Photo by Jim Devinney
The Virginia High School League Class 3 All-State football team was announced last week and Lord Botetourt had several selections, including one first team choice.
LB junior Jakari Nicely was named first team at “All-Purpose.” Jakari served as LB’s quarterback but also led the Cavaliers in rushing.
Second team all-state went to LB junior DJ Toliver on the offensive line, senior Titus Hopkins on the defensive line, senior Drew Gilbert at linebacker, junior Kendal Howard at defensive end and junior Cade Lang at defensive back.
Nicely was recently named the Region 3D Offensive Player of the Year and first team All Purpose for the region. Other LB all-region first team selections were Toliver on offense and Hopkins, Howard, Gilbert and Lang on defense. Second team All-Region 3D Cavaliers included sophomore Jackson Harless at center, junior Kesean Anderson on the defensive line, Dalton Oxley at linebacker, Tucker Brookman at defensive all-purpose and Nicely at defensive back.
Botetourt dominated the All-Blue Ridge District team, with Nicely being named Most Valuable Offensive Back and Offensive Player of the Year, Toliver taking Most Valuable Offensive Line honors, Hopkins receiving the Most Valuable Defensive Lineman award and Lang named as both Most Valuable Defensive Back and Defensive Player of the Year.
First team all-district selections included Nicely at quarterback, Harless at center and both Toliver and Hopkins on the o-line. On the first team defense were Hopkins and Anderson on the line, Howard at end, Gilbert at linebacker, Lang and Nicely in the secondary and Brookman at all-purpose.
Second team all-district from LB included Anderson on the o-line, Tristan Overbay at running back and Lang at both receiver and kick returner. Oxley was second team on defense.
James River did not have any all-state or all-region players this season but the Knights had several make All-Three Rivers District. Conner Church was second team at running back and Maddox Potter was the second team kicker. On defense second team all-Three Rivers selections from River were John Austin on the line, Colin Cook and Gabe Staton at linebacker and Jake Benson at defensive back.