Chargers sweep Suffolk gridiron

Published 9:46 pm Wednesday, June 10, 2015

The John Yeates Middle School football team was outstanding during the 2015 season, going undefeated. Front row, from left: Wayne Cochran Jr., Syncere Swinson, Josiah Hayes, Quijoun Gordon, Marlon Sellers, Jordan Hunter, Brysen Lee, Jacob Nixon and manager Tyreke McClary; second row, from left: Jaden Perkins, Leif Whalen, Rahem Randell, Kori Riddick, JaQuelle Harrell, Derick Hardy, Grant Gill, Clifton Gray and Kenan Armstead; third row, from left: Ian Oakley, Zechariah Gray, Marcel Lewis III, Datron Branch, Toreanno Marshall Jr. and Jayden Morris; back row, from left: manager Clarence Revell, Justin Martinez, Guy Purnell, Donovan Wilkerson, Dave Dilla, Connor Nolan, Darrick Adickes, Kevin Johnson and manager Clarence Sellers; not pictured: Adiel Clark, Joshua Knight, Darrin Lilly Jr. and managers Skye Blaise, Lauren Goodman and Aanyah Lambert. (Photo submitted by Darwin Barbee)

The John Yeates Middle School football team was outstanding during the 2015 season, going undefeated. Front row, from left: Wayne Cochran Jr., Syncere Swinson, Josiah Hayes, Quijoun Gordon, Marlon Sellers, Jordan Hunter, Brysen Lee, Jacob Nixon and manager Tyreke McClary; second row, from left: Jaden Perkins, Leif Whalen, Rahem Randell, Kori Riddick, JaQuelle Harrell, Derick Hardy, Grant Gill, Clifton Gray and Kenan Armstead; third row, from left: Ian Oakley, Zechariah Gray, Marcel Lewis III, Datron Branch, Toreanno Marshall Jr. and Jayden Morris; back row, from left: manager Clarence Revell, Justin Martinez, Guy Purnell, Donovan Wilkerson, Dave Dilla, Connor Nolan, Darrick Adickes, Kevin Johnson and manager Clarence Sellers; not pictured: Adiel Clark, Joshua Knight, Darrin Lilly Jr. and managers Skye Blaise, Lauren Goodman and Aanyah Lambert. (Photo submitted by Darwin Barbee)

The John Yeates Middle School football team was essentially untouchable this spring.

The Chargers washed away the memory of an 0-5 season last year, finishing their 2015 campaign with a 5-0 record after outscoring their opponents 174-52.

John Yeates coach Darwin Barbee said the team went undefeated two years ago, but this year’s squad was even better because it was so deep with talent.

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“When we had an injury, the next person stepped up,” he said. “We had a group of young guys that worked hard.”

Barbee noted the Chargers benefited, along with the other Suffolk middle school teams, from a rule change made by the city that allowed eighth-graders who had played on a high school junior varsity team in the fall to also play for their middle school team in the spring.

“It gives the kids an opportunity to represent their middle school,” he said, and the experience they brought from the JV level allowed them to be more competitive.

John Yeates opened the season with a 34-6 victory over Forest Glen Middle School, then routed John F. Kennedy Middle School 46-20.

The Chargers’ closest game of the season came against King’s Fork Middle School. At the time of the showdown, both teams were undefeated.

“We didn’t even allow an offensive touchdown,” Barbee said. “They scored on a kickoff return.”

John Yeates prevailed 20-8.

In rematches against Forest Glen and John F. Kennedy, the Chargers won 40-12 and 34-6, respectively.

Among the standout players for John Yeates was JaQuelle Harrell, who played as a middle linebacker, fullback and running back, and offensive guard Darrick Adickes.

Quarterback Kori Riddick threw eight touchdown passes this year, and six of them were to tight end Datron Branch.

Defensive stars included cornerback Josiah Hayes, defensive tackle Toreanno Marshall Jr., outside linebacker Derick Hardy and defensive end Zechariah Gray.

Gray drew recognition as a most improved player.

“We were strong all-around,” Barbee said.