“We came out today to show we’re not the underdogs, we’re the big dogs,” Hopson said as he celebrated his 18th birthday with two sacks.

The Phantoms showed exactly that on Friday night with a 23-7 victory on the Springers’ home field. Considering that Highland Springs, now a Class 6 team, won five of the seven Class 5 state championship games it played in the previous 10 years, Phoebus, a Class 4 school, showed plenty of grit putting its win streak on the line on the road.

“We were playing a team full of championship pedigree,” Phoebus coach Jeremy Blunt. “Our guys know what it means to win up here at Highland Springs.”

The Phantoms (1-0), ranked second in the 757Teamz Top 15, did it in dominant fashion, outgaining the Springers (1-1) 306 yards to 68. Blunt said before the game that the team that ran the ball and stopped the run would win. The Phantoms outgained the Richmond area’s top-ranked team 194 yards to 4 on the ground.

Class 4 all-state running back Davion Roberts led the ground game for three-time defending state champ Phoebus with 104 yards on 22 carries. Sophomore quarterback Maurikus Banks ran for 65 yards on seven carries while completing 8 of 10 passes for 112 yards.

The Phantoms’ defense, which allowed only six points in the regular season on the way to a 15-0 record and the Class 4 state title a year ago, did not allow a point. Highland Springs’ only score came when it returned a fumbled punt by the Phantoms for a 5-yard touchdown.

By that time, early in the third quarter, the Phantoms led 14-0 and were in control. Roberts ran six times for 42 yards as the Phantoms drove 53 yards on eight plays to score on their first possession.

Banks got untracked on the 10-play, 69-yard drive the Phantoms used to increase their lead to 14 points in the second quarter. He had runs of 11, 27 and 11 yards before handing off to Brandon Diggs for a 9-yard touchdown on an end-around.

Diggs’ punt drop and Marreyon Harvey’s 5-yard return that made it 14-7 with 8:21 left in the third quarter did not faze the Phantoms. Romier Smith’s spectacular bobbling, diving catch of Banks’ pass for a 35-yard gain launched a 12-play, 80-yard TD drive that was the Phantoms’ response.

Banks’ 22-yard touchdown pass to Roberts on a screen made it 20-7. Farriss Knight added a 40-yard field goal, and with the Phoebus front — led by Hopson, Jonathan Rogers III, Brenden Thompson and Kaleb Tillery — totally denying the Springers’ run attack, there would be no comeback.

“We had our game plan, we knew what it was and we executed on a high level,” Roberts said.

A victory would be all the more impressive because this game marks a rare time in either streak that the Phantoms are perhaps the underdog. Highland Springs has stacked up five state championships and two other finals appearances in the past decade in Classes 5 and 6, while Phoebus has played in smaller Classes 3 and 4.

The matchup is another example of Phantoms coach Jeremy Blunt — who has guided Phoebus to three consecutive state titles and another finals appearance in six seasons — seeking out the best competition when possible. With 58 consecutive Peninsula District victories, the Phantoms have rarely been challenged in their own league. However, state powers Lake Taylor and Oscar Smith have dotted the Phantoms’ regular-season schedule in recent years, while Maury has become a regular scrimmage opponent.

“The goal is always to expose our kids to the best competition,” Blunt said recently, noting win streaks mean less than preparing them for postseason play.

Although the underdog, Phoebus does not come in unarmed. Sophomore quarterback Maurikus Banks is a rising star after his 11-of-17, 165-yard passing performance in the 21-14 win over the Salem Spartans in the Class 4 state championship game in December.

Noah Jefferson is a productive receiving target and Davion Roberts (1,509 yards, 29 touchdowns rushing in 2023) a relentless ball-carrier. They operate behind an experienced offensive line led by two-way all-state pick Markus Hopson.

But running on the Springers is a tall task. So Hopson and the other Phoebus run-stoppers — including the all-state linebacker tandem of Kaleb Tillery and Brenden Thompson — will have to do some run-stopping of their own because the Springers are deep on the ground.

Quarterback Nelson Layne, a speedy transfer from James River High in Midlothian, ran for 2,611 yards the past two seasons. Eric Byrd (1,591 yards rushing and 19 TDs in 2023) and Daeron Ferguson (60 yards rushing in a 42-8 win last week against Manchester) join Layne to give the Springers three rushing threats to the edge behind an experienced line led by Mike Becton — whose older brother Mekhi plays for the Philadelphia Eagles.

The Phantoms might ultimately need a few well-timed completions from Banks to pull off the upset. While not impossible, that might be easier said than done against a defensive backfield led by safety Brennan Johnson, a Division I recruit and son of Springers coach Loren Johnson.

No. 2 Phoebus (0-0) at Highland Springs (1-0), 7 p.m.

Larry’s pick: Highland Springs 20-13. Marty’s pick: Highland Springs 10-7.

Friday’s games

757Teamz Top 15

Wise, Md. (0-0) vs. No. 1 Maury (0-0) at Powhatan Field, 7 p.m.

Larry’s pick: Maury 28-13. Marty’s pick: Maury 24-10.

No. 5 Green Run (1-0) at Kellam (1-0), 7 p.m.

Larry’s pick: Green Run 41-20. Marty’s pick: Green Run 35-13.

No. 7 Indian River (1-0) at Lakeland (0-1), 7 p.m.

Larry’s pick: Indian River 35-0. Marty’s pick: Indian River 42-0.

No. 9 Lafayette (1-0) at Booker T. Washington (0-1), 7 p.m.

Larry’s pick: Lafayette 42-0. Marty’s pick: Lafayette 49-0.

No. 10 Granby (1-0) vs. Kecoughtan (0-1) at Darling Stadium, 7 p.m.

Larry’s pick: Granby 33-13. Marty’s pick: Granby 31-7.

Bayside (1-0) at No. 11 Cox (1-0), 7 p.m.

