At Indian River on Saturday @ 12, noon Smith travels to take on I. River to take on the Braves. Last year, several of the Tiger's top offensive players were injured during the game and Smith lost to their neighborhood rivals for the first time in 20 years!!! This year, with the Tiger's new Head Coach, Chris Scott's enthusiasm and great coaching staff, there's renewed excitement within the community.
After watching the Tigers play their scrimmages and first 3 games of the year, I'm encouraged from what I've seen. This team reminds me of the 2015 team which upset #6, Nationally ranked Ocean Lakes in the playoffs then took Westfield to Triple OT in the State Final game. The team is pretty young with a very capable, developing underclassman quarterback, great speed and led by a couple of Seniors leading the way. Unfortunately, similar to 2015 two Seniors with D1 offers & All Tidewater / Region honors transferred out over the summer. As we all hope the best for those kids I can help but think about the what ifs had they stayed. But the progresses and the Tigers will take on all teams and move onward.
If you come, arrive early!!! The parking is better than what we have @ Smith but it will be packed. No Online Game tickets @ GoFan.co for this game. Locals can by tickets early Friday @ the high school from 12 to 2 pm.
Below is the VaPilot's game preview.
757Teamz Game of the Week | No. 3 Oscar Smith, No. 5 Indian River renew heated rivalry
By Larry Rubama
757Teamz |
Sep 26, 2019 | 3:32 PM
| CHESAPEAKE
linebacker Malcolm Britt runs towards the ball carrier during practice on Thursday at Oscar Smith high school on August 1, 2019 in Chesapeake, Va. (Mike Caudill)
When Oscar Smith and Indian River met last year in one of the most anticipated games of the year, Chris Scott was a spectator.
“It was standing room only,” he said, “and the intensity was felt not only on the field but in the surroundings.”
Scott had no clue at the time that he would be thrown into the midst of the rivalry when he was named the Tigers’ new coach. Now, he’ll get an up-and-close feel of the rivalry when the third-ranked Tigers travel to No. 5 Indian River on Saturday at noon. The game could go a long way in deciding the Southeastern District champion.
“Playing in big games is what we all want as players and coaches,” he said. “The big games bring the best out of people.”
Standing on the sidelines during that game last season was then-Indian River assistant coach Marcus Ferebee. He, like Scott, had no idea that he would be the head coach a year later. He replaced his brother, Glenwood, who took the head coaching job at Vance High (N.C.).
“You look forward to coaching in big games like this,” he said. “I’ve been here before and Chris has been in big games before, too.”
The Tigers (2-1) are led by sophomore quarterback Ethan Vasko, who has thrown for 648 yards and 11 touchdowns with just two interceptions. Another key player is senior wide receiver Romon Copeland, who has 13 receptions for 241 yards and six touchdowns. Linebackers Marqaz Young and Old Dominion commit Malcolm Britt lead the defense.
For defending Southeastern District champion Indian River, playmaker LaMareon James does it on both sides of the ball. He has nine receptions for 353 yards and four touchdowns. He also has two interceptions, one he returned for a touchdown. The Braves (2-1) also have QB Zakai Minggia (541 passing yards, 6 TDs, 99 rushing yards), RB Tony Higher (275 rushing yards, 79 receiving, 3 total TDs) and RB TJ Spruill (3 TDs). Defensively, they have DL Teon Coston (30 tackles, 8 for loss, 2 sacks), Lincorey Lucas and Cameron Hunter. The Braves also expect to have Florida commit Antwuan Powell-Ryland back in the lineup after a shoulder injury.
“If our offense, defense and special teams does what they’re supposed to do,” Ferebee said, “then I think we’ll be fine.”
Larry: Oscar Smith 35-31. Ray: Oscar Smith 29-24. Greg: Oscar Smith 21-17.
Larry Rubama
After watching the Tigers play their scrimmages and first 3 games of the year, I'm encouraged from what I've seen. This team reminds me of the 2015 team which upset #6, Nationally ranked Ocean Lakes in the playoffs then took Westfield to Triple OT in the State Final game. The team is pretty young with a very capable, developing underclassman quarterback, great speed and led by a couple of Seniors leading the way. Unfortunately, similar to 2015 two Seniors with D1 offers & All Tidewater / Region honors transferred out over the summer. As we all hope the best for those kids I can help but think about the what ifs had they stayed. But the progresses and the Tigers will take on all teams and move onward.
If you come, arrive early!!! The parking is better than what we have @ Smith but it will be packed. No Online Game tickets @ GoFan.co for this game. Locals can by tickets early Friday @ the high school from 12 to 2 pm.
Below is the VaPilot's game preview.
757Teamz Game of the Week | No. 3 Oscar Smith, No. 5 Indian River renew heated rivalry
By Larry Rubama
757Teamz |
Sep 26, 2019 | 3:32 PM
| CHESAPEAKE
linebacker Malcolm Britt runs towards the ball carrier during practice on Thursday at Oscar Smith high school on August 1, 2019 in Chesapeake, Va. (Mike Caudill)
When Oscar Smith and Indian River met last year in one of the most anticipated games of the year, Chris Scott was a spectator.
“It was standing room only,” he said, “and the intensity was felt not only on the field but in the surroundings.”
Scott had no clue at the time that he would be thrown into the midst of the rivalry when he was named the Tigers’ new coach. Now, he’ll get an up-and-close feel of the rivalry when the third-ranked Tigers travel to No. 5 Indian River on Saturday at noon. The game could go a long way in deciding the Southeastern District champion.
“Playing in big games is what we all want as players and coaches,” he said. “The big games bring the best out of people.”
Standing on the sidelines during that game last season was then-Indian River assistant coach Marcus Ferebee. He, like Scott, had no idea that he would be the head coach a year later. He replaced his brother, Glenwood, who took the head coaching job at Vance High (N.C.).
“You look forward to coaching in big games like this,” he said. “I’ve been here before and Chris has been in big games before, too.”
The Tigers (2-1) are led by sophomore quarterback Ethan Vasko, who has thrown for 648 yards and 11 touchdowns with just two interceptions. Another key player is senior wide receiver Romon Copeland, who has 13 receptions for 241 yards and six touchdowns. Linebackers Marqaz Young and Old Dominion commit Malcolm Britt lead the defense.
For defending Southeastern District champion Indian River, playmaker LaMareon James does it on both sides of the ball. He has nine receptions for 353 yards and four touchdowns. He also has two interceptions, one he returned for a touchdown. The Braves (2-1) also have QB Zakai Minggia (541 passing yards, 6 TDs, 99 rushing yards), RB Tony Higher (275 rushing yards, 79 receiving, 3 total TDs) and RB TJ Spruill (3 TDs). Defensively, they have DL Teon Coston (30 tackles, 8 for loss, 2 sacks), Lincorey Lucas and Cameron Hunter. The Braves also expect to have Florida commit Antwuan Powell-Ryland back in the lineup after a shoulder injury.
“If our offense, defense and special teams does what they’re supposed to do,” Ferebee said, “then I think we’ll be fine.”
Larry: Oscar Smith 35-31. Ray: Oscar Smith 29-24. Greg: Oscar Smith 21-17.
Larry Rubama
