🔗 Maury Football Preview

Coach: Dyrri McCain, 72-13 in seven seasons

Last season: 15-0 overall, 7-0 district

The Commodores are attempting to become only the third Eastern District team to ever win back-to-back state football championships, the first since Granby in 1945 and ’46.

Maury has reached three consecutive Class 5 state title games (four of the last five), with two state championship victories.

They enter the season ranked No. 67 nationally by MaxPreps, the only team in Virginia to be ranked.

Maury is on a 22-game Eastern district winning streak, outscoring opponents 516-27 last season.

OFFENSE

The offense is led by quarterback Au’Tori Newkirk, the 2023 Abe Goldblatt All-Tidewater Player of the Year.

He completed 175 of 256 passes for 3,670 yards last season, second on the all-time single-season South Hampton Roads list.

Newkirk also notched 44 touchdowns, with only five interceptions. His 4,430 all-purpose yards & 57 total touchdowns are both second on the all-time South Hampton Roads list.

Joining him on offense are playmakers like WR LeBron Bond (Indiana commit), RB Leon Clark (William & Mary commit), Jahvon Wiggins, Elijah Moss, Damon McDaniel Jr. (Western Branch transfer), Matt Williams & Cameryn Simmons.

Newkirk will be working behind a talented offensive line anchored by Jayvon Wynn, Joshua Bowe and Naziar Tate. 

DEFENSE

Clemson commit and four-star prospect Ari Watford leads the defense.

Other key stars on that side of the ball are South Carolina commit and four-star safety Kendall Daniels, Maryland commit, four-star linebacker Carlton “CJ” Smith (St. Frances Academy Transfer), & William & Mary commit, cornerback Trevon “Speedy” Cannon.

Joining them are linebackers Leslie Hines, Isaiah Simmons, Corey Jacobs and Dylan Goad.