The Nansemond River High School football team had five players make the Class 5A All-Region teams this season.

The Nansemond River football team had a strong season this year. They finished the regular season going 8-2 before heading into the playoffs as a sixth seed and upsetting the No. 3-seeded Indian River High School. Nansemond River took a loss in the region semifinals to Maury High School, finishing 9-3.

Nansemond River had three first team selections with X’zavion Evans, Joeziah Autrey and Payton Payne. Evans earned the nod at running back, with Payne getting the nod at offensive lineman. Autrey was a first team defensive lineman. Evans rushed for 1,700 yards for the Warriors and added more than 20 touchdowns as his only season as a Warrior.

“I feel good about being selected,” Evans said. “I feel good about the work I’ve put in and the recognition I’m starting to get for it.”

On the second team All-Region, Payne was also selected a second team defensive lineman. Matthew Henson was a second team tight end, while Keonte Cobb was selected a second team defensive lineman.

In a talented region, the Warriors were represented well. Speaking to the talent the Class 5A region has, the Warriors had only two losses in the regular season but were still sixth seeds. Next season, the Warriors are likely to remain a very good team. Of the All-Region selections, Henson and Payne will both be returning.