Menchville LB Koa Naotala (Photo: Lance Hinton/recruit757)

Stepping from under the shadow: the time is now for Menchville LB Koa Naotala

by Brandon Mitchell, recruit757

Four years ago, Menchville starting defensive lineman Kalepo Naotala stepped on the scene. I approached him at the Nike Opening which was then at Centreville High School in Clifton, Virginia after a day in which he didn’t perform his best. By the end of the season he was prepared to commit to the University of Hawaii in which he did so with conviction. That next summer, his younger brother Seth was preparing to enter Menchville for his freshman season. Seth showed up at an NUC Premier Showcase event located in Newport News with the support of his family gearing up for a successful camp.
Now getting ready for his senior season at Menchville, he was able to separate himself from the ever growing pack of linebackers in the Peninsula District last season accumulating 157 tackles and eight sacks.

Coming in as a freshman last season at linebacker was another Naotala brother that goes by the name of Koa (2022 LB 5-10 190). As if Menchville needed another bruising linebacker that could match the intensity of Seth, Koa is a spitting image of his older brother and together they were able to give the Monarchs a formidable duo at the linebacker position. Koa picked up 96 tackles and four sacks in route to Honorable Mention recognition within the Peninsula District this past season despite the Monarchs finishing the season with a 1-9 record.

Seth was sidelined with an ankle injury this past Saturday and wasn’t able to participate in the recruit757/Sparta Science Elite Showcase. Older brother Kalepo was also under the weather and wasn’t able to show up to Redskins Park. However, Koa was able to show up and perform joined by Menchville starting running back Javoni Hales. For most of the day, Menchville prospects could be seen linked up with those from Woodside which will change once the season ramps up in late August. Although Koa is still in the developmental phase, he’s proving to be exactly what the Monarchs need for defensive success over the next few seasons.

– Brandon Mitchell

Menchville (Photo: Nathaniel Jones/recruit757)

Menchville receives new head coach with open arms as Rodney Taylor plans to usher in a new era

by Brandon Mitchell, recruit757

Over the last four seasons, Ray Savage has given it a go as head coach of the Menchville Monarchs football team. Savage relieved Glenn Tidwell of his duties at the end of the 2014 football season and took over with a clean slate to open the 2015 football season. One his most memorable wins came at the end of the 2016 football season where the Monarchs were able to knock off a deteriorating Kecoughtan team by a score of 31-0. At the end of the contest, Savage noted that the way the Monarchs played to conclude the game gave him hope for the 2017 season.

It was a win that created a ripple effect within a Menchville program that had held a combined record of just 2-18 throughout both 2015 and 2016. Unfortunately, the Monarchs didn’t fare any better in 2017 and 2018 failing short of expectations on the football field finishing with a combined record of 3-17. This, in part, sparked the resignation of Coach Savage who coached his last football game for Menchville on November 3 against Chris Daniels and the Phoebus Phantoms.

With Savage stepping down, it left a vacant coaching position at the top of the depth chart for the Monarchs which was filled by former Heritage assistant Rodney Taylor. Despite finishing near the bottom of the Peninsula District for multiple seasons, it hasn’t changed the disposition of current Menchville prospects. Coach Taylor plans to keep those spirits elevated as the reception for his arrival has been nothing short of comforting.

“The reception was positive,” explained Coach Taylor. When I first got here I was greeted by some of the players and I got to explain my vision. It’s been wonderful. Everywhere I go and every time I’m in the building I always get warm greetings. I’m just putting all the pieces together to make sure that we’re as organized as possible.”

The climb from the bottom of the Peninsula District will be an extremely arduous task. The Monarchs have finished dead last in the Peninsula District in four of the last 10 seasons. As a matter a fact, you’d have to go all the way back to 1995 to find the last time Menchville knocked off a team that finished the season with a record at .500 or better.

In order to change the narrative at Menchville, Coach Taylor will have to scout the landscape to find out what the athlete population presents.

“I want to put as many athletes on the field that want to play football. We will never cut anyone unless something dangerous is done. If you have the heart and desire then we can teach you how to play this game. Right now the first thing we want to do is get our names out there so we can let the boys know who we are,” Coach Taylor stated.

