open through Oct. 18.

Nominees must attend a public or private high school in the state, earn a letter in at least one sport sanctioned by the Virginia High School League or Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association, be in the senior class of 2025 and have a minimum 3.0 grade-point average.

The reception for award winners will be held in February. For more information, visit vasportshof.com.

What’s coming up

Sunday: Fans can get their first look at the two-time defending Sun Belt champion Old Dominion women’s soccer team when it plays host to George Washington in a 1 p.m. exhibition.

Thursday: The ODU women’s soccer team opens the regular season by playing host to VCU at 7 p.m.

Saturday: The Smart Smiles 5K is set for 8 a.m. near the Mariners’ Museum in Newport News, and the Raising the Roof 5K will be at the James City County Marina Meadow in Williamsburg.

NFC

Arizona Cardinals:

32 S Joey Blount (UVA)

— WR Zach Pascal (Old Dominion)

26 DB Bobby Price (Catholic High, Norfolk State)

4 WR Greg Dortch (Highland Springs High, Wake Forest)

Atlanta Falcons:

4 QB Taylor Heinicke (Old Dominion)

43 CB Anthony Johnson (UVA)

Carolina Panthers:

38 LB Amare Barno (Va. Tech)

3 RB Raheem Blackshear (Va. Tech)

34 CB Willie Drew (Smithfield High, James Madison, Virginia State)

77 OT Yosh Nijman (Va. Tech)

Chicago Bears:

49 MLB Tremaine Edmunds (Dan River High, Va. Tech)

24 RB Khalil Herbert (Va. Tech)

59 DL Jamree Kromah (James Madison)

60 OL Bill Murray (William & Mary)

27 CB Greg Stroman (Unity Reed High-once called Stonewall Jackson, Va. Tech)

Dallas Cowboys:

67 C Brock Hoffman (Coastal Carolina, Va. Tech)

51 DE Durrell Johnson (Liberty)

Detroit Lions:

2 QB Hendon Hooker (Va. Tech, Tennessee)

73 LB Nate Lynn (William & Mary; on injured reserve)

82 TE James Mitchell (Union High, Va. Tech)

75 G Colby Sorsdal (William & Mary)

Green Bay Packers:

61 G Lecitus Smith (Va. Tech)

78 OT Luke Tenuta (Western Albemarle High, Va. Tech)

13 WR Dontayvion Wicks (UVA)

Los Angeles Rams:

91 DT Kobie Turner (Richmond, Wake Forest)

Minnesota Vikings:

71 OT Christian Darrisaw (Va. Tech)

91 LB Patrick Jones II (Grassfield High, Pittsburgh)

96 K John Parker Romo (Va. Tech)

New Orleans Saints:

64 G Nick Saldiveri (Old Dominion)

New York Giants:

55 LB Carlos “Boogie” Basham (Northside High, Wake Forest)

37 CB Tre Hawkins III (Old Dominion)

64 G Aaron Stinnie (St. Anne’s-Belfield, James Madison)

Philadelphia Eagles:

77 OT Mekhi Becton (Highland Springs High, Louisville)

49 LS Rick Lovato (Old Dominion)

19 DE Josh Sweat (Oscar Smith High, Florida State)

San Francisco 49ers:

94 DE Yetur Gross-Matos (Chancellor High, Penn State)

Seattle Seahawks:

52 LB Darrell Taylor (Hopewell High, Tennessee)

24 S K’Von Wallace (Highland Springs High, Clemson)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers:

61 OT Silas Dzansi (Va. Tech; on injured reserve)

91 DT Mike Greene (Highland Springs High, James Madison)

34 CB Bryce Hall (UVA)

Washington Commanders:

93 DE Jonathan Allen (Stone Bridge High, Alabama)

99 DE Clelin Ferrell (Benedictine, Clemson)

— QB Trace McSorley (Briar Woods High, Penn State)

96 DT Norell Pollard (Va. Tech)

14 WR Olamide Zaccheaus (UVA)

AFC

Baltimore Ravens:

11 P/K Jordan Stout (Honaker High, Penn State)

97 DE Brent Urban (UVA)

Buffalo Bills:

— QB Ben DiNucci (James Madison)

Cincinnati Bengals:

None.

