Ronald Curry Christmas Classic Championship 2007: Freedom vs. Bethel

Bethel 63, Freedom 50

Ronald Curry Christmas Classic Championship 2007: Hampton vs. Norfolk Collegiate

Norfolk Collegiate 51, Hampton 39

Bethel, Norfolk Collegiate Take Top Honors

The Bethel Bruins and Norfolk Collegiate Oaks each won their brackets, placing first in the Ronald Curry Christmas Classic.

Bethel 63, Freedom 50

Bethel struck early with a mountain of three pointers and maintained a solid position against Freedom High School out of Northern Virginia.

Norfolk Collegiate 51, Hampton 39

The Oaks of Norfolk Collegiate worked a controlled offense and slowed down the quick, speedy Hampton Crabbers with a tough zone defense.

Highlight Reels of Ronald Curry Christmas Classic: Deep Creek vs. Bethel

Exclusive Video Highlights of Ronald Curry Christmas Classic: Deep Creek vs. Bethel

Exclusive Video Highlights of Ronald Curry Christmas Classic: Green Run vs. Hampton

Green Run vs. Hampton

Norfolk Collegiate 54, Heritage 52

Three Smithfield Packers Named to Daily Press High School Football All-star Team

With 2236 rushing yards and 38 touchdowns, senior running back Dyrell Roberts of Smithfield earned the Daily Press Offensive Player of the Year award for high school football. Check out the Daily Press cover story on Roberts.

Joining Roberts were senior linemen Dustin Hornsby and Jordan Eason. Hornsby was named to the First Team Offensive Line for his play opening holes for Roberts; he also earned Second Team Defensive Line honors.

Eason was named to the Second Team Offense for his work on the line creating lanes for Roberts.

Check out all the Daily Press All-Stars.

Aluminum Bats Too Risky

Imagine rearing back and heaving a four seam fastball across the plate to home run hitter David Ortiz of the Boston Red Sox. Now imagine yourself pitching to Ortiz with him holding a high-powered aluminum bat in his hands. Scary? Personally, I'd be terrified, as would many others I assume. We can only thank God that professionals do not hit with metal bats, but this is a reality for pitchers at all levels until they reach the professional stage. Most dangerously in high school and college where balls are pitched at faster speeds, pitchers are at a high injury risk every time they step foot on the mound. As a pitcher in high school and college, I believe pitching at the collegiate level is the most dangerous age to be a pitcher. Players are reaching their peak athletic age and some are professional prospects, not to mention the occasional player that engages in steroids. With the combination of always improved strength conditioning workouts and technological breakthroughs with metal bats, the college pitcher only continues to put himself at risk every time he pitches the ball. Hitters continue to gain an advantage on the field every year, while pitchers have no additional help. Considering college pitchers now face batters with metal bats, would it then be fair to raise the pitchers mound a few inches higher? I think some type of variation of this would be reasonable, although I'm certain many baseball fans would scoff at this idea.

Several factors surround the discussion of the return of wood bats to all levels. The early beginnings of metal bats was to maintain a cost-effective state, with one bat being able to last a season or two, instead of replacing several wood bats throughout a year. Like many things, the initial idea was good, but it evolved into something I would consider bad. The belief that metal bats in the 21st century is cost effective is certainly not the case, as new models price upwards of $400 and players often replace each season with a new bat because they want the most "pop". As with almost anything, money seems to be the revolving theme in metal bats. Just like when the mound was lowered to enhance the offense and provide more excitement, the creation of juiced-up metal bats is now a large business--and high school and college teams keep it alive, constantly purchasing the best bat on the market. Easton markets their bats as the "worlds highest performing Sc900 scandium alloy" and claims one of their models "dominates at every level of play". DeMarini baseball bats tops Easton by saying many teams and players make DeMarini their "weapon" for the season, referring to the tanked baseball bats. Has business interfered too much with the game of baseball and the health of players? Forever #11 thinks so, as they have dedicated a web site solely to the death of former high school pitcher Brandon Patch. Patch was struck in the temple with a line drive while pitching and never recovered from the horrible injury. While much has been done to honor Patch, nothing will replace what happened on that tragic day. Patch is just one incident of many. While Patch suffered the worst hit, several other innocent baseball pitchers have felt the wrath of bat companies seeking to earn an extra dollar.

While I never experienced very damaging injuries from batted balls off high-powered bats, I certainly had way too many close calls for my comfort. As a former pitcher and baseball fan for all ages, I hope that one day we will witness wood bats at all levels for various reasons. The obvious reason being for safety, but I also believe the game should be played like the professionals with wood.

