‘Stepping stone in history’
Maury QB Newkirk shines as 1st-year starter, hopes for more in ’24
NORFOLK — All-state voting meetings sometimes can be contentious, which is why Maury football coach Dyrri McCain was prepared to argue his case for Class 5 Player of the Year.
But to his surprise he didn’t have to say much about his choice, junior quarterback Au’Tori Newkirk.
“The coaches all came to a common agreement that he was the player of the year, and it wasn’t even close,” McCain said.
“I thought I would have to, but the fact that they recognized that and I didn’t have to speak on him is only a credit to the work that he’s put in. It was a good thing to see that I didn’t even need to press it, and that everybody else kind of spoke on him on his behalf and I didn’t have to do it.”
There also wasn’t much discussion about the best player in Hampton Roads either: Newkirk also was an easy choice as the 2023 Abe Goldblatt All-Tidewater
Football Player of the Year.
“He’s the perfect example of putting in the time and putting in the work to get what he’s deserved,” McCain said about Newkirk, who played on the junior varsity last season. “I think it’s a testament to who he is and the work that he’s put in to get where he’s at.”
After every game this season, including the state championship, Newkirk was never one to show much emotion. But when he learned he was this year’s recipient, he jumped around, covering his mouth, and celebrated with his coach with a special handshake.
“It’s a stepping stone in history, that’s how I think about it,” said Newkirk, who is 6-foot-2 and 185 pounds. “A lot of people can’t say that. Now it’s a steppingstone for more to come.”
Newkirk and McCain, not surprisingly, want to raise the bar higher for next season, which is almost unthinkable considering what he did this season.
As a first-year starter, he led the Commodores to a 15-0 record, including regular-season victories over nationally ranked Highland Springs and perennial state power Dinwiddie. He topped it off with a victory over Stone Bridge in the Class 5 state title game. In that game he completed 10 of 13 passes for 287 yards and four touchdowns, and also rushed for 54 yards and two more scores.
Newkirk finished the season 175 of 256 passing for 3,670 yards and 44 touchdowns, with just five interceptions. His yards rank second on the all-time single-season South Hampton Roads list. His touchdown total is fourth.