Bethel’s Derek Fisher Commits to UVA Following Strong Season

Bethel High School’s standout football player, Derek Fisher, has committed to play for the University of Virginia (UVA), marking the second commitment to the university from a Peninsula District player in just one week. Fisher joins Gene Jones Jr., a lineman from Hampton, and Lonnie Andrews III, a quarterback from Oscar Smith, in making the significant decision to join the Cavaliers.

Fisher, a junior standing at 6 feet tall and weighing 175 pounds, cited UVA’s recent success and the strong relationships he formed with the coaching staff, particularly with head coach Tony Elliott and assistants Chris Slade and Curome Cox, as pivotal factors in his commitment. “It made it easier for me,” Fisher said, referring to the Cavaliers’ impressive 7-1 start that places them among the top 15 in the FCS rankings and in contention for the ACC championship and College Football Playoff. “It just felt like home.”

His coach, David Porter, echoed Fisher’s sentiments, stating that UVA had been a top choice for him since he visited the campus last January. He noted the active recruitment from the coaching staff, which intensified during the game against Phoebus on October 9. “Coach Cox and Coach Elliott showing up for that game only verified their high level of interest.”

Fisher has had a significant impact on the field this season, recording ten receptions, including a touchdown, and returning punts for touchdowns of 74 and 75 yards. Despite his offensive contributions, his primary role is on defense, where he has amassed 50 tackles and four forced fumbles, establishing himself as a formidable presence in the secondary. UVA is looking to recruit him as a safety.

Securing his college commitment early allows Fisher to concentrate on his remaining high school season. The Bethel Bruins, currently holding a record of 5-3 and 4-2 in the district, are poised to reach the Class 5 Region B playoffs. Fisher expressed eagerness for a rematch against Warwick, a team that previously defeated Bethel 35-13. “I want that to happen,” he stated. “We need our get-back against Warwick.”

Crabbers Showcase Resilience in Victory

In another exciting matchup, Hampton High School, with a record of 7-1 and 6-0 in the district, secured a hard-fought victory over Warwick, winning 21-14. This game was a critical showdown that effectively determined the Peninsula District championship. Despite falling behind 14-0 early, the Crabbers displayed remarkable resilience, recovering from early turnovers to control the game in the latter stages.

Hampton’s defense was instrumental, shutting out Warwick for the final three quarters and limiting them to fewer than 60 yards in the second half. Coach Woodrow Wilson highlighted the team’s defensive capabilities, stating, “Everybody was talking about Warwick’s defense, and rightfully so. But we play defense also.”

The Crabbers showcased strong performances from linemen Gene Jones Jr. and Abraham Taft, along with first-year varsity player Gavin Kay. Key defensive plays were made by outside linebacker Montrell Harrison and safeties Casey Lassiter and Marcus Chapman, who sealed the game with an interception. Wilson noted the difference in mentality from previous seasons, saying, “Last year if that had happened we’d have caved in. Our kids know how to fight now, and they believe they can play from behind.”

Region Power Points Update

As the season progresses, the standings in various regions reflect the competitive nature of high school football. Oscar Smith remains in a strong position with a record of 7-1 and a 35.15 rating, comfortably ahead of Manchester at 8-0 and a rating of 33.5 in Class 6 Region A. In Class 5 Region A, Green Run leads with a record of 9-0 and a rating of 31.78, while Cox is putting pressure on Indian River, competing for second place.

In Class 5 Region B, Maury holds a firm grip on the top spot with a record of 7-1 and a rating of 31.0. The impending match between Suffolk rivals King’s Fork and Nansemond River could determine second place, especially if King’s Fork, currently at 7-1 and a rating of 28.88, loses to Indian River. Meanwhile, Hampton’s recent win has solidified their lead in Class 4 Region A, while Lake Taylor continues to hold the top seed in their region, facing challenges from Petersburg.

The competitive landscape of high school football in the Peninsula District showcases not only the talent of individual players but also the overarching strategies and resilience that define successful teams.