Taylor has an extensive coaching history which began up at George Mason in Fairfax, Virginia. His coaching stops along the way also consist of Bowie High School (Maryland) and Heritage High School. Coach Taylor received his undergraduate degree from Bowie State University and secured his master of education from Norfolk State University.

– Brandon Mitchell

Menchville RB Javoni Hales (Photo: Lance Hinton/recruit757)

Menchville needs a hero, can RB Javoni Hales answer the call?

by Brandon Mitchell, recruit757

The Inova Sports Performance Center at Redskins Park was the site for Saturday’s festivities that allowed 100 of the top prospects located in Virginia to continue to build their resume with the summer approaching. The event, held by recruit757 and Sparta Science, allowed prospects to have certain measurable obtained as well as perform against one another by the end of the showcase. Although the running back position was led by Eric McDaniels (Henrico), Rodney Hammond (BTW), and C.J. Beasley (Maury), there were a handful of other running backs not too far away from the top tier.

Menchville starting running back Javoni Hales (2021 RB 5-10 205) isn’t well known across the region. However, his name is one that is definitely prevalent within the Peninsula District. The Monarchs running back has played a multitude of positions over his first two seasons under Ray Savage including linebacker and defensive end. With that being said, running back seems to be the position where Hales has been able to make the biggest difference for the Menchville offense.

Last season, Hales was one of the top running backs in the Peninsula District rushing for 1,048 yards and 10 touchdowns on just 142 carries. Savage did a great job of changing up offensive sets to disguise Hales with handoffs coming from shotgun, wildcat, and pistol formations. For his troubles, Hales was handed First Team All-Peninsula District honors alongside D’onte Chesson (Woodside) and Jaylen White (Phoebus).

It’ll be a long crawl from the depths of the Peninsula District for Hales and Menchville as the Monarchs have only been able to muster just six wins in the last five seasons. Menchville hasn’t sniffed playoff competition since the 1993 season and will have to do so without its former head coach Ray Savage. The Monarchs skipper stepped down prior to the conclusion of last season and former Heritage assistant Rodney Taylor has stepped in. Look for Hales to be a huge contributor for Menchville moving forward.

– Brandon Mitchell

William and Mary RB Nathan Evans (Photo: William and Mary Athletics)

William and Mary mourns the loss of Nathan Evans

by Brandon Mitchell, recruit804

William and Mary sophomore running back Nate Evans was shot and killed on Thursday night while in Norfolk. Police made their way out to Norfolk after responding to concerned patrons contacting law enforcement about hearing gunshots. When police reached the 800 block of West 43rd Street, they found Evans with a gunshot wound resting on the sidewalk. Evans died at the scene.

“Nate’s is a loss we are feeling deep within our program. Faith and faith are the foundations of our program. We value relationships first. Our team has gathered around to support each other as we deal with the grief that comes from this tragedy,” explained William and Mary head coach Mike London, Sr. in a release.

Evans was one of the best running backs in the history of the Lee-Davis High School. During his time with the Confederates, Davis accumulated upwards of 4,000 yards and 56 total touchdowns. During his three years in which he served as team-captain (2014-2016), Evans helped lead the Confederates to a record of 18-14 with two playoff appearance including a Region 5A semifinal showing against Highland Springs in 2015.

Prior to William and Mary, Evans announced his commitment to the United States Navy Academy. The move initially made sense especially with what type of offense the Midshipmen like to deploy. Three years ago at the York 7-v-7 Battlefield Shootout, Davis explained what went into his rationale in choosing Navy to recruit804.

“What went into my commitment was the opportunity it brings,” explained Evans. “Great academics, great football and the post-graduate opportunities are fantastic. Who doesn’t want to fight for this country? That’s basically a perfect deal for me and exactly what I was looking for. This is going to be a degree that’s going to last for the rest of my life as well as play great football.”

However, Evans had a change of heart and decided to de-commit from Navy. In August of 2016, the idea of getting the opportunity to play close to home was too much to walk away from and he decided to commit to the University of Richmond. A coaching change watched Danny Rocco head to Delaware which allowed Russ Huesman to take over for the Spiders. Evans then de-committed admitting William and Mary was optimal due to the compatibility between him and the campus.

