Central Region | Archive | August, 2008

by Stephen M. Lewis
DigitalSports Richmond
slewis@digitalsports.com

It is Roscoe Johnson‘s second year at the helm for Atlee. But he’s already got a new emphasis.

Physicality.

The Raiders were not strong enough at the point of attack offensively or defensively, and Johnson wants that changed this season.

Just watch practice and you can see the difference. The Raiders are hitting early and often.

“We’ve included this year interior half-line drills to get our offensive line and defensive line a little bit tougher,” Johnson said. “It’s a way to be able to hit and hit hard, but keep it under control.”

The Raiders have been under .500 for longer than they would like. The days of coach John Trott and Atlee legends like Billy Parker, Ty LaFlame and Zuriel Smith are history.

But history does repeat itself, as a young 2-8 Atlee squad returns much of 2007’s team looking to put their name in Atlee lore.

Start offensively where junior Dylan Garthright enters his second season as a starter. He is the undoubted leader of a promising offense, spurred by WR Jared Epps, a senior with terrific speed and mitts.

“We just hope to have a strong defense again,” said Epps, who plays cornerback. “Hopefully get our offense going better this year than we did last year.”

The backfield will be paced by Trevor Elie, who shined with his quickness and elusiveness as a freshman last season.

The line is led by Tyler White, a senior left tackle. Look out for big John Henley as well, another senior.

“A lot of schools are looking at him,” Johnson said of White. “Tough kid. Probably our toughest kid on this team. Coach Mitchell loves him because he doesn’t have another level. It’s just full speed all the time.”

Coach Mitchell is Howie Mitchell, one of the best offensive linemen this area has ever seen. Mitchell starred at Varina in the late 1990s and now has joined Atlee’s staff.

He’s added instant toughness to the Raiders, pushing them to be more physical at every level of offense and defense.

“Howie’s an asset to our program,” Johnson said. “He’s brought just a different mentality to our team.”

Johnson hopes that mentality will carry over throughout the whole team, especially defensively where Atlee has a strong player leading each level.

Epps is back in the defensive backfield at corner.

At LB, second-team all-district pick Josh Doggett returns. He’s a sophomore and a powerful tackler.

Watch out for junior Hunter Brooks beside him, who is also a standout discus thrower.

On the defensive line, senior James Anderson is back. He’s receiving plenty of college looks as well.

2007 record: 2-4 Capital District, 3-7
Overall

2008
season                                       2007 result
(all games at 7:30 p.m., unless noted. Click team for their
preview!)                    
Sept. 5 – at Deep Run
                          L, 0-43
Sept. 12 – Patrick Henry
                       L, 0-41
Sept. 19 – Douglas Freeman                   L, 14-26
Sept 26 – Varina                                   L, 0-35
Oct. 3 – George Wythe                         W, 29-26
Oct. 10 – at Henrico
                             W, 17-6
Oct. 17 – Highland Springs                      L, 10-61
Oct. 24 – at Hanover                             L, 14-35
Oct. 31 – at Armstrong, 5 p.m.
              W, 27-26
Nov. 7 – Lee-Davis                
               L, 11-36

Big
games: Patrick Henry, Hanover, Lee-Davis. Hanover and Patrick Henry are playoff contenders, and Lee-Davis has a revamped team. Atlee needs to play well against their county brethren.

Key players: Tyler White, OL/DL, Sr.; James Anderson, DL, Sr.; Jared Epps, WR/CB, Sr.; Dylan Garthright, QB, Jr.; Josh Doggett, LB/RB, So.; Trevor Elie, RB, So.; John Henley, OL, Sr.; T.J. Daneker, WR, Sr.

Key losses: Matt Pennington, P/K (Liberty); Derrick Wright, RB/DB; John Sparagna, LB/RB

The
skinny: The Raiders have an extremely tough schedule, starting with Colonial District teams Deep Run, Patrick Henry and Douglas Freeman before hosting Varina. The Raiders earned three wins last season, and will need to get a win or two out of that tough start to improve on last year’s record.

