Matoaca coach Derrick “D.L.” Johnson went to see the box-office hit “Straight Outta Compton” twice in its opening week. Johnson applauded the movie because its closeness to the real thing – Johnson grew up in the tough Los Angeles suburb. Formerly an assistant coach at James River, Johnson took Matoaca’s coaching job when Pat Manuel retired after 29 years. The new coach has brought a message of using sports as a vessel to get to where you want to go in life. “I wasn’t a rapper,” said Johnson, who played offensive line at Long Beach high school. “That wasn’t my…

L.C. Bird 35, Thomas Dale 7 In a contest marred with turnovers, the L.C. Bird Skyhawks took care of business, dispatching Thomas Dale in front of a near-capacity crowd at Ed Karpus Field. Defense was the name of the game for two reasons. First, the Skyhawks’ D had a spectacular performance, scoring three defensive touchdowns. Defensive lineman Chris Hayden and cornerback Kumonde Hines returned fumbles for touchdowns, while Jalen Elliott intercepted a pass and took it to the house for six. The Skyhawks led 28-0 at halftime, but the Knights defense was much more competitive than the score showed. L.C.…

L.C. Bird 31, Meadowbrook 0 The three-time defending state champions dominated the Monarchs from the start in what was a rocky debut for first year head coach Adam Tiller. L.C. Bird built a 25-0 lead by halftime, converting four Meadowbrook turnovers into four touchdowns, all scored by senior running back J.B. Wright. Wright, a 5–6 spark plug gained 189 yards on the ground while Matoaca transfer Shedrick McCall added 120 yards and a score in the second half. The Skyhawks’ defense was crushing – forcing five overall turnovers highlighted by an interception by Johquin “Pinky” Wiley and two fumble recoveries…