CHESAPEAKE — Oscar Smith took a big step toward a second consecutive Southeastern District title on Friday, but it didn’t come easy as No. 8 Nansemond River gave the second-ranked Tigers all they could handle.
The Tigers, who have won five of the last six district titles, did it with defense as they shutout Nansemond River in the second half and had four interceptions, including one by defensive back and Virginia commit Jayden Covil in the final four minutes of a 35-21 victory.
Oscar Smith (7-1, 6-0 district) capitalized with a seven-play drive capped by quarterback and recent Virginia commit Lonnie Andrews III’s 3-yard touchdown run.
Andrews 3 run. Seals win for Oscar Smith. Oscar Smith 35, Nansemond River 21 (35.4) pic.twitter.com/xcdlkK6aPy
— Larry Rubama (@LHRubama) October 25, 2025
“The first half was just a matter of calming our nerves and executing the defense,” said Oscar Smith defensive coordinator Jahvoni Simmons. “I told them all week that we had the advantage on the interior, but they had some guys on the outside that could stretch the field, and they have a great quarterback in Tyrell Grant, who can put the ball anywhere, plus he can run the ball as well. But my guys executed on defense. And I told them as long as we do that and calm down, that everything would be OK. I’m so glad how our guys responded.”
The game was tied at 21 at halftime, but Oscar Smith caught a break early in the third quarter on Kymonte Bynum’s interception deep inside Nansemond River territory. Four plays later, Reggie Wallace’s 2-yard touchdown run gave the Tigers a 28-21 lead.
Nansemond River (6-2, 4-2) got the ball back and moved the ball down to the Oscar Smith 12, but the defense turned them back as Covil intercepted a pass on fourth down in the end zone.
The Warriors had another chance early in the fourth quarter as they moved the ball to the Oscar Smith 4, but again they couldn’t score.
Oscar Smith defense holds on fourth down pic.twitter.com/kBvNTvqVH1
— Larry Rubama (@LHRubama) October 25, 2025
Then with 4:52, Nansemond River mounted another drive, but Covil intercepted Grant again to set up the Tigers’ game-clinching touchdown.
“I saw the ball in the air and I had to go get it,” Covil said. “It’s an amazing feeling. Coming out here and playing with my brothers, it’s a surreal feeling.”
Nansemond River coach Alonzo Ricks Jr. was proud of his players, but said it was a tough loss.
“They were resilient. They’ve done everything that I asked them to do this year,” he said. “Oscar Smith and coach Chris Scott and that program, they’re synonymous with state championships, big wins and quality players. We just didn’t finish tonight, but it was an outstanding game, great turnout. I just feel bad for my senior that we couldn’t win”
Larry Rubama, 757-575-6449, larry.rubama@pilotonline.com
