Thomas Jefferson FB Preview

First-time players abundant on small roster

by Stephen M. Lewis
DigitalSports Richmond

If Thomas Jefferson football was a car, it wouldn’t have some of the luxuries.

Imagine having to roll down the windows manually.

Fathom no power steering.

Nope, the CD player doesn’t work either, just the radio.

Vikings coach Claude Hataway gets athletes who have never played organized football before.

Many are seniors by the time they strap on a helmet for the first time.

It makes it difficult to pile up wins like old TJ squads used to.

Center Eric Thornton has the goods to be recruited by local Division I Subdivision programs. His grades, size and mobility are all a plus.

“It’s basically a quick fix,” Hataway said at one practice. “I try to give them as many fundamentals as possible. For most of these kids, it’s their first time playing high school football. We just don’t get enough participation.”

Hataway has about 30-35 varsity players, a little above the norm.

He had about 50 percent participation in the offseason program, another plus he hasn’t seen in years.

He’s hoping senior leaders like Eric Thornton, Jacoby Eaddy and Dorian Allen, all experienced players, can lead the way.

Thornton was an all-Colonial District offensive lineman. He moves from tackle to center.

Eaddy is a physical speciman and will play receiver and linebacker.

Allen is a talented running back and will also play in the defensive backfield.

Hataway lights up when talking about newcomer Terrence Cason.

He’s a prime example of a really athletic player who won’t get much time to develop. He’s a senior.

“Our backup guys are basically JV-caliber guys,” said Hataway. His Vikings are on a 21-game losing streak with a loss to Colonial Heights Friday night. “They mean well and they try. We do have some talent. We just don’t have enough kids.”

Terrence Cason, a talented basketball player, is a senior playing football for the first time.

2006 record: 0-7 Colonial, 0-10

Key players: Eric Thornton, C, Sr.; Jacoby Eaddy, WR/LB, Sr.; Dorian Allen, DB/RB, Sr.

Top newcomer: Terrence Cason, WR/KR, Sr.

Schedule:
Aug. 31 – at Colonial Heights, L 34-6
Sept. 7 – at Armstrong, 4 p.m.
Sept. 21 – at Caroline, 7:30
Sept. 28 – at Douglas Freeman, 7:30
Oct. 5 – at Deep Run, 7:30
Oct. 12 – at Mills Godwin, 7:30
Oct. 19 – Hermitage, 4
Oct. 26 – at Patrick Henry, 7:30
Nov. 2 – J.R. Tucker, 4:30
Nov. 10 – at John Marshall, 1

Key game: Armstrong. This will be TJ’s best chance to snap their losing streak.