The pool of nominations might be thinner due to less teams playing but that doesn't mean there is a shortage of outstanding performances. This week, from come behind wins, to overtime victories, to dominating performances, here are the best of the first week of the playoffs.
PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Run Gamers
Stephen Mines, LC Bird
Does it really come as a surprise to find a Bird running back on this list come playoff time? It shouldn't but it's not as if they don't do the work for it. On Friday night in another playoff victory over Atlee, Mines rushed for 248 yards and scored three touchdowns. Mines longest run of the night was a 45-yard touchdown in the third quarter with the Skyhawks holding down a 21-13 lead. Mines continues to shine and the run game keeps getting it done at Bird.
Johntae Wilson, Hermitage
Wilson is no stranger to the list this season and he continues to get it done for Hermitage. Against a defensive minded Henrico team, Wilson busted through for 244 yards on 31 carries and cashed in on two touchdowns. Wilson's two touchdowns combined went for over 100 yards, his longest a 75-yard touchdown run that just further built on the Panthers lead over Henrico. Wilson's big run game has helped Hermitage to an undefeated record and he just keeps getting it done.
Justin Miller, Meadowbrook
The Monarchs came up short on Friday night in what proved to be Justin Miller's final game as a Monarch. Over the past two seasons, Miller has made quite a name for himself on this list and within the region and he did not disappoint on Friday night. Miller rushed for over 200 yards, (211) while scoring three times. Win or lose, not a bad way to end your high school career.
Passing Gamers
Juwan Carter, Highland Springs
Carter has had quite a first season at the quarterback position for the Springers but the past few weeks have been his best yet. On Friday night he helped the Springers to a dramatic fourth quarter comeback to seal the Springers first playoff victory since 2006. On the night, Carter threw four touchdowns and a little over 300 yards, (308). Carter's most important touchdown of the night came with less than a minute to go in the game as he threw the game winning touchdown. Carter and the Springers just win.
Khalid Morris, Thomas Dale
It took three overtimes but in the process, Morris threw five touchdowns in the Knights 45-42 win over Riverbend. Morris' first touchdown of the night came in the second quarter, his next two came in the fourth quarter as the Knights came storming back and he threw one each in the first two overtimes. Morris longest touchdown pass of the night was a 53-yarder to Eric Finney. All total, Morris ended his night completing 19 of 28 or 227 yards. I cannot recall a Thomas Dale quarterback having as big a night in recent years.
Tanner Toy, Douglas Freeman
The Rebels season ended Friday night at Manchester but the Rebels did put up a fight and not go quietly into that good night. Toy had nearly 300 yards passing; 280 to be exact while throwing two touchdowns. Tanner's touchdowns came in the third and fourth quarters as the Rebels attempted to come back against the Lancers. While the comeback fell short, Toy's performance did not.
Receiving Gamers
Felton Davis, Highland Springs
Felton becomes just the latest Springer to make the list this season in what has been a banner year for the program. On Friday night, in a hard fought victory that took the fourth quarter to win, Davis had perhaps his biggest game of the season. Davis caught 12 passes from Juwan Carter and amassed 206 yards in doing so. More importantly, he cashed in three of those twelve passes for touchdowns! Without those three touchdowns, Highland Springs does not win. Davis shines in one of his final games as a Springer.
Marco Carrbotta, Thomas Dale
Carrabotta was injured for much of last season and is making the most of this season. Carrabotta plays both offense and defense but on Friday night, his biggest impact was felt on the offensive side of the ball. In a thrilling 45-42 triple overtime win, Carrabotta found the endzone on two passes from quarterback Khalid Morris. In a tight triple overtime game, every score counts and Carrabotta certainly did his part.
Trevor Benn, Manchester
A historic season in terms of Manchester football continues with a historic night for the Lancers as they win for the first time in the playoffs. Trevor Benn came through for his Lancers when needed with four receptions from quarterback Daniel Rose and 114 receiving yards. Benn scored the lone touchdown of the second quarter when Rose hit him with a pass and Benn scored for the 34-yard touchdown. Lancers continue to get it done and Benn is just the latest Lancer to earn honors.
Defensive Gamers
Maurice Green, Hopewell
Junior Maurice Green had the game of his season and gave a glimpse of bright future next season albeit, the Blue Devils aren't done yet. On Saturday in a thrilling come from behind win, Green had a monster game on defense. Green recorded 11 tackles, forced one fumble and the biggest play of all on defense; blocked a Skyline field goal to preserve the win for the Blue Devils. In big games you expect players to step up and Green certainly did that.