Larry’s pick: Cox 34-20. Marty’s pick: Cox 32-24.

Benedictine (0-1) at No. 15 Western Branch (1-0), 7 p.m.

Larry’s pick: Benedictine 35-21. Marty’s pick: Benedictine 21-20.

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Beach District

First Colonial (0-1) at Ocean Lakes (0-0), 7 p.m.

Larry’s pick: Ocean Lakes 28-13. Marty’s pick: Ocean Lakes 21-6.

Kempsville (0-1) at Princess Anne (0-1), 7 p.m.

Larry’s pick: Kempsville 34-0. Marty’s pick: Kempsville 45-6.

Landstown (0-1) at Tallwood (0-1), 7 p.m.

Larry’s pick: Landstown 27-26. Marty’s pick: Tallwood 18-16.

Peninsula District

Menchville (0-1) vs. Heritage (0-1) at Todd Stadium, 7 p.m.

Larry’s pick: Menchville 27-20. Marty’s pick: Menchville 21-7.

Non-district

Nandua (0-1) at Bruton (1-0), 7 p.m.

Larry’s pick: Bruton 27-13. Marty’s pick: Bruton 38-6.

Churchland (0-1) at Smithfield (1-0), 7 p.m.

Larry’s pick: Churchland 26-13. Marty’s pick: Churchland 28-13.

Gloucester (1-0) at York (0-0), 7 p.m.

Larry’s pick: York 23-20. Marty’s pick: York 17-14.

Great Bridge (0-0) at Norview (0-1) , 7 p.m.

Larry’s pick: Great Bridge 21-20. Marty’s pick: Norview 13-12.

Matoaca (0-0) vs. Warhill (1-0) at Wanner Stadium, 7 p.m.

Larry’s pick: Matoaca 24-20. Marty’s pick: Matoaca 14-13.

Norcom (1-0) at Oscar Smith (1-0), 7 p.m.

Larry’s pick: Oscar Smith 35-21. Marty’s pick: Oscar Smith 38-16.

Friday’s private-school games

Catholic vs. Atlantic Shores Christian at Virginia Beach Sportsplex, 7 p.m.

Greenbrier Christian at Fuqua, 7 p.m.

Isle of Wight Academy at Roanoke Catholic, 7 p.m.

Saturday’s game

757Teamz Top 15

King George (0-1) vs. No. 14 Hampton (1-0) at Darling Stadium, 1 p.m.

Larry’s pick: King George 26-23. Marty’s pick: King George 20-14.

All 10 public-school games are non-district and at least three are intriguing — none more so than No. 15 Churchland at No. 3 King’s Fork. The contest features a dynamite rushing duel between the Truckers’ Dontavius Booker (1,674 yards, 23 touchdowns in 2023) and King’s Fork’s Javon Ford II (1,570 yards, 25 touchdowns).

No. 4 Oscar Smith will look to negotiate a potentially difficult opener at home on Friday against Richmond-area Hermitage. The arm of sophomore quarterback Lonnie Andrews III (1,500 passing yards and 19 TDs in 2023) will be key for the Tigers, who won last year’s meeting 39-25.

Other than the COVID seasons of 2021, Poquoson has opened every season since its Class 3 state title of 2010 with an easy victory over Southampton — 11 in all. The defending Class 2 Region A champs will face a far sterner test on Friday, when they travel to Lake Taylor in what figures to be one of the night’s best games.

Friday’s games

757Teamz Top 15

No. 15 Churchland at No. 3 King’s Fork, 7 p.m.

Larry’s pick: King’s Fork 28-23. Marty’s pick: King’s Fork 35-20.

Hermitage at No. 4 Oscar Smith, 7 p.m.

Larry’s pick: Oscar Smith 36-27. Marty’s pick: Oscar Smith 31-24.

Grassfield vs. No. 6 Warwick at Todd Stadium, 7 p.m.

Larry’s pick: Warwick 35-13. Marty’s pick: Warwick 42-0.

No. 9 Lafayette at Spotsylvania, 7 p.m.

Larry’s pick: Lafayette 27-13. Marty’s pick: Lafayette 21-6.

No. 12 Nansemond River vs. Bethel at Darling Stadium, 7 p.m.

Larry’s pick: Nansemond River 33-13. Marty’s pick: Nansemond River 20-13.

Poquoson at No. 13 Lake Taylor, 7 p.m.

Larry’s pick: Lake Taylor 27-20. Marty’s pick: Poquoson 21-14.

Non-district

Heritage vs. Tabb at Bailey Field, 7 p.m.

Larry’s pick: Tabb 23-20. Marty’s pick: Heritage 20-19.

Norview at Smithfield, 7 p.m.

Larry’s pick: Smithfield 27-23. Marty’s pick: Smithfield 27-23.

Bruton at Northampton, 7 p.m.

Larry’s pick: Bruton 27-14. Marty’s pick: Bruton 28-21.

Friday’s private-school games

The Potomac School at Norfolk Academy, 6 p.m.

Atlantic Shores Christian vs. Roanoke Catholic at VB Sportsplex, 7 p.m.

Broadwater Academy at Greenbrier Christian, 7 p.m.

Nansemond-Suffolk at Isle of Wight, 7 p.m.

Smith Mountain Lake Christian at Catholic, 7 p.m.

Saturday’s game

Non-district

No. 10 Granby vs. Denbigh at Todd Stadium, noon

Larry’s pick: Granby 36-13. Marty’s pick: Granby 28-7.

They include No. 5 Green Run, which comes into this season riding a 33-game Beach District regular-season winning streak, including three consecutive district titles.

Green Run, which is trying to become the first Beach District team to win a state title since Ocean Lakes in 2014, plays at home against Tallwood. The Lions haven’t beaten the Stallions since 2019.

Staff writers Larry Rubama and Marty O’Brien provide their predictions, as they will through state championship week in December.

