Central Region | Archive | August, 2009

Meadowbrook FB Preview, 8/31/09

Posted on 31 August 2009 by .

by Stephen M. Lewis
DigitalSports Richmond
slewis@sbgnet.com
(804) 240-2191

Writing this preview is surprising.

No one would have ever thought coach Bill Bowles would retire before this season. Not with the dynamic Andre Coble returning for his senior season.

That’s fine with Troy Taylor, the new Meadowbrook coach who inherits a team that reached the Central Region, Division 6 final last season, finishing 9-3 in a tough Central District.

“We need to try to keep getting better,” Taylor said. “Keep the tradition that coach Bowles started going and hopefully win some games.”

A foundation is there.

Though all-everything Morgan Moses is in Charlottesville and Derek Tinsley has departed from the trenches, Tevin Evans, Dominic Roane and Dequan Chatmon all return and are battle tested.

They’ll keep Coble clean and other quarterbacks dirty as they play both ways, a Meadowbrook staple.

Look for Domico Phillips to get more carries this season. The 5-6, 165-pound junior is super quick and doesn’t need much room to get loose.

Meadowbrook always has good athletes on the outside as well.

Defensively, the aforementioned trio up front should be a load. Coble controls things from his free safety spot.

Look out for a few linebackers, Tallwood transfer A.J. Harris and MLB Evan Handley.

“Both sides of the ball are looking strong, offense and defense,” Coble said. “We’re getting better every day. Taking it one step at a time.”

ALL ABOUT MEADOWBROOK

Key players: Andre Coble, Sr., QB/FS, 5-11, 175; Domico Phillips, Jr., 5-6, 165, RB; Dominic Roane, Sr., DE/G, 6-0, 220; Tevin Evans, Sr., OL/DT, 5-10, 250; Dequan Chatmon, Sr., OL/DL, 5-11, 210; A.J. Harris, OLB; Tevin Handley, MLB

Key losses: Morgan Moses, OT/DT (Virginia); Derek Tinsley, OT/DL

Big game: at Thomas Dale, Nov. 6, 7 p.m. The Knights gave the Monarchs one of its two district losses (Dinwiddie the other) in 2008. Game also big Division 6 playoff implications.

Outlook: Wow, what a battle the Central District will be. The Monarchs have the tools to win it.

CAN’T-MISS VIDEO
Stephen Lewis’ take on the Monarchs
QB/FS Andre Coble interview
Coach Troy Taylor interview
RB Domico Phillips interview
DE/OG Dominic Roane interview
OL/DT Tevin Evans interview
OL/DL Dequan Chatmon interview

MUST-SEE LINKS
2009 Schedule

2008 Results
Back to 2009 Football Camp Tour
Team Page

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Collegiate FB Preview, 8/30/09

Posted on 30 August 2009 by .

by Stephen M. Lewis
DigitalSports Richmond
slewis@sbgnet.com
(804) 240-2191

Collegiate runs such a complicated offense.

But the Cougars are just a week into practice, giving players more vacation time and to have everyone on hand at once with busy schedules.

Maybe not the best time to start football practice later than anyone else in the Metro area with so many wide receivers gone to graduation.

“I’ve got to throw a lot at them very quickly,” coach Mark Palyo said.

It should be fine for a program that took it fifth state championship in six years in 2008 behind the aforementioned offense and a very good defense that held opponents to single digits in five games, including three shutouts.

But a lot of those starters have departed, especially at linebacker. That’s where an eager Russell Harper steps in.

“We lost all of our linebackers,” Harper said. “We’ve just got to step up and make plays this year. We’ve got a good secondary.”

Sure do. FS Jake McGee is back, along with Trae Kelley, a lockdown cornerback receiving scholarship attention.

The Cougars are hoping the defense can steal a few headlines from the offense, but that will be difficult to do.

University of Richmond commit Jake McGee had a fabulous junior year. Kelley will be his main target, along with Alex Newsome.

His protection will be led by center Andrew Foster and tackle Jake Ragsdale.

“We’ve got to continue to grow every day,” McGee said. “New guys have to fill in roles. We’ve got a big line. Hopefully the skill guys can come to play.”

