The Phoebus High School Phantoms vs. Hampton High School Crabbers game is one of the most highly anticipated rivalry games in the area. The Rivalry between the two schools is nicknamed the “Battle of Hampton” in the Peninsula District and the community embraces the game year after year. It’s a matchup between two schools with deep history and passionate fans. This year’s matchup featured two undefeated teams going into the annual rivalry game.

MVP

Dan Wright

Phoebus

SCHOLAR ATHLETES

Tyrique Coleman

Hampton

Tyrique is a four-year varsity football player and a three year starter. He was named captain this year. In 2016, he was selected to the Pen South Conference 10 2nd team as a defensive end. Tyrique is in the International Baccalaureate program and intends to pursue a degree in computer engineering.

Bryce Bailey

Phoebus

Bryce is a three-year letterman on the varsity football team. During his time on the team, Bryce has been an impact player on both the junior varisty and varsity levels. Upon graduation from high school, Bryce plans to attend VA Tech, NC A&T, NC State, or ODU and pursue a degree in engineering.

HALL OF FAME

Tim Richardson

Hampton

Tim played in the rivalry game from 2002-2006 as a defensive end and offensive guard while earning the 2005 All-State Offensive and Defensive Guard award. In 2005, Tim and the Crabbers defeated the Phantoms 29-7, leading them to a state championship. Tim continued his career at Virginia Tech as a middle linebacker and helped the team win two ACC Championships and three BCS Bowl games.

2001 Phoebus Phantoms

Phoebus

Led by the late great head coach Bill Dee, the 2001 team was the first team to defeat Hampton since 1990. In 2001, Phoebus defeated Hampton twice in the regular season and then again in the second round of the playoffs. The 2001 Phantoms went on to cruise to its first state title that year by a 26-7 win in the finals. The 2001 team was the first state championship team at Phoebus where they started the legacy of the state championships that followed.

GAME SUMMARY

With their first victory in three years against Hampton, the Phantoms (7-0) kept their own undefeated season intact and handed the Crabbers (6-1) their first loss. The game itself was a run- infested showdown of two teams battling it out and playing in the mud while the rain continually poured out of the sky. The Phantoms trailed the Crabbers by six points into the third quarter, and their lone touchdown had come on an interception return. A 22-yd interception return late in the third quarter crossed into the end zone to tie the score 6-6. Hampton responded immediately with a 10-play touchdown drive, capped by senior quarterback Cam Stevenson’s 3-yard touchdown run to put the Crabbers ahead 12-6. With 4:06, the Phantoms took the ball in the fourth quarter and with the assistance of penalties, the Crabbers moved the ball down the field and scored with 22 seconds remaining. They completed a 2-point conversion and held off the Crabbers to a final score of 14-12.