Changes are afoot in the Bay Rivers District.
With the addition of Gloucester, a Peninsula District team the past 35 seasons, and Bruton’s transition to its first full Bay Rivers schedule since 2017, the district is 11 strong — eclipsed by only one other Virginia high school district. All 10 regular-season games are district games.
As is often the case, Lafayette, the district champ a majority of seasons since 1998, is the favorite, thanks to return of nine starters on both sides of the ball from a team that won all eight BRD games and a second consecutive Class 3 Region A crown. But the Rams, too, will experience change with a move up to Class 4. Perennial state champ Phoebus awaits in what could be a classic Region A final, although Hampton, too, lurks as a challenger.
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Poquoson, winner of three consecutive Class 2 Region A titles, appears to be the only serious threat to the Rams in the district. Warhill is talented, but perhaps too young to contend for the district title.
Gloucester, Grafton and New Kent welcome new coaches.
Lafayette wide receiver Josh Simpson (7) runs the ball during a game against Poquoson at Wanner Stadium in Williamsburg on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024. (Kendall Warner / The Virginian-Pilot)
1. Lafayette Rams
Classification: Class 4 Region A
Coach: Andy Linn, 152-23 in 14 seasons
Last season: 13-1 overall, 8-0 district
On the field: Your image of Lafayette might be of a tractor, plowing to 300 rushing yards per game. The Rams should get the 300 they averaged on the ground last year, and probably the 46 points they averaged on the way to the state semifinals, but will do so with speed. RBs Josh Simpson, Tyree Wilson, Izaiyah Gray and Breon Stokes are fast. WRs Jael Loe and Nay’Ron Hudson are very fast, and in tune with returning starting QB Baum Hogge, so the run-oriented Rams can pass. The offensive line is also fast, led by first-team all-state guard Andrew Buckley (6-1, 225) and Division I prospect Yianni Kokolis (6-5, 265). Along with the defensive backfield that includes Love, Hudson and Simpson, the centerpiece of the defense is linebacker with Hogge (6-2, 215) and Jamir Nesbeth (5-10, 195) — first-team all-state last year with 135 tackles and six sacks. Defensive lineman Stokes was all-state for the ’23 state finalists. Kicker Aiden Gerda (58 of 60 PATs, five field goals) was all-state last year. The Rams stand as Phoebus’ biggest obstacle to a state title since last denying the Phantoms one in the spring season of 2021.
2. Poquoson Islanders
Poquoson lineman Carter Jones puts his hands in the air to celebrate a touchdown after running back Cody Little, left, scored a touchdown against Bruton in the first half of a game at Poquoson Middle School on Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Poquoson, Va. (Mike Caudill for The Virginian-Pilot)
Classification: Class 2 Region A
Coach: Elliott Duty, 147-82 in 19 seasons
Last season: 12-2 overall, 8-1 district
On the field: This might be the best Poquoson team since the 2010 Class 3 state champs. That’s timely because, after Poquoson won three consecutive Class 2 Region A titles, a fourth will be more difficult with talented Richmond schools Armstrong and Thomas Jefferson joining the region. The star is two-way lineman Carter Jones (6-6, 285), a junior coveted by many Power Four conference colleges. Linemate Brayden Agnese (5-11, 220), a senior, joined Jones as all-state on both sides of the ball. Gavin Coffman gives the Islanders yet another huge (6-3, 285) presence in the trenches. Three other returning seniors were all-state last year: Austin Conley (6-1, 195), Nate Quiroz (6-2, 210) and Cam Stowers (5-10, 170). Conley was picked at linebacker, where he teams with all-state tight end Quiroz in a physical combination. Stowers is a versatile piece on a defense perhaps the program’s most physical since 2010. Many of the same faces will show on offense, where two-way standout Cody Little (5-9, 160) shares carries with Conley, Heath Reynolds and Owen Cupp. With All-Tidewater Male Athlete of the Year Eli Tyndall now playing baseball for VMI, Keegan Webb, who filled in for Tyndall when he was hurt, takes over at QB. DBs Aiden Stivers and Dom Galacgac will be targets in a run-oriented wing-T capable of airing the ball.