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Below are the most played videos from last week, Aug. 18-24, in the Central Region.

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SHELBY, N.C. — South Richmond Post 137 scored five runs in the eighth inning to break a tie and defeat Jonesboro, AR 13-8 in the American Legion World Series on Sunday.

With the score even at eight Chris Ayers put Post 137 ahead with a two-run double, Chris Hardee singled in two runs and Blake Hauser hit a sac fly to score the final run.

The victory alows Post 137 to play on in the double-elimination tournament after they fell to Sumter, S.C. on Saturday night. South Richmond will now face Las Vegas at 7:45 p.m. on Monday.

South Richmond led 7-2 after three innings but a six-run fifth put Jonesboro ahead 8-7. A Nick Abrahamson RBI single in the sixth tied the score at eight.

Hardee came on in seventh to pitch for Post 137 and earn the win. Codle Rollins took the loss for Jonesboro.

Ayers and Abrahamson both finished 3 for 4 with two RBI and two runs. Hardee, Hauser, and Ryan Parker all added two RBI each and Bradley Shaban went 3 for 4 with two runs.

Jonesboro, AR     020 060 000 –  8 13 3
South Richmond  124 001 05x – 13 18 3
Felts, Rollins (3), Ninemire (8) and Burgi; Morrison, Mooney (5), Hardee (7) and Ayers. W: Hardee. L: Rollins.

FRIDAY
Game 1: Las Vegas, NV 7, Omaha, NE 5
Game 2: South Richmond Post 137 5, Midland, MI 2
Game 3: Pasco, WA 12, Jonesboro, AR 3
Game 4: Sumter, S.C. 5, Bristol, CT 3

SATURDAY
Game 5: Jonesboro, AR 13, Omaha, NE 8 (Omaha, NE eliminated)
Game 6: Midland, MI 15, Bristol, CT 5 (Bristol, CT eliminated)
Game 7: Las Vegas, NV 10, Pasco, WA 8
Game 8: Sumter, S.C. 9, South Richmond Post 137 6

SUNDAY
Game 9: Pasco, WA 10, Midland, MI 8 (Midland, MI eliminated)
Game 10: South Richmond Post 137 13, Jonesboro, AR 8 (Jonesboro, AR eliminated)
Game 11: Las Vegas, NV 11, Sumter, S.C. 9

MONDAY
Game 12: Pasco, WA 8, Sumter, S.C. 7 (Sumter, S.C. eliminated)
Game 13: Las Vegas, NV 6, South Richmond Post 137 1 (South Richmond eliminated)

TUESDAY
Game 14: Pasco, WA vs. Las Vegas, NV, 4 p.m. (See Note 2 below)
Game 15: (If necessary) Fifteen game will be needed if Winner Game 11 loses Game 13 or Winner Game 12 wins Game 14

Note 1:
Pairings for Game 12 and 13 will not match previous opponents against
each other unless absolutley necessary (Tournament director has further
instructions).
Note 2:
If three teams remain after Game 13, the winner of Game 11
automatically draws a Bye for Game 14.

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by Seneca Contomanolis
DigitalSports Richmond
scontomanolis@digitalsports.com

Prince George hopes to give its players a little more rest this season.

“Last year we opened 4-0. It was a great run and the kids were excited,” Royals coach Mark Tomlin said. “We got to the middle stretch and we started to run into depth issues. We were playing a lot both ways and it took a toll.”

Full of juniors and sophomores Prince George went on to lose five of its last six games to finish with a .500 record.

Now a more seasoned team with an emphasis on the players contributing to one side of the ball or the other, the Royals will look to take the next step.

“Several guys have been playing since tenth grade. That’s 20 games of experience,” Tomlin said. “It’s gotta help us. We have a whole lot more experience this year than we have ever had.”

The veteran play starts where it matters the most, the quarterback position.

Cody Engle will run the offense for the third straight year and will try to improve on his productive junior campaign.

“You gain experience every year,” Engle said. “It has made me a better football player and it’s helped me to make better reads.”