Fraser Returns Winning Program Back to Smithfield

When Chris Fraser was named head coach of the Smithfield Packers, he inherited one of the worst teams in the Bay Rivers District. During the programs lowest years, the spotlight was on the baseball and softball teams at Smithfield, as they were winning district titles left and right. In 2002, Fraser began preparing for the future. Fraser assembled together all the high school athletes and introduced them to their new workout program--Bigger, Faster, Stronger. A notorious weight lifting program, Fraser bought into the system and maintained year long mandatory workouts for all football players. In less than five years, Fraser has turned the Packers into one of the best programs in the district.

While at Smithfield, Fraser has served as the head boys/girls track & field coach. In 2002, he was an assistant coach on the Bay Rivers District championship softball team.

Before coming to Smithfield, Fraser was the head coach for varsity football at Jamestown High School for three years and also served one year as the head coach for the Eagles varsity softball team.

Ruffin Serves the Isle of Wight Community

A local tennis favorite, Greg Ruffin has become one of the most well known tennis coaches in Isle of Wight. Ruffin has spent several years with the Smithfield High School tennis teams and has taught tennis lessons with the Isle of Wight Parks and Recreation Department for over a decade and continues to assist local tennis players throughout the year.

Ruffin graduated from North Carolina A&T with a degree in mechanical engineering. At North Carolina A&T, Ruffin received a partial scholarship for tennis. Ruffin played all four years and was named co-captain during his senior year.

In high school, Ruffin was a captain on his wrestling squad and also ran cross country. He only played tennis during his senior year and from that point on, he developed a love for the game and has played it ever since.

Justin Upton

Justin Upton--Arizona Diamondbacks
Great Bridge High School (Chesapeake)
First overall pick in 2005 Major League Draft

Courtesy of coacht9

Isle of Wight County Football Programs a Success

Over the course of the last couple weeks, it is apparent the county schools in Isle of Wight are quite passionate about their respective teams. While the majority of comments have been received by Isle of Wight Academy and Windsor fans, Smithfield supporters have certainly added their thoughts. As a native of the county, I have personally witnessed this exact controversy for several years. However, we all know it will most likely never end, and the battles between fans will continue each year. The only true way to settle the argument is for each team to play each other in a game that counts for standings. Windsor scrimmages the Chargers, and Smithfield used to play a benefit game with the Dukes. But, as several commenters have wisely noted, scrimmages are not designed for any team to particularly win; rather, they serve as a time for experimenting new things out on the field in preparation for a real game situation. The likelihood of each team playing each other is quite low, and who knows, some schools may very well be afraid to play each other!

Regardless of each team's dislike for one another, as a county, Isle of Wight should be proud of the outstanding football accomplishments this year. The Chargers finished 11-1, winning their third consecutive state championship. No matter how big or small, winning is winning, and the Chargers have had the right combination for years, with 2007 being no exception. IWA had several of their terrific senior players named to the all-Metro team as well as all-state. Despite a somewhat disappointing season for many players and fans, the Smithfield Packers still managed a winning record (7-3) for the third season in a row. Head Coach Chris Fraser, along with his spectacular senior class, turned the Packer program around and returned a significant presence to the Bay Rivers. The milestone which still kept Packer fans enthusiastic was Virginia Tech-bound Dyrell Roberts rushing for over 2,000 yards this season. Finally, the Dukes also had a winning record this season at 6-4. Lead by Taurean Pittman, the Dukes battled in the Tri-Rivers and tagged a few players to the all-district and region team.

To tally things up, each county team had winning records. Additionally, players from all three schools are either signed to or strongly considering attending a Division I, II, or III college next fall. While the fire between each school will always exist, let's not forget the solid football all throughout the county.

Taurean Pittman thinks the Dukes "have more heart than IWA"

The Dukes football star wanted to add his thoughts towards the big discussion.

1. Although the season is over, would you have liked to play a game against Smithfield or IWA?
"I would love to play a game against IWA because they think they are a state championship team in our district."

2. What advantages and disadvantages would your team have over Smithfield and IWA? What would they have over yours?
"I think we have more heart than IWA."

3. Smithfield has had considerable success in recent years and IWA is notorious for being a powerhouse. How would your team do against both teams?
"If we played in their district (IWA), we'd be in the state championship every year."

