Football: Week 1 news and notes

Walker hangs tough against Bayside

Salem’s Divante Walker has shown off his speed all preseason. Last Friday, he showcased his toughness.

Walker was hammered by Bayside defensive back Anthony Lamb after his first reception of the season, fumbling and getting helped off the field. On his next touch, Walker fumbled again and Salem gave back-up running back Brehon Daniels most of the carries for the rest of the first half.

Walker, though, played a major role in icing Salem’s 31-6 victory over then-No. 1 Bayside, breaking off touchdown runs of 57 and 81 yards on his final two touches of the game. Walker finished with 10 carries for 175 yards.

Indian River's top lineman is injured

Indian River could be without star lineman Andrew Brown for a few more weeks.

Brown, 6-foot-5 and 250 pounds, is regarded as one of the nation’s top prospects for the Class of 2014. But he missed the season-opening loss to Lake Taylor because of a leg injury.

“We won’t have him for a couple of games so that really hurts,” Braves coach Cadillac Harris said. “He’s one of the best players in the country and he plays both ways. We’ll definitely miss him.”

He said it

“To go three OTs and to keep plugging at it, we played with a lot of heart. We’re a different team. We just play hard.” - Tallwood coach John Kepple, after the Lions won 35-34 in three overtimes vs. Kempsville in his debut.

Opponent impressed Oscar Smith coach

Oscar Smith coach Richard Morgan doesn’t throw out compliments all the time.

But Morgan had great things to say about Gilman School standout Cyrus Jones, who is regarded as one of the nation’s top players in the Class of 2012.

Jones rushed for 194 yards and three touchdowns to lead the nationally ranked Greyhounds to a 51-27 win over Oscar Smith on Friday.

“Since I’ve been here, he’s the second-best player to Percy Harvin,” Morgan said, referring to the former Landstown and current Minnesota Vikings wide receiver. “And he did some things that were Percy-like. And I can say that because I played Percy three times. He’s right behind him as far as quality athlete and speed. He’s got all the tools.”

By the numbers

41: Points scored last week by Lakeland in a shutout victory over Deep Creek. QB Zach Super threw for 320 yards and four TDs as the Cavaliers snapped a 12-game losing streak.

– Chris Carlson, Larry Rubama and Jami Frankenberry

South Hampton Roads Top 10

The Virginian-Pilot’s South Hampton Roads high school football poll, as voted upon by Pilot football staffers Jami Frankenberry, Larry Rubama, Lee Tolliver, Chris Carlson, Ray Nimmo and Paul Eldert (first-place votes in parentheses, followed by record, voting points and previous rank): 

1. Oscar Smith; (4); 0-1; 57; 2

2. Salem; (1); 1-0; 56; 5

3. Norcom; (1); 2-0; 45; 3

4. Ocean Lakes; 1-0; 43; 4

5. Great Bridge; 1-0; 37; 6

6. Bayside; 0-1; 29; 1

7. Grassfield; 1-0; 24; 7 

8. Landstown; 1-0; 21; 8

9. Green Run; 1-0; 13; –

10. B.T. Washington; 2-0; 10; –  

Also receiving votes: Lake Taylor 5, Lakeland 3.

Dropped out: Cox (0-1), Norfolk Christian (0-2).