Matt Duignam, James River
The Rapids have a good defense but it has been somewhat overlooked with a 6-4 record going into the playoffs. Matt Duignam and the Rapids showed just how good they can be with a 13-8 upset win over CD Hylton on Friday night. In a close low scoring game, the defense shined and Matt Duignam was one of the many who shined with 7.5 tackles against the Bulldogs. The old saying is "Defense win championships" and with that said, the Rapids played really good defense on Friday night..
Reggie Jones, Hopewell
The second Blue Devil to earn defensive honors this week, Jones was just as impactful as his teammate Maurice Green on Saturday. Jones didn't have the number of tackles, just five but two were for losses. Jones also sacked the Skyline quarterback and forced a fumble as well as recovering a fumble. The Hopewell defense came up big and so did Jones on Saturday..
Special Teams Gamers
Bryson Henry, Cosby
Bryson had two field goals on Friday as the Titans upset Forest Park to earn their first playoff victory. With any position in football you always dream of making "the" play to get your team a win and Bryson lived that on Friday night. Bryson had already kicked a field goal earlier in the game but in overtime, with the game on the line, Bryson came through with the game winning field goal from 22 yards out. Bryson provided the first and last points of the night for the Titans as he and the Titans left the field victorious.
Plato Eliades, Thomas Dale
When a game ends 45-42 in triple overtime, every point, every score counts. With a 28-yard field goal from Plato, the Knights perhaps do not win this game. Plato has been one of the more dependable kickers in the Richmond Region this season and when counted by his Knights, he gets the job done.
Marshall Flippin, Hanover
The Hawks just keep soaring pardon the pun. On Friday night the Hawks won their fifth straight game and in just about every game, you can factor in a Marshall Flippin field goal and Friday night was no exception. In the fourth quarter with the Hawks already in the lead, Marshall came through with a 28-yard field goal to further extend the lead. Always good to know you have a kicker you can rely on.
All-Puprose Gamers
Daniel Rose, Manchester
The Lancers have won 11 straight, they are undefeated and have had two great seasons under quarterback Daniel Rose. It's not farfetched to think that the Lancers will go as far as Rose takes them and on Friday night, Rose took them to their first playoff win in program history. Rose scored three times in the air while amassing 285 yards on 16 of 28 passes. His longest touchdown pass went for 61 yards when he hit Mason Kosco in the fourth quarter. Rose however is a threat to run the ball as well and he showed it as he has all season with 78 yards on the ground and an additional touchdown. By night's end Rose had four touchdowns and 363 yards of offense. Rose will long be remembered at Manchester but the ride isn't over yet.
Clayton Cheatham, Hanover
In five games with Cheatham back from injury, the Hawks have won every game and that includes this past Friday when they beat Tabb 32-14. Cheatham had another monster game on the ground but was not too shabby in the passing game either. Cheatham completed 3 of his 7 passes for 77 yards, albeit he did not throw a touchdown pass. Cheatham did however score all four touchdowns for the Hawks while rushing for 257 yards on the ground. Hanover like Manchester will go as far as their quarterback takes them and right now there is no stopping Cheatham or the Hawks.
Quintreil Chung, James River
Chung and the Rapids did Friday night what no Rapids team has ever done, win a playoff game. Who knew that when Chung threw rushed and ran for a touchdown in the first quarter, it would be enough to beat the CD Hylton Bulldogs. Chung's first score was a three-yard touchdown run; his second was a 49-yard pass to Ryan Ott. While those two touchdowns were the only scores for the Rapids, Chung wasn't done with his offensive attack. Chung rushed for 99 yards and doubled that in the air passing for 191 yards and completing 12 of his 24 passes. While the defense came up big, I think it's safe to say Chungs play was equally as big.
EXTRA POINTS
If you feel there is a player worthy of the Richmond Gamers, please nominate them via e-mail, CRF4Dan@aol.com or tweeting me @CRF4Dan on twitter. You may also nominate on VirginiaPreps.com of course. This season I have had the pleasure of some coaches sending me e-mails with nominations for some of their guys. I welcome this; if you are a coach, please feel free to do so. I can only go by the information provided to me and that comes from the site itself, the local newspapers and the games I attend. If you have players you feel deserve it, please send their stats to me by Monday.
PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Run Gamers
Stephen Mines, LC Bird
Does it really come as a surprise to find a Bird running back on this list come playoff time? It shouldn't but it's not as if they don't do the work for it. On Friday night in another playoff victory over Atlee, Mines rushed for 248 yards and scored three touchdowns. Mines longest run of the night was a 45-yard touchdown in the third quarter with the Skyhawks holding down a 21-13 lead. Mines continues to shine and the run game keeps getting it done at Bird.
Johntae Wilson, Hermitage
Wilson is no stranger to the list this season and he continues to get it done for Hermitage. Against a defensive minded Henrico team, Wilson busted through for 244 yards on 31 carries and cashed in on two touchdowns. Wilson's two touchdowns combined went for over 100 yards, his longest a 75-yard touchdown run that just further built on the Panthers lead over Henrico. Wilson's big run game has helped Hermitage to an undefeated record and he just keeps getting it done.
Justin Miller, Meadowbrook
The Monarchs came up short on Friday night in what proved to be Justin Miller's final game as a Monarch. Over the past two seasons, Miller has made quite a name for himself on this list and within the region and he did not disappoint on Friday night. Miller rushed for over 200 yards, (211) while scoring three times. Win or lose, not a bad way to end your high school career.
Passing Gamers
Juwan Carter, Highland Springs
Carter has had quite a first season at the quarterback position for the Springers but the past few weeks have been his best yet. On Friday night he helped the Springers to a dramatic fourth quarter comeback to seal the Springers first playoff victory since 2006. On the night, Carter threw four touchdowns and a little over 300 yards, (308). Carter's most important touchdown of the night came with less than a minute to go in the game as he threw the game winning touchdown. Carter and the Springers just win.
Khalid Morris, Thomas Dale
It took three overtimes but in the process, Morris threw five touchdowns in the Knights 45-42 win over Riverbend. Morris' first touchdown of the night came in the second quarter, his next two came in the fourth quarter as the Knights came storming back and he threw one each in the first two overtimes. Morris longest touchdown pass of the night was a 53-yarder to Eric Finney. All total, Morris ended his night completing 19 of 28 or 227 yards. I cannot recall a Thomas Dale quarterback having as big a night in recent years.
Tanner Toy, Douglas Freeman
The Rebels season ended Friday night at Manchester but the Rebels did put up a fight and not go quietly into that good night. Toy had nearly 300 yards passing; 280 to be exact while throwing two touchdowns. Tanner's touchdowns came in the third and fourth quarters as the Rebels attempted to come back against the Lancers. While the comeback fell short, Toy's performance did not.
Receiving Gamers
Felton Davis, Highland Springs
Felton becomes just the latest Springer to make the list this season in what has been a banner year for the program. On Friday night, in a hard fought victory that took the fourth quarter to win, Davis had perhaps his biggest game of the season. Davis caught 12 passes from Juwan Carter and amassed 206 yards in doing so. More importantly, he cashed in three of those twelve passes for touchdowns! Without those three touchdowns, Highland Springs does not win. Davis shines in one of his final games as a Springer.
Marco Carrbotta, Thomas Dale
Carrabotta was injured for much of last season and is making the most of this season. Carrabotta plays both offense and defense but on Friday night, his biggest impact was felt on the offensive side of the ball. In a thrilling 45-42 triple overtime win, Carrabotta found the endzone on two passes from quarterback Khalid Morris. In a tight triple overtime game, every score counts and Carrabotta certainly did his part.
Trevor Benn, Manchester
A historic season in terms of Manchester football continues with a historic night for the Lancers as they win for the first time in the playoffs. Trevor Benn came through for his Lancers when needed with four receptions from quarterback Daniel Rose and 114 receiving yards. Benn scored the lone touchdown of the second quarter when Rose hit him with a pass and Benn scored for the 34-yard touchdown. Lancers continue to get it done and Benn is just the latest Lancer to earn honors.
Defensive Gamers
Maurice Green, Hopewell
Junior Maurice Green had the game of his season and gave a glimpse of bright future next season albeit, the Blue Devils aren't done yet. On Saturday in a thrilling come from behind win, Green had a monster game on defense. Green recorded 11 tackles, forced one fumble and the biggest play of all on defense; blocked a Skyline field goal to preserve the win for the Blue Devils. In big games you expect players to step up and Green certainly did that.