Senior Deontay Quarles, a first-team all-Central District selection, is the main ball carrier, while Matt Harris will get an occasional rep.

Laroyce Lewis (Sr.) moves from the line to fullback to be the lead blocker.

“The transition to fullback isn’t going to be much for me. I’m basically doing the same thing except I’ll be getting a couple more carries and a couple more passes thrown to me,” Lewis said.

Jon Labrake and Paul Koser will be the leaders of a formidable offensive line that should open holes and give Engle lots of time.

Engle will use that time to find senior wide receiver Brian Yates and first-team all-district tight end Tyler Johnson (Sr.).

“He’s a big target with great hands,” said Tomlin of Johnson.

The Royals defense will be younger than their offense but will still bring back some important players from last season.

Harris (safety) and Tyrell Allen patrol the secondary giving Prince George a lot of speed and tackling ability.

Senior Carl Hall leads a youthful line at the end position. He is joined by sophomore Jimmy Richardson and junior Bobby Holden.

The Royals have an experienced offense, a strong defense and senior leadership. All that won’t mean a thing if they don’t perform under the lights.

“The Central is going to be loaded this year,” Tomlin said. “It’s going to depend on who is playing the best that particular Friday.”

2007 record: 2-5 Central District, 5-5 Overall

2008 schedule                                          2007 result
(all games at 7:30 p.m., unless noted. Click team for their preview!)
Aug 22 – at Cosby, 7 p.m. (scrimmage)       
Aug. 28 – Powhatan, 7 (scrimmage)
Sept. 5 – Clover Hill                                      W, 23-14
Sept. 12 – at Mountain View                         W, 10-0
Sept. 19 – at Monacan                                   W, 21-6
Sept 26 – Colonial Heights (Homecoming)        W, 34-13                                
Oct. 3 – Hopewell                                           L, 14-7
Oct. 10 – at Meadowbrook                             L, 35-14
Oct. 17 – Matoaca                                           L, 48-34
Oct. 24 – at Dinwiddie                                    L, 42-20
Oct. 31 – at Thomas Dale                                L, 35-14
Nov. 7 – Petersburg                                        W, 27-14

Big games: Last six. The Royals won their first four games last season but then dropped five of their last six. If they want to contend for a district title they are going to have to finish stronger.

Key players: Laroyce Lewis, FB, Sr.; Joh Labrake, LT, Sr.; Matt Harris, S/RB, Jr.; Deontay Quarles, RB, Sr.; Tyler Johnson, TE, Sr.; Brian Yates, WR, Sr.; Brandon Doyle, WR, Sr.; Carl Hall, DE, Sr.

Key losses: Jeff Perryman, OL/DL; Marvin Raines, FB/LB

The skinny: Prince George has promise. They started 4-0 last season and just ran out of steam down the stretch. That won’t happen this year.

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SHELBY, N.C. — South Richmond Post 137 rallied late but never took the lead as they fell to Sumter, S.C. 9-6 in the second round of the American Legion World Series on Saturday.

Post 137 drops down to the loser’s bracket of the double-elimination tournament and will face Jonesboro, AR at 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Early it looked like Sumter might roll to the victory.

Pitcher Mathew Talley held South Richmond to one hit through five innings and Sumter led 7-2 heading into the eighth inning.

But as they have done so many times Post 137 mounted a comeback with four runs in the eighth to cut the deficit to one. Bradley Shaban, Chris Ayers and Nick Abrahamson all had an RBI in the inning and a throwing error allowed the other run to score.

Sumter came right back though with three runs in the bottom half to increase the lead to three.

South Richmond would load the bases in the ninth with two outs but a Chris Ayers ground out ended the game.

Talley went the distance for the win giving up five earned runs, 11 hits and striking out seven.

Trailing 4-0 Post 137’s first hit came in the fourth when Ayers hit a two-run home run. Before their five-hit outburst in the eighth South Richmond only had three hits.

Bradley Shaban finished 3 for 4 with two runs and Ryan Parker was 2 for 4 with a run.

