The Apprentice School Men's Football

Vincent Brown enters his eighth year with the Builders and fifth season as head coach. The Builders won the Neptune Bowl in 2024, defeating Atlantis, 59-6. During that season, Apprentice went 6-5, knocking off two Division III teams in Southern Virginia and Maine Maritime. The Builders scored 72 points against MMA, marking the second most yards in a single game with 566. In 2022, the Builders put together their best ever winning percentage, striking up a .900 reocrd in a 9-1 season that included wins over Averett, Brevard, Christopher Newport and Bridgewater in the Neptune Bowl. Brown led the team to having the single season record holder in passing in Mason Tatum and multiple other records being broken throughout the season, including the second most points scored in a single game against Central International in an 81-0 win. After a complete rebuild following the 2020 COVID year where the team did not play any games, Brown looks to capitalize on the experience that his young group gained last season, competing against a strong ODAC schedule where the Builders played every game on the road but one. They also defeated USA South Conference playoff contender Brevard. Coupled with a strong recruiting class and off season, the Builders look to prepare the ship for battle. In 2019 the Builder defense continued to excel. Under Brown’s leadership, the defense has ranked as one of the best in school history. As an addition this past season, Coach Brown introduced the “24K” Turnover Hard Hat and the defense responded to it’s new incentive. With a new emphasis on takeways, the Builder defense forced a total of 26 turnovers, inclduing 11 interceptions and 15 forced fumbles. The unit also set a school record with 17 sacks, as well as ranking nationally for fewest rushing touchdowns allowed with 12 Combined with an efficient offense, Coach Brown and the defense led the Builders to a 6-3 regular season record and an appearance in the inaugural Neptune Bowl vs. Randolph-Macon College. The six wins marked the first time the Builders program finished above .500 vs. all varsity opponents since 2006 and just the 4th time since 1993. As a testament to Coach Brown’s coaching prowess, for the 2nd year in a row the team’s Defensive MVP has emerged from his position group in 2018 winner Isaiah Washington (Sr.) and 2019 winner Javion Walker (Jr.) Brown has coaching experience at all levels, including HS, junior college, NAIA, NCAA DIII and the European Football League. Brown is coming to Apprentice School after his coaching stop at Campbellsville University in Kentucky, which he started in 2017. As linebackers coach Brown’s impact was felt immediately as the Tigers finished 2017 with an 8-2 overall record and were ranked 17th nationally in the NAIA Top 25 poll. In addition, the Tigers won the 2017 Victory Bowl. Following a 2-8 mark in 2016 before his arrival, Brown assisted in a complete defensive turnaround in 2017 with the team giving up nearly 40% fewer points per game (26.6) and allowing only 96 yards rushing per game (6th best mark in NAIA Division I). In addition to his coaching career, Brown had an exceptional career as a student-athlete. He played two seasons for the University of Memphis from 2000-2002 before transferring to Morgan State University, where he graduated with a degree in communications. During his time at Morgan State, Brown was the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Rookie of the Year in 2003 and was nominated to the All-MEAC First Team. In addition, he was presented the Iron Man Award for leading the Bears with 98 tackles, 68 solo, 22 for loss over 100 yards and seven sacks. In 2004, Brown, received Preseason All-American honors and was the runner-up for MEAC Defensive Player of the Year during his senior campaign. After his college career, Brown had private workouts with multiple NFL teams and was offed a contract to play in the Canadian Football League with the Edmonton Eskimos in 2005 before playing two seasons in the Arena Football League with the Arizona Rattlers and Kansas City Brigade as a linebacker and fullback. He closed his playing career in 2009 with the Bolzano Giants of the Italian Football League (IFL). Prior to Campbellsville, he was the Assistant Head Coach and Safeties Coach for Gallaudet University. He also spent time serving as the defensive coordinator, linebackers coach and recruiting coordinator. Brown served as the Head Coach for the Egyptian national football team in the winter of 2014 where he was responsible for organizing and selection of the team, practice and game-playing and making the first African national game appearance for the program. In 2013, Brown coached the linebackers on a defense that ranked ninth in NCAA DIII in total defense (264.5 yards allowed/game) and topped the Eastern Collegiate Football Conference In 2015, the Gallaudet defense ranked third in the ECFC and 23rd overall by allowing 282.8 yards a game. Prior to Gallaudet, Brown was the head strength & conditioning coordinator and defensive line coach at Louisburg College assisting the Hurricanes to their best record in school history and first-ever trip to a bowl game. In addition, Brown brought a strong recruiting class to contribute to the school’s record setting season. He joined the Hurricanes after one season as the defensive coordinator and strength coach for the 2012 State Champion Virginia Episcopal School located in Lynchburg, VA. Brown, a native of Detroit, Mich., graduated from E.C. Glass High School in Virginia, where he was a two-sport athlete in football and basketball.

