2 FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013
FOOTBALL 2013
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The Northern Virginia Daily
FOOTBALL 2013
FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013
3
Football set for new-look playoffs By Tommy Keeler Jr. Everything is about to change. As the football season is set to begin, nothing is quite like it has been in the past, and it may never be the way it was again.
have to be ready for any challenge they might face.
be playing in the Bull Run District, which mostly has Division 2 teams.
“For as much as it was fortunate for us last year that we were one of the bigger schools in Division 2, we are now one of the smallest Division 3’s in the state,” Yew said. “That’s how the numbers fell. That’s the hand we’re dealt, that’s the one we’ll play.
Skyline is on the opposite side of that. The Hawks will be the only team in the Northwestern District that isn’t a Division 4 squad.
There will be bonus points given to teams playing lower“We know that if we get in the play- classification opponents, but it offs, pretty much every school that we will only be two extra points for a team in the district, and play is going to be a bigger school one for a non-district opponent. One of the first sports to be affected than we are. We just have to be ready for whoever we have to play.” “If we’re going to be in Conference will be football. However, football 28, I think that’s like our district now. One of the reasons football won’t be may be the sport that’s least affected We should play those opponents,” affected quite as bad as some of the by the new system. Skyline coach Heath Gilbert said. other sports is the fact that there As with any type of change, there “We are going to play a tougher were already six divisions in football. are many differing opinions. Some schedule than some Division 3’s. At One of the biggest changes for footare against it, some are for it, and the end, if we can make the playoffs, ball will be the new playoff format, some are neutral. that’s going to make us more battlewhich actually isn’t new to Group A tested. You’d almost like to see it “Since it’s a new thing I’m going to schools at all. more fair for everyone — a level playreserve my judgment until we see ing field. That’s my only gripe about Several years ago Group A decided how it goes through the first year,” it. Otherwise, I think it’s great, playto switch their playoff format, dividWarren County coach Tony Tallent said. “I applaud the VHSL for trying ing the state into two regions. For the ing people your own size.” to level the playing field, and I think playoffs, 16 teams from each region In all other sports, team will go to advanced and once each region was until we took some action, the inacconferences to start off the playoffs, tion was hurting more than helping. I down to two teams, they moved on to but in football they go to the two the state semifinals. know something had to be done, it regions. remains to be seen if this was the This season that will be the playoff Strasburg and Stonewall Jackson right thing, but I’m encouraged they format for all six classifications. will be in Region 2A East. Central, made the move in one direction so Skyline and Warren County will be in Sherando coach Bill Hall said he we’re testing the waters.” Region 3A East, and Sherando will be doesn’t mind the new format, even Perhaps the team most affected by in Region 4A North. though it’s not something he’s used the new classification system is to. In the past the winner of each disCentral. trict got an automatic berth into the “The difference is going to be with Central’s football program has been the 1-16 [seeds] all of the sudden your playoffs, but those days are over. on the rise for the last few years. The first-round game you may go a long Despite that, Hall said he still feels Falcons have made great strides the ways to play,” Hall said. “I enjoy play- like district games are important. last two years, including being one of ing different people. Sometimes you “It’s not that it doesn’t mean anythe last eight teams standing in get into the first round and then thing for the playoffs, because it’s Group A last year. you’re playing somebody in your diswins and losses within the district — This year they will be in Division 3, trict. It’s hard playing someone twice.” you’re earning points or not earning facing what should be much tougher Another change will be the way the points,” Hall said. “I like our district. competition. They went from being Believe me, the goal will be to be sucVSHL football rating scale works. one of the favorites in Division 2, to The VHSL tried to make it as fair as cessful in the district. It’s not like it being the third smallest school in possible for teams that are playing in won’t have meaning, it just doesn’t Division 3. districts, which are mostly a smaller carry the same view it used to have in terms of the playoff implications.” classification than what they are. Central coach Mike Yew said while Central and Warren County will both One big change in the local districts it’s a tough break, his team will just The Virginia High School League has went to a six-classification system, which is a big difference from the three-classification system that has been in place since 1970.
this season is Warren County moving from the Evergreen to the Bull Run. The Wildcats had already played Strasburg, Central, Clarke County and George Mason, so Tallent said he didn’t think it would be a big adjustment for his team. “We’re kind of in the heart of the Bull Run District — in the middle of everything,” Tallent said. “I’m sure a lot of teams are going to appreciate having another school in the district where they don’t have to travel as far. “We’re looking forward to it. We’ve built some really good relationships with some of the schools we’ve played prior to joining. We’ll look forward to continuing that positive energy.” At the end of the day no matter what changes are made the players have to go out and simply play the games. Central quarterback Hayden Bauserman said the Falcons look forward to the challenge of playing in Division 3. “It’s going to be bigger schools and bigger teams that we play than what we’re used to in the past, but we saw some good teams last year in the playoffs with Strasburg — and Essex obviously was a big-time team,” Bauserman said. “We’ve seen that and we’re a pretty big team ourselves, so I think we’re ready for it.” Contact Assistant Sports Editor Tommy Keeler at 540-465-5137 ext. 155, or tkeeler@nvdaily.com
4 FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013
CENTRAL FALCONS
The Northern Virginia Daily
Veteran Falcons aiming to build on success WOODSTOCK — With almost the entire roster returning from last year’s 10-3 squad, there’s good reason for Central to have a great feeling about this season. The Falcons return nine starters on both sides of the ball and have 20 seniors on this year’s team. Central coach Mike Yew said he knows everybody will be gunning for them this season. “Obviously we’ve been in the Bull Run [District] for two years, we’ve had some success,” Yew said. “Obviously when you win the league, everyone wants to beat you. I don’t expect anything different, I don’t expect anything less. We’ve challenged our kids to rise to that occasion because we’re going to get pretty much everyone’s best punch every Friday night.” Senior Hayden Bauserman is back to lead the way at quarterback. Last year Bauserman threw for 1,859 yards and 17 touchdowns. “He’s done a lot of things for us at quarterback the last two years,” Yew said of Bauserman. “He’s physically matured and emotionally matured. His sophomore year he could get pretty upset, pretty quick and he let things
2013 FALCONS • Coach: Mike Yew (Seventh year, 30-35) • Offense/Defense: Pro-I, Spread/4-4 • Key returnees: TE/LB Kolton Poston, QB Hayden Bauserman, OL/DL Josh Gum, WR/LB Justin Bauserman, LB Jonathan Feaster, WR Sam Cornman, WR/DB Zach Herbaugh, RB Daniel Molina, RB/LB Hamilton Argueta, DL Caleb Cook, OL Miguel Argueta, OL/DL Brandon Phillips, WR/DB Travis Cooper • Key losses: RB/LB Jordan Umstead, LB Matt Tingler, OL Cody Brill, DL Cody Neal
bother him, where last year he kind of let things roll off his back and he matured. I think this year as a captain again he just really seems to be going with the flow, and doing everything he has to do to make himself better and his teammates around him better.” Senior Daniel Molina is back after missing the last five games of last season with a torn meniscus. Before the injury, Molina had rushed for 901 yards. Senior fullback Hamilton Argueta is also back at fullback, where he has started the last two seasons.
Rich Cooley/Daily file
Central’s Daniel Molina is one of a slew of returning starters this season. Molina rushed for 901 yards last year despite missing the last five games with an injury. other starting spot on the offensive line. Kolton Poston returns at tight end, where he was also the team’s leading receiver. He will be a four-year starter and had 33 receptions for 492 yards last year.
The Falcons return all but one starter on a very strong offensive line. Josh Gum, Jacob Unger, Miguel Argueta and The Falcons have plenty of depth at Brandon Phillips are all back. Yew said wide receiver this season. They return Sam Cornman, Travis Cooper, Zach Caleb Cook will likely move into the
Herbaugh, Justin Bauserman and Jacob Runion. Junior Tommy Caison also transferred in from Strasburg, which will give quarterback Hayden Bauserman lots of options each Friday night. The Falcons have just as much depth on the defensive side of the ball. Gum, Phillips and Cook all return on FALCONS, 7
240425
By Tommy Keeler Jr.
CENTRAL FALCONS
2013 SCHEDULE Aug. 30 at John Champe, 7 p.m.
Oct. 25 Warren County, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 27 George Mason, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 1
at Madison County, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 4
at Strasburg, 7:30 p.m.
at Manassas Park, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 8
Join the winning team with an ArtCarved Class Ring! www.ArtCarved.com
5
2012 RESULTS (10-3, 5-1 BULL RUN)
Oct. 11 William Monroe, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 24
Sept. 6 Stonewall Jackson, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 18 at Clarke County, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 20 Spotswood, 7:30 p.m.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013
Aug. 31 Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5
beat Broadway, 20-14 beat Stonewall Jackson, 26-24 lost to Warren County, 28-7 beat John Champe, 30-9 beat George Mason, 42-19 lost to Manassas Park, 21-14 beat William Monroe, 62-21
Oct. 12
beat Clarke County, 14-7
Oct. 26
beat Madison County, 55-28
Nov. 2
beat Strasburg, 25-20
Nov. 9
beat Amelia County, 41-19
Nov. 16
beat Strasburg, 25-22
Nov. 23
lost to Essex, 48-28
Finks’ Jewelry Store 134 South Main St. Woodstock, VA
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The Northern Virginia Daily
6 FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013
CENTRAL FALCONS
The Northern Virginia Daily
Gum still inspired by ‘No. 1 fan’ By Tommy Keeler Jr. WOODSTOCK — Josh Gum knows this could be the best season yet for Central. And like everyone he wants to make the most of his senior season, but he knows every time he steps out on the field on Friday nights something will be missing. “It won’t be the same without my No. 1 fan,” Gum said. Gum’s “No. 1 fan” was his grandfather, Donald Warner, who died last November after a long battle with cancer. “He was a very big impact on me. He was my rock,” Gum said. “When he was so bad with cancer he could barely walk, but he drove all the way down to Windsor [for a playoff game in 2011].” Last season the Falcons dedicated a win against Stonewall Jackson to Gum’s grandfather. Gum and his teammates presented his grandfather with the game ball after the game. Gum said it meant a lot to both him and his grandfather. “It brought me to tears once I got off the field,” Gum said. “We were trying to get in the huddle and I could see him over there, but he didn’t know it was coming. I had all my boys behind me — it was great. We handed him that ball and he just broke down in tears. It just meant the world to him. The last two weeks, even on his deathbed, he had that football right there in his arms. It meant so much to him. I’m thankful for [Central] coach [Mike] Yew and everybody who made that happen.”
Rich Cooley/Daily
Central’s Josh Gum, a two-way starting lineman, has been a huge part of the Falcons’ success the last few years. team since he was a freshman. Gum has played at both center and tackle, where he will play this season and said he doesn’t mind playing anywhere on the line.
While he said he prefers to play on offense, Gum also enjoys playing on defense as well. He’s played at both defensive tackle and end for Central. This season he will playing at defensive tackle.
While Gum said he knows that offen“[Central defensive coordinator] coach sive linemen don’t get a lot of credit, the most important thing is helping the [Rowdy] Hoover makes defense so enjoyable,” Gum said. “He’s fun to be team win. with, but at the same time he works “For us, anytime you have an opportu- “It’s just a sense of pride,” Gum said. you hard. He’s a yelling coach, he gets nity to do something special for some“You line up, you know you got to beat in your face, but he gets the point body when they deal with a tough the guy in front of you. We all do what’s across. thing in their life, it’s always a pretty best for the team. We may not get in “I’m definitely starting to like defense genuine thing to do,” Yew said. “It just the papers, but if we get a win that’s more.” seemed like the right thing to do.” better than being in any paper, I Gum is also on the track team and Gum has been a huge part of Central’s think.” success over the last few years. The 6foot-3, 289-pound offensive and defensive lineman has been a starter on the
Gum said it’s also a great feeling to be last year finished fifth in the shot put able to make a block that helps lead to in the Group A state meet. He said doing both track and football help a touchdown.
make him better at each sport. It also helps lifting in the weight room in the offseason, Gum said his current bench press max is 370, and he’s hoping to get to 400 by the winter. The Falcons have been at least cochampions in the Bull Run District for the last two years, and with most of the team returning there’s good reason for high expectations. One of 20 seniors on the team, Yew said he’s looking to Gum for leadership. “I think this year he’s going to take more of an upfront leadership role,” Yew said. “He’s always kind of been a leader, but I think he’s always felt a little bit shy about it because he was an GUM, 7
CENTRAL FALCONS
The Northern Virginia Daily
Falcons Continued from 4
the defensive line, and Yew said senior Thomas Peacemaker will probably be the other starter. “He’s kind of an undersized one, but he’s pretty quick,” Yew said of Peacemaker. “We’re hoping he can wreak some havoc in there, disrupt some plays.” Poston, Hamilton Argueta and Jonathan Feaster all return at linebacker. Central has plenty of depth in the secondary as well. They return three all-district selections in Justin Bauserman, Cooper and Herbaugh. Caison will also see playing time in the defensive backfield.
2012 STATS • Record: 10-3 (5-1 Bull Run) • Passing leader: Hayden Bauserman (159 for 269, 2,443 yards, 24 touchdowns, 15 interceptions) • Rushing leader: Jordan Umstead (180 carries for 1,041 yards, 15 touchdowns) • Receiving leader: Kolton Poston (50 receptions for 635 yards, 8 touchdowns) • Total tackles: Hamilton Argueta (120) • Sacks: Cody Neal (5) • Interceptions: Justin Bauserman, Travis Cooper (4)
“My expectations never change from year to year,” Yew said. “My expectations are us as a staff to put out the best program and best team on that field. And then everything else usually takes care of itself. Obviously we want “We’re going to try to figure out what to win a district title. We want to win a is the best 11 we can put on the field to regional title. We want to win a state be the best team that we can be,” Yew title. We’re no different than anybody said. else in the state, but we want to put The Falcons lost to Essex 48-28 last the best product that we can put out year in the third round of the Group A, here as coaches, and as long as we do Division 2 playoffs. Central has moved our job the best we can things usually up to Division 3 this season, but the have a way of taking care of themteam still has good reason to have high selves.” goals. Contact Assistant Sports Editor Yew said his goal is the same as it is Tommy Keeler at 540-465-5137 every year. ext. 155, or tkeeler@nvdaily.com
Gum
room, camps all season, just to get to that next level. There is life after football, but I want to get as much of it as I Continued from 6 can, because I know once I’m done I’m going to miss it.” underclassman. His teammates voted him as a captain. I think we’ll see more No matter how much success the Falcons have this season Gum will still of a leadership role this year.” Gum said he tries to be a leader to his be missing his “No. 1 fan,” but he will also have a piece of his grandfather teammates, like many of the seniors were to him in years past. Gum said he with him. also tries to help out his younger broth- Gum said he has the football that the team gave to his grandfather and er, Tristan, who is a freshman. keeps it with him. Gum said he went to several college “I carry his football with me every game, camps this past summer, and he’s hopeverywhere I go,” Gum said. “It’s defiing to play at the next level next season. nitely going to be harder this season. “It’s my dream since I was a little kid,” “I know he’s up there looking down on Gum said. “I remember being 8 or 9 me, and hopefully I can do him proud.” years old watching the TV watching the college people, and just thinking Contact Assistant Sports Editor one day that could be me. I’ve pushed Tommy Keeler at 540-465-5137 my whole childhood, in the weight ext. 155, or tkeeler@nvdaily.com
FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013
2013 ROSTER No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 10 11 12 15 16 18 20 21 22 23 24 25 28 31 32 33 34 35 37 40 43 44 45 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 59 63 65 67 68 70 71 75 77 78 82 84 86 88 89
Name Justin Bauserman Connor Hammack Hayden Bauserman Sam Cornman Tommy Caison Sam Barbour Thomas Peacemaker John Hall Killian Boykin Jonathan Feaster Austin Sherman John Hepner Jordan Rau Zach Herbaugh Daniel Molina Tristan Rau Brandon Braithwaite Brandon Davis Eric Ventura Cody Polk T.J. Sloan Chance Estleford Matt Edwards Hank Hoover Trey Riley A.J. Crider Josh Ingle Hamilton Argueta Jesse Cloyd Todd Stocking Caleb Cook Thomas French Miguel Argueta Morgan Lucy-Speidel Brandon Phillips Jacob Unger J.C. Horn Josh Gum Harold Wakeman Jacob Miller Jamie Campbell Manny Rogers Dylan Runion Antolin Perez-Torres Codey Heltzel Riley Peters Dakota Stevens Andrew Cary Kolton Poston Jacob Runion Travis Cooper Issac Waters
Ht. 6-0 5-9 6-3 6-0 6-1 5-11 5-8 6-2 5-10 6-2 5-11 5-7 5-7 6-4 5-7 5-7 5-8 5-5 5-9 5-11 5-6 5-7 5-10 6-0 5-9 5-10 5-8 5-10 5-6 5-8 5-10 5-10 5-9 5-8 5-11 6-1 5-10 6-3 6-0 5-10 6-1 6-2 5-8 5-7 5-10 6-1 5-11 6-3 6-4 5-10 6-1 5-11
Wt. 162 145 212 175 163 175 150 158 145 165 155 135 155 180 175 155 143 115 145 195 130 120 155 171 145 133 168 215 173 205 193 195 225 145 232 245 175 295 195 194 162 252 230 166 255 280 285 189 215 155 190 185
Pos. WR/DB WR/DB QB WR/DB WR/DB QB/LB RB/DL WR/DB WR/DB WR/LB WR/LB WR/LB RB/DB WR/DB RB/LB WR/DB WR/DB RB/DB WR/DB TE/LB WR/DB RB/LB FB/DL RB/LB RB/LB RB/DB FB/LB FB/LB RB/LB RB/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL FB/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL TE/DE TE/LB WR/DB WR/DB WR/LB
Year Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. So. So. So. Jr. So. So. So. So. So. So. So. Sr. Sr. Jr. So. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. So. Sr. Jr. So. Jr. Jr. So. Jr. So. Jr. So. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr.
7
CLARKE COUNTY EAGLES
8 FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013
The Northern Virginia Daily
Eagles hope weight-room work gives boost By Tommy Keeler Jr. BERRYVILLE — Clarke County coach Chris Parker can see a big difference in his team already — literally. The Eagles hit the weight room hard in the offseason, and it has shown with many of the players. “We had a great offseason in the weight room,” Parker said. “I think as a whole team, it’s the strongest team we’ve had as a collective group. We’ve had some hard workers in the past. We’ve had like pockets of guys that maybe have worked harder than others. As a whole, we’ve worked hard.” Parker said he is hopeful that all that hard work in the weight room will pay big dividends in the season. Clarke County lost some key players, especially running back/defensive back Davey Hardesty, but they also return a strong nucleus of players on both sides of the ball. On offense the Eagles will be using multiple offenses. While they still run mostly out of the single-wing, they will also run out of the spread and the pistol at times this season. EAGLES, 11
2013 EAGLES • Coach: Chris Parker (14th year, 74-63) • Offense/Defense: Single wing, multiple/multiple 50 • Key returnees: RB/LB Josh Dulaney, QB/DB Sean McDonald, RB/LB Andy King, OL/DL Luke Estep, TE/DL Ben Wallace, RB/DB Kasey Lake, OL/LB Carson Perkins, OL/DL Logan Withers, OL/DL Buck Bloomingdale • Key losses: RB/DB Davey Hardesty, TE/LB Keith Hummer, RB/DB Eric Stewart, RB/LB Nick Helmut, OL/DL Bryan Brown
Celebrating Over 33 Years of Community Partnership
Rich Cooley/Daily
Clarke County head coach Chris Parker works with his players during their second week of practice heading into this season.
Best wishes for a successful 2013 football season! 239597
CLARKE COUNTY EAGLES
2013 SCHEDULE Aug. 30 at Berkeley Springs (W.Va.), 7:30 p.m. Sept. 13 at Stonewall Jackson, 7 p.m. Sept. 20 Brentsville, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 27 at Strasburg, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 4 Warren County, 7:30 p.m.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013
9
2012 RESULTS (6-5, 3-3 BULL RUN)
Oct. 11
at Madison County, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 24
Oct. 18
Central, 7:30 p.m.
beat Berkeley Springs (W.Va.), 40-0 Oct. 12
lost to Central, 14-7
Aug. 31
lost to Warren County, 27-9
Oct. 19
lost to Manassas Park, 40-28
Sept. 7
beat Stonewall Jackson, 35-7
Sept. 21
lost to Strasburg, 20-13
Oct. 26
beat George Mason, 35-14
Sept. 28
beat John Champe, 49-13
Nov. 2
beat William Monroe, 61-19
beat Madison County, 12-7
Nov. 9
lost to Buckingham County, 48-20
Oct. 25
at Manassas Park, 7:30 p.m.
Nov. 1
George Mason, 7:30 p.m.
Nov. 8
William Monroe, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 5
239599
The Northern Virginia Daily
10 FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013
CLARKE COUNTY EAGLES
The Northern Virginia Daily
Clarke’s McDonald a two-way threat at QB By Tommy Keeler Jr. BERRYVILLE — Since his days playing in youth football league, Sean McDonald has always been a dual threat. There were years he would play at quarterback and other times he would be the running back. So it’s no surprise that McDonald fits into Clarke County’s single-wing offense perfectly. The Clarke County junior was the quarterback last year for the team, and was also one of the top rushers on the team. “Growing up always being part running back, part quarterback, I’ve always been prepared to run,” McDonald said. “I feel like I’m a physical guy for a quarterback.” While McDonald enjoys running, he said he prefers to pass the ball. That’s part of why he’s worked extra hard in the offseason to become a better quarterback. He’s worked with former Sherando standout and current University of South Alabama quarterback Ross Metheny and former Millbrook standout Andrew Oates on his game. “When I was working with Ross [Metheny] the biggest thing he said that got him through high school and college was that he had better footwork than everyone else,” McDonald said. “So I really took that to heart and focused on the mechanics. A lot of little things that I didn’t even realize I was doing last year, he was kind of touching up on.” This season his improved passing Rich Cooley/Daily skills could come in very handy as the Eagles are going to be using mul- Clarke County’s Sean McDonald worked hard in the offseason to become a better quarterback. tiple offenses. They plan to use the spread and the pistol along with the ning the single wing for so long, but and they just run it so perfectly. If single wing. we’re running it well,” McDonald we can even do it half as well as McDonald said he’s very excited for said. “We’ve got the right guys to do those guys, then I feel like we’ll be the offensive changes. it, especially when you watch the set.” NFL and you see guys like “As far as the spread and pistol Much like RGIII is looking to be [Washington Redskins quarterback] goes, it’s always difficult to put in a Robert Griffin [III] run the pistol, more of a passer this season, so is new system when we’ve been run-
McDonald. McDonald said he feels confident in all of his receivers, and said he worked hard to build chemistry with them in the offseason. His favorite target from last year — Davey Hardesty — graduated, but McDonald said he thinks it’s a good thing that he doesn’t have just one go-to guy. McDonald said his father, who played at Loudoun Valley, has been a big influence on him. He said his father always encouraged him to play against older players to improve and get better. That’s part of the reason McDonald handled last year really well. He was moved up to varsity to become the starting quarterback as a sophomore. “We threw him into the fire early,” Clarke County coach Chris Parker said. “He did a great job. He’s very dedicated and focused. Throws a good ball. When we ask him to run the ball, he obviously does it in the single wing. He can also block, too. He’s got the whole package.” Last season McDonald ran for 680 yards on 113 attempts. He also threw for 961 yards on 48 for 117 passing. He threw eight touchdown passes and ran for five. He also plays at safety on defense and had 20 tackles and two interceptions last year. “It’s kind of a leadership role on defense, too,” McDonald said of playing safety. “It’s fun. I like playing on both sides of the ball.” McDonald said he went to camps at JMU, Richmond, Shippensburg (Pa.), ODU and Towson this summer. He said he also got stronger, by working out in the weight room throughout the offseason. With a year at quarterback under his belt, McDonald said he expects to be an even better leader for the team this season. MCDONALD, 11
The Northern Virginia Daily
Eagles Continued from 8
Leading the way will be quarterback Sean McDonald, who has worked on improving his passing skills in the offseason.