3. Warhill Lions
Warhill coach Jerome Rhodes shouts during a game against Smithfield at Wanner Stadium Friday September 23, 2022.
Classification: Class 4 Region A
Coach: Jerome Rhodes, 49-18 in six seasons
Last season: 5-6 overall, 4-4 district
On the field: After winning the district title outright in 2023 for the first time (the Lions shared it with York and Lafayette in 2021) with 23 mostly key seniors, Warhill experienced a predictable falloff last year. Look for the talented Lions to rise, although it’s probably one more season before they can push Lafayette and Poquoson for a district championship. That figures as their top four players — WR/DB Deon Price (6-0, 170), OL/DT Kavon Compton (6-0, 308), RB/LB Ryan Kline and QB/LB Keenan Carter — are sophomores. Lightning-fast, Price already has offers from Syracuse and East Carolina. Carter threw for 438 yards and five TDs in five games after nabbing the starting QB spot. Kline and Compton, an all-region pick, showed their ability to play physical positions as freshmen. The rest of the cast includes New Kent transfer WR/DB Micah Mason, an all-region pick a year ago, senior speedster RB/LB Braden Terns and this year’s promising freshman, WR/DB Elijah White. The Lions should improve this season as they gear up for district title contention in the next two.
4. Tabb Tigers
Classification: Class 3 Region A
Coach: John Byron, 10-13 in two seasons with Tabb; 20-63 in eight seasons overall
Last season: 5-7 overall, 3-6 district
On the field: Doubted a bit going into 2024 because of their youth, the Tigers were a pleasant surprise with five wins and the program’s first playoff victory (24-13 over Norcom) in eight years. They must replace all-region running back Landon Howard (1,782, 13 touchdowns), but Byron does that well. Most starters return (nine on offense and eight on defense), so an even deeper playoff run is realistic. Junior Joshua Guthinger, who scored a TD in the playoff win, is similar in size (5-5, 145) and style to Howard. Senior Doja Arizpe brings speed and sophomore Khalil Outlaw power to a deep backfield. Byron looks for big things from QB Corbin Eckert (5-10, 180) after he threw for 800 yards and ran for 200 a year ago. College prospect WR Solomon Lighthouse (6-1, 175) and TE Matthew Adams, who had almost 300 yards receiving and four touchdowns, are capable receiving options. Junior Tyler Maddock (6-8, 300) has offers from three ACC schools, and is joined on the offensive line by all-region pick Javion Richey (6-1, 290), also a standout on the defensive line. LB Sam Christopher (5-10, 185) was first-team All-Bay Rivers on a defense that must, like the offense, avoid injuries for the Tigers to reach their potential.
Smithfield running back Zyron Wells, left, tries to break a tackle from Hampton defender Devan Anthony during the first half of the Class 4 Regions A semifinal game at Smithfield high school on Friday, Nov. 22, 2024, in Smithfield, Va. (Mike Caudill for The Virginian-Pilot)
5. Smithfield Packers
Classification: Class 4 Region A
Coach: Tracey Parker, 15-17 in three seasons with Smithfield; 76-107 in 18 seasons overall
Last season: 8-3 overall, 6-2 district
On the field: Is 2025 a rebuild or a reload? Third place in the district a year ago, the Packers’ eight wins were their most since the 2016 season. They graduated starters at 13 of 22 positions — among them all-state picks RB Kinye Martin (1,573 yards rushing) and DL William Flythe (33 tackles for loss, 10 sacks) — so remaining at that level will be challenging. Capable junior Kyle Buggs returns as starting quarterback and has a dependable target in senior Jakeim Montgomery (6-0, 170). James Jones III and Zyron Wells give the Packers a power-and-speed combo in attempting to replace Martin. They can count on experienced blockers in David Roberts (6-0, 270) and Dennis Robinson (6-2, 230). DL Derek Boone (6-0, 240), LB John Wagoner (6-1, 200), DB Kamari Mavin and DB Bradley McGrath, a two-year starter, give the Packers proven defensive ability.