Thursday’s games

757Teamz Top 15

Tallwood at No. 5 Green Run, 6:30 p.m.

Larry’s pick: Green Run 34-14. Marty’s pick: Green Run 34-16.

No. 7 Salem at Kempsville, 6:30 p.m.

Larry’s pick: Salem 28-14 . Marty’s pick: Salem 34-17.

No. 8 Indian River at Varina, 7 p.m.

Larry’s pick: Varina 28-26. Marty’s pick: Varina 21-20.

Landstown at No. 11 Cox, 6:30 p.m.

Larry’s pick: Cox 28-20. Marty’s pick: Cox 24-13.

No. 14 Hampton vs. Woodside at Darling Stadium, 7 p.m.

Larry’s pick: Hampton 33-20. Marty’s pick: Hampton 21-7.

Beach District

Kellam at First Colonial, 6:30 p.m.

Larry’s pick: Kellam 23-20. Marty’s pick: Kellam 31-20.

Princess Anne at Bayside, 6:30 p.m.

Larry’s pick: Bayside 26-13. Marty’s pick: Bayside 28-14.

Peninsula District

Kecoughtan at Gloucester, 7 p.m.

Larry’s pick: Kecoughtan 20-14. Marty’s pick: Kecoughtan 14-13.

Non-district

Booker T. Washington at Petersburg, 7 p.m.

Larry’s pick: Petersburg 28-6. Marty’s pick: Petersburg 41-8.

Currituck County (N.C.) at Deep Creek, 7 p.m.

Larry’s pick: Deep Creek 28-26. Marty’s pick: Deep Creek 19-14.

Manor vs. Warhill at Wanner Stadium, 7 p.m.

Larry’s pick: Warhill 20-13. Marty’s pick: Warhill 48-7.

Norcom vs. Grafton at Bailey Field, 7 p.m.

Larry’s pick: Norcom 20-13. Marty’s pick: Norcom 35-21.

Jamestown at Nottoway, 7 p.m.

Larry’s pick: Jamestown 14-12. Marty’s pick: Nottoway 18-14.

Western Branch vs. Menchville at Todd Stadium, 7 p.m.

Larry’s pick: Western Branch 28-20. Marty’s pick: Menchville 17-16.

Chased out of the pocket by Smithfield defensive lineman Mike Williams, Parker escaped by rolling right and lofted the football 40 yards to the end zone. It fell through a crowd into the hands of receiver Isaiah Minor for a touchdown.

Parker, a 6-foot-1, 180-pound sophomore, followed in short order with a 35-yard touchdown pass and a completion of more than 20 yards, all on the run while relentlessly pursued by Williams and company. Parker has become increasingly effective at throwing on the run with Denbigh’s line a work in progress.

His performance brought back memories for Denbigh coach Tommy Reamon of Aaron Brooks, his quarterback at now-closed Ferguson High, and of Michael Vick, the phenom he coached at Ferguson and then Warwick. Brooks and Vick went on to lengthy NFL careers.

“It’s a natural deal because it’s too close to what Michael Vick did and too close to what Aaron Brooks did,” Reamon said of Parker’s passing accuracy on the run. “He’s got great feet and hips and those guys did, too.

“He’s running for his life and he’s surviving.”

Parker got plenty of survival practice while starting at QB as a freshman for a Denbigh team that went 0-10 last season, stretching its losing streak to 31 games going into the season opener at noon Saturday against Granby at Todd Stadium.

“I wondered at first if it was an everyday thing,” Parker said of having to constantly work on the run amid defensive pressure. “When I realized it was, I adapted.

“I’m an athlete.”

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He’s a good enough athlete to have averaged in double digits in basketball as a freshman for the Denbigh varsity, although he’s all-in on playing football collegiately because he prefers the physical nature of the sport. Parker’s poise and survival skills prompted Reamon’s comparisons to Brooks and Vick.

“The great ones get out of direct hits and keep moving,” Reamon said. “He shows similarities to Aaron throwing the long ball and similarities to Vick in his movement — the run and throw.

“That can be short or escape passes or the long ball when you have to throw it.”

The fact that Parker is throwing the ball more often scrambling, rather than tucking it in and running as he often did last year, is a sign of maturity.

“I wish I had slid more last year instead of taking the hits on the run because I did get hurt a little bit,” Parker said. “Now I’m trying to be more of a pocket quarterback, move around the pocket and read the field a little better.

“That’s why I was able to complete some of those passes (in the scrimmage), because they thought I was going to take off and run instead of stopping and passing.”

Reamon said Parker’s coachability is hastening his maturity.

“He came here ready to accept coaching, dying for attention and direction,” Reamon said. “That comes from the support he gets at home.

“He comes from a wonderful family.”

Parker’s father, Leon Parker, was a standout football player for Southampton High. The son says his toughness comes from his dad, whom he labels as “a dawg.”

Leon Parker facilitates his son’s development by exposing him to college football camps. Virginia and Virginia Tech reportedly expressed interest in Parker after he attended their camps.

Reamon’s myriad connections have given Parker time with Vick and Denbigh graduate and former All-Pro Antoine Bethea, as well as current Steelers coach and former Denbigh player Mike Tomlin.

“Coach Tomlin told me to keep doing what I’m doing,” said Parker, who played toss with Vick a few minutes this summer. “Vick told me he liked how I throw the ball and to make Denbigh great again.”

That is a challenge Parker is embracing. The first step will be winning a game for the first time since March 2021.

“Everybody wants to win, so we’re taking everything serious and listening to the coaches,” Parker said. “To help turn the program around would mean a lot because Coach Reamon and I had a long talk about that when I first came here.

“I’m going to put in the work to do that.”

Marty O’Brien, mjobrien@dailypress.com

But when you finish 6-5 after a 4-0 start and a consensus top-five ranking, you’re not going to keep “the-glass-is-half-empty” crowd quiet. Eight offensive and four defensive returning starters, and a No. 15 ranking going into the 7 p.m. opener at home Thursday against VMI, give the Tribe ample opportunity to return to the FCS playoffs after a one-year absence and send the naysayers back into hibernation.