“He’s a lot stronger overall,” Parker said. “He’s always thrown, in my opinion, a good ball, but he’s refined his technique. You can tell that.”
CLARKE COUNTY EAGLES Withers and Buck Bloomingdale are all returners. Ben Wallace and Vince Zduoba will each see time at tight end. “I figure [our experience] is going to help us a lot,” Parker said. “We have to take care of business on the practice field, but I think we’ll be prepared to play.”
The Eagles also return some valuable experience on the defensive side of the ball. Wallace, Estep, Withers and The running game will be led by seniors Josh Dulaney, Andy King and Bloomingdale return on the defensive line. Clarke County defensive Kasey Lake. coordinator Casey Childs said Julius The Eagles will have quite a few Green will also see playing time on players back on the offensive line. the defensive front. Luke Estep, Carson Perkins, Logan Dulaney and King will lead the way 2012 STATS at the linebackers spots, with Perkins joining them in the middle. • Record: 6-5 (3-3 Bull Run)
• Passing leader: Sean McDonald (48 for 117, 961 yards, 8 touchdowns, 10 interceptions) • Rushing leader: Davey Hardesty (183 carries for 1,454 yards, 25 touchdowns) • Receiving leader: Davey Hardesty (28 receptions for 454 yards, 4 touchdowns) • Total tackles: Josh Dulaney (145) • Sacks: Ben Wallace (3.5) • Interceptions: Kasey Lake (4)
McDonald Continued from 10
“Last year I was a leader on the team, but I didn’t have as much influence as a whole,” McDonald said. “But this year we got me, Josh [Dulaney] Andy [King], Buck [Bloomingdale] all of the big seniors. I have just as much voice as they do this year. Being a quarterback you have to have the strong voice, and I’m not afraid to tell people what we need to do to win, because you only have so many years of high school and if we waste time then it’s gone.”
Lake and Wayne Rouse will lead the way in the defensive backfield. Childs said McDonald will also see playing time back there, but they will try to give him some breaks so he can focus on his quarterback duties. “I think we return eight kids that got experience on defense in some way, and it’s the second year running the same defense,” Childs said. “The
McDonald said losing in the first round of the playoffs has become a habit that the Eagles want to break. “It’s definitely something that we want to get over,” McDonald said. “We feel like that’s a big monkey on our back — to win that first playoff game. I feel like if there’s any year we’re going to do it, it’s going to be this year. With us adding more passing, I feel like we’ll have a better chance not only in our district, but in the region and in the state.
“We definitely want to get as far as we can, especially for the seniors, because this is their last year and Last year the Eagles went 6-4 in the they want to go out with a bang.” regular season, but lost to Contact Assistant Sports Editor Buckingham County in the first Tommy Keeler at 540-465-5137 round of the playoffs. ext. 155, or tkeeler@nvdaily.com
FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013
11
kids are a lot more in tune with what what they did last year. we’re trying to do. We’re trying to put “Our goal every year is to win the every athlete we have, on the field on state championship,” Parker said. the defensive side.” “You gotta start from day one. I honThe kicking and punting duties are estly take it game by game. Our goal up in the air, but the coaches said obviously is to go as far as we can they like the prospects that they have. and have that trophy in our sight.” Coming off a 6-5 season in which they lost a lot of close games, the team is motivated to build off of
Contact Assistant Sports Editor Tommy Keeler at 540-465-5137 ext. 155, or tkeeler@nvdaily.com
2013 ROSTER No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 14 20 24 25 28 32 35 37 40 46 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 58 59 60 61 64 66 67 69 70 73 76 77 86 89
Name Kasey Lake Greg Shippa Scottie Aycock Steven Walker Wayne Rouss Jaxon Ottobre Andy King Matthew Dang Sean McDonald Justin Dulaney Michael Fields William Jackson Robbie Kenny Ben Wallace Jordan Turner Tommy Kenny Josh Dulaney Jordan Robinson Vince Zduoba Brady Hayes Josh Jones Sam Tintaya Clayton Murphy Julius Grant Chris Large Carson Perkins Cody Moulds Logan Withers Zach Melusen Lee Louthan Alexander Broome Evan Whirley Christian Camacho Buck Bloomingdale Daniel Johnson Daniel Moseley Jacob Buckman Mark Alexander Luke Estep Sam White Will Roper Matt Cleary
Height 6-0 5-8 6-2 5-11 5-9 5-8 5-11 5-10 6-3 6-2 5-9 5-10 5-9 6-2 5-9 6-0 6-2 6-0 6-2 5-11 6-0 6-0 5-10 5-11 5-9 6-2 6-0 5-10 6-1 5-11 5-9 5-10 5-10 6-0 5-10 6-0 5-10 6-2 6-3 6-3 6-0 5-11
Weight 170 155 160 160 170 140 205 160 200 185 165 150 160 190 165 185 205 185 210 170 185 170 205 220 160 215 180 200 200 200 200 195 205 210 185 255 230 250 240 180 180 165
Pos. RB/DB QB/DB RB/DB RB/DB RB/DB QB/DB RB/LB RB/DB QB/DB TE/DB RB/LB RB/DB RB/DB TE/DE RB/DB TE/DE RB/LB RB/LB TE/DL RB/DB TE/LB OL/DE OL/DE OL/DL OL/DL OL/LB OL/DE OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL TE/LB TE/DE
Year Sr. So. Sr. Jr. Sr. So. Sr. So. Jr. Jr. So. So. So. Sr. So. Jr. Sr. So. Jr. Jr. So. Sr. So. So. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. So. So. So. So. So. Sr. So. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. So. So. Jr.
HANDLEY JUDGES
12 FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013
The Northern Virginia Daily
Judges aim to bounce back from rough year By Tommy Keeler Jr. WINCHESTER — Last year was a rough one for Handley. With a young and inexperienced team the Judges went through some hard times. Now a year older and more experienced, the team has high hopes for what it can accomplish. The Judges return nine starters on offense and eight on defense. Handley coach Tony Rayburn said despite their 3-7 record, he was happy with how they progressed each week last season. “We kept trying to get better each week, and I thought we really improved as a team,” Rayburn said. “At the end of the year we were a much JUDGES, 15
2013 JUDGES • Coach: Tony Rayburn (12th year, 86-39) • Offense/Defense: Multiple I, Spread/50 • Key returnees: WR/DB Justin Washington, RB/LB Jack Pingley, WR/DB Jarrett Cestaro, WR/DB Brian Thomas, QB Will Dearing, RB/DB Dontae Mauck, LB Will Martin, DB Andrew Lins, TE/LB Ben Nelson, OL/DL Marquaye Jackson, OL/DL Clif Ambers, OL/DL Jordan Dowrey, OL/DL Cole Daylor, OL/DL Troy Bergin, OL/DL Zahrain Washington • Key losses: RB/LB Skylar Wotring, RB/LB Tyree Summers
Rich Cooley/Daily file
Skyline’s Dayvon Haight breaks up a pass intended for Handley’s Justin Washington near the end of the first half during a game last season in Front Royal.
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HANDLEY JUDGES
2013 SCHEDULE Aug. 31 Liberty, 1 p.m.
Oct. 4
Sept. 6 at Harrisonburg, 7 p.m.
at Kettle Run, 7 p.m.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013
2012 RESULTS (3-7, 1-3 NORTHWESTERN) Aug. 25
beat Dominion, 17-10
Oct. 5
lost to Kettle Run, 34-0
Oct. 18 at Sherando, 7 p.m.
Sept. 1
lost to Harrisonburg, 32-21
Oct. 13
lost to Sherando, 21-0
Sept. 13 at Fauquier, 7 p.m.
Oct. 26 Skyline, 1 p.m.
Sept. 7
lost to Martinsburg (W.Va.), 63-7 Oct. 19
lost to Skyline, 42-31
Sept. 20 at Eastern View, 7 p.m.
Nov. 1
at Millbrook, 7 p.m.
Sept. 15
lost to Fauquier, 42-21
Oct. 27
lost to Millbrook, 27-24
James Wood, 1 p.m.
Sept. 28
beat Washington (W.Va.), 27-7
Nov. 2
beat James Wood, 28-7
Sept. 28 Washington (W.Va.), 1 p.m. Nov. 9
13
239600
The Northern Virginia Daily
14 FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013
HANDLEY JUDGES
The Northern Virginia Daily
Dowrey uses big brother as measuring stick By Tommy Keeler Jr.
make a big play for his team on that side of the ball.
WINCHESTER — Jordan Dowrey and his older brother, Derek, have always been competitive.
Jordan Dowrey had 115 tackles and 3.5 sacks last season for the Judges. In the offseason, Jordan Dowrey went to 13 camps at various colleges and already has scholarship offers from Richmond, UConn and Hampton.
The sibling rivalry between the two even dates as far back as their birth. “They’re competitive about who weighed the more at birth,” Derek Dowrey Sr. said. “They still argue about it. Derek was 12 pounds when he was born, which is insane, but he was two weeks late. And Jordan was 10 days early and was 10 pounds then. So, he says ‘I would have been bigger’ and they compete about it all the time. It goes all the way back to that.”
Jordan Dowrey said he’s keeping his options open and taking his time with making a final decision, but he’s happy to know that he will be playing at the college level. It’s something he’s wanted to do since going to a Penn State game with his brother on a recruiting trip. “One of the games I was at visiting with my family and Derek I was like, ‘I want to be a part of this,’” Jordan Dowrey said. “And since then I’ve been doing everything I can to get ready for that.”
Derek Dowrey Jr. was a very good player for Handley, where he graduated in 2012. He currently plays at Penn State. Jordan Dowrey is getting ready to start his senior season at Handley, where he is entering his fourth season. Jordan Dowrey has always looked up to Derek, and has always wanted to do everything his older brother did. “There’s a lot of competition there, definitely, but the thing for me is he’s three years older,” Jordan Dowrey said. “I’m two grades behind him, so I’m trying to make up that year in age and keep up doing the same thing he did every grade.”
Rich Cooley/Daily
Handley’s Jordan Dowrey is coming off a big season for the Judges, in which he had a team-high 115 tackles.
One thing Jordan has done that his brother didn’t was to win a wrestling state title. Jordan Dowrey won the Group AA heavyweight title last year at Salem as a junior. However, Jordan Dowrey said he definitely prefers football over wrestling.
“I don’t think I’m a wrestler,” Jordan Dowrey said. “I am a football player, that’s how it makes the most sense. I Dowrey has certainly left his own Jordan Dowrey’s life not only because wrestle when I wrestle, but I love it. mark on Handley’s football program. his brother played, but also because That experience was great last year. He was a starter at center his freshhis father was an assistant football Derek Dowrey Sr. said that while it’s Salem’s a great place to go. A ton of man season, in which the Judges coach and still is. been tough at times, he thinks Jordan people, a high level of intensity — it’s a advanced to the Group AA, Division 3 Jordan said Derek Sr. didn’t force him lot of fun.” has handled everything really well. state semifinals. and his brother to play, but it’s some“It’s an awfully big shadow,” Dowrey As he prepares to start his senior Jordan Dowrey said it was a great thing they both wanted to do. Sr. said. “I mean literally and figurayear at Handley, Jordan Dowrey said learning experience for him. “Its a great way to learn,” Jordan tively, Derek casts a big shadow. He his senior year will be bittersweet. “I was the only [freshman] that was Dowrey said. “We sit around the dinwasn’t just an older brother like some Derek Sr. teaches at the school, and people have, he was a pretty good older there the whole season, and it was an ner table and talk about football and Jordan has grown up around the brother. And so it’s helped Jordan more established group,” Jordan Dowrey break things down because we want to. school since he was a youth. than it’s hurt him. said. “They had been to the state semi- Because we like thinking about the “I couldn’t imagine being at any other game, it’s fun for us. It’s been a great “I think overall it’s been to his advan- finals the year before that, regional school,” Jordan Dowrey said. “Honestly, way to learn more about the game.” tage to have Derek as an older brother. finals the year before that. I was part I felt like I belonged at Handley when of something that had been estabNot only to have someone to learn Jordan Dowrey plays at guard now on I was in middle school and elementary lished. Everyone had that expectation, the offensive line, but playing defense school. I grew up in the building. I from, and to be inspired by, just because it’s a goal to attain. It’s some- and I just walked in and being a part is what he likes the most. He plays on knew my way around before renovaof that was awesome.” thing to live up to.” tions. I grew up in there. the defensive line, and said there’s The 6-foot-2 270-pound Jordan Football has always been a big part of something special about being able to DOWREY, 15
HANDLEY JUDGES
The Northern Virginia Daily
Judges Continued from 12
better team than where we started at. Hopefully we’ll build off of what we ended with, and I think we have a chance to have a good football team.” Rayburn said he really liked how his players responded in the offseason.
2012 STATS • Record: 3-7 (1-3 Northwestern) • Passing leader: Will Dearing (125 for 231, for 1,562 yards, 14 touchdowns, 10 interceptions) • Rushing leader: Dontae Mauck (76 carries for 402 yards, 4 touchdowns) • Receiving leader: Justin Washington (45 receptions for 630 yards, 7 touchdowns)
“I think they were a little embar• Total tackles: Jordan Dowrey (115) rassed,” Rayburn said. “I think they • Sacks: Brogan McPartland (7.5) really had the taste of losing and they don’t like it. I told them I’ve been doing • Interceptions: Brian Thomas (3) this 23 years and this is the best group we’ve ever had in the weight room. The up to him. He’s taken lumps. He’s paid main core of our kids worked four days his dues, that’s for sure.” a week from January through August. Millbrook transfer D.J. Frisby, a junThat’s some dedication. ior, will be the Judges’ primary running back. “We look a lot more like a football team this year. Physically we fill out Handley will have plenty of depth at our uniforms a whole lot more.” receiver. They have Justin Washington, Dontae Mauck, Jarett Cestaro and Handley junior quarterback Will Dearing is back for his third year as a Brian Thomas all returning from last starter. year. Senior Jason Morgan, who did Dearing threw for 1,562 yards on 125 not play last year, will also be in the mix. of 231 passing and 14 touchdowns. “I think we’re deeper than we’ve ever “Will’s just matured physically, he’s put on 20 pounds,” Rayburn said. “He’s been at receiver,” Rayburn said. 6-3, 180-85, he was 160 last year. He’s Handley also returns its entire offenimproved his arm strength, making sive line. Jordan Dowrey, Cole Daylor, reads, his knowledge of the offense. Zahrain Washington, Clif Ambers and “He’s one of those kids that you could- Troy Bergin all return. Rayburn said Ben Nelson and Kingsley will each see n’t ask him to do any more than he does. He’s a leader, too. The kids look time at tight end.
Dowrey Continued from 14
“For me, it’s home as much as anything.”
That’s part of the reason the last two seasons have bothered Jordan Dowrey so much. Two years ago the Judges went 5-6, losing in the first round of the playoffs. Last year they went 3-7, and it didn’t sit well with Jordan Dowrey or his teammates.
Jordan Dowrey said this season the team is focused on turning things around and making sure the program is back on track and in the
playoffs again. “We just have that expectation,” Jordan Dowrey said. “The expectation and especially the fuel from last year, just because that kind of eats at you. We had the entire offseason to think about that. “It was the first year I think in nine years that we weren’t in the playoffs. That eats at all of us. It bothers us. [Handley head] coach [Tony] Rayburn had a pretty good streak going and I hate that I was on the team that ruined it.” Contact Assistant Sports Editor Tommy Keeler at 540-465-5137 ext. 155, or tkeeler@nvdaily.com
FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013
Dowrey, Zahrain Washington, Bergin, Dennis Vega and Marquaye Jackson will lead the way on the defensive front for the Judges.
15
field to prove how good they can be, and the players are excited to do that.
“I think we have the potential to do very well,’ Dowrey said. “If we’re not Senior Jack Pingley is back at linesuccessful I think that’s going to have backer. Rayburn said senior linebacker a lot to do with what we’re doing and Will Martin has really improved in the the mistakes we’re making. I think the weight room. biggest thing is for us to make sure The defensive backfield should also be that we do what we’re supposed to do regardless of who we’re playing.” solid led by Justin Washington, Thomas, Morgan, Frisby and Andrew Contact Assistant Sports Editor Lins. Tommy Keeler at 540-465-5137 The Judges will have to go out on the
ext. 155, or tkeeler@nvdaily.com
2013 ROSTER No. 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 30 32 34 35 43 44 45 52 56 58 61 62 63 70 74 75 84
Name Matthew Elliott Malachi Strother Dolan Delaney Justin Washington Jason Morgan D.J. Frisby Jack Pingley Dennis Vega Jarrett Cestaro Dustin Cutter Eduardo Guzman Nick Dempsey Brian Thomas Will Dearing Marquaye Jackson Christian Hoffman Dontae Mauck Mike Felder Nick Marshall Nikia Best Jude Aschenbrenner Jacob Shade Anthony Smith Will Martin Jake Orndorff Andrew Lins Ben Nelson Travis Reigle Tyrone Bowley Clif Ambers Jordan Dowrey Cole Daylor Troy Bergin Noah Climer Tommy Shea-Roop Max Prado Zahrain Washington Marcos Tacticos
Height 5-11 5-9 5-11 6-4 5-10 5-8 5-8 5-11 5-11 5-10 5-8 6-1 5-5 6-2 6-0 5-10 5-11 5-10 5-9 5-8 6-3 5-7 5-5 5-10 5-10 5-9 6-4 6-2 6-1 6-5 6-2 6-0 6-0 6-3 6-3 6-0 6-3 5-10
Weight 165 150 165 195 160 170 195 175 140 160 165 200 140 180 250 175 160 165 180 150 160 160 155 190 170 160 200 220 210 260 270 260 240 250 230 285 330 150
Pos. QB/DB RB/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB RB/DB WR/DB RB/LB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB QB/DB WR/DB QB/DB RB/DL RB/LB RB/DB WR/DB K/P WR/DB TE/LB RB/LB RB/LB RB/LB WR/DB RB/DB TE/LB TE/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL WR/DB
Year So. Sr. So. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. So. So. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. So. Jr. Sr. So.
JAMES WOOD COLONELS
16 FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013
The Northern Virginia Daily
Well-traveled McHale now leads Colonels By Brad Fauber WINCHESTER — Mark McHale has bounced around from place to place during his coaching career, which has included plenty of stops at both the high school and college levels.
Wood’s football team in what will likely be McHale’s final coaching destination.
“This is my alma mater. I’ve been traveling all over the place for 40 years and I get to come home,” said McHale, who graduated from James Wood in 1968 and is a member of the The 62-year-old McHale has coached school’s P. Wendell Dick Hall Of Fame. “I’ve got family here — I’ve under the legendary Bobby Bowden seen more of my family since I’ve at Florida State University, was an been here than I had in the last five assistant at Southern Mississippi (where he recruited Brett Favre) and years. I have a great staff to work with, great young men who work most recently coached at Alcorn hard. To come back to your alma State in 2012. McHale served as Warren County’s mater is a good way to end it.” head football coach in the late 1990s, McHale replaces former Colonels and he coached a few seasons of high head coach Mike Bolin, who coached school football in Mississippi as well. for five seasons at James Wood But now McHale has finally returned before stepping down from the position, and McHale’s presence has home to Winchester to lead James made an immediate impact on Colonels players. 2013 COLONELS McHale was adamant about employ• Coach: Mark McHale (first year) ing a strict strength and conditioning • Offense/Defense: Multiple, Multiple 4-3 program in the offseason, and many players have already noticed the • Key returnees: WR/DB Dakota Orndorff, QB Cam Butler, P/K/DB Willi effects of those drills. And it isn’t just Spears, QB/DB Brady Hepner, HB/LB the physical work that McHale has Daniel Funkhouser demanded that has caught the eyes • Key losses: RB/LB Dallas Corbin, of the James Wood players — they RB/LB Joey Eubank, OL/DL Erik Bearer, are also aware of his extensive coachRich Cooley/Daily file TE/DL Mason Longerbeam, RB/WR/DB ing background. Sherando quarterback Reid Entsminger runs for yardage as James Bradley Skillman, RB/LB Levi Roy COLONELS, 19 Wood’s Dakota Orndorff pulls him down during a game last season.
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239583
JAMES WOOD COLONELS
2013 SCHEDULE Aug. 30 Heritage (Leesburg), 7 p.m. Oct. 4
at Broadway, 7:30 p.m.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013
2012 RESULTS (1-9, 0-4 NORTHWESTERN) Aug. 24
beat Heritage (Leesburg), 30-27
Sept. 28
lost to Warren County, 32-7
Oct. 11 Sherando, 7 p.m.
Aug. 31
lost to Loudoun Valley, 52-19
Oct. 5
lost to Sherando, 50-14
Sept. 13 at Warren County, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 18 at Skyline, 7 p.m.
Sept. 7
lost to Musselman (W.Va.), 41-0
Oct. 19
lost to Millbrook, 42-7
Sept. 20 Strasburg, 7 p.m.
Oct. 25 Millbrook, 7 p.m.
Sept. 14
lost to Hedgesville (W.Va.), 27-19 Oct. 26
lost to Fauquier, 48-8
Sept. 27 at Fauquier, 7 p.m.
Nov. 9
Sept. 21
lost to Skyline, 27-19
lost to Handley, 28-7
Sept. 6 Loudoun Valley, 7 p.m.
at Handley, 1 p.m.
17
Nov. 2
239601
The Northern Virginia Daily
JAMES WOOD COLONELS
18 FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013
The Northern Virginia Daily
James Wood counting on Orndorff to lead By Brad Fauber WINCHESTER — James Wood’s football team lost plenty of its on-field leadership from last season, as the Colonels graduated 17 seniors from a team that went just 1-9 in 2012. With so few true varsity veterans returning to this year’s team, those who did see significant playing time last season for James Wood will be looked upon to help the Colonels rebound this season under new head coach Mark McHale. Senior Dakota Orndorff is one of those guys, and the 6-foot, 190-pound wide receiver/cornerback will play a crucial role to the success of the Colonels in 2013. “He’s got a big role, he’s playing both ways,” McHale said recently. “He’s got to make big plays for us.” Orndorff returns for his senior season as James Wood’s leading receiver from a year ago, when he caught 32 passes for 453 yards and four touchdowns. James Wood will need to get that kind of production — and them some — again this year as the offense welcomes some new faces across the board. Orndorff’s leadership on offense took on an even larger importance earlier this preseason when senior quarterback Cam Butler was diagnosed with mononucleosis and will be out indefinitely. “I just hope to provide the team with some catches, some yardage, some touchdowns and just help get some wins as a team,” Orndorff said. “It’s not about one person, it’s going to take the whole team to win this year.” In Butler’s absence, junior Brady Hepner will step into the starting quarterback role, which is just fine with Orndorff. Orndorff and Hepner have been good friends for quite some time, as the two have also played baseball together over the years. Orndorff said it hasn’t taken long for the duo to develop a good quarterback-receiver connection on the field
Brad Fauber/Daily
James Wood senior Dakota Orndorff returns as one of the few veterans on a Colonels team looking to turn things around from a 1-9 season a year ago. in practice. “We’ve been friends for a while, so we’ve got good chemistry already,” Orndorff said. “The chemistry level is pretty good because we play baseball together and stuff like that.” Defensively, Orndorff will look to help lead a team that struggled to keep opposing offenses contained last season.
the Colonels will play to the team’s strength this year. “I think our defense is going to be a ton better than last year. It’s a completely different defense, a lot more aggressive style, and I think that’s going to help us,” Orndorff said. “I think we’re going to create a lot more turnovers than last year.”
