The Beast of the East End! The title of this rivalry has been well deserved. Highland Springs (8-1) have won the last four straight matchups between the two East End rivals, including a 45-26 victory last season at Varina. The Springers have scored 45 points or more in each of the last four contests and this game has served as a springboard for Coach Loren Johnson’s team to capture back-to-back state titles.

MVP

Johnathan Carey

Highland Springs

SCHOLAR ATHLETES

Johnathan Carey

Highland Springs

Johnathan is a three-year letter winner and two-time state champion. He has been selected as a Conference 12 Wide Receiver and a 5A South Region Selection in 2016. He is currently undecided on where he will be attending college, but he plans to continue playing football.

Stephen Richardson

Varina

Stephen is a three-year letterman on the varsity football team and currently has 31 starts in the middle of his fourth year. He was a 2nd team All-Conference wide receiver and return specialist as a junior in 2016. Stephen currently leads the Blue Devils in receiving yards and return yards, and is second in rushing yards. He is also a three-year letterman in track where he is a sprinter and member of the 4x100M relay team.

HALL OF FAME

Thomas "TJ" Wilson

Highland Springs

TJ started his football career at Springer Nation in 1993, and as varsity QB he ended with a 17-6 record. TJ threw for 2,803 passing yards with 31 touchdowns as a starter. He was voted team MVP and received Honorable Mention in the Capital District that year. In his senior season, TJ was named 2nd team All-Capital District QB, All-Region Honorable Mention at QB, and Best Defensive Back at Highland Springs. After graduation, TJ continued his academic and football career at Catawba College, later transferring to Virginia Union University.

Leonard Mitchell

Varina

While at Varina, Leonard was a three-year starting quarterback, and led the Blue Devils to the first of eight regional championships in 1990. During his career he earned All-District honors as a quarterback and defensive back. He is currently in his third year on the Varina coaching staff serving as the QB coach and JV offensive coordinator. Coach Mitchell’s son, Tayshawn, is an outside linebacker for the Blue Devils.

GAME SUMMARY

Turnovers fueled Highland Springs past Varina Friday night. Early throughout the game was a boxing match, with neither opponent making a successful drive. Two late fumbles lead to scores in the final few minutes of the first half that allowed Highland Springs to never look back. The Springers forced five turnovers leading to a 28-7 turnover, where MVP & Scholar Athlete Johnathan Carey had four catches for 79 yards, and two touchdowns.