Was named AD in Poquoson! One of my favorite posters on here. Always have kept it business and about the kids. Did great things at Lake Taylor and Churchland. Congrats Coach!

Virginia lost one of its coaching icons last Friday with the passing of Paul Hatcher, a man that won more games than anyone else in VHSL Boys Basketball history. Hubert F. Grim III had an up close, view and shares this story with a personal touch on the late great Hatcher here on VaPreps.

Commentary: Remembering Coaching Great Paul Hatcher

Virginia lost one of its coaching icons last Friday with the passing of Paul Hatcher, a man that won more games than anyone else in VHSL Boys Basketball history. Hubert F. Grim III had an up close, view and shares this story with a personal touch on the late great Hatcher here on VaPreps.
https://www.facebook.com/matthew.hatfield.5/#
Commentary: Remembering Coaching Great Paul Hatcher

MBK wins their first game under Coach Rudd handily.

As reviewed over the weekend the seven Shenandoah District teams suffered through a dismal 1-6 opening week of action, so for the upcoming Labor Day weekend, there is no way to go but up, since I sure as heck HOPE they don't go 0-7 this time! The most interesting thing about this weekend's slate of games is the longggg distances that will be traveled. On Friday night, Stuarts Draft will motor all the way down to Surry County and then on Saturday Riverheads will make its second visit to Tazewell. Each of those are in the 150-200 mile range.

Here is the full slate of games as I try to better my not-very-impressive 3-4 mark of last week........

LURAY AT BUFFALO GAP: Oh great, just what I needed........a toss-up right off the bat. Each team lost last weekend so at least someone will get their first win of the season. These two of course know each other all too well, having been in the same district in the past. I also get the idea that they don't like each other very much. Since there is virtually nothing for me to go on to predict this one, i will be loyal to the local team and go with the Bison on this one.

FORT DEFIANCE AT ALLEGHANY: Another one that is not that easy to predict.........Alleghany rolled all over Waynesboro last week but as we know the Giants are suffering these days. Fort stayed with TA for a while before the Knights wore them down. My gut tells me that Fort can and perhaps should win this one, but for some reason, I expect Alleghany to pull out a late win.

RIVERHEADS AT TAZEWELL: Remember this one is a Saturday afternoon game. This will be their fourth meeting and the Big Red's second trip down into deep Southwest Virginia. Riverheads has won the first three and on paper would appear to be the favorite to make it four in a row. In their visit two years ago, the Gladiators put over 50 on the home team. Due to the unknown status of some injured Gladiators, that point total is not likely to be achieved this time, but the Big Red should still pull this one out. It may help that this is (I believe) Tazewell's season-opener, so they may fall victim to some opening-game jitters. So I will go with the Red team by two-three scores.

STAUNTON AT ROCKBRIDGE COUNTY: The Storm was one of four Shenandoah teams that fell by just a single point last week, as they lost 15-14 at Madison. Meanwhile, it what sounds like the shocker of the week, RCHS was pounded 55-14 at rival Parry McCluer. I have a hard time believing the Blues are THAT good, so it must be a case of Rockbridge being that bad. For that reason I will go with the Storm to storm back up 81 celebrating their first victory of the season.

STUARTS DRAFT AT SURRY COUNTY: I would certainly assume this is the first-ever meeting for these two, as Stuarts Draft had some genuine scheduling troubles this year. In fact if I am not mistaken, they still have an open date they would like to fill. I think of Surry as a basketball school, and SD gave King William all it could handle Friday, so unless they suffer from bus lag, the Cougars should take this one, and maybe by a wide margin.

MONTICELLO AT WAYNESBORO: As mentioned above, it is looking like the Giants will struggle again this year. However I don't think Monticello is a powerhouse either, so with some breaks Waynesboro "might" pull this one out. But keeping it real, I have to go with the visitors until Waynesboro can prove to us that they are ready to step up their game.

TURNER ASHBY AT WILSON: I did not intentionally put this one last as I am simply going alphabetically, but by coincidence, this really IS the game of the week for Shenandoah District teams. Wilson shocked everyone last week with a 41 point first quarter, which led to a 55-8 rout over Charlottesville. TA meanwhile had some early trouble with Fort Defiance but pulled away to win 51-22. So the big question will be "Is Wilson the real deal or was Charlottesville just plain awful as opposed to being regular bad?" Since TA is still considered the Valley District favorite, I am going to challenge the Hornets to show us just how good they really are, so I will officially say that TA brings them back down to earth. But Wilson............you got our attention last week, so a win in this one will definitely put you in the contender category.

