757Teamz football report: Warhill and Smithfield contend for Bay Rivers title, Bayside gets much-needed win over Landstown

Lafayette’s 35-14 win at York on Friday reestablished the perennial champion Rams (2-1, 2-0 district) as the Bay Rivers District favorite, but Warhill (2-2, 2-0) and Smithfield (2-1, 1-0) are unbeaten in district play, riding two-game winning streaks and hoping to contend.

The winner of the Smithfield-Warhill game on Friday at Wanner Stadium will emerge as the team most likely to challenge the Rams for district supremacy. The preseason district favorite, Warhill stumbled from the gate with two losses, but played its best game on Friday in rallying to beat previously unbeaten New Kent 41-20.

A big key is that the Lions are finding their identity. They used a ground-and-pound attack to beat Lafayette for the first time last year and tie the Rams and York for the district title.

But the graduation of bruising running back Luke Holmes and huge tight end Nate Coffey means the Lions have to rely more on the pass this season. Quarterback Chase O’Neil’s 188 yards passing against New Kent complemented 100 yards rushing and three touchdowns by Taylen Eady, one of several good running backs for the Lions.

The Lions are also adjusting defensively to the graduation of Holmes, Coffey and five others on the front seven. Being the hunted, as district favorites, is another adjustment.

“They’ve learned what it’s like to be a target and getting every opponent’s best,” Warhill coach Jerome Rhodes said. “They’re working hard and focusing on details.”

Smithfield showcased its depth in a 40-20 win over Lakeland after falling behind 14-0 early. With running back Chris Dennis (149 yards rushing, five TDs against Jamestown) out with an ankle sprain, freshman Messiah Jones led the rushing attack with 59 yards and two scores.

Kevin Parker contributed touchdowns on a run, kickoff return and punt return. Christian Velez led an improving defense with two interceptions in addition to notching a touchdown reception.

This week’s eye-popping number

28

Consecutive regular-season victories Hampton had registered against Menchville before the Monarchs’ 21-20 come-from-behind victory Friday. The teams didn’t play during the pandemic-shortened spring 2021 season.

The Monarchs (3-1) won their first game over Hampton (1-3) since 1993, and had been outscored 142-14 in the five match-ups before Friday.

Woodside survives Heritage upset bid

No. 9 Woodside staved off an upset bid by rallying to beat Heritage 21-20 on Saturday in their Peninsula District game at Todd Stadium, The Wolverines (3-0) trailed 20-8 at the half, but won on the strength of two second-half touchdown runs by quarterback Tayvon Tyler.

Tyler, who threw for a 30-yard touchdown to Isaiah Hayes in the first half, ran for a 10-yard TD moments after a Woodside fumble recovery in the third quarter. His quarterback sneak for a 1-yard TD with about 5 minutes remaining tied the score, before kicker Tommy Van Duesen kicked the PAT that gave the Wolverines the win.

“Heritage is a lot better than people think,” Woodside coach Danny Dodson said. “To struggle and then find a way to get the job done is going to beneficial for us later in the season.”

Bayside gets much-needed win over Landstown

Bayside started the season 1-2 with losses to Salem and Cox.

With the season on the line, the Marlins bounced back with a huge 20-0 win over then-No. 14 and previously unbeaten Landstown.

“I think that a win like this allows the players to see what their progress is,” said Bayside coach Jon White. “Landstown was 3-0 for a reason, so their body of work can’t be overlooked, as well as us going into their place and winning can’t be overlooked.”

The Marlins (2-2) will try to keep things rolling when they host First Colonial (1-2) on Friday.

Princess Anne freshman wide receiver off to a fast start

It usually takes time for freshman to adjust to high school football.

But Jahvon Wiggins isn’t a typical freshman.

Heading into last week’s game, he led Hampton Roads in receiving with eight receptions for 357 yards and four touchdowns.

“Anyone who knows Vonnie isn’t surprised by his production,” said Princess Anne coach Jesse Litton. “He works hard everyday, has a great attitude and is a legitimate threat to score every time he touches the ball.”

Games you gotta see this week

Friday

Lake Taylor vs. Maury at Powhatan Field, 7 p.m.

Western Branch at King’s Fork, 7 p.m.

Larry Rubama, 757-575-6449, larry.rubama@pilotonline.com. Twitter @LHRubama

Marty O’Brien, 757-897-2917, mjobrien@dailypress.com. Twitter @MartyOBrienDP