6. Grafton Clippers
Classification: Class 4 Region A
Coach: Corey Hairston, first season with Grafton; 66-52 in 11 seasons overall
Last season: 3-7 overall, 3-6 district
On the field: Hairston, who resurrected Warwick from the ashes into an area and state power, should slow the revolving door now at 10 head coaches since the start of the 2016 season. He’ll greet some talent, particularly at the skill positions. Explosive RB Makale Barnett (5-9, 180) had 893 total yards last year (548 rushing) and seven touchdowns, after running for 1,063 yards and scoring 10 TDs as a sophomore. Sophomore QB Zay Hendricks (6-1, 210) played in seven games as a freshman, throwing for 643 yards and four touchdowns, gaining hard-earned experience that should help this season. Both double as defensive backs. Senior Josh Lawson (5-11, 200) should get some carries and play a key role at rover defensively. Junior Will Dickinson (6-2, 270) should be a mainstay on both lines. The lines and defense are question marks, but Hairston turned those into strengths at Warwick quickly enough. “I’m a defensive guy. We’ll be good on defense,” said Hairston, whose Warwick defense allowed only 16 points in 10 regular-season games two years ago.
Grafton High School head football coach Corey Hairston during practice Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025. (Stephen M. Katz / The Virginian-Pilot)
7. New Kent Trojans
Classification: Class 3 Region A
Coach: Scott Girolmo, first season at New Kent; 46-51 in nine seasons overall
Last season: 4-7 overall, 4-5 district
On the field: District fans might not remember Girolmo by name, but they might recall that his Robert E. Lee team from Staunton beat Poquoson 27-24 in double overtime to reach the 2017 Class 2 state final, evidence he can coach. He’s emphasizing character development and learning from mistakes as he takes a long-term approach to turning an average BRD program into a better one. Good pieces return from a team that lost four close games and routed nine-win Bruton behind returning RB Ben Christian’s six touchdown runs. They include LB/RB Chase Wiles (5-10, 190), a guy Girolmo cites for his versatility. He touts senior Andrew Fallon (5-11, 195) as an effective leader able to wreak havoc at linebacker. He’s very enthusiastic about defensive ends Jaron Collins (6-4, 200) and Jaxson Foreman (6-3, 189), both juniors. The Trojans traditionally field multiple explosive skill players, so points shouldn’t be a problem. If they’re good defensively, a winning season is realistic.
8. York Falcons
Classification: Class 3 Region A
Coach: Doug Pereira, 113-82 in 18 seasons
Last season: 3-7 overall, 2-7 district
On the field: District champion in 2019, co-champs in 2021 and seven-game winners in ’22, the Falcons haven’t fielded the same level of talent in back-to-back three-win seasons. The offense, which didn’t crack double digits in losing six consecutive following a 3-1 start, should be better with seven returning starters. They include junior Anthony Custis (5-10, 175), an athlete the Falcons will look to get the ball to in space in multiple ways. Jayden Ahrens (5-11, 170) brings athleticism to quarterback, while Evan Muangkhao (5-10, 175) gives the Falcons power at running back, where Jordan Hawthorne will get lots of reps. WR Brayden Lemonds and TE Jordan Smith are targets for Ahrens. Smith (6-1, 230) is typical of an offensive line that moves well, but has size in returning starters Dylan Read (6-4, 335) and Ryan Berube (6-2, 300). Fewer starters return on defense, but brothers Ben Ward (6-0, 190) and Cameron Ward (6-1, 185) give the Falcons talent at linebacker, often a York strength. LB Smith, DB Custis and DE Brandon Overton should excel defensively.