So there you have it. Some risky picks for sure, especially since I am only predicting one victory for a home team. But let's face it, these have been two tough weeks to analyze, and we may have another one or two before we really find out who is who this season.

TD Dinwiddie 7-0. 11:00 to go in the first quarter.

The first full Friday night of Virginia High School Football action for 2023 is here. Fans have had this date circled since State Championship Saturday wrapped up last December.

We have some Tidewater Predictions already up on the site here for free this week. That includes some highlight games on Friday and Saturday with Indian River hosting Varina as well as Lake Taylor hosting Camden of New Jersey, respectively.

There are 20 other that make 'Matt's Must-See Matchups,' to kick us off with some quick-hitter thoughts on each...

Must-See Matchups for Week 1:

Friday 8/25/23...

Highland Springs at Miramar (FL) - The Springers go take on Loren Johnson's alma mater in the Sunshine State to begin a very rigorous schedule. Miramar won its opener 21-0 and Indiana commit Shamar Meikle off the edge is a handful. But Highland Springs has the type of speed, athleticism and seasoned QB in Maryland commit Khristian Martin to win a battle away from against a national-caliber opponent. Just look back at their 26-20 comeback triumph over Julius Chambers of North Carolina last year in Charlotte as evidence.

Hatfield Says - Highland Springs 30-22


Lord Botetourt at E.C. Glass - The Hilltoppers doubled up Botetourt 28-14 a season ago. New Head Coach Jamar Lovelace is breaking in a new starting QB and they also have to find a go-to receiver with Vari Gilbert graduating. Meanwhile, Botetourt is strong and massive up front, as usual, with Kesean Anderson, D.J. Toliver and a crew of others. They should keep their dual-threat QB Jakari Nicely upright and allow him the room to scoot free for big gainers in what may be a squeaker.

Hat Says - Lord Botetourt 28-27


Madison at Stone Bridge - Remember, Mickey Thompson's Bulldogs needed a field goal at the end to edge Madison, 17-16, in the 2022 opener. Some hellacious battles away his Stone Bridge team with Maryland powers Quince Orchard and Good Counsel on the schedule in mid-September. They need a strong start and more convincing win in this meeting to get tuned up for those forthcoming. Big nights from senior backs Jordan Kasier and Troy Marquez figure to be in store.

Hat Says - Stone Bridge 35-14


Westfield at Patriot - Keep an eye on Westfield QB Matthew Jenks and Patriot RB Jackson McCarter. These two could put on a show in this one. A possible x-factor is Bulldogs 2025 WR Connor Morin, younger brother of former Westfield star and Wake Forest wideout Taylor Morin.

Hat Says - Patriot 24-16


Liberty Christian at Salem - Two of the state's best running backs square off in this one as Clemson commit Gideon Davidson, a junior, leads LCA on the road against a Salem chock full of speed, highlighted by Tennessee commit Peyton Lewis. There are some questions about Salem's line, whereas LCA is not as deep. The total team speed for the Spartans along with the presence of linebacker Chris Cole, one of the country's best, can certainly be enough to swing it in the favoer of the home team in a game where there are sure to be some big plays produced, likely from each side.

Hat Says - Salem 40-26


Patrick Henry-Roanoke at Brookville - It was Brookville prevailing in last year's matchup, 35-27. Of course, the Bees have some major components to replace and the matchup to watch in this one will be their running game, keyed by William & Mary commit Jor'dyn Whitelaw, against the Patriots defense that is led by Notre Dame commit Bodie Kahoun at linebacker.

Hat Says - PH-Roanoke 27-26


Massaponax at Independence - Curious to see how the Independence defense, led by All-State linebacker Jackson Thorne, slows down a Massaponax triple-option ground game that is usually on point. The Panthers will lean Donavan 'D.J.' Phillips (803 yards, 8 TD's rushing) to churn their rushing attack. First to 30 probably takes this one.

