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VHSL Class 5 Previews: Region C

Douglas Freeman Mavericks  

2024 Record: 15-6

The Mavericks had a solid season in 2024 going on a seven game win streak before having an upset loss in the region quarterfinals to Midlothian. They suffered significant losses with staff ace Cayman Goode, who was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the 12th round, Lee Sowers (UNC), and Ryan Bland (Gettysburg) just to name a few. While they do bring back seniors Peyton Beale (Mary Washington) and Tucker Cahoon (Eastern Mennonite), the Mavs return only about 30 total innings pitched from last season.. Jackson Rogish (Washington & Lee), Henry Britt (Mary Washington), and Finn Whipple (Harvard) are also seniors that could see expanded roles. Junior Michael Sellers is a name to watch that could step into a bigger role on the mound for the Mavericks. In order to make another run at a state title, they will need to find a frontline arm and some pitching depth to have success in 2025.

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James River (Midlothian) Rapids  

2024 Record: 10-10

The Rapids had an up and down season in 2024. They were senior heavy and will have to replace a lot from that team, including star shortstop Callum Early (Liberty). James River returns only two positional starters, as well as two returning arms. They do bring back senior Cooper Harris (Mary Baldwin) that could be a vital piece in the lineup. Garnett Power (Hampden-Sydney) is a senior that returns in 2025. Nate Reed (Charleston) returns for his second season for the Rapids and we would imagine there is a chance to step into a bigger role on the mound this spring. The Rapids have a new addition in Jayden Grant (VMI) that has a chance to be an impact two-way player. Jake Schumacher and Conner Sprouse are two other juniors that have a chance to have an impact as well. With such a big roster turnover from last season, they have a lot of questions to answer this season. 

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Louisa Lions  

2024 Record: 11-9

In 2024 the Lions had a first round exit in the region quarterfinals to Franklin County. While there were some bumps in the road, there were also some bright spots and they will return those in 2025. They have a strong group of seniors and juniors that return this spring that could play major roles. Jayden Thompson was a two-way impact player for the Lions and looks to do the same in 2025. Eric Davis and Levi Wilson are also bats that return to give some offensive production. Seniors Cole Loudin, Ian Taylor, and Glenn Thompson (Regent) are three names that should be significant contributors this year as well. While they bring these upperclassmen back, they will need to establish depth on the mound to make a deeper run this season, but if history proves true, the Louisa program always finds arms that give them a chance to win.

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Matoaca Warriors  

2024 Record: 18-3

The Warriors are coming off of a very strong season, finishing 18-3 and one game away from a state tournament berth. Matoaca loses all-world catcher and leader, Jacob Lee (VCU), who is now set to be a major player on the Rams’ roster as a freshman. In addition to losing Lee, the Warriors are under new leadership. Matoaca alum and longtime assistant coach Andre Moore takes over. The Warriors return six starters, including Lucas Edwards (Radford), JT Brown (Longwood), Gray Thacker (Ferrum), and Seth Harrison (Apprentice). Some arms that should play pivotal roles in ‘25 are Hayden Black (Richard Bland CC) and Colin Langster. Black sets up to potentially be staff ace and Langster will provide two-way help. A couple of younger names of note in this program, who could contribute this year or in the near future, are sophomores Hayden Campbell  Drew Covington, and Jase Elder. Joining those sophomores is freshmam Grant Capel, a strong XL framed left hander . They did lose a wealth of offensive production, but the real test for this year’s team will once again be; do they have enough arm depth or have an arm that can step up as a frontline starter?

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Midlothian Trojans  

2024 Season Record: 14-7

The Trojans pulled off an upset in the region quarterfinals by knocking off the higher seeded Douglas Freeman, but ended up falling in the next round to Franklin County. The Trojans bring back the bulk of their team and are looking to make a deeper run. Brady Paul (Louisburg CC) returns who is a two impact player that they can go to for production on the mound, as well as offensively. Cole Caffall is the senior leader behind the dish that is primed for a big senior year. Dillon Mauzy (Shenandoah) is a left handed bat that can be a run producer as well as providing some depth and reliability on the mound. Braden Williamson (Mary Baldwin) is a speedy outfielder that can provide some versatility. Connor Vick (Marymount) is another outfielder that gives them depth that can provide value. Benton Tatum (Shenandoah) is a senior lefty that gives them more depth on the mound as well. Cason Chambers is a sophomore that got some time as a freshman on the varsity level that could take a step in 2025. This is a strong group of veterans with experience but will need to figure out who will play at shortstop to be able to make a real run in the region.

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Mills Godwin Eagles  

2024 Record: 19-7

The Eagles had a strong 2024 season making a run to the Class 5 state title game, but ultimately fell to First Colonial. While they do lose some of the pitchers that they had in 2024, they still bring back some arm depth in 2025. Leading the staff will be senior Luke Smyers (Alabama). Following Smyers are seniors Hayden Bynum (Longwood) and Cal Travers (Longwood), followed by junior Milan Larew. While offensive depth will be key this spring, they do bring back Alex Boyd, Matthew Hartsfield (VMI), and Hudson Williams (Roanoke) that have experience. Jacob Babcock, Carter Donham, Camden Lockhart, and Eli Macturk are some players that could potentially give some production offensively. If they can get just a little bit of consistent run production, they have the arms to get back to another state tournament.