Thomas Dale and Hopewell dueled in a high scoring, instant classic back in October.
Chris Tyree, now a Notre Dame running back commit, ran for 113 yards and a touchdown on 25 carries to help lead Thomas Dale to a 49-42 double overtime victory.
"It was an unbelievable game," Hopewell coach Ricky Irby told Blue & Gold Illustrated. "Our defense gave up 99 points the whole year, and 49 of them were to Thomas Dale in double overtime. It was a battle -- back and forth game all the way through."
Tyree had a marvelous junior season and his talents were on display in the thriller against Hopewell.
"They were able to pull it out, and Chris was a big focal point for our defense," Irby said. "We tried the best we could, but he's a good player. He made some great plays to win the game for them."
Thomas Dale and Hopewell play every year as rivals in the Richmond, Va. area. Irby is very familiar with Tyree the player, but he may be even more impressed with Tyree as a young man.
"Chris Tyree the person is an unbelievable kid," Irby explained. "He has a great family. As a person, I've been very impressed with him the past three years as we've played him and when I get to know him at camps and things like that. He's just a great kid and an unbelievable football player.
"He's just a very humble kid. You can tell he puts a lot of time and effort into being the best he can be. You appreciate kids like that. Even as an opposing coach, it's refreshing to see that."
Hopewell will see Tyree once more and will hope to do a better job containing him.
"You just have to put guys around him; you can't let him get out in the open field because you're not going to catch him," said Irby.
Highland Springs is another top team in the Richmond area, and while the Springers and head coach Loren Johnson haven't gotten to play much against Tyree, Johnson has been able to see Tyree over the years.
Johnson offered up his thoughts on the Irish's new pledge.
"From my perspective, he's definitely elusive -- that's the No. 1 word I'd like to use," said Johnson. "When he gets an opportunity in a wide open offense like Notre Dame's, you can see a lot of different things from him. He can stretch the field vertically but can he can also do it horizontally. Catching the ball out of the backfield would be an attribute for him or playing the slot -- he'd be explosive making plays for them all over the field.
Tyree has the talent of an all-purpose back but also can be an every down ball carrier at the next level. Johnson is very intrigued with what Tyree can do as a pass catching back or in the slot.
"Chris Tyree's upside is even greater than what people see right now," Johnson explained. "What he's doing right now is being handed the ball and not being shown his athleticism. I think it's easier for Thomas Dale to put the ball in his belly and let him run, but my personal opinion is when he gets out there and starts honing those receiver skills -- slot skills -- that nickel [defensive back] will be in trouble. He's a guy who people will have to roll coverages to and will be explosive."
For more breakdown on Tyree, check out BGI's Film Room.
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