Hat Says - Independence 34-30


Briar Woods at John Champe - This has the makings to be a track meet with Brady Carmical leading a Briar Woods passing game that can operate quick with precision, while John Champe's receiving tandem of Delaware commit Greg Spiller and Cam Petrey are deadly. Champe is breaking in a new starting QB, though. Mike Burnett's Falcons might have a bit more of a well-rounded attack to win a shoot-out.

Hat Says - Briar Woods 38-33


Dinwiddie at GW-Danville - The reigning Class 4 State Champion Generals, led by dual-threat QB Harry Dalton, want to rid themselves of the taste of a loss in the opener to Glenville of Ohio by a 36-13 count. To do so, it'll be up to the defense to slow down Eagles speedster and BC commit Kemori Dixon, who can run it and catch it with the best of them.

Hat Says - Dinwiddie 42-12


Brentsville District at Sherando - The Tigers feel like they are on a mission behind reigning Region 3B Players of the Year Caleb Alexander at QB and Langston White, a William & Mary commit, at LB. Sherando is no pushover, but this is one that Brentsville should take as long as they execute, don't fall behind or turn it over a bunch.

Hat Says - Brentsville 27-17


Staunton River at Magna Vista - We'll find out quickly if I was crazy to rank Joe Favero's Warriors No. 1 in the state at the Class 3 level with 18 full or part-time starters back, nine on each side of the ball. J.J. Spriggs, a 1500-yard rusher, is one of those major contributors. Staunton River says what about us? They actually eliminated Magna Vista from the opening round of the Region 3D playoffs, 35-21, last November.

Hat Says - Magna Vista 30-20


King William at Stuarts Draft - There are only about five seniors on the roster for the Cougars of Stuarts Draft, who will need production from junior QB Landon Graber to go far in Region 2B this year. Plenty think they will. King William has a very tough schedule out of the gate and this is a tough test on the road for Scott Moore's Cavaliers.

Hat Says - Stuarts Draft 20-14


Riverheads at Central-Woodstock - Who's not excited for this one? You get the Gladiators, who dominated at the Class 1 level, moving up and hitting the road to take on a Central-Woodstock team that brings back 1200-yard rusher Tyler Forbes and leading tackler Nathan Lopez (180 stops, 12 sacks last year). Can they slow Cayden Cook-Cash? Don't rule out the team with the best last winning this game. Or these two meeting again on Thanksgiving weekend for the Region 2B crown in a re-match.

Hat Says - Central-Woodstock 21-18


George Wythe at Radford - Two All-State quarterbacks square off with Laden Clark of the Bobcats from Radford and Tandom Smith for the Maroons of George Wythe. Edge probably goes to the larger class school in Radford on its home surface.

Hat Says - Radford 24-16


Graham at Bluefield (WV) - To say that Tony Palmer's G-Men are oozing with confidence would be an understatement. They're strong up front, bring back a lot on defense and have the reigning Class 2 State Offensive Player of the Year still carrying the football in Ty'Drez Clements. They will likely need each and every one of them to contribute to take down their neighboring rival from West Virginia yet again, this time on the road.

Hat Says - Graham 35-21


Essex at Sussex Central - I have no Earthly idea what to expect in this one with Essex welcoming backing just three starters, all of which are on defense, and putting in a new starting QB who played center previously. Meanwhile, the status of one of the studs for Sussex - Anthony Cropper - seems doubtful after he sustained an injury earlier this summer. Sussex seems to be more seasoned, but Essex has had their number lately, winning five straight in the series. Perhaps the Tigers are finally due. The last Sussex win over Essex was 8-0 in 2017. We may see these two hook up again in December in the State Semis.

Hat Says - Sussex Central 15-13


Westmoreland at West Point - These are two sneaky teams at the Class 1 level that just missed out on our Preseason Top 10, but something tells me one, if not both, will make their way in it by September. Westmoreland sophomore Jaylen Burrell is blowing up as he not only has a Charlotte offer, but just added one recently from South Carolina in the SEC. If West Point can run the ball well and stop him, upper hand to them at home. Otherwise, Westmoreland probably poses a pinch more big-play potential.