4. Although you lost to IWA in a scrimmage, how well would your team match up against the Chargers in a real game?
"In the scrimmage, we came right out of a football camp. We were tired. We were much better at the end of the year."

5. If given the chance for an end of year county game, which team would you choose to play and why?
"IWA. Towards the end of the year, both teams know how each other play. We got better at the end. The first scrimmage did not really show what our team was all about."

In Pittman's senior year, he received first team all Tri-Rivers District honors as a running back and honorable mention for his region. As a strong safety on defense, Pittman was named to the honorable mention list in the Tri-Rivers District. Pittman is considering attending Elizabeth State University for football.

Major says IWA "would definitely" beat Windsor in a real game

Styles Major speaks out for his team. With humble words and a reticent tone, the three time state champion and multi-sport athlete contributes to the hot topic.

1. Your team has won three consecutive state championships compared to Smithfield not even winning a regional title. What makes you think your team can compete with Smithfield and Virginia Tech-bound Dyrell Roberts?
"It would be tough for us to stop Dyrell and the rest of Smithfield's skilled players, but our team plays hard all game long, even when things don't go our way. We are a powerhouse in our own division; it doesn't really mean we would beat Smithfield, but I think we'd give them a little better game than they think."

2. Smithfield is much larger and has more students to choose from. What advantages and disadvantages does your team have over Smithfield?
"Smithfield has a larger talent pool to choose from; they have more athletes to choose from whereas we choose from about 50 guys grades 10-12, but I think for having so few students, we have some good athletes on our team too."

3. Describe the scrimmage with Windsor and how you feel your team would match up against them at the end of the year.
"The scrimmage we had with Windsor was controlled, turnovers weren't a factor nor did teams have to punt after failing to gain a 1st down. With that being said, I believe we would definitely beat them in a game. It wasn't hard for us to score on them, and I don't think they got a touchdown until most of our second team was in. It was very early in the year though. I'm sure they've become a better team since then but we have too."

4. What separates and distinguishes the Charger program from other schools?
"We work hard to get where we are each year. The will to win is always there and our guys play with heart. Even though we graduate many players that made the team successful the past few years, I think IWA will still be in the hunt next year."

5. How would the spirit of the game be if you played Smithfield?
"I know many of their players off the field and it would be fun to play against them."

A complete athlete for the IWA Chargers program, Major has helped Isle of Wight in several ways throughout his career. In his senior year, Major was selected to the all-state team as an offensive guard and first team mention for the Metro conference.

David Wright--New York Mets

David Wright graduated from Hickory High School in Chesapeake. At Hickory, he earned all-state honors three times, including the state Player of the Year Award his senior year. Wright is currently the starting third baseman for the New York Mets.

--Two-time Major League Baseball All-Star (2006, 2007)
--2007 National Leauge Gold Glove award
--2007 National League Silver Slugger award

Courtesy of amersports

Dre Bly of Chesapeake Continues to Shine in NFL

Close to finishing his ninth National Football League season, Donald André Bly of Chesapeake is currently starting at cornerback for the Denver Broncos. A two-time Pro Bowl selection and Super Bowl champion, Bly began his career with the St. Louis Rams in 1999. The Rams chose Bly in the second round (41st pick), where he appeared in the Super Bowl twice. As a free agent in 2003, Bly continued his career with the Detroit Lions. While a starter for Detroit, Bly played in two Pro Bowls.

Bly attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. As a Tar Heel, Bly earned All-American honors, and in his sophomore year, he was one of three finalists for the National Defensive Player of the Year award.

A star on both the football and baseball field, the Western Branch Bruins will always remember Bly as being a true athlete, as he received all-state honors on the football field.

Matthew Hatfield pointed me to a great interview he had with Bly this past summer at the Ronald Curry Football Camp and Celebrity Weekend.

Former Patriot Now a Colt

In just his second season, Antoine Bethea of Newport News is making his presence known in the National Football League. Now playing for the Indianapolis Colts as a safety, the former Denbigh High School Patriot has experienced more than sufficient success, starting on a premiere NFL team and earning a Super Bowl ring. Bethea recorded 64 solo and 41 assisted tackles, along with one interception throughout 14 games in his rookie season.

In 2006, Bethea was drafted in the sixth round (38^th pick) by the Colts. Bethea starred for three years at Howard University, where he was a three-time All-Mid-Eastern Conference selection and was also named three times to the American Urban Radio Network Sheridan Broadcasting Network Black College All-American team. Earning the networks honors three times joined Bethea into an exclusive club in which only three other NFL stars attained, including Shannon Sharpe and Steve McNair.