ALL ABOUT COLLEGIATE

Key players:
Jake McGee, Sr., 6-5, QB/FS; Trae Kelley, Sr., 6-0, CB/WR; Russell Harper, Sr., LB/RB; Andrew Foster, DE/C; Jake Ragsdale, DE/OT; Alex Newsome, WR, Sr.

Key losses: Patrick Corrigan, LB; Michael Van Reekum, LB; Stephen Stites, WR

Big game: vs. Woodberry Forest, Oct. 9, 4 p.m. WF gave Collegiate its only loss last season.

Outlook: It should be more of the same at Collegiate. Big offensive numbers producing big playoff results.

CAN’T-MISS VIDEO
Stephen Lewis’ take on the Cougars
QB/FS Jake McGee interview
CB/WR Trae Kelley interview
LB/RB Russell Harper interview

MUST-SEE LINKS
2009 Schedule

2008 Schedule/Results
Back to 2009 Football Camp Tour
Team Page

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J.R. Tucker FB Preview, 8/30/09

Posted on 30 August 2009 by .

by Stephen M. Lewis
DigitalSports Richmond
slewis@sbgnet.com
(804) 240-2191

J.R. Tucker football is on the road to improvement.

A tough 0-10 record hurt in 2007. But the Tigers rebounded with a 3-7 year in 2008, including a 3-4 record in the Colonial District.

But 3-7 won’t do it in 2009 for interim coach Matt Crenshaw.

Though numbers are still lower than a Division 6 school should provide, Crenshaw is happy with the talent he has out.

Jacob Bennett leads the returners. He was a first-team all-district selection as a junior at running back.

Crenshaw’s option attack should lead to another stellar performance from him.

His backfield mate of three years is twin brother Jared Bennett, the starting quarterback.

Look out for Montrey Carr on offense. The junior is a terrific cornerback, but with his speed and quickness should be a nice change-up.

Jared Bennett has Michael May and Parker Cherlin to find on an offense that wants to produce big points this season.

Defensively, Robert Cheeseman steps in the middle for the graduated Zach Midulla. Those are huge shoes to fill.

But the biggest job is continuing to change around the program. Crenshaw is up to the task.

“We’re going to revamp our youth camp program,” Crenshaw said, noting that a myriad of middle schools feed Tucker. “You’ve just got to go back out and sell the program again.

“I firmly believe if you win football games, the kids will come out and play.”

ALL ABOUT J.R. TUCKER

Key players: Jacob Bennett, Sr., 5-10, 195, RB/LB; Jared Bennett, Sr., 6-0, 175, QB/FS; Montrey Carr, Jr., 5-4, 140, CB/Slot; Parker Cherlin, Jr., 6-3, 220, DE/TE; Michael May, Jr., 6-5, 190, WR/DB; Robert Cheeseman, Sr., 5-7, 205, MLB

Key losses: Zach Midulla, MLB/TE (Lafayette); Orlando Irby, DE (Seton Hill, Pa.)

Big game: vs. Douglas Freeman, Oct. 2, 7 p.m. A win over the Rebels to start district play will go a long way to more improvement.

Outlook: The Tigers proved they can compete in 2008. A shoot for above .500 is their goal.

CAN’T-MISS VIDEO
Stephen Lewis’ take on the Tigers
RB/LB Jacob Bennett interview
QB/S Jared Bennett interview
OL/DL Vasili Nikiforos interview
MLB Robert Cheeseman interview
CB/WR Montrey Carr interview
DE/TE Parker Cherlin interview
WR/DB Michael May interview

MUST-SEE LINKS
2009 Schedule

2008 Results
Back to 2009 Football Camp Tour
Team Page

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Freeman FB Preview, 8/30/09

Posted on 30 August 2009 by .

by Stephen M. Lewis
DigitalSports Richmond
slewis@sbgnet.com
(804) 240-2191

Douglas Freeman made the playoffs for the first time in 13 years in 2008, a breakthrough that came off the backs of many seniors, like Monty Smalley, Patrick Scoggin and Doug Fraser.

They are gone, so a different cast will have to lead the Rebels back in the Central Region’s Division 5.