Hat Says - Westmoreland 21-14


Galax at Glenvar - Coach Kevin Clifford really likes this Highlanders team, led by 6'4" sophomore QB Brody Dawyot and throwback linebacker Jack Camper. Galax welcomes back a 2000-yard rusher in Tedruhn Tucker. This has the makings to be a down to the wire battle.

Hat Says - Glenvar 27-19


Saturday 8/26/23:

Freedom-Woodbridge at Coolidge, D.C. - Coach Darryl Overton's Eagles bring back back a wealth of speed, talent and experience, headed up by QB Tristan Evans, RB Jeff Overton Jr., Indiana commit Kam Courtney and Wake Forest pledge Elijah 'E.J.' Reid. Unless the Eagles turn it over and have breakdowns defensively, it feels like pretty much any game they take the field it should be theirs to win right now. That is until someone comes up with a defensive formula to slow down a team that set the VHSL record for points in a season last year.

Hat Says - Freedom 44-20

Ah yes, the 2023 Virginia High School Football season begins tonight – Thursday, August 24, 2023 – with a partial slate of games of about 30 involving teams from around the Commonwealth.
There are a good six or seven from the Hampton Roads area, where we are back for another year with our Tidewater Predictions battle featuring yours truly, Matthew Hatfield, and my longtime radio now turned Podcast partner, Coach Ed Young.

If you missed the news about our Podcast with the great folks at the Virginia Beach Sportsplex and Hometown Sports Productions, watch our Debut Show here. You can also check out our 2023 VA Football Preview Show here.

Before we jump to this week’s Picks, let’s review the 2022 final tally, shall we?

High School Football Predictions Battle: The 2022 Regular Season Totals:
Matthew Hatfield – 318-58 total (84.6%)
Matthew Hatfield – 217-31 on games with Tidewater teams (87.5%)
Coach Ed Young – 216-39 total (84.7%)
Coach Ed Young – 211-37 on games with Tidewater teams (85.1%)

Thursday's Action for 8/24/23:​

Can Kempsville come up with the answers defensively to slow down the Green Run receiving core, led by Virginia Tech recruit Keylen 'Brodie' Adams? (Matthew Hatfield, VirginiaPreps.com)

Green Run at Kempsville . . . The Chiefs are at home in this series for the first time since 2019, believe it or not, as the past five meetings, two coming in the Region 5A Championship, have been on Dahlia Drive at Green Run. Throwing out a forfeit win from the 2020-21 abbreviated COVID school-year, Green Run has won 12 consecutive meetings on the field between these two teams with the last triumph on the field over the Stallions for the Chiefs coming by a 7-6 margin in 2012. In last year’s season opener, it was Eastern Michigan commit Caleb Turner icing the 27-14 victory for Green Run with a pick-six.
In last November’s region title game, Green Run wasted no time striking with a 65-yard touchdown pass to Tasean Young-Stieff on the first play from scrimmage. Kempsville answered with an 80-yard kickoff return for a touchdown on the ensuing play, but the Stallions scored the next 43 points in a 50-8 romp.

Young-Stieff, Virginia Tech four-star recruit Keylen ‘Brodie’ Adams (97 catches for 2073 yards, 32 TD's the last two seasons) and Jayden Anderson headline a dazzling Green Run receiving core that will test the Kempsville secondary, led by Marshall commit Ryley McIntosh and fellow senior Darius Johnson. Keep an eye on the talent in the trenches, too. Green Run’s o-line is bolstered by 6’6” sophomore tackle Thomas Wilder, while Kempsville has 6’5” tackle and JMU commit Deacon Rawls.

Matt Hatfield Says – Green Run 41-20
Coach Ed Young Says – Green Run 30-18


Bayside at Salem-VB . . . Each team had a kickoff return for a touchdown in last year’s 15-8 win by Salem. This one could come down to what kind of pressure the Bayside defensive front can generate on Sun Devils QB Jason ‘Scooter’ Williams, who threw for 1706 yards and 17 TD’s as a sophomore. The Marlins have dropped three straight in this series after winning three in a row from 2016-18.

