The Richmond Times-Dispatch covered the two local teams during the high school football state semifinals. Tuscarora played Varina in Class 5 and L.C. Bird visited Briar Woods in Class 4.
It doesn't mean anything until they win it.
That's the message from Varina fifth-year coach Marcus Lewis this week to his Blue Devils, winners of 12-straight, as they prepare for the Class 4 state championship on Saturday at 5 p.m. at Liberty University's Williams Stadium against vaunted Region 4A winner Phoebus.
The three-time-reigning state champion Phantoms (Hampton; 13-0) have won 47-straight games dating to a Nov. 5, 2021 loss to Oscar Smith.
"I'm blessed to be in this situation, I'm blessed to be going to the state championship," Lewis said after Varina's 28-0 semifinal victory over Tuscarora.
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"But the goal is not to go to it, the goal is to win it. To see our kids be able to deal with adversity all year, people doubting us all year, and us continue to get better every week, that's what it's all about."
Varina is making its second state championship appearance under Lewis and in the last four years.
The Blue Devils won their first state title in program history after defeating Broad Run 28-21 in the 2021 Class 4 final, then fell to King George in the Region 4B semifinals (2022) and title game (2023) the last two seasons.
ICYMI: Varina punches ticket to Class 4 state championship after beating Tuscarora
Over its 12-game winning streak, Varina's defense -- spearheaded by junior LBs Jayden Walker (74 tackles, 13 for losses) and Braylon Hood (85 tackles, 17 for losses), senior DB Myles Anderson (22 pass breakups, five interceptions), junior linemen JaySean Richardson (64 tackles, 18 for losses, 13 sacks) and Jervell Barksdale (62-13-11), and senior DL Tramel Carter (45-11-13) -- is playing elite football.
The Blue Devils are holding opponents to 9.75 points per game, a run that includes shutouts of Patrick Henry, Huguenot and the Huskies.
Lewis, an All-Metro defensive player of the year at linebacker in his own playing days with the Blue Devils, said his defense embodies the spirit and discipline of its head coach.
"Our kids take pride in having one of the best defenses in the state of Virginia," Lewis said. "By setting our goals and staying consistent on what we do in practice, they definitely understand that defense wins ballgames."
In the state semifinal, Varina forced six turnovers -- five interceptions and a fumble recovery.
Lewis said forcing the Phantoms into such miscues will be vital. Phoebus averages 45.2 points. In the Phantoms' 34-0 semifinal win over Sherando, sophomore QB Maurikus Banks passed for 251 yards and two TDs, while senior RB Davion Roberts racked up 137 yards and three TDs on the ground.
"Any time you're creating turnovers, you've got a great chance to win the ballgame no matter who you're playing against," Lewis said.
Blue Devils sophomore QB/DB Kaleb Wyche, who rarely comes off the field, is in the running for the highest of local and state accolades -- he's passed for 1,599 yards and 22 TDs on the year while rushing for 1,020 yards and 13 more scores.
Defensively, he's registered 37 tackles, tops among Blue Devils DBs, to go along with 15 PBUs and three interceptions.
"We felt like Kaleb was ready just based on some of the things he did last year as a freshman," Lewis said of Wyche, who threw three TDs passes in last year's East End showdown at Highland Springs after former starter Linwood Johnson went down with an injury.
"With him getting all the reps, knowing it was his team, it helped out. This kid has been doing it since little league. What y'all see now is just what we say since he's been down in Varina rec. He's just showing everyone now at the high school that this is what he's been doing."
The son of Kennard Wyche Sr., a first team All-Metro point guard at Armstrong High in the late 90s, and younger brother of KJ Wyche, a first team All-Metro point guard who led Varina to consecutive state titles on the hardwood in 2022 and 2023, Kaleb draws from a rich athletic lineage.
"He's just a tough kid," Lewis said of Wyche. "It's in his bloodline. He's an amazing kid. And a very humble kid."
Senior LB/RB Devin Henderson has been the bell cow out of the backfield for the Blue Devils -- he's carried 106 times for 750 yards and seven TDs. Out wide, Anderson (23 catches, 552 yards, eight TDs) and junior DaMari "D-I" Carter (23-603-10) are the primary weapons.
After missing much of the first half of the season, Carter has gotten healthy down the stretch, a welcome addition that has opened up Varina's passing attack.
"Having him healthy right now is definitely where we need to be at," Lewis said, adding that Carter's absence in the first half of the season allowed other key pieces to develop.
"Our goal is to make sure we emphasize him, make sure we've got plays where we know we can get him the ball. Because when he touches the ball, he's always doing something with it."
Phoebus has played one local team, Highland Springs, in its season-opener on Sept. 6. The Phantoms downed the Springers 23-7 at Victor W. Kreiter Stadium. Lewis was at that game, and said Phoebus' program culture and winning streak speak for themselves.
