Bethel product Rutland returns to Peninsula
It’s the only time this year that Oscar Smith will face Salem
by Jamaar Hawkins, recruit757
Oscar Smith at Salem – 6 p.m. Thursday
Oscar Smith looked sharp on offense in last week’s scrimmage against Norview and Smithfield. Senior quarterback Shon Mitchell looked to be in midseason form already. The Tigers should face a good test with Salem.
The SunDevils were rocked by the abrupt resignation of former coach Robert Jackson last week to take the athletic director position at I.C. Norcom. Former Green Run coach Shawn Wilson will step in for Jackson, who led the SunDevils to an 8- season. This will be game two under the direction of Wilson, who took over for Jackson prior to last week’s scrimmage against Lakeland. Salem also welcomes a new quarterback this season in First Colonial transfer Scotty Watson. Junior running back Davonte Williams, taking over the full-time role from last year’s starter Malik Butts, is a player to watch.
Maury at Green Run – 6 p.m. (Benefit game)
Maury will travel to Green Run for a benefit game and test for two teams in rebuilding mode. The Stallions welcome a new coach, Justin Conyers, who will be the youngest head coach in Hampton Roads when the season kicks off. While Maury is merely searching for an identity on offense following the graduation of workhorse tailback Delveon Little.
Conyers, takes over a Green Run program fresh off a disappointing 3- year. The Stallions will be breaking in new starters at the quarterback and running back positions. Gone is 1,000 yard all-purpose back Breylnd Cyphers, who was the team’s biggest offensive threat last season. Nate Harden, last year’s starter at quarterback, has been replaced by Khalil Deloatch. Tonight’s contest is scheduled for a 6pm start.
Bethel vs. Landstown – 6 p.m. (VB Sportsplex)
Bethel returns many starters and has looked strong in the off season. Landstown is in the same boat, led by rising junior Brent Stukes, who may replace his older brother Bryce as the de facto leader of the Eagles. Bethel has quarterback Navarro Price leading the offense once again, playmaker Mondo Walker manning the secondary, and multipurpose big man Janaz Jordan keeping the Landstown on their toes as he’s a ball-carrier, pass catcher, blocker and defensive lineman. JMU commit Julian Freeze wreaks havoc for Landstown as a speed rusher off the edge, and he’ll challenge Price throughout the night.
Phoebus at Nansemond River – 6 p.m.
The Phantoms look like they’ve returned to form. Last year, they made a deep playoff run and they’ll look to do the same this year. For once, the Phantoms have a no-name squad, but don’t count on that lasting long. Several names are set to bubble to the surface, including Johnathan Gregory (SR SS/WR 6-3 200), Andre Jackson (SR WR 6-0 175), Keyshawn Battle-Patterson (SR DE 6-3 190), and Deshawn Pope (SR DB 5-9 160). The running back and quarterback positions typically generate the headlines for Phoebus, but this may be quite a different Phoebus team this year.
At Nansemond River, a few weapons are gone like OT Thomas Hopple, who has moved on to Virginia Tech, but Coach David Coccoli has more weapons at his disposal. Gerard Stringer (JR WR 6-3 190) returns as a top option at WR, and Quincy Gregg (JR WR 6-1 180) joins him as a transfer from King’s Fork. Jevon Waller (JR RB 5-9 180) was a star at kick and punt returns last year, and he’ll step into a bigger role this year. Don’t be surprised to see Stringer take snaps at quarterback as Coach Coccoli is giving him a chance to showcase his versatility.
Also playing tonight:
Norview at Bayside (moved to 6 p.m.)
Menchville at Kempsville
Park View (SH) at Smithfield
Warwick at Bruton 5:00 p.m.
Chancellor at Lafayette
Indian River at Tallwood
Kecoughtan at Norcom
Grassfield at Cox 6:30
– Jamaar Hawkins
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