Cleveland Browns:

12 FS Rodney McLeod (UVA)

6 OLB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (Bethel High, Notre Dame)

77 G Wyatt Teller (Va. Tech)

1 DB Juan Thornhill (Altavista High, UVA)

Denver Broncos:

43 RB Blake Watson (Old Dominion, Memphis)

Houston Texans:

40 TE Dalton Keene (Va. Tech)

98 DT Tim Settle (Unity Reed High, once called Stonewall Jackson, Va. Tech)

Indianapolis Colts:

81 TE Mo Alie-Cox (Middleburg Academy, VCU)

46 LS Luke Rhodes (William & Mary)

80 TE Jelani Woods (UVA)

Jacksonville Jaguars:

47 DE De’Shaan Dixon (Western Branch High, Norfolk State; on injured reserve)

45 SS Terrell Edmunds (Dan River High, Va. Tech)

Kansas City Chiefs:

48 LB Cole Christiansen (Nansemond-Suffolk Academy, Army)

91 NT Derrick Nnadi (Ocean Lakes High, Florida State)

Las Vegas Raiders:

5 LB Divine Deablo (Va. Tech)

31 DB Brandon Facyson (Va. Tech)

49 DE Charles Snowden (UVA)

Los Angeles Chargers:

84 TE Stone Smartt (Old Dominion)

Miami Dolphins:

29 CB Kendall Fuller (Va. Tech)

91 Da’Shawn Hand (Woodbridge High, Alabama)

83 WR Malik Washington (UVA)

New England Patriots:

3 WR Demario Douglas (Liberty)

63 G Liam Fornadel (James Madison)

13 K Joey Slye (North Stafford High, Va. Tech)

93 OLB Oshane Ximines (Old Dominion)

30 WR David Wallis (Randolph-Macon)

New York Jets:

36 DB Chuck Clark (King’s Fork High, Va. Tech)

69 G Chris Glaser (UVA)

97 DT Jalyn Holmes (Lake Taylor High, Ohio State)

81 TE Zack Kuntz (Old Dominion)

78 OT Morgan Moses (Meadowbrook High, Fork Union Military Academy, UVA)

2 QB Tyrod Taylor (Hampton High, Va. Tech)

Pittsburgh Steelers:

41 S Jalen Elliott (L.C. Bird High, Notre Dame)

3 QB Russell Wilson (Collegiate School of Richmond, N.C. State, Wisconsin)

Tennessee Titans:

3 CB Caleb Farley (Va. Tech)

7 QB Malik Willis (Liberty)

The numbers

(listed with jersey number, name: position, level, team, organization)

BATTERS

11 Justice Bigbie: LF, AAA, Toledo, Tigers; 93 games, .254 (83 for 327), 42 R, 3 HR, 34 RBI, .705 OPS.

11 Jake Cave: OF, MLB, Colorado, Rockies; 88 games, .251 (54 for 215), 30 R, 4 HR, 24 RBI, .670 OPS.

22 Matt Coutney: 1B, AA, Rocket City, Angels; 2 games, .286 (2 for 7), 2 R, 0 HR, 0 RBI, .730 OPS; promoted July 29 from High-A, Tri-City, where he had stats of 91 games, .270 (91 for 337), 57 R, 8 HR, 42 RBI, .771 OPS.

29 Joe Delossantos: OF, A, Tampa, Yankees: 1 game, .000 (0 for 1), 0 R, 0 HR, 0 RBI, .500 OPS.

29 Hunter Fitz-Gerald: 3B, High-A, Everett, Mariners; 51 games, .283 (53 for 187), 20 R, 5 HR, 26 RBI, .793 OPS.

9 Andy Garriola: LF, A, Myrtle Beach, Cubs; 87 games, .243 (78 for 321), 46 R, 17 HR, 70 RBI, .790 OPS.

16 P.J. Higgins: C, AAA, Louisville, Reds; 93 games, .252 (89 for 353), 38 R, 8 HR, 46 RBI, .702 OPS.

27 Andre Lipcius: 2B, AAA, Oklahoma City, Dodgers; 98 games, .287 (116 for 401), 67 R, 19 HR, 66 RBI, .850 OPS.

8 Brandon Lowe: 2B/OF, MLB, Tampa Bay, Rays; 60 games, .261 (52 for 199), 31 R, 12 HR, 35 RBI, .871 OPS.

30 Nathaniel Lowe: 1B, MLB, Texas, Rangers; 88 games, .270 (82 for 304), 39 R, 9 HR, 45 RBI, .764 OPS.

9 Vinnie Pasquantino: 1B, MLB, Kansas City, Royals; 106 games, .264 (103 for 390), 48 R, 14 HR, 76 RBI, .764 OPS.

49 Chase Pinder: CF, AAA, Sacramento, Giants; 20 games, .250 (16 for 64), 8 R, 1 HR, 5 RBI, .744 OPS. On the 60-day injured list.