Bob Brinkley is looking to a new set of seniors to continue the success of a 7-4 season in 2008.

The defense returns the most guys who saw action a year ago, including DE Michael Unholz and DBs Taurean Adams and Baker Love and LB Peter Sutphin.

“We lost a lot of seniors, but so far in the preseason we are surprisingly good looking,” Love said. “The defense is still strong. We’ve usually got a good defense. I think that’s coming back in this year.”

No experienced quarterback is coming back this year.

It’s Mac Hudgins‘ show now.

The athletic junior throws a good ball and will give Freeman a different dimension, giving linemen fits trying to bring him down.

He has experienced weapons in Love and Blake Louthan at receiver, Adams at running back.

“He’s got a great arm and his quick on his feet,” Louthan said of Hudgins. “It’s going to be interesting to see what he can do this year.”

ALL ABOUT DOUGLAS FREEMAN

Key players: Jake Wright, Sr., OT/DE, 6-3, 245; Taurean Adams, Sr., CB/RB, 5-10, 170; Baker Love, Sr., WR/S, 6-1, 180; Blake Louthan, Sr., S/WR, 5-10, 156; Michael Unholz, Sr., DE/LG, 6-0, 235; Mac Hudgins, Jr., QB

Key losses: Monty Smalley, WR/CB (Old Dominion); Patrick Scoggin, OT (Virginia Tech, baseball); Doug Fraser, MLB; Carter Slough, QB

Big game: vs. Godwin, Nov. 13, 7 p.m. Rebels could go 1-9, but if win is over Godwin, season is complete.

Outlook: The Rebels are kind of a mystery, and one of three teams that want a Division 5 bid in the Colonial, Patrick Henry and John Marshall included. Wins over those teams are must if they want to slip into the party again.

CAN’T-MISS VIDEO
Stephen Lewis’ take on the Rebels
OT/DE Jake Wright interview
CB/RB Taurean Adams interview
WR/S Baker Love interview
S/WR Blake Louthan interview
DE/LG Michael Unholz interview

MUST-SEE LINKS
2009 Schedule

2008 Results
Back to 2009 Football Camp Tour
Team Page

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Hermitage FB Preview, 8/29/09

Posted on 29 August 2009 by .

by Stephen M. Lewis
DigitalSports Richmond
slewis@sbgnet.com
(804) 240-2191

Hermitage, a playoff team once again in 2008, started six sophomores on the defensive side of the ball in its narrow Central Region semifinal loss to Varina.

Panthers coach Patrick Kane wasn’t so lucky on the offensive side of the ball.

“We’re pretty raw on offense, but that’s coming together slowly but surely,” Kane said. “We’re excited about those guys. But defense is probably going to have to hold the fort a little bit for us until the offense can catch up.”

That shouldn’t be too hard for a unit led by Curtis Grant, a 6-3, 220-pound junior linebacker and all-DigitalSports pick that blasted onto the scene last season and is a player Hermitage coaches say “doesn’t come around very often.”

Daryl Howell, a two-time all-Colonial District pick, is back on the defensive line with 285-pound Jamal Samuels.

Free safety Derrick Britt will lead a secondary full of athletes who will also see time as receivers and backs.

“We’re ahead of the game as we used to be last year,” Britt said of the defense.

Offensively, Brendon Riddick steps in at quarterback and is extremely athletic.

He is key as Kane has had talented quarterbacks, the latest Michael Johnson (VMI), Theron Norman (Hargrave, Va. Tech) and Ju-Ju Clayton (Tech).

He has a plethora of weapons, including running back Easton Gordon, who displayed phenomenal vision in practice. Hermitage’s line is not as big as in recent years, but are physical and quick.

“We had a lot of 7-on-7 tournaments this summer and worked hard,” Nick Yurachek, another target for Riddick said. “We need to focus up. Everybody needs to do their job.”

