Maury High School has officially cemented its status as a football powerhouse, clinching its third consecutive state championship title. The Commodores achieved this historic feat by defeating Highland Springs 25-7 at James Madison University’s Bridgeforth Stadium. This victory not only adds another championship to Maury’s growing legacy but also marks their first playoff win against Highland Springs, a team that had previously dominated them in crucial matchups, including the 2022 state championship and a lopsided 71-28 playoff defeat in 2018.
Maury’s journey to this point has been one of consistent excellence and strategic growth. Head coach Dyrri McCain expressed immense pride in his team’s accomplishment, stating, “Three in a row, it puts us in the dynasty conversation.” He acknowledged Highland Springs as a formidable and long-standing program, emphasizing the significance of overcoming such a respected opponent to achieve their dynasty status. “In order to be the man, you got to beat the man,” McCain remarked, highlighting the respect Maury has for Highland Springs’ storied history.
The Commodores wasted no time in asserting their dominance in the championship game. Junior Matthew Williams ignited Maury’s offense on the opening kickoff, returning it an impressive 74 yards for a touchdown. “I saw my guys blocking for me. I’d seen the lane open,” Williams said, crediting his teammates for the crucial play.
The offensive momentum continued less than three minutes later when sophomore quarterback Domo Everette showcased his athleticism, breaking free for a 42-yard touchdown run. Although the extra point was unsuccessful, Maury’s early lead was further extended before the first quarter concluded. Williams hauled in a 64-yard touchdown pass from Everette, pushing the Commodores’ lead to 19-0, despite a blocked extra point. “I can’t take no credit for that,” Williams humbly stated, again emphasizing the critical role of the offensive line and his quarterback’s vision.
Maury entered halftime with a commanding 19-0 lead and showed no signs of relinquishing their advantage. Their defense proved to be a formidable barrier, repeatedly thwarting Highland Springs’ advances deep within their own territory.
A standout performance on defense came from junior linebacker Elijah King. Stepping into a starting role following a season-ending knee injury to star player Isaiah “Ike” Simmons, King delivered a game-high 14 tackles, including seven solo tackles. Maury’s defensive coordinator, Mike Privott, lauded King’s performance, noting his exceptional ability to adapt and excel in a critical position. “He was Ike’s backup and he did an excellent job of being able to grasp the starting role,” Privott commented. “I’m proud of that kid.”
Senior defensive back Jacoby Marshall also contributed significantly to the defensive effort, recording 11 tackles for the Commodores. Privott echoed Coach McCain’s sentiments about the importance of finally overcoming Highland Springs in the postseason. “To know where we came from since 2018 when they beat us down 71-28 is amazing,” he said, reflecting on the program’s transformation. He elaborated on how observing Highland Springs’ success provided a blueprint for Maury’s own aspirations. “We saw they were a premier program, so we saw what it looked like. So now we had an image of what it was supposed to look like, and we put our heads together and coached our butts off.”
Highland Springs managed to score a touchdown in the fourth quarter, attempting to narrow the deficit. However, Maury responded decisively. The Commodores’ offense engineered a crucial drive fueled by three impactful runs from junior running back Tayshawn Branche, who gained 8, 47, and 17 yards. Javonti Hughes sealed the victory with a 7-yard touchdown run from the Wildcat formation, solidifying Maury’s championship status. Hughes, who also contributed eight tackles, expressed the team’s pride in their achievement. “We created a dynasty, and now our team is going to be remembered,” he stated. “It also feels good to do it for my guy (Simmons). It feels great to know that we all went out with a bang.”
This remarkable achievement places Maury in elite company within the South Hampton Roads region. They are now the second program to secure three consecutive state titles, joining Granby, which accomplished the feat from 1944-46. Only Phoebus (2008-11, 2021-24) and Hampton (1995-98) have achieved longer streaks with four consecutive titles.
Despite the celebratory mood, Tayshawn Branche, a junior, is already looking ahead. “It feels good to create a dynasty to go back-to-back-to-back. It took a lot of hard work and dedication. It sounds amazing, and feels amazing,” Branche said, having amassed 164 rushing yards in the championship game. “But I’m coming back next year to get a fourth one. I’m going to leave here with four rings. That’s a promise.” This declaration underscores Maury’s ambition to continue their reign and build upon their already impressive legacy.