HAMPTON — To borrow loosely from Mark Twain, reports of Phoebus High’s football death are greatly exaggerated.

The Phantoms have, more accurately, been injured and struggling. After 51 consecutive wins, the eighth-ranked squad in the 757Teamz Top 15 entered a difficult Peninsula District test Thursday against upstart Bethel on the heels of two losses. After struggling again offensively in the first half, the Phantoms showed plenty of life in a terrific second half that carried them to a 34-21 victory at Darling Stadium.

The key returners from injury were quarterback Maurikus Banks, hurt late in the loss to Warwick and out for the loss to Highland Springs, and receiver/defensive back Mhakyi Hill — missing for the past three games. Banks completed 9 of 11 passes for 155 yards, including a

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