Orndorff’s willingness to step in as a leader for an inexperienced team has The Colonels allowed a whopping 38.6 caught the eye of McHale, who said points per game last year, a number Orndorff immediately made a good first that will need to drop considerably if impression during offseason workouts James Wood hopes to be more competi- as soon as Orndorff arrived following tive on the field this season. the conclusion of the 2012 baseball season. Orndorff said a lot of focus has been placed on the defense so far in practice. “He plays other sports, and he’s been a James Wood will show multiple looks leader in other sports. Kids look up to on defense this season, with the 4-3 him. He practices with example, he likely to play a prominent role, and goes hard,” McHale said. “That’s how Orndorff thinks the aggressiveness of you lead — you lead by example, and
people will follow you. He can be a leader, he can say ‘Look at me, look what I’m doing,’ and that’s where he’ll be a good asset to us.” Orndorff, who admits that he isn’t a big vocal leader, is excited about his increased role with James Wood this year and said knowing what is expected out of the seniors has affected the way he prepares for the upcoming season. “I’ve kind of approached it as I’ve got to work harder because I’m a senior and people look up to seniors. So I’ve kind of just taken that and kind of ran with it a little bit,” Orndorff said. “It’s definitely something that I look forward to, just being out there with people that follow behind me. I like being in charge.” Contact sports writer Brad Fauber at 540-465-5137 ext. 184, or bfauber@nvdaily.com
The Northern Virginia Daily
Colonels Continued from 16
“He definitely knows what he’s doing when it comes to football, and he’s a big motivator for us,” senior fullback/linebacker Daniel Funkhouser said. “He demands perfection, and everybody wants to be perfect for him because it’s a big year for all of us seniors.”
JAMES WOOD COLONELS James Wood appears to have an uphill climb in doing so, as the Colonels return little experience from last year’s team that graduated 17 seniors.
The Colonels will also be without starting quarterback Cam Butler — one of the few returning veterans on the team — who was diagnosed with mononucleosis and will be out indefinitely. Junior Brady Hepner will be the starting quarterback in Butler’s absence, and McHale said Hepner McHale said he has been pleased with the effort and enthusiasm that has “filled in really well” so far in he has seen from his players so far in practice. practice, and the longtime coach said “It definitely hurts us with experihe even got a pleasant surprise this ence at quarterback, but Brady is offseason when the entire James going to step in and he’s going to do Wood football program — varsity and fine,” said senior wide receiver/defenjunior varsity teams combined — sive back Dakota Orndorff (32 catchhad perfect attendance during sumes, 453 yards, four touchdowns in mer workouts. 2012). “I kind of like Brady — he’s
“We didn’t have a single player miss the entire summer workouts out of 74 football players. That’s unbelievable,” McHale said. “I don’t know many programs that can say every one of their players made their quotas for workouts in the summer, but they’ve been here since I got here March 11. They’ve been lifting weights, doing the speed program, conditioning program. They’ve done everything we’ve asked them to do, so I’m real tickled with them. We’ve got a good group of seniors who want to have a successful year.”
That drive to be successful will be crucial for the Colonels, who are trying to turn things around from a dreadful 1-9 season a year ago.
2012 STATS • Record: 1-9, 0-4 Northwestern • Passing leader: Cam Butler (93 for 203, 1,163 yards, 8 touchdowns, 12 interceptions) • Rushing leader: Dallas Corbin (79 carries for 336 yards, 2 touchdowns) • Receiving leader: Dakota Orndorff (32 catches for 453 yards, 4 touchdowns) • Total tackles: Joey Eubank (66) • Sacks: Mason Longerbeam (7) • Interceptions: Brett Lewin (2)
FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013
to turn it around, it might take two years, it might take three, but we’re going to get it going in the right direction and this bunch has an opportunity to possibly do it the first
year, but we’re going to have to wait and see.” Contact sports writer Brad Fauber at 540-465-5137 ext. 184, or bfauber@nvdaily.com
2013 ROSTER No.
Name
Position
2
Willi Spears
P/K/DB
5-7
157
Sr.
3
Jacob Potter
WR/DB
5-6
132
So.
5
Tylar Merriner
WR/DB
5-6
136
Sr.
7
Johnny Crouse
QB/DB
5-8
140
Jr.
8
Brady Hepner
WR/DB
6-0
171
Jr.
9
Ryan Seymour
WR/DB
5-8
165
Jr.
10
Camden Butler
QB
5-11
172
Sr.
19
Logan King
WR/DB
5-8
160
Jr.
21
Thomas Papastavrou
WR/DB
5-8
166
Sr.
23
Dakota Orndorff
WR/DB
6-0
192
Sr.
25
Barrett Davis
RB/DB
5-4
142
Sr.
26
Nick Manuel
WR/DB
5-9
147
Jr.
28
Tyler Bishop
RB/LB
5-8
175
So.
30
Dustin Feathers
HB/LB
5-7
182
Jr.
33
Tucker Simmers
RB/LB
5-9
152
Jr.
35
Sean Ramsey
TE/DE
5-8
168
Sr.
37
Reid Barber
RB/LB
5-8
152
Jr.
40
Landon Rutherford
RB/DB
5-10
191
Jr.
42
Christian Marchelewski
OL/DL
5-9
185
Sr.
44
Dakota Hiles
HB/LB
5-7
158
Jr.
Defensively, the Colonels will look to improve upon last year’s performance in which they allowed 38.6 points per game. James Wood should have some good senior leadership on the defensive side of the ball with Orndorff and Barrett Davis in the secondary, Marcus Lemley at linebacker, and Christian Marchelewski and Nick Floyd along the defensive line.
45
Daniel Funkhouser
HB/LB
5-10
197
Sr.
46
Connor Rhodes
RB/LB
5-11
173
Jr.
47
Trent McCarty
RB/LB
5-8
210
Jr.
50
Adam Vadell
OL/DL
5-11
226
So.
54
Jesus Correa
OL/DL
6-0
222
Jr.
67
Dominic Hiles
OL/DL
5-4
141
Jr.
70
Jacob Mallon
OL/DL
5-8
215
Jr.
72
Hayden Bridges
OL/DL
5-7
331
Sr.
73
Devin Moncrief
OL/DL
6-1
202
Jr.
74
Tyler Owens
OL/DL
5-10
209
Jr.
McHale knows that the turnaround of James Wood’s program probably won’t happen overnight, but he is dedicated to getting the Colonels moving in the right direction as quickly as possible.
75
Nick Floyd
OL/DL
6-0
262
Sr.
76
Marcus Lemley
OL/DL
5-11
210
Sr.
77
Jake Jenkins
OL/DL
6-1
254
Jr.
79
Cody Feltner
OL/DL
6-0
339
Jr.
80
Branson Ratlief
TE/DE
6-5
181
Jr.
“The thing is they’re doing everything we’re asking them to do. We want to put them in a position to win, but all we can ask them to do is go out there and play hard and we’ll just take it one day at a time,” McHale said. “It might take one year
81
John Perry
TE/LB
5-9
205
Sr.
83
Adam Bearer
WR/DB
5-11
160
Jr.
84
Dalton Clark
WR/DB
5-4
138
Jr.
85
Colin Benner
TE/DE
6-3
192
Jr.
88
Brandon Johnson
WR/DB
5-9
160
Jr.
89
Garrett Winters
WR/DB
5-10
139
Jr.
got some wheels on him, so that will help. Once he gets his decision-making down he can start just getting the feel of things.” McHale said James Wood will show multiple looks on both offense and defense, and the offensive playbook alone contains about 45 different formations.
19
Ht.
Wt.
Year
MILLBROOK PIONEERS
20 FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013
The Northern Virginia Daily
New Pioneers coach Haymore relishes challenge By Brad Fauber WINCHESTER — Josh Haymore faces a tough challenge in his first season as the head football coach at Millbrook as he must fill the gaping voids left in the wake of the loss of 21 seniors off last season’s squad. The Pioneers return just four players with significant varsity experience from a team that went 6-5 and made the playoffs a year ago, and Millbrook lost key pieces from all over the field, posing an obstacle that Haymore admits has been the toughest part of the 2013 preseason. Still, Haymore — who replaced former Millbrook coach Reed Prosser — is upbeat about his first season at the helm, and initial impressions of PIONEERS, 23
2013 PIONEERS • Coach: Josh Haymore (first year) • Offense/Defense: Multiple, Multiple • Key returnees: OL/DL Jonathan Crowley, RB/LB Devon Sharp, RB/LB Dylan Wisman, WR/DB Taylor James, OL/DL Logan Weems • Key losses: QB/DB Justin Neff, RB/DB Justin Anderson, WR/LB T.J. Bruce, OL/DL A.J. Bolden, WR/DB Rze Culbreath, RB/LB Logan Rodeffer, OL/DL Grant Johnson
Rich Cooley/Daily
Josh Haymore, Millbrook’s new football coach, will rebuild the Pioneers football team after losing 21 seniors from last year’s squad.
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MILLBROOK PIONEERS
2013 SCHEDULE Aug. 30 at Broadway, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 4
Skyline, 7 p.m.
Sept. 6 Hedgesville (W.Va.), 7 p.m. Oct. 11 at Jefferson (W.Va.), 7 p.m.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013
21
2012 RESULTS (6-5, 2-2 NORTHWESTERN) Aug. 24
lost to Tuscarora, 41-21
Oct. 12
beat Brentsville, 49-6
Aug. 31
beat Broadway, 27-14
Oct. 19
beat James Wood, 42-7
Sept. 7
beat Jefferson (W.Va.), 55-6
Sept. 14
beat Harrisonburg, 34-33
Oct. 27
beat Handley, 27-24
Sept. 13 Kettle Run, 7 p.m.
Oct. 25 at James Wood, 7 p.m.
Sept. 20 Fauquier, 7 p.m.
Nov. 1
Handley, 7 p.m.
Sept. 21
lost to Fauquier, 21-14
Nov. 2
lost to Sherando, 33-14
Sept. 27 at Chancellor, 7 p.m.
Nov. 8
at Sherando, 7 p.m.
Oct. 5
lost to Skyline, 43-29
Nov. 9
lost to Tuscarora, 42-21
239602
The Northern Virginia Daily
22 FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013
MILLBROOK PIONEERS
The Northern Virginia Daily
Pioneers’ Crowley embraces change as senior By Brad Fauber WINCHESTER — Things are a little bit different for Jonathan Crowley this season. After spending the first two years of his high school varsity football career playing alongside former Millbrook players A.J. Bolden and Grant Johnson on the defensive line, Crowley, now a senior with the Pioneers, suddenly finds himself in unfamiliar territory. “Being a senior, it’s a little bit different this year — we had 21 seniors last year, so I was kind of just like the guy trying to do their best,” Crowley said recently. “But this year on the team we have a lot of young sophomores so I’m trying to be a role model to them and try to show them that with hard work you can start and you can play well. I just like to be a role model and provide leadership wherever it’s needed in the game.” Crowley is no stranger to being looked at as a leader along the defensive line. The senior has seen plenty of playing time there for the Pioneers over the last two years, and last season he tied Millbrook two-way lineman Jonathan Crowley is ready to take on the role of for the team lead in tackles with 99 this season. and led Millbrook with six sacks. and classmate Pearson (Millbrook head Haymore said Crowley actually But in his two previous seasons, approached him about playing fullback Crowley had the benefit of having that coach Josh Haymore says the pair is inseparable) and Weems. this season, but Haymore convinced extra help, of working alongside those him otherwise by mentioning that Haymore said Weems and Crowley older guys on the team that he could offensive linemen get to see action on look up to and learn from. This season, are the two biggest leaders that have every play compared to the limited arisen so far in fall practice, and Crowley must play the role of mentor Haymore raves about Crowley’s techni- activity a fullback would get in to his younger teammates, much like cal ability and knowledge of the game, Millbrook’s offense. the role that Bolden and Johnson played before him. “We worked harder because you were a little scared — you realize big A.J. and Grant, they’re not here anymore. It’s you and your buddy [Logan] Weems and [Johnathan] Pearson,” Crowley said of the offseason preparation of he and his defensive line mates. “Realizing that it’s your turn, you bring something else when that happens.” It’s not as if Crowley is all by himself on the defensive line. Crowley will be joined this season by his good friend
as well as Crowley’s physicality on the football field. “He’s a very physical individual,” Haymore said. “He’s as nice as all getout, he’s a grade A guy ... but when he puts those gloves on and that helmet on and those shoulder pads, he’s a totally different beast.” That physicality will be doubly important for Millbrook this season, as Crowley is also expected to fill in on an offensive line that lost every starter from a year ago.
Rich Cooley/Daily
mentor for his younger teammates he said the Pioneers’ defense is taking it upon itself to lead Millbrook to success this season.
What little experience Millbrook returns from last season largely resides on the defensive side of the ball, with senior linebacker Devon Sharp (87 tackles), junior linebacker Dylan The move to offensive tackle, where Wisman (74 tackles) and senior defenCrowley has little game experience, has sive back Taylor James (31 tackles) the senior a little apprehensive, but he joining Crowley. is willing to do whatever it takes to “We’re excited. We lost a lot of pieces help Millbrook have a successful seaon offense, so our defense has to be son. sturdy this year,” Crowley said. “We “Trying to fill A.J.’s and Grant’s shoes on the offensive line, that’s kind of scary, but I’m going to do my best,” Crowley said.
can’t allow as many rushing yards as we did last year. We’re going to have to stiffen up. Everyone is working hard on defense.”
Although Crowley will see time on Contact sports writer Brad Fauber both sides of the ball, he remains a at 540-465-5137 ext. 184, or defensive player first and foremost, and bfauber@nvdaily.com
The Northern Virginia Daily
MILLBROOK PIONEERS
Pioneers
happy to be here, so it makes step into some important roles. us all happy to be here, too. His enthusiasm I think On offense, Millbrook must Continued from 20 means the most. I like that.” replace its entire offensive the Pioneers have given Haymore’s enthusiasm and line, as well as find replaceHaymore plenty of reason for love for the game was on full ments for former quarterback optimism. display on Saturday, Aug. 10, Justin Neff (2,200 yards, 21 touchdowns) and running “We’ve been practicing hard. the first day high school teams were allowed to conback Justin Anderson (1,222 I think with the seniors that duct full-contact drills in full yards, 13 touchdowns). have stepped up to be leadpads. Rather than wait until ers, they’re showing a lot of Haymore was not willing to the next Monday to hold the name a frontrunner or even excitement in practice, first contact practice, they’re running around full name the players that are Haymore held a 90-minute speed,” Haymore said in competing for the quartersession at midnight that between practices on Aug. back spot, but he did say the Saturday morning under the competition is between two 15. “When they get in there lights of Millbrook’s stadium. seniors and a sophomore, and the chinstraps are strapped up, they’re turning Haymore said the idea was although one of them has it on. First impressions are something that he took from been injured and has fallen good.” coach Brad Lutz at to the back of the pack. Broadway, where Haymore Millbrook’s roster of 53 “The two that are healthy served as an assistant for the players has hit the practice are competing — they are past two years. field hard as the Pioneers neck-and-neck,” Haymore gear up for the 2013 season. “I just thought it was a new said. “It’ll be down to the Players energetically moved tradition for this place. wire to make that determinafrom drill to drill during a They’ve never done it before tion, because I know there’s a recent practice, and enthusi- and I want to bring in a lot of controversy there, it’s just a asm ran rampant amongst new traditions,” Haymore matter of who can take that the players and the coaching said. “I know [Prosser] was pressure when guys that staff whenever a play was very successful here and want to rip their heads off worthy of praise. went to the playoffs a lot ... are on the other side of the ball.” That enthusiasm, which is a but I think we need to get a staple of Haymore’s coaching little bit more tradition. And The running back spot is maybe those traditions will style, is something that has also unclear, with about five get us a couple more wins in been eagerly embraced and or six guys competing for the accepted by the current crop the playoffs or a couple more opportunity to handle most of wins in the regular season. I of Pioneers. the carries for Millbrook, love football, and I love these “He brings a new enthusiaccording to Haymore. kids and I just want them to asm to our team, he gets On defense, the Pioneers do everyone psyched,” said sen- have a good time.” return some experience, with ior defensive end Jonathan If Millbrook hopes to make a Crowley, senior defensive Crowley, who tied for the return trip to the playoffs back Taylor James, senior team lead with 99 tackles this season, the Pioneers will linebacker Devon Sharp (87 last season. “You can tell he’s have to have some new faces tackles) and junior linebacker Dylan Wisman (74 2012 STATS tackles) all coming back. • Record: 6-5, 2-2 Northwestern • Passing leader: Justin Neff (137 for 270, 2,200 yards, 21 touchdowns, 14 interceptions) • Rushing leader: Justin Anderson (1,222 yards, 13 touchdowns) • Receiving leader: T.J. Bruce (44 catches for 876 yards, 12 touchdowns) • Total tackles: Jonathan Crowley (99) • Sacks: Jonathan Crowley (6) • Interceptions: Rze Culbreath (7)
“Defense wins championships, so we’re just coming out trying to be the hardest, most physical, fastest defense out there,” said James, who recorded 31 tackles and an interception last season. The Pioneers open their 2013 campaign on the road
FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013
at Broadway on Aug. 30, and Haymore and the rest of the Millbrook program will get its first glimpse of how well some of the younger players can fill in to their new roles. “We lost seniors, but it’s not like it hasn’t been done before. Teams have come back, and that’s what we’re
23
here to do,” James said. “We’ll find people to do the job. The younger people, we’re teaching them, so they’re growing day by day. We’ll just put people in there who can do the job.” Contact sports writer Brad Fauber at 540-465-5137 ext. 184, or bfauber@nvdaily.com
2013 ROSTER No. 1 3 4 5 6 7 9 11 12 14 15 16 17 18 20 21 22 23 25 30 32 33 35 40 45 51 54 55 56 57 59 60 62 63 64 66 68 70 71 74 75 78 79 81
Name P.K. Kier Justin Singh Joseph Mason Taylor James Dylan Wisman Devin Lewis Taylor Evans Josh Dantzler Austin Detray Channing Tully Adam Paxton Mark Paxton Conner Faint Gabriel Quecedo Tyler Gray Jakob Albert Nazeeh Johnson Jaime Gutierrez Devon Sharp Tre Baylor Jake Mihill Michael Brandon Dylan Lee Mitchell Shiley Elijah Doyle Ethan Hicks Jonathan Crowley Logan Weems Keith Funk Jonathan Conner Isaiah Payne Devon Davis Austin Crone Matt Trumm Deion Blowe Aaron Seal Manuel Griffin Michael Dawson Johnathan Pearson Lorenzo Guzman Tyler Russell Tyler Fuller Tristan Stockli Collin Graves
Pos. RB/DB WR/DB TE/DL WR/DB RB/LB WR/DB WR/DB TE/DL QB/DL WR/DB QB/DB QB/DB WR/DB WR/DB K WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB RB/LB RB/DB RB/DB RB/LB RB/LB RB/DB RB/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL TE/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL WR/DB
Ht. 5-7 5-7 6-0 5-7 5-9 6-2 5-6 6-2 5-10 6-0 6-0 6-0 5-6 5-8 5-9 5-7 5-7 5-6 5-8 5-6 5-10 5-5 5-7 5-9 5-4 5-10 5-11 5-9 5-6 5-7 5-11 5-10 5-7 5-10 5-9 5-9 6-3 5-10 6-2 5-9 5-11 5-8 6-0 5-9
Wt. 162 132 220 144 185 176 145 188 206 170 163 162 130 154 145 157 141 123 205 165 175 170 182 193 197 180 230 230 200 233 230 205 170 234 235 225 231 279 271 325 213 281 285 154
Year Fr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. So. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. So. Jr. Sr. So. So. So. So. So. So. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. So. So. Sr. So. Jr. Sr. Jr. So. Sr. Sr. Jr. So. Jr. Jr. Jr.
24 FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013
SHERANDO WARRIORS
The Northern Virginia Daily
Warriors hope better chemistry the right formula By Tommy Keeler Jr. STEPHENS CITY — Last year did not go the way Sherando had hoped it would. Injuries set the team back last year, especially a broken collarbone to quarterback/defensive back Reid Entsminger. The team went only 6-5 on the season and suffered a first-round loss to Liberty in the playoffs. However, the Warriors lost only 13 players to graduation and this year’s team is more motivated than ever to turn things around this season. “Last year every practice was 100 percent, and that’s what we’ve carried over from last year to this year — is that effort in practice,” Entsminger said. “But this year we’ve got better talent than last year, I think in certain areas that’s going to help us out a lot. We just have to make the most of it, and our team chemistry is better than last year and last year’s we were really close, too. WARRIORS, 27
2013 WARRIORS • Coach: Bill Hall (11th year, 83-30) • Offense/Defense: Pro, multiple/4-3 • Key returnees: QB/DB Reid Entsminger, RB/LB George Aston, WR Adam Whitacre, OL Dante Tibbs, OL Matt Lowery, OL Madison Edmunds, LB Joe Daley, LB Daniel Eppard, DB Isaiah Williams, DB Josh Ojo, DL Tyler Hamilton • Key losses: RB Taylor Loudan, OL Adam Nordling, DL Chris Smith, Hunter Clarke, DB John Bentley, LB Tyler Clowser
Rich Cooley/Daily file
Sherando quarterback Josh Ojo is tackled by a pair of Skyline Hawks during a game last season in Stephens City.
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SHERANDO WARRIORS
2013 SCHEDULE
FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013
2012 RESULTS (6-5, 3-1 NORTHWESTERN)
Aug. 30 Musselman (W.Va.), 7 p.m. Oct. 4
at Liberty, 7 p.m.
Aug. 24
lost to Martinsburg (W.Va.), 38-0 Oct. 5
beat James Wood, 50-14
Sept. 6
at James Wood, 7 p.m.
Aug. 31
beat Handley, 21-0
Sept. 13 at Washington (W.Va.), 7 p.m. Oct. 18
Handley, 7 p.m.
Sept. 7
Sept. 20 Kettle Run, 7 p.m.
at Skyline, 7 p.m.
Sept. 14
lost to Musselman (W.Va.), 21-19 Oct. 13 Oct. 19 beat Washington (W.Va.), 41-7 Oct. 26 lost to Loudoun County, 29-0 Nov. 2
beat Millbrook, 33-14
Millbrook, 7 p.m.
Sept. 21
beat Jefferson (W.Va.), 50-7
lost to Liberty, 27-10
Martinsburg (W.Va.), 7 p.m. Oct. 11 Nov. 1
Sept. 27 at Jefferson (W.Va.), 7 p.m. Nov. 8
25
Nov. 9
beat Liberty, 14-6 lost to Skyline, 28-21
239603
The Northern Virginia Daily
SHERANDO WARRIORS
26 FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013
The Northern Virginia Daily
Sherando’s Aston all business on field By Tommy Keeler Jr.
when starting tailback Taylor Loudan moved to quarterback to replace an injured Reid Entsminger.
STEPHENS CITY —George Aston loves everything about his favorite football player, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Troy Polamalu.
Aston finished with 412 yards on 89 carries and had nine touchdowns.
Aston loves the way he plays the game, plays with intensity and passion.
“I like to play running back,” Aston said. “It’s kind of linebacker, you get to run over people.”
“The way he plays — that’s the way everybody should play,” Aston said of Polamalu. “Just go out there, don’t care about anything, don’t think, just go out there and do it.”
With Loudan graduated, Aston knows he will be called on to be a big part of the running game once again this season.
Aston knows a lot about playing that way, since it’s also the way he plays the game.
“He’s a really good running back,” Hall said. “He has good vision, and he runs with a purpose. I wish I could get him 40 reps at tailback and 60 reps at linebacker, but we try to give him some breaks on offense. Game situations will dictate that for us.”
The Sherando senior running back/linebacker is all business on the field, and the Warriors have benefited greatly from it. “George is one of those guys where he leads by example,” Sherando coach Bill Hall said. “It’s not that he’s not a vocal leader as he’s gotten older, but he models the way you’re supposed to play football. His mentality, the way he prepares for a game. The way he plays in practice, the way he plays in a game. The way he prepares in the offseason, the way he eats, what he drinks, what he runs. “Everything he does is done towards being successful on the football field.” Hall said that when Aston was a freshman he weighed 160 pounds, but by the time he came back as a sophomore he had put on 35 pounds of muscle.