During his freshman season, Evans led all rushers for the Tribe with 119 carries. He trailed only Tommy McKee in yards and touchdowns accumulating 496 yards and three touchdowns. During his sophomore season the Tribe took more of a committee-type approach as Evans picked up 244 yards through 70 attempts and logged two touchdowns.

– Brandon Mitchell

Woodside DB Kahleef Jimmison (Photo: Joe Barnes/recruit757)

Wolverines’ DB Kahleef Jimmison flourishes is first season at Woodside

by Brandon Mitchell, recruit757

The cornerstone of the Wolverines program is that of the Wing-T. It’s a formation that when executed correctly can run even the most stout defense off the field. It’s an offense that requires depth at running back and along the offensive linwe. Also, it would help to possess an offensive line that is more agile than most. Over the years, Woodside has possessed just that. In the same breath, with respect to the offensive side of the ball, the defense for the Wolverines is a unit that has deserved much admiration especially in the last three seasons.

The Woodside defense has allowed just 12 points per contest holding 20 opponents to 10 points or less and shutting out seven opponents in 36 total contests. Last season prospects such as D’Artanyon Davis, Carrington Bowden, Kysien Daniels, and Andrew Chamblee among others made a considerable difference on the Wolverines defense. However, the acquisition of starting defensive back Kahleef Jimmison from Hampton Roads Academy didn’t show up in conversations among the Peninsula District elite as much as it should’ve.

Jimmison (2020 DB/RB 5-9 161) left HRA before the start of his junior season where he provided maturity and security at the quarterback position. The Woodside product completed 80-of-184 passes for 1,376 yards and 13 touchdowns during his sophomore season. He also provided support via the ground game rushing for 1,027 yards on 168 carries and 14 touchdowns.

 

 

While at Woodside, the quarterback position was already solidified by Tyler Thompson which allowed Jimmison to slide over to defensive back joining Andrew Chamblee, Darius Jones and Carlos Palmer among others.

Through eight games Jimmison was able to secure four interceptions while also doubling down on the offensive side of the ball. This past Saturday the Woodside defensive back joined 100 prospects at the Inova Sports Performance Center at Redskins Park to compete in the reruit757/Sparta Science Elite Showcase. He split some of his time with recruit757 where he shared his expectations on the day and why basketball has also helped propel his athleticism.

– Brandon Mitchell



Bishop Sullivan QB Colt Minson (Photo: Joe Barnes/recruit757)

Bishop Sullivan QB Colt Minson firing on all cylinders at Redskins Park

by Brandon Mitchell, recruit757

Hampton Roads has always had great quarterback play through the years with much respect to skill players and non-skill players alike. In recent years we’ve all gotten a chance to enjoy the spectacular play of quarterbacks such as Tyler Desue (Bishop Sullivan), Willie Drew (Smithfield), Brent Stukes (Landstown), and Shonn Mitchell (Oscar Smith) among others. We can also take this list a little further back if we want to and add Phil Sims (Oscar Smith), Bryan Randall (Bruton), Michael Vick (Warwick), Allen Iverson (Bethel), Aaron Brooks (Ferguson), Tyrod Taylor (Hampton), and Ronald Curry among others.

Looking to take his game to the next level is Bishop Sullivan starting quarterback Colt Minson. Now in no way, shape, or form am I comparing Colt Minson (2021 QB 6-0 196) to the legends that have not only starred at the high school and collegiate level, but also at the professional level. But over the last two years, Colt Minson has proved to be one of the more dominant quarterbacks coming out of Hampton Roads.

The Bishop Sullivan product was present at the Inova Sports Performance Center at Redskins Park on Saturday morning competing against the likes of Meziah Scott (Petersburg) and Davis Lane (Jefferson Forest) among others. Despite a delay in morning activities, Minson was able to hit the field without missing a beat.

“I’m excited. I brought my man Brandon Jones up to get some work and this is a great event that Mr. Hilton has put on. I’m just looking forward to getting better again,” explained Minson.

Minson has been active during the off-season competing regularly with Hype Hunchos 7-v7 and has been on the road strengthening his recruiting status. His last visit landed him at Liberty University alongside Brandon Jones (Bishop Sullivan) and LaMareon James (Indian River) among others for the Flames’ Junior Day in early March. Thus far, Minson has secured offers from William & Mary and Southern Mississippi.

