Warriors win city championship
Published 7:37 pm Saturday, November 5, 2016
- Nansemond River High School chalked up the unofficial Suffolk championship on Friday, beating crosstown rival Lakeland 27-24 in overtime. The Warriors were led by JeVon Waller, who had 119 yards rushing and two touchdowns. photo by Melissa Glover
Nansemond River High School (6-4) solidified its city championship after traveling to Lakeland (5-5) Friday to get a 27-24 win in overtime for both teams’ regular-season finale.
Last year, the Warriors put up 50 points in beating the Cavs, and this year Lakeland had vowed to make it a different story.
After last week’s disappointing loss to Indian River, Cavs coach Kevin Knight was proud of his team’s effort.
“I’m so confident right now in my guys,” Knight said. “Even though we didn’t get the win, I’m proud of how our offense and defense played. I saw a lot of fight in our guys. I feel 10 times better about this performance than I did last week.”
Lakeland Senior Damontra Milteer finished Friday night with 190 yards rushing and two touchdowns. With his game Friday it brought Milteer’s total on the regular season at 1,601 yards. Alajuwun Langston had 150 yards receiving and two touchdowns.
“I feel we played great,” Milteer said of his team’s effort against the Warriors. “I am very proud of my guys. They played their hearts out, and I love them for that.”
The Warriors were led by JeVon Waller, who had 119 yards rushing and two touchdowns. Rashad Williams had a pass interception.
Nansemond River led 14-6 at the half. In the fourth quarter, momentum swung completely in the Cavs’ favor, but the Warriors were able to earn the win with an overtime field goal by Evan Lomax.
“We played a good football team,” Warriors coach David Coccoli said. “One of our goals every year is to win the hometown. We did that. Now hopefully we can go on and win a playoff game.”
“This win feels great,” Nansemond River’s Ray Goodman said. “The game was really close, so coming out on top like that in close battles makes the win that much more special.”
Both teams fought hard, but they know there are bigger things at stake in the coming weeks, with the playoffs starting for both teams.
The Warriors have some injuries they will be battling going into the post season, but they hope this win can help them build momentum. As it stands now, Nansemond River will be the sixth seed in the 5A South Region and will likely take on Norview High School, the third seed.
As for the Cavs, they will have the third seed at 5-5 in the 3A East Region and will likely play Poquoson High School. Out of all the Suffolk schools, Lakeland will have the only home game.
Times, dates and opponents will be solidified Sunday. Fans can check www.vhsl.org for more information.
Lakeland stats:
- Milteer: 20 rushes, 191 yards, 2 TDs
- Langston: 3 receptions, 150 yards, 2 TDs
- Holloman: 7 passes, 181 yards, 2 TDs, 1 interception
Nansemond River stats:
- Waller: 18 rushes, 119 yards, 2 TDs
- Oliphant: 6 rushes, 28 yards
- Moreno: 8 tackles
- Williams: 1interception