Rich Cooley/Daily
Sherando’s George Aston is expected be the leader of the defense again this year. Last year he led the team in tackles with 136 tackles. al components, the hydrational components. The sacrificing, getting proper sleep. It’s all those things. We just saw a tremendous work ethic in him. He’s a very coachable athlete and then has a willingness to want to do it right.” Aston didn’t get a lot of playing time his freshman year, but he said he learned a lot from the older players. His sophomore year Aston not only started, but called the defensive plays from his linebacking position.
“One of the most physically mature kids I’ve ever worked with,” Hall said. “It’s not just Aston said he loves playing going and lifting all the time. It is the food, all the nutrition- defense and trying to make
The Warriors didn’t have quite the season they were looking for last year. Sherando finished with a 6-5 record, losing in the first round of the playoffs to Liberty.
the tackle or a big hit on every are — it’s part of his DNA single play. right now. He doesn’t know “I’ve always just loved hitting anything other than when the ball is snapped to go wide people,” Aston said. “That’s what it’s always been about, is open.”
Injuries played a big part in Sherando’s struggles, and Aston said the team will be very motivated to do better this season.
hitting people on defense. That’s what I love.”
“To end up 6-5 just seems unacceptable,” Aston said. “Our tradition here is great, but [the seniors] also want to leave something else that no other team has left behind. No matter what happens, we just want to leave a mark on the program.”
Once the ball is snapped, Hall said Aston only has one speed. He goes all out as he tries to make a big play. “It’s one of those things where the only way you can get to be like that is through practice,” Hall said. “He practices like that so when the ball is snapped your instincts kick in. That’s where his instincts
Aston had 136 tackles last season, and one sack and one interception. While Aston said he prefers playing on defense, he doesn’t mind being on offense, too. Aston has played several positions for the Warriors the last two seasons. He’s been a tight end, a fullback and a tailback. Last year he became an even bigger part of Sherando’s running game
Contact Assistant Sports Editor Tommy Keeler at 540-465-5137 ext. 155, or tkeeler@nvdaily.com
The Northern Virginia Daily
Warriors
SHERANDO WARRIORS is you label them as starters.”
The battle at wide receiver is ongoing and Hall said they have eight different Continued from 24 players vying for the spots. Junior “This year I think our team’s a lot bet- Adam Whitacre is the only starter ter from a skill perspective, and effort- returning at wide receiver. wise is 100 percent like it was last year. “He was an explosive player for us,” That’s what last year’s team taught us, Hall said of Whitacre. “He had a really and that’s what we’re bringing to the good baseball season. He has a lot of table this year.” confidence, can really stretch the field.
He has good speed, has good ball skills.” The program is used to winning and coach Bill Hall said he was very pleased Senior Tyler Hamilton returns at tight with the offseason his team had. end, and Brogan McPartland could also see some playing time there. Entsminger, a senior, will be back to lead the Warriors on both offense and The defense should once again be solid defense. for the Warriors. While they will certainly miss defensive end Chris Smith, The Warriors’ running game has 6-foot-3, 240-pound Brogan McPartland always been strong and should be should help fill that void. again this year. Hamilton will also be back at defenSherando lost tailback Taylor Loudan sive end, while Hall said the battle for to graduation, but George Aston, who the interior defensive line spots is still saw plenty of time in the backfield, will ongoing. be back.
Hall said junior Leequan Johnson is up from the JV team and Killian McPartland and Isaiah Williams will all see playing time in the backfield along with Daniel Eppard at fullback. McPartland and his brother, Brogan, transferred from Handley.
The Warriors return three starters on the offensive line — Matt Lowery, Dante Tibbs and Madison Edmunds — all seniors. They will be joined by senior Seth Wagner and Christian Farris, a junior.
One spot that the Warriors feel really good about is linebacker. Senior linebacker George Aston has led the team in tackles in back-to-back seasons. Senior Joe Daley returns at linebacker, and senior Daniel Eppard saw plenty of time there last year as well. The defensive backfield will also be strength for the Warriors. Entsminger, Rhett Morris, Williams and Josh Ojo all started some last year. Whitacre also saw playing time and will help give them depth at the position.
“Christian Farris played last year some and Seth Wagner played last year Hall said he likes what he’s seen of his team so far. some,” Hall said. “They’ve been in the heat of the battle, so the only difference “I think they’ve laid the foundation so you can be successful,” he said. “They’ve 2012 STATS put that work in. I think one of the characteristics of this team is they’re a • Record: 6-5 (3-1 Northwestern) hard-working group, which if you’re • Passing leader: Reid Entsminger (40 going to have a characteristic that’s a for 78, for 672 yards, 9 touchdowns, 5 good one to have. They’re a tight-knit interceptions) group. I think they care about each • Rushing leader: Taylor Loudan (222 other, and we’re in that process now of carries for 1,550 yards, 10 touchdowns) making sure that we’re all accountable • Receiving leader: Taylor Loudan (14 to each other. To make sure that we all receptions for 175 yards, 1 touchdown) meet our standard of performance.” • Total tackles: George Aston (136)
• Sacks: Chris Smith (11.5) • Interceptions: Josh Ojo (3)
Contact Assistant Sports Editor Tommy Keeler at 540-465-5137 ext. 155, or tkeeler@nvdaily.com
FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013
2013 ROSTER No. 2 3 4 5 7 8 9 10 14 17 20 22 23 24 25 26 28 29 30 35 36 38 40 44 45 47 48 49 50 53 54 55 58 60 61 64 65 66 67 70 71 72 74 75 77 80 81 82 84 85 88
Name Seth Smith Killian McPartland Adam Whitacre Quentin Rohrbaugh Isaiah Williams Reid Entsminger Josh Ojo George Aston Matt VanShufflin Donovan Walton Donte Neath Chris Morgan Rhett Morris Branden Litten Zach Wagner Tyler Jones Allen Wittreich John Doleman Tim Coleman Daniel Eppard George Turner Patrick Minteer LeeQuan Johnson Jr. Joe Daley Tyler Tinsman Garrett Poole Chris Wilkins Logan Smith Tyler Moquin Seth Wagner Madison Edmunds Dante Tibbs Sean Markland Luke Melnikoff Juan Chavez Adam Holthaus Ben Avery Ryan Lambert Matthew Dansbach Robert Wittreich Kyle Warren Noah Trenary Matt Sayen Christian Farris Matt Lowery Cody Monday Tyler Hamilton Travis Ferraro Brogan McPartland Josh Dolsen Dylan Rivers
Height 6-2 6-1 6-2 5-10 5-8 5-11 5-11 6-0 5-10 6-0 5-6 5-10 6-1 6-0 6-0 5-6 5-10 5-10 5-10 6-1 5-9 5-10 5-11 6-1 5-10 5-9 6-0 5-11 6-0 6-0 5-10 5-10 5-11 5-10 5-10 5-10 6-0 5-11 6-0 5-10 6-2 5-11 5-11 6-2 6-0 5-11 6-0 5-10 6-3 6-2 6-3
Weight 180 185 170 180 165 200 160 230 185 160 145 205 185 165 165 145 165 195 160 230 155 185 190 205 200 180 240 160 230 220 220 250 185 155 280 190 230 245 240 195 225 175 280 310 260 160 245 155 235 195 190
Pos. WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB RB/DB QB/DB QB/DB RB/LB RB/DL WR/DB RB/DB RB/LB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB K WR/DB RB/LB WR/DL RB/LB WR/DB QB/DB RB/LB RB/LB TE/LB RB/DB DL WR/DB OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL K OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL WR/DB TE/DL WR/DB TE/DL TE/DL WR/LB
Year Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. So. Jr. Sr. So. So. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. So. Jr. Jr. Jr. So. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. So. Jr. Jr. Fr.
27
SKYLINE HAWKS
28 FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013
The Northern Virginia Daily
Hawks prepared to reload after stellar year By Jeff Nations FRONT ROYAL — Last season, the Skyline Hawks enjoyed unquestionably their best football season ever under coach Heath Gilbert. The Hawks piled up a 10-2 record which included a perfect 4-0 mark against Northwestern District rivals to claim the district title, then picked up a Group AA playoff victory before eventually falling in a rematch against Kettle Run in the second round of the Division 3 playoffs. Skyline had plenty of momentum last year. Now the trick is to sustain it despite the loss of several key contributors to last season’s success. So far, Gilbert has liked what he’s seen from his squad. “What’s been great is with the offseason rules, the last couple years we’ve been able to practice out of season,” Gilbert said. “So once our spring cycle started, we were practicing once a week on Wednesdays, which has been really good for the kids. I’ve had a great turnout, with my coaches being able to help and support, so we’ve actually been able to get some HAWKS, 31
2013 HAWKS • Coach: Heath Gilbert (seventh year, 32-31) • Offense/Defense: Multiple-I/4-4 • Key returnees: QB/DB Jerrius Baltimore, WR/DB Marcus Turner, K/P Evan Pavlicek, FB/LB Gerren Butler, OL/DL Travis Siever, OL/DL Ronnie Clifton
Rich Cooley/Daily file
Skyline head coach Heath Gilbert yells at the sidelines during a timeout during last season’s game against Sherando in Stephens City.
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240355
• Key losses: QB/DB Aaron Jeremiah, TE/LB Zack Blair, TE/DL Nick Helmick, RB/DB Dayvon Haight, FB/DL Chris Grady, OL/LB Anthony Meador
SKYLINE HAWKS
The Northern Virginia Daily
2013 SCHEDULE at Millbrook, 7 p.m.
Oct. 4
Sept. 6 Fauquier, 7 p.m.
Oct. 11 at Washington (W.Va.), 7 p.m. Sept. 7
Sept. 13 at Brentsville, 7 p.m.
Oct. 18 James Wood, 7 p.m.
Sept. 27 Kettle Run, 7 p.m.
Nov. 1
Sherando, 7 p.m.
Aug. 24
beat Musselman (W.Va.), 41-28
Oct. 12
beat Washington (W.Va.), 63-21
beat Fauquier, 20-9
Oct. 19
beat Handley, 42-31
Sept. 14
beat Brentsville, 39-0
Oct. 26
beat Sherando, 28-21
Sept. 21
beat James Wood, 39-19
Nov. 2
beat Warren County, 14-12
Sept. 28
lost to Kettle Run, 28-6
Nov. 9
beat Loudoun Valley, 43-6
Oct. 5
beat Millbrook, 43-29
Nov. 16
lost to Kettle Run, 31-14
Front Royal Federal Credit Union TWO LOCATIONS TO BETTER SERVE OUR MEMBERS! Financially Strong Since 1949 230 N. Royal Avenue • 113 South Street Skyline Hawks
29
2012 RESULTS (10-2, 4-0 NORTHWESTERN)
Aug. 30 Warren County, 7 p.m.
Sept. 20 at Manassas Park, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 26 at Handley, 1 p.m.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013
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SKYLINE HAWKS
30 FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013
The Northern Virginia Daily
Turner a dangerous playmaker for Hawks By Jeff Nations
“We’re going to ask him to work the middle of the field and get vertical,” Gilbert said. “He’s going to do all those things.”
43-yard interception return against Brentsville.
FRONT ROYAL — Skyline’s Despite those standout Marcus Turner certainly set plays, Turner considers his a high bar for himself last game against Kettle Run — season. the first of two — to be his As a junior, Turner was best of the season last year. shifted from his free safety In that game, Turner tallied spot to outside linebacker four tackles for loss among before the second game of the his 14 total stops. season as the Hawks looked Turner handled the shift to to get another quick, athletic linebacker without any player close to the line of issues, but he’s not unhappy scrimmage. Turner did the to get back into the secondjob just fine, and still found a ary this season. bit of time to moonlight as a “It’s easier to break on the ball hawker. He picked off ball and you can see the two passes. What’s more, he whole field,” Turner said. “At returned them both for linebacker, the ball’s just touchdowns. there before you know it. At Now back at his old free free safety, you’ve got time to safety spot with even more of look and see where the ball’s a emphasis on his pass at and then go up and make defense abilities, Turner is a play.” being counted on to provide The 6-foot-2, 185-pound seneven more big plays for ior has just as much potenSkyline this season. Despite tial on the offensive side. A his track record of returning returning starter at wide picks for touchdowns, no one receiver, Turner tallied 15 is expecting Turner to score every time he nabs an errant receptions for 199 yards and a pair of touchdowns last pass. That doesn’t mean he year. His biggest play to date won’t attempt it, though. on offense came during his “I’m going to try,” Turner sophomore season, as he said. “If I get one, I’m going hauled in a 41-yard touchto try to run it as far as I down pass. can.” Skyline coach Heath Gilbert Last season as predomiis expecting to see many nantly an outside linebacker, Turner garnered second-team more of those types of plays from Turner on offense this all-Northwestern District honors after totaling 46 tack- year, as the Hawks will look to him as a go-to receiver. les (seven for losses), plus
Turner likes making the highlight reel plays — who doesn’t? — but he’s not averse to getting his jersey muddy performing the less glamorous aspects of the job as a receiver. “I’ll block, and I can catch the ball,” Turner said. “I try to catch everything they throw to me and give my best effort doing everything, whether it’s blocking or catching the ball or running routes.” Turner also plays basketball at Skyline, but said he prefers the contact football provides during the fall.
Jeff Nations/Daily
Skyline senior Marcus Turner flashed his big-play potential last season by returning two interceptions for touchdowns. Turner will be counted on as a threat on both sides of the ball as a starting wide receiver and defensive back for the Hawks this season.
Gilbert said Turner has been putting in the work on the practice field and in the weight room to ensure that happens this year. As a senior, Turner has exemplified three pass deflections, a fum- “It was tough luck last year,” the work ethic Gilbert is tryGilbert said. “Every time we ble recovery and those two ing to foster roster-wide this tried to target him or find pick sixes on his intercepyear. Turner is 10 pounds tions. Neither was a cheapie something for him, it was a penalty a lot of times or just heavier this season, and — the first was a 45-yarder Gilbert thinks he’s every bit on the road against Fauquier a slight overthrow. Hopefully in the Hawks’ second game of we can get on track with him as explosive as ever. “Physically, he’s 6-2, 185 much better. I expect him to the season. A week later, pounds, he runs really well,” Turner was at it again with a have a breakout year.”
His dedication to football runs beyond the daily grind of Skyline’s football practices. Turner, who took up the sport starting as an 8-yearold, spends time nearly every day helping coach his younger brother, 8-year-old Zack Diggs, improve on the football field. Turner serves as a coach on Zack’s midgetlevel football team, putting in two hours a day after practice on most weekdays.
Gilbert said. “So just that development and growth, working in the offseason has benefited him. You can count on him every day. He’s going to come out and work every day. It’s great to have.”
“I’ve got to make him better,” Turner said.
With top pass catchers Kylmen Breeden, Nick Helmick and Dayvon Haight all gone to graduation, Turner is counted on to be a threat all over the field for Skyline this season.
“Wherever they put me, I try to make the play,” Turner said.
As for his own game, Turner is always working to get better and be ready to make the most of his opportunities for the Hawks.
Contact Sports Editor Jeff Nations at 540-465-5137 ext. 161, or jnations@nvdaily.com
SKYLINE HAWKS
The Northern Virginia Daily
Hawks Continued from 28
individual time with those guys to prepare them for this upcoming season.” Gilbert said Skyline established a football booster club for the first time for this season, and participation during offseason practices, for the weight program and during seven-on-seven tournaments was the best-ever for the school. “We’ve had a good offseason,” Gilbert said. “It’s not where I want it to be, of course — we had 103 come out, and we averaged in the 50s for the offseason program. I want that number to be 80, 90, so it’s not where I want it to be but it’s definitely a step forward in the right direction.” On offense, the Hawks return only four starters from last season’s highpowered group. Gone is veteran starting quarterback Aaron Jeremiah, top running back Dayvon Haight, tight end Nick Helmick and top wideout Kylmen Breeden — each a first-team allNorthwestern pick last season. In their place, Gilbert has a collection of some players with starting experience, a newcomer with real promise, and former backups making the transition to starting roles. Running the offense at quarterback this season will likely be sophomore Corban Ruch, a transfer from Indiana. Although he has no varsity experience, Gilbert is confident Ruch can step into a starting role for the Hawks this season and lead their Pistol offense. “Everything he’s shown us so far is that he’s going to be very capable,” Gilbert said. “He has his own skill-set that we’re very impressed with. We’re in a good situation with our quarterbacks.”
2012 STATS • Record: (10-2, 4-0 Northwestern) • Passing leader: Aaron Jeremiah (55 for 104, 827 yards, 8 touchdowns, 5 interceptions) • Rushing leader: Dayvon Haight (76 carries for 877 yards, 10 touchdowns) • Receiving leader: Kylmen Breeden (20 catches for 207 yards, 3 touchdowns) • Total tackles: Zack Blair (111) • Sacks: Nick Helmick (6.5) • Interceptions: Zack Blair (3)
district pick as a running back after totaling 271 yards and two touchdowns on 40 carries. “Jerrius can do so many things for us,” Gilbert said. “He can run it, he can catch it, he can throw it. We’re going to utilize him in all of those phases of the game.” Baltimore will see plenty of touches as a runner, but Skyline also has solid options in junior Hunter Partlowe and bruising fullback Gerren Butler (6-foot2, 255 pounds) along with fellow fullback Darryl Jordan. “We don’t have a lot of depth there,” Gilbert said. “It’s been different, but we have a quality guy in Hunter Partlowe. He’ll be our main guy. Jerrius will obviously be able to make that running back situation even better, and a big kid like Gerren Butler will get plenty of touches.” Butler has the potential to add a new element to Skyline’s ground attack. “He’s dialed himself in, become more committed to the program, and I think it’s shown,” Gilbert said. “We’re looking for him to have a huge impact. He’s a huge kid.” Senior Marcus Turner (15 receptions for 199 yards, 2 TDs) headlines a relatively new group of receivers. Jamal Parker, James Clatterbuck, Jay Roy and Will Spencer are also expected to contribute as receivers.
Gilbert can say that with some confidence, knowing he has another strong option for the role in junior Jerrius Baltimore. Last season, Baltimore put Turner offers the best big-play potenin significant time as a predominantly tial among the wideouts, both as a verrunning quarterback for the Hawks. He tical threat and working on the inside. did complete 4 of 7 passes for 79 yards, “We’re going to be leaning on Marcus but was most dangerous running the ball. Baltimore was a second-team allHAWKS, 78
FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013
2013 ROSTER No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 30 31 32 33 34 35 40 43 45 46 47 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 59 62 63 64 66 68 69 71 72 74 77 80 81 82 84 88 89
Name Jerrius Baltimore Will Spencer Kishan Shah Hunter Partlowe Corvon Thomas Darryl Jordan Marcus Turner Dustin Weir Tyrone Thomas-Hollman Evan Pavlicek T.J. Massie James Clatterbuck Malik Dearing Corban Ruch Alex Shaffer Dylan Hamman Zach McFall Brandon Walters Hkeon Hackley Brandon Dodson Jamal Parker Deshaun Holloman Josh Smeltzer Thomas Martin Jay Roy Ryan Abel Gerren Butler Bern Oliveira Jon Overstreet Robbie Oates Joey Norman Keith Sanker Patrick Martin Hunter Smedley Izaih Hogan Jacob Carson Joey Hugo Jonathan Grigsby Nick Lehew Josh Hupman Casey Cook Travis Siever Adam Mellott Justin Hayes John Walters Gustavo Solis Bradley Carson Zack Atkins Jacob Short Austin Scott David Heisler Joe Pingley Ocean Graham Josh Ortiz Dontreal Arrington Chase Clatterbuck Hunter Layman Ronnie Clifton Chandler Heard Gabe Tackett Ryan Page David Currie Antwan Swain Brandon Wells
Ht. 5-9 5-5 5-3 5-7 5-10 5-10 6-2 6-0 5-11 5-8 5-6 5-11 5-5 6-0 6-0 5-10 6-0 6-3 6-0 5-5 5-10 5-9 6-1 5-7 5-8 6-3 6-2 6-0 5-11 5-7 5-10 5-6 5-6 5-10 5-8 5-7 5-7 5-8 6-3 5-9 5-11 6-1 6-0 5-10 5-6 5-11 5-9 5-10 6-2 5-11 5-10 6-3 5-5 5-9 6-2 5-9 5-8 6-3 5-9 5-7 6-0 5-11 6-2 5-10
Wt. 194 125 116 150 208 200 185 173 165 130 145 170 155 155 176 145 180 197 175 130 148 140 150 138 150 195 255 190 180 180 180 189 124 170 142 140 147 202 170 195 230 275 205 240 152 215 175 200 210 228 180 265 189 245 287 210 220 250 199 145 163 149 202 155
Pos. QB/DB WR/DB K/P RB/DB TE/LB FB/LB WR/DB K/P WR/DB K/P RB/DB WR/DB RB/LB QB/DB TE/LB QB/DB QB/DB TE/DE WR/DB RB/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB TE/DL FB/LB FB/LB FB/DL FB/DL FB/LB FB/LB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB RB/DB WR/DB TE/LB TE/LB OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL K/P WR/DB TE/DL WR/DB TE/DL WR/DB
Year Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. So. Sr. So. Jr. Jr. So. Jr. Jr. So. Jr. Sr. So. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. So. So. So. Sr. So. So. So. Sr. Sr. So. Jr. Sr. So. So. Sr. Sr. Jr. So. Jr. So. Jr. So. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. So. Jr. So. So. So. Sr. So. So.
31
32 FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013
STONEWALL JACKSON GENERALS
The Northern Virginia Daily
Generals break out new offense for season By Brad Fauber QUICKSBURG — The 2012 football season was a tremendous letdown for Stonewall Jackson, as the Generals struggled to a 2-8 season after making the playoffs the year before. Stonewall Jackson, which felt the sting of its general lack of physical size and roster depth last season, finds itself in a similar position again this year as it heads into the 2013 campaign with just 29 players on the roster. That has prompted longtime Generals head coach Dick Krol to make some changes to his team’s offense as he attempts to find ways to make Stonewall Jackson more competitive this year. The Generals, who had ran the power-I on offense for a majority of GENERALS, 35
2013 GENERALS • Coach: Dick Krol (27th year, 140-136) • Offense/Defense: Flexbone, 5-2 • Key returnees: QB/DB Daniel Buhl, WR/DL Patrick Kerlin, OL/DL Michael McCampbell, RB/LB Derrick Smith, OL/DL Philip Stauffer • Key losses: RB/LB Jared Getz, QB Jacob Armell, RB/LB Anthony Peacher, WR/DB/K Juan Luna, RB/LB Devon Martin
Rich Cooley/Daily file
Stonewall’s Derrick Smith runs for a touchdown during last season action against Central in Quicksburg.
STONEWALL JACKSON GENERALS
The Northern Virginia Daily
2013 SCHEDULE
FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013
33
2012 RESULTS (2-8, 2-5 SHENANDOAH DISTRICT)
Aug. 30 Strasburg, 7 p.m.
Oct. 11 at East Rockingham
Aug. 24
Sept. 6 at Central, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 18 Buffalo Gap
Aug. 31
lost to Central, 36-24
Oct. 12
beat Luray, 21-9
Sept. 13 Clarke County
Oct. 25 at Riverheads
Sept. 7
lost to Clarke County, 35-7
Oct. 19
beat Page County, 15-12
Sept. 27 at Stuarts Draft
Nov. 1
Luray
Sept. 21
lost to East Rockingham, 28-16
Oct. 26
lost to Stuarts Draft, 34-14
Oct. 4
Nov. 8
at Page County
Sept. 28
lost to Buffalo Gap, 20-7
Nov. 2
lost to Wilson Memorial, 42-14
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Oct. 5
lost to Riverheads, 49-21
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34 FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013
STONEWALL JACKSON GENERALS
The Northern Virginia Daily
Stonewall’s Buhl hoping for better luck at QB By Brad Fauber QUICKSBURG — Everything pointed to Daniel Buhl taking over at quarterback last season for Stonewall Jackson, as Buhl, then a junior, entered the 2012 season as the favorite to take over the spot that was left vacant with the graduation of John-Michael Pirtle. However, during the Generals’ first week of practice in 2012, Buhl went down with a broken fibula and was forced to miss nearly the entirety of his junior season of high school football. Buhl was limited to just three games last season, and he could do nothing but watch for most of the year as his teammates struggled to a 2-8 campaign. “Last season was a little bit of a letdown. I was disappointed that I didn’t get to play, but it’s a part of football. Injuries happen,” said Buhl, who threw for 113 yards and a touchdown last season in limited action. “This year I’m back with a new mindset, I’m ready to go, and hopefully I won’t get hurt this year.”
