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
Processing your request, Please wait....