The most significant improvement is needed from an offense that saw its numbers drop from 33.5 points and 448 yards per game during the 2022 Coastal Athletic Association regular season to 21.73 points and 356.8 yards a year ago.

Fourth-year starting quarterback Darius Wilson suffered a similar drop in production — to 1,564 yards passing and nine touchdowns, down from 2,252 and 16 in ’22 — as he often appeared hesitant to throw downfield. Wilson, a 6-foot-3, 205-pound senior, finished nicely, with 247 yards passing and 65 rushing in the season-ending 27-26 loss to playoff-bound Richmond.

With a receiver corps deeper than it’s been in years, Wilson and the air game should get back on track.

DreSean Kendrick returns to give the Tribe a deep threat after missing the final seven games with a shoulder injury. Also back are top two receivers JT Mayo (30 receptions, 452 yards, five TDs) and Hollis Mathis (27 receptions, 373 yards) — the latter a former Tribe starting QB increasingly potent at wideout.

Sixth-year head coach Mike London dipped into the portal to strengthen the receiver corps, landing Damian Harris, who had 104 catches at Bucknell (15 in one game) and VMI’s Isaiah Lemmond (59 receptions, 798 yards in two seasons). Wilson can also rely on rapidly emerging tight end Sean McElwain (22 receptions, 312 yards in ’23) and preseason All-CAA fullback Trey McDonald as targets.

Ranked 13th nationally at 196.7 yards per game, the rushing attack remained potent last year despite the season-ending injury to Bronson Yoder (408 yards rushing, four TDs) in the fourth game. Yoder, who rushed for 1,255 yards and 13 touchdowns in ’22, is back along with Malachi Imoh, who had five 100-yard rushing games a year ago.

“Bronson deciding to come back, Malachi being back and Darius being a starting quarterback for the four years he’s been here are positive things,” London said.  “To have that level of maturity helps not only the offense, but helps our entire football team.”

The offensive line, led by All-American and likely NFL draft pick Charles Grant (6-4, 300 pounds), remains one of the Tribe’s biggest strengths. The unit, guided by new offensive coordinator Mario Acitelli, features three other veterans who have teamed with Grant to give up just two sacks in a combined 1,040 snaps.

The Tribe lost five all-conference selections from a defense that allowed just 18.5 points and essentially carried the team in 2022. Graduation losses include the All-American pass-rush duo of Nate Lynn, who was having a terrific camp with the Detroit Lions before injuring a shoulder, and John Pius, who transferred to Wisconsin.

Thanks to the addition of outside linebacker Jonathan Hammond, a  6-3, 225-pound transfer from Davidson, the pass rush might not miss a beat. Hammond was named All-Pioneer League the past four seasons.

In Davin Dzidzienyo and Mike Malone, the Tribe has some starting experience on the front line. Quinn Osborne and Alex Washington (51 tackles in 2023) bring a combined 10 starts to linebacker.

The defensive backfield is among the Tribe’s deepest and most talented units. It includes cornerbacks Jalen Jones (a former CAA Rookie of the Year), Jaedon Joyner (30 appearances), Ethan Yip (nine starts and 10 pass breakups) and Preseason All-CAA  safety Marcus Barnes (five interceptions).

The schedule is favorable. Although Furman is a tough non-conference addition, Coastal Carolina is not as strong as the Tribe’s usual annual FBS opponent and is in rebuilding mode.

The CAA schedule does not include a trio of (Lindy’s Sports) top 15s in Villanova, Delaware and Albany. But last year’s schedule was favorable, too, and the glass was left at least half empty.

“Our guys talked about that during CAA Media Day,” London said. “It leaves a bitter taste in your mouth, knowing you want more.

“The expectation of what’s been built here is that we want more. That’s the mindset and we look forward to this 2024 season.”

Standouts

Charles Grant: Jr., 6-4, 280, OL. The Churchland High graduate has emerged as potentially the highest Tribe NFL draft pick in years. It’s little wonder for a guy who has only permitted one sack the past two seasons at left tackle and spearheads one of the best run games in FCS.

Bronson Yoder: Sr., 5-11, 205, RB. A preseason All-American in 2023, Yoder, a combination of power and speed, ran for 408 yards in four games before an injury sidelined him. His full return to health is the brightest news in camp.

Marcus Barnes: Sr., 6-3, 190, S. The preseason All-CAA pick isn’t just the pass-coverage standout of a talented defensive backfield. With 54 stops last year, he was its best tackler.

Darius Wilson: Sr., 6-3, 205, QB. If Wilson can return to his 2022 form of 2,252 yards and 16 passing touchdowns, and 534 yards and four TDs rushing, W&M probably makes the FCS playoffs.

Jalen Jones: Jr., 6-0,  190, CB. A consensus Freshman All-American and CAA Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2022, Jones combines with Barnes to make the W&M defensive backfield one of the CAA’s best.

Storylines

Rebound season: The talk this time last year of a national championship was probably a bit much, but no one saw a 6-5 finish coming after the 4-0 start. With eight starters poised to improve the offense, and the defense expected to be among the best in FCS as always, nine wins and a second playoff berth in three seasons is realistic.

History maker: Once the starting QB and long a rushing threat, Hollis Mathis has been an offensive mainstay for five seasons. An emerging star at wide receiver, Mathis needs eight yards rushing and 597 receiving to become the second player in NCAA history with 1,000-plus yards passing, rushing and receiving.

Yoder’s return: It is no coincidence that the 2023 season went south when Yoder was lost in the final moments of a 163-yard rushing performance that lifted the Tribe to 4-0. Yoder, quick Malachi Imoh (77.7 ypg rushing in 2023) and powerful Martin Lucas (four TDs) give the Tribe one of the best RB tandems in FCS.

