Anthony Reddick News Today

Thirty college assistant coaches were at College Day workout for Phoebus High, which opens at Highland Springs on Sept. 6.

Plenty of Phantoms and a few other area players earn state honors after Phoebus takes its third straight VHSL championship trophy.

The Terps added some help to their pass rush Wednesday.

The Class 5 state champion Commodores had Fred Johnson Jr. (South Carolina), Da'Vontae Floyd (Duke) and Jaden Ratliff (Williams & Mary) sign on early national signing day. Many other Hampton Roads players also signed.

Twenty-one new players, including five four-star recruits and eight offensive linemen, are set to join the Maryland football roster in 2024 after signing their letters of intent on National Signing Day.

Maurikus Banks' long touchdown pass to Keyontae Gray, which he caught at about midfield, gives the Phantoms a dramatic third consecutive VHSL championship.

Maury plays Stone Bridge at UVA, while at Liberty University Phoebus meets Salem and Lafayette faces Liberty Christian.

The Phantoms' offense took control early as Phoebus earned another state semifinal berth. The Phantoms rushed to a 27-0 lead in the first half, and then their defense forced four turnovers in the second half.

"I'm staying in the pocket, looking down field and trusting my guys more," Rios said. "I'm not really getting scared at defensive lineman putting pressure on me."

The Phantoms give up their first defensive touchdown, one they dispute, but pull away from rival Hampton behind quarterback Adonis Stowers and a stingy defense to remain unbeaten.