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Battle Tested In The Trenches: Salem vs Phoebus | VHSL Class 4 State Championship Preview



There is history in the making as the Spartans of Salem and the Phantoms of Phoebus make their way to Liberty University for the 2023 VHSL Class 4 State Championship Game this Saturday at 11:30 AM. As the Fantom Sports Network prepares for the 8th, and final stop on our Virginia High School Football Playoff Roadtrip, we wanted to first share our official game preview featuring game information, players to know, and more!


#1 Salem vs #1 Phoebus | The Spartans vs The Phantoms

Saturday, December 9th | 11:30 AM | Williams Stadium- Liberty University


A simple phrase heard throughout multiple decades — the Salem Spartans are headed back to the State Championship. For the first time since 2020, the Salem Spartans will have their shot at the VHSL Class 4 State Championship. This time they face one of their toughest challenges yet, with both teams having a shot to make VHSL history in their own respective ways. While a win on Saturday would capture the Spartans' 11th State Championship, the most of any Virginia high school in the modern playoff era (1986-present), a Phoebus victory would propel the Phantoms towards their 10th total, and 3rd straight title.


Before history can be written for either team, they must each suit up and prepare for a battle in the trenches. For the Salem Spartans, this battle will commence with the mules up front, and then call upon Tennessee Volunteer commit Peyton Lewis. Rushing for over 370 yards and scoring 4 touchdowns in last week's semifinal win over Tuscarora, Lewis has ignited the fireworks for this Spartans offense, which is averaging 42.5 points this postseason. On the opposite sideline awaits another battle beginning up front, as Phoebus running back Davion Roberts looks to continue making an impact in his own way. Rushing for over 100 yards and scoring 3 touchdowns in last week's semifinal win over King George, Roberts has been the spark for this playoff Phantom offense that is currently averaging 56.5 points per game. Both offensive units are playing at their highest levels and will look to utilize every position on the field in order to capture another state title this weekend.


While both of these teams possess potent offenses poised to strike at any moment, it is the dominant defenses of both Salem and Phoebus that have proven their teams are truly battle-tested. Allowing only 10.5 points per playoff game and led by Georgia Bulldog commit Chris Cole, the Spartans' defense will look to take a stand in this Saturday's championship game. Also looking to make a stand this Saturday will be a Phantoms defense that has only allowed 8.5 points this postseason, and led by Maryland Terp commit Anthony Reddick. Both defensive units are featuring contributing talent throughout every position and are playing at their highest levels. However, it will all boil down to this weekend when two high-powered offenses prepare to strike against two dominant defenses.


On Saturday, the VHSL Class 4 State Championship will await the victor of a true powerhouse clash. Two high-powered offenses will match up against two star-studded defenses, both teams battle-tested in the trenches. Discipline and dominance will call both the Spartans and Phantoms this weekend. Who will answer can only be determined in four quarters between the hashes. It's Salem vs. Phoebus. It's history in the making.


Salem's Road Here:

-Finished Regular Season 9-1 with One Loss To Liberty Christian Academy in August

-Playaoff Wins Over: Liberty, Handley, EC Glass, and Tuscarora


Phoebus' Road Here:

-Undefeated 10-0 Regular Season

-Playoff Wins Over: Jamestown, Hampton, Warhill, and King George


540 Players To Watch:

"THE MULES" - Salem Offensive Line





 
 
 

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