Menchville’s aim going into the season opener was to show its consistent improvement in three seasons under coach Rodney Taylor would continue in what is considered a rebuilding year. Mission: accomplished.
The Monarchs beat Granby 32-7 as deep-threat wide receiver Amir Harrison caught six passes for 118 yards, including touchdowns of 26 and 12 yards. Quarterback Kevin White (7 of 14 passing, 123 yards) was steady, Jasiah Hales (13 carries, 94 yards) emerged as a go-to option at running back and a defense that allowed just 10.5 points on average in the spring was stingy.
Phoebus’ aim going into the season opener was to show it is a Class 3 state title contender. Mission: accomplished.
In a highly anticipated matchup between Class 3 state contenders, the Phantoms leveled Lake Taylor 56-6. Quarterback Mark Wagner passed for 154 yards and four touchdowns to three different receivers — Kymari Gray had two TD receptions — while running for 92 yards.
Ty’Reon Taylor ran for 86 yards and the defense forced six turnovers as Donald Gatling returned two interceptions for touchdowns. Menchville won’t be a gimmie in their Peninsula District opener, but Phoebus has already cleared the biggest part of the path to an unbeaten regular season.
“When you play a team like Lake Taylor … you gotta execute,” Phantoms coach Jeremy Blunt said. “Possession by possession, move the chains and the hope is to put the ball in the end zone, and I was proud of our guys offensively how we were able to do that and defensively how we continued to put the ball back in the offense’s hands.”
Phoebus vs. Menchville at Todd Stadium
Larry: Phoebus, 33-13. Marty: Phoebus 42-7.
(All games at 7 p.m. unless noted)
Thursday
Beach District
Bayside at First Colonial
Larry: Bayside, 27-20 . Marty: Bayside 21-6.
Cox at Kempsville
Larry: Cox, 28-21. Marty: Cox 17-14.
Kellam at Ocean Lakes
Larry: Ocean Lakes, 41-20. Marty: Ocean Lakes 38-7.
Landstown at Tallwood
Larry: Landstown, 34-27. Marty: Landstown 21-13.
Princess Anne at Salem: Canceled due to COVID protocols.
Non-district
Currituck at Hickory
Larry: Hickory, 24-16. Marty: Hickory 28-13.
Deep Creek at Manor
Larry: Deep Creek, 34-23. Marty: Deep Creek 28-21.
Denbigh vs. Grafton at Bailey Field
Larry: Grafton, 20-13. Marty: Grafton 21-17.
York at Gloucester
Larry: York, 34-14. Marty: York 28-7.
Woodside at Norview: Postponed due to COVID protocols.
Friday
Southeastern District
Great Bridge at Nansemond River: Postponed due to COVID protocols.
Bay Rivers District
Bruton at Surry County
Larry: Surry County, 20-13. Marty: Surry County 17-14.
Essex vs. Jamestown at Wanner Stadium
Larry: Essex 34-13. Marty: Essex 35-6.
Non-district
J.R. Tucker at Indian River
Larry: Indian River, 34-27. Marty: Indian River 35-14.
Southampton at Lakeland
Larry: Southampton, 34-26. Marty: Lakeland 28-26.
Grassfield at Churchland
Larry: Churchland, 27-20. Marty: Churchland 17-14.
Lake Taylor vs. Heritage at Todd Stadium
Larry: Lake Taylor, 41-13. Marty: Lake Taylor 28-7.
Warhill at Norcom
Larry: Norcom, 27-26. Marty: Norcom 18-12.
Western Branch vs. Granby at Powhatan Stadium
Larry: Western Branch 41-13. Marty: Western Branch 35-0.
Booker T. Washington vs. Hampton at Darling Stadium: Postponed due to COVID protocols.
Private schools
Blue Ridge at Nansemond-Suffolk, 7 p.m.
Covenant at Southampton Academy, 7 p.m.
Isle of Wight at Portsmouth Christian, 7 p.m.
Roanoke Catholic at Atlantic Shores, 7 p.m.
Saturday
Peninsula district
Bethel vs. Warwick at Todd Stadium, noon
Larry: Warwick 27-13. Marty: Warwick 21-14.
Private schools
Norfolk Academy at Potomac School, 1 p.m.
Norfolk Christian at North Cross, 1 p.m.
Last week
Marty O’Brien: 13-5 overall (72.2%)
Larry Rubama: 13-5 overall (72.2%)
