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Kempsville Football: The Ultimate Guide to Virginia's Football Powerhouse

By Daniel Novak 13 min read 3951 views

Kempsville Football: The Ultimate Guide to Virginia's Football Powerhouse

Kempsville High School's football program has been a staple in the Virginia Beach community for decades, producing talented players and winning championships. But there's more to Kempsville football than just winning games. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the history, culture, and facts about Kempsville football, exploring what makes it one of the most beloved and respected programs in the state.

Kempsville's football tradition dates back to the 1960s, with the team competing in the Virginia Beach-Norfolk Conference. Over the years, the team has had its fair share of successes, including multiple district championships and a state playoff appearance. But Kempsville's football program is more than just about wins and losses; it's a community-driven institution that has produced some of the state's top players and coaches.

A Rich History of Football Excellence

Kempsville's football program has a rich history of producing talented players and coaches. Some of the most notable alumni include former NFL players Tony McGriff, a linebacker who played for the New York Giants, and wide receiver Antonio Brown, who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers and New England Patriots. Current NFL players, such as wide receiver Isaiah Ford, also got their start playing for Kempsville.

"Kempsville's football program has always been about more than just winning games," said former Kempsville coach, Joe Jones. "It's about developing young men into leaders and building a community that supports its players and coaches." Under Jones' leadership, Kempsville won two district championships and made multiple state playoff appearances.

Notable Coaches and Players

  • Joe Jones: Former coach who led the team to two district championships and multiple state playoff appearances.
  • Tony McGriff: Former NFL linebacker who played for the New York Giants.
  • Antonio Brown: Former NFL wide receiver who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers and New England Patriots.
  • Isaiah Ford: Current NFL wide receiver who played for the Miami Dolphins.

Community Support and School Pride

Kempsville's football program is built on a foundation of community support and school pride. The team plays its home games at Kempsville Stadium, a state-of-the-art facility that can seat over 5,000 fans. The stadium is equipped with modern amenities, including a press box, concession stands, and a scoreboard.

"Kempsville's football program is a reflection of the community's values and spirit," said Kempsville Principal, Dr. Laura D. Morehouse. "We're proud of our team's accomplishments on and off the field, and we're committed to supporting our players and coaches every step of the way."

School Spirit and Traditions

  • Kempsville Stadium: The team's home stadium, which can seat over 5,000 fans.
  • Friday Night Lights: Kempsville's home games are always a high-energy event, with the community coming out in force to support the team.
  • The Band: The Kempsville Marching Band performs at every home game, adding to the excitement and school spirit.

Facilities and Resources

Kempsville High School has invested heavily in its football facilities, including a state-of-the-art weight room, a football field house, and a turf field. The school also offers a range of sports medicine and athletic training programs to support its student-athletes.

"We're committed to providing our student-athletes with the best possible resources and facilities," said Kempsville Athletic Director, Mike Chapman. "Our weight room and football field house are top-notch, and our sports medicine program is one of the best in the state."

Sports Medicine and Athletic Training

  • Weight Room: A state-of-the-art weight room with top-of-the-line equipment.
  • Football Field House: A modern facility with amenities such as a film room, locker rooms, and a coaches' office.
  • Sports Medicine Program: A comprehensive program that includes athletic training, physical therapy, and sports nutrition.

Alumni and Community Involvement

Kempsville's football program has a strong tradition of alumni and community involvement. Many former players and coaches return to the school to support the team and mentor young players. The Kempsville Football Boosters, a group of dedicated parents and alumni, work tirelessly to support the team and raise funds for new equipment and facilities.

"Kempsville's football program has given me so much over the years," said former player and current booster member, Tony McGriff. "I'm proud to give back to the community and support the next generation of players."

Kempsville Football Boosters

  • Mission Statement: To support the Kempsville football program and promote school spirit.
  • Activities: The boosters raise funds for new equipment, host events such as the annual Alumni Game, and provide support for the team and coaches.

Conclusion

Kempsville football is more than just a team; it's a community-driven institution that has produced some of the state's top players and coaches. From its rich history of football excellence to its state-of-the-art facilities and community support, Kempsville's football program is a true reflection of the values and spirit of the Virginia Beach community. Whether you're a lifelong fan or just discovering the team, Kempsville football is a must-see event that's sure to leave you inspired and impressed.

Written by Daniel Novak

Daniel Novak is a Chief Correspondent with over a decade of experience covering breaking trends, in-depth analysis, and exclusive insights.