ALL ABOUT HERMITAGE

Key players: Curtis Grant, Jr., LB, 6-3, 220 pounds; Daryl Howell, Sr., DT; Easton Gordon, Sr., RB; Derrick Britt, Sr., WR/DB, 5-8, 170; Jamal Samuels, Sr., DT, 5-8, 285; Nick Yurachek, WR, Sr., 5-10, 160

Key losses: Duan Perez-Means, TE/DE (Virginia Tech); Theron Norman, QB/FS (Hargrave Military, Virginia Tech); Michael Johnson, QB (VMI)

Big games: Week 1-4. Hermitage has a tough start hosting Lee-Davis, visiting Division 6 contender Meadowbrook and coming back home for defending D-6 champ Varina and Colonial rival Deep Run.

Outlook: With the kind of defense Hermitage should play this season, the Panthers should hang another Colonial banner with consistent offensive play.

CAN’T-MISS VIDEO
Stephen Lewis’ take on the Panthers
Coach Patrick Kane interview
WR/DB Derrick Britt interview
DL Jamal Samuels interview
WR Nick Yurachek interview

MUST-SEE LINKS
2009 Schedule

2008 Results
Back to 2009 Football Camp Tour
Team Page

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Godwin FB Preview, 8/29/09

Posted on 29 August 2009 by .

by Stephen M. Lewis
DigitalSports Richmond
slewis@sbgnet.com
(804) 240-2191

Two words key Mills Godwin’s football camp: defense and quarterback.

The Eagles return seven starters from a 3-7 2008 season on the defensive side of the ball.

Coach Will Kitchen is happy about the group led by linebackers David Caravati and George Moore, linemen Jordan Kocen and Jason Shaber and Kevin Wood and Tyler Lane in the secondary.

Offensively, it looks at though Godwin has some talented running backs and may shorten games with its running attack.

Wood will see carries, as will junior Derek Whitaker, a 6-2, 195-pounder.

But every team needs good quarterback play to win games, and Kitchen’s still looking – even down to the junior varsity. Five guys are being evaluated.

“We’re looking for a guy, No. 1, to take care of the ball,” Kitchen said. “We’re looking for a guy who can get us into the right spot, make sure everybody’s lined up correctly. Then we’re looking for a guy who can execute plays.”

It seems simple, but that’s all Kitchen wants. Fundamental football, win more phases than the opposing team and get out of dodge with a win.

His defense needs to be a consistent phase to win.

“Our defense is looking real good. We’re all excited about starting a new season,” Wood said. “We’ve got to prove some people wrong.”

ALL ABOUT MILLS GODWIN

Key players: Kevin Wood, Sr., RB/S, 6-1, 190; David Caravati, Sr., LB/QB, 6-1, 190; Jordan Kocen, Sr., OL/DL, 6-1, 240; Jason Shaber, Sr., OL/DL, 5-9, 230; Derek Whitaker, Jr., RB/LB, 6-2, 195; Tyler Lane, Sr., WR/DB, 5-8, 155; Eric Eanes, Sr., WR/DB, 6-0, 150

Key losses: Adam Blankinship, QB (Decided not to play); Blake Forlines, WR; Fletcher Lumpkin, WR/S

Big game: at Douglas Freeman, Nov. 13, 7 p.m. Regardless of the season, the huge game is always Douglas Freeman.

Outlook: Kitchen’s teams are always fundamentally sound. Even with inexperience and jobs still open, the Eagles have a shot at .500.

CAN’T-MISS VIDEO
Stephen Lewis’ take on the Eagles
Coach Will Kitchen interview
LB/QB David Caravati interview
RB/S Kevin Wood interview
OL/DL Jason Shaber interview
OL/DL Jordan Kocen interview

MUST-SEE LINKS

2009 Schedule

2008 Schedule/Results
Back to 2009 Football Camp Tour
Team Page

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Clover Hill FB Preview, 8/28/09

Posted on 28 August 2009 by .

by Stephen M. Lewis
DigitalSports Richmond
slewis@sbgnet.com
(804) 240-2191

At first glimpse, yeah, Clover Hill should have a difficult football season.

QB Josh Bailey, WR Chris Smith and OL Anthony Davis are all playing collegiate football after helping the Cavaliers to an 8-2 record and 40 points per game.

But after a couple of glimpses of practice, the cupboard is very young, but definitely not bare in Cavalier land.