3 Chris Taylor: IF, MLB, Los Angeles, Dodgers; 64 games, .167 (27 for 162), 17 R, 3 HR, 15 RBI, .542 OPS.

6 Bryce Windham: C, AAA, Iowa, Cubs; 68 games, .260 (59 for 227), 25 R, 2 HR, 20 RBI, .716 OPS.

14 Ben Williamson: 3B, AA, Arkansas, Mariners; 59 games, .252 (56 for 222), 27 R, 2 HR, 22 RBI, .678 OPS; promoted May 15 from High-A Everett, where he had stats of 29 games, .315 (35 for 111), 16 R, 1 HR, 21 RBI, .867 OPS.

28 Alsander Womack: 2B, AA, Birmingham, White Sox; 43 games, .220 (28 for 127), 20 R, 1 HR, 12 RBI, .555 OPS.

32 Jared Young: 1B, AAA, Memphis, Cardinals; 74 games, .285 (67 for 235), 46 R, 11 HR, 35 RBI, .917 OPS.

PITCHERS

38 Sam Armstrong: AA, Tennessee, Cubs; 2 G (1 start), 0-1, 6.75 ERA, 8 IP, 9 H, 4 BB, 7 K. Promoted July 19 from High-A South Bend, where his stats were 17 G (11 starts), 3-4, 3.00 ERA, 66 IP, 54 H, 22 BB, 66 K.

29 Noah Dean: High-A, Greenville, Red Sox; 1 G (0 starts), 0-0, 0.00 ERA, 4 IP, 1 H, 2 BB, 7 K. Promoted July 23 from Class-A Salem, where his stats were 15 G (13 starts), 2-3, 3.96 ERA, 61 1/3 IP, 28 H, 31 BB, 86 K.

24 Blake Dickerson: Rookie, Florida Complex League, Tigers; 10 G (5 starts), 0-0, 3.33 ERA, 24 1/3 IP, 15 H, 16 BB, 20 K. On the 7-day injured list.

37 Graham Firoved: High-A, Aberdeen, Orioles; 29 G (0 starts), 1-7, 5.59 ERA, 37 IP, 32 H, 31 BB, 40 K.

31 Trey Gibson: High-A, Aberdeen, Orioles; 3 G (3 starts), 1-1, 2.92 ERA, 12 1/3 IP, 12 H, 6 BB, 9 K.
Promoted July 9 from Class-A Delmarva, where his stats were 16 G (9 starts), 1-5, 3.40 ERA, 55 2/3 IP, 41 H, 24 BB, 81 K.

32 Hunter Gregory: AA, New Hampshire, Blue Jays; 32 G (0 starts), 4-3, 5.17 ERA, 55 2/3 IP, 52 H, 27 BB, 67 K.

38 Josh Grosz: A, Tampa, Yankees: 15 G (14 starts), 3-5, 4.19 ERA, 73 IP, 69 H, 27 BB, 93 K. At High-A and AA, combined 0-2 in 2 starts, 7 1/3 IP, 12 H, 9 BB, 6 K.

40 Daniel Hudson: MLB, Los Angeles, Dodgers; 44 G (0 starts), 6-1, 1.88 ERA, 43 IP, 28 H, 10 BB, 47 K.

41 Daniel Lynch IV: AAA, Omaha, Royals; 18 G (18 starts), 7-0, 3.36 ERA, 101 2/3 IP, 98 H, 28 BB, 81 K. With MLB Kansas City, 5 G (3 starts), 0-0, 6.35 ERA, 22 2/3 IP, 20 H, 8 BB, 15 K.

56 Alex Mauricio: AAA, Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, Yankees; 23 G (0 starts), 2-0, 1.13 ERA, 32 IP, 21 H, 18 BB, 37 K. Also pitched 1 scoreless, hitless inning for AA Somerset in April.

71 Connor Overton: AAA, Louisville, Reds; On rehab assignment in Rookie league, 6 G (4 starts), 1-1, 3.86 ERA, 7 IP, 4 H, 2 BB, 7 K. Then in rehab assignment with High-A Dayton, 2 games (1 start), 0-0, 7.20 ERA, 5 IP, 4 H, 0 BB, 8 K.

