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Few from 9-2 playoff team return

by Stephen M. Lewis
DigitalSports Richmond

Coaches live for that point in which they can work with a nucleus of players for two or three years.

Once that young nucleus becomes seniors, you know you’ll have a good squad.

That’s what happened at Clover Hill last season, as the Cavaliers went 9-2 reaching the Central Region, Division 6 playoffs.

That was great for 2006, but not so good for 2007 as 31 seniors departed coach Sean O’Hare‘s team.

Only four players return to the team with varsity playing experience.

“These kids have to prove a lot at this level,” O’Hare said.

From the outside looking in you’d expect CH to reverse 2006’s record. But watching Monday’s practice, it is apparent experience is gone, but talent is still there.

Clover Hill coach Sean O’Hare, 8/27/07

Cavaliers coach Sean O’Hare lost 31 seniors from last year’s team, a few of which are playing Division I football right now.

Especially at some of the skill positions.

Wide receivers Brandon Hayes, Sean Cavanaugh and Chris Smith have been impressive in the preseason. Cavanaugh and Smith were injured in the Cavs’ last scrimmage but will be ready to go in Friday’s season-opener at Dinwiddie.

Last year’s game was a barn-burner won by Clover Hill on a late two-point conversion, 22-21.

“Dinwiddie is very talented,” O’Hare said of the Generals, led by quarterback Adam Morgan and a potent passing attack. “That’s going to be a good game for us. If we don’t play disciplined and smart, they are going to eat us alive.”

O’Hare is hoping his quarterback will be able to do the same to the opposition.

Josh Bailey, a junior, steps in under center. He was the JV quarterback last season.

Bailey is very athletic and has a strong arm and nice delivery.

Bailey, Hayes, Cavanaugh and Smith should be a nice quartet if the youthful offensive line can give them enough time to work.

Receivers Sean Cavanaugh (left) and Chris Smith will be in pads as the Cavs visit Dinwiddie.

Right now CH is still trying to find a reliable center.

“That’s a position where we’re struggling with consistency,” O’Hare said. “Most of the kids we’re dealing with don’t have varsity experience.”

Anthony Davis does. He’ll lead the defensive line.

Smith, Cavanaugh and Hayes are all defensive backs. Hayes’ twin brother, Darius Hayes, is a hitter at strong safety. The defense will fly around and hit you.

“We’ve got to get good quick,” O’Hare said, “and these kids have got to learn fast. Them being inconsistent is what we are working through.”

2006 record: 6-1 Dominion District, 9-2

Key players: Anthony Davis, DL, Jr.; Darius Hayes, SS, Sr.; Brandon Hayes, FS/WR, Sr.; Sean Cavanaugh, WR/DB, Sr.; Chris Smith, WR/DB, Jr.

Top newcomers: Josh Jones, OL, Sr. (transfer); Josh Bailey, QB, Jr.

Key losses: Blake DeChristopher, OL (Va. Tech); Julian Bowers, RB (VMI); J.T. Zdanek, LB

Schedule:
Friday – at Dinwiddie, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 7 – Prince George, 7:30
Sept. 14 – at L.C. Bird, 7:30
Sept. 21 – at Huguenot, 4:45
Sept. 28 – at Manchester, 7:30
Oct. 5 – Monacan, 7:30
Oct. 12 – Midlothian, 7:30
Oct. 19 – at James River, 7:30
Nov. 2 – Cosby, 7:30
Nov. 9 – George Wythe, 7:30

Key game: Dinwiddie. The Generals are a definite Division 5 contender. This game will show how ready the Cavaliers’ youngsters are.