Lafayette eyes payback against York
Lafayette coach Andy Linn says his players long ago circled the rematch with York — set for 7 tonight at Bailey Field — on their calendars, and who can blame them? The Falcons rallied from a two-touchdown deficit to win 28-21 in 2019, ending the Rams’ Bay Rivers District victory streak at 60 and their string of district titles at seven.
But, as the red ink on the date fades a bit, Lafayette (4-0) enters with more pressing motivation than revenge. A victory means the Rams clinch the No. 1 seed in the Class 3 Region A playoffs, a home-field advantage that will extend as long as they remain in the postseason — all the way to the May 1 state championship game if they make it that far.
Considering the Region A field includes Peninsula District power Phoebus and, likely, Hopewell — Class 3 state champ two of the past three seasons — the Rams will take any edge they can get. Which is not to say the luster of Friday’s game has faded, despite the Falcons (1-2) losing their past two games.
“Through the years, York has played us consistently more tough than anybody other than maybe Poquoson,” Linn said. “I expect a typical York-Lafayette battle, where they play us hard.
“This year, because they’re not in the playoffs, they have nothing to lose and can throw everything in the book at us.”
Jordin Lennon, still rounding back into form after hurting his ankle in the 41-6 season-opening win over Grafton, when he ran for 161 yards on nine carries, will be a key for York if healthy. In Kase Butler, who had a 26-yard touchdown reception in that game, the Falcons possess a reliable receiver and a linebacker who will lead the charge to blunt Lafayette’s offense.
That will be difficult, because the Rams — known prior to this season for their ball-control rushing attack — are so balanced. Their 194 yards rushing per game are a little less than usual, but Luke Hanson’s 154 yards per game passing, and Donald Gatling’s 13 receptions for 302 yards and four touchdowns, make the Rams difficult to defend.
Linebackers Aidan Byron and Sam Boyer lead a Lafayette defense allowing six points per contest.
Lafayette 42-20.
Lafayette 30-7. Here’s a look at other games.
Today
Indian River (3-2) at No. 1 Oscar Smith (4-0)
Time: 6:15 p.m.
Buzz: Oscar Smith sits in the No. 1 spot in Class 6 Region A with a power rating of 30.5, just ahead of Thomas Dale (29.5). So a win is crucial to secure the top seed. Since 2000, the Tigers have dominated this series 19-1. Indian River beat them in 2018. The Braves, who have won three consecutive games, are seventh in
Class 5 Region A. They need an upset and a lot of help to make the playoffs. Oscar Smith has not given up a point this season, outscoring opponents 218-0.
Oscar Smith 41-6,
Smith 47-7. 6:15 p.m.
Deep Creek is third in the Class 5 Region A power ratings. The Hornets’ lone loss was to Oscar Smith. Western Branch, No. 6 in Class 6 Region A, lost a good opportunity for a playoff push when the Bruins fell to Indian River last week. The Hornets have won the past three meetings, outscoring Western Branch 101-0.
Deep Creek 33-20.
Deep Creek 35-27.
Powhatan Field
This game wasn’t originally on the schedule, but when the Norview-Lake Taylor and Granby-Wilson games were canceled due to COVID protocols, both teams had openings. Norview first-year coach Ian Rapanick has a chance to lead the Pilots to a winning record for the first time since 2016. The Pilots are led by QB MarQeese Dietz, who threw for 259 yards and two TDs in a win over Booker T. Washington last week. RB Ahmad Ashby added three touchdowns, including two rushing. Granby is trying to snap a seven-game losing streak dating to 2019.
Norview 27-13. Norview 38-6.
Oscar
Grassfield (2-3) vs. Great Bridge (1-3)
Time: 6:15 p.m.
Site: Great Bridge Middle School Buzz: This game is crucial for Grassfield. The Grizzlies have a rating of 23.0 — fifth in Class 6 Region A, slightly behind No. 4 Ocean Lakes (23.0), which has a bye, for the fourth and final playoff berth. Great Bridge has lost five straight to the Grizzlies.
Grassfield 27-26. Grassfield 21-14.
Todd Stadium
Hampton probably would have been a threat in the Class 4 Region A playoffs, but the loss to Woodside on a long pass in the final six seconds will keep the Crabbers out — a rarity in coach Mike Smith’s 50 seasons. A win will keep Smith from his first career losing season — Hampton was 3-3 in the six games he coached during its 4-6 season in 2018.
Hampton 27-7. 35-6.
Hampton
Gloucester plays for the first time since March 5 and could slip into the playoffs with a win and some help. More likely, the Dukes will happily settle for a two-game unbeaten season, which they will achieve if RB Malakyi Cooke torches the Bruins for anything close to the 240 yards he had in a 59-49 win last season.
Bethel 21-20. 21-20.
Gloucester