9. Bruton Panthers
Classification: Class 2 Region A
Coach: Barrington Morrison, 22-22 in four seasons
Last season: 9-3 overall, 3-2 district
On the field: The Panthers’ nine wins in 2024 were their most in 14 years, and the playoff victory was their first in 11 years. Significant personnel losses include first-team all-state WR Anthony Henderson Jr. (54 receptions, 1,045 yards, 14 touchdowns), who transferred to King’s Fork, and QB Ashton Bell, who accounted for almost 2,000 yards (1,723 passing for 23 TDs). Leading rusher Peter Henderson (584 yards) is not playing this season. Nine wins against the tougher Bay Rivers schedule are unlikely, but Morrison has the program on solid footing. Darrin Banks-Harrold (572 yards rushing, six TDs) should get more carries, as should dual-threat QB James Carlyle-Greene. With Henderson gone, athletic junior Khalon Murrell should improve on his 277 receiving yards (five touchdowns). Three starters 300 pounds or more return on the offensive line, and are joined by a fourth in Matoaca transfer Justin Smith (6-0, 300). The other offensive linemen, tight end Troy Walston and freshman tackle Ezra Kit, have college potential. Defensive backs Banks-Harrold and Rodney Versher, end Walston and linebacker Derrick Reynolds give the Panthers experience at every level.
Bruton players celebrate after running back Darrin Banks-Harrold scored the go ahead touchdown against the Tabb defense in the fourth quarter of a game at Bruton High School on Friday, Oct. 11, 2024, in Williamsburg, Va. (Mike Caudill for The Virginian-Pilot)
10. Jamestown Eagles
Classification: Class 4 Region A
Coach: James Riley, 0-10 in one season with Jamestown; 4-35 in five seasons overall
Last season: 0-10 overall, 0-8 district
On the field: Although the Eagles didn’t win in Riley’s first season, seven of their eight district losses were by fewer points than in ’24. Their losses to Smithfield and New Kent, surprisingly, were by just seven points. They lost to Grafton by only six points, so progress was evident and should continue. Brayden Strouse leads the defense after earning all-district honors with 132 tackles. He’ll be counted on to run the ball some. Four returners ran for 200 yards or more, led by Seth Nicholson’s 388. The Eagles have an experienced hand at quarterback in Ben Hanchett, a third-year starter who passed for 694 yards and four touchdowns, and ran for 294 and four scores. He has reliable receiving options in seniors Vincent Creel and Mortima Goodridge. Labron Henderson (6-2, 300) anchors the offensive line as promising sophomores Colin Cruz (6-0, 220) and Owen Wester (6-1, 213) move onto the defensive line.
Ryan Wenner is Gloucester High’s new football coach. (Marty O’Brien/Staff)
11. Gloucester Dukes
Classification: Class 4 Region A
Coach: Ryan Wenner, first season at Gloucester; 9-31 in four seasons overall
Last season: 1-9 overall, 1-8 Peninsula District
On the field: Wenner last coached in the Bay Rivers in 2017 at Grafton, filling in on an interim basis at the last minute when the new coach there mystifyingly resigned. Unsurprisingly, the rebuilding Clippers won just once. The Dukes are rebuilding, too, but Wenner, a Gloucester grad and former player, has the administrative backing he’ll need to give it a fair shot. He’ll look to seniors to lead the resurgence. Brad Bellinger (6-0, 195) should play at numerous spots on both sides of the ball, including quarterback, where Marshall Motley, a former Middlesex starter, could play. Two-way lineman Mo Erraji (6-0, 220) returns after missing last year, while two-way lineman Hayden Fox (6-2, 205) returns. Corey Skay, all-state and All-Tidewater at punter two years ago, is one of the area’s best kickers.
Marty O’Brien, mjobrien@dailypress.com