Matt Hatfield Says – Salem-VB 31-15
Coach Ed Young Says – Salem-VB 24-14


Princess Anne at Cox . . . Two coaches make their debut at the helm with longtime assistant Tyler Noe elevated to the lead chair at Cox, while former Oscar Smith record-setting QB Phillip Sims takes over at Princess Anne. Given that the Falcons have won 15 of the last 16 meetings dating back to 2002 and will go to battle with best prospect on the field defensive lineman Gerard Johnson (19 tackles for loss, 6 sacks last year), a Virginia Tech commit, it’ll probably be Noe happier after game one.

Matt Hatfield Says – Cox 28-7
Coach Ed Young Says – Princess Anne 18-17


Kellam at First Colonial . . . It’s the debut as Head Coach for Lemort Smith at First Colonial, which hasn’t beaten Kellam since 2011. While the Knights have won ten straight in this series, it’s not a foregone conclusion they make it 11, given the inexperience in some key spots. Kellam is starting nine sophomores, but a large offensive line – headed by Greece native Thomas Katopodis (6’9” 310 pounds) – will help their cause.

Matt Hatfield Says – Kellam 17-10
Coach Ed Young Says – Kellam 16-8




Isaiah Lovgren and the Landstown Eagles look to get off to a good start at Ocean Lakes (Matthew Hatfield, VirginiaPreps.com)


Landstown at Ocean Lakes . . . A trendy surprise pick in the Beach District is Landstown in year two under veteran Head Coach Robert Jackson, the man with more playoff wins from the city than anyone. Senior DE Avir Johnson can get after the quarterback, and best of all for Jackson’s returning starting QB in junior Zack Ruello, the entire starting offensive line from 2022 is intact.

Matt Hatfield Says – Landstown 24-3
Coach Ed Young Says – Landstown 34-6


Menchville at Western Branch . . . The Bruins faithful are hopeful they shook off the cobwebs from a less than stellar preseason scrimmage at Norcom where turnovers seemed to derail scoring opportunities. Yet, Menchville is breaking in a new starting QB after Ksaan Farrar transferred to Green Run in the off-season, so the Monarchs will have to be opportunistic on defense and run the ball effectively to make the reigning Region 6A Champs start 0-1. Menchville also has to be able to contain speedy Bruins WR Devin Cook, a Wake Forest commit, on the outside.

Matt Hatfield Says – Western Branch 23-7
Coach Ed Young Says – Western Branch 24-14

Spotsylvania at Lafayette . . . Moving the ball and scoring points should not be a problem for Andy Linn’s Rams of Lafayette. They have a host of backs to go with QB Hayden Oleksy to put up over 34 points per game for a 13th consecutive season. Spotsylvania enters with a three-year starting quarterback returning in Mason Christopher and some capable options around him at the skill positions with FB Jefferson Paz, RB/WR Johned Benton and TE Ethan Mathena. Where this looks to be a daunting task is the Knights have an inexperienced offensive line, which will get tested by an aggressive Rams front.

Matt Hatfield Says – Lafayette 42-8
Coach Ed Young Says – Lafayette 40-0

Friday's Action for 8/25/23:​

Jordan Harris of Indian River can be a game-changer as the Braves host Richmond area power Varina, looking to start 1-0 (Matthew Hatfield, VirginiaPreps.com)

Varina at Indian River . . . Since 1970, Varina has won 39 of its 53 season openers. They head to Chesapeake to take on an Indian River team that will look to put fierce pressure on new Blue Devils starting QB Linwood Johnson with DE/OLB Jordan Harris, one of the premier pass rushers in the Southeastern District who had 26 tackles for loss, nine sacks and four forced fumbles as a junior.
Ball security is critical for Johnson because the Braves have three other defenders in CB Deontae Shedrick, DB Trey Voskayan and LB Kamil Mason that combined for 13 interceptions a season ago. Varina wants to generate big plays from the slot spots with Liberty commit Eric Smith, Jordan Edwards and sophomore sensation Da’Mari Carter.

Indian River has to be able to sustain drives and finish third down situations as well as red zone opportunities behind QB Tyler Allison, a four-year starter. The Blue Devils bring back seven starters on defense, and although there isn’t one scary lineman, linebacker or defensive back that can wreck the whole game, it’s an athletic, fast and aggressive group that will test the Braves on their home field.

