Central Region | Archive | August, 2007

H. Springs FB Preview

Posted on 24 August 2007 by redwan123.

   
 

Highland Springs FB Preview

Springers at top of Central Region ladder
by Stephen M. Lewis
DigitalSports Richmond

Since the end of last season, Central Region football fans, followers and journalists have tabbed Highland Springs as the team to beat.

The Springers did nothing in Thursday’s scrimmage versus Patrick Henry to dispel that notion.

“Our kids are very hungry,” Springers coach Scott Burton said. “The continuity of the program has been very good over the last few years. We’ve had a really, really, really good offseason.”

It showed. The Springers were very spirited on both sides of the ball and looked sharp and dominant, at moments.

Matthew Hurdle, starting for a third year at quarterback, is in total control of the offense. He’ll look to find wide receiver Harry Lee Daniel very often.

Both are Division I recruits. The same can be said for tight end Rod Wheeler, who didn’t play versus PH because of injury.



Highland Springs coach Scott Burton, 8/23/07

Springers coach Scott Burton still believes his troops have some work to do, but is pleased with their progress.
In fact, six Springer starters didn’t see action, including slot receiver Devan Hill, free safety Delante Rowe, linebacker Tony Donithan and running back J.J. Spates.

The Springers didn’t miss a beat.

“We did have a lot of kids banged up and injured,” Burton said. “It gave some other guys an opportunity to step up against a pretty good program there in Patrick Henry. Any time guys are out it just means another opportunity for someone else, which is always good.”

The Springers should be more than good on both sides of the ball.

Along with the aforementioned offensive weapons, Burton is looking for a breakout campaign for 6-6 receiver Deon Miller.

Sophomore running back Andre Fleming should also see plenty of action behind Spates.

Fleming broke a long run early in Thursday’s scrimmage and scored one of the Springers’ TDs.

The offensive line has some newcomers, led by the Hopkins’ brothers, Antoine and Derrick.

This is the third year since the offensive change for the Springers, so it should run much more smoothly.

Get used to this combination, as QB Matthew Hurdle will look for WR Harry Lee Daniel often.

Defensively, the line is arguably the best in the area. The Hopkins duo is as good as it gets at end (Antoine) and tackle (Derrick).

Rashad Winston saw major time at tackle last year and moves into a starting role.

The linebacking core is athletic, fast and important in HS’ 4-4 scheme.

Tony Donithan returns inside as Carl Smith steps in beside him.

Clinton Patterson started outside last year and Aaron Cousins is the other backer.

Patterson and Cousins can both step back to play strong safety. All four backers saw good playing time in last season’s 9-3 campaign.

The secondary is brand new. But if you know anything about Springer football, you know there’s a good DB or two every year.

The next candidate looks like senior corner Marcus Burley. Junior safety Delante Rowe has the physical tools at 6-4, 180.

Burton and defensive coordinator Jason Meade will also rotate defenders as in years past to keep a fresh, ball-hawking unit.

“I think with the attitude and mentality that this team is probably the best that I’ve seen in a long, long time,” Burton said. “I’m very pleased about that because sometimes it takes a little bit more than talent. You’ve got to have some luck, you’ve got to have some leadership, and hopefully those things are in our favor.”

DE Antoine Hopkins is garnering much interest for major schools.

2006 season: 5-1 Capital District, 9-3

Key players: Matthew Hurdle, QB, Sr.; Harry Lee Daniel, WR, Sr.; Antoine Hopkins, DE/OL, Sr.; Derrick Hopkins, DT/OL, So.; Rod Wheeler, TE, Sr.; J.J. Spates, RB, Sr.; Marcus Burley, CB, Sr.; Tony Donithan, LB, Sr.; Clinton Patterson, LB/SS, Jr.; Carl Smith, LB, Jr.; Devan Hill, WR, Sr.; Deon Miller, WR, Sr.

Top newcomers: John Saunders, CB, So.; Jaron Banks, LB, Jr.