South Richmond  000 200 040 – 6 11 1
Sumter, S.C.         301 011 12x – 9 13 1
Ackerman, Abrahamson (3), Hardee (6), Morrison (8) and Abrahamson, Ayers (3); Talley and Micklon. W: Talley. L: Ackerman.

FRIDAY
Game 1: Las Vegas, NV 7, Omaha, NE 5
Game 2: South Richmond Post 137 5, Midland, MI 2
Game 3: Pasco, WA 12, Jonesboro, AR 3
Game 4: Sumter, S.C. 5, Bristol, CT 3

SATURDAY
Game 5: Jonesboro, AR 13, Omaha, NE 8 (Omaha, NE eliminated)
Game 6: Midland, MI 15, Bristol, CT 5 (Bristol, CT eliminated)
Game 7: Las Vegas, NV 10, Pasco, WA 8
Game 8: Sumter, S.C. 9, South Richmond Post 137 6

SUNDAY
Game 9: Pasco, WA 10, Midland, MI 8 (Midland, MI eliminated)
Game 10: South Richmond Post 137 13, Jonesboro, AR 8 (Jonesboro, AR eliminated)
Game 11: Las Vegas, NV vs. Sumter, S.C., 8:30

MONDAY
Game 12: Pasco, WA vs. Loser Game 11, 4 p.m. (Loser eliminated, See Note 1 below)
Game 13: South Richmond Post 137 vs. Winner Game 11, 7:30 (See Note 1 below)

TUESDAY
Game 14: Winner Game 12 vs. Winner Game 13, 4 p.m. (See Note 2 below)
Game 15: (If necessary) Fifteen game will be needed if Winner Game 11 loses Game 13 or Winner Game 12 wins Game 14

Note 1:
Pairings for Game 12 and 13 will not match previous opponents against
each other unless absolutley necessary (Tournament director has further
instructions).
Note 2:
If three teams remain after Game 13, the winner of Game 11
automatically draws a Bye for Game 14.

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by Stephen M. Lewis
DigitalSports Richmond
slewis@digitalsports.com

Wow, Highland Springs lost WR Harry Lee Daniel (Richmond), QB Matthew Hurdle (Kent State), DL Antoine Hopkins (Virginia Tech), TE Rod Wheeler (Virginia), CB Marcus Burley (Delaware) and RB J.J. Spates (Chowan).

The Springers even had to replace most of their coaching staff, including head man Scott Burton (Richmond).

Not to worry, as Loren Johnson steps in to run a still loaded Springer ship as the destination goal has not changed despite the departures.

“We’re excited about everything that’s going on,” Johnson said Saturday. “Young men are flying around and playing good football. It’s just an exciting time for the Springers.”

The defending Capital District champions would love to repeat and get yet another shot at an elusive Central Region, Division 6 championship.

To get there, defense will be the key as the Springers are stacked at every level of defense.

Start at linebacker, a senior-laden spot led by Carl Smith, a 6-1, 200-pound powerful tackler. Mike Callis, Joe Tillar and Jaron Banks are a few other LBs to look out for.

Hopkins is gone from the defensive line, but his younger brother Derrick “Skip” Hopkins is in his third year of varsity and is only a junior.

Rashad Winston is right beside him to form the most ridiculous defensive tackle-tandem in the area. Dennis Washington will provide pass rush from the outside.

The defensive backfield is stout as well, led by safeties Clinton Patterson and Delante Rowe, both seniors.

There are many talented cornerbacks on the team as well, including junior J.J. Saunders. Lorenzo Haden is a wild-card on defense, he’ll play everywhere from linebacker backwards.

“I expect for us to shut down a lot of people,” Patterson said. “Hold them to at least seven points.”

If the defense can hold up to that statement, the offense doesn’t need to do much to help HS pile up victories.

Look for a powerful running game to take course this season, paced by Montrell Garrison, a junior. Hopkins will double up to lead the line, with seniors Alvin Hill and Ray Milleker.

They’ll give time for Weston and Clarence Hill to get open down field.

