Top-ranked Highland Springs surprised at home by Phoebus with 23-7

HIGHLAND SPRINGS, Va. — In the first-ever game between established state title contenders in their respective classes, Phoebus came to Highland Springs and defeated the top-ranked Springers 23-7.

The Phantoms, who have now won 36 straight games, used a ball-control offense to undermine Springer’s defense in the first half, capped by a one-yard touchdown run by Davion Roberts.

In the second quarter they extended their lead thanks to an eight-yard run from Ty’Reon Taylor.

But it was the Phantoms’ defense that made the difference.

The three-time reigning Class 4 state champions limited the Springers (1-1) to just 97 total yards, with only 27 of those coming on the ground.

The Springers did their best to capitalize on Phoebus’ mistakes on special teams. A second fumbled punt return by the Phantoms early in the third quarter allowed Devyn Simmons to get the Springers on the board with a seven-yard return.

The Springers didn’t get any closer than that, however, as they were held to under 10 points for the second time since the opening game of the 2017 season.

Loren Johnson’s schedule doesn’t get any easier next week, as Maury comes to the East End as the reigning Class 5 state champions. The Commodores haven’t lost since the Springers defeated them for the 2022 state championship.

Final Score Friday Week 2: Part 1

Final standings Friday week 2: Part 2

Final standings Friday week 2: Part 3

Final standings Friday week 2: Part 4