Key losses: Cris Hill, ATH (Va. Tech); C.J. Fleming, CB (Tennessee); Mico Drew, OL/DL (Wingate); Rashad Cannon (Coffeyville CC)

Schedule:
Sept. 7 – at Woodbridge, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 14 – Douglas Freeman, 7:30
Sept. 21 – at Mills Godwin, 7:30
Sept. 28 – at Hanover, 7:30
Oct. 5 – at Henrico, 7:30
Oct. 12 – Armstrong, 7:30
Oct. 19 – Atlee, 7:30
Oct. 26 – Lee-Davis, 7:30
Nov. 2 – at Huguenot, 5
Nov. 9 – Varina, 7:30

Key game: Varina. The key to the Division 6 playoffs is to win the district. This game is likely to be for the Capital title. With the amount of teams moving up to Division 6, not winning your district is too risky.

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Lee-Davis FB Preview

Posted on 23 August 2007 by redwan123.

  

Lee-Davis FB Preview

Confederates want to bring back old times
by Stephen M. Lewis
DigitalSports Richmond

Lee-Davis resembles the dominant Confederate teams of the past.

It has a big, huge and experienced offensive line that looks to open gaping holes for a talented back or two.

The defense is expected to be stingy with points, led by an experienced linebacking core and a mauling defensive line.

But there may be something that no L-D team has been fortunate to have … a laser-armed, accurate quarterback that shows Division I promise.

“I think he’s going to surprise some people,” L-D coach Charley League said of Will Burton, his new signal-caller.

Said running back/linebacker Lamonn Lewis, “The opponent’s secondary is really going to be surprised.”

Either Leauge and Lewis are drinking the same Kool-Aid or the cat’s out of the bag.



Lamonn Lewis & Nick Craig, Lee-Davis, 8/23/07

Lamonn Lewis (left) and Nick Craig are tired of losing and are looking to finish in the upper tier of the Capital District.
Witnessing Thursday’s practice, it looks like the latter.

Burton is a 6-3, 220-pound junior with all the tools and mechanics.

If wide receivers like speedster Alex Christopher and Will Connerley, and tight end Travis Grant can catch some balls consistently, the offense is in good shape.

Lewis will split carries with Dustin Robbins, who stepped in last year from JV, and Alex Nevi for a solid running game.

If the passing game becomes half as potent, defenses will have to pick their poison.

“I think we’re going to be 7-3. Hopefully better,” offensive guard and nose guard Nick Craig said. “We have a really big offensive line. I think our pass blocking is going to be one of the best Lee-Davis has ever had. We should be better offensively.”

Defensively, L-D returns most of their 2006 starters, including the entire defensive line – a three-man front of Craig (NG) and ends Jay Green and Andrew Taylor.

By season’s end, Will Burton (12) may be one of the top five quarterbacks in the area.

All three are seniors.

Lewis, coming off of a broken leg early in 2006, and Michael Patton anchor the five-man linebacking core.

League is excited about his front eight.

“Defense will be our strength,” League said. “They’ll have to carry the
load as the offense matures. We’re excited about our defense.”

Cornerback Barry Heath and safety Chad Muller provide experience in the secondary.

Speed is a problem at this point, but League and Co. like what they have.

They’ve seen enough to know that playoffs in Division 5 is a goal.

“It’s about time,” Craig said.
Senior Michael Patton looks to pile up tackles.

2006 season: 3-3 Capital District, 4-6

Key players: Lamonn Lewis, RB/LB, Sr.; Nick Craig, OG/NG, Sr.; Will Burton, QB, Jr.; Travis Grant, TE, Sr.; Jake Brent, OT, Jr.; Jay Green, DE, Sr.; Andrew Taylor, DE, Sr.; Michael Patton, LB, Sr.; Brad Wilson, LB, Sr.

Top newcomers: Tucker Walton, LB, So.; Will Connerley, WR, So.

