Football: The district races heating up; Recruiting update on Bayside's Demetrious Nicholson and Kempsville's Travis Hughes

Norcom controls its own destiny after the Greyhounds beat host Churchland 20-14 last Friday in a huge Eastern District match-up.

The Greyhounds, who are 7-0 for the first time since 1993, must now beat Granby, Lake Taylor and Booker T. Washington to claim their first Eastern District title since 2000.

If Norcom loses once and Lake Taylor and Churchland win out, there would a three-way tie for the district title.

This week's battle is in the Beach District title where Bayside visits Ocean Lakes.

Many fans have asked me if the game is going to be moved the Virginia Beach Sportsplex.

Based on what I’ve heard, I seriously doubt it.

Sure, both teams would pack the Sportsplex but why would Ocean Lakes want to move it and lose home-field advantage.

There will be some disappointed fans but just get there early.

If all goes well, the Southeastern District title could be decided on the final day of the regular season.

Oscar Smith and Great Bridge appear to be headed for a clash on Nov. 5 at Oscar Smith.

The road for Oscar Smith is much easier. The Tigers (6-1, 6-0) have Nansemond River and Western Branch who have a combined record of 3-11.

Great Bridge (7-0, 6-0) plays Indian River and Hickory, who have a combined record of 9-5.

Recruiting update

Bayside’s Demetrious Nicholson and Kempsville’s Travis Hughes battled each other last Saturday when the Marlins beat the Chiefs 42-6.

But don’t be surprised if both end up as teammates in college. They have the three same schools in their final five. 

Nicholson, rated the No. 4 cornerback nationally by Rivals, visited North Carolina and Stanford earlier this fall and has narrowed his list to Stanford, Virginia, North Carolina, West Virginia and Clemson.

Hughes, rated the No. 7 inside linebacker nationally by Rivals, has Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, Clemson and Virginia Tech as his final choices.

Both will be in Charlottesville on Oct. 30 when Virginia host Miami.

“A lot of people call my phone a lot and I’ve just stopped answering it,” Nicholson said. “I hope they don’t take it the wrong way but I have homework to do and my social life.

“But I hope to make my decision by December or by the Under Armour game in January.”

Hughes also said he’s getting close to making a decision.

“Right now I somewhat know where I want to go,” he said. “I’m going to Virginia for the Miami game and I’m looking forward to that. Then I’m going to wrap it up with Clemson.

“Then I’m going to take a couple of unofficial visits before deciding where I’m going to be headed after that. I’m not trying to stretch it too long.”

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