"You're dealing with a team that knows how to win, that's been here before," Lewis said. "We definitely have got a task ahead of us. But we're ready for that task ... like I told the kids, there ain't no pressure on us. Everybody doubted us since day one. Everybody has got (Phoebus), besides people here, winning it.
"So just go out there, have fun, play Varina football, fly around."
Close
Varina's Joshua Avery Jr. (15) drives with the ball during a football game against Tuscarora, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024.
MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH
Varina's Kaleb Wyche (3) defends the ball from Tuscarora's Bryce Huber (19) during a football game, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024.
MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH
Varina's Devin Henderson (5) smiles during a football game against Tuscarora, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024.
MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH
Tuscarora's Peter Laiti (8) looks to make a pass during a football game against Varina, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024.
MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH
Varina's Devin Henderson (5) and Jeremiah White (25) react to a play during a football game against Tuscarora, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024.
MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH
Varina's Devin Henderson (5) and Jeremiah White (25) react to a play during a football game against Tuscarora, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024.
MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH
Varina's Kaleb Wyche (3) looks to make a pass during a football game against Tuscarora, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024.
MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH
Varina's Sair Rex (2) defends the ball from Tuscarora's Tripp Bracken (15) during a football game, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024.
MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH
Varina head coach Marcus Lewis speaks to his players during a football game against Tuscarora, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024.
MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH
Varina's Kaleb Wyche (3) looks to make a pass during a football game against Tuscarora, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024.
MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH
Varina's Myles Anderson (1) defends the ball from Tuscarora's Bryce Huber (19) during a football game, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024.
MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH
Varina football captains Devin Henderson (5), Myles Anderson (1), Tremel Carter (59), and Jaiden Wellons (51) walk on to the field before a game against Tuscarora, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024.
MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH
Varina's Trevon Rogers (4) defends the ball from Tuscarora's Bryce Huber (19) during a football game, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024.
MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH
Varina cheerleaders laugh during a football game against Tuscarora, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024.
MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH
A pass intended for Varina's Shanundre Williams (16) is tipped by Tuscarora's Ejikeme Onuorah (2) during a football game, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024.
MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH
The Varina football team takes the field before a game against Tuscarora, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024.
MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH
Varina's Jeremiah White (25) reacts to a play during a football game against Tuscarora, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024.
MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH
Varina's Kaleb Wyche (3) defends the ball from Tuscarora's Isaiah Lucas (5) during a football game, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024.
MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH Photos: Varina football secures spot in Class 4 state championship
The Blue Devils beat Tuscarora 28-0 on Saturday
Varina's Joshua Avery Jr. (15) drives with the ball during a football game against Tuscarora, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024.
MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH
Varina's Kaleb Wyche (3) defends the ball from Tuscarora's Bryce Huber (19) during a football game, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024.
MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH
Varina's Devin Henderson (5) smiles during a football game against Tuscarora, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024.
MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH
Tuscarora's Peter Laiti (8) looks to make a pass during a football game against Varina, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024.
MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH
Varina's Devin Henderson (5) and Jeremiah White (25) react to a play during a football game against Tuscarora, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024.
MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH
Varina's Devin Henderson (5) and Jeremiah White (25) react to a play during a football game against Tuscarora, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024.
MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH
Varina's Kaleb Wyche (3) looks to make a pass during a football game against Tuscarora, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024.
MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH
Varina's Sair Rex (2) defends the ball from Tuscarora's Tripp Bracken (15) during a football game, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024.
MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH
Varina head coach Marcus Lewis speaks to his players during a football game against Tuscarora, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024.
MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH
Varina's Kaleb Wyche (3) looks to make a pass during a football game against Tuscarora, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024.
MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH
Varina's Myles Anderson (1) defends the ball from Tuscarora's Bryce Huber (19) during a football game, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024.
MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH
Varina football captains Devin Henderson (5), Myles Anderson (1), Tremel Carter (59), and Jaiden Wellons (51) walk on to the field before a game against Tuscarora, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024.
MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH
Varina's Trevon Rogers (4) defends the ball from Tuscarora's Bryce Huber (19) during a football game, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024.
MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH
Varina cheerleaders laugh during a football game against Tuscarora, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024.
MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH
A pass intended for Varina's Shanundre Williams (16) is tipped by Tuscarora's Ejikeme Onuorah (2) during a football game, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024.
MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH
The Varina football team takes the field before a game against Tuscarora, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024.
MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH
Varina's Jeremiah White (25) reacts to a play during a football game against Tuscarora, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024.
MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH
Varina's Kaleb Wyche (3) defends the ball from Tuscarora's Isaiah Lucas (5) during a football game, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024.
MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH
Zach Joachim (804) 649-6555
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Zach Joachim
Deputy Sports Editor, VCU Reporter
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