Key losses: Kyle Rehberg, QB; Buck Robbins, RB/LB

Schedule:
Sept. 7 – at Hermitage, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 14 – James River, 7:30
Sept. 21 – Patrick Henry, 7:30
Sept. 28 – Armstrong, 7:30
Oct. 5 – Varina, 7:30
Oct. 12 – at Manchester, 7:30
Oct. 19 – at Henrico, 7:30
Oct. 26 – at Highland Springs, 7:30
Nov. 2 – at Hanover, 7:30
Nov. 9 – Atlee, 7:30

Key game: Hermitage. It’s in early one but it’s big if L-D is serious about being
a Division 6 contender. If they can’t topple Highland Springs or Varina
in the Capital, the district title is moot. So they may have to come in
as an at-large. A win over the Panthers, a major Division 6 outfit,
will do wonders for confidence and points.

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Rebuilding year

Posted on 23 August 2007 by redwan123.

 

Rebuilding year

Clover Hill returns one starter from region champion
by Stephen M. Lewis
DigitalSports Richmond

Clover Hill boys volleyball has been the measuring stick in the Central Region.

The Dominion District power has won 15 straight district titles.

The Cavaliers have taken eight region crowns since 1995.

CH has two state titles under their belt, from 2001 and 2005.

But the 2007 version is almost brand new, losing 11 seniors from last year’s 25-1 squad, which took 25 straight matches until losing in the state Group AAA semifinals.

Coach Matt Spears is gone after one year. He replaced Steve Eliasek, a Clover Hill legend.

Only one starter returns, though he’s a good one in setter Taylor Jones. Is 2007 the year where the dominance ends?

“This is a definite rebuilding year for us,” Jones, a senior, said. “We’ve got a lot to uphold to. We’re definitely going to hold our own.”



Clover Hill’s Taylor Jones, 8/22/07

Setter Taylor Jones has a slew of hitters to feed, but they are all new options.
Jones is surrounded by a bunch of sophomores and one junior, 6-5 basketball player Hunter Tatum, who will play opposite.

Tony Song and Matt White look to hold down the outside hitter spots, as senior Eric Byers looks to get time as well.

Josh Keeter and Mark Smith, also sophomores, are the middle hitters.

Libero and senior Kevin McElroy provides some experience.

So does new coach Georjean Lampley. She’s in her 15th year of coaching, but first at the varsity level.

She’s been the JV coach for the past 14 seasons, and will coach both levels.

“It’s not going to allow me to put in the time I would like to with both teams,” Lampley, a librarian at the school, said. “We don’t have the experience yet, but they want to be there and they want to compete.”

Said Jones: “We don’t have the talent that we’ve had. But we have a real good program here and everyone knows that. We want to keep it up.”

*****

The Cavalier Sandwich: Between the JV and varsity games, the varsity players tutor their JV counterparts. They tell them what they did well and what they may want to work on.

“That’s always been a part of our program,” Lampley said. “The varsity coaches the younger program. They really appreciate that.”

Backup setter, sophomore Brett Brooks, knows the expectations at Clover Hill.

Cosby Cousin: Don’t get him wrong, Taylor Jones is happy with his young talent. But he’d sure like to have Austin Jones still at Clover Hill.

Austin Jones is Taylor’s cousin, and they are as close as brothers. Austin played at Clover Hill for two seasons of JV before Cosby opened last year.

“He’s the best hitter in the region,” Taylor said.

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Cosby FB Preview

Posted on 22 August 2007 by redwan123.

  

Cosby FB Preview

Titans ready to hit more familiar foes

by Stephen M. Lewis
DigitalSports Richmond

For a first-year football program, Cosby did about as good as anyone could ask.

Of course coach Pete Mutascio would have loved to have a better record than 2-8.

But mistakes that first-time varsity players make stopped the Titans from having a winning campaign.

Fumbles on the goal line. Turnovers inside the opponents’ 20. Mental mistakes at crucial points in the contest.

“We really feel like 5-5 should have been where we ended up,” Mutascio said. “Christchurch (loss, 42-0) and St. Anne’s-Belfield (loss, 42-18) were pretty good. I would have liked to see some of our district teams compete with them. But we were in most of our games.”

Now Cosby jumps into a schedule that includes L.C. Bird, Huguenot and Clover Hill, each Dominion District foes that made the playoffs in 2006.

