Playoff spot on line for Ocean Lakes in Beach clash
The playoffs don’t officially start until the second week of April. But for eighth-ranked Ocean Lakes and No. 12 Green Run, the playoffs begin tonight — for different reasons.
The Stallions’ playoff hopes were dashed when they had to forfeit a 42-0 win over Kempsville due to an ineligible player. They then lost a heartbreaker to Salem 28-27 to fall to 0-2.
Last week, they beat First Colonial 48-0. But with two games left, they are just trying to finish strong.
“It’s unfortunate about the ways things have panned out,” Green Run coach Brandon Williams said. “We definitely want to go into this game and build some momentum off of it. To try and come out on the winning side of it would mean a lot.”
For Ocean Lakes, it’s a must-win game in the Dolphins’ regular-season finale. With only four teams advancing to the region tournament, a loss to Green Run could keep them out.
The Dolphins (3-1) are currently in the fourth spot in Class 6 Region A with a power rating of 24.25. Oscar Smith (3-0, 29.33), Thomas Dale (3-0, 28.66) and Franklin County (3-0, 27.33) lead the region, followed by Ocean Lakes and Grassfield (2-2, 22.25).
“This is the biggest game of the season for us,” Ocean Lakes coach Joe Jones said. “We know we have to win to lock in a playoff spot.”
The Dolphins are led by RB Karvelis Scott (228 yards, 2 TDs), RB Carlton Winston III (119 rushing yards, 2 TDs, 15 receptions, 209 yards) and QB Landon Spell (548 yards, 7 TDs, 0 INTs).
Green Run hasn’t beaten Ocean Lakes since 2007. The Stallions are averaging 40 points a game. The defense, which has posted two shutouts, is led by Jevon Hill (40
tackles, 3 sacks), Tyler Baker (20 tackles), Lauryce Derose (7 tackles for loss) and Florida State signee George Wilson Jr. (6 sacks).
“Regardless of the outcome, we’re going to practice, but we don’t know if we’ll be turning our stuff in or getting ready for the playoffs the following week,” said Jones, whose team has a bye next week. “That’s our motivation. We win, we’re in. If not, a lot of other things have to happen for us to get in.”
Larry Rubama: Green Run 27-26.
Marty O’Brien: Green Run
20-17.
Tonight’s games
All games at 7 p.m. at the home school unless noted.
757Teamz Top 15
No. 1 Oscar Smith (3-0)
at Grassfield (2-2) Time: 6:15 p.m.
Buzz: The Grizzlies bounced back one week after losing to Indian River with a victory over Hickory. They currently sit in the No. 5 spot in Class 6 Region A — only the top four advance to the playoffs this season — with two games remaining. But they face a tough challenge against the Tigers, who are coming off a 51-0 victory over Deep Creek. Oscar Smith, which has never lost to Grassfield, has yet to allow a point this season on defense.
Larry: Oscar Smith 49-0. Marty: Oscar Smith 56-0.
No. 6 Princess Anne (3-1) vs. Bayside (3-1)
Site: First Colonial High
Buzz: This is a huge game with major playoff implications for both teams. In the latest Virginia High School League rankings, Princess Anne is No. 4 while Bayside is No. 7 in Class 5 Region A. The Cavaliers are led by QB Ryan High, who has thrown for 895 yards and seven touchdowns. Defensively, Hunter Sherman, Jayden Truesdale and James Smith combined for 20 tackles last week. Bayside is led by QB Aeron Williams (219 rushing yards, 324 passing yards, 9 TDs), WR Tajon Reese (10 receptions, 171 yards, 3 TDs) and LB Damien Rodriguez-Kirkland (25 tackles, 2 INTs).
Larry: Princess Anne 26-24. Marty: Princess Anne 23-13. New Kent (3-1) vs.
No. 7 Lafayette (3-0)
Site: Wanner Stadium
Buzz: A debatable officiating call in New Kent’s 13-7 loss to Warhill aside, this could be a battle of unbeaten teams. It will be interesting to watch, too, because both are nicely balanced between the pass and run. Lafayette is getting 150 yards passing per game from QB Luke Hanson.