Wide receiver depth: As stout as the rushing game was, the Tribe’s 159.9 yards per game passing (13th in the CAA) just didn’t cut it. The addition of Bucknell transfer Damian Harris and VMI transfer Isaiah Lemmond gives QB Darius Wilson six capable options at tight end or receiver.

Star transfer: What do you do when you lose two of the best pass rushers in program history in All-Americans Nate Lynn (Detroit Lions, undrafted free agent) and Jonathan Pius (transferred to Wisconsin). You start with outside linebacker Jonathan Hammond, a four-time Pioneer League all-conference pick who notched 22 sacks and 37 tackles for loss in four seasons with Davidson.

Schedule

Aug. 29: vs. VMI, 7 p.m.

Sept. 9: at Coastal Carolina, 7 p.m.

Sept. 14: at Wofford, 6 p.m.

Sept. 21: vs. Furman, 6 p.m.

Sept. 28: vs. Hampton, 6 p.m.

Oct. 5: at Towson, 6 p.m.

Oct. 19: vs. Campbell, 3:30 p.m.

Oct. 26: at. Stony Brook, 3:30 p.m.

Nov. 2: at North Carolina A&T, 1 p.m.

Nov. 9: vs. Elon 1 p.m.

Nov. 16: vs. Bryant, 1 p.m.

Nov. 23: at Richmond, noon

The latter streak faces a challenge when the Phantoms (15-0  in ’23) travel to Class 6 state runner-up Highland Springs on Sept. 6 for their season opener. Aside from a Nov. 2 clash with Warwick likely to decide the PD title, the Phantoms are poised for an all-but-inevitable march to the state semifinals.

Warwick (11-2) returns much from its team that battled Phoebus closely in a 10-2 loss. Losing the district’s most talented skill player, Maryland recruit Messiah Delhomme (broken leg), decreases the odds the Raiders can end Phoebus’ 58-game district win streak or unseat Maury as the Class 5 Region B champ.

Hampton, Menchville and Bethel should round out the top five, pushed by a pair of schools with new head coaches: Woodside (former Kecoughtan coach Alonzo Coley) and Kecoughtan (alum Zecharie James). All but Gloucester — which moves next year to the Bay Rivers District — host at Todd or Darling stadiums, venues debuting new artificial turf.

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1. Phoebus Phantoms

Classification: Class 4 Region A

Coach: Jeremy Blunt, 134-19 in 11 seasons

Last season: 15-0 overall, 9-0 district

On the field: The Phantoms lost district Offensive Player of the Year Keyontae Gray (1,233 yards receiving, 15 TDs), Defensive Player of the Year Anthony Reddick (26 sacks, 27 tackles for loss) and numerous other stars, but returning talent makes a fourth consecutive state title realistic. Southpaw Maurikus Banks (6-foot, 173 pounds) put in an 11-for-17, 165-yard passing performance in the state final in just his third start, so the Phantoms are seemingly set for years at QB. That’s before considering freshman Darnell Hollier, a prodigious athlete who will line up at QB and other skill positions immediately. Small (5-8, 180) but bullish tailback Davion Roberts is poised to replicate his 1,509-yard, 29-touchdown production of a year ago. With offensive line starters Troy Solomona, all-state center Markus Hopson, Nathaniel Anthony and Jayden Hill returning — all 250 pounds or larger — how could he not? Receivers abound, led by Noah Jefferson, who had six receptions in the state final. All-state first-team linebackers Kaleb Tillery and Brenden Thompson return to lead a defense that allowed only six points in the regular season. Hopson was all-state on the defensive line as well, while Jefferson was all-state at defensive back, so there are returning stars at every level. Additionally, there are talented, unsung veterans on both sides like WR/LB Nijay Gay, WR/DB Trenton Mitchell, RB/DB Dior Hatchett and K Farriss Knight

2. Warwick Raiders

Classification: Class 5 Region B

Coach: Corey Hairston, 56-52 in 10 seasons

Last season: 11-2 overall, 8-1 district

On the field: Even in Messiah Delhomme’s absence, no other PD team is as equipped to challenge Phoebus. I’Ziah Emery (5-11, 215) and Xavier Carter (5-10, 185) were, like safety Delhomme, first-team all-state selections on a defense that allowed just 16 points in the regular season — none in the first eight games. All-state defensive tackle Christian Corbin (6-2, 275), 2022 all-state defensive end Marlen Stewart (6-1, 227) and all-region lineman Du’Wuane Skipwith lead the way up front on a stacked defense that includes talented DB Cartier Carey. Corbin, two-year starters Antwone Vazquez and Zavion Studwell and Hampton transfer Elijah Cowell are among the standouts on an offensive line that’s one of the team’s strengths. Hairston must replace first-team all-district QB Eduardo Rios Jr., but he thinks he has two good ones in Saeed Williams and Alex Lewis. Their wealth of receiving options includes all-district pick Julio Carrecter, while powerful Carter and speedy Ni’zjohn Humphrey give the Raiders variety at running back. The Raiders feel they are primed to take the next step (over Phoebus) in the district and in the region (over Maury). Can they do so minus Delhomme?

3. Hampton Crabbers

Classification: Class 4 Region A

Coach: Woodrow Wilson, 10-13 in two seasons

Last season: 7-5 overall, 6-3 district

On the field: After a 3-8 season in 2022 — the worst by fabled Hampton in 57 years — the Crabbers improved significantly in Wilson’s second season. Rising back into district contention depends largely on the play of sophomore quarterback Marcus Chapman (6-3, 180). In his first start, late last season, then-freshman Chapman threw for 209 yards and touchdowns of 29 and 30 yards to lead the Crabbers to a 20-14 comeback win over rival Bethel. He had another big game in the region playoff win over Smithfield. He’ll work behind some big offensive linemen in Amaree Vann (285 pounds), Gene Jones (275), Cam Gardner (275), Sejuan Stephens (235) and Maurice Jackson (225). Chapman can rely on a rugged running back in Lavonte Chapman (no relation) and Sidney Johnson, and boasts a good receiving option in Montrell Harrison. Defensive tackle Devan Anthony makes up for in toughness what he lacks in size (5-6, 185). He’ll team with sophomore Jones, who Wilson thinks will become one of the district’s best defensive linemen. The Crabbers are sophomore- and junior-laden, but talented enough to finish high in the district.