Hanover, a Division 5 playoff participant in 2006, is also on the docket. Cosby can’t wait.



Cosby coach Pete Mutascio, 8/22/07

Titans coach Pete Mutascio looks for his skill players to get loose in many different ways.
“Last year it was inexperienced kids playing against older kids,” honorable mention All-Metro running back Tyren Johns said. “We only had one returning varsity player. Now all of that experience is coming back. I think we’re looking pretty good. We’ll be able to produce more points.”

Ahh, points. Cosby scored just over 10 points per game last season.

It’s tough to win games without getting more than two touchdowns, even though the Titan defense was stout.

Mutascio is looking for Johns and running back/wide receiver Joe Thomas to make positive plays in the open field.

Nick Erdman and Scott Pollard will open up the holes as best they can.

“I think we’re small,” Mutascio said. “We’re not real big up front. Offensively we’re running a zone concept that should help us.”

The defense is solid led by linebacker Josh Wilburn.

He’s joined by Mike Birnbaum at LB.
Offensive coordinator Mike Swartz is hoping to push the Titans over their 10.6 points per game average of 2006.

Joey Farrar anchors the line at nose guard. Chris Broadnax is a talented cornerback.

“We’re excited about [facing district opponents],” Wilburn said. “I think the other teams are just as ready. It’s going to be fun to hit a familiar face.”

Said Mutascio: “The players are looking forward to it. It’s an exciting time for us. It’s going to be a challenge, week in and week out.

“A chance to play those rivals will be refreshing.”

2006 record: 2-8 overall

Key players: Tyren Johns, RB, Sr.; Josh Wilburn, LB, Sr.; Nick Erdman, C/DT, Jr.; Joe Thomas, RB/WR, Jr.; Scott Pollard, OT/DT, Sr.; Joey Farrar, Sr., NG; Mike Birnbaum, Jr., LB; Chris Broadnax, CB, Sr.

Senior linebacker Josh Wilburn is hoping for a successful season from his defense. 

Schedule:
Sept. 7 – Hopewell, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 14 – Midlothian, 7:30
Sept. 21 – at James River, 7:30
Sept. 28 – Monacan, 7:30
Oct. 5 – Manchester, 7:30
Oct. 12 – George Wythe, 7:30
Oct. 19 – at Hanover, 7:30
Oct. 26 – L.C. Bird, 7:30
Nov. 2 – at Clover Hill, 7:30
Nov. 9 – at Huguenot, 7:30

Key game: Mutascio believes Cosby should at least register five wins this season, and is hoping for more. If that’s the case, they should be in the hunt in Division 5. A Game 7 date with Hanover could have huge playoff implications for both teams.

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Peak Plan

Posted on 22 August 2007 by redwan123.

   
 

Peak Plan

Hawks looking to play best at right time



Hanover’s Kristin Carpenter, 8/21/07

by Stephen M. Lewis
DigitalSports Richmond

Hanover’s girls volleyball team is not where it wants to be. And that’s fine.

Actually, that’s great in Hanover’s opinion.

If you go back to 2006, the Hawks were definitely a Central Region contender, but were not hitting on all cylinders early, starting the season 3-3.

All of a sudden, Hanover reeled off 21 straight victories, including a Central Region title triumph over Deep Run.

The Hawks reached the state final before falling to the Wildcats in the rematch.

“We hope to do the same thing,” Hawks coach Wendy Wadsworth said, “peaking at districts, then moving on to regionals.”

Kristin Carpenter looks forward to helping the Hawks be one of the best teams in the state of Virginia once again.
The Hawks will be led by the sensational Kristin Carpenter, only a junior but a Penn State commit.

Though Hanover lost three seniors, including Jessie Atkinson, a strong supporting cast returns.

“Our core of our team is still very, very strong,” Carpenter said. “We’re conditioning like crazy. With some more experienced players, it should be interesting.”

Three-sport star (basketball, softball) Courtney Long is a captain along with Carpenter. She’s the squad’s only senior – a scary fact – and will play middle.

Chelsea Coward, a basketball player, is a middle as well. Taylour Hopkins is the other outside hitter.

