Football notebook: Oscar Smith's Askew still committed to Tennessee ... for now

It was only a month ago that Jerod Askew, a standout linebacker at Oscar Smith, committed to Tennessee.

He chose the Volunteers over Alabama, Maryland, West Virginia and South Carolina.

But that could change after Volunteers coach Phillip Fulmer was forced out on Monday.

“Once the news showed up on ESPN, my phone started ringing,” Oscar Smith coach Richard Morgan said. “They wanted to know if Jerod was going to be looking around because a lot of people still want him.”

Morgan said he spoke to Askew at length after hearing the news. For now, Morgan said Askew is staying put.

“We talked, and right now he’s still very much in love with the school and would like to keep his commitment there,” Morgan said. “However, he is certainly anxiously waiting to find out who is going to be named the replacement and get an idea of where the program is going to be headed and what direction it’s going to take. So we’ll see what happens.”

Askew, a 6-foot, 230-pounder, is regarded by many recruiting services as one of the nation’s top linebackers. He also is the first Oscar Smith player in Morgan’s seven seasons to commit to an SEC school.

Ocean Lakes assistant in win-win-win situation

Only seven months ago, assistant coach Chris Ramey wondered if he would be on the sidelines this season.

But as things turned out, Ramey not only got a defensive coaching position, but he also has helped Ocean Lakes to the Beach District title with a perfect regular season.

Ramey has been coaching since 1992. He began as an assistant at Kempsville. Then he served under Chris Beatty at Salem and Landstown. When Eagles head coach Steve Canter left to take a college job, Ramey thought he might get the top job, but Landstown went with Tommy Reamon.

“Timing is everything because I was thinking that I may not even coach this season,” Ramey said. “Then this job just happened when Chris (Scott) got it. And I talked to him, and we just went from there.”

Scott, who replaced longtime coach Jim Prince, said Ramey has been a huge addition to the coaching staff.

“We met and talked philosophy and what we’re trying to build at Ocean Lakes, on and off the field,” Scott said. “We were pretty much on the same page on everything.

“He’s added a great dynamic of fast tempo, fast pace and a winning attitude that he brought over from coaches he’s coached with. And he’s been to the state championship game and won a state title.”

Ramey said he’s thankful for the opportunity. It sure beats sitting in the stands.

“I’m just in the right place at the right time,” he said. “And I just try to do the best job I can wherever I’m at. It’s just a great situation, and I just try to take advantage of that.”

Churchland lineman finds solace in football

It has been an emotional last few weeks for Churchland’s Xavier Moore.

A 5-foot-10, 230-pound lineman, Moore helped the Truckers to three consecutive victories that helped Churchland earn its first trip to the playoffs since 1997.

But it hasn’t all been joy for Moore. On Oct. 23, his family was burned out of its home following a grease fire.

“When I woke up, there were flames and smoke everywhere,” he said. “I got up and tried to knock the flames down, but they just kept getting bigger.”

Moore was able to get his 14-year-old brother to safety, but his family lost nearly everything to smoke and water damage.

Despite all this, Moore showed up to school the next day and played against Booker T. Washington.

“It was a big game for us to make the playoffs,” he said. “And it took my mind off of it for a couple of hours.”

The Truckers wrapped up a playoff spot last week with their victory over Wilson.

“It helped put a smile on my face,” Moore said. “And it made things a little better.”

The family has received assistance from the Churchland High team and from the Olive Branch Football Association.

On the field, Moore and the Truckers now face undefeated Phoebus on Friday in the Division 5 quarterfinals.

Atlantic Shores hosting playoff game at Tallwood

Atlantic Shores clinched home-field advantage throughout the Division II state private school playoffs with its victory over Trinity Episcopal last week.

The top-seeded Seahawks (8-2) play No. 4 seed Virginia Episcopal on Friday at Tallwood High School at 7 p.m. The game was moved from Atlantic Shores because of Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association requirements for hosting such an event.

“For football, we do not have adequate seating, nor do we have a secured gate,” Atlantic Shores athletic director Mike Tribus said. “Therefore, it is my responsibility to find a location.”

Tribus was able to secure Nansemond-Suffolk Academy, but he looked at another possibility and found Tallwood, which is only 3 miles from Atlantic Shores.

“I had to see if it would fit their schedule and also fill out some paperwork,” he said. “There is some fees involved, but it all worked out great.”

The Seahawks have been led by quarterback Josh Healey (1,077 passing yards, 13 TDs) and running back Parker Jackson (1,117 rushing yards, eight TDs). Receivers Randy Howard (27 receptions for 510 yards and four TDs), Todd Haynes and Michael Johnson also have been big contributors.

But Atlantic Shores coach Wayne Lance knows the No. 1 seed means nothing come playoff time.

“Virginia Episcopal is an experienced opponent with playoff-savvy players,” he said. “They were state runners-up several times in the last few years. I know there are many picking VES in this game.”

Playoff ticket info

Eastern Region playoff tickets for the Woodside at Oscar Smith game will be on sale Friday at Oscar Smith from noon to 2 p.m. Game time is 7:30 p.m., and gates will open at 6:15.

Tickets for the Salem at Ocean Lakes game will be on sale at Salem from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today through Friday.

Tickets for both games are $7 for adults, $3 for children 12 and younger.

Moving up the career lists ...

A look at players who made their mark on career lists this season:

Oscar Smith quarterback Phillip Sims, a junior, has 5,313 regular-season passing yards, putting him sixth all-time in South Hampton Roads. Sims’ 6,604 total yards (playoffs included) currently rank eighth in Virginia High School League history, and he’ll keep moving up beginning Friday.

Cox’s Drew Jarrett, a senior, finished with 28 regular-season career field goals to become South Hampton Roads’ leader. The Falcons are in postseason, so Jarrett could add to that and move up on the VHSL’s list. He’s tied for fourth and needs five field goals to move into third.

Extra point …

Lake Taylor, the Eastern Region’s top seed in Division 5, aims to end coach Hank Sawyer’s playoff drought, a string of six games, when the Titans host Warwick on Friday. But the Titans’ winless playoff streak stretches much farther back. The Titans haven’t won a playoff game since 1982, the year they won the school’s only Eastern Region crown.

— Compiled by Larry Rubama and Jami Frankenberry