Buhl once again enters this season as the top quarterback on the Generals’ Rich Cooley/Daily depth chart, and as a senior, he is more Stonewall Jackson senior Daniel Buhl is looking forward to a full season as the Generals’ starting quarterback in 2013. than ready to step in and be the leader of a team that will undoubtedly rely on important as ever for the Generals this play a big role on the defensive side of Strasburg on Aug. 30, and he doesn’t its seniors for guidance and motivation. season, as Stonewall Jackson is switch- the ball. think the team is too concerned about ing from the power-I to the optionStonewall Jackson’s offense lost some Krol said the 6-foot-3, 190-pound sen- the lack of experience that Stonewall heavy flexbone formation this season. major pieces from last season, includior will start in the defensive secondary will have to deal with through the early ing its top three leading rushers in this year, where he will be in charge of part of the season. Longtime Generals head coach Dick Jared Getz, Jacob Armell and Anthony Peacher, who combined to rush for over 1,300 yards and 17 touchdowns a season ago. Buhl, a self-proclaimed leader by example, will be relied upon to orchestrate a Stonewall offense that will be introducing plenty of new faces this year. “I like it, because they look up to me. It’s a good feeling because I just go out there and work hard and I’ll just lead by example,” Buhl said. “If they’re working as hard as I am then we’re going to be in good shape to play.” Buhl’s role as quarterback will be as
making sure everyone is in the proper Krol said he feels comfortable making position, which is something that Krol the transition on offense with Buhl under center because of the intelligence said Buhl excels at. that he brings to the position. “I think [offensive coordinator Patrick Smoot] would love for me to say that “He’s not the greatest athlete in the Buhl can’t play defense to keep him world, but he overcomes that with his safe for offense, but we can’t do that,” intelligence, which is what we need at quarterback in this particular offense,” Krol said. “If we have a kid who is an Krol said. “And he’s doing a great job. If athlete — especially an intelligent athlete that can keep everybody choreowe have to depend on somebody, he would be the one that we would depend graphed as to what we need — we can’t have him on the sideline.” on and expect it to work.”
“We’re just going to have to go out there and give it our best effort. If we’re doing the little things right, hopefully the big things — winning and stuff like that — will come easy,” Buhl said. “We faced adversity a lot last year, and we’re going to continue to do that. We were kind of young and inexperienced [last year]. We just need to get out there and face it. We have a lot of good senior leaders this year and hopefully they’ll lead us in the right direction.”
Buhl said he is eager to get out on the Due to the lack of depth on the roster this season (Stonewall Jackson has just field when the Generals open the season at home against county rival 29 players), Buhl will also be asked to
Contact sports writer Brad Fauber at 540-465-5137 ext. 184, or bfauber@nvdaily.com
STONEWALL JACKSON GENERALS
The Northern Virginia Daily
Generals Continued from 32
Krol’s 27 seasons at Stonewall Jackson, will be making the switch to the flexbone, an option offense similar to that which is run by college teams such as Georgia Tech and Navy. Krol said the flexbone allows the Generals to rely more on technique than physical size, something that Stonewall Jackson hasn’t had in recent years. “It comes down to, for all intent and purposes, we ran a power-I. And that’s a really physical type of offense, and we’re just not big enough to be a totally physical team,” Krol said. “We’re going to try [the flexbone], and the kids have done pretty well. We’ve been running the same offense now basically for 20 years, and sometimes you get into a rut where the kids think they know it all because they’ve run it for four or five years. Now they’ve got to think a little bit and hopefully it will come out and help us out a little bit.
2012 STATS • Record: 2-8, 2-5 Shenandoah • Passing leader: Jacob Armell (7 for 25, 126 yards, 0 touchdowns, 3 interceptions) • Rushing leader: Jared Getz (111 carries for 593 yards, 9 touchdowns) • Receiving leader: Patrick Kerlin (4 catches for 64 yards) • Total tackles: Jared Getz (168) • Sacks: N/A • Interceptions: Jacob Armell (2)
“Having run the power-I, if we make a mistake, I know how to correct it. But now with the flexbone, if we make a mistake, I’m not sure I know how to correct it.” How exactly the flexbone will play out for the Generals isn’t the only question mark that Stonewall Jackson faces on offense this season. The Generals must find a way to replace the offensive production of Jared Getz, Jacob Armell and Anthony Peacher, Stonewall’s top three leading rushers a year ago. The trio combined to rush for 1,329 yards and 17 touchdowns last season.
Junior Derrick Smith (184 yards, “It’s the future. We’re not getting two touchdowns) is the only returnany bigger, we’re not going to get any ing running back with significant more people out than what we’ve varsity experience and he figures to been getting, so we better look for be the primary ball carrier for the something that is going to help us Generals this season. Senior Hunter out.” Smootz and freshman Ryan Summers will join Smith in the backA heavy reliance on the running field, among others. game will be nothing new to Stonewall Jackson (the Generals “They all kind of stand out in a difattempted fewer than 50 passes as a ferent way,” said senior Daniel Buhl, team last season), but Krol said he is who will start at quarterback for the concerned about the lack of familiari- Generals after missing most of last ty of his coaching staff with the new season with a broken leg. “They all offensive scheme. work hard, they all have good chemKrol said the switch to the flexbone formation was proposed by offensive coordinator Patrick Smoot, who knows several coaches who run the flexbone offense, but the scheme is largely unknown to Krol and his staff. “With me, the biggest thing is can we correct mistakes?” Krol said.
istry, they’re all doing the best that they can. We’ll just take it slow and they’ll learn what they need to do.” Many positions have yet to be fleshed out for the Generals, but seniors Philip Stauffer and Johan Mendez Carrillo, as well as 6-foot-2, 285-pound Central transfer Jacob Helsley could see time on the offen-
FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013
sive and defensive lines. Defensively, Smith (76 tackles) is the returning leading tackler from last season, and Buhl provides a leadership presence at safety. Senior tight end/defensive end Patrick Kerlin has been battling a medical condition, according to Krol, and had yet to be cleared for football activities as of Aug. 12.
35
learn from last season and avoid a similar fate. Stauffer said the biggest focus for the Generals will be on becoming more consistent.
Donald Fox III is currently the front-runner to handle the kicking and punting duties after the departure of former all-state punter Juan Luna.
“We would go out there and we would hit hard and we’d do everything right the first half. Then the second half we would get a little tired. That’s something that we really need to work on, is being consistent the entire game and going out and doing what we can the entire time,” Stauffer said. “We need to come out and win the games that we should and play the way that we should.”
Although Stonewall Jackson faces some uncertainty heading into the 2013 season, the Generals hope to
Contact sports writer Brad Fauber at 540-465-5137 ext. 184, or bfauber@nvdaily.com
2013 ROSTER No.
Name
Position
Ht.
Wt.
Year
1
Michael Knauff
WR
5-11
134
So.
4
Nathan Jones
WR
6-3
161
Sr.
7
Daniel Buhl
QB
6-3
190
Sr.
15
Nathan Miller
QB
6-0
150
So.
16
Matthew Murphy
RB
5-9
177
Jr.
21
Rasohn Stafford
RB
5-8
154
Jr.
22
Donald Fox III
RB
5-10
197
Sr.
24
Dakota Downey
WR
5-6
133
So.
28
Hunter Smootz
RB
6-1
187
Sr.
29
Derrick Smith
RB
5-9
176
Jr.
31
Ryan Harriman
WR
6-0
150
Sr.
32
Joseph McCabe
RB
5-10
177
Sr.
33
Ryan Summers
RB
5-8
141
Fr.
40
Kyle Cowart
WR
6-2
150
So.
50
Arthur Leap
T
6-2
209
So.
52
Alex Gallegos-Dinges
T
6-0
258
Jr.
54
Michael McCampbell
G
5-8
165
Sr.
55
Cody Baker
G
5-10
215
Fr.
58
Graciel Tapia
T
5-9
251
So.
65
Phillip Mallow
G
6-1
180
Jr.
69
Philip Stauffer
C
5-7
147
Sr.
72
Johan Mendez Carrillo
T
5-10
241
Sr.
75
Jacob Good
T
5-10
176
Jr.
77
Trent Lawrence
C
5-10
228
Sr.
78
Jacob Helsley
T
6-2
285
So.
80
Patrick Kerlin
WR
5-10
169
Sr.
81
Dyllen Handel
WR
5-8
148
Sr.
36 FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013
STRASBURG RAMS
The Northern Virginia Daily
Rams have questions to answer on offense “I think what we lost is definitely going to be hard to replace, but at the same time I think coming into the season we’ve got a STRASBURG — Strasburg head coach couple young backs, and I think that they Mark Roller heads into the 2013 high school football season tasked with answer- can handle the duties there,” Roller said. “Instead of us being able to break one for a ing a question that hasn’t needed to be long run like we did last year, I think this asked over the past several seasons — year it’s going to be four or five yards and who is going to carry the load at running a cloud of dust. We’ll break a few, but cerback for the Rams? tainly I don’t think we expect anything Roller and the Rams previously had the like we had last year.” luxury of having a handful of qualified Strasburg — which went 10-2 last season candidates in the backfield, headlined by and advanced to the second round of the all-state running back Rakwon White. playoffs — averaged 384.1 yards per game Those days are now gone. last season while racking up an area-high Strasburg’s top four leading rushers from 3,692 total yards on the ground in 2012. In last season were lost to graduation — addition to the loss of White’s impressive including White, who rushed for 2,467 output, the Rams will also be missing the yards and 27 touchdowns in 2012 — leav- ground production of quarterback Troy Gordon (640 yards, 12 touchdowns), fulling Strasburg with a gaping void in back Darius Lozado (303 yards, four arguably the most important position in touchdowns) and running back Todd Dean its run-heavy Pro-I offense. (157 yards, three touchdowns). By Brad Fauber
2013 RAMS
• Coach: Mark Roller (sixth year, 25-29) • Offense/Defense: Pro-I, 4-4 • Key returnees: TE/LB Jonathan Kloosterman, OL/DL Trenton Davis, WR/DB Colt Cowgill, TE/DL Ryan Smoot, OL/DL Joe Giallonardo, WR/DB Matt Clutter • Key losses: RB/LB Rakwon White, QB/DB Troy Gordon, FB/LB Darius Lozado, RB/LB Todd Dean, WR/DB Shawn Owens, OL/LB Cody Miller, WR/DB Tommy Caison
onda
Roller said that senior Michael Conley and junior Colton Funk figure to see a bulk of the carries this season out of the running back position, but neither offers Strasburg much in the way of varsity experience. Both Conley and Funk battled injuries last season and saw very limited action. “Unless one stands out more than the other, we’ll probably go running back by RAMS, 39
Rich Cooley/Daily file
Central’s Jordan Umstead is held up by Strasburg’s Joe Giallonardo during a game last season in Woodstock.
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239618
STRASBURG RAMS
The Northern Virginia Daily
2013 SCHEDULE East Rockingham, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 18
at Manassas Park, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 20 at James Wood, 7 p.m.
Oct. 25 Madison County, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 27 Clarke County, 7:30 p.m.
Nov. 1
at William Monroe, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 8
beat Stonewall Jackson, 40-21
Oct. 5
beat George Mason, 38-20
Aug. 31
beat Washington (W.Va.), 29-14 Oct. 12
beat Manassas Park, 35-34
Sept. 7
beat Page County, 41-7
Oct. 19
beat Madison County, 35-19
Sept. 14
beat Luray, 47-10
Nov. 2
lost to Central, 25-20
beat Clarke County, 20-13
Nov. 10
beat Nottoway, 35-14
beat William Monroe, 61-40
Nov. 16
lost to Central, 25-22
at Warren County, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 21 Central, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 28
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2012 RESULTS (10-2, 5-1 BULL RUN)
Aug. 30 at Stonewall Jackson, 7 p.m. Oct. 11 George Mason, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 24 Sept. 6
FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013
38 FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013
STRASBURG RAMS
The Northern Virginia Daily
Strasburg’s Kloosterman aims for big year son came on defense, where he ended up being named Bull Run District Defensive Player of the Year and was a first team all-Group A, Division 2 selection at defensive end.
By Brad Fauber STRASBURG — Strasburg lost nearly all of its offensive production from last year to graduation, and as the Rams head into the 2013 high school football season, it is as important as ever for Strasburg to get the ball into the hands of its playmakers.
Kloosterman led Strasburg with 96 tackles (66 solo) last season and also added two sacks for the Rams. Much like his role on offense, Kloosterman will be moved around to different positions on defense this season, and he figures to see a bulk of his playing time at middle linebacker.
With little varsity experience returning for the Rams at many of the skill positions on offense, senior Jonathan Kloosterman — the team’s returning offensive leader with 299 receiving yards and five touchdowns last season as a tight end — figures to have a more prominent role in the Rams’ pro-I offense this season.
“It will help me get more in the open field,” Kloosterman said of the move. “I’m one-sided whenever I’m playing defensive end, so now I can move around more and that will really help out, I think.”
“We’re going to try to get a lot out of him,” Rams coach Mark Roller said before practice on Aug. 12. “We’re going to move him around on offense and move him around on defense. We’re going to try to get the ball to Jonathan as much as we can.”
Kloosterman said he played some linebacker in JV, but he is still getting used to the challenge of playing in the middle of the Rams’ 4-4 defense at the varsity level. He said the biggest challenge has been learning all of the defensive plays, as he will be required to call signals to his teammates on the field.
Strasburg’s offense compiled nearly 3,700 yards rushing in 12 games last season, but the Rams lost their top four leading rushers to graduation, including all-state running back Rakwon White, who ran for 2,467 yards and 27 touchdowns a year ago. Senior Michael Conley and junior Rich Cooley/Daily Colton Funk are in line to fill the void Strasburg senior tight end/linebacker Jonathan Kloosterman will be looked at running back, but neither has seen upon as a playmaker on both sides of the ball for the Rams this season. much action at the varsity level. guys do back there, especially at our Kloosterman said he’s eager to be the ure in Strasburg’s offense during his final high school season, and he has fullback position because we’ve got go-to guy in the offense this season, personally approached Roller about some new guys there. We’re just going especially early on as Conley and playing multiple roles for the Rams to try to utilize him as best we can.” Funk get settled into their roles. this year. Even if Kloosterman doesn’t see sig“I’m hoping that I’m a big part of “I know he’s eager to have the ball in nificant playing time in the backfield, [the offense]. I want the ball in my his hands. He’s already asked me to the senior should still be a top receivhands, just to take some of the load play quarterback some, play in the ing target for first-year quarterback off the running backs,” Kloosterman wildcat, but he’s not that type of athMark Smoot. Kloosterman’s 17 catchsaid. “The running backs we have are lete yet,” Roller said. es last season led all Strasburg good, but they don’t have much game experience. So until they start getting Is there a chance Kloosterman lines receivers. that experience we need to share the up in the backfield to get some carries Kloosterman’s role with the Rams load.” this season? this season won’t be limited to the Kloosterman has made it no secret that he wants to be a prominent fig-
“It’s possible, I won’t rule it out,” Roller said. “It depends on how those
offensive side of the ball, however. In fact, his biggest contribution last sea-
“I’m definitely looking forward to it. I’ve still got to get down all the play calling and stuff because when I was at defensive end I didn’t have to memorize all that, I just do what I do,” Kloosterman said. “Now I’m going to have to call out the plays so I’m still working on getting that stuff down.” As far as personal goals, Kloosterman doesn’t really have any as he is simply focused on helping the team win, and he said he isn’t concerned with trying to replicate his allstate selection again this season. “I try not to think about that. That was last season and this is a new season,” Kloosterman said. “It’s all new for me — I’m at a new position, so I’m not really looking back to last year at all.” Contact sports writer Brad Fauber at 540-465-5137 ext. 184, or bfauber@nvdaily.com
STRASBURG RAMS
The Northern Virginia Daily
Rams Continued from 36
committee and see who does the best,” Roller said. “Fortunately for us we’ve got some guys back on the offensive line that saw some time last year, so that kind of gives us a good feeling going into that, because the whole backfield is going to be brand new.” The Rams also face the challenge of replacing Gordon’s arm at the quarterback position, where he accounted for
No. 1 3 7 11 15 17 21 23 25 27 33 37 42 45 49 50 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 64 65 66 68 71 72 74 75 76 77 79 80 81 83 85 87
885 yards and 13 touchdowns through the air last year. Junior Mark Smoot, who served as Gordon’s backup in 2012, will start under center this season.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013
39
get away from people, but his presence, just being around the game all of his life, is going to be an asset for us.”
The uncertainty in Strasburg’s backfield should be aided somewhat by a fairly Smoot lacks the mobility of his predecessor, but Roller said experienced offensive line, led Smoot has the ability to stretch by senior lineman Trenton Davis and senior tight end the field with the deep ball. Jonathan Kloosterman. “Mark brings a presence of Juniors Joe Giallonardo and being around the game all of Aaron Lozado — both of whom his life and I certainly think he saw significant playing time can throw it a little bit,” Roller last season — will also help said. “He’s certainly not going anchor the offensive line. to be able to move around in Smoot will also have some the pocket like Troy was and experienced targets to throw to in Kloosterman (17 catches, 2013 ROSTER 299 yards, five touchdowns) Name Pos. Year and senior receivers Colt Austin Schlentner WR/DB So. Cowgill and Matt Clutter, Colt Cowgill WR/DB Sr. although the Rams did lose Wesley Fauver WR/DB Sr. junior Tommy Caison, who Matt Clutter WR/DB Sr. recently transferred to Central. Mark Smoot QB/DB Jr. Adam Gordon Eric Reynolds Austin Licklider Corie Baker Michael Conley Colton Funk Justin Carr Zachary McDonald Jonathan Kloosterman Michael Laing Caleb Haines Joseph Giallonardo Aaron Lozado Aaron Mullins Isaiah Thomas Jason Gomez Rusty Gibson Austin Weaver Daniel Miller Christian Neff Evan Ryman Joshua Lockhart Tice Bennett Christian Plaugher Marco Gallagher Trenton Davis Jacob Stephens Rashon Alsberry Tyler Brill Thayer Norris Jacob Lockhart Tyrik Steed Damion Howard-Wolford Ryan Smoot Zachary Baker
RB/DB WR/DB WR/DB RB/LB RB/LB RB/LB RB/LB FB/LB TE/LB WR/DB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB TE/DL WR/DB
So. So. Sr. So. Sr. Jr. So. Jr. Sr. So. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. So. So. So. Jr. Sr. So. Sr. So. So. So. Jr. Sr. So. So. So. Sr. So. So. So. Jr. So.
Although the offensive line won’t be afforded the luxury of Gordon’s mobility if things Rich Cooley/Daily file break down this season, Davis said that isn’t a concern for the Strasburg coach Mark Roller stands along the sidelines during a game last season with Stonewall at Strasburg. Rams. “You’ve just got to block a little bit longer, it’s not much different,” Davis said. “Troy could just take a play and turn nothing into something. I think we’re confident in ourselves that we can protect Mark long enough that he can do something back there.” Defensively the Rams should be strong up front, with Kloosterman (team-high 96 tackles), Davis (50 tackles), Giallonardo and Ryan Smoot all returning to the defensive line this season, although Kloosterman — a first team all-Group A, Division 2 defensive end last year — will be moved around on defense and figures to see significant playing time at middle linebacker.
iors battling for starting roles, but the secondary returns some experience with Cowgill (three interceptions) and Clutter manning two of the three defensive backfield spots. Justin Carr, who filled in at kicker when Dean was sidelined with an ankle injury last season, will handle the kicking duties this year.
2012 STATS • Record: 10-2, 5-1 Bull Run • Passing leader: Troy Gordon (38 for 86, 885 yards, 13 touchdowns, 4 interceptions) • Rushing leader: Rakwon White (261 carries for 2,467 yards, 27 touchdowns) • Receiving leader: Jonathan Kloosterman (17 catches for 299 yards, 5 touchdowns)
The Rams face a tough sched- • Total tackles: Jonathan ule this season, with fellow Kloosterman (96) Class 2A-East member East • Sacks: Troy Gordon (4) Rockingham and Class 4A • Interceptions: Colt Cowgill (3) James Wood listed on the nondistrict slate. that we’ll have to play and it’s something that we just have to “We’ll really see what we’re prepare for them and play our made of early on. It’s a tough best.” schedule,” Roller said. “And then of course we open up with Contact sports writer Clarke County in our district, Brad Fauber at Strasburg will be young at and it just doesn’t get any easi- 540-465-5137 ext. 184, or linebacker with a group of about five sophomores and jun- er. There are some tough teams bfauber@nvdaily.com
40 FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013
FOOTBALL 2013
The Northern Virginia Daily
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42 FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013
WARREN COUNTY WILDCATS
The Northern Virginia Daily
Wildcats hope game-time experience will pay off Four-year starting quarterback/ defensive back Tyler Post is gone, as is VMI signee Matt Nicholson FRONT ROYAL — The numbers are sobering, at first glance anyway. (WR/DB). All-Evergreen District picks Dimitri Hare (OL), Sasha Warren County’s football team, Harris (OL), Zane Grudzinski (TE), fresh off another Group AA, Timmy Green (RB), Jeff Budwash Division 3 playoff appearance, has precious few returning starters still (LB/RB), Chris Larsen (WR), Zack Poehler (DE) and Jacob Hill (LB) — on the roster as the Wildcats embark on a new chapter as part of all graduates from a remarkable three-year run of success. the Bull Run District. Tallent knew that day was coming, You can debate what constitutes a and he’s been preparing all along. returning starter — and Wildcats Rich Cooley/Daily file “As soon as you’re to that last coach Tony Tallent just might — game and you’re standing in front Warren County’s head coach Tony Tallent stands along the sidelines but there’s no denying Warren County lost a talented group of sen- of those kids, mentally you’re look- during a game against Fauquier last season. ing through that crowd and already iors from last year’s team. team. high energy and they roll. I think starting to assemble that. [next roswe have a good, eclectic group of “That’s a really strong turnout as ter],” Tallent said. 2013 WILDCATS compared to what we had when we kids who really like to get after it.” That strong 2013 class did provide first got here,” Tallent said. “We • Coach: Tony Tallent (sixth year, 35-39) Replacing Post could present a real a nice parting gift for the Warren really feel like these kids got some • Offense/Defense: Multiple-I/4-4 challenge. A threat to either pass or County football program — by blowplaying time last year with what we tuck it away and run, Post won the • Key returnees: WR/DB Jontae Rollins, ing out opponents with such reguwere able to do with the kids that Evergreen District Offensive Player QB/DB Austin Butler, RB/DB Demetrius larity through much of the season, left. We feel like they do have game of the Year honors last year. Senior Yates, TE/LB Joshua Owens, PK/DL the Wildcats’ senior-laden starting Blake Steele, WR/LB Eric Baker, OL/DL experience. It might not be the Austin Butler is tasked with replaclineup often soon made way for the Joshua Mallicoat beginning of the game experience, ing Post. Although he didn’t compile backups who’ve moved into their • Key losses: QB/DB Tyler Post, WR/DB but they’ve been in varsity football much in the way of offensive numspots this year. And the numbers Matthew Nicholson, LB/FB Jeff games and have seen a good bers last year, Butler did get plenty are strong, as well — Tallent said Budwash, TE/LB Jacob Hill, TE/LB Zane of time behind center in a mop-up amount of action. 116 players came out for the team Grudzinski, OL/DL Sasha Harris, WR/DB this season, and the varsity pro“ ... Our speed level and our motors role. Chris Larsen WILDCATS, 45 gram has about 60 players on the across the board — our kids are By Jeff Nations
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WARREN COUNTY WILDCATS
2013 SCHEDULE Aug. 30 at Skyline, 7 p.m.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013
2012 RESULTS (8-3, 3-1 EVERGREEN)
Oct. 11 Manassas Park, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 31
beat Clarke County, 27-9
Oct. 5
beat Liberty, 41-7
Oct. 12
beat Fauquier, 14-0
Oct. 19
beat Brentsville, 41-3
Sept. 6 Brentsville, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 18 at George Mason, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 7
beat Central, 28-7
Sept. 13 James Wood, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 25 at Central, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 14
beat George Mason, 58-21
Oct. 26
lost to Kettle Run, 28-21
Sept. 21
beat Moorefield (W.Va.), 28-13
Nov. 2
lost to Skyline, 14-12
beat James Wood, 32-7
Nov. 9
lost to Kettle Run, 24-21
Sept. 27 William Monroe, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 1
Strasburg, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 4
at Madison County, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 28
at Clarke County, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 8
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44 FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013
WARREN COUNTY WILDCATS
The Northern Virginia Daily
Warren County’s Owens proud of family legacy By Jeff Nations FRONT ROYAL — Joshua Owens finds all the motivation and inspiration he’ll ever need each and every time he exits the weight room at Warren County High School. The rising senior walks down the hallway and pauses at the school’s trophy cases, gazing at two familiar faces. One is a photo of his older brother, Joseph, a former state high jump champion at Warren County who went on to become a four-time Division III AllAmerican in track at Christopher Newport University. The other photo is of his late father, Joe “Ace” Owens, a former standout in football and track at both Warren County and later the University of Richmond. Ace Owens passed away when Joshua was just 8 years old. Joseph, his older brother by 10 years, in many ways filled in as his father. Both are Joshua Owens’ biggest heroes. “Every day,” Owens said of how often he stops to look at those displays. “I always have lifting, and every day I stop by and look at my brother’s state championship on the right side and my dad on the left side in the hall of fame. It’s just an honor to have the same name as them, to try and live up to them.” Owens enters his senior season looking to make his own mark on the football field for the Wildcats. He’s slated to start two ways for
field, which is hard, but I just know that he’s with me.”
a Warren County squad with plenty of holes to fill from last season’s playoff squad.
