Seven years ago Maury came to the Dawk for a state semifinal game but they did not play Varina, they played Highland Springs. Maury left the stadium that night a 71-28 loser. Maury and Varina did meet the following year but that meeting was held at the 757. That too was a state semifinal and it went in favor of the Commodores.
Just the Commodores second meeting with the Blue Devils and second trip to the Dawk, the results were different yet similar. Maury came to the 804 and got their first win on Route 5 and second over the Blue Devils. It was a hard fought battle that was much closer than their last trip to the Dawk but the same outcome versus last meeting with Varina; Maury on top 14-13.
As someone who has been to Varina for decades now, the scene by 7:30, 8:00 pm was somewhat nostalgic of the years where Varina was the dominant force in the Central Region. Cars lined Michael Robinson Way, Messer Road and Laburnum Avenue. Varina’s lots were filled and John Rolfe Middle was filled. Those fans spilled into the stands as the decibel level increased as the night went on. The fans from both sides let their voices be heard. An intoxicating aroma of the finest fried foods spilled into a humid night. That humid night also meant cramping for several players…