The only question mark offensively is at QB. It looks as though JaQuan Burchette and Wayne Pugh will see time.

Burchette provides a bonafide powerful run threat, while Pugh’s tendecy is as a passer.

Regardless, if the offense can keep turnovers down, score some points and give this stellar defensive unit some rest, the Springers should be just fine.

“We’ve just got to keep our blocking up,” said Weston, “and quarterbacks get the ball to the receivers and running backs, and they’re going to do what they do when they get the ball.”

Said Johnson, a former Virginia Tech star: “The adjustment’s gone well. The biggest thing is that I’ve got a good wife and some fun boys that love football. Everything’s worked out well.”

2007 record: 6-0 Capital District, 10-1 Overall

2008 season                                    
  2007 result
(all games at 7:30 p.m., unless noted. Click
team for their preview!)                    
Sept. 5 – Woodbridge                            W, 45-20
Sept. 12 – at Douglas Freeman                W, 33-0
Sept. 19 – Mills Godwin                           W, 62-14
Sept 26 – Hanover
                                W, 13-7
Oct. 3 – Henrico  
                                 W, 51-6
Oct. 10 – at Armstrong
                          W, 46-8
Oct. 17 – at Atlee             
                    W, 61-10
Oct. 24 – at Lee-Davis                            W, 39-7
Oct. 31 – Huguenot
                              W, 39-0
Nov. 7 – at Varina
                                 W, 40-24

Big games: Varina. There’s no way to pick another game. Both crosstown rivals have undergone coaching changes and have plenty of talent remaining. It could be, as usual, for the Capital District title.

Key players: Carl Smith, LB, Sr.; Melquan Weston, WR, Sr.; Derrick Hopkins, DT/OT, Jr.; Rashad Winston, DT, Jr.; Clinton Patterson, SS, Sr.; Delante Rowe, FS, Sr.; J.J. Saunders, CB, Jr.; JaQuan Burchette, QB/SS, Jr.; Alvin Hill, OL, Sr.

Key losses: Harry Lee Daniel, WR (Richmond); Antoine Hopkins, DT (Va. Tech); Marcus Burley, CB (Delaware); Matthew Hurdle, QB (Kent State); Rod Wheeler, TE (Virginia); J.J. Spates (Chowan); Devan Hill, WR

Top newcomers: Coaches – Loren Johnson and Noland Burchette, both former Virginia Tech studs, have joined the Springers. Burchette is a former Springer star and older brother of JaQuan Burchette.

Fast fact: Johnson projects about 30 seniors playing for him this season, most of who were on last year’s 10-0 squad before falling to eventual region champion Hermitage. That’s a large number for the right class when looking to win championships.

The skinny: Highland Springs has been at the doorstep waiting to ring the doorbell for a date with the hottest girl in school, the state Group AAA semifinals. But they’ve been unable to get her to answer. Will this be the season?

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by Stephen M. Lewis
DigitalSports Richmond
slewis@digitalsports.com

COLONIAL HEIGHTS – Things are new, but not so new in Colonial Heights.

The Colonials boast a new coach in Bert Krupp, but not so new. Krupp had been an assistant for the Colonials for 25 years after being a CH player.

He takes over for the retired John Thomas, the longtime coach who Krupp waited behind ever so patiently. Now it is his turn.

“I’m very excited about it,” Krupp said. “It seems like a natural progression. I will say being the head man on the field is fun, but all of that stuff off the field with uniforms and responsibilities, now I appreciate John a lot more than I did.

“On the field I’m having a great time. I think the kids are responding well. We’re pretty excited. We’ll see what we’ve got.”

What they’ve got are most of the school’s best athletes out on the football team. For years, some of the basketball players have not put on football cleats in the fall.

Now they have a few out to make the Colonials a bunch more athletic, led by Tyler Drewes, a standout basketball player who will play safety and running back.

“I’m happy to see all of these new guys out here working real hard,” senior Dylan Krupp said, the coach’s son. “We have good, athletic bodies out here. So we’ll see what they can contribute. I think we’re headed for a really good season with our new, fresh people out here.”

