Ocean Lakes had a fantastic season and Alex Skidmore was an anchor on the offensive line for the Dolphins. Skidmore is Academic All-American material and he had his pick of high academic colleges. He’s a football player, heavyweight wrestler, and high achieving student all rolled into one.
Earlier this week, the VHSL confirmed the new conference alignment plan that will come into effect for the 2013-14 academic year. For Football in Division 5 & 6, that means that all of the traditions of teams playing their way out of the Eastern Region to make it to the State Semifinals game are over. Some teams will change classification due to their enrollment figures. Ultimately, it’s a lot of change for teams in Group AAA and AA.
Ocean Lakes Defensive Tackle Demetri McGill had a huge senior season, tearing up opposing offensive lines in pursuit of a State Championship. His performances didn’t go unnoticed, as he held numerous scholarship offers before making his verbal commitment to the Unversity of Maryland about a month ago. Since that time, the Terps announced they’re moving from the ACC to the Big 10. Does that affect McGill’s decision?
Granby grad Paul Dukes toted the load for the Comets during his high school career, and now he’s blossoming at the college level. He just finished his freshman season for the Captains and he has adjusted well, on and off the field.
William and Mary landed six commitments over the weekend, including two locals. Not only did Grafton wide receiver Jesse Santiago commit on a weekend visit, but Landstown quarterback/safety Keanu Reuben gave his verbal commitment as well.
News is coming in daily from Western Branch High School where college coaches have been visiting frequently. The Bruins have no less than eight seniors who look to be bound for college football. Josh Marriner is the headliner, but he’s already committed to UConn. The remaining seniors are seeing plenty of interest from schools big and small.
Before Lake Taylor’s victory over Stone Bridge in the Division 5 State Championship game, one of their seniors made his college commitment. Wide receiver Harry Freeman verbally committed to Norfolk State.
The Lake Taylor team rose to the occasion on Saturday in winning the Division 5 State Championship, and Jakale Pinkney was recognized as the Freedom Ford Player of the Week for his performance in the game.
It’s been a long time coming. The City of Norfolk hadn’t won a football title since Granby did it in 1966. Lake Taylor opened in 1967 and had their last shot at a football championship in 1982. This win was for all of the Titans that came before this year’s team.
Ocean Lakes was off to a promising start. On the first play from scrimmage Saturday, quarterback Churchie Harold threw a lateral to Andre Dessenberg, who then heaved the ball down field to a waiting Sese Wolters, who shook off two would-be tacklers and raced for the end zone. The 77-yard play was the highlight of the day for Ocean Lakes.
