Hampton High lineman Gene Jones Jr. committed to the University of Virginia on Sunday, making him the first Crabber to pledge to a Power Four school in eight years.
Woodrow Wilson, whose Crabbers (6-1, 5-0 district) host Warwick (6-2, 6-0) on Thursday at Darling Stadium in a game virtually certain to decide the Peninsula District champion, said two Crabbers including legendary quarterback Dazz Newsome (North Carolina), committed after the 2016 season.
He added that Jones was an unknown as a sophomore this past spring, when a Syracuse coach spotted him during a drill at a showcase and offered him immediately. Many have done so since.
“He can absolutely run, and potential-wise can be pretty darn good,” Wilson said. “He still has lots of work to do, this year and next, so he’ll be ready, but when you’re 6-foot-4, 275 pounds, can run (Wilson estimates Jones runs a sub-4.8-second 40-yard dash) and can move (quickly), any recruiter will like that.
“That’s what attracted UVA, Virginia Tech, Syracuse, N.C. State, ODU and William & Mary, just to name a few. He’s a junior and they feel he can develop, and he can if he puts in the work.”
Wilson said the primary things Jones must improve on to play Power Four football are his flexibility and strength. He thinks UVA will want him to play on the defensive line, where he says Jones is becoming increasingly savvy.
He said Jones’ understanding is improving also on the offensive line, and expects him to get markedly stronger as he increases time in the weight room.
“His upside potential is extremely great,” Wilson said.
Balance fuels Warhill upset
The biggest Bay Rivers District upsets of recent vintage were rare losses by Lafayette: to Smithfield in 2012 and 2019 to York — the latter ending the Rams’ 60-game district winning streak. After beating Lafayette 10-7 in overtime in a mild upset earlier this season, previously unbeaten Poquoson learned how it feels to be a prime target.
Not so fun, it turns out, as Warhill (5-2) upset the Islanders (7-1) 35-28. That the game-winning score was Carson Strickland’s 14-yard touchdown pass to Kaden Scales was fitting.
It’s not that the Lions passed a ton: their 283 yards rushing — with Braden Turns netting 187 and two touchdowns, while Strickland had 70 rushing and a TD — far exceeded their 83 passing. But Lions’ coach Jerome Rhodes felt his team’s ability to show the pass early prohibited the Islanders’ physical and aggressive defense from committing totally to stopping the run.
Rhodes credited his huge line, led by 5-10, 308-pound sophomore Kavon Brown-Compton, for its work. His blocking, and play on the defensive line, earned Brown-Compton Warhill Player of the Game honors.
Region power points
While Hampton (6-1, 27.57 rating) and Lafayette (7-1, 26.12) are all but certain to capture the top two spots in the eight-team Class 4 Region A playoffs, Warhill (5-2, 24.14) vaulted from fifth place to third over Churchland (5-3, 23.88) and Phoebus (3-3, 23.50). The Truckers and Phantoms are battling for the fourth quarterfinal home berth in a matchup possibly with each other. … Maury (6-1, 28.83) sits firmly atop the Class 5 Region B ratings, but with second-place King’s Fork (6-1, 26.88) facing tests against Indian River and Nansemond River, third-place Warwick (6-2, 26.88) can make a play for No. 2 if it beats Hampton. … New Kent (5-2, 22.90) is chasing Lake Taylor (7-1, 24.50) for the top spot in Class 3 Region A.
Big rushing numbers
Bethel’s Amari Pryear had another big rushing game in a 49-0 win over Woodside on Saturday with 268 yards and six touchdowns, but it pales in comparison to the numbers of King William’s K’Sean Hill. Hill ran for 417 yards and seven touchdowns in the Cavaliers’ 66-42 win over Mecklenburg, and has been nominated for Sports Illustrated High School Athlete of the Week (vote at si.com).
Extra points
Junior quarterback Baum Hogge had a big passing night for run-oriented Lafayette in its 57-7 win over Gloucester, throwing for 199 yards and four touchdowns.
Josh Lawson had a monster defensive game in Grafton’s 48-35 shootout win over Jamestown, with two interceptions, a fumble recovery, a sack, two pass breakups and two tackles for loss among eight stops.