Another fresh face is present, but not in equipment.

Former Petersburg coach Remus James has moved over a few miles to the Colonials.

“Very seldom you get a quality coach like that,” Bert Krupp said. “Even more important than to the football team, but to the school system. He’s a quality guy.”

The Colonials are led by a quality athlete on offense named Brandon Brown. The junior has good quickness, a strong arm and is eager to keep eyelids permanently open this season in Colonial Heights.

“As he goes, we go,” Bert Krupp said.

Drewes is one of many backs and receivers that will get some carries and catches, led by WR Brandon Edwards and the versatile Ronnie Goyne.

Dylan Krupp will pace a good-sized offensive line at safety, and do double duty at middle linebacker on defense. Edwards is at CB.

New players, new coaches, so let’s see if Colonial Heights can get new results.

2007 record: 0-7 Central District, 1-9
Overall

2008 schedule
                                    2007
result
(all games at 7:30
p.m., unless noted; click team for preview)
Aug. 29 – Thomas Jefferson
                   W, 34-6
Sept. 12 – at Park View
                          L, 20-33
Sept. 19 – Armstrong
                             L, 6-27
Sept. 26 – at Prince George
                    L, 13-34
Oct. 3 – Dinwiddie
                                 L, 0-54
Oct. 10 – at Hopewell
                            L, 14-52
Oct. 17 – Thomas Dale
                          L, 7-16
Oct. 24 – at Meadowbrook
                     L, 10-62
Oct. 31 – Petersburg         
                    L, 12-49
Nov. 7 – at Matoaca                               L, 7-49

Big games: The nondistrict schedule. A few years back, Colonial Heights surprised everyone with a 7-3 mark and a Division 5 playoff appearance. That record was spurred on by a quick start. If the Colonials can do it again, who knows what will happen.

Key players: Brandon Edwards, WR/DB, Sr.; Dylan Krupp, C/MLB, Sr.; Brandon Brown, QB, Jr.; Zach Murdoch, OL, Jr.; Trevor Philout, LB/DB, Jr.; Ronnie Goyne, ATH, Sr.; Tyler Drewes, RB/CB

Key losses: Garrett Garner, QB; Brandon Snead, RB/LB; Aaron Easter, OL

Top newcomer: Remus James, former Petersburg head coach

Did you know…: That Jeff Blankenbecler, father of the great Blankenbecler volleyball players of Thomas Dale, is an assistant coach for the Colonials?

The skinny: The Colonials seemed to have adapted seamlessly to Krupp’s new regime. With more athletes and a solid coaching staff in place, we’ll see more wins in 2008.

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SHELBY, N.C. — South Richmond scored five unanswered runs to start the game and the pitching staff gave up only one earned run as Post 137 beat Midland, MI 5-2 in the first round of the American Legion World Series on Friday.

On a hurt ankle Ronnie Shaban played third base and went 3 for 5 with an RBI and two runs. Nick Abrahamson was 2 for 3 with an RBI and Bradley Shaban added an RBI for South Richmond.

Blake Hauser started and went 6 1/3 strong innings for the win allowing his only run to score in the seventh. He departed in the seventh with two men on base and one out but Abrahamson came on and retired the next two batters.

Abrahamson pitched the rest of the way and only allowed one unearned run in the ninth inning.

An RBI double by Ronnie Shaban and an RBI single by Bradley Shaban put Post 137 ahead 2-0 in the third.

A throwing error by Midland in the fourth allowed two more runs to score and increased the lead to 4-0.

Abrahamson drove in South Richmond’s final run in the fifth with a single that scored Ronnie Shaban.

Post 137 now faces Sumter, SC on Saturday at 8:30 p.m.

Midland, MI         000 000 101 – 2 10 1
South Richmond  002 210 00x – 5 10 2
Longstreth, Cresswell (7) and Skirving; Hauser, Abrahamson (7) and Abrahamson, Ayers (7). W: Hauser. L: Longstreth.

