Phoebus, Lafayette playoff locks, but six others still in hunt
Playoffs? No, we’re not kidding you.
In a season where most of the busiest teams in the cancellation-riddled Peninsula and Bay Rivers districts have played three or four games, the notion seems ridiculous. Even more so when you consider Gloucester has played only one game and is still a playoff contender.
But this is the final week of the regular season, so, we’ve put the discussion off as long as possible. Below are a few notes on the playoff outlook for PD and BRD teams.
The only locks are Lafayette (4-0) and Phoebus (3-0), the likely first and second seeds in Class 3 Region A. Four teams qualify for the playoffs in each region.
Warwick, Warhill near playoff berths:
Warwick completed its whirlwind of four games in 11 days by going 3-1. After losing to Hampton 18-13 on March 23, the Raiders entered Saturday’s game against Menchville knowing they had to win or their playoff hopes were done.
The Raiders’ defense rose to the occasion, never allowing a Menchville offense that scored 69 points against Denbigh to get into the red zone. Not only that, but safety Kysaun Jones’ 46-yard interception return provided the only points in the 7-2 victory.
The victory means the Raiders (3-1) will probably qualify as no worse than the No. 3 seed in the
Class 4 Region A playoffs should they beat Kecoughtan (1-1) on Thursday at Darling Stadium.
“We told the players before the Menchville game the bottom line was that it’s a championship game,” Warwick coach Corey Hairston said. “Like a championship game, if you lose, you’re done.
“That was a big win for this season, but the Kecoughtan game is no different and we’ll treat it as a championship game, too.”
Warhill (4-1), which got 176 yards rushing from Shaheim Taylor and 137 from Marckus Rhodes in its 20-0 win over Smithfield, is also poised to reach the Class 4 Region A playoffs. The Lions’ game with Grafton on Friday has been canceled because the Clippers are on COVID protocol.
Playoff-elimination game: Tabb (3-1) and New Kent (3-2) currently sit third and fourth behind Lafayette and Phoebus in Class 3 Region A. The winner of their game at 1 p.m. Saturday at New Kent will earn a playoff berth, while the loser will be eliminated if defending Class 3 state champ Hopewell — currently No. 5 — beats Matoaca as expected.
Regardless, Tabb has already given Matt Lawson, its coach since 2004, a going-away present in his final season. The Tigers beat York 27-7 on Saturday to win the Charlie Hovis Trophy that goes annually to the best of the four York County schools.
Corey Kidwell led the offense with 13 carries for 73 yards and three touchdowns, while Michael Adams had four receptions for 43 yards. Adams also had two interceptions on defense.
Tanner Wells had the other pick for the Tigers, returning it 54 yards for a touchdown. Chad Seiders notched eight solo stops among his 10 tackles.
“That’s one of our goals every year,” Lawson said of winning the trophy named for the late Hovis, who coached at Tabb and York. “It’s nice to leave with the program in good shape.
“The junior varsity is undefeated.”
Poquoson-King William canceled: Poquoson (2-2) is currently ranked No. 4 in Class 2 Region A, but its playoff hopes are in limbo. The Islanders beat Grafton 41-23 on Friday but, the day after the game, they learned one of the Clippers’ players tested positive for COVID-19.
The Islanders are in quarantine this week and their game with King William, scheduled for Friday, has been canceled. Poquoson will make the playoffs as the No. 4 seed if Randolph-Henry (1-1) loses on Friday to Central of
Lunenburg. If Randolph-Henry wins, Poquoson’s season is over.
The Islanders got three touchdowns from Karon Smith and two from Nate Wilhite in the win over Grafton, while Ethan Sneddon kicked two field goals and five PATs.
Gloucester still alive: Because of COVID cancellations, Gloucester (1-0) has not played since its 19-0 win over Heritage on March 5. Nonetheless, the Dukes, currently No. 5 in Class 5 Region A, could reach the playoffs with a win on Friday over Peninsula District rival Bethel (0-2) and a loss by Deep Creek or Bayside.
“It’s kind of crazy to think we could sneak in,” Dukes’ coach John Scalf said. “But the most important thing is just getting to play again and sending the seniors out with a big night.”