Chargers now competing in VISAA Division II

Published 5:36 pm Friday, September 1, 2023

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By James J. Lidington

Isle of Wight Academy

 

FOOTBALL

The Isle of Wight Academy varsity football squad won a scrimmage against Arcadia High School before dropping its home opener to Atlantic Shores Christian School 48-6 on Friday, Aug. 25.

Junior Jason Chapman rushed for two touchdowns and passed for another as Isle of Wight dominated Arcadia 43-0 on Aug. 18 at William Hooper Field.

In addition to Chapman’s scoring plunges, the Chargers got rushing touchdowns from senior Luke Dunlap, junior Jack Baker and freshman Jett Williams. Senior Sawyer Conrad also recovered a loose ball in the end zone for a safety, and Dunlap also caught Chapman’s scoring toss.

Kickers Jayden Parsons, a freshman, and Will Bauman, a senior, were 5-for-6 on extra points.

Atlantic Shores has lost only three games in its last 29, including its state championship season in 2021 and its runner-up campaign a year ago. 

The Chargers qualified for the state playoffs last season after winning their last four contests to finish 4-4. They are one of the programs that needed to move up to the Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association Division II level since the Division III level no longer exists, and they have fewer students than most other Division II teams.

IWA returns several starters on both sides of the ball, including senior center Aiden Brock and junior defensive back and signal-caller Chapman, both all-state performers last season.

The Chargers (0-1) were set to visit Portsmouth Christian School (0-1) on Friday, Sept. 1, and after an open date the following week, they will return to action Thursday, Sept. 14, when they host Norfolk Academy at 7 p.m.

 

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL

The IWA girls volleyball team began its season with a 1-1 record, including a win against Southampton Academy and a loss to Kenston Forest School.

Against SA, the Lady Chargers surrendered the first game, 25-19, before claiming three straight games, giving up 19 and 21 points twice. The match took place on Wednesday, Aug. 23.

Kenston Forest upended IWA 3-0 on Tuesday, Aug. 22.

The Lady Chargers are led by seniors Kate Holland, Nora Pye, Kaitlyn Springle, Reese Upton, Jenna Willette and Aly Young.

 

CROSS COUNTRY

The Chargers cross country side was set to open its season with a 2-mile meet at Norfolk Academy on Wednesday, Aug. 30.

The IWA team graduated four seniors and, this year, returns 21 runners to the breach. Seniors Alex Wilson and Grace Garzon are co-captains.