Football: Picks & previews for Thursday's games

Jami Frankenberry and Larry Rubama take a look at today’s games, which begin at 7 p.m. at the home school unless otherwise noted.

No. 1 Bayside (0-0) at No. 5 Salem (0-0)

The scoop It’s the season opener, but the winner here stamps itself as a Beach title contender. The match-up features two touted quarterbacks: Bayside’s Deion Stitt and Salem’s Bucky Hodges. Stitt has thrown for 4,021 career yards (including playoff games) and is on pace to challenge school record-holder E.J. Manuel (5,879 career yards). A big crowd is expected, and gates open at 6 p.m. Larry Bayside, 28-26. Jami Bayside, 21-10.

No. 4 Ocean Lakes (0-0) at Princess Anne (0-0)

The scoop Princess Anne’s on-field losing skid is at 30 games. The only win during that stretch was a forfeit from Ocean Lakes in 2009. Larry Ocean Lakes, 37-14. Jami Ocean Lakes, 34-14.

Maury (0-0) at No. 7 Grassfield (0-0)

The scoop Three of the past four games in this non-district series have been decided by a touchdown or less. Maury welcomes new coach Chris Fraser, who previously coached at Smithfield and Charlottesville. Grassfield opens its season without longtime starting QB Tyler Clark, who graduated after throwing for more than 1,600 yards last year. Larry Grassfield, 27-6. Jami Grassfield 24-14.

No. 8 Landstown (0-0) at Kellam (0-0)

The scoop Landstown moves on after the graduation of last season’s leading passer and rusher, while Kellam must replace running back Evan Lowe, a 1,000-yard rusher last season before graduating. Larry Landstown, 27-10. Jami Landstown, 20-17.

No. 9 Cox (0-0) at Green Run (0-0)

The scoop Cox lost its top two ground gainers to graduation after last season, but Green Run has even bigger shoes to fill. RB Dre’Quez Lambert rushed for more than 1,600 yards last season in the Stallions’ Wildcat formation. Larry Cox, 17-16. Jami Cox, 20-14.

Lake Taylor (0-0) at Indian River (0-0)

Time 5 p.m.

The scoop Lake Taylor has a versatile star to replace: Derrion Walton graduated after gaining nearly 1,900 all-purpose yards. QB Juwan Alvarado, also a defensive back and wideout, is back for the Braves, who finished 5-5 last season. Larry Lake Taylor, 20-17. Jami Lake Taylor, 22-10.

Kecoughtan (0-0) at Churchland (0-0)

The scoop Kecoughtan had hoped to move this game back a day or two after missing practice Friday and Monday because of school cancellations. Churchland’s Alonzo Ricks Jr. makes his head-coaching debut. Larry Churchland, 20-14. Jami Churchland, 29-27.

Kempsville (0-0) vs. Tallwood (0-0)

Site Virginia Beach Sportsplex

The scoop Kempsville gets started without its leading passer, rusher and receiver – all of whom graduated after last year’s 4-6 season. Tallwood’s John Kepple, a longtime Lions assistant, debuts as a head coach. Larry Kempsville, 14-13. Jami Kempsville, 20-7.

– Compiled by Jami Frankenberry

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