Kimberly Browning plays opposite, and the person responsible for finding the Hawks’ firepower is Katie Hudencial.

Don’t want outside hitter Kristin Carpenter to get many shots? Taylour Hopkins will gladly pile up the kills.

Other than Hudencial and Carpenter, who are both 5-7, none of the aforementioned players are shorter than 5-11.

Coward (6-0) and Browning (6-1) are the tallest options, and Carpenter jumps out of the gym anyway.

Rachel Williams will see time as the libero.

“Our first test this year was good,” Wadsworth said of a scrimmage at James River featuring the Rapids, Powhatan, Hermitage and other hopeful region stalwarts. “We tried out some different lineups. We feel good about our starting lineup. We’re feeling really good about our team.”

Said Carpenter: “We still need some work. We need some time. When it comes down to regionals, we should definitely be in great shape.

“We still need a little work. But we’ll definitely pull through and peak at the right time.”
Chelsea Coward is a volleyball and basketball standout.

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Hanover FB Preview

Posted on 21 August 2007 by redwan123.

  

Hanover FB Preview

Hawks offense looks much improved in preseason
by Stephen M. Lewis
DigitalSports Richmond

In 2006, Hanover made the Division 5 playoffs on the strength of a stingy defensive unit.

The offense didn’t have as much success.

But less than a year later, it looks like moving the ball will be less of a problem for the Hawks.

“They’ve done a good job,” said head coach Josh Just of offensive coordinator Zach Just, Josh’s brother, quarterback coach Russ Clay, line coach Jason Smith and receiver coach Darren Thornton. “The offense has gotten a lot better. “We’re real happy with our offensive improvement from one year to the next.”

Quarterback Josh Wells returns to run the show. But if you haven’t seen him since the end of the season you wouldn’t recognize him.



Hanover coach Josh Just, 8/21/07

Hawks coach Josh Just likes what he sees so far in preseason camp.
The junior has grown a couple of inches to 6-5 and has added a bunch of weight, up to 235.

Wells resembles Deck McGuire, former Deep Run quarterback and Georgia Tech baseball signee.

“He’s done a good job of getting the system down, getting the reads,” Josh Just said, “and really becoming the leader of this offense.”

Wells is not the only player Hanover has to score some points.

Kirk Rohle, a senior, and junior Jaquan Cates will get most of the carries.

Rohle can run between the tackles but has good speed on the outside. Cates is a blazer.

Senior offensive tackle Ben Rogers, center Ben Fritter and Kevin Pocta will open holes for the duo.

They’ll also give Wells time to find Derek and Drew Cryster at wide receiver, and tight end Carlton Davis.

As good as Hanover’s defense is, the unit has had trouble stopping the offense in practice.

And that’s fine with Just.

“This is actually the first day that we’ve been competitive with the offense,” Just said. “And I know we’ve got a good defense.”

Is that Deck McGuire or Josh Wells? It’s Wells. He’s added height, muscle and knowledge in his second season.

The tacklers are led by linebacker Kenny Fryman, an all-Capital District pick in 2006.

“We’re looking strong this year,” Fryman said. “The offense is looking 100% better than last year. We should definitely be a contender for the region title.”

James Yeager will play linebacker and defensive end as Just moves him around.

The same can be said for Jamel Mitchum, a linebacker/defensive back mix. Both are seniors.

Senior Jake Kain will join Mitchum in the defensive backfield. Wes Ragland will anchor the defensive line at tackle.

Kenny Fryman was an all-district pick at linebacker in 2006. He’s only a junior this season.

Things look good for the Hawks as 18 starters return from last year’s outfit.

“We always want to be in the playoff mix,” Just said. “try to get a shot at that region title. We lost a lot of leadership from last year. We think we’re finding those leaders stepping up now.”