Owens can count on older brother Joseph to continue providing support and guidance as he gears up for one final season.
Warren County coach Tony Tallent is confident that he has two less spots to worry about when he pencils in Owens’ name at inside linebacker and tight end.
“I had to look for someone like my brother to be like a male figure to look up to,” Joshua Owens said. “I’m so proud to be related to someone like my brother. He really came through for me and was the strong one.”
“He’s the kind of kid, always a ‘Yes sir, no sir,’ kid, he’s a straight student-athlete,” Tallent said. “You always count on him in the classroom. He’s a model representative of our program in the community. He’s the kind of kid that makes you want to come to school and come to practice.” On the field, Owens filled a part-time starting role at linebacker last year. After coming through Warren County’s school system as an inside linebacker, Owens had to bounce to the outside when Jacob Hill battled injuries last year. Owens started at outside linebacker in the Wildcats’ playoff game against Kettle Run. He’ll move back to the inside this year to help solidify the Wildcats’ run defense. “We’re going to be solid this year,” Owens said. “Our defense has really stepped it up, from our line to our backers and our secondary. We got a lot of experience last year because our starters were able to shut some people out and let us get a chance to have at them.” Owens totaled 19 tackles and a fumble recovery on defense last year. On offense, he served as the
Like his father and older brother, Joshua hopes to compete and excel in track and field at the collegiate level. Joseph Owens starred as a high jumper, while Joshua’s top event right now is the long jump. Those are plans for the future, though. Right now, Owens wants to do all he can to make sure the Wildcats have a successful debut as they move into the Bull Run District this season.
Rich Cooley/Daily
Warren County’s senior Joshua Owens will help lead the Wildcats as a linebacker and tight end.
“It’s exciting, just knowing that we’re going to be playing people with the same amount of kids in their school as us,” Owens said. “We’ve been the underdogs a long time.”
been the same feeling he’s had since he lost his father, Owens will do his part, who died from a brain Tallent knows that for ceraneurysm before ever see“I’m going to be out there tain. ing Joshua take the field for receiving a little bit, but “I try to speak up and try an organized game. we’re doing a lot of blocking to let everybody know what “Dad was always talking plays,” Owens said. “Really, about football,” Owens said. they need to do, be a it’s both — it’s going to be “Him and my brother really leader,” Owens said. pretty equal this year.” Contact Sports Editor wanted me to play midget No matter where he plays, and ever since then I’ve Jeff Nations at Owens is just glad to be out loved football. My dad never 540-465-5137 ext. 161, or on the football field. It’s got to see me get out on the jnations@nvdaily.com Wildcats’ second tight end in those sets, playing opposite of Zane Grudzinski.
WARREN COUNTY WILDCATS
Wildcats Continued from 42
“Austin has really worked hard to be the quarterback — the type of person and the
type of athlete that we expect to be our quarterback,” Tallent said. “He’s been chomping at the bit, ready to go for years.” Seniors Demetrius Yates and Kristian
2013 ROSTER No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 20 21 22 23 24 25 30 31 32 32 35 35 36 40 41 42 43 44 45 50 51 52 53 54 55 62 63 65 71 74 78 79 80 84 86 86 88
Name Robert Rutherford Tristan Ward Jontae Rollins Eric Baker Austin Butler Josh Breeden Brian Croson Alex Atwood Wesley Childress Drake Cramer C.J. Sharp Troy Turner Nathaniel Hess Richie Yatsko Michael Shirkey Demetrus Yates Kris Deal Lemuel Crisemon Zack Waller Blake Steele Blake Cockrell Alex Mullins Joshua Owens Cody Vaughan Jonathan Buggisch Joseph Rutherford Nick Skube Andrew Hicks Matthew Moore Cody Banzhof Josh Newman Karl Taubenberger T.J. Ferguson Tylor Hindman Michael Medrano Zach Moon Herson Chavez Kaleb Boyce Jeff Brinson Josh Mallicoat Connor McMackin Jacob Grimsley Cody Smith Christopher Payne Quay Caison Dylan Ross Zachary Smith Tyler Wright Clyde Ritchie Cody Weaver Daniel Spangler Casey Stewart
Pos. QB/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB QB/DB QB/LB WR/LB WR/DB QB/DB WR/LB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB RB/LB WR/DB RB/DB RB/LB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DE/K WR/DB RB/LB TE/LB DE/WR WR/DB/K RB/DB WR/DB TE/DE RB/LB TE/DE RB/DE RB/DE RB/LB RB/LB OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL WR/DL WR/DB WR/LB WR/DB WR/DB
Year So. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. So. So. Sr. Sr. So. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. So. Sr. Sr. Jr. So. Sr. Jr. Jr. So. Jr. So. So. Sr. Sr. So. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. So. Jr. Jr. Jr. So. Jr. Jr. So. Sr. So. Sr. So. Sr. So. Sr.
Deal saw some time in the backfield last season, and move into fulltime roles at running back this season.
“He’s put in a lot of good, quality time and has done a real nice job with that group,” Tallent said.
“Both those guys are tested backs who’ve had some carries,” said Tallent, who added Josh Newman to that list of running backs.
Joining Mallicoat on the line could be Jeff Brinson, Connor McMackin, Zach Moon and Cody Smith.
Mallicoat and Tallent likes his McMackin will shift receiving corps. Senior across the line to fill Jontae Rollins (11 one-half of Warren catches for 115 yards, 1 County’s front four on TD) is the leading sta- defense, with Blake tistical returnee in Steele and Josh another group that has Newman also expected deceptive experience. to see plenty of time “Probably on the out- there. side, we bring our most “Our front four is experience back,” going to feature a lot of Tallent said. “Jontae different kids that are Rollins, Eric Baker, and going to be in there,” with Josh Owens play- Tallent said. “We’re ing tight end — he going to be rotating played the second tight them through.” end last year — so we feel on that side of the ball, we’ve got some guys that have seen some time. “Baker and Rollins both present problems. They’re big and fast, I’ve seen them catching a lot of balls in practice. Owens can flex out and he presents a size problem for people.” Alex Atwood and C.J. Sharp are two other receiving options for the Wildcats this season. The offensive line can count just one returning starter — outside of Owens at tight end — in Josh Mallicoat. Tallent said the rising junior has helped to stabilize that unit already.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013
45
2012 STATS • Record: 8-3, 3-1 Evergreen • Passing leader: Tyler Post (90 for 171, 1,428 yards, 16 touchdowns, 11 interceptions) • Rushing leader: Timmy Green (161 carries, 904 yards, 11 touchdowns) • Receiving leader: Chris Larsen (30 catches, 638 yards, 5 touchdowns) • Total tackles: Jeff Budwash (80) • Sacks: Glen Pinard (4.5) • Interceptions: Tyler Post (5)
The Wildcats must find an entirely new set of starting linebackers. Zach Moon did see significant time there last year, and Owens will be shifting back to his customary role as an inside backer after starting late in the season at outside linebacker. Baker, Butler, Zach Waller and Deal are
also expected to see time at linebacker. The secondary is another projected strength for Warren County, with Yates returning as a starter at cornerback and Rollins doing the same as a safety. Butler could also see time in the secondary. “We feel like we’ve got WILDCATS, 77
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46 FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013
MASSANUTTEN MILITARY ACADEMY COLONELS
The Northern Virginia Daily
Colonels planning to refuel high-octane offense season starts, with precious little experience. That doesn’t mean there’s no talent, though. Gilliland thinks MMA has the players ready to step in and carry on what the offense accomplished last year.
By Jeff Nations
WOODSTOCK — If Massanutten Military Academy football coach Chris Gilliland could pick just one player to rebuild the Colonels around, odds are better than even that senior Houston Walls would be that guy.
That starts with quarterback, where the Colonels have at least three viable options. Senior Justin Elshafie, a lefthander, could start but will be pushed by junior transfer Derik Duklis and junior Damoni Gunter.
It’s not as bad as all that for MMA — Walls is indeed back to start both ways for the fourth straight season, and the Colonels do have a few other starters back from last year’s squad.
Just a few, though. MMA can count just two returning starters on both sides of the ball this season. That includes the do-everything Walls, who led the area with seven interceptions last season as a defensive back, ran for nearly 10 yards a pop (478 rushing yards, 9.9 ypg) as a running back and snared 13 passes for 193 yards out of the backfield or flared out along the Jeff Nations/Daily Colonels’ no-huddle, spread offense last Massanutten Military Academy year. junior Derik Duklis awaits a snap “He’s just going to be an animal,” during a recent practice in Gilliland said of Walls, slated to start Woodstock. Duklis, a transfer from again as a free safety and wide receiver West Springfield, will likely open the this year. “We put him out wide to keep season at starting quarterback for him away from injury and maybe give the Colonels. him a chance to make some plays on “It’s probably the best spot for him,” the outside.” Gilliland said of Fulgham. “I would’ve Playmakers could be at a premium for loved to have had him another year, MMA’s offense this season, considering but it’s closer to home and closer to his what the Colonels lost from last year’s family.” explosive attack. Chief among the gradFellow wideout Jamauri Richardson, uation departures is starting quarterlike Fulgham a serious matchup probback Kenya Ray-Abrams, the Patriot lem for opponents, is also gone after Conference’s Offensive Player of the graduating and is currently enrolled in Year last season after passing for an a prep school. First-team all-Patriot area-best 2,659 yards and rushing for tight end Chase McDevitt and firstanother 752 (team-high) yards. Rayteam offensive lineman Daniel Fink Abrams is currently battling for the are also gone, more graduation losses starting quarterback slot at The for MMA to absorb. Apprentice School.
That’s not all — top wideout Travis Fulgham, a dazzling playmaker who led the area with 58 receptions for 1,614 yards and 14 touchdowns, transferred in the summer to Broad Run. He’s now receiving some NCAA Division I interest.
“We lost a bunch of seniors last year, we had a couple guys transfer at the end of this past season,” Gilliland said. “So we lost some key guys at some key positions.” Gilliland has a roster he hopes will reach the mid to high 20s before the
Duklis has been a revelation for the Colonels, and is already drawing comparisons to some of MMA’s top departed skill players. Gilliland plans to use the junior speedster all over the field this season. “He’s a lot like Kenya was in terms of versatility, and a great receiver,” Gilliland said. “He’s a junior and I’m hoping to have him for two years, as well. He’s going to make plays. He doesn’t have the height that Travis or Jamauri have, but he’s got the hands that Travis has. Maybe not as fast, but still pretty quick. He has a nose for finding spots.” If Elshafie holds down the starting quarterback spot, Gilliland has penciled in a four-wideout set of Duklis, Walls, Gunter and newcomer Erin Carter.
“Defensively we’re replacing a lot,” Gilliland said. “Houston will still be in the defensive backfield, playing free safety. That’ll help out a little bit.” Walls, a first-team all-Patriot pick last year, tallied 45 tackles for a unit that had trouble stopping opponents at times last year. Beyond Walls and Thomas, the Colonels will be shuffling in largely a new cast on defense. “To be honest with you, I would love for us to score a bunch of points,” Gilliland said. “Hopefully, defensively we can hold up. Hopefully, offensively we don’t throw too many interceptions that get returned for touchdowns, or special teams mishaps that cause games to look more lopsided than they were.” MMA will play just a nine-game schedule this year, and the finale against Maryland School for the Deaf could potentially not happen, as well, depending on that school’s playoff pursuit. Regardless of how many games MMA plays this season, Gilliland thinks this year’s team has plenty of potential to make some noise in the Patriot Conference this season.
“We’re not going to change what we’re doing,” Gilliland said. “I know we’ve only got a couple kids who are return“We’re running the same offense,” Gilliland said. “We’ve got a couple guys ing, but those guys are key guys. They know the offense, they know the who can really run.” defense, they’re kind of the captains on The running backs will be new, with both sides of the ball. I’m going to try junior transfer Josh Holt and freshman and keep things as uniform as I can.” Josh Kovach getting early looks to “I feel like if we can get to the edge of carry the ball. a defense, then we’re one step ahead. Starting center Eric Crawley is the We’re going to incorporate some of the lone holdover on the offensive line. option stuff like we did last year. We “He’s played center pretty much every may run a little bit more than we did game since his sophomore season,” in the past. My first year here, we were Gilliland said. “That brings a little bit a spread but we ran the triple option. of stability to the line.” We got away from that a little bit and MMA’s defense was similarly hard-hit opened up the passing game a little bit more.” by graduation losses, with only defensive lineman Ian Thomas and Walls back to reprise starting roles in the Colonels’ base 4-3 alignment.
Contact Sports Editor Jeff Nations at 540-465-5137 ext. 161, or jnations@nvdaily.com
MASSANUTTEN MILITARY ACADEMY COLONELS
The Northern Virginia Daily
2013 SCHEDULE Aug. 30
Quantico, 4 p.m.
Sept. 6
at Atlantic Shores Christian, 7 p.m.
Sept. 13 St. John’s Catholic, 4 p.m. Sept. 20 at Covenant School, 4 p.m.
Sept. 27 Oct. 12 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Nov. 1
at Fredericksburg Christian, 4 p.m. Fishburne Military, 4 p.m. R-MA, 4 p.m. Hancock (Md.), 4 p.m. at Md. School for the Deaf, 4 p.m.
2012 RESULTS (3-7, 2-2 PATRIOT)
Aug. 31 beat Quantico, 36-0
Oct. 5
beat Carson Long Military (Pa.), 70-0
Sept. 8
Oct. 12
beat Fishburne Military, 32-7
Sept. 14 lost to St. John’s Catholic, 54-6
Oct. 20
lost to R-MA, 48-34
Sept. 21 lost to Covenant School, 52-38
Oct. 26
lost to Hancock (Md.), 30-12
lost to Bishop O’Connell, 49-6
Sept. 28 lost to Fredericksburg Christian, 61-20
2013 COLONELS
Nov. 2
lost to Perry Street Prep (D.C.), 38-26
2012 STATS
FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013
47
2013 ROSTER No. Name
Ht.
Wt.
Pos.
Year
1
Houston Walls
5-6
160
WR/DB
Sr.
2
Damoni Gunter
6-2
185
RB/CB
Jr.
3
Joshua Holt
5-7
145
RB/CB
Jr.
4
Erin Carter
6-0
165
DE/WR
Sr.
7
Derik Duklis
5-10
170
QB/WR/DB
Jr.
8
Josh Kovach
5-10
170
LB/WR
Fr.
9
Michael Kim
5-7
150
WR/DB
Jr.
10
Justin Elshafie
6-1
225
QB/LB
Sr.
11
Paul Cook
5-7
130
WR/DB
So.
17
Weiouqing Chen
5-9
170
WR/LB
Jr.
20
Garrett Quartana
5-9
160
WR/DL
Jr.
• Coach: Chris Gilliland (fourth year, 11-19)
• Record: (3-7, 2-2 Patriot)
21
Alex Bernier
5-8
155
WR/DL
Jr.
• Offense/Defense: Spread/Multiple
• Passing leader: Kenya Ray-Abrams (147 for 289, 2,659 yards, 21 touchdowns, 20 interceptions)
25
Jordan Fletcher
6-3
160
OL/LB
So.
• Key returnees: WR/DB Houston Walls, OL/DL Ian
52
Eric Crawley
5-8
230
OL/LB
Sr.
53
Grant Jewell
6-2
205
OL/LB
So.
Thomas, OL/LB Eric Crawley, DE/WR Damoni Gunter
• Rushing leader: Kenya Ray-Abrams (96 carries for 752 yards, 6 touchdowns) • Receiving leader: Travis Fulgham (58 catches for 1,614 yards, 14 touchdowns)
54
Ian Thomas
5-11
180
OL/DL
Sr.
• Key losses: QB/DB Kenya Ray-Abrams, WR/DB
55
Tyler Draddy
5-10
195
OL/LB
Fr.
Travis Fulgham, WR/DB Jamauri Richardson, RB/DL
• Total tackles: Nicky Sanders (89)
74
Jean-Marc Hollo
5-11
205
DL/OL
So.
Nicky Sanders, RB/LB Zach Lowe, RB/DL Paul
• Sacks: Paul Karabetian (5)
75
Jean-Luc Hollo
5-10
190
DL/OL
So.
Karabetian, TE/DL Arpy Augustus
• Interceptions: Houston Walls (7)
80
John McGarry
5-5
140
WR/DB
So.
48 FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013
MASSANUTTEN MILITARY ACADEMY COLONELS
The Northern Virginia Daily
MMA’s Crawley remains a rock in the middle for offense MMA’s offense flourished with the no-huddle, piling up yardage and points in game WOODSTOCK — Eric after game last season. Crawley once had visions of Starting quarterback Kenya dashing down the sidelines Ray-Abrams, a deadly trigfor a long gainer, or maybe german as both a passer and bursting through the center runner, must be replaced of the line to charge toward after graduating last season. the end zone. But don’t overlook the imporEven as a freshman at tance that Crawley played in Fishburne Military School, Crawley had hopes of making that success. Gilliland said an impact as a running back. moving the Washington, D.C., resident one spot over on the It didn’t work out that way, line had a huge impact on which has been good news for MMA’s offense. Massanutten Military “The snaps were more conAcademy’s football team. sistent,” Gilliland said. “We Crawley injured his Achilles’ were able to run some things tendon early in preseason much more effectively. I practice at Fishburne, never think he and Kenya had good playing a down for that timing last year.” school before transferring Crawley is ready to estabmid-year to MMA. By then, lish a new rapport with he’s put on some weight. MMA’s quarterbacks this “During that off time, I ate a year, whether it’s Justin lot,” Crawley said. “Things Elshafie, Derik Duklis or got to me, I didn’t work out Damoni Gunter behind centhat much ... I sort of got ter. No matter who the quardown. I felt like I should’ve terback is, Crawley knows been out there.” his job remains the same. By his sophomore year, “Whoever’s back there, I Crawley fit the profile of a deliver the ball to them,” lineman more than a running Crawley said. “I just do my back. He won a starting spot job as best I can. I want to on MMA’s offensive line as a make sure that my quarterguard, and by the second back and my running back game of that season he’d are protected at all times.” been shifted over to man cenPlaying the no-huddle last ter. Crawley has been there season was fun for Crawley, ever since, and now the who enjoyed the opportunity three-year starter is anchorto think fast snap after snap. ing a rebuilt offensive line as the unit’s lone holdover. “It was a fast tempo,” Crawley said. “You had to “Eric’s a guy who knows the know what you were doing. system,” Colonels coach Chris Line-wise, we knew our stuff. Gilliland said. “We put in the Communication was key on spread no-huddle last year the line. and he’s kind of the anchor on the line. If anybody can “It motivates you to study. step up to the challenge, it’s You really have to learn your definitely Eric to kind of plays. If you don’t study, then mentor the rest of the guys you don’t know things. If you on the offensive line.” don’t know things, then By Jeff Nations
Jeff Nations/Daily
Massanutten Military Academy senior Eric Crawley, a three-year starter at center, provides the Colonels with needed experience on the offensive line this season. adrenaline that you have,” Crawley said. “Every time I Crawley has been doing his Crawley will do his share of snap the ball, I get this adrenpart to make certain his aline that’s just, ‘I’ve got to do teammates are well-versed in coaching, but much of his leading will come through his this. I’ve got to do it right, MMA’s offense this season. As a senior and one of just a example on the field this sea- every single time.’ It’s always been my passion to play foothandful of returning starters, son. The 5-foot-8, 230it just goes with the territory. pounder is eager to help keep ball.” MMA’s offense humming this Contact Sports Editor “I feel like it’s my job to year. Jeff Nations at coach other people in a way 540-465-5137 ext. 161, or “I like being on the line, I that’s not negative,” Crawley like the pressure — just the said. “If something goes jnations@nvdaily.com things go bad.”
wrong, I just want to always encourage them.”
The Northern Virginia Daily
RANDOLPH-MACON ACADEMY YELLOW JACKETS
FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013
49
Yellow Jackets hoping to diversify offense By Jeff Nations FRONT ROYAL — Randolph-Macon Academy coach Frank Sullivan isn’t looking to reinvent the proverbial wheel in regards to the Yellow Jackets’ offense this season, but that doesn’t mean the seventh-year coach hasn’t been tinkering a bit. The Yellow Jackets had a solid, if not spectacular, season running predominantly out of the wing-T last season. And with two-thirds of the starting backfield returning in halfback Kevin Slaton and fullback Jonathan Moore, rest assured R-MA will still be keeping the ball on the ground whenever that’s to their benefit. The Yellow Jackets do have to replace starting quarterback Ryan Pile, and
2013 YELLOW JACKETS • Coach: Frank Sullivan (seventh year, 20-36) • Offense/Defense: Wing-T, 4-4 • Key returnees: HB/DB Kevin Slaton, FB/LB Jonathan Moore, OL/DL Emmanuel Arellano, WR/DL Carson Holder, WR/DB Troy White, HB/LB Ayebalayefaa Eke-Spiff, PK Ben Gillis • Key losses: RB/DB Andre Lake, OL/LB Nicholas Anderson, QB/DB Ryan , OL/DL Felipe Angulo, OL/DL Will Dennis, OL/DL Thomas Abell
240358
— both were wide receivers on offense — nor Sullivan admitted that the transition to QB has left “their heads spinning” in the early going. Still, Sullivan has seen enough to start planning to “We’re tinkering with a little bit of the throw the ball a bit more this season. Pistol formation, but running the same Last year, the Yellow Jackets passed for stuff,” Sullivan said. “We’re trying to just 201 yards in nine games while become a little bit more diverse.” rushing for 2,371. Senior Garrett Cavanaugh (6-foot-1, “We’re not going to come out and run 175 pounds) and junior Jack Braymer the ‘Air Raid’ by any means,” Sullivan (6-2, 170) both offer good size and said. “We’re going to diversify, but we’re strong throwing arms. Neither played not going to be throwing it around 30 times a game. quarterback at their previous schools with two solid prospects joining the program this season to battle for the position it’s put Sullivan in the mind to potentially expand the playbook.
