Gametime Henrico: April 3-9, 2023

Deep Run’s baseball squad improved to 4-5 on the season after an impressive showing at the spring break tournament it hosted last week. In their first game last Monday, the Wildcats defeated Caroline (3-5) by a score of 8-4. Cameron Rizzo had a tremendous day at the plate, going 2 for 2 with three runs, two stolen bases, an RBI and a home run. Defensively, Eric Skowysz posted a perfect fielding percentage with eight putouts. On Tuesday, the Cats defeated Midlothian (6-2-1) by a score of 3-0. Trey Gauch was electric on the mound, throwing six innings, allowing no runs, and compiling 10 strikeouts. At the plate, Gauch had an RBI, Parker Noonan went 1 for 3, and Josh Seguin went 1 for 2 with a triple, an RBI and one run. This set the stage for the championship round against Atlee (7-1), which proved too much for Deep Run in a 6-0 win. Top hitters for the Wildcats included Vinny Porcaro, who went 1 for 2, and Noonan, who was 1 for 3. Defensively, Skowysz led the way once again with eight putouts. Deep Run’s next game will be on the road against Tucker (3-5).

Freeman High School

VHSL 5C All-Region defensive end Max Vest has had himself a solid week in his recruitment, receiving Division 1 offers from Furman, Georgetown, and Army within a three-day span. Vest has now received a total of four Division 1 offers, with his first being Air Force Academy in early March. Vest put together a strong junior campaign, totaling 11 tackles for loss, seven sacks and a forced fumble, leading the Mavericks to a 9-3 season and a regional semifinal finish. Vest also is an all-region selection in lacrosse and holds a 3.7 overall GPA.

Godwin High School

Godwin’s baseball team continues to dominate the opposition this season. The Eagles improved to 8-0 on the year and won the first-ever Commonwealth Classic earlier this month. In the quarterfinal round, the Eagles defeated Greenbrier Christian Academy by a score of 9-4. Garrett Mason pitched four innings, producing eight strikeouts and no earned runs for the win. Zach Boyd, Drew Spears, Henry Calhoun, and Connor Smith combined to finish the game, collecting six strikeouts combined along the way. Luke Smyers led the way offensively, hitting a two-run homer. Eric Capps hit a double and had an RBI, Jackson York singled and scored a run, and Davis Gaucher singled and drove in a run. The win set the stage for a semifinal game against top-seed Freedom (5-2) two days later, a game Godwin won 6-4. In that game, Smyers struck out four and allowed three runs, and Hunter Ross struck out two to seal the win. Offensively, Justin Tobin went 1 for 2 with a two-run homer, Hank Piersol had a hit and scored a run, Mason went 1 for 3 with a run and an RBI, and Caelan Funk went 1 for 1 with two RBIs. Those clutch performances led Godwin to the championship game against the Hanover Hawks (6-2), where the Eagles won 6-3. Mason was named MVP of the tournament, while Tobin earned first-team all-tournament honors and Capps earned second-team honors. The Eagles’ next game will be against Maggie Walker (0-3) this Tuesday.

Henrico High School

Warrior’s football standout Javion Randall received another Division 1 offer after a visit to Duke University this past weekend. His offer from Duke is his sixth Division 1 offer with the previous five all rolling in during the month of March. Others who have offered Randall include Virginia Tech, Georgetown University, Fordham University, University of Pennsylvania and Columbia University. Randall is still a junior and is a two way starter for the Warriors, a state qualifier in the 55-meter dash, and is a tremendous student with a 3.8 overall GPA. The future is bright for Randall, and his senior season should be one for the books.

Highland Springs High School

Last Monday, Class 5 player of the year and state champion quarterback Khristian Martin received his seventh Division 1 offer, this one from Texas A&M University. His six previous offers include University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, Old Dominion, University of Maryland, Miami (OH) and Charlotte. The 6-foot-4 dual sport athlete had a tremendous junior season, totaling more than 3,000 yards and 43 total touchdowns, leading the Springers to an undefeated state title last year. The scary part? He has one more season.

Tucker High School

The Tigers’ baseball squad improved to 3-5 on the season following a dominant 13-3 victory over Varina (2-6). Peyton Hinton was electric at the plate, where he went 2 for 2 with a run, a double, and three RBIs. Yamal Ferguson also went 2 for 2, which resulted in five RBIs. Defensively, Josh Gilliam and Ferguson each had a perfect fielding percentage with five putouts on the day. The Tigers will face Deep Run (4-5) on the road in their next game this Tuesday.

Varina High School

Varina’s baseball squad fell to 2-6 on the season following their losses to Manchester (5-2-1), Thomas Dale (6-1), and Tucker (3-5) this past weekend. Though the losing streak continues for the Blue Devils, they managed to produce some solid performances. Against Manchester, Braeden Loving went 3 for 3, resulting in a single, double, triple and one RBI. Malik Brown went 1 for 2 with a home run and two RBIs. Brown also had a three run homer the next day against Tucker. The Devils’ next match up will be on the road against Atlee (7-1) this week.