by Seneca Contomanolis
DigitalSports Richmond
scontomanolis@digitalsports.com
Like a great college football program L.C. Bird doesn’t rebuild, it reloads.
The Skyhawks have been to the Division 6 playoffs eight straight seasons under coach David Bedwell. Five of those times L.C. Bird advanced to the Central Region final even while graduating at least 35 players from each of the previous teams.
It might sound strange then to hear that Bedwell was a little surprised when L.C. Bird went undefeated and won the Dominion District title last season before falling to Meadowbrook in the first round of the playoffs.
“It was kind of unexpected,” Bedwell said. “Going in we didn’t know what to expect. Every year you just never really know.”
Bedwell might be feeling the same way this season after loosing 38 seniors that included playmakers Donovan Jefferson (WR/CB), Kendrick McClary (TE) and Josh Castlebury (RB/LB).
What will it take then to continue the tradition of success at Bird?
“I think things just have to remain status quo,” Bedwell said. “We have to work hard, we have to believe in what we’re doing. Our kids have to come practice hard everyday just like we always do. We’re going to have to play a little above our heads, we’re kind of inexperienced this year.”
A place on the field where there will be some veterans is the backfield.
Donte Jefferson returns for his second season under center. The senior broke just about every passing record at L.C. Bird last season with just under 1,000 yards and 12 touchdowns in the Skyhawks run oriented offense.
“He manages the offense for us,” Bedwell said. “He does what we ask him to do and gets the ball to the guy we want him to.”
Seniors Jerry Brown and Kenyon Lewis take over at running back for Castlebury and both have speed and big play capabilities.
Brown will also take some snaps at wide receiver along with Darryl Johnston, Noral Purnell and Chris Moore.
A key to how Jefferon and his running backs perform will no doubt be tied to how a young offensive line comes together. Three-year starter Steven Rowe is back at center and Xavier Tyler returns at guard.
“Their working hard, they’ve actually impressed me a lot in all the scrimmages,” said Rowe of the line. “At first they started off a little slow and I didn’t think they were going to get it together but through all the practices we have started working together and getting a lot better.”
On the defensive side Jaymon Roberson and Xavier Myles anchor the line. Bradley Connor (Sr.) is at linebacker and will be asked to tutor a unit that features a junior, sophomore and freshman.
In the secondary Anthony Harris (CB) and Stephen Lee (SS) are two important pieces.
Harris is only a sophomore but is physical and is a great athlete. Lee is not the biggest kid on the field (5-7, 165) but always gives you all he has.
2007 record: 8-0 Dominion District, 10-1 Overall
2008 schedule 2007 result
(all games at 7:30 p.m., unless noted. Click team for their preview!)
Aug 14 – Westfield, 6 p.m. (scrimmage)
Aug. 21 – at Dinwiddie/Hermitage, 5 (scrimmage)
Aug. 28 – at Meadowbrook W, 18-12
Sept. 5 – at Thomas Dale W, 45-0
Sept. 12 – Clover Hill W, 49-14
Sept. 19 – at Manchester W, 28-10
Sept 26 – Huguenot W, 30-12
Oct. 3 – at Midlothian W, 38-0
Oct. 10 – at James River W, 20-13
Oct. 17 – Monacan W, 22-7
Oct. 24 – Cosby W, 47-21
Oct. 31 – George Wythe, 4:45 W, 33-6
Big game: at Meadowbrook. The Skyhawks biggest game of the year could be their first one. L.C. Bird beat the Monarchs to start the season last year but then fell them in the region playoffs.
Key players: Donte Jefferson, QB, Sr.; Jerry Brown, RB/WR, Sr.; Kenyon Lewis, RB, Sr.; Steven Rowe, C, Sr.; Jaymon Roberson, DL, Sr.; Jaymon Roberson, NG; Xavier Myles, DL, Jr.; Xavier Tyler, OL; Anthony Harris, CB; Stephen Lee, SS, Jr.
Key losses: Donovan Jefferson, WR/DB (Virginia State); Kendrick McClary, TE (Norfolk State); Josh Castlebury, RB/LB; Andrew Belcher, OT; Eddie Palko, OL; Nick Taylor, DL
The skinny: Because of the success L.C. Bird has had they come into every season with a big target on their back. They always seem to be able to handle the pressure and it should be no different this year.
CLICK HERE FOR THE REST OF THE CENTRAL REGION FOOTBALL PREVIEWS!
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