Maury has reached four consecutive Class 5 state championship games and five of the last six, winning three titles.
Last season the Commodores became just the third Eastern District team to win back-to-back state football titles — and the first in nearly 80 years — joining Wilson (1926-27) and Granby (1945-46).
The Commodores graduated a lot of talent, including quarterback Au’Tori Newkirk, a two-time Abe Goldblatt All-Tidewater Football Player of the Year who signed with North Carolina.
But coach Dyrri McCain is looking forward to the challenge.
“One of the most fun things about being here, and at this level, is it’s a new team and a new group,” he said. “There are pieces that are gone. But instead of dwelling on that, the challenge is getting the next group ready. We’re ready.”
In eight seasons, McCain has led the Commodores to five state final appearances, three undefeated state championship teams (2019, 2023, 2024) and seven consecutive region titles.
The district welcomes two new coaches in Norview’s Karlynn Ferebee and Manor’s Detric Avents.
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1. Maury Commodores
Maury quarterback Domo Everette takes a snap during a drill on the first day of football practice at Maury High School in Norfolk, Virginia, on July 31, 2025. (Billy Schuerman / The Virginian-Pilot)
Classification: Class 5 Region B
Coach: Dyrri McCain, 87-13 in eight seasons
Last season: 15-0 overall, 7-0 district
On the field: McCain is quick to point out that he doesn’t want anyone comparing this season’s team to previous teams. “They are not the 2019, 2023 or 2024 team,” he said. “Looking forward to the season with this group that has put in so much time to get where they are now. A great group of experienced guys mixed with a great group of leaders in the program.” The seniors have played in three consecutive state championship games and are going for a fourth. The Commodores will be led by LB/TE Isaiah Simmons, WR/DB Jahvon Wiggins, WR/DB Elijah Moss-Williams, DB Matt Williams, RB/DB Tayshawn Branche, DB/WR Hunter Collins, LB/RB Javonti Hughes, OL Elijah Jones, DL Sam Woods and QB Domo Everette. McCain said he’s not worried about turning the reins over to Everette. “He was in the program last year, so it’s not like he’s new and has to learn anything,” he said. “He spent last year learning behind Au’Tori. Now it’s his time to take over. I love his leadership over the offseason, and I’ve loved the work he’s put in, on and off the field.”
2. Granby Comets
Classification: Class 5 Region B
Coach: Kendal Jefferson, 16-6 in two seasons
Last season: 9-2 overall, 6-1 district
On the field: Before Jefferson’s arrival, the Comets were 3-29 over the four previous seasons and hadn’t made the playoffs since 2017. But they’ve made the playoffs the past two seasons since he took over. Now they want to take it a step further and win a playoff game. They will be led by seniors Javea Trotter (6-0, 240) and Chaz Morris (6-3, 280) and sophomore Chance Fleetwood (6-3, 275), who will give the Comets the size and strength to dominate the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. Leading the offense is senior quarterback Jimier Chinn (6-0, 200), who “brings poise, athleticism, and the ability to make plays through the air and on the ground,” Jefferson said. Sophomore RB Gerald Blackmon (5-10, 220) continues a football legacy as both his father and grandfather were 1,500-yard rushers in high school in Richmond. On the outside are Jonah Burris, Devin Forbes and Brenton Buie. Also watch for freshman WR/DB Semaj Lyons. “We’ve got a great mix of senior leaders and young talent this year,” Jefferson said.
3. Lake Taylor Titans
Classification: Class 3 Region A
Coach: Hank Sawyer, 237-77 in 26 seasons
Last season: 3-7 overall, 3-4 district
On the field: The Titans have a new artificial-turf field and high expectations after a disappointing season — Sawyer’s first losing season since 2004. “We have been working harder in the offseason in the weight room to try to get back to our Lake Taylor tradition,” he said. “Last year was very hard to swallow.” Senior captain Magerald Clark won’t come off the field much as he plays wide receiver, running back and defensive back and returns kicks. Last season he was All-Tidewater as he finished the season with 13 interceptions. Another captain, running back Keon Johnson (6-0, 220), earned all-region honors after rushing for 996 yards and 17 touchdowns. The Titans also need a big season from QB Kevin Adams, who threw for 1,737 yards and 12 touchdowns. Other key players are OL Ziyon Knight (6-3, 295), LB Casaun Hesson (21 sacks), OL Kaleb Shortridge (6-1, 300), LB DeVaughn Powell (6-0, 215), OL/DL Elijah Thomas and LB Latavion Hill.
