Football: Update on Greenbrier Christian coach, Lake Taylor decision, weekly rankings . . .

Greenbrier Christian assistant coach Greg Jessee is still in critical condition after he suffered a massive heart attack two weeks ago on the sideline of a game against Bishop Sullivan.

Greenbrier Christian athletic director Dan Moore sent a text message that Jessee “is about the same” and that even though progress has been slow they are hopeful about his recovery. Jessee also is the father of Gator starting quarterback, Nick Jessee.

Many fans have written me since our story ran about Jessee.

Many were "upset" and “horrified” by the attending paramedics. All felt the medics were slow to react in coming to Jessee’s aid.

Our continued prayers for Jessee and the family. 

Lake Taylor will play 9 regular-season games

It’s final, the Lake Taylor-George Washington (Danville) has been ruled a no contest by the Virginia High School League.

The Titans (6-1) were supposed to play at George Washington-Danville on Sept. 23 but the game was postponed because of inclement weather.

But the two schools were unable to come up with a reschedule date that was satisfactory for both.

“Both teams will end up with nine games for the regular-season,” said Lake Taylor athletic director Bobby Pannenbacker.

That means the Titans won't get any bonus points from George Washington game and they're points will be divided by nine games instead of 10.

That also puts added pressure on Lake Taylor to win out to ensure they make the playoffs. 

"Looks like it’s going to come down to the final week,” Pannenbacker said. “It’s going to be very interesting."

Wild week, wild finish

The biggest news of the week came from the Peninsula where Woodside beat Phoebus 14-9.

The Phantoms, the three-time defending Group AAA Division 5 state champions, had won a state-record 52 consecutive games.

The loss also leaves things wide open for the Eastern Region playoffs in Division 5 and 6.

I can’t think of time where it’s been this wide open.

In Division 6, Oscar Smith and Grassfield will get in from the Southeastern District. In the Beach District there’s defending Eastern Region champion Bayside, Salem and Ocean Lakes. And Woodside and Bethel from the Peninsula.

Other teams trying to get in are Landstown, Cox, First Colonial, Norview, Hickory and Kecoughtan.

In Division 5, there’s Phoebus and Hampton from the Peninsula. In the Eastern District, you have Lake Taylor and Norcom. And from the Southeastern District there’s Lakeland and Great Bridge.

Others fighting for a berth are Booker T. Washington, Nansemond River and Warwick.

Should be a fun last two weeks.

Weekly rankings

Oscar Smith (7-1) moved up two spots to No. 2 in the Associated Press state poll.

The Tigers – whose lone loss came against nationally-ranked Gilman (Md.) – are also ranked No. 10 in the MaxPreps Group AAA poll.

Grassfield – the only unbeaten Group AAA team in South Hampton Roads – is tied for No. 8 in the AP state poll and are ranked No. 29 in the MaxPreps poll.

Other teams ranked in MaxPreps polls include No. 12 Salem, No. 22 Lake Taylor, No. 28 Ocean Lakes, No. 37 Lakeland, No. 41 Bayside, No. 45 Landstown and No. 46 Norcom.

 

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