During Bethea’s career with Denbigh, he lettered in both football and basketball, earning all-Peninsula District honors.

Former Denbigh High and William & Mary Grad Has Pittsburgh Steelers in First Place

Jesse Hines
vigorouswriting.blogspot.com

Newport News native and Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has his team in first place of the AFC North division at 9-3. The Steelers beat the Cincinnati Bengals 24-10 this past Sunday to open up a two-game lead over the Cleveland Browns.

Tomlin played for Denbigh High School in the late 1980’s and went on to star as a wide receiver for the William & Mary Tribe from 1991-1994. He ended up with 101 catches, 2,046 yards, and 20 touchdowns. Tomlin set a school-record for career yards per catch with a 20.2 average.

He began his coaching career with Virginia Military Institute in 1995, earning $12,000 a year, and by 2001 he was in the NFL, as a defensive backs coach with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After spending 2006 as defensive coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings, Tomlin was named the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers in January of this year.

For more information about Tomlin, check out this profile by Chuck Finder of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Smithfield Has "way too much speed for IWA" Packer Star Says

Capping off a near perfect season, the Chargers of Isle of Wight Academy claimed their third straight Division III state title this year. IWA is recognized as a private school powerhouse. Would you consider them a dynasty? Also, how well would the Chargers fare against the public county schools Smithfield and Windsor High?

Here are Smithfield's star lineman Dustin Hornsby's thoughts.

1. Smithfield is much larger and has more students to choose from. What advantages and disadvantages does your team have over IWA?
"You pretty much already said it. In my opinion, we have more speed to choose from, and it's easier to turn athletes into football players from the large pool of athletes we have to pick from."

2. IWA has won three consecutive state championships compared to Smithfield not even winning a regional title. What makes you think your team can compete with state champs?
"Well, to compete with IWA "state champs" wouldn't be that big of a task. Yes, they have won three titles in three years but that means nothing when playing one game because any team could win at any given time. We (Smithfield) play much more competition than IWA, so them being state champs is like someone with five to six wins in the Bay Rivers District."

3. Although your high school football career is over, would you have liked to play a game against IWA?
"I would love to play a game against IWA. Since I went there for four years, I know all the players, coaches, and fans. It would be a good game to just go out there and have fun. Yes, it would mean something, but to me it would be more about going out and having fun with a lot of friends that I have on the team there."

4.Who would win?
"Smithfield hands down. We have way too much speed for IWA, although they would play their hearts out like they do every game. Smithfield should win pretty easily."

5. You played local recreation football with some of the IWA players--how would the spirit of the game be?
"The game for me would be fun, but I would definitely play intense. I would think the guys from IWA would play angrily since no one gives them any chance in beating us at all, but it would most definitely be a great time out on the grid iron on a sold out Friday night."

Hornsby has been a two-sport force for the Packers, earning four varsity letters in both football and baseball (pending spring season). In his sophomore year, the lineman earned first team Bay Rivers District honors for offense and defense and second team all-region for defense. In his senior year campaign, Hornsby received first team Bay Rivers District honors for offense and defense and second team all-region for offense and defense.

Hampton Boys Impact Huge in Virginia Tech ACC Championship Win

As mentioned in an earlier post, the advantages Virginia Tech had in their second meeting with Boston College were the improved offense with Hampton High's Tyrod Taylor, return of Western Branch's Vince Hall, and a sense of revenge. These three elements proved to be essential in Virginia Tech's 30-16 win, clinching the Atlantic Coast Conference championship in Jacksonville, Florida.

In a defensive stalemate during the second half, neither team was finding a rhythm with their offense. However, much different than the last match up between these two teams, Tyrod Taylor's legs provided a game-breaking play. On second down with ten yards to go and on the Hokie 15 yard line, Taylor rushed for 31 yards, setting up the game's winning touchdown. Taylor finished the game with only 36 yards on the ground, a fumble, and 28 yards in the air, but his addition to the offense certainly proved useful in balancing their attack.

Defensively, the player missing last time was Chesapeake native Vince Hall. He provided his impact in a huge manner, intercepting Boston College's quarterback Matt Ryan on a fourth down pass towards the end zone, very similar to the pass that Ryan threw last game that went for the game winning touchdown.

Ending the game in good fashion, Phoebus's Xavier Adibi picked off Ryan and returned it for a touchdown.

Victory is sweet, and so is revenge.