60 Colin Selby: AAA, Norfolk, Orioles; combining AAA stats with Omaha (Royals) and Indianapolis (Pirates), 25 G (0 starts), 2-2, 5.47 ERA, 26 1/3 IP, 22 H, 13 BB, 34 K. With Norfolk, 5 G, 0-0, 6.23 ERA, 4 1/3 IP, 5 H, 2 BB, 6 K.

51 Garrett Stallings: AAA, Nashville, Brewers; 10 G (5 starts), 1-1, 5.79 ERA, 37 1/3 IP, 43 H, 18 BB, 30 K. Traded by Baltimore to Milwaukee on May 25. With AAA Norfolk, 11 G (4 starts), 0-1, 5.67 ERA, 27 IP, 31 H, 13 BB, 25 K.

35 Justin Verlander: MLB, Houston, Astros; 10 G (10 starts), 3-2, 3.95 ERA, 57 IP, 52 H, 17 BB, 51 K. On the 15-day injured list.

45 Cory Wall: High-A, Rome, Braves; 19 G (8 starts), 2-3, 3.02 ERA, 56 2/3 IP, 51 H, 15 BB, 56 K. Promoted from Class-A Augusta on May 27. With Augusta, 1 G (0 starts), 0-0, 3.00 ERA, 3 IP, 4 H, 2 BB, 4 K.

56 Ryan Yarbrough: MLB, Toronto, Blue Jays; has not appeared in a game. Traded July 31 from Los Angeles Dodgers, where his stats were 24 G (0 starts), 3-2, 3.27 ERA, 55 IP, 38 H, 18 BB, 27 K.

Where they’re from

BATTERS

Justice Bigbie: Chesapeake (Grassfield High), Western Carolina.

Jake Cave: Hampton (Kecoughtan High and Hampton Christian Academy), Peninsula Pilots.

Matt Coutney: Old Dominion.

Joe Delossantos: William & Mary.

Hunter Fitz-Gerald: Old Dominion.

Andy Garriola: Old Dominion.

P.J. Higgins: Old Dominion.

Andre Lipcius: Lafayette High, Tennessee.

Brandon Lowe: Suffolk (Nansemond River High), Maryland (Newport News native).

Nathaniel Lowe: Born in Norfolk.

Vinnie Pasquantino: James River High, Old Dominion.

Chase Pinder: Poquoson High, Clemson.

Chris Taylor: Virginia Beach (Cox), U.Va.

Ben Williamson: William & Mary.

Bryce Windham: Old Dominion.

Alsander Womack: Norfolk State.

Jared Young: Old Dominion.

PITCHERS

Sam Armstrong: Old Dominion.

Noah Dean: Old Dominion.

Blake Dickerson: Virginia Beach (Ocean Lakes).

Graham Firoved: Virginia Beach (First Colonial), Radford, Virginia Tech.

Trey Gibson: Grafton High, Liberty University.

Hunter Gregory: Chesapeake (Hickory), Old Dominion.

Josh Grosz: Virginia Beach (Cox), East Carolina.

Daniel Hudson: Virginia Beach (Princess Anne), Old Dominion.

Daniel Lynch: Hampton native, Douglas Freeman High, UVA.

Alex Mauricio: Norfolk State.

Connor Overton: Old Dominion.

Colin Selby: Chesapeake (Western Branch), Randolph-Macon.

Garrett Stallings: Chesapeake (Grassfield).

Justin Verlander: Old Dominion.

Cory Wall: William & Mary.

Ryan Yarbrough: Old Dominion.

“Cat brings a wealth of experience that spans across multiple levels of the sport,” Hampton athletic director Anthony Henderson said in a school release. “As a player, she has a firsthand understanding of the game. … Her time as an assistant coach has provided her with a strong foundation in strategy, player development and game management. Moreover, her role as a head coach at both the collegiate and professional levels demonstrates her leadership abilities and ability to manage and build a successful program.”

Tarvin said in the release, “I am beyond excited to be coming to Hampton. It is a program that has a tradition of success. I’ve been a player, worked as a GA (graduate assistant), assistant and head coach, and have learned a lot over the years. I’m looking forward to using this knowledge to build the program.”

Hampton was 17-35 in 2024, 7-20 in the Coastal Athletic Association. The Pirates were 10th in the 12-team conference and didn’t qualify for its six-team tournament.

Tarvin is replacing Monique White, who resigned May 6 after her teams were 51-102 in three seasons.

In 2023, Tarvin led the Eagles to a 12-7 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference regular-season record and then guided them to the MEAC Tournament title on Norfolk State’s field. That gave N.C. Central its first NCAA Tournament bid.

