Hermitage FB Preview

Skill positions loaded for Panthers

by Stephen M. Lewis
DigitalSports Richmond

Hermitage’s football team is not an army, navy or air force, but it has a lot of weaponry.

It was on display Wednesday evening as the Panthers dispatched of Brooke Point 34-14 in their final scrimmage before the real action begins for the Colonial District squad Sept. 7 versus Lee-Davis.

The offense looked in midseason form, especially in the second half, led by the unflappable JuJu Clayton.

The senior quarterback looks fantastic and poised.

He threw two touchdowns and scrambled for several first downs, barrelling over BP defenders at times.

“JuJu understands our offense,” Kane said. “He’s making much better decisions this year, although he had a very good year last year. But he’s really stepped up his decision making and checking off plays. I’m very excited about JuJu and his leadership.”

Hermitage coach Patrick Kane, 8/29/07

Panthers coach Patrick Kane was pleased by the performance of his backs and wide receivers.

Clayton has a bushel of talented backs and receivers to find.

Receiver Theron Norman, the very capable backup QB, should see his share of throws.

So should receivers Dominique Booker, Jamel Davis and basketball player Duan Perez-Means, who did not play in the scrimmage.

Justin White is the running back and he was also impressive, running for a score before breaking a big run in the third quarter.

As good as the Panthers’ skill players are, the whole offensive line is brand new. The defensive line lost three of its four starters from 2006.

“Our run blocking’s got to get better,” Kane said. “We’ve got to be more aggressive on the defensive line.”

It showed as a good Brooke Point team broke off 6- and 7-yard runs consistently, taking a 14-10 lead to the break.

A lot of future Panther QBs would like to perform like JuJu Clayton (left). Coach Patrick Kane would like that, too.

But the defense was up to the task in the final 24 minutes, led by the sure-tackling Clayton and defensive end Davis.

Clayton plays a safety/linebacker combo.

The Panthers boast an outstanding secondary.

Booker and Justin Carr, a Towson commit, are two talented cornerbacks who’ll pick off passes and hit you.

Norman is at free safety.

All of the Panthers’ linebackers are newcomers after the outstanding 2007 class departed.

“I expect us to get better each day,” Kane said. “You get better each day, things will happen for you.”

2006 record: 5-2 Colonial District, 7-3

Key players: JuJu Clayton, QB/LB/SS, Sr.; Theron Norman, WR/QB/FS, Sr.; Duan Perez-Means, TE/WR; Jamel Davis, WR/DE, Sr.; Justin Carr, CB/WR, Sr.; Justin White, RB, Jr.; Dominique Booker, CB/WR

Key losses: Cliff Perryman, LB (East Carolina); Alonzo Tweedy, LB (Virginia Tech)

Schedule:
Sept. 7 – Lee-Davis, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 14 – at Meadowbrook, 7:30
Sept. 21 – Varina, 7:30
Sept. 28 – at Mills Godwin, 7:30
Oct. 6 – at John Marshall, 7:30
Oct. 12 – J.R. Tucker, 7:30
Oct. 19 – at Thomas Jefferson, 4
Oct. 26 – Douglas Freeman, 7:30
Nov. 2 – Deep Run, 7:30
Nov. 9 – at Patrick Henry, 7:30

Key game: Hermitage looks like the best team in the district, especially offensively. The last two weeks versus Deep Run and Patrick Henry will be important matchups.

Dominique Booker nabbed an interception and caught several passes in the scrimmage victory.