Matt Hatfield Says – Varina 24-17
Coach Ed Young Says – Varina 22-20


Oscar Smith at Hermitage . . . It remains to be seen who Oscar Smith goes with at quarterback, using a trio of senior Jamar Wright, junior Owen Kelly and freshman Lonnie Andrews III all pretty evenly. Hermitage breaks in a new starting QB themselves in sophomore Ben Yeanay, so with that in mind, this has the makings to be a lower-scoring, defensive battle. One of the matchups to watch is Hermitage DB Andre Clarke Jr., regarded as one of the best in the Class of 2026, checking some of the dynamic Smith receivers, such as Tray Jones, Jaden Dabbs and fellow 2026 D-1 prospect Travis Johnson.

Matt Hatfield Says – Oscar Smith 22-7
Coach Ed Young Says – Oscar Smith 24-6


Warwick at Grassfield . . . The Grizzlies are looking for better results than what 2022 brought, which was a 1-9 mark in the first season with Joe Jones at the helm. To spring an upset, establishing a consistent ground attack with senior Khamari Wilson and junior Willie Moore would take a lot of pressure off the passing game as well as the defense, which will be chasing a bevy of talented playmakers from a Raiders offense that led them to their first regional title in 32 years. Junior do-it-all athlete Messiah Delhomme (1252 all-purpose yards and 17 TD’s total as a sophomore) is one who can take a simple hand-off or hitch and turn it into an 80-yard TD for Corey Hairston’s bunch from Warwick.

Matt Hatfield Says – Warwick 48-16
Coach Ed Young Says – Warwick 40-6



Christian Post leads a Granby attack that hopes to make noise in the early going of 2023, beginning with a home tilt against Denbigh (Matthew Hatfield, VirginiaPreps.com)

Denbigh at Granby . . . It’s the coaching debut of Newport News legend and veteran Tommy Reamon at Denbigh, which will usher in a talented freshman QB by the name of Kevin Parker Jr. that will have a chance to turn some heads in the Peninsula District this year. Granby raised some eyebrows with its skill position talent during the Kellam 7 on 7 Passing League in the late spring and early summer, so new Head Coach Kendal Jefferson is not hurting for athletes. Getting senior QB Christian Post to be steady delivering the ball will be crucial.

Matt Hatfield Says – Granby 28-12
Coach Ed Young Says – Granby 14-7


Grafton at Norcom . . . The Clippers of Grafton, under co-Head Coaches Max Bolton and Creighton Incorminias, will head to Portsmouth with a pair of running backs that hit over 1000 yards a season ago with Colton Sandiford (1113Yds. 10 TD’s) and Atlantic Shores transfer Emmanuel Williams. Question is can they run it on Norcom and simultaneously contain the Greyhounds perimeter pieces? Junior WR Matthew Outten looks primed for a big year catching for the football for Norcom.

Matt Hatfield Says – Norcom 33-9
Coach Ed Young Says – Norcom 28-8


Petersburg at Booker T. Washington . . . Even though Petersburg brings back QB Stanley Green, who threw for 1046 yards and nine touchdowns over nine games as a freshman, the Crimson Wave welcome back just a total three starters on offense and two defensively. That’s not a recipe for beating Booker T. Washington in Norfolk. The Bookers added a significant player to its secondary in Woodside transfer Makai Frisby, who has 13 career interceptions.

Matt Hatfield Says – Booker T. Washington 26-10
Coach Ed Young Says – Booker T. Washington 24-14


Bethel at Nansemond River . . . The Bruins boast one of the area’s more electrifying return men and speedsters in Victor Romain Jr. Problem is can the Bethel offensive line block a Nansemond River defensive front that will be coming fast and furious, led by JMU commit Immanuel Ezeogu? Nansemond River believes it the offense will have quick-strike capabilities behind dual-threat QB Alkendric Overton, a constant factor with his arm and legs.

Matt Hatfield Says – Nansemond River 34-8
Coach Ed Young Says – Nansemond River 38-6


Smithfield at Norview . . . What’s in store for year two at the helm of Smithfield for Tracey Parker? He’s hoping an improved defense after surrendering 30.8 points per game on their way to seven-game losing skid to close out 2022. There are only five seniors on the roster for Herb Lawrence in his second season at Norview, so underclassmen will have to grow up quickly and deliver.