Start off with Joel Caleb, a second-team all-Dominion District selection as a freshman. He has the ability to play every skill position on offense and expect to see him move around in games.

But maybe not too much at quarterback.

Craig Sprouse, a junior, throws a very tight spiral, is athletic and expects to step in right where Bailey left off.

“I’ve got a lot of great weapons around me this year,” Sprouse said. “I feel as long as I do my job we can get everything done. We can be better than we were last year.”

Andrew Oliver is another talented player at wide receiver and one of a few seniors expected to make an impact. He won’t come off the field.

Christian Conklin is another senior at tight end.

Defensively the unit is anchored by all-district performer Mo Gross, a load to move at nose tackle. He’s a junior.

So is Deonte’ Strothers, an athletic player up from JV who O’Hare is looking to cause havoc in backfields from the edge.

Caleb leads the secondary and Oliver the linebackers.

“We’re young. We lost some very good players, there’s no question about
it,” Clover Hill coach Sean O’Hare said. “The big thing is going to be
getting our young kids up to speed. It’s going to be how quick our kids
mature and how we can play past this youth.”

ALL ABOUT CLOVER HILL

Key players: Joel Caleb, So., ATH/CB; Mo Gross, Jr., DL; Andrew Oliver, Sr., WR/LB; Craig Sprouse, Jr., QB; Christian Conklin, Sr., TE/DE; Deonte’ Strothers, Jr., WR/DE/LB

Key losses: Josh Bailey, QB (Lackawanna JC); Chris Smith, WR (Yale); Anthony Davis, OT (Towson)

Big game: at Monacan, Oct. 30, 7:30 p.m.

Outlook: Clover Hill’s a young team. But region watchers may be surprised when the Cavaliers challenge in Division 5.

CAN’T-MISS VIDEO
Stephen Lewis’ take on the Cavs
Coach Sean O’Hare interview
WR/CB Joel Caleb interview
WR/LB Andrew Oliver interview
QB Craig Sprouse interview

MUST-SEE LINKS
2009 Schedule

2008 Schedule/Results
Back to 2009 Football Camp Tour
Team Page

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Cosby FB Preview, 8/28/09

Posted on 28 August 2009 by .

by Stephen M. Lewis
DigitalSports Richmond
slewis@sbgnet.com
(804) 240-2191

Most teams may be a little discouraged about their playoff chances when going from Division 5 to Division 6 in the Central Region.

Cosby shouldn’t be one of them.

The Titans have experience in all of the key positions.

Quarterback. That’s Fuller Hoepner‘s position.

At 6-3, 215 pounds, he’s an intimidating, physical presence. He also plays linebacker.

Running back. Terry Williams. It is his third year starting for Cosby since he transferred in as a sophomore.

He’s lit up the region for almost 1,700 yards in his career.

Wide receiver. Bryce Dillon. When the running game’s not working or just as a change up, Hoepner has a 6-2, 200-pound target.

Offensive/Defensive line. Returners include Kyle Gometz, who Cosby coach Pete Mutascio said is having the best camp and should have an outstanding year.

“I’m going to be playing a lot of the game this year,” Gometz said, “and I’m happy about that.”

Special teams. What a weapon kicker Stephen Denuel is. The first-team Dominion District pick in 2008 owns the school record with a 48-yard field goal. The senior also punts.

Many of those guys will play both ways, and there are several other names that should be very effective again in 2009, like the speedy Andre Redd at kick returner, another all-district selection.

“We look a lot better than last year,” said Hoepner, who helped the Titans to a 6-4 record in 2008 after a playoff berth in 2007. “A lot more experience this year. A lot of senior leadership. So hopefully a lot better than last year.”

It will have to be to compete in Division 6.

ALL ABOUT COSBY

Key players: Fuller Hoepner, Sr., QB/OLB, 6-3, 215; Terry Williams, Sr., RB, 5-9, 180; Bryce Dillon, Sr., WR/S, 6-2, 200; Kyle Gometz, Sr., OL/DL, 6-4, 270; Andre Redd, Sr., WR, 5-9, 165

Key losses: Mike Birnbaum, LB; Hunter Cox, DB; Nick Erdman, DE (Shenandoah)

Big games: vs. L.C. Bird, Oct. 9, 7:30 p.m. This is becoming THE rivalry.