– Brandon Mitchell





 

 

 

Woodside ATH Tyler Thompson (Photo: Joe Barnes/recruit757)

Landstown has stumped Woodside for two-consecutive seasons; Tyler Thompson plans to take the Wolverines farther

by Brandon Mitchell, recruit757

It’s been a bittersweet ending for the Wolverines over the course of the last two seasons and Landstown has closed the chapter on both occasions. In 2017, Woodside was awarded a chance to advance to the Class 6A Region Final. It would’ve been the second-consecutive year the Wolverines would’ve been awarded such opportunity. However, a trip to Landstown in mid-November put a rest to said talk. The Eagles walked away with a 14-10 victory and the rest was history.

Last year, the Wolverines found themselves in the same situation. This time a Class 6A Region Semi-final berth was on the line in which Woodside had been successful in advancing towards for two-consecutive seasons. The only difference this time in being Coach Tommy Reamon and the Eagles didn’t have home field advantage on their side this season. Be that as it may, this didn’t prove to be an immovable barrier for the Eagles who were able to walk away with a 20-7 victory.

Coming into this season, the Wolverines will find themselves in an uphill battle and they’ll have to do so without certain components they had last year.
Prospects such as Darius Jones, Carlos Palmer, Josh Hartley, Jordan Hardrick, D’onte Chesson, and

Shemar Holland won’t be able to be leaned upon for field leadership. Also, they’ll step down in classification from 6A to 5A which could put them in direct competition to see teams like Indian River, Maury, and Salem. Should they get further, teams like L.C. Bird, Henrico, Highland Springs, and Manchester from the Central Region will be introduced on the back end.

Stability at the quarterback position was key for the Wolverines at the start of last season. Questions arose about whether or not Tyler Thompson (2020 ATH 5-10 145) could come in and contribute to the same effect as Jordan Knight. Two winning streaks of at least three games and a playoff berth put to rest talks of whether or not Thompson was ready to make the transition. In his favor is his blazing speed which not only makes him the fastest quarterbacks in the region, but also the fastest quarterback in the entire state.

 

 

Thompson made the three hour trip from Newport News this Saturday to the Inova Sports Performance Center at Redskins Park for the first annual recruit757/Sparta Science Elite Showcase. He did so with a contingent of Woodside prospects that also included Breyden Byrd and Kahleef Jimmison among others. Also showing up for the Wolverines was head coach Danny Dodson. Thompson had the opportunity to throw with some of the best quarterbacks in the state, but elected to try his hand at wide receiver instead.

Thompson scorched the morning combine session, running a 4.41 forty which put him just off the camp best, which was posted by T.C. Williams speedster James Longerbeam of T.C. Williams High School.

“I’m here to get better and work on my craft, you know,” said Thompson. “I’m getting stronger. I’ve been in the weight room in the off-season.”

– Brandon Mitchell

Phoebus RB Jaylen White (Photo: Joe Barnes/recruit757)

Naval Academy targets Phoebus RB Jaylen White and serves first offer

by Brandon Mitchell, recruit757

Two years ago, the running back unit at Phoebus held a steady combination of thunder and lightning. Daniel Wright represented the thunder while Jaylen White represented the lightning. At the conclusion of the 2017 season Daniel Wright announced his commitment to UVA-Wise and signed his NLI alongside Juan Purdie (Norfolk State), Tim Young (Howard), Damion Charity (Old Dominion) and DeQuandre Edwards (West Virginia Wesleyan). Anthony Turner would go on to see his role increase in the backfield this past season, however; White continued to be the primary option when healthy.

White’s (2020 RB 5-10 182) grit, determination, and discipline were on notice last season and finally caught the eye of the coaching staff at the United States Naval Academy. It was about time that his first collegiate offer came knocking at the door and the Midshipmen were there to package his much anticipated delivery.

“Coach Robert Green and I have just been texting a lot,” explained White. “I first texted him on Twitter then he gave me his number and we were talking for about three weeks. I asked him to talk to the head coach about me and Coach Green said to give him a call tonight. During school he called Coach Blunt to tell him that they are going to offer me. I’ve been working extra hard to get one and it’s not stopping just because I got an offer. I’m going to push even harder.”