2006 record: 4-2 Capital District, 5-6

Key players: Kenny Fryman, LB, Jr.; Josh Wells, QB, Jr.; Kirk Rohle, RB, Sr.; James Yeager, LB/DE, Sr.; Ben Rogers, OL, Sr.; Ben Fritter, OL, Sr.; Kevin Pocta, Sr., OL; Wes Ragland, DT, Sr.; James Mitchum, DB/LB, Sr.; Jake Kain, DB, Sr.; Derek Cryster, WR, Sr.

Newcomers to watch: Drew Cryster, WR, Jr.; Aaron Gary, LB; Patrick Roach, DB, So.; Dylan Elliott, LB, Jr.; Josh Pritchard, DE, Jr.

Key loss: Scott Shope, S/K (Randolph-Macon)

Schedule:
Sept. 7 – Patrick Henry, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 14 – J.R. Tucker, 7:30
Sept. 21 – at Deep Run, 7:30
Sept. 28 – Highland Springs, 7:30
Oct. 5 – at Armstrong, 7:30
Oct. 12 – at Varina, 7:30
Oct. 19 – Cosby, 7:30
Oct. 26 – at Atlee, 7:30
Nov. 2 – Lee-Davis, 7:30
Nov. 9 – at Henrico, 7:30

Key game: Patrick Henry. A loss won’t make or break the Hawks’ season, but a win over a storied program would further ascend the young program.

Kirk Rohle will try to take the pressure off of QB Josh Wells by leading a strong running attack.

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J.R. Tucker FB Preview

Posted on 19 August 2007 by redwan123.

   
 

J.R. Tucker FB Preview

Tigers very young; whole new backfield and offensive line



J.R. Tucker coach Chris Didlake, 8/17/07

by Stephen M. Lewis
DigitalSports Richmond

Being young is fun.

But for J.R. Tucker’s football team, they are going to have to grow up pretty quickly.

The Tigers lost 22 seniors from last season’s 4-6 squad.

They have a whole new backfield and offensive line.

And to top it off, Tucker is now a Division 6 school after vying for the Division 5 playoffs last season.

“We’re very young,” Tigers coach Chris Didlake said.

There is youth and experience in a couple of spots manned by Zach Midulla.

He’s a tight end and middle linebacker, moved from defensive end last season.

Coach Chris Didlake has a three-year standout in TE/DE/MLB Zach Midulla.
Midulla is a three-year starter and will try to provide some leadership for the younger players and newcomers.

“He is a hard-worker. He’s committed to the weights and to the speed traning,” Didlake said. “He’s increased his 40 time from a 5.2 to a 4.8. Plus he’s a three-sport athlete (basketball, track).

“He’s just a good leader. He does everything I ask of him.”

He’ll receive passes from a sophomore, Jerred Bennett.

He’s athletic and has a good arm, something he showed last season on the varsity level as a freshman.

“He actually came up for us last year against Deep Run,” Didlake said. “He was able to throw for 89 yards in one quarter. He’s got a lot of potential. It’s tough when you are a sophomore trying to lead a team.”

Didlake has a promising, but all new backfield.

Tyree Harris, a senior transfer from Philadelphia, Corbin Fox, a junior, and Jacob Bennett, a sophomore, are all new to the team.

Zach Midulla (left) is only a junior, but is the most experienced Tiger, along with lineman Buddy Bryant. He’ll line up at tight end and middle linebacker in 2007.

Each should see carries, especially early in the season as Didlake tries to find the most effective ballcarrier.

Defensively, the Tigers will try to funnel the action to Midulla at MLB.

Buddy Bryant, a three-year starter and a senior, will anchor the defensive line.

Chaz Coleman and Jeremiah Horn, both seniors, should lead the defensive backs.

But Tucker’s season rests in the hands of a bunch of 15- and 16-year-olds.

“As long as they play hard every game and eliminate mistakes … some of the young guys are just going to have to grow up quickly.”

2006 record: 2-5 Colonial District, 4-6

Key players: Zach Midulla, TE/MLB, Jr.; Buddy Bryant, C/DL, Sr.; Jerred Bennett, QB, So.; Chaz Coleman, DB/WR, Sr.; Jeremiah Horn, WR/DB, Sr.

