Football: News and notes from Hampton Roads

Great Bridge RB close to record

A few weeks ago, Adriell Mayes’ goal of rushing for 2,000 yards this season seemed far-fetched. Now, after averaging more than 220 yards in Great Bridge’s past four games, the senior running back is in a position to do just that – and break South Hampton Roads’ single-season rushing record.

Mayes rushed for 249 yards in Monday’s loss to Western Branch. He heads into Friday’s regular-season finale against Hickory with 1,782 yards – 255 from breaking the single-season record set by Cox’s Lamont Still (2,036) in 1991. The record includes only regular-season games.

Mayes is fifth on South Hampton Roads’ list of the top single-season totals, trailing Norcom’s David Freeman (1,798 yards), Wilson’s Jamel Deans (1,855), Kellam’s Delmus Coley (2,029) and Still.

Mayes has five 200-yard games this season, including a season-high 255 vs. Nansemond River.

On Friday, he faces a Hickory team that has allowed one 200-yard rusher this season: Lakeland’s Raekwon Johnson (215 yards).

By the numbers

53: Football games played between Norfolk Academy and Bishop Sullivan Catholic (formerly Catholic). The rivals meet for the 54th time at 7 p.m. Friday at the Sportsplex. The Bulldogs lead the series 39-13-1, but the Crusaders have won two straight games.

Oscar Smith backups stepped up

Oscar Smith didn’t have standout running back J.C. Coleman against Grassfield on Friday because he was nursing a sprained ankle.

Instead, the top-ranked Tigers relied on junior Marcus Smith and freshman Deshawn McCleese. Smith finished with 43 yards on 10 carries, while McCleese had 38 yards on 12 carries, including a 3-yard touchdown.

“We had some running backs that said, ‘You know what, I’m in tonight, coach, so let’s go, coach,’ and they did it,” Tigers coach Richard Morgan said. “Marcus and Deshawn did a great job for us. But I said at the beginning of the year that we’re not big but we’re fast and deep.”

He said it

“September is for the imposters because everyone thinks they’re going to win. October is for winners. November is for champions and December is for legends.” - Oscar Smith coach Richard Morgan, on the challenge he issued to his players before a 21-14 victory over Grassfield. The Tigers clinched at least a share of an eighth consecutive Southeastern District title.

– Compiled by Jami Frankenberry and Larry Rubama

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 (6); 8-1; 60; 1

2. Salem; 8-1; 51; 4

3. Lake Taylor; 7-1; 45; 5 

4. Grassfield; 8-1; 40; 2 

5. Norcom; 8-1; 32; 6

6. Bayside; 8-2; 30; 7

7. Landstown; 7-2; 28; 9

8. Ocean Lakes; 7-2; 23; 3

9. Lakeland; 7-2; 15; 8

10. Norfolk Christian; 7-2; 4; –

Dropped out: Cox (5-4).

Also receiving votes: Hickory 2.