Matt Duignam, James River
The Rapids have a good defense but it has been somewhat overlooked with a 6-4 record going into the playoffs. Matt Duignam and the Rapids showed just how good they can be with a 13-8 upset win over CD Hylton on Friday night. In a close low scoring game, the defense shined and Matt Duignam was one of the many who shined with 7.5 tackles against the Bulldogs. The old saying is "Defense win championships" and with that said, the Rapids played really good defense on Friday night..
Reggie Jones, Hopewell
The second Blue Devil to earn defensive honors this week, Jones was just as impactful as his teammate Maurice Green on Saturday. Jones didn't have the number of tackles, just five but two were for losses. Jones also sacked the Skyline quarterback and forced a fumble as well as recovering a fumble. The Hopewell defense came up big and so did Jones on Saturday..
Special Teams Gamers
Bryson Henry, Cosby
Bryson had two field goals on Friday as the Titans upset Forest Park to earn their first playoff victory. With any position in football you always dream of making "the" play to get your team a win and Bryson lived that on Friday night. Bryson had already kicked a field goal earlier in the game but in overtime, with the game on the line, Bryson came through with the game winning field goal from 22 yards out. Bryson provided the first and last points of the night for the Titans as he and the Titans left the field victorious.
Plato Eliades, Thomas Dale
When a game ends 45-42 in triple overtime, every point, every score counts. With a 28-yard field goal from Plato, the Knights perhaps do not win this game. Plato has been one of the more dependable kickers in the Richmond Region this season and when counted by his Knights, he gets the job done.
Marshall Flippin, Hanover
The Hawks just keep soaring pardon the pun. On Friday night the Hawks won their fifth straight game and in just about every game, you can factor in a Marshall Flippin field goal and Friday night was no exception. In the fourth quarter with the Hawks already in the lead, Marshall came through with a 28-yard field goal to further extend the lead. Always good to know you have a kicker you can rely on.
All-Puprose Gamers
Daniel Rose, Manchester
The Lancers have won 11 straight, they are undefeated and have had two great seasons under quarterback Daniel Rose. It's not farfetched to think that the Lancers will go as far as Rose takes them and on Friday night, Rose took them to their first playoff win in program history. Rose scored three times in the air while amassing 285 yards on 16 of 28 passes. His longest touchdown pass went for 61 yards when he hit Mason Kosco in the fourth quarter. Rose however is a threat to run the ball as well and he showed it as he has all season with 78 yards on the ground and an additional touchdown. By night's end Rose had four touchdowns and 363 yards of offense. Rose will long be remembered at Manchester but the ride isn't over yet.
Clayton Cheatham, Hanover
In five games with Cheatham back from injury, the Hawks have won every game and that includes this past Friday when they beat Tabb 32-14. Cheatham had another monster game on the ground but was not too shabby in the passing game either. Cheatham completed 3 of his 7 passes for 77 yards, albeit he did not throw a touchdown pass. Cheatham did however score all four touchdowns for the Hawks while rushing for 257 yards on the ground. Hanover like Manchester will go as far as their quarterback takes them and right now there is no stopping Cheatham or the Hawks.
Quintreil Chung, James River
Chung and the Rapids did Friday night what no Rapids team has ever done, win a playoff game. Who knew that when Chung threw rushed and ran for a touchdown in the first quarter, it would be enough to beat the CD Hylton Bulldogs. Chung's first score was a three-yard touchdown run; his second was a 49-yard pass to Ryan Ott. While those two touchdowns were the only scores for the Rapids, Chung wasn't done with his offensive attack. Chung rushed for 99 yards and doubled that in the air passing for 191 yards and completing 12 of his 24 passes. While the defense came up big, I think it's safe to say Chungs play was equally as big.
EXTRA POINTS
If you feel there is a player worthy of the Richmond Gamers, please nominate them via e-mail, CRF4Dan@aol.com or tweeting me @CRF4Dan on twitter. You may also nominate on VirginiaPreps.com of course. This season I have had the pleasure of some coaches sending me e-mails with nominations for some of their guys. I welcome this; if you are a coach, please feel free to do so. I can only go by the information provided to me and that comes from the site itself, the local newspapers and the games I attend. If you have players you feel deserve it, please send their stats to me by Monday.
