Football: C.D. Hylton-Lake Taylor preview

Posted to: High Schools Sports

C.D. Hylton at

No. 2 Lake Taylor, 7 p.m.

By Larry Rubama
The Virginian-Pilot
© September 11, 2008

NORFOLK

Lake Taylor has put together a regular-season winning streak that now stands at 18 games.

The Titans, ranked second in South Hampton Roads, will put that streak on the line Friday when they host perennial Northern Virginia power C.D. Hylton in a non-district game.

Last year, Lake Taylor became the first South Hampton Roads team in more than 20 years to play a regular-season game outside the Eastern Region when the Titans traveled to Woodbridge to play Hylton.

The Titans came back from a 14-point deficit in a driving rainstorm to stun the Bulldogs in double overtime 24-17.

“That game brought us closer together,” Lake Taylor coach Hank Sawyer said. “It was very pivotal in our season.”

Sawyer’s team wound up 10-0 in the regular season, then fell to Indian River in the Eastern Region playoffs.

Since 2005, the Titans have a 30-2 regular-season record.

Lake Taylor (2-0) hopes to use the game against Hylton to continue its momentum this season.

They’re led on offense this season by running back Boogie McCray, who last week scored four touchdowns to lead Lake Taylor past Denbigh 49-7. McCray has 204 yards rushing through two games.

Titans quarterback Jarred Battle has passed for 291 yards. His top receiver is Trevor Adams, who has six receptions for 146 yards and three touchdowns.

“You talk about having balance,” Sawyer said, “and we’ve had it in our first two games.”

Hylton (1-0) has history on its side. The Bulldogs won eight consecutive region titles from 1998 to 2005 and a Group AAA Division 6 state title in 2002.

The Bulldogs are led by running backs Bill Nyantakyi, Khyree Blake and Jabari Neely, who last week totaled for 114 yards in a season-opening victory over Stonewall Jackson of Manassas.

The Titans are ready.

“Last year’s game was a tough one,” McCray said. “But if we continue to play as a team, I don’t think anybody can beat us.”

Staff picks

Larry says Lake Taylor 23, C.D. Hylton 20

Jami says Lake Taylor 21, C.D. Hylton 17

View High school football Game Watch Week 4

ADVISORY: Users are solely responsible for opinions they post here and for following agreed-upon rules of civility. Comments do not reflect the views of The Virginian-Pilot or its Web sites. Comments are automatically checked for inappropriate language, but readers might find some comments offensive or inaccurate. If you believe a comment violates our rules, click the "Report Violation" link below the comment.