FRIDAY
Game 1: Las Vegas, NV 7, Omaha, NE 5
Game 2: South Richmond Post 137 5, Midland, MI 2
Game 3: Pasco, WA 12, Jonesboro, AR 3
Game 4: Sumter, SC 5, Bristol, CT 3

SATURDAY
Game 5: Jonesboro, AR 13, Omaha, NE 8 (Omaha, NE eliminated)
Game 6: Midland, MI 15, Bristol, CT 5 (Bristol, CT eliminated)
Game 7: Las Vegas, NV 10, Pasco, WA 8
Game 8: South Richmond Post 137 vs. Sumter, SC, 8:30

SUNDAY
Game 9: Midland, MI vs. Pasco, WA, 1 p.m. (Loser eliminated)
Game 10: Jonesboro, AR vs. Loser Game 8, 5 (Loser eliminated)
Game 11: Las Vegas, NV vs. Winner Game 8, 8:30

TUESDAY
Game 14: Winner Game 12 vs. Winner Game 13, 4 p.m. (See Note 2 below)
Game 15: (If necessary) Fifteen game will be needed if Winner Game 11 loses Game 13 or Winner Game 12 wins Game 14

Note 1:
Pairings for Game 12 and 13 will not match previous opponents against
each other unless absolutley necessary (Tournament director has further
instructions).
Note 2:
If three teams remain after Game 13, the winner of Game 11
automatically draws a Bye for Game 14.

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by Stephen M. Lewis
DigitalSports Richmond
slewis@digitalsports.com

You like cliches? Well, practice makes perfect.

And Douglas Freeman is striving for that point right now.

Goal-line drills end practice, and Rebels coach Bob Brinkley believes great teams are good on the goal line, offensively and defensively.

On this day the Rebels not only halted the scout team, but returned an interception for a touchdown.

That’s a back breaker.

And a good Freeman football team could be a back breaker in a talented Colonial District as well.

“We’ve had five great practices in a row,” senior leader Doug Fraser said. “We’re really excited about what’s to come.”

What’s to come is terrific senior leadership from Fraser, at MLB, Monty Smalley (RB/WR/CB) and Patrick Scoggin (OL/DL, 6-4, 250).

Fraser has beefed-up his frame from 2007. He’s built for tackling ballcarriers.

Scoggin provides beef up front to lead a big offensive and defensive line. Jamail Tucker (6-5, 310) is another huge option.

Then the Rebels throw in Nolan Borzelleca, another senior, to provide speed at the point of attack.

“We’re a lot bigger on the defensive line this year,” said Fraser, who’s brother Alex Fraser is 6-2, 250 and another defensive lineman. “But we’re a lot quicker.”

Smalley is electrifying in the open field, as most of his receiving yardage comes after the catch.

He’ll receive a lot of defensive attention every Friday night.

“When I get the ball, I don’t want to be tackled,” said Smalley, who racked up seven TDs and 770 receiving yards in 2007. “I have my eye on the end zone. That’s my goal every time I get the ball.”

He’ll receive pigskins from Carter Slough, another senior.

Price Enroughty is a tough runner inside and out, and Andrew Mauck will be another option outside for Slough.

“The new offense is going pretty well. We’re putting in the spread and no-huddle,” Scoggin said. “Defense, there is not going to be a lot of thinking.

“Just flying around and reacting to the ball.”

2007 record: 2-5 Colonial District, 3-7
Overall

2008
season                                       2007 result
(all games at 7:30 p.m., unless noted. Click team for their
preview!)                    
Sept. 5 – James River
                             L, 14-21
Sept. 12 – Highland Springs
                     L, 0-33
Sept. 19 – at Atlee                                 W, 26-14
Sept 26 – Thomas
Jefferson
                    W, 48-6
Oct. 3 – Patrick Henry                             L, 14-28
Oct. 10 – at Deep
Run
                           L, 13-21
Oct. 17 – J.R. Tucker                              W, 33-0
Oct. 24 – Hermitage      
                         L, 0-45
Nov. 1 – at John
Marshall, 1 p.m.               L, 14-21
Nov. 7 – at Mills Godwin
                           L, 23-42

Big
games: Mills Godwin. Throw the records out in this battle. It’s the best school rivalry we have in the Richmond-area. It’s always a barn burner, regardless of the records. Get your tickets now if possible!