“In our case, we get quite a few new kids into the school every year. Some of them are good athletes, but they never played quarterback at their other school. It helps the learning process. They’re already back there. They don’t necessarily have to learn the drops and things like that. So [the Pistol offense] gives them a better chance to succeed right away.” Easing the transition for whoever starts at quarterback at R-MA will be YELLOW JACKETS, 50
RANDOLPH-MACON ACADEMY YELLOW JACKETS
50 FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013
Yellow Jackets
2012 STATS • Record: 4-5 (3-1 Patriot) • Passing leader: Ryan Pile (19 for 56, 174 yards, 2 touchdowns, 7 interceptions) • Rushing leader: Andre Lake (102 carries for 857 yards, 11 touchdowns) • Receiving leader: K.J. Graham (5 catches for 75 yards, 1 touchdown) • Total tackles: Jonathan Moore (50) • Sacks: Jonathan Moore (2) • Interceptions: Andre Lake, Ryan Pile (4)
2013 ROSTER Name Emmanuel Arellano Peter Blair Michael Bond Jack Braymer Thomas Brewer Jonathan Capron Garrett Cavanaugh Malik Cochran Jacob Coulter Ayebalayefaa Eke-Spiff AyebaSopreye Eke-Spiff Ming Gong James Hilgart Jeremiah Hixson Carson Holder Raleigh Holmes Aleksey Iakomi Oluwatimileyin Idowu Alexander Jung Austin Lee David Lee Joseph Leichsenring Evan Lester Louis Lindsay Ebot Makia Tanyi Makia Victor Marshall Paul Miller Matt Montgomery Jonathan Moore Chiwenitem Ndigwe Alexander Ndongo-Seh Jude Njoku George Pitts Dennis Ponn Travis Pullen Alfred Sit Kevin Slaton Aaron Southard Slayton Speer Tyler Vaughan Justin Walcher Troy White Nicholas Zavala
Ht. 5-10 5-7 5-11 6-2 6-2 5-8 6-1 5-8 5-8 5-7 5-4 5-8 5-11 5-10 6-4 5-7 5-7 5-10 5-11 5-9 5-10 5-7 5-9 6-5 5-9 5-8 6-1 6-4 5-10 5-8 5-9 5-6 5-10 5-7 5-10 6-1 6-2 6-0 5-8 5-9 6-1 5-9 5-10 6-1
Wt. 195 145 200 170 195 140 175 205 155 165 125 210 180 160 195 150 150 165 210 175 185 140 145 220 240 212 195 175 210 165 175 135 165 150 165 170 185 175 170 160 165 165 155 170
Pos. OL/DL QB/DB OL/DL QB/DB OL/DL WR/DB QB/DB OL/DL HB/DL HB/LB HB/DB OL/DL OL/DL WR/DB WR/DL WR/DB HB/DB HB/DB OL/DL HB/LB OL/DL WR/DB QB/DB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/LB FB/LB OL/LB WR/LB HB/DB WR/DB OL/DL WR/LB OL/DL HB/DB FB/LB HB/DB WR/DB FB/LB WR/DB WR/DB
Year Sr. So. So. Jr. So. Fr. Sr. Jr. Fr. Jr. Fr. Sr. Fr. So. Sr. So. Fr. Jr. So. Jr. Sr. Fr. So. So. Jr. Fr. Sr. So. Jr. Sr. Jr. Fr. So. So. Fr. Sr. Jr. Sr. So. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr.
The Northern Virginia Daily
2013 SCHEDULE Aug. 31
Brunswick Academy, 4 p.m.
Sept. 7
at Sidwell Friends (D.C.), 1:30 p.m.
Slaton (83 rushes for 603 yards, 5 TDs) and Moore (76-517-8 TDs). Slaton is a four-year starter for the Yellow Jackets, while Moore burst on the scene last year in the third game. That leaves only leading rusher and first-team all-Patriot Conference pick Andre Lake, who’s now playing for Shenandoah, to replace as a primary ball carrier. Both Slaton and Moore were honorable mention all-conference picks last year as running backs.
Sept. 14
at Pope John Paul the Great, 1 p.m.
Sept. 21
Fredericksburg Christian, noon
Sept. 27
at Quantico, 6 p.m.
Oct. 4
Fishburne Military, 4 p.m.
Oct. 12
Hargrave Military, 2 p.m.
Oct. 18
at MMA, 4 p.m.
“We think we have some pretty good competition going on at some of the other spots with some athletic kids who played a lot last year on special teams and were able to learn from Andre and Kevin, and they’re battling for that other halfback position,” Sullivan said.
Oct. 25
at Bishop Walsh (Md.), 2:30 p.m.
Nov. 2
Potomac School, TBA
Continued from 49
2012 RESULTS Sept. 1
beat Rappahannock County, 54-0
Among the group are junior Ayebalayefaa “Faa Faa” Sept. 8 Eke-Spiff, junior Slayton Speer and junior Sept. 15 Oluwatimileyin “Timmy” Idowu. Sept. 22
lost to Sidwell Friends (D.C.), 35-34
R-MA returns both starting wide receivers from last season, although neither did much receiving in the Yellow Jackets’ ground-based offense. That should change some this year, as senior Carson Holder (6-4, 195) and senior Troy White (5-10, 155) are primed to get more touches.
Sept. 29
beat Quantico, 41-14
Oct. 5
beat Fishburne Military, 28-12
Oct. 13
lost to Hargrave Military, 30-21
Oct. 20
beat MMA, 48-34
Nov. 3
lost to Bishop Walsh (Md.), 51-20
“[Carson’s] a big target and came in great shape,” Sullivan said. “He and Troy White are both back, so that’s both our starters from last year.”
between. They’re not quite defensive backs, they’re not quite linebackers so we figured we might as well play with two outside linebackers rather than try to force a square peg into a round hole.”
The Yellow Jackets also welcome back two starters on the offensive line. Senior Emmanuel Arellano will be shifting from right tackle to center this season. Billy Choi, another honorable mention all-Patriot pick last year, is also back to man the left tackle spot. Sullivan said he also has three players — seniors Ming Gong and David Lee, and junior Malik Cochran — returning after getting “quality reps” last season on the offensive line. R-MA also welcomes back senior Victor Marshall, who enrolled too late to play last season after previously suiting up for the Yellow Jackets. “We’re just starting to mix and match them, see which ones are tackles and which ones are guards,” Sullivan said.
lost to Maret (D.C.), 42-7 lost to Fredericksburg Christian, 35-14
Moore, R-MA’s leading tackler last year with 50 stops, is the lone returner at linebacker. A first-team all-Patriot pick, Moore played inside last season. He’ll be outside this year. Candidates for the two inside spots and the remaining outside linebacker jobs are junior Austin Lee, junior Matt Montgomery, Marshall and junior Michael Ndigwe. “We think we have a little more wiggle room with the 4-4,” Sullivan said. “We don’t need four true linebackers, we need two and we’re going to find them.”
The Yellow Jackets’ defensive line will feature a new look following the graduation departures of all-conference picks Nicholas Anderson, Felipe Angulo and On defense, R-MA is also transitioning to something William Dennis. Holder (defensive end) and Arellano a bit different. Long a 4-3 base defense, Sullivan said both started on the defensive line last year, giving Rthe Yellow Jackets are giving a hard look to the 4-4 MA some stability there. Sullivan said Cochran likely alignment to make better use of improved overall will slot in somewhere along the line, and he’s excited team speed this season. about sophomore newcomer Louis Lindsay (6-5, 220) “We have a number of pretty good athletes, so we as a potential gap-filling defensive tackle. may go a little more to the 4-4,” Sullivan said. “We’re “We’re smaller up front, that’s for sure,” Sullivan a traditional 4-3 team, but right now we’ll be playing all 4-4. We have a lot more kids that are sort of in YELLOW JACKETS, 76
The Northern Virginia Daily
RANDOLPH-MACON ACADEMY YELLOW JACKETS
FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013
51
R-MA’s Moore ready to build on standout 2012 season said. “It’s a lot more space than inside linebacker, but I’m adjusting well and I look forward to playing outside.”
Rest assured, Moore will be in the starting lineup at fullback FRONT ROYAL — Randolph- when the Yellow Jackets open Macon Academy starting quar- at home against Brunswick terback Ryan Pile took one for Academy. Moore was just as surprised the team last year, although as R-MA’s coaching staff by his the recent graduate couldn’t dazzling debut. have known it at the time. By Jeff Nations
Pile was the victim of a bug bite on his arm midway through R-MA’s season, an incident that set off a fortunate chain of events for the Yellow Jackets’ offense. Pile’s bite became infected, and by the fifth game of the season R-MA coach Frank Sullivan needed a starting quarterback for his team’s home game against Quantico. Starting fullback Kevin Slaton moved over to the quarterback spot, and erstwhile special teams player Jonathan Moore plugged the resulting gap at fullback.
“It was definitely a surprise,” Moore said. “It was almost a humbling experience, going from that special teams player to that offense and defense person that people almost depend on. Now it’s my senior year — me, Kevin [Slaton], all of the seniors have to step it up a level and be the people that you can depend on.”
Moore has been a fixture at R-MA, having played football at the military academy since the seventh grade. He has that in common with Slaton, as well, plus a few others on the That turned out pretty well ... squad. That kind of familiarity makes Moore confident that on Moore’s first carry of the game, he rumbled 55 yards for the Yellow Jackets are headed for a strong season. a touchdown. “We were worried,” Sullivan said. “We had it scripted, where on the third play we were going to give it to him on a trap. Next thing you know, 55 yards later, he’s in the end zone. We’re all looking at each other and said, ‘Oh, they must just not have seen him,’ because he’s so short, you know what I mean? “Then come to find out, he ended up having quite a few 100-yard games, made us look like great coaches. I don’t know why he didn’t play the first two weeks.” Moore, a rising senior from Glenn Dale, Md., finished that game against Quantico with 200 rushing yards and a pair of touchdowns. For the season, he piled up 517 yards on 76 carries with eight touchdowns.
Moore’s season highlight last year didn’t come against Quantico. Instead, he took the greatest satisfaction in R-MA’s wild 48-34 homecoming victory over Patriot Conference rival Massanutten Military Academy. The Yellow Jackets trailed 20-7 at one point in the first half against the passhappy Colonels, but Moore and fellow running backs Slaton and Andre Lake helped grind out the victory by combining for 501 rushing yards and five touchdowns. Moore had 165 yards on 23 carries, plus two touchdowns. Jeff Nations/Daily
Randolph-Macon Academy fullback Jonathan Moore burst on the scene in his debut as a starter last year, running for 200 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Moore is back to help lead R-MA’s offense this season.
R-MA’s top run-stopper as he amassed a team-high 50 tackMoore said playing fullback les as an inside linebacker to “We’re all starting now,” for R-MA isn’t the traditional Moore said. “We know how we full-time blocking duties often go along with three intercepplay, we know how we work tions and a pair of sacks. This assigned to the position, a and we work to just be better season, Moore is shifting to an statement backed up by his every day.” production last year. An honor- outside linebacker spot as the Yellow Jackets shift from a Sullivan, entering his seventh able mention all-Patriot year as R-MA’s head coach, has Conference selection as a run- base 4-3 defense to a linebacker-heavy 4-4 look. watched that growth firstning back last year, Moore is hand. “He’s doing a good job,” expecting to carry an even Sullivan said. “He does so “It’s amazing when you come heavier load this year as the in and you remember them team breaks in a new starting much for us as a leader and when they were little kids,” setting the defense up. The quarterback. Sullivan said. “Kevin Slaton’s “I always look forward to get- coaches are a little wary of takthe same way. Now they’re the ting the ball,” Moore said. ing him out of the middle ones waking kids up at 5:30 in “We’ve got two great new quar- because he does a lot of our the morning for you, getting checks and defensive audibles, terbacks and they’re passing them ready to practice. It sort very well. So we hopefully will but we’ll be fine.” of makes you feel old, to tell Moore, who earned first-team pass a little more, but yeah, you the truth, but they’re doing we’re still predominantly run.” all-conference honors as a linea great job. It’s easy now. They know the system. They’ve been Moore is also expected to hold backer last season, said he’s down a full-time starting posi- settling into his new duties on here for years. They know the defensive side. what we want, they know what tion on defense, just like last “I’m getting used to it,” Moore we expect. They’re good to have season. A year ago, Moore was around.”
“It was nice being in a conference,” Moore said. “You know, you belong somewhere and you have your conference games and you get hyped for the games. Every conference game, I know I would get a lot more excited for, especially our homecoming game against Massanutten. That was an exciting game.” Moore follows Sullivan’s coaching mantra to try and “improve one percent, every day.” And as a senior, that’s an attitude Moore is also helping to instill in his younger teammates. “He’s intense, he’s intelligent, he is focused, he is always wanting to learn something and he’s a great teammate. He’s not a screamer and a hollerer. He’ll get kids to get in line and do the right thing. He knows which buttons to push for everybody.” Contact Sports Editor Jeff Nations at 540-465-5137 ext. 161, or jnations@nvdaily.com
FOOTBALL 2013
52 FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013
The Northern Virginia Daily
High School Football Schedule Friday, Aug. 30 Quantico at MMA, 4 p.m. Warren County at Skyline, 7 p.m. Strasburg at Stonewall Jackson, 7 p.m. Central at John Champe, 7 p.m. Musselman at Sherando, 7 p.m. Heritage at James Wood, 7 p.m. Manassas Park at Brentsville, 7 p.m. Nelson County at Luray, 7 p.m. Buffalo Gap at Fort Defiance, 7 p.m. Waynesboro at Wilson Memorial, 7 p.m. Rappahannock County at Roanoke Catholic, 7 p.m. Millbrook at Broadway, 7:30 p.m. Clarke County at Berkeley Springs, 7:30 p.m. Page County at East Hardy, 7:30 p.m.
Skyline at Brentsville, 7 p.m. Sherando at Washington, 7 p.m. Handley at Fauquier, 7 p.m. Kettle Run at Millbrook, 7 p.m. Buffalo Gap at Bath County, 7 p.m. James River at East Rockingham, 7 p.m. Parry McCluer at Page County, 7 p.m. Riverheads at Nelson County, 7 p.m. Spotswood at Wilson Memorial, 7 p.m. Cumberland at Rappahannock County, 7 p.m. Stuarts Draft at Waynesboro, 7 p.m. James Wood at Warren County, 7:30 p.m. Broadway at William Monroe, 7:30 p.m. Culpeper at Madison County, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 14
Saturday, Aug. 31
R-MA at Pope John Paul the Great, 1:30 p.m.
Liberty at Handley, 1 p.m. Brunswick at R-MA, 4 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 20
Friday, Sept. 6 Fauquier at Skyline, 7 p.m. Martinsburg at Sherando, 7 p.m. MMA at Atlantic Shores, 7 p.m. Handley at Harrisonburg, 7 p.m. Hedgesville at Millbrook, 7 p.m. Loudoun Valley at James Wood, 7 p.m. Manassas Park at Park View, 7 p.m. William Monroe at Spotswood, 7 p.m. Madison County at Luray, 7 p.m. Page County at Nelson County, 7 p.m. Parry McCluer at Buffalo Gap, 7 p.m. Riverheads at Covington, 7 p.m. Robert E. Lee at Wilson Memorial, 7 p.m. Fort Defiance at Stuarts Draft, 7 p.m. Brentsville at Warren County, 7:30 p.m. East Rockingham at Strasburg, 7:30 p.m. Stonewall Jackson at Central, 7:30 p.m. Rappahannock County at George Mason, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 7 R-MA at Sidwell Friends, 1:30 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 12 George Mason at Wakefield, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 13 St. John’s Catholic vs. MMA, 4 p.m. Clarke County at Stonewall Jackson, 7 p.m.
Covenant Life vs. MMA, 4 p.m. Strasburg at James Wood, 7 p.m. Kettle Run at Sherando, 7 p.m. Handley at Eastern View, 7 p.m. Fauquier at Millbrook, 7 p.m. Broadway at Stuarts Draft, 7 p.m. Madison County at East Rockingham, 7 p.m. Waynesboro at Riverheads, 7 p.m. Spotswood at Central, 7:30 p.m. Skyline at Manassas Park, 7:30 p.m. Charlottesville at William Monroe, 7:30 p.m. Brentsville at Clarke County, 7:30 p.m. Luray at George Mason, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 21 Fredericksburg Christian at R-MA, Noon
Friday, Sept. 27 MMA at Fredericksburg Christian, 4 p.m. R-MA at Quantico, 6:30 p.m. Stonewall Jackson at Stuarts Draft, 7 p.m. Kettle Run at Skyline, 7 p.m. Sherando at Jefferson, 7 p.m. Buffalo Gap at Riverheads, 7 p.m. Millbrook at Chancellor, 7 p.m. James Wood at Fauquier, 7 p.m. East Rockingham at Page County, 7 p.m. Luray at Wilson Memorial, 7 p.m. William Monroe at Warren County, 7:30 p.m. Clarke County at Strasburg, 7:30 p.m. George Mason at Central, 7:30 p.m. Manassas Park at Madison County, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 28
Friday, Oct. 25
Washington at Handley, 1 p.m.
Hancock vs. MMA, 4 p.m. Stonewall Jackson at Riverheads, 7 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 4 R-MA at Fishburne, 4 p.m. Wilson Memorial at Stonewall Jackson, 7 p.m. Skyline at Millbrook, 7 p.m. Sherando at Liberty, 7 p.m. Handley at Kettle Run, 7 p.m. Stuarts Draft at Buffalo Gap, 7 p.m. Page County at Luray, 7 p.m. Riverheads at East Rockingham, 7 p.m. Chincoteague at Rappahannock County, 7:30 p.m. Warren County at Clarke County, 7:30 p.m. Strasburg at William Monroe, 7:30 p.m. Central at Manassas Park, 7:30 p.m. James Wood at Broadway, 7:30 p.m. Madison County at George Mason, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 11 Stonewall Jackson at East Rockingham, 7 p.m. Skyline at Washington, 7 p.m. Sherando at James Wood, 7 p.m. Millbrook at Jefferson County, 7 p.m. Wilson Memorial at Stuarts Draft, 7 p.m. Luray at Buffalo Gap, 7 p.m. Page County at Riverheads, 7 p.m. Rappahannock County at Hancock, 7 p.m. Manassas Park at Warren County, 7:30 p.m. George Mason at Strasburg, 7:30 p.m. William Monroe at Central, 7:30 p.m. Clarke County at Madison County, 7:30 p.m.
Millbrook at James Wood, 7 p.m. Stuarts Draft at Luray, 7 p.m. Buffalo Gap at Page County, 7 p.m. Wilson Memorial at East Rockingham, 7 p.m. John Paul the Great at Rappahannock County, 7 p.m. Warren County at Central, 7:30 p.m. Madison County at Strasburg, 7:30 p.m. Clarke County at Manassas Park, 7:30 p.m. William Monroe at George Mason, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 26 Skyline at Handley, 1 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 1 Maryland School for the Deaf vs. MMA, 4 p.m. Luray at Stonewall Jackson, 7 p.m. Sherando at Skyline, 7 p.m. Handley at Millbrook, 7 p.m. Stuarts Draft at Riverheads, 7 p.m. East Rockingham at Buffalo Gap, 7 p.m. Page County at Wilson Memorial, 7 p.m. Strasburg at Warren County, 7:30 p.m. Central at Madison County, 7:30 p.m. Manassas Park at William Monroe, 7:30 p.m. George Mason at Clarke County, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 2 Saturday, Oct. 12 Fishburne Military Academy at MMA, 1:30 p.m. Hargrave at R-MA, 2 p.m.
Potomac School at R-MA, 2 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 8
Friday, Oct. 18
Stonewall Jackson at Page County, 7 p.m.
R-MA at MMA, 4 p.m. Buffalo Gap at Stonewall Jackson, 7 p.m. James Wood at Skyline, 7 p.m. Handley at Sherando, 7 p.m. Stuarts Draft at Page County, 7 p.m. East Rockingham at Luray, 7 p.m. Riverheads at Wilson Memorial, 7 p.m. Quantico at Rappahannock County, 7 p.m. Warren County at George Mason, 7:30 p.m. Strasburg at Manassas Park, 7:30 p.m. Central at Clarke County, 7:30 p.m. Madison County at William Monroe, 7:30 p.m.
East Rockingham at Stuarts Draft, 7 p.m.
Millbrook at Sherando, 7 p.m. Wilson Memorial at Buffalo Gap, 7 p.m. Riverheads at Luray, 7 p.m. Warren County at Madison County, 7:30 p.m. Central at Strasburg, 7:30 p.m. George Mason at Manassas Park, 7:30 p.m. William Monroe at Clarke County, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 9 James Wood at Handley, 1 p.m.
The Northern Virginia Daily
JAMES MADISON UNIVERSITY DUKES
FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013
53
Optimistic Dukes return strong nucleus By Tommy Keeler Jr.
only fifth in the Colonial Athletic Association preseason poll. JMU coach Mickey Matthews said he isn’t concerned by any polls, and is confident in this year’s team.
HARRISONBURG — Last year didn’t go the way James Madison University wanted it to, but with a strong nucleus returning the Dukes are as op- “Certainly at James Madison timistic and motivated as ever. we’re not accustomed to being picked anywhere down there,” JMU returns nine starters on Matthews said of the poll. “I offense and six on defense. think it all works together, too. Despite that, JMU was picked I think the way the last two games went [last year], and 2013 DUKES being picked fifth, I think moti• Coach: Mickey Matthews vation is not a problem right (15th year, 103-65) now at our place.”
• Key losses: QB Justin Thorpe, TE Brian Barlow, OL Earl Watford, DL Aaron Harper, LB Jamie Veney, LB Chase Williams, DB Jakarie Jackson, DB Leavander Jones, DB Corey Davis
The Dukes controlled their own fate last year, but lost 3520 to Villanova and then 38-28 to ODU. They missed the playoffs for the third time in four seasons.
The Dukes have a solid quarterback in sophomore Michael Birdsong. Last year Birdsong was the only freshman that wasn’t red-shirted. He started two games for the Dukes before an injury sidelined him for the last two games of the season. Birdsong played in eight games and threw for 478 yards on 41 for 77 passing and four touchdowns. He also ran for a touchdown and had 179 yards rushing on 26 carries.
Dae’Quan Scott is back at running back. The senior has suffered through back-to-back, injury-plagued seasons. Last year he played in nine games One of the problems last year and ran for 781 yards and had eight touchdowns. He was also was the offense, and the proa threat as a receiver out of the gram made some big changes backfield. He had 30 receptions in the offseason. Former N.C. State head coach Mike O’Cain for 295 yards and four touchwas brought on to be the offen- downs. sive coordinator. Former Austin Lane, Josh Wells, Eric Virginia Tech assistant Curt Buchholz, Matt Cunningham Newsome was hired as the and Matt Williams are all back assistant head coach and offen- on the offensive line for the sive line coach. Dukes, and all have worked O’Cain plans to speed up the
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James Madison sophomore quarterback Michael Birdsong will be a key cog in a more uptempo offense this season for the Dukes. Sherando graduate Brian Barlow, who is now a running “When we had our first 11-on- backs coach at Virginia State 11 in practice, I told the offen- University, graduated from JMU in the spring leaving a sive staff that was the biggest big hole for Dukes. Matthews change from last year — we said he’s been waiting for are a much more physical looksomeone to step up and take ing team,” Matthews said. “We the position, but early in the looked bigger and we blocked camp no one had. He said they bigger. Curt [Newsome] really were looking at Dominick made a point with all those Richards, Derek Hart and kids to make sure you’re bigDeane Cheatham. ger. We really are. We’ve never DUKES, 54 been this big.” the offseason according to Matthews.
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• Offense/Defense: Multiple/4-3
• Key returnees: QB Michael Birdsong, RB Dae’Quan Scott, OL Austin Lane, OL Josh Wells, OL Matt Williams, OL Eric Buchholz, OL Matt Cunningham, OL Scott Jones, WR Ryan Dixon, WR Daniel Brown, DL Jordan Stanton, DL Alex Mosley, DL Tyler Snow, LB Stephon Robertson, LB Titus Till, DB Dean Marlowe, K Cameron Starke
Dukes offense with a no-huddle offensive attack and more passing than in the past.