Key losses: Marcus Robinson, RB/LB; Matt Irvine, K; Travis Dimmer and Zed Williams, Gs

Newcomers to watch: Tyree Harris, RB/LB (transfer from Philadelphia); Corbin Fox, RB, Jr.; Jacob Bennett, RB/DB, So.

Schedule:
Sept. 7 – Benedictine, 7:30
Sept. 14 – at Hanover, 7:30
Sept. 21 – at Henrico, 7:30
Sept. 28 – Patrick Henry, 7:30
Oct. 5 – Mills Godwin, 7:30
Oct. 12 – at Hermitage, 7:30
Oct. 19 – Douglas Freeman, 7:30
Oct. 26 – John Marshall, 7:30

Jerred Bennett will try to grow up quickly under center.
Nov. 2 – at Thomas Jefferson, 4:30
Nov. 9 – at Deep Run, 7:30

Key game: Benedictine. With a young group, it’s best to get success early. If the Tigers can get a win over the Cadets or at least be very competitive, it should bode well as the schedule toughens.

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Col. Heights FB Preview

Posted on 18 August 2007 by redwan123.

      
 

Colonial Heights FB Preview

Numbers are low as usual, but Thomas is optimistic
by Stephen M. Lewis
DigitalSports Richmond

John Thomas is a realist.

Maybe too much of one before the start of preseason football practice.

Losing so much talent the past couple of years to graduation, he didn’t have any idea what kind of squad he would have this season.

“We lost a lot off of the team last year,” Thomas said. “Going into this year, to be frank, we weren’t very optimistic. We’ve had some kids step up. So I think we will be a little better than we thought.”

The offensive line is the strong point.

Aaron Easter is returning for his third year as a starter at guard.

Dylan Krupp is at the other guard, and Zach Murdoch will handle the snapping. Krupp and Murdoch are two-year starters.

“They’re our three experienced players,” Thomas said. “They have decent size. They have good experienced and are good players. Our size … we’re better than we’ve been. But obviously we’re inexperienced and have low numbers. Depth is always a problem.”

The Colonials have 30 players on the roster, which will probably be half of most any other roster in the Central District, except for Hopewell.

For instance, Meadowbrook plans to keep 58 players on the varsity.

Numbers aside, the Colonials have a talented backfield.



Colonial Heights coach John Thomas, 8/16/07

Thomas is glad some of his younger players have stepped to the forefront.
Thomas likes what he sees from running back Brandon Snead, and quarterbacks Garrett Garner and Brandon Brown.

Snead, a senior, was ineligible last year. Garner, a senior, is being pushed by Brown, a sophomore.

“I like the competition,” Thomas said. “They’re both good, hard-working kids. [Brown] is going to be a good one before he gets out of here. He has good athleticism and a great arm.”

Most of Thomas’ offense will lineup on defense as well for coordinator Bert Krupp, Dylan’s father. Krupp has been Thomas’ coordinator since 1983.

“This is a young team. Who knows what will happen,” Thomas said. “We always want to have a winning season.”

2006 season: 2-5 Central District, 2-8

Key players: Aaron Easter, OL/DL, Sr.; Dylan Krupp, OL/DL, Jr.; Zach Murdoch, OL/DL, So.; Brandon Snead, RB/LB, Sr.; Brandon Brown, QB/WR/DB, So.; Garrett Garner, QB/DB, Sr.

Newcomers to watch: Jarvis Rooks, OL/RB/DL, Sr.; Javontae Taft, RB/DB, Jr.

Key losses: Nathan Anger, QB/DB; Erik Loftis, TE/LB; Kyle Krupp, OL/DL; Dustin Barnes, OL/DL

Schedule:
Aug. 31 – Thomas Jefferson, 7:30
Sept. 14 – at Park View, 7:30
Sept. 21 – Armstrong, 7:30
Sept. 28 – Prince George, 7:30
Oct. 5 – at Dinwiddie, 7:30
Oct. 12 – Hopewell, 7:30
Oct. 19 – at Thomas Dale, 7:30
Oct. 26 – Meadowbrook, 7:30
Nov. 2 – at Petersburg, 7:30
Nov. 9 – Matoaca, 7:30

Key game: Thomas Jefferson. Both schools suffer from low enrollment. An early victory could help their confidence for the duration of the season.