Key players: Doug Fraser, MLB, Sr.; Monty Smalley, WR/CB, Sr.; Price Enroughty, RB, Sr.; Carter Slough, QB, Sr.; Andrew Mauck, WR, Sr.; Jamail Tucker, OL/DL, Sr.; Nolan Borzelleca, DL, Sr.; Patrick Scoggin, OL/DL, Sr.

Key losses: John Gray, QB; Michael Quash, WR/DB; Robbie Brinkley, OL/DL

Key addition: Aaron Alexander, the former All-Metro player of the year as a quarterback for Henrico, has joined the staff. He had previously coached Group A power Louisa in a simlar capacity.

The skinny: With so many seniors with experience, this should be a good year for Freeman; much better than 2007’s 3-7 campaign.

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by Seneca Contomanolis
DigitalSports Richmond
scontomanolis@digitalsports.com

Most high school kids spend their summers sitting by the pool, playing video games and maybe working a little bit.

For the members of South Richmond Post 137 their vacation has included baseball, baseball and even more baseball.

The American Legion team headed to the World Series in Shelby, N.C. started playing at least four games a week in mid-June and have a record of 33-5.

“This is how I want to spend my summer, it’s not like we are forced to do it,” shortstop Ronnie Shaban said. “We are all friends on the team so it is a lot of fun.”

Ronnie Shaban (Virginia Tech) is one six players on Post 137 that when the tournament ends will head to play at the next level in college.

The remaining members of the 18-man roster will get ready to start a new school year at Cosby, Manchester or Clover Hill.

South Richmond’s quest for a national title begins Friday at 1:30 p.m. at Keeter Stadium against Great Lakes Regional champion Midland, MI.

Post 137 already has a nice collection of hardware after winning the district, state and on Monday at Shepherd Stadium the Mid-Atlantic Regional title.

But coach Byron Ballard doesn’t want his team to think about the past.

“What they have accomplished is incredible,” Ballard said. “But that is history, that has already happened. We can’t get it back so when we get on the bus we need to focus.”

South Richmond left Wednesday morning on a bus to make the six-hour trek south. They had orientation that night, will practice and attend a banquet on Thursday and then begin play on Friday.

The tournament will be double-elimination like all the other postseason tourneys so the team is guaranteed to play at least two games.

In his eight seasons of coaching Post 137 Ballard said this is his strongest team he has had.

“Never have I had a team that was this deep in pitching,” Ballard said. “And then one through nine in the lineup who are you going to get out?”

Blake Hauser leads the hurlers and will start the opening game. He threw a one-hitter in the state tournament and has three devastating pitches.

Hunter Ackerman, Ryan Morrison, Nick Abrahamson, Chris Hardee and Ronnie Shaban make up the rest of the staff. All have played rolls in the team’s success so far.

As a team Post 137 batted .368 in the regional tournament. No. 2 hitter Bradley Shaban, Ronnie’s younger brother, led the team with a .478 average while Hardee hit .467.

Chris Ayers had a number of crucial hits for South Richmond, blasted three homers and was name the regional tourney MVP.

“I believe we will be able to hit with anyone in America,” Ballard said.

Ronnie Shaban, the lead off hitter, finished with four home runs and pitched in the late innings shutting down opponents’ bats.

His role may be limited this weekend after injuring his ankle sliding into second on a steal during the championship game. He remained in the game and played first base.

“I am doing alright,” Ronnie Shaban said. “I have been receiving therapy on the ankle. I have a little limp but I am walking a lot better than I was yesterday.”

Post 137 has never been to the World Series and Ballard just wants his team to take it one game at a time.

“If you get caught up in the enormity of it all it can be distracting,” Ballard said. “This is a bigger stage, a bigger venue and we can’t get caught up in it.”

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