4. Menchville Monarchs

Classification: Class 5 Region B

Coach: Rodney Taylor, 23-25 in four seasons

Last season: 6-5 overall, 6-3 district

On the field: The Monarchs’ six district wins a year ago were their most in three decades. Though the loss of quarterback Amir Harrison and his 1,816 total yards and 15 touchdowns is huge, most of the other key players are back. The battle to succeed Harrison at QB is between sophomores Tobias Alston (6-3, 190) and Chace Janus (6-0, 180). Taylor said both are athletic with good arms. The Monarchs have a sizable and experienced offensive line with three giants in Aaron Clarke (6-5, 300), Jhase Wright (6-5, 345) and Matthew Carter (6-4, 300). Center Anthony Castillo (5-9, 250) is smaller but talented. Tailbacks LaDarius Adams and Charlie Wilson both had games of more than 200 yards rushing a year ago. Defensively, LB Davon Bains tackles often (more than 70 a year ago) and packs a wallop, thanks to 455-pound squat and 355-pound bench strength. Eli Graham had key interceptions and receptions in the Monarchs’ run to the playoffs. Wright is a force in the middle of the defensive line.

5. Bethel Bruins

Classification: Class 5 Region B

Coach: David Porter, 7-14 in two seasons

Last season: 5-6 overall, 5-4 district

On the field: A stunning 41-7 rout of Menchville launched a four-game winning streak that lifted the Bruins to 4-2 at midseason. But a surprising 24-0 loss to Heritage led to four losses in the final five games. With starters at 13 positions returning — many of them three years in the system — Porter is looking for a stronger finish. He likes sophomore quarterback Derek Fisher’s athleticism and football IQ. Fisher will hand off to a capable power back in Amari Pryear (960 yards rushing, 12 TDs) and throw to steady, athletic receivers in Antonio Cummings and Deandre Wimley. Saveon Gilbert (6-3, 360), Ethan Wiggins (6-1, 280) and Caleb Smith (6-2, 280) give the offensive line good size. O’Dell Pinkney (6-0, 245), the strongest, most explosive defensive lineman, returns after missing last season. Cummings and Wimley give the Bruins the makings of a very reliable defensive backfield.

6. Woodside Wolverines

Classification: Class 5 Region B

Coach: Alonzo Coley, first season at Woodside; 37-47 in eight seasons

Last season: 1-9 overall, 1-8 district

On the field: Long a Peninsula-area football power under coach Danny Dodson, Woodside collapsed like a wet taco in the season following his departure. Thirteen players transferred to other PD schools, where three earned first-team all-state honors. Left with no firepower, the Wolverines scored just 44 points in their nine losses. Coley, an assistant coach on Phoebus’ three consecutive state championship teams after a lengthy stint as Kecoughtan’s coach, is restoring stability in his first season at Woodside. Touting “chemistry and culture,” Coley is building around the offensive line, where starters Dexter Brown (6-3, 220), Christopher Haskins (5-7, 245), Lakhi Randall-Epps (5-8, 260) and Jaymir Jones (5-10, 230) all return. They’ll block for a skill complement led by speedy quarterback Zephaniah Palacious (6-2, 180), explosive wide receiver Callen Morrison and physical running back Tayshawn Campbell. Nehemiah Mix (5-10, 210) will help out at running back but is also valuable as a rangy linebacker. Brown will lead the pass rush from the defensive line, Antonio Patterson and Micah Key are hard-hitting defensive backs, and kicker/punter Tommy VanDusen has one of the best legs in the district.

7. Heritage Hurricanes

Classification: Class 3 Region A

Coach: Scott Woodlief, 12-20 in four seasons at Heritage; 58-77 in 14 seasons

Last season: 6-5 overall, 5-4 district

On the field: Woodlief’s multi-year rebuilding job paid dividends with six consecutive wins that catapulted the Hurricanes into the Class 3 Region A championship game last season. Graduation losses were heavy, including four-year quarterback Derrick Gurley (2,100 total yards, 18 TDs), now at William & Mary, and athletic receiver Sterling Anderson (39 receptions, 771 yards, six TDs). In addition, tailback Tyree Wilson (500 yards, 11 TDs) transferred to Lafayette. The offensive line, with returners Bishop Dunn (6-4, 280), Derrick Brooks (6-0, 260) and A’Jontae Morrison (6-3, 260), is a strength. Linebacker Josh Ray and defensive backs Devin Gray and Tehron Swilling, all seniors, give the Hurricanes experience, toughness and athleticism on defense. Sophomore James Barge (6-3, 175) was a solid JV quarterback, while Rayshawn Pierce-Malone (5-8, 190) had some good moments running the ball on the way to 400 yards and four touchdowns. Inexperience means this group will have to limit mistakes, especially early in the season, to succeed, Woodlief said.

8. Kecoughtan Warriors

Classification: Class 5 Region B

Coach: Zecharie James, first season

Last season: 3-8 overall, 3-6 district

On the field: James, a former standout for Kecoughtan, is excited to lead his alma mater. It will take all of his enthusiasm, and then some, to win in the Peninsula District this season with only four returning starters. There are some good pieces. Explosive Josiah Richardson (5-11, 165) will put his speed to good use in open spaces as a wide receiver and defensive back. Keith Cherry brings strength to running back and linebacker. Riley Griffin (6-3, 310) has worked hard to overcome injuries of recent years and can put his massive size to work on the offensive line. RB/LB James Vinnie and WR Jamar Osifo will be counted on to contribute as sophomores, and they possess the quickness and athleticism to do so. “If our players will pay the cost every day, and not take breaks in their work ethic, we’ll be a success,” James said.

