NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — Maury comes into the state semifinals as the defending state champions, having outscored opponents by a margin of 760 to 81. The Commodores had five shutouts and scored 80 or more points in a game three times. Meanwhile, Green Run has outscored opponents 455 to 75, picking up six shutouts (not including a forfeit win over Princess Anne).

The two schools have faced each other previously in the postseason, with Maury winning 35-7 in the Class 5 state semis in 2021, and 21-14 in 2022.

Green Run 2024 record: 13-0

Maury 2024 record: 13-0

Maury head coach Dyrri McCain: “We want to play on Dec. 14, and the only way to do that is not get comfortable. To block all that out is pretty easy. We have a goal. We are trying to reach and trying to do something that’s never been done in school history.”

Maury senior athlete Cam Simmons: “We’re ready and prepared. It’s nothing we have not practiced for, just another game, trying to get to the state championship again.”

Maury quarterback: Au’Tori Newkirk: “As a brotherhood, we try and keep each other humble and grounded as possible so that we are able to keep going and keep dominating.”

Green Run is back in the state semifinals for the second time in three years. The Stallions have never won a state football championship.

Green Run head coach Brandon Williams: “We’ve been working for this moment since I got here. We’ve been close, but never got over the hump. We’ve got another chance. Let’s go for it and put our best foot forward this time.”

Green Run defensive back Knahlij Harrell: “We know they are good. We just have to believe that we are better than them. We already know we’re better. We just gotta keep out head straight, keep our goal and keep on going.”

Green Run wide receiver Jayden Anderson: “I just let the people talk, so when they call us underdogs, I tell my team we go out and practice and show them otherwise. Practice has been very intense. Coach has been hard on us because we know we gotta go out there and beat these boys because we fell short three years in a row.”

Class 5 state semifinal: Green Run (13-0) vs. Maury (13-0), 2 p.m. Saturday at Powhatan Field in Norfolk.