Matt Hatfield Says – Norview 28-19
Coach Ed Young Says – Smithfield 20-18


Gloucester at Kecoughtan . . . After going just 2-15 the past 17 games, the Dukes have a new Head Coach in Noah Crouch. He can be comforted by the fact that his current Gloucester team doesn’t have to block David Anderson, a former Kecoughtan standout who’s now at Duke. Yet, the Warriors return more talent from an 8-4 team than what Gloucester boasts for a surprise to occur. Expect Kecoughtan to move to 27-6 in the all-time series.

Matt Hatfield Says – Kecoughtan 40-14
Coach Ed Young Says – Kecoughtan 32-12


Hampton at Woodside . . . The Wolverines were hit hard by the transfer bug in the off-season, leaving new Head Coach Brek Hall pretty thin in terms of experienced talent on the roster. He’s going to lean on linemen like Jerel Butler and Jayden Laubach until some of the skill position players and defenders get more comfortable. Hampton ought to fare better in Woodrow Wilson’s second season, mainly because of a healthy Khaioz Watford at QB with some pieces to do damage around him in RB Calvin Chester Jr. as well as WR Daron Baugh and Jamarrie Lumpkin.

Matt Hatfield Says – Hampton 20-7
Coach Ed Young Says – Hampton 18-12



Can Kaevon Blanding help King's Fork notch its first win on the gridiron over Churchland? (Matthew Hatfield, VirginiaPreps.com)


King’s Fork at Churchland . . . It might be hard for King’s Fork fans to believe, but they are 0-3 all-time against Churchland with those defeats coming in 2009, 2010 and 2019. The Truckers may be getting slept on because dual-threat QB Brandyn Hillman is now playing DB in the Big Ten at Michigan. They have a strong o-line to pave the way for the running game, keyed by Dontavius Booker. King’s Fork has a stud ball carrier of their own in JaVon Ford, a junior with plenty of offers, and a defense looking to make its mark with some impact newcomers like Kaveon Blanding (Green Run transfer) and Darryl Wilson Jr. (Norcom transfer).

Matt Hatfield Says – King’s Fork 27-14
Coach Ed Young Says – King’s Fork 30-8


Warhill at Manor . . . Previously an assistant for football and interim Head Basketball Coach, Tony Newbold is ushered in as the Head Football Coach for the Mustangs in this one. While he’s excited about the future, especially with freshman RB Carlek Phillips, the Lions have more been there, done that dotted across its roster. Warhill goes as its Big 3 of Delaware State commit Liam Francisque, RB Jaedyn McAdoo and North Dakota State commit Taylen Eady take them.

Matt Hatfield Says – Warhill 36-13
Coach Ed Young Says – Warhill 28-8


Nottoway at Jamestown . . . One of the surprise teams in Region 2A just might be the Cougars of Nottoway under Head Coach Glen Pettis. If freshman QB Benjamin Sykes grasps the system behind a veteran o-line that features a couple of four-year starters, look out. Regardless, it’s hard to envision a Jamestown defense that gave up 46.3 points per game a season ago containing the Nottoway ground attack.

Matt Hatfield Says – Nottoway 34-15
Coach Ed Young Says – Nottoway 21-14


Southampton at Poquoson . . . This could ultimately end up being one of Elliott Duty’s best teams at Poquoson as they are clearly thinking they can repeat as Region 2A Champs behind a strong offensive line, multiple rushing options in their Wing-T with Chase Bullard and Baker Green, plus a nimble, shifty QB in multi-sport standout Eli Tyndall. All that likely adds up to Poquoson notching their 15th straight win over Southampton since 2007.

Matt Hatfield Says – Poquoson 20-10
Coach Ed Young Says – Poquoson 28-12


Northampton at Bruton . . . Even though Trey Corbin graduated after rushing for 1529 yards and 23 TD’s a season ago, the Bruton Panthers are optimistic it can build off of last year’s 5-2 start from 2022 with several returnees for 2023. One of them is Brandon Freeman, a multi-sport athlete moving from QB to wideout while also lining up at defensive back. Northampton’s numbers aren’t substantial enough to give a Panthers program short on depth fits. Look for Bruton to extend its win streak to 10 in the series.