Last season, White led the Phantoms on the ground rushing for 1,476 yards on 167 carries. He averaged almost six yards per carry and picked up 11 touchdowns. The Phoebus product secured All-Region first team recognition alongside Robert Briggs (Hopewell) and Rodney Hammond (BTW). He would also go on to pick up All-Peninsula District and All-757 recognition.

Over the next couple of months, White is prepared to travel to Maryland for a tournament with 7-v-7 powerhouse Mach1. He’s hoping to get the opportunity to tour the University of Maryland at the conclusion of the tournament. Also on the radar for White will be William & Mary, Navy and a few other programs yet to be named.

– Brandon Mitchell

 

Can Landstown RB Luqman Haskett guide the Eagles to pole position in the Beach District?

by Brandon Mitchell, recruit757

There weren’t many prospects representing the Beach District at the Inova Sports Performance Center at Redskins Park this past Saturday and understandably so. The recruit757/Sparta Science Elite Showcase only had 100 invitations to hand out and they were divided up as equally as possible to prospects throughout the state of Virginia. Princess Anne had a few prospects in attendance and Landstown only had one prospect to show face. The lone Landstown product in attendance was none other than starting running back Luqman Haskett (2020 RB 5-10 155).

Two years ago it was the combination of Brent Stukes, Victor Jones and Luqman Haskett that powered the Eagles offense throughout post-season play and into a Region 6A Final against the likes of Oscar Smith. Despite Stukes and Jones moving on at the conclusion of the Eagles 38-0 defeat, Haskett was preparing to take over for running duties in a backfield that would allow him to hold the majority of the carries.

Last season, Haskett helped lead the Eagles to a 7-5 record which was a slight drop off from their undefeated regular season campaign of 2017. At the same time, four of their five losses were all by a margin of six points or less with the exception being Oscar Smith yet again.

 

 

Haskett was a remarkable component for Landstown last season picking up All-Beach District first team honors and All-757 second team honors at running back. Not only did Haskett flourish at the running back position, he also proved to be equally dominant out wide and in the secondary on the defensive side of the ball.

It was around this time last year and into the summer that the Landstown product was able to pick up his first two collegiate offers from UMass and North Carolina State. Since then he’s taken trips out to Virginia Tech, Ohio State, Duke and Old Dominion just a few weekends ago. With the exception of track and completing his SAT’s, it’s been a fairly quiet off-season thus far for Haskett which is why Redskins Park was right on time.

– Brandon Mitchell

 Life Christian WR/DB Joe Johnson (Photo: Andy Hilton/recruit804)

Penn State, Indiana send back-to-back offers looking to secure Life Christian DB Joe Johnson, III

by Brandon Mitchell, recruit804

This past weekend served as a launching post for many prospects looking to achieve a boost in their recruitment. While many prospects made the trip from various parts of the state to the Inova Sports Performance Center for the recruit757/Sparta Science Elite Showcase, some other prospects hit the road for different collegiate locations.

Life Christian starting defensive back Joe Johnson, III (2020 DB 6-3 180) was among the prospects that decided to take the weekend as an opportunity to travel out of the state. The Life Christian product made his way up to State College where he was able to don the blue and white for a day. On Saturday, Johnson announced the acquisition of another offer after a conversation with Penn State head coach James Franklin.

“It was live up there at Penn State. I got to see the football facilities and watch them practice. I also sat in on a couple of meetings. Coach Franklin is great. He is energetic and keeps it real,” explained Johnson.

As if Johnson didn’t already have enough irons in the fire, Indiana head coach Tom Allen along with assistant Dwike Wilson informed Johnson on Sunday the Hoosiers were ready to send him yet another offer.

“It felt great. Coach Dwike and I have been talking for a week and have built a good relationship with one another,” Johnson stated.

Penn State and Indiana add to the ever growing list of collegiate programs that could benefit from the services of Johnson. The Life Christian product also holds offers from Duke, Tennessee, Florida State, North Carolina State, Rutgers, Florida, Fordham, Pittsburgh, Virginia Tech, Liberty, William & Mary, Marshall, Howard, St. Francis and VUL.

– Brandon Mitchell

Menchville head coach Ray Savage steps down from Monarchs’ program

by Brandon Mitchell, recruit757

As 2:00 p.m. neared on Saturday afternoon, there was a calmness about the atmosphere at Todd Stadium.