Fast fact: This is the first time in Thomas’ long tenure that the Colonials will play a regular-season game before school begins.

 
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Q&A with Prillaman

Posted on 17 August 2007 by redwan123.

  

Q&A with Anna Prillaman

Former Midlothian star gets Atlee girls post
When I found out Anna Prillaman applied for the Atlee girls basketball job, I thought it was a no-brainer. I guess Atlee and the Hanover school system did, too.

I caught up with Prillaman to ask her a few questions about her new gig and her future in basketball.

Stephen Lewis: Could you put into words how you feel about getting this position?

Anna Prillaman: I am extremely excited to be on board at Atlee. I’m excited to be able to finally spread my wings as the head coach of a program. Curt Kassab has done an amazing job of building the program up to elite status. I would be disrespecting him and the girls if I did not put just as much, if not more effort into continuing to help it grow.

SL: I’m sure you could be coaching at a higher level. Maybe being an assistant on a college staff?

AP: I do not know if I want to end up at the college level. That used to always be the plan. There are things about college coaching that are appealing to me, but there are also a lot of things about it I don’t think would fit with me, at least right now. Being a head coach in a program like Atlee’s is definitely good for a resume if I eventually would like to go and try and coach college, but for now it’s not something I want.

SL: Do you ever see yourself coaching at a higher level?

AP: For now I want to focus on the high school level, and putting these girls in the position where if they want that next level they can achieve it.

Prillaman started at point and shooting guard at Virginia from 2000-04.

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Back-to-back?

Posted on 16 August 2007 by redwan123.

  
 

Back-to-back?

Lang confident Wildcats can repeat in 2007
by Stephen M. Lewis
DigitalSports Richmond

Alyssa Lang is confident. Check that.

Alyssa Lang is ultra-confident. Read below.

‘I don’t think we should drop one match. I really don’t,’ said Lang, in her fourth year as a Deep Run girls volleyball starter. ‘We shouldn’t lost one match and if we do it’ll be pretty early. I don’t have a reason to doubt it.’

That’s bulletin-board material for every Central Region and state Group AAA contender for sure. But hear Lang out.

‘We’re a better team than last year already, and it’s the first week of practice,’ said the two-time team MVP (2004, 2005). ‘We’re completing drills that we hadn’t done last year at this time.’

That’s a scary proposition for everyone else. The Wildcats were tough enough last year, reaching the region final before falling to Hanover and Penn State commit Kristin Carpenter.



Alyssa Lang, 8/14/07

Lang loves what she sees so far at Deep Run’s camp.
However, Deep Run won the state crown redeeming itself against the Hawks a week later.

Actually, the Wildcats have reached two straight state finals, losing to Freeman in 2005.

Can they make a third straight appearance?

‘I think it is going to be very difficult,’ Wildcats coach Terra Balla said. ‘I think we are in a situation that’s very similar to last year. I think people are going to look past us with Brittney [Grove] gone and that we have a new setter with Courtlin [LaReau] gone. But in many ways we are going to be stronger.’

And just as tall.

Mallory Woolridge, who stands 6-2, and Meghann Forshey, 6-0, will have a huge presence at the net.

The girls volleyball net is just below 7 1/2 feet. Woolridge reaches 10-2 and Forshey 10-0.

They have the potential to be very dominant at the net, especially if you thrown in Lang, who is also a great leaper.

Lindsey ‘Texas’ McClellan steps in at setter.

Callie Armistead and freshman Chaney LaReau, Courtlin’s sister, round out a starting lineup that includes only one senior, Lang.

Actually, Lang is the only senior on the team.

‘It has been surprising. We’re doing things this year faster than last
year,’ Balla said. ‘Girls are more aware of the game, and have more
athleticism than we’re used to.
Mallory Woolridge should be a force at the net for the Wildcats.
‘I think the biggest thing for this team is staying focused and being confident for a whole match.’

That’s no problem for Lang.

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