Matt Hatfield Says – Bruton 28-7
Coach Ed Young Says – Bruton 24-20

Saturday's Action for 8/26/23:​

The Titans are looking for Syracuse commit Elijah 'Moss' Washington to make astounding one-handed catches like this when they open the 2023 season at home against Camden of New Jersey (Matthew Hatfield, VirginiaPreps.com)

Camden (NJ) at Lake Taylor . . . Hearts are heavy over at Lake Taylor with the recent passing of Head Coach Hank Sawyer’s mother as well as one of his best friends, longtime assistant Theo Ford. Sawyer, who is 229-58 in 24 seasons, has a tough task in the opener against a talent-rich Camden squad that is one of New Jersey’s finest.

At quarterback, 2025 prospect Deante Ruffin is a three-star for Camden with offers from Boston College, Pitt, Syracuse, Temple and West Virginia. On the defensive line are two next-level studs in DE Dylan Seay (6-5, 235) and DT Richard ‘Wink’ James (6-1, 265), a West Virginia commit. Braheem Long is a three-star corner with offers from Akron, BC, Kent State and others. Long could be given that tricky assignment of having to cover Titans monster 6’7” wideout Elijah ‘Moss’ Washington, who earlier this summer gave a pledge to Syracuse after hauling in 43 balls for 877 yards and 16 TD’s as a junior.

This game probably comes down to a couple of things. Camden has to be able to contain the run game, and the Titans twin-veer is tricky with QB Jamir ‘Sporty’ Freeman a threat to break a long run in addition to the backs. Like Lake Taylor, Camden wants to blitz on defense, but their offense is going to have to hit some big pass plays when they are there against the Titans. The matchup that most intrigues me is how Lake Taylor’s o-line with Roy Norfleet, Keyontae Arrington (6-8, 355), Trevor Hesson and company do against that d-line of Camden that collapses the pocket well.

Matt Hatfield Says – Camden (NJ) 34-30
Coach Ed Young Says – Lake Taylor 21-12


Tabb at Heritage-NN . . . John Byron is back as a Head Coach after spending a decade-plus as an assistant at Lafayette. Before that, he served as Head Coach at Menchville. In taking over Tabb, he knows he has his work cut out for him. In this game, it’ll be able to keeping the Heritage passing combo of Derrick Gurley to Sterling Anderson at bay. The Hurricanes prevailed in last year’s matchup, 27-21 in overtime.

Matt Hatfield Says – Heritage-NN 26-13
Coach Ed Young Says – Heritage-NN 28-20


Matthew Hatfield serves as Publisher for VirginiaPreps.com, part of the Rivals.com Network. Check out Hatfield’s Twitter page for more sports related updates, and you can also read his work in the Suffolk News Herald. To contact Matthew, please e-mail hatfieldsports2k4@yahoo.com, and be sure to Subscribe to Hometown Sports Productions where you can hear his Podcasts.

Pulaski County earned a 42-7 win over the Northside Vikings to open their season. Story at this LINK. Northside is a program that is still working hard to re-establish themselves, much like my Cougars. They have a group of players that are tough right now and will be a handful as they continue to grow.

While the Cougars did earn the win, there should be no beating of the chest or big celebrations. We won. We were supposed to win. There have been times in the past where we made more of a win like this than it needed to be. Those days are gone. Each game will be tougher. Each week will be a bigger test.

My Cougars are few in number, young overall, and still learning. While no reasonable person should expect them to be world beaters this year, the goal is to continue to show improvement each day and build some much needed depth with the younger players. Coach Akers and his staff are working hard to get the Cougars back to the program we used to have. The kids are working hard, on and off the field. The biggest thing I've noticed this season is the unselfish nature of the players as they are asked to take on different and sometimes multiple roles. If we can stay healthy, continue to improve each day, build that depth, and have just a little bit of luck ... this team could surprise a team or two if they overlook the Cougars.

Either way, I'll be there rooting for Pulaski County.

Another Class 2 top 10 matchup as King William makes yet another trip to the Shenandoah Valley in Clarke County. Who wins this one?

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Looking for a teams to participate in the Warwick Holiday Showcase Dec 20-21, 2023. 8 Girls and 8 Boys Team invitation. No team entry fee. Contact Coach Starks at starks78@gmail.com or text/call 757/846-6068 for additional information.