On one side of the stadium, the Phantoms had half of their team going though warmup drills with
Coach Jeremy Blunt isolated near the middle of their section. The rest of the Phantoms joined in 20 minutes later forming a circle on their side of the field to begin stretching. If you’ve ever been able to witness a Phoebus practice session, this originates well before the start of their football games on Thursday, Friday or Saturday.

On the other side of the field, Menchville broke their team into multiple sections beginning individual position drills in preparation for its match up with Phoebus.

Kalepo Naotala could be seen on the sideline bundled up in an Oregon hoodie talking about the days when talent was at a premium for the Menchville Monarchs. The Hawaii defensive tackle is recovering remarkably from a spine injury that has currently left him paralyzed. As game time approached, a group of referee’s headed to midfield to greet Coach Ray Savage as they embarked in a lengthy, but candid conversation.

There was a referee that was late to the conversation that proceeded to approach Savage after the large contingent of referees walk away. He proceeds to talk to Coach Savage about this being his last game on a Menchville sideline.

A few weeks ago, Coach Savage made the entire community aware of his decision to resign at the conclusion of the regular season. Savage came on after the 2014 season and took over for Glenn Tidwell who coached the Monarchs for just two seasons before stepping down. Savage finished his first season as Monarchs’ head coach in 2015 where he coached Menchville to a 1-9 record. In his three subsequent seasons, Savage coached the Monarchs to a 4-26 record and was left out of post-season play all four years behind the helm.

Coach Savage has been praised for his ability to help young men that have lined up to play under him find a home at the conclusion of their high school football career. Despite not having the football record to reflect the overall direction of the program, we’ve watched players such as Kalepo Naotala, Marquis Rhodes, Malik Dixon, Jeremiah Fontenot, Shemar Butts, Nick Webster, Torey Guliford, Kenneth Kirby and Ray Savage, III among others leave Menchville with the opportunity to receive a quality education.

Coach Savage was kind enough to join recruit757 for an afternoon conversation while his men were preparing for their final game of the season against Coach Blunt and the Phantoms. With Phoebus gaining the top seed in Region 3A, the goal was to rest some of its starters in preparation for the region quarter-finals next week. Menchville has long been knocked out of playoff contention. However, Saturday was just another day for the Monarchs to go out and compete in order to send their head coach off with something position to hang his hat on. Below is our conversation.

– Brandon Mitchell

Rodney Hammond leads the charge for Booker T. Washington at Redskins Park

by Brandon Mitchell, recruit757

Upon entering Redskins Park, it’s hard to miss the Inova Sports Performance Center that rests on the west end of the campus.

Redskins Park was the site of the recruit757/Sparta Science Elite Showcase on Saturday afternoon that matched up 100 of the top prospects within the state of Virginia. Upwards of 13 running backs showed up to compete against one another and one of the rushers in that group rested Booker T. Washington starting running back Rodney Hammond.

The Mighty Bookers lead rusher took over rushing duties from Tayeon Woods during his freshman season and never looked back. During his first season, Hammond (2021 RB 5-10 170) was able to rush for 1,275 yards and added 12 touchdowns playing in 11 contests. He followed that up with an even more efficient season on the ground during his sophomore campaign rushing for over 1,400 yards and eight touchdowns through 11 contests.

 

Last season, Hammond not only helped lead the Mighty Bookers to post-season play for the second straight year, they were able to grab six wins on the season for the first time since 2014.

The recruiting process for Hammond has been nothing short of amazing heading into his junior season under head coach D.J. Alexander. His most recent collegiate offer was awarded from ACC incumbent Pittsburgh in early February. However, Hammond has also picked up offers from Temple, Maryland, Penn State, Virginia, South Carolina, Virginia Tech, Michigan, North Carolina, and Duke.

Hammond will have every opportunity to eclipse the 2,000 yard rushing mark next season with Tayeon Woods heading to Virginia University of Lynchburg alongside Kevin Towns, T.J. Graham, and Tieyoun Floyd. Tayeon Woods and Larry Parker, Jr. pulled in a combined effort to rush for over 1,100 yards and 13 touchdowns. The goals for Hammond on the season will indeed be to reach 2,000 yards and deliver a state championship to the city of Norfolk.

-Brandon Mitchell