4. Norcom Greyhounds
Classification: Class 3 Region A
Coach: Anthony Hawkins, 20-15 in three seasons
Last season: 8-5 overall, 5-2 district
On the field: Hawkins said the Greyhounds are “experienced and hungry” to try to take the program to the next level and be one of the top programs in Hampton Roads. The offense has the ability to be explosive with plenty of athletes, including WR Marquell Johnson and QB Emory Hurt. The line will be big and physical, anchored by Tyre Tabron (6-3, 315), Tre Styles (6-2, 225) and King Green (6-0, 210). The secondary will be young and athletic, led by Di’Andre Atkins, Jahrel Sims, Donny Wade, Demaras Edwards and Nahzay Giles.
5. Churchland Truckers
Churchland coach Dontrell Leonard gives a player some encouragement earlier this season. His team overcame Norcom 21-16 Saturday in Portsmouth,. STEPHEN M. KATZ/STAFF
Classification: Class 4 Region A
Coach: Dontrell Leonard, 49-37 in seven seasons
Last season: 6-6 overall, 4-3 district
On the field: The Truckers have made the playoffs in each of Leonard’s seven seasons. This season, he tries to take them a little deeper. Quarterback Logan Wynne has several talented receivers in Dareon Ripley, Breon Dupree, Elijah Salmon and Floyd Logan, who last season had 26 receptions for 406 yards and four touchdowns. Also, watch for RB Keith Williams, TE Jayden Person, OL Anthony Whitelaw (6-6, 310) and T Caleb Holmes (6-4, 270).
6. Norview Pilots
Classification: Class 5 Region B
Coach: Karlynn Ferebee, first season
Last season: 2-7 overall, 2-5 district
On the field: Ferebee has been an assistant in the Eastern District for many years, including at Granby. Now, he gets a chance to run the show as he replaced Herb Lawrence. He’s excited about this season as the Pilots have 18 seniors who are ready to turn the program around. Norview has had just two winning seasons since 2017. “They are dedicated and hungry for success,” Ferebee said. “Their first three years were not a great experience for them, and they didn’t win many games. However, despite all of these setbacks, they continuously work very hard every day with no complaints. They all really want to go out on a successful season and see the Norview football team rise to new heights.” Two seniors who will lead them are TE/DE Haiden Louther and versatile athlete Zavian Bynum. Also watch for TE/DE Amari Martin.
7. Booker T. Washington Bookers
Booker T. Washington High School head football coach Mason Williams huddles with players during practice at the school in Norfolk on Monday, Aug. 5, 2024. (Kendall Warner / The Virginian-Pilot)
Classification: Class 3 Region A
Coach: Mason Williams, 1-9 in one season
Last season: 1-9 overall, 1-6 district
On the field: Williams went through some growing pains last season in his first year. He feels this season will be different for the Bookers, who haven’t posted a winning record in 10 years. He believes they can turn it around and restore pride into the program. For starters, the Bookers will be playing on a new artificial-turf field. Leading the way are QB/DB Kelvin Battle, WR/DB Petey Richardson, DT Robert Corprew, WR/LB Kielin Powell, DE Keon Bratten and ATH Frenchie Cutting. “We were able to have an offseason, which is something we didn’t have an opportunity to have last year,” Williams said. “Losing only three seniors from last year, there should be improvements made this year. I’m looking forward to the opportunity of seeing this team compete in Region 3A.”
8. Manor Mustangs
Manor head coach Detric Avents at Manor High School in Portsmouth, Virginia, on Aug. 12, 2025. (Billy Schuerman / The Virginian-Pilot)
Classification: Class 4 Region A
Coach: Detric Avents, first season
Last season: 0-10 overall, 0-7 district
On the field: Avents takes over a program that hasn’t had a winning season since 2004, when the school was known as Wilson High. And the Mustangs begin this season on a 16-game losing streak. He knows everyone is counting them out, but his staff and players believe things are about to turn around. “This year we are focused on building a foundation for this Mustang program,” said Avents, who last season led Churchland Middle to an undefeated record and won the Portsmouth/Norfolk middle school championship. “That means teaching discipline and effort in all that you do.” Players to watch include senior RB/S Nahmere Peace, senior WR/DB Zion Smith, senior Jaden Daniels, senior OL/DL Justin Ward and juniors RB/DE Delvontae Crosby and WR/DB Jayden Shelton. Also watch for brothers Tyrell and Ny’DaVeon Benton. Tyrell, a freshman, will play quarterback, while Ny’DaVeon is a junior wide receiver and linebacker. “This season we will surprise a lot of teams,” Avents said. “Not because of new coaches, but because of a new belief in themselves.”
Larry Rubama, 757-575-6449, larry.rubama@pilotonline.com
