Maury in must-win spot to keep repeat hopes alive

Commodores to host unbeaten Churchland

Maury won the Class 5 state championship last season for its first football crown in more than 80 years, but the Commodores’ repeat hopes ride on tonight’s game against Churchland.

Maury (3-1) hosts the Truckers (3-0) at 7 p.m. at Powhatan Field with a playoff spot on the line.

The Commodores are fifth in the chase for four playoff spots in Class 5 Region A, according to the Virginia High School League’s latest power ratings. Churchland, trying to improve to 4-0 for the first time since 2013, currently holds the top spot in Class 4 Region A and already has clinched a playoff spot.

Both teams didn’t play last week because their games were canceled due to COVID-19 protocols.

The Commodores are led by quarterback EJ Gibson (607 passing yards, 7 TDs), running back Demonte Dunlap (599 all-purpose yards, 7 TDs), wide receiver Ahmarian Granger (535 all-purpose yards, 9 TDs) and linebacker Nathaniel Knox (24 tackles).

Churchland, which last season won its first playoff game in program history, has been led by its defense. The Truckers have allowed just seven points this season with two shutouts.

Larry Rubama: Maury 34-16. Marty O’Brien: Maury 24-14.

Tonight’s other games

All games at 7 p.m. at the home school unless noted.

NOTE: Several games have been canceled this week because of COVID protocols: No. 2 Lake Taylor vs. Norview; No. 5 Salem vs. First Colonial and Wilson vs. Granby. Norview will play Granby on Friday.

757Teamz Top 15 No. 8 Green Run (2 -2 ) at Kellam (0 -4 )

Buzz:

The Stallions’ playoff chances were dashed when they had to forfeit one game and then suffered a one-point loss to Salem in another. But they have won two in a row, including an upset of Ocean Lakes last week. They are led by their defense, which has allowed an average of 5.3 points and 104 yards per game. Leading the way are Jevon Hill (50 tackles, 3 sacks), George Wilson (8 sacks) and freshman Tyler Baker (32 tackles). Kellam, trying to avoid its first winless season since 1994, is led by Kemari Copeland, who has registered double-digits tackles in every game this season, including 12 tackles, a sack and a forced fumble in a loss to Cox last week. Larry: Green Run 33-0.

Marty: Green Run 28-7.