Larry: Lafayette 34-0.
Marty: Lafayette 35-7.
Hickory (0-4) vs.
No. 10 Deep Creek (3-1)
Time: 6:15 p.m.
Site: Deep Creek Middle
Buzz: The Hornets, ranked No. 3 in Class 5 Region A, look to get back on track after losing to Oscar Smith last week.
Larry: Deep Creek 33-13. Marty: Deep Creek 38-0.
No. 13 Cox (3-0) at Kellam (0-3)
Buzz: Cox finally returns to the field for the first time since March 5. The Falcons and Salem are tied for the top spot in Class 5 Region A. Cox QB Dylan Hauser has thrown for 181 yards and four TDs and rushed for 114 yards and two scores, and George Ballance has 23 tackles. The Knights, who lost to Princess Anne in overtime, are led by Jarrell Harrison (125 yards, 2 TDs, 7 tackles, 2 INTs last week) and LB Kemari Copeland, who has had double-digit tackles in every game this season.
Larry: Cox 27-20.
Marty: Kellam 13-12.
No. 15 Nansemond River (1-0) at King’s Fork (1-0)
Time: 6 p.m.
Buzz: The Warriors beat Lakeland 52-0 in their season opener as they held the Cavaliers to just 68 total yards. The Bulldogs beat Lakeland the previous week 42-6. Larry: Nansemond River 34-33. Marty: Nansemond River 28-20.
Eastern District
Norview (2-2) at
Booker T. Washington (1-2)
Buzz: The Pilots are trying to bounce back after a loss to Maury last week. The Bookers earned their first win of the season — and the first for coach William “Stone” Robertson — with a victory over Wilson. They were led by RB Rodney Hammond, who rushed for 305 yards and four touchdowns.
Larry: Booker T. Washington
33-27.
Marty: Norview 13-6.
Norcom (1-3) vs. Granby (0-3) Site: Powhatan Field
Buzz: The Greyhounds look to snap a three-game losing streak. They are led by QB Shyhiem Cannon (300 total yards, 2 TDs), RB Darian King (416 yards, 1 TD), FS Jaden Ratliff (23 tackles) and LB Johntae Triplett (21 tackles). Larry: Norcom 33-20.
Marty: Norcom 41-14.
Southeastern District
Western Branch (2-2) at Indian River (2-2)
Time: 6:15 p.m.
Buzz: The Bruins, who upset Grassfield two weeks ago, had a bye last week. The Braves come in riding a two-game winning streak and have won the past three meetings against Western Branch. Larry: Western Branch 27-26. Marty: Indian River 14-10.
Peninsula District
No. 14 Woodside (1-1) vs. Heritage (0-3)
Site: Todd Stadium
Buzz: Woodside enters on a high, having beaten Hampton 13-12 on Tayvon Taylor’s 25-yard touchdown pass to Darrio Cobb with 6 seconds remaining. Heritage is employing lots of young players, which hopefully bodes well for the future.
Larry: Woodside 34-6.
Marty: Woodside 42-0.
Bay Rivers District
Poquoson (1-2) vs.
No. 10 Grafton (0-4)
Site: Bailey Field
Buzz: Bedeviled by injuries, Poquoson — with only a forfeit win over Bruton — will be motivated because its Class 2 playoff hopes likely evaporate with a loss. Grafton has played well for lengthy stretches in three of its four losses and won’t be a pushover.
Larry: Poquoson 23-21.
Marty: Poquoson 20-14. Jamestown (1-3) at Bruton (0-2)
Buzz: Bruton played Warhill competitively before fading in the second half, in part because of injuries that have sidelined the Panthers. Under new coach Thad Wheeler, Jamestown has played more physically and aggressively than in years.
Larry: Jamestown 27-20. Marty: Jamestown 40-7.
How they fared
Marty O’Brien: 18-2 last week, 57-13 (81.4%)
Larry Rubama: 18-2 last week, 57-13 (81.4%)