In ’24, NCCU was 14-7 in the MEAC regular season and third in the conference tournament in Norfolk.

When Tarvin took over the Eagles, they hadn’t posted a winning record in 17 seasons and had been above .500 in the MEAC just twice in that span.

Tarvin, who grew up in Lawrenceville, Georgia, was a two-way player for Kennesaw State and then Presbyterian, from where she graduated in 2013. She was on the All-Big South second team as a utility player as a senior for the Blue Hose.

She is spending the summer as the head coach of the Texas Smoke, a Women’s Professional Fastpitch team.

The Fleet Park Junior League team rules the state in age 12-14 baseball, and it won’t have to go too far — about a 3 1/2-hour drive to Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley — for its region playoffs. Those boys left Wednesday and will play their first game Friday.

Fleet Park is in a modified double-elimination tournament with six other state champions, plus homestanding Bridgewater.

The Norfolk squad will open its stay with a 3 p.m. game Friday against Irmo, South Carolina, and will play Saturday at noon or 6 p.m.  against Martinsburg, West Virginia, or Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Those teams will square off at 6 p.m. Friday.

The other side of the bracket includes Bridgewater against Bartow County of Cartersville, Georgia, at 9 a.m. Friday and Dilworth of Charlotte, North Carolina, versus Keystone of Tampa, Florida, at noon Friday.

The tournament is scheduled to last through Tuesday, and its champion will gain a trip to the Junior League World Series in Taylor, Michigan, starting Aug. 4.

In the 16-team state tournament, outfielder Gabriel Rapisardi drove in a key run during a 6-5 victory over Huguenot. Jayden Williams escaped a bases-loaded, none-out jam with three consecutive strikeouts.

In the championship game, Elliott Rush needed just 74 pitches to work eight effective innings. Shortstop Trip Mukherjee was critical defensively, and slugger Jonathan Newton often reached base.

Travis Pfitzner, Martin Zarate, Chris Dial and Pravash Mukherjee II comprise the Junior coaching staff.

This is the second time in three years that Fleet Park has made significant strides. Its 2022 Senior League (16-and-under) squad was the overall runner-up in its World Series and won the United States championship.

Meanwhile, this Fleet Park Gold Senior team is in its eight-team region tournament in Safety Harbor, Florida. Aiden Longworth and Paul Green are among the standouts for the Senior squad, which also will play South Carolina champion Irmo. That game will be at 2:15 p.m. Friday.

Tommy Van Hoose, George Nicholls and Manu Molion are coaching the Senior squad.

The pairings for the Senior and Junior events are strikingly similar. Like the Fleet Park Junior team, the Senior squad will play its second game against a state champion from Tennessee (Lexington) or West Virginia (Logan). A victory Friday would put Fleet Park into an 11:45 a.m. contest Saturday, while a loss would mean a 5:30 p.m. start.

The Southeast Senior champ will go to its World Series, which will open July 27 in Easley, South Carolina.

Norfolk’s record: 44-48, 8-9 in the IL’s second half

New in town: Pitcher Colin Selby, from Randolph-Macon College and Chesapeake’s Western Branch High, was assigned to the Tides after being acquired from the Brewers by the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday for cash. He’ll be facing some of his former Nashville teammates. Selby has pitched 27 innings in the major leagues over the past two seasons with Pittsburgh and Kansas City. He has compiled an 8.67 ERA with 30 strikeouts in the majors and spent most of this season in Triple-A, posting a 5.32 ERA in 20 appearances.

In the Nashville dugout: Former Grassfield High and Tides pitcher Garrett Stallings, 26, is 1-0 with a 4.75 ERA, 15 walks and 26 strikeouts in 30 1/3 innings for the Sounds (49-44, 11-7 in the second half) since Milwaukee acquired him in a May 25 trade with Baltimore.

Schedule

Friday: 6:35 p.m. The Tides will give away 2023 Triple-A National Championship snow globes to the first 2,000 fans age 18 and over. It’s “Christmas in July,” including a pregame party with DJ CanRock.

Saturday: 6:35 p.m. The Tides will play as the Norfolk Squeezers, honoring the beverage Orange Crush. The Junior Tides Kids Club has a pregame event, DJ CanRock is part of another pregame party, and fireworks will follow the contest.

Sunday: 4:05 p.m. It will be Ladies Networking Day.

After a day off Monday, the Tides will start a six-game series against the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp at 6:35 p.m. next Tuesday.