Scorpio Brown is a Newport News Native and Warwick high school graduate. At Warwick, he was a All State Tight End & received a Full football scholarship to Hampton University where He played linebacker for two years. Following those two seasons, he trasnferred to Morehouse College where he played Linebacker and Tight End as a two-way player for the Maroon Tigers. Scorpio finished his career at Morehouse with 115 tackles, 4 interceptions, and 7 sacks as well as 14 catches, 104 yards 2 touchdowns on Offense. Brown majored in kinesiology, and after college he continued his football career playing nine years of professional arena football (Daytona Beach Thunderbirds, Baltimore Mariners, Richmond Revolution, Philadelphia Soul, Harrisburg Stampede, and the San Jose SaberCats) Accumulating 204 catches 4,043 yards and 128 Touchdowns over his career. While playing arena football, Brown decided to start coaching high school football  back at Warwick. After retiring from arena football, Brown began coaching full time, working with the JV Team, before becoming the offensive coordinator for the Varsity team and the assistant head coach for the track and field team

Paul Massey, Jr. enters his eighth season with the Builders as Defensive Coordinator as well as Recruiting Coordinator. Massey spent five seasons as a Defensive Back and is in his third as the Defensive Backs coach. Massey is an Electrician from Waldorf, Md. He graduated from St. Charles High School with a 4.3 GPA as well as being a four-year varsity starter. During his tenure at St. Charles, he played Linebacker/Safety where he accumulated over 400 career tackles, a school record, 3 interceptions, 26 tackles for loss, 7 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 3 fumble recoveries. He was a three-year captain and upon graduation in 2018 he attended The Apprentice School. In his first season with the Builders, he was a true freshman tallying 27 total tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 1 interception which was returned for a touchdown, 3 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery, and a safety; as well as helping the team with the first National Championship in school history. This was also topped by having one of the best records in school history at 9-3.  In his second season Massey elevated his game totaling 44 total tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 2 pass breakups, 1 fumble recovery and 1 safety. Massey was named team captain and lead the builders to a Neptune Bowl, which they unfortunately lost to Randolph Macon College.  After his potential third season being cancelled due to COVID-19, Massey had his best statistical season tallying 66 total tackles, including multiple 10+ tackle games, 6.5 tackles for loss and 1 sack. This earned Massey The Peninsula Sports Club Athlete of the Year award along with Defensive MVP, and the F. Farrell Sanders Builder Backer Award. However, this individual success was not enough as the Builders finished 2-7. In his senior year at The Apprentice School, Massey ended his last season with 41total tackles, 6 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 3 pass breakups, leading the Builders to the best record in Apprentice School history at 9-1. This season included notable wins over Averett University, Brevard College, Christopher Newport University collecting Player of the Game honors, and a Neptune Bowl Championship over Bridgewater College.  Massey graduated from The Apprentice School in 2022 with a 3.6 GPA. Upon graduating he was promoted to Electrical Craft Instructor and is going on his third year in this role. Massey began his coaching career in the 2023-24 season as the Safeties coach where his Safeties totaled 169 total tackles, 7 interceptions, 3 forced fumbles and 5 fumble recoveries. Massey returned to a familiar place in the 24-25 season as the Builders returned to the Neptune Bowl once again but this time with him on the sideline. The Builders topped a 6-5 season with a 2024 Neptune Bowl Championship. Massey's safeties totaled 214 total tackles, 9 interceptions, 8 forced fumbles, 4 fumble recoveries, and 2.5 sacks.

Coach Robinson is a proud alumnus of The Apprentice School, where he played from 2010 to 2013 as a standout offensive lineman. A durable and dependable presence on the field, he started 37 career games and was a key contributor throughout his time with the Builders. He graduated in 2014 and currently works as a supervisor in the rigging department at Newport News Shipbuilding. A native of Decatur, Georgia, and a graduate of Columbia High School, Coach Robinson began his coaching career 10 years ago with Hampton youth sports. His passion for mentoring young athletes led him to Hampton High School, where he has spent the last three seasons serving as the offensive line coach. This past year, he also took on the role of head JV coach, continuing to develop and prepare student-athletes for success on and off the field. Coach Robinson brings a strong work ethic, leadership, and a deep understanding of the game to every program he’s part of.

Derek Banks, a Newport News, Va. native, returns for his second stint with The Apprentice School football program. A former standout player for the Builders, Banks suited up from 2012–2015 after beginning his collegiate career at Delaware State University, where he played two seasons. During his playing career, Banks contributed as a defensive back in 2012 before becoming a versatile wide receiver and return specialist from 2013–2015. His impact on the program was later recognized when he was named a captain on the Builders’ All-Decade Team for the 2010s. Banks began his coaching career at The Apprentice School in 2016 as a graduate assistant with the defense before transitioning to running backs coach from 2017–2018. During the 2018 season, he helped guide the Builders to a national championship, coaching a backfield that averaged over six yards per carry, produced more than 2,900 total yards, and featured three running backs who each scored 10 or more touchdowns. In addition to his time with the Builders, Banks has invested heavily in developing football at the grassroots level. He has coached with local youth and middle school programs such as An Achievable Dream Academy and the Hampton Roads Hokies, while also working with Diamond Sports Group to coach three high school All-American Games, serving as special teams coordinator each time and defensive coordinator in one. Banks also coached in the 2017 NCAA Division III All-Star Game as the offensive coordinator.

With a decade of experience developing high-caliber players and coordinating dynamic defenses, Coach Dave Jackson brings a proven record of success and leadership to the field as he takes on his latest coaching role at The Apprentice School. A respected veteran in high school football in the 757, Jackson has guided over 40 players toward achieving their dream of playing college football. Coach Jackson’s resume includes stops at Churchland High School (Portsmouth, VA), Grassfield High School (Chesapeake, VA), Princess Anne High School (Virginia Beach, VA), Ocean Lakes High School (Virginia Beach, VA), and Deep Creek High School (Chesapeake, VA). He has worked numerous recruiting camps to include Old Dominion mega camps. Beyond the X’s and O’s, Jackson is known for his incredible passion, high energy, and unwavering commitment to player development on and off the field. His coaching philosophy emphasizes discipline, character, hard work, and mental toughness, with a focus on building relationships and understanding each athlete's unique personality, strengths, and weaknesses. Dave Jackson’s career is marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence, a dedication to his players’ growth, and a love for the game that continues to elevate every program he joins.