Outlook: The Dominion is very tough, but Cosby obviously has the tools to take the crown.

CAN’T-MISS VIDEO
Stephen Lewis’ take on the Titans
QB/LB Fuller Hoepner interview
RB Terry Williams interview
WR/FS Bryce Dillon interview
OL/DL Kyle Gometz interview

MUST-SEE LINKS
2009 Schedule

2008 Results
Back to 2009 Football Camp Tour
Team Page

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Logan Staib Truck, 8/28/09

Posted on 28 August 2009 by .

Monacan’s Logan Staib is a middle linebacker. He plays quarterback.

So expect Staib to bring his physical nature to the offensive end.

An example is on video to the left.

In Monacan’s first scrimmage Thursday versus Hopewell, Staib scrambled and trampled a Hopewell defender who tried to tackle him.

The Blue Devil would be perfectly fine physically afterward.

Warning to tacklers trying to hit Staib. He’s 6-2, 215 pounds. Proceed with caution.

– Stephen M. Lewis

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Manchester FB Preview, 8/27/09

Posted on 27 August 2009 by .

by Stephen M. Lewis
DigitalSports Richmond
slewis@sbgnet.com
(804) 240-2191

Manchester sent seven players to college but had a young team in 2008, an 8-2 campaign.

In 2009, the Lancers are still a youthful bunch with only six seniors slated to start come September 11’s clash at Thomas Dale.

But that youth now has the experience needed to challenge for the Dominion District, the toughest in the Central Region.

Coach Tom Hall tried a platoon strategy (players only play on one side of the ball) for the first time last season, and liked it.

He’ll employ it again in 2009 and has the studs to do it.

All-district returners are all over the place, including CB Karlan Mayfield, OT Jake Goins, RB Brandon Chiles, DE J.P. Pearson, WR Willie Pugh and G Sam Tetterton.

No wonder Hall calls this the most talented team he’s coached at Manchester.

“The defense is looking great,” Mayfield said. “Everybody got the experience from last year. So we’re pretty much an experienced team.”

The most inexperience?

At the quarterback spot, where all eyes are on junior Terrell Hackney and sophomore Stephen White, who are locked in a camp battle.

Tyler Henderson, now at Christopher Newport, played the QB spot extremely well for Hall who is looking to see which of the capable players will take the reins of what looks to be an explosive offense.

Chiles trotted for 1,000 yards last season and Pugh was first-team all-district, an immediate threat at all times.

With a powerful and active offensive and defensive line, Manchester has all the tools to take the next step to the playoffs.

ALL ABOUT MANCHESTER

Key players: Willie Pugh, WR, Jr.; Brandon Chiles, RB, Jr.; Deonte Wright, OG, 6-4, 285; Karlan Mayfield, CB, 5-10, 170, Sr.; J.P. Pearson, DE, Jr.; Kyle Johnson, LB; Jake Goins, Jr., OT; Cory Callis, CB, 5-7, 165, Sr.; Josh Mann, C, Sr., 6-3, 280

Key losses: Josh Nelson, TE (Shepherd); Tyler Henderson, QB (Christopher Newport); Brandon Merriman, LB (CNU); Eric Wells, DB (Va. State); Jonathan Durrett, OL/DL (Shepherd)

Fast fact: Coach Hall is a 1986 L.C. Bird graduate and was inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame in 2008.

Big game: vs. L.C. Bird, Nov. 6. The Lancers have not been able to defeat the Skyhawks, thus not winning district crowns.

Outlook: Manchester has one of the most talented and athletic rosters in the region and has experience. Finishing behind Bird has been a common occurence that Manchester hopes to erase.

CAN’T-MISS VIDEO
Stephen Lewis’ take on the Lancers
OG Deonte Wright interview
LB Kyle Johnson interview
CB Karlan Mayfield interview
CB Cory Callis interview
C Josh Mann interview

MUST-SEE LINKS
2009 Schedule

2008 Results
Back to 2009 Football Camp Tour
Team Page

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