9. Denbigh Patriots

Classification: Class 4 Region A

Coach: Tommy Reamon, 0-10 in one season with Denbigh; 182-174 in 31 seasons

Last season: 0-10 overall, 0-9 district

On the field: The talent level is increasing as Reamon enters his second season at Denbigh, so the losing streak, now 32 games, should end. The Patriots boast a potential Division I prospect in sophomore quarterback Kevin Parker (6-1, 170), who sports a rocket right arm and plenty of poise. Two others likely to play in college some day are hard-working sophomore tight end Caleb White (6-2, 189) and outside linebacker Michael Cooke (6-1, 194), an aggressive sophomore who can also play defensive end. Junior tailback JaShon McIntyre (5-7, 194), a transfer from Maryland, brings breakaway speed. Gabriel Heard, Julius Farris and Damien Jones, all in the 240-pound range, man the trenches on both sides of the line. LB/TE Derrick White, WR/OLB Jermiah Bren and RB/SS Dujuan Berry bring athleticism to both sides of the ball. Reamon could use more depth, but he’ll have to get by without that this season. The good news — Jones is the only one of the aforementioned who is a senior, so the future is bright.

10. Gloucester Dukes

Classification: Class 4 Region A

Coach: Noah Crouch, 3-8 in one season

Last season: 3-8 overall, 2-7 district

On the field: Crouch voices increased optimism in his second season. He said he inherited a program with few strong players, but a huge buy-in to weight training is changing that. The Dukes are changing from Wing-T to Pro-I on offense, better fitting the physical skills of linemen like Trevor Burke (6-4, 275) and Colby Morris (6-2, 265). Crouch has moved one of his best and most versatile athletes, senior Preston Prentiss (6-2, 185), to quarterback. Brad Bellinger and Tyler Welch will assist by playing numerous skill positions. Should the Dukes get near the end zone, all-state kicker Corey Skay, who hit two 47-yard field goals last year, can add to their total. On the defensive side, DB Xavier Johnson (5-10, 175), the fastest Duke a year ago, LB Prentiss and LB Jaiden Long (5-10, 185) are undersized but can tackle. All make Crouch optimistic entering the Dukes’ final year in the PD. “What we’ve got going is special and hasn’t been seen around here in a long time,” he said.

Marty O’Brien, mjobrien@dailypress.com

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 favorites to reclaim the district title they’ve been denied only twice since 2012. Their most serious threat is Poquoson, the 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 is Herculean.

Introducing our new high school sports newsletter: 757Teamz Extra

1. Lafayette Rams

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 the spring of 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 Tristin 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

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 a state semifinal minus a single 200-pounder. The Islanders returned to the state semis last year with a slightly larger team and will make their bid for a third straight Class 2 Region A title with their biggest group in years. The Islanders will operate their Wing-T behind offensive linemen Carter Jones (6-6, 280) and Gavin Coffman (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 will start in a defensive backfield that should be fast to the ball and hard-hitting as always. Burke, Little, Nathan Quiroz, Cam Stowers and Christian Leonard all had good seasons on the defensive front.

3. Warhill Lions

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 Player of the Year (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 freshman 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 (Old Dominion offer) and WR/S Elijah Williams (William & Mary commit). Leland Hudik (6-0, 260) and Maximus Schill (6-3, 260) bring size and experience to the lines, while senior CB/RB JM 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

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 Jaki Parker. In Michael Williams and Will Flythe, the Packers have a pair of large (both 6-2 and more than 222) and physical defensive ends. Linebacker Jurony Gray and defensive backs Ammon Rawlings and Jaydon Ruffin give the Packers experience and ability beyond the first level of a defense likely to allow fewer than the 24.9 points per game of a year ago.

5. Grafton Clippers

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 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

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 district co-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 that 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 Je’Marcus Tyler (6-2, 185) leads the way. A move back above .500 and return to the playoffs is achievable.

7. Tabb Tigers

Classification: Class 3 Region A

Coach: John Byron, 5-6 in one season with 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 Andrews 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, 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 a 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 important to a move back to .500 or better.

9. Bruton Panthers

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 prompted 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 playoff 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 that the Eagles relax and play football at a faster tempo. A number of upperclassman 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 who contribute to Jamestown’s eye-opening success in so many sports.

Marty O’Brien, mjobrien@dailypress.com

They have risen from legendary athletes at their alma maters, to highly respected coaches in their best sports, to stewards of athletic traditions they revere. Both intimate that echoes of their youths reverberate each time they walk into the school gymnasium or onto the softball field.

In addition to helping Poquoson win Bay Rivers District and region championships as an infielder in softball 15 years ago, Yarbrough (Page Turner back then) scored more than 1,000 points and is considered one of the school’s best basketball players. She went on to twice earn All-West Virginia Athletic Conference honors in basketball for NCAA Division II Davis & Elkins.

Yarbrough returned to Poquoson nine years ago as a science teacher and assisted her high school coach, Jeff Gross, with the girls basketball team. She succeeded Gross and coached the Islanders with younger sister Sydney Turner (also a Poquoson and D&E standout) at her side.

“When I walk into the gymnasium, I think about the sprints that I ran from the time I was on junior varsity and about the Courtland game,” Yarbrough said, referring to the night she made two winning free throws in a region basketball tournament upset watched by an overflow crowd. “You’d think it would be missed layups, but what I remember most are the bonds I made with teammates and coaches as a player, and then coaching with Coach Gross and my sister.”

