2025 All-Tidewater Football Team Celebrates Top Performers

The 2025 All-Tidewater Football team has been announced, showcasing exceptional talent from high schools across the region. This year’s awards highlight standout athletes who have made significant contributions to their teams, particularly in prestigious state tournaments.

Keon Johnson Named Player of the Year

Leading the accolades is Keon Johnson, a running back and linebacker from Lake Taylor High School. Johnson, a senior standing at 5 feet 9 inches and weighing 210 pounds, has earned the title of All-Tidewater Player of the Year. His performance was nothing short of extraordinary, rushing for a remarkable 2,319 yards and scoring 42 touchdowns, both of which set single-season records in South Hampton Roads. Johnson played a crucial role in the Titans’ success, rushing for 358 yards and five touchdowns during the state tournament, propelling his team to the Class 3 state title. Defensively, he recorded over 100 tackles, 23 sacks, and three interceptions, showcasing his versatility on the field.

Outstanding Performances Across the Board

Another notable mention is Donovan “Domo” Everette, a sophomore quarterback from Maury High School. In his inaugural season as a starter, Everette led an explosive offense that averaged 50.4 points per game, ultimately guiding the Commodores to the Class 5 state title. His impressive statistics include 3,513 passing yards with 46 touchdowns and eight interceptions, along with 533 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns.

Also recognized is Lonnie Andrews, a junior quarterback from Oscar Smith High School, who has already established himself as a two-time first-team All-Tidewater selection. He played a pivotal role in leading the Tigers to consecutive Class 6 state titles, completing 181 of 306 passes for 3,291 yards and 43 touchdowns. His performance has garnered him first-team all-state honors.

Other standout players include Tayshawn Branche, a junior running back from Maury who contributed significantly to his team’s championship run with 2,255 rushing yards and 28 touchdowns, and Amari Pryear from Bethel High School, who rushed for 2,035 yards and achieved 37 touchdowns during his senior year.

Wide receivers also made a mark, with Travis Johnson of Oscar Smith making impressive catches, totaling 1,258 yards and 15 touchdowns, while Jahvon Wiggins from Maury helped elevate his team’s performance with 1,590 total yards and 15 touchdowns.

The defensive lineup features formidable players as well. Corey Sanderlin from Indian River High School earned first-team all-state honors, finishing the season with 81 tackles and six sacks. Isaiah Simmons, a senior linebacker from Maury, showcased his skills with 109 tackles and 27 sacks, contributing to the Commodores’ triumphant campaign.

The 2025 All-Tidewater Football team reflects the extraordinary talent and dedication of young athletes in the region. Their achievements not only highlight individual excellence but also emphasize the importance of teamwork and resilience in reaching the pinnacle of high school football. As these players advance in their careers, they set a high standard for future generations.