As expected, we didn't see anywhere near the massacre we witnessed at Buffalo Gap earlier this season, but once again Riverheads only needed five innings to roll past the Bison 10-0. Adding the two scores together, the Big Red outscored their county rivals 32-0 this year, and although my stats are unofficial, I believe that tonight's starting (winning) pitcher, Ethan Fitzgerald, tossed a no-hitter. If so, that would be a nice complement to Brody Phillips' perfect game the first time the teams met.

There was one play tonight that could have been ruled a hit but I think the official call was an error and If so, Fitzgerald may have indeed gotten the no-fer. On another play, the Gap was robbed of a hit when second baseman Levi Dunlap hustled back onto the grass in short right field and hauled in a circus catch to deny the Bison batter on that occasion.

Meanwhile Riverheads scored all they would need in the bottom of the first as they loaded the bases with nobody out. Bison starter Kasey Fitzgerald struck out the next batter, but walked the next two to give RHS its first two runs. They would score one more that inning and added single tallies in the second and third to grab an early 5-0 advantage. After a scoreless fourth inning, RHS loaded the sacks again to begin the fifth, and ultimately doubled the score against the fourth Bison hurler of the game to accomplish the run-rule victory.

To Buffalo Gap's credit, their fielding was more efficient tonight as they had literally booted, bobbled, and tossed the ball all over the field in the first encounter. So there was definite improvement but the Gladiators just got the key hits they needed tonight to get the job done.

Riverheads will now wrap up the regular season Wednesday, weather-permitting, when they travel to Staunton. The forecast looks iffy to say the least, but if that one should be rained out, my understanding is that there is plenty of time left before regional play begins to make up any and all needed games. Speaking of regionals, my sources tell me that the Gladiators will be on solid ground to host a Region 2-B first round game, but apparently that will not be until Memorial Day or thereabouts.

While the Big Red boys were taking care of business tonight, the much more competitive game was happening next door. The Lady Gladiators took an early 5-2 lead and were still ahead 5-4 entering the seventh. But the Lady Bison uncorked a three-run homer as part of a never-ending final at-bat, as they stormed back for an 8-5 victory.

That win avenged an earlier home loss to the Big Red and if memory serves, that game followed almost the same script as tonight's. Word in the stands is that both teams are solidly in their playoffs. Riverheads had been on a tear prior to tonight, and should therefore be secure, whereas the Lady Bison may be in contention for the number one seed in Region 1-B but that of course is unofficial.

Anyway, it was a nice evening for Senior Night with the boys celebrating successfully but the girls falling short. Speaking of those seniors, best wishes for Saturday's upcoming graduation ceremonies and for that matter, best of luck to ALL the area graduates.

A strong pitching performance by Daniel Burton. A CG shutout with 11Ks and just 3 hits allowed. These same two teams meet again on Wednesday. KW moves to 13-1 on the season

BENNIES #1

BENNIES #1

BENNIES #1

BENNIES #1

BENNIES #1

Saint Michael The Archangel Catholic High School won the inaugural Phillip Sims Battle at the Beach 7-on-7 tournament by defeating Granby High School in the championship game. The Warriors went a perfect 7-0 to claim the title. They defeated LC Bird in the quarterfinals then defeated Huguenot in the semi-finals to win their bracket.


Rising senior Max Gardner was selected MVP from Saint Michael the Archangel. The Warriors had several players who could have taken home MVP honors. Quarterback Nahshon Wilson, defensive back Remington Moss (Wisconsin commit) and receiver Matt Holland could have been selected MVP as well.



Granby reach the title game by defeating Nansemond River in their bracket semi-finals. All-Tidewater selection Eamon Cuffee was selected MVP for the Comets.

The Battle of the Bay featured 20 teams primarily from the Hampton Roads area and Richmond area schools. Some of the high profiled prospects at the camp were Remington Moss, University of Southern California (USC) commit Harry Dalton, Norcom athlete Matthew Outten, and Rivals 4-star athlete Messiah Delhomme from Warwick,

Rising senior Nahshon Wilson (6-foot-2, 190) led St Michael's to the Battle of the Beach champonship with a in over Granby in the title game. Wilson was great tossing deep completions with pinpoint accuracy. The Warriors gameplan appeared to be score with the deep ball on every play and Wilson delivered. Wilson has always shown the athleticism to escape pass rushes and he had several games rushing for over 100 yards. Now his passing skillset should result in more D1 interests. He has offers from Akron and Howard but I believe he is on the cusp of receiving more offers.

Jason Wright was a standout among the quarterbacks at the Battle of the Beach 7-on-7 tournament. Wright was poised going thru his reads and the rising senior delivered the ball with precision. Wright has a quick release and has the arm strength to deliver the deep ball. Wright has offers from Old Dominion, William & Mary, Norfolk State, Elon and Howard among others. Wright was selected for the Invitation only Rivals Camp in Indianapolis.

Huguenot rising freshman Charles Scott Jr. should open a corner passing stand and charge people to see hom throw the football. Watching Scott pass the football is mesmerizing and I'm amazrd at how he threads the ball while making all the throws. He already has seven offers before entering High School as freshman including an offer from Syracuse and SMU. Scott will be a big-time recruit.

Manchester rising senior Landen Abernathy made an impression with his confidence and quick release. During the game I watched, Abernathy went thru his progressions and completed in the middle, on the outside and to the post. However, he never seemed nervous and didn't rush any throws like I saw with some other quarterbacks. Abernathy has offers from Charlotte, East Carolina, Appalachian State and Old Dominion. He is also very satisfied with his current Rivals photo as he has declined my request to update.

Summer ball is here! Who are we looking out for this year?

The lineman had their own session at the Phillip Sims Battle of the Beach 7-on-7 tournament with local coaches providing pointers and showing technique then ending in head-to-head matchups. Not all teams had lineman but the ones that did had some talent in action.

All the coaches were in agreement that rising junior Corey Sanderlin was the Top Performer for the day. Sanderlin had the Pancake of the day and dominated both the Offensive and Defensive sides of the ball. Sanderlin 6-foot-0, 290) blocked one player so far off the quarterback pylon that he almost blocked him into me. Sanderlin plyed at Maury last year where he made 1st team All-State and All-Tidewater.

Warwick rising junior Christian Corbin (6-foot-2, 285) was one of the top performers I saw during the lineman matchups with his burst to the quarterback python. Corbin has multiple D1 offers including Maryland, ODU, Wake Forest, Charlotte and Liberty University

Churchland lineman Anton Chavis (6-foot-2, 290) was identified for his blocking and winning his head-to-head reps. Chavis says he will play guard for the Truckers in 2024. He doesn’t have any offers but is receiving interests.

Granby rising senior Armaud West (6-foot-2, 268) was selected as one of the better offensive lineman while his teammate Javea Trotter (6-foot-0, 240) was recognized on the defensive side. Incoming freshman Jeremiah Cook (6-foot-0, 225) was recognized as an edge rusher and someone to keep an eye on.

Princess Anne had two lineman identified; both rising juniors. Ashton Smith (6-foot-3, 240) and Trevion Leech (6-foot-1, 270) lead the Cavaliers offensive line.