If you were around Norfolk last year, people were talking. They were saying the era was over. Lake Taylor high school football had just finished a brutal 3-7 season in 2024. For a program that had basically owned the 757 area for two decades, it felt like the end of a dynasty. People actually whispered that Hank Sawyer, the man who built this house, had finally lost his touch.
They were wrong.
Fast forward to December 2025 at Liberty University’s Williams Stadium. The lights are blinding, the air is freezing, and the Titans are locked in a double-overtime war with Kettle Run for the Class 3 State Championship. When the dust settled on a 48-42 victory, Lake Taylor hadn't just won a trophy. They had completed one of the most improbable turnarounds in Virginia high school sports history. Going from three wins to thirteen wins and a state title in twelve months? That doesn't happen by accident.
The Culture of "The Lake"
Honestly, "The Lake" is a different kind of place. It’s not just a school on Kempsville Road; it’s an identity. When you talk about Lake Taylor high school football, you’re talking about a specific brand of "tough." It’s a program that thrives when people count them out.
Coach Hank Sawyer has been there since 1999. Think about that for a second. In an era where coaches jump ship for better jobs every three years, Sawyer has stayed for twenty-seven seasons. He’s seen it all. He has 249 wins and four state titles now (2012, 2014, 2019, and 2025). But more importantly, he has a 7-0 record in state semifinals. Basically, if Lake Taylor gets to the final four, they aren't losing.
Sawyer himself admitted that the 2024 slump humbled them. He heard the "echoes" that he was too old or that the game had passed him by. Instead of retiring, he used that noise as fuel for his players. That’s the Titan way—taking disrespect and turning it into a 59-0 shutout against Heritage to open the following season.
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The Stars of the 2025 Championship Run
You can’t talk about this recent title without talking about Keon Johnson. The kid was a human highlight reel. As a senior, he didn't just play running back; he dominated the entire Class 3 landscape.
- 2,319 rushing yards in a single season.
- 42 touchdowns.
- Over 100 tackles and 23 sacks on defense.
Yes, you read that right. He was the Offensive Player of the Year, but he probably could have won it on defense too if his teammate wasn't so dominant. That teammate was Devaughn Powell. Powell, a senior linebacker, was a nightmare for quarterbacks, racking up 33 sacks. When you have two guys playing at that level, you’re going to win a lot of football games.
The state final against Kettle Run was the Keon Johnson show. He carried the ball 19 times, and while 89 yards might not sound like his usual massive stat line, he scored three rushing touchdowns. Every single one of those scores gave Lake Taylor the lead. It was "clutch" personified.
A Legacy Built on NFL Talent
This isn't just a local success story. Lake Taylor is a factory for the next level. If you look at the names that have walked through those halls, it’s a "who’s who" of Tidewater legends.
- Jalyn Holmes: A defensive end who went from the Titans to Ohio State and then to the NFL (Vikings, Bears, Jets).
- Marvin Mitchell: A linebacker who won a Super Bowl with the New Orleans Saints.
- Amos Lawrence: The guy was a legend at UNC before playing for the 49ers.
- Mike Tyson: No, not the boxer. The defensive back who played for the Seahawks and Texans.
It’s about the pipeline. When a freshman walks into the locker room, they see the jerseys of guys who made it. They know the expectations. You aren't just playing for a high school; you're playing for a legacy that stretches back to the 1970s with guys like Tom Graves, who won a ring with the 1979 Pittsburgh Steelers.
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The 2025 Season: By the Numbers
| Opponent | Result | Key Note |
|---|---|---|
| Heritage | W 59-0 | The "we're back" statement game. |
| Maury | L 42-14 | A reality check against a powerhouse. |
| Norcom | W 42-13 | Dominance in the Eastern District. |
| Kettle Run | W 48-42 | Double OT thriller for the State Title. |
Why Lake Taylor is Different from Maury or Oscar Smith
In Norfolk, the rivalry with Maury is everything. Maury has been the "big brother" lately, and honestly, they won the head-to-head matchup 42-14 in October 2025. But Lake Taylor doesn't try to be Maury. While Maury often feels like a high-octane, private-school-style juggernaut, Lake Taylor feels like a neighborhood brawler.
They play a physical, smash-mouth style that wears teams down by the fourth quarter. It’s about "the word love," as Coach Sawyer often says. He talks about how the players and coaches care for each other in a way that goes beyond the scoreboard. That’s how you recover from a 3-7 season. You don't do that with just talent; you do it with a culture that doesn't break when things get ugly.
What Most People Get Wrong About Lake Taylor
A lot of outsiders think Lake Taylor’s success is just because they have better athletes. That's a lazy take. The truth is, Norfolk is full of athletes. What separates the Titans is their preparation and the longevity of their staff.
Hank Sawyer has been there so long he’s coaching the sons of former players. There is a continuity there that you simply don't find in modern high school sports. When the Titans were 3-7, the community didn't call for Sawyer’s head (well, most didn't). They knew the "Titan Identity" would eventually resurface. It’s a program built on a foundation, not just a flashy recruiting class.
Looking Ahead: The 2026 Outlook
So, what's next? After a state title, the target is squarely on their backs again. Losing Keon Johnson and Devaughn Powell to graduation is going to hurt—there's no way around that. You don't just replace 42 touchdowns and 33 sacks overnight.
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However, Kevin Adams is returning at quarterback. He’s the guy who kept his cool during that double-overtime championship game. Having a veteran QB who has "been there, done that" is the greatest luxury a coach can have. The Titans will likely lean more on Adams' arm and leadership as they integrate a new crop of younger rushers.
If you're planning to follow Lake Taylor high school football next season, here’s how to stay ahead of the curve:
- Watch the trenches: Keep an eye on the defensive line development. Sawyer’s teams live and die by their ability to pressure the QB without blitzing everyone.
- The Maury Rematch: Mark your calendar for the Maury game. It’s the measuring stick for the Titans every single year.
- Attend a home game: If you haven't been to a home game at Lake Taylor, you're missing out on one of the most electric atmospheres in Virginia. The band, the "Lake" chants, and the community support are top-tier.
The 2025 season proved that the Titans are never truly "down." They were just reloading. As long as Hank Sawyer is on that sideline, Lake Taylor is the team no one wants to see on their schedule in November.
Actionable Next Steps:
To keep up with the Titans, follow the official VHSL (Virginia High School League) brackets starting in late October to see where Lake Taylor sits in the Class 3 rankings. You should also check the MaxPreps Norfolk leaderboards to track Kevin Adams' stats as he takes on a larger role in the offense this coming season. If you're a local, show up for the home opener; the 2025 championship banner reveal will be a moment you won't want to miss.