Hunter played basketball and volleyball for York, where she is perhaps the greatest softball player in school history. Before playing on scholarship for Longwood University, Hunter (then Amy Morgan) — the 1995 Daily Press Softball Player of the Year, with a 14-2 pitching record and .606 batting average — led York into a state softball semifinal in front of the largest crowd ever at her home field.

Since returning to York as a math teacher, Hunter served 17 seasons in two stints as head softball coach. She guided the Falcons to the Class 3 state final in 2023 in her last game as coach, a game in which her daughter, catcher Morgan Hunter, played her last game.

“Every time I walk into the gym, it takes me back to my days playing volleyball and basketball here,” Hunter said. “I remember my last practice in softball, being out on the field by myself and realizing it would be my last time out there in that (coaching) role.

“I became emotional because York softball had been such a big part of my life.”

York athletics will remain a big part of her life. She resigned the softball position to serve as assistant athletic director to John Ashley in 2023-24, his last as the Falcons’ AD before retiring.

Hunter said Ashley was invaluable in preparing her for her new role because of his organizational excellence and knowledge. Yarbrough moved into the head AD position in July after a year of assisting her mentor, Mike Whittington, who left Poquoson to become AD at Lakeland High in Suffolk.

Hunter and Yarbrough are proud to be females in the Bay Rivers District, where the other eight ADs are males, but neither makes a big deal out of that.

“In my mind, there’s not a lot that guys can do that females can’t do also,” said Yarbrough, a wife (to John) and mother of two boys, 5 and 3, with a third on the way.

Hunter, who has a son, 21, and three girls — ages 19, 18 and 16 — said, “I’m excited for my own three girls to see me in this role. It was important that they got to see when I was coaching, that I could work, coach and be a mother and wife (to husband Jimmy) — do all of it.

“I think it’s important now for them to see role models in a male-dominated position who are female.”

Hunter said because all four of her children played sports for York (youngest daughter Camryn is currently a girls soccer player) and was an athlete and coach at the school, she brings virtually every perspective possible to being AD.

“This job is everything I love,” she said. “It’s sports, it’s working with youth, it’s mentoring.

“It combines all of the things professional in my life with the purpose of making these kids better people.”

And, like Yarbrough, she’s doing so at a place deeply embedded in her heart.

“To come up as an athlete at Poquoson, then to become a coach and now athletic director, it’s a sense of giving back to a community that gave so much to me athletically and academically,” Yarbrough said. “I love what I do because I get to help our students succeed and I get to support our coaches and their teams be successful.

“It’s bittersweet to give up coaching, because Poquoson basketball has been a lot of my identity and will always hold a special place in my heart. But I tell myself I’m giving it up to make our school better.”

Other AD changes in Hampton Roads

The other AD change in the Bay Rivers District came at Bruton, where Bryan Weaver, the former AD at Denbigh, replaces Paul Heizer, who moved to Richmond-area J.R. Tucker.

Lucas Brown moved from his position as AD at Kecoughtan to become AD at Warwick, replacing Chad Smith, now the AD at Tidewater Community College. Shawn Redd vacated his position as Kecoughtan’s softball coach to become the school AD.

Paul Macklin, the longtime AD at Woodside, also moved within the Peninsula District to become AD at Phoebus upon the retirement of Maurice Ward. Eric Battle Sr. is Woodside’s new AD.

Among South Hampton Roads’ new ADs: Churchland’s Christen Chavis, Manor’s Justin Davis, Lakeland’s Mike Whittington, Deep Creek’s Todd Parker, Booker T. Washington’s Oronde Andrews, Tallwood’s Wendy Baylor, Green Run’s Kelley Rummel and Kempsville’s Zach Wolff.

The “comfortability” the Warwick High star referred to in selecting the Terrapins over Ohio State, Virginia Tech and Virginia was in the person of head coach Mike Locksley and the other coaches.

“With that coaching staff, I felt I was surrounded by a bunch of good people,” Delhomme said.

Size comes in the role those coaches promise Delhomme, a 6-foot-1, 196-pound senior, can pursue wearing Maryland red, white, black and gold. Recruited as a safety — he’s ranked No. 16 at that position and 192nd overall in the Class of 2025 by 247Sports — the Terps’ coaches will give him opportunities to do much more.

“We definitely talked about me playing both sides of the ball, kick returner and punt returner,” Delhomme said. “On the offensive side, they’ll try me at running back.”

Wherever they line up Delhomme, Maryland can’t go wrong. He intercepted eight passes, returning two for touchdowns, in 2023. Moving among all of the skill positions, he totaled 2,144 yards and 28 touchdowns combined in his sophomore and junior seasons.

Reliability comes in coaches’ insistence they will do their best to prepare Delhomme for the NFL and life.

“They’ve talked about a three-year plan to get me to the league instead of four,” Delhomme said. “But if I do come back for a fourth season, they’ll help me get my degree.”

Delhomme believes that Maryland’s development of defensive players gives him the best chance of becoming NFL-caliber. He said Maryland defensive backs are encouraged to play cornerback and safety as well as outside linebacker.

“I think it will help me in my career because so many defenses are played at the next level,” he said. “By playing those three positions, I’ll learn to cover receivers at all of them.”

Delhomme said Ohio State was his second choice and it was not easy bypassing the Buckeyes. He added the lure of the Big Ten made both schools attractive.

“I love competition and I love playing big teams,” he said. “There’s a lot of competition in the Big Ten.”

Delhomme, who announced his decision live on Instagram while posting simultaneously on X Saturday evening, said that playing just a few hours from his Newport News home is a bonus, but not a primary reason for choosing Maryland.

He thinks the turtle shell the Maryland players run underneath to get onto the field at SECU Stadium is cool, and cited another reason he will spend the next three or four years in College Park.

“I like how everything is in close quarters to the city,” he said of Washington, D.C., and Baltimore. “You get the college campus feel and the city experience.”

Marty O’Brien, mjobrien@dailypress.com