JAMES MADISON UNIVERSITY DUKES
Dukes Continued from 53
The Dukes have a strong core of receivers back led by Arlandis Harvey, DeAndre Smith, Daniel Brown and Ryan Dixon.
practicing well and doing a lot of good things is DeAndre Smith,” Matthews said. “DeAndre is a guy who can catch 60 or 70 balls in a season. He’s a good ballplayer. He’s a very good athlete.
“Arlandis Harvey is a guy who always gets Smith, a junior, started open. He always catches in four games last year the ball. He’s going to and had 29 receptions for play a lot this year. 323 yards and two touchdowns. He was second on Redshirt senior Cameron Starke is back the team in yards, and at kicker, but he had to third in receptions. Redshirt senior Harvey have his knee scoped in finished with nine recep- July. Matthews said he tions for 136 yards and wasn’t sure if Starke one touchdown. would be ready to go for “The kid that’s really the season opener on
2013 SCHEDULE Aug. 31 Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 Nov. 16 Nov. 23
Central Connecticut State, 6 p.m. at Akron, 6 p.m. Saint Francis (Pa.), 6 p.m. UNC Charlotte, 6 p.m. at Delaware, 7 p.m. Albany, 1:30 p.m. Richmond, 3:30 p.m. at William and Mary, 3:30 p.m. Villanova, 2:30 p.m. at New Hampshire, 12:30 p.m. Stony Brook, 3:30 p.m. Towson, 3:30 p.m.
2012 STATS
beat Saint Francis (Pa.), 55-7
Sept. 8
beat Alcorn State, 42-3
Sept. 15
lost to West Virginia, 42-12
• Rushing leader: DaeQuan Scott (155 carries for 781 yards, 8 touchdowns)
Sept. 22
beat Rhode Island, 32-7
Oct. 6
beat Towson, 13-10
• Receiving leader: Brian Barlow (30 catches for 425 yards, 3 touchdowns)
Oct. 13
beat William and Mary, 27-26 (2OT)
Oct. 20
lost to Richmond, 35-29
• Total tackles: Stephon Robertson (101)
Oct. 27
beat Georgia State, 28-21
• Sacks: Sage Harold (4)
Nov. 3
beat Maine, 31-7
• Interceptions: Dean Marlowe, Ryan Smith (3)
Nov. 10
lost to Villanova, 35-20
Nov. 17
lost to ODU, 38-28
• Passing leader: Justin Thorpe (127 for 205, 1,529 yards, 11 touchdowns, 9 interceptions)
Matthews said. “The best thing we have is our offensive line and our Redshirt sophomore defensive line. Those guys Connor Arnone and have all played a lot, Handley graduate Graham Sharples would which that’s a huge plus be in line to start at kick- for us. We have a lot of er if Starke could not go. experience up front on both sides of the ball, and Sharples and Arnone were also battling for the I’m sure that will pay huge dividends for us.” punter position, with Sharples listed as the No. 2013 CAA Preseason 1 heading into preseason. Defensive Player of the Year Stephon Robertson Jordan Stanton, Alex leads the way at lineMosley and Tyler Snow backer. Last year he had all return for the Dukes on the defensive line. How- 101 tackles and was ever, an injury to Snow in named the CAA Defensive Player of the Year. the preseason may sideline him for the first few The redshirt senior finweeks of the season. ished eighth last year in the 2012 Buck Buchanan “Major college football will always be won at the Award, which is the line of scrimmage,” award for the top defenAug. 31 against Central Connecticut State.
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2012 RESULTS (7-4, 5-3 CAA) Sept. 1
• Record: 7-4, 5-3 CAA
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sive player in FCS. Warren County graduate and redshirt freshman Gage Steele will be playing behind Robertson, and be able to learn from JMU’s top defensive player.
year is the same as it is every season.
Junior Dean Marlowe and Handley graduate and redshirt junior Jeremiah Wilson will be at the safety spots, while several players were battling for the cornerback slots.
“Our goal every year at James Madison is to win a national championship - period,” Matthews said. “That’s where we are. We never talk about anything else. Our goal is to win it. I never think about anything else, to be honest with you. I believe that. I don’t think players are going to believe that unless I believe that, unless our staff believes that. And we believe that we’re that good and now we got to go out and prove it.”
The Dukes finished 7-4 last season, after a 5-1 start. Matthews said the goal for the Dukes this
Contact Assistant Sports Editor Tommy Keeler at 540-465-5137 ext. 155, or tkeeler@nvdaily.com
Titus Till will also be returning at linebacker, with the other spot being up for grabs.
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54 FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013
The Northern Virginia Daily
JAMES MADISON UNIVERSITY DUKES
FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013
55
JMU’s Wilson embraces new role on defense By Tommy Keeler Jr.
good player. He’s a good athlete. He knows exactly what he’s doing. He’s going to be fine.”
HARRISONBURG — Jeremiah Wilson may have finally found his position.
Wilson said he worked hard over the summer to get ready for the season, and he is hopeful that he can stay healthy. Injuries helped limit Wilson’s time last season. Wilson has been bothered by hamstring injuries since he played at Handley, and did a miss a few practices in the preseason this year, but he is expected to be ready to start in JMU’s season opener on Aug. 31 against Central Connecticut State.
The Handley graduate was always at running back or cornerback when he was with the Judges. When he played at the University of Maryland, he was on special teams and at running back. In his first year at James Madison University, he played at cornerback. In the spring the Dukes decided to move Wilson to safety, and it appears to be a perfect fit. “It’s been kind of easy, really,” Wilson said of the move. “Switching over to safety, even though it’s my first time playing there, it’s easier, and I can just use more of my attributes on the field.” JMU head coach Mickey Matthews has been very pleased with what he’s seen and had high praise for Wilson at the team’s media day earlier this month. “Jeremiah Wilson may be the biggest key on our whole football team,” Matthews said. “I tell many people — the JMU nation — that we need to have another safety to play well. And Jeremiah played very well. He just never felt comfortable at corner when we brought him in from Maryland. [Secondary coach] Tony LeZotte wanted to try him at safety, and it was a great move on the defensive staff’s part to move him to safety. He played very well there this spring. We liked the move.” Last year Wilson not only had to deal with the usual problems that come with
The Dukes were picked fifth in the CAA preseason poll, and Wilson said that has helped motivate the Dukes even more this season. “Every day we talk about how were ranked No. 5 in the is expected to start at safety conference,” Wilson said. “Every day we’re reminded of redshirt junior Dean that number because that Marlowe. number is so low, we feel like. We feel like we have the talMarlowe has been a twoent every year to make it to time All-CAA selection at the playoffs, and we didn’t safety, and had 82 tackles make it last year, so that and three interceptions last motivates us even more. It season. makes us want to work even “He’s helped me a lot,” Wilson said. “Whenever I just harder.” need some help, I just look at It’s been more than a year him. I go back and look at his since Wilson made the decision to transfer to JMU, and films and just try to be like Wilson said looking back on him because he’s a great it now he knows it was a player, a great athlete, a good decision. great leader. I just try to mimic him.” “I feel really good about my Marlowe said he’s been real- decision,” Wilson said. “I work well with everybody. ly pleased with how quickly Wilson has adjusted to play- We’re really tight. I love it here.” ing at safety, and he loves having him back there with Contact Assistant Sports him. Editor Tommy Keeler at JMU courtesy photo
Handley graduate and JMU redshirt junior Jeremiah Wilson and play a key role in the Dukes’ defense this season. transferring from one school to another, but he also to get used to playing on defense again. He started in one game last year at cornerback, and played in eight games. He finished the season with nine total tackles. He also returned four kicks for an average of 23.8 yards per return. Even though he would have liked to have had more playing time last year, Wilson said last year was still a great learning experience for him. “It helped me out a lot,” Wilson said. “I just got a lot of experience on the field along with playing that position, just having that game experience on the field doing
anything, whether I’m on special teams or whether I was at corner, I just got that game experience — that helps a lot.” Wilson said this year he feels much better going into the season, now that he’s had a year with the JMU program. “Its a lot different, it’s a lot better,” Wilson said. “I come into it — I know what to expect. You know this is my fourth training camp, so I know what to expect. I’m just here trying to help out some of the younger guys, and just doing everything I can to help them.” Wilson said he’s excited about JMU’s secondary. He will be able to learn from the Dukes’ other starting safety,
“I think he’s doing pretty well,” Marlowe said. “He’s a
540-465-5137 ext. 155, or tkeeler@nvdaily.com
56 FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013
SHENANDOAH UNIVERSITY HORNETS
The Northern Virginia Daily
Yoder tasked with turning around Hornets By Brad Fauber WINCHESTER — Scott Yoder has spent the last eight months tirelessly preparing for his first season as the head football coach at Shenandoah University. First came the task of appointing a full-time staff, then came recruiting followed by spring practices and more recruiting, all in preparation to help the Hornets rebound from a 1-9 season a year ago. As the Hornets march full speed into fall practice with the Sept. 7 season-opener against Gallaudet just around the corner, perhaps no one within Shenandoah’s football program is more excited to get the new season under way than Yoder.
said Yoder, who spent the last 12 years as an assistant coach at Hobart College (N.Y.), his alma mater. “For it to finally be here, it really feels like it’s Christmas.” Yoder’s enthusiasm early in fall camp has been contagious, and several players noted that Yoder’s energy level was something that made the coach stand out during the initial hiring process. The players have fed off that youthful energy so far this fall, and senior safety Byron Mitchell said it has helped quicken the learning process for the Hornets as Yoder introduces new schemes this season.
Shenandoah will feature new looks on both offense and defense, and Yoder said the staff is facing the difficult “This is what we’ve been working for challenge of finding the proper roles Photo courtesy of Shenandoah University since January 3, at least from my end,” for players under the new scheme, Shenandoah running back Andrew Smith carries the ball during a game although he is confident that any posi- last season at Stevenson University. 2012 HORNETS tion changes that are made will largely Defense appears to be the strength of handy,” Mitchell said. “Coach Yoder is • Coach: Scott Yoder (first year) benefit the Hornets now and into the bringing it in from his last college in the Hornets this season, as • Offense/Defense: Spread, 4-4 future. Hobart [N.Y.] where it proved to be Shenandoah returns plenty of experi• Key returnees: FS Byron Mitchell, CB “I think that there always needs to be successful for him, so I understand ence from a team that ranked near the Sean Blackman, WR David Bell, RB a high level of teaching, and that’s why he brought it in. For me it’s defitop of the Old Dominion Athletic Andrew Smith, DE Evan Griffin, DT what’s going on right now. And it’s a nitely different being the only safety Conference in total defense last seaPreston Funk little bit more now than hopefully it back there ... so that’s definitely differson. • Key losses: LB Jajuan Johnson, WR will be two, three, four years down the ent being in the middle of the field and Qiydaar Murphy, RB Carl Joseph, LB This year the Hornets will use a 4-4 road because even our upperclassmen Josh Rogers, DT Nick Erdman, P Cory base defense under Yoder, who is serv- having three defensive backs, but it’s are learning the basics of what we going to be a great run-stopper.” Gay, CB Brandon Martin, QB Corey want to do offensively and defensively,” ing as his own defensive coordinator. Taylor HORNETS, 57 Yoder said. “I think [the 4-4 is] going to come in
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SHENANDOAH UNIVERSITY HORNETS
The Northern Virginia Daily
Hornets Continued from 56
The Hornets will be particularly stout along the defensive line, a position that Yoder said is “our most-talented and deepest position.” Senior Evan Griffin (22 tackles, six sacks in 2012) and his younger brother Ian (37 tackles) return at the two defensive end positions alongside senior defensive tackle Preston Funk (35 tackles).
both of whom earned allconference honors last season. The Hornets will be inexperienced at the linebacker position, but Yoder said the strength and experience of the defensive line should help the linebackers, particularly early in the season as they get more comfortable on the field.
On offense Shenandoah will be transitioning to the spread under new offensive coordinator Stan Hodgin, a scheme Shenandoah also feathat Yoder hopes will tures an athletic second- help balance the Hornets’ ary headlined by Mitchell lack of size. (61 tackles, three inter“We’re a little short on ceptions) and senior corbig, skilled guys — tight nerback Sean Blackman, ends, fullbacks, even line-
2013 SCHEDULE Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 Nov. 16
Gallaudet, 7 p.m. at Ferrum, 1 p.m. at Christopher Newport, 7 p.m. Bridgewater, 7 p.m. at Guilford, 1 p.m. Catholic, 1 p.m. at Hampden-Sydney, 1 p.m. at Randolph-Macon, 1 p.m. Emory & Henry, 1 p.m. Washington & Lee, 1 p.m.
• Record: 1-9, 0-7 ODAC • Passing leader: Corey Taylor (40 for 80, 696 yards, 3 touchdowns, 4 interceptions) • Rushing leader: Carl Joseph (182 carries for 576 yards, 1 touchdown) • Receiving leader: Qiydaar Murphy (28 catches for 432 yards, 4 touchdowns) • Total tackles: Jajuan Johnson (107) • Sacks: Evan Griffin (6) • Interceptions: Brandon Martin (4)
Shenandoah struggled to find consistency at the quarterback position last season, and the Hornets will have some fresh faces competing for the starting job this fall. Yoder said the battle for the position is still an “open race,” although Mount Union transfer Drew Ferguson and former Millbrook standout
57
2012 RESULTS (1-9, 0-7 ODAC)
2012 STATS
men — so right now I don’t think that we can pack it in, line them up and just knock people off the ball consistently,” Yoder said. “So we’re going to spread it and we’re going to use tempo to help us and just try to get the ball in playmakers’ hands, and good things will happen.”
FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013
Sept. 1 Sept. 8 Sept. 15 Sept. 22 Oct. 6 Oct. 12 Oct. 20 Oct. 27 Nov. 3 Nov. 10
beat Stevenson, 26-16 lost to Ferrum, 14-7 lost to Christopher Newport, 20-7 lost to Bridgewater, 17-14 lost to Guilford, 20-7 lost to Catholic, 34-7 lost to Hampden-Sydney, 42-21 lost to Randolph-Macon, 27-24 lost to Emory & Henry, 20-17 lost to Washington & Lee, 42-23
sophomore Andrew Justin Neff are the early Smith returns after rushing for 573 yards and favorites. nine touchdowns while “Those two guys come in splitting carries with the and give us something now departed Carl that we haven’t had in Joseph last season. the past,” Yoder said. Freshman Jordan “They’re new, they’re Umstead, a former learning the system and Central standout, was have to prove themthe frontrunner to hanselves, but they jump dle the punting and kickright up into that compeing duties for the tition level.” Hornets early in fall Shenandoah features a practice. large group of young Shenandoah, which receivers, led by junior entered fall camp with David Bell (19 catches, 104 players (64 385 yards, one touchreturnees, 40 newcomdown), but Yoder said ers), will look to have betmany of them have yet to ter success in its second separate themselves season in the ODAC. The from the rest of the pack. Hornets went winless in The Hornets have a much clearer picture at running back, where
seven conference games in its ODAC debut last year, but Mitchell and
Bell said the team is more comfortable with its ODAC opponents heading into this season. Shenandoah was picked to finish seventh out of eight teams in the ODAC preseason poll, but that hasn’t dampened the Hornets’ optimism for 2013. “Winning is always the goal, but in our minds we want to win the ODAC championship. What team doesn’t?” Bell said. “You have to have goals to set, and our goal is to win games and be the best team in the ODAC.” Contact sports writer Brad Fauber at 540-4655137 ext. 184, or bfauber@nvdaily.com
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58 FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013
SHENANDOAH UNIVERSITY HORNETS
The Northern Virginia Daily
Hornets’ Mitchell embraces pressure of new role By Brad Fauber
sion on his end during a game could “screw everything up.”
WINCHESTER — Starting in the defensive backfield for Shenandoah University’s football team is nothing new to senior Byron Mitchell.
But he isn’t backing down from this latest challenge, as he knows and accepts his job as leader, role model and mentor to the younger players on the team.
Mitchell, who worked himself into a starting role at safety for the Hornets during his freshman season and has been a mainstay there since, knows what it takes to be a successful defender. Mitchell has made a name for himself, earning all-conference honors the last two seasons and helping to lead a squad that finished near the top of the Old Dominion Athletic Conference in total defense last year.
Mitchell, who was a second team allODAC selection last season, was voted as one of four team captains for the 2013 season by his teammates, and he said he wants to make it his goal this season to prove to his teammates that they chose the right man. “I think this year being named a captain, it’s really hit me now. You’re a leader now,” said Mitchell, who recorded 61 tackles and three interceptions last season. “I’ve always had that leadership mentality since my freshman year, but just being named a captain — which is the biggest honor that I’ve ever had in my college career — I think it’s just given me a label of ‘Byron Mitchell is that guy that the freshmen need to replicate, these freshmen need to look to.’”
But with a new head coach bringing in a new defensive scheme and a new philosophy, Mitchell suddenly finds himself in untested waters. First year head coach Scott Yoder, who is also serving as Shenandoah’s defensive coordinator this season, has brought with him the 4-4 defensive scheme that he found success with in his six seasons as defensive coordinator at Hobart College (N.Y.). Under Yoder’s system, the free safety is the primary signal caller, the quarterback of the defense. Mitchell has been handed that responsibility, and the 5-foot-9, 190-pound Virginia Beach native faces the tough challenge of directing a defense that he is still in the process of learning. “It has been a lot of pressure so far ... this is a whole new role that I’m taking on. I’ve never been the quarterback of the defense. I’ve made checks, but I’ve never made the right-left call, making sure people are lined up in the right place,” Mitchell said. “It’s a whole new role, but I think it’s a role I can embrace and I feel like it was meant for me. I’m sad to say that I only have a year to do it and I have a short time to learn it, but I think that I’m meant for this role.” Mitchell and the rest of his defensive teammates have been working on learning the ins and outs of the 4-4
Photo courtesy of Shenandoah University
Shenandoah’s Byron Mitchell returns a kickoff during a game last season at Hampden-Sydney. Mitchell will help lead the Hornets’ defense as Shenandoah looks to rebound in 2013. defense since spring practice, but the Hornets hadn’t been able to practice the new scheme at full speed and in pads until early last week. Mitchell said learning the scheme began as a slow process with everyone trying to take in the new playbook, but he has been encouraged by the progress of he and the rest of Shenandoah’s defense over the last week.
“I’m definitely getting comfortable ... with every mistake I’ve made and each day that’s passed, it has gotten better each day and it still is,” Mitchell said. “Each day is a stepping stone for me getting better and being the quarterback of this defense.” Mitchell’s leadership is going to be of the utmost importance to the Hornets’ defensive success this season, and Mitchell admits that one wrong deci-
Mitchell’s appointment as a team captain was a no-brainer for Yoder, who said Mitchell was the first player to call him when Yoder was named the new head coach back in January. Yoder said Mitchell’s initiative set the tone for what the Shenandoah football program hopes to be about, and that has spilled over into the players surrounding Mitchell. “The guys look up to him and he understands what we’re trying to do,” Yoder said. “That’s probably the biggest battle you face when you’re coming in new to a program, is that with a new staff and new expectations, you’re going to do things a little bit differently. You need the upperclassmen — if they jump in with it, then the younger guys are going to fall in line, and I think Byron is a big part of that. His leadership is about as good as I’ve seen in 13 years.” Contact sports writer Brad Fauber at 540-465-5137 ext. 184, or bfauber@nvdaily.com
The Northern Virginia Daily
SHEPHERD UNIVERSITY RAMS
FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013
59
Journal Photo by Ron Agnir
Glenville State running back Rahmann Lee (2) gets trapped by Shepherd defenders Xavier Tyler (56) and Howard Jones (7) during last season’s game in Shepherdstown, W.Va.
Shepherd plans for success in new league 2012 RAMS • Coach: Monte Cater (27th year, 19087-1) • Offense/Defense: Multiple-I/4-4 • Key returnees: DB Keon Robinson, RB Jihad Rasheed, DL Howard Jones, DB Keon Robinson, DB Corey Washington, RB Allen Cross, RB Mike Haynes, OL Jordan Dixon, OL Hussam Ouri, OL Isaiah Shelton, DL Mike Franklin, DL Robert Hayes, P Troy McNeill • Key losses: QB Bobby Cooper, WR Larry Lowe, LB A.J. Parrish, LB Dominic Tolson
By Rick Kozlowski rkozlowski@journal-news.net SHEPHERDSTOWN, W.Va. — Shepherd regularly wins conference championships and advances to the postseason. The Rams will have to do it in another league this season, however. Instead of the West Virginia Conference, Shepherd is in the firstyear Mountain East Conference — a combination of the old league and a few additions.
The last WVC champions are presuccessful coach in WVC history. dicted to be the first MEC titlest and “It’s hard not to be excited about reach the NCAA Division II playoffs this year. We went from our smallest for a second year in a row. senior class to our largest senior Anything less would be a major dis- class.” appointment for the Rams, who It’s a talented one, too, by itself return eight starters on both offense alone. Then you throw in defensive and defense, plus its kicker and backs Keon Robinson, a previous Allpunter. American, and Corey Washington, an All-American candidate. Each one The Rams are well-connected from an 8-3 season that included two loss- could’ve graduated already, but for different reasons, both are members es to playoff teams. of this senior class. “We’re excited about this season,” said coach Monte Cater, the most-
RAMS, 60
SHEPHERD UNIVERSITY RAMS
60 FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013
Rams
kick by Ryan Earlsgo awry.
Continued from 59
The numbers are in the favor of Shepherd, which, suffering some devastating turnovers, lost on the road in the first round of last year’s playoffs to Indiana (Pa.).
A new quarterback always provides a mystery for any football team. “When you have a new quarterback, that’s certainly [a question],” Cater said. “Trae has played in some games and played some with the game still in doubt.”
“It’s hard not to get excited about this team, Appearing in eight but it’s a hard league,” games in 2012, Tinsman Cater said. completed 10 of 21 passCater’s not prone to es for 156 yards with no being so effusive, which interceptions nor touchspeaks largely to what downs. he expects from his He’s getting a push team. from redshirt freshman
The Rams will operate with a new quarterback after the graduation of a rare Shepherd commodity — an all-league quarterback in Bobby Cooper. The Rams have typically emphasized the run with Cater.
Jeff Ziemba, who comes from St. Mark’s in Newark, Del., which also provided running back Jabre Lolly. Lolly was redshirted last season and is expected to push for significant time carrying the football.
2012 STATS • Record: 8-3, 7-1 WVIAC • Passing leader: Bobby Cooper (181 for 304, 2,246 yards, 15 touchdowns, 10 interceptions) • Rushing leader: Jihad Rasheed (93 carries for 407 yards, 5 touchdowns) • Receiving leader: Larry Lowe (11 catches for 636 yards, 2 touchdowns) • Total tackles: A.J. Parrish (60) • Sacks: Howard Jones (9) • Interceptions: Keon Robinson (4)
be out with an injury. Returning at receiver are Justin Ford, Will McKenzie, Sherando graduate Dalton Boyd, Trevor Turner and Robert Byrd. Add in, tight end Anthony Weisenmuller, who “is really good,” Cater said, should ease the burden on Tinsman. So should the running game.
Running the football won’t change for Shepherd with experiJames Wood graduate enced backs Jihad Trae Tinsman steps in Shepherd has an expe- Rasheed, Allen Cross at quarterback after a rienced receiving corp and Mike Haynes in the season of backing up that anticipated the loss mix. It’s been Cater’s Cooper and replacing of just one player. philosophy to deliver a him in the Rams’ lone However, Billy Brown, strong running game. league loss, a 17-16 whose highlight reel Rasheed ran for 407 defeat to West Liberty, catch against West yards, Cross 365 and when they seemed to Liberty almost gave the Haynes 314 — producpull out a miracle finish Rams a chance in overing an uncommonly in the final minute, only time, if not for the Shepherd low team perto see an extra-point missed extra point, will rush average of 3.6
Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 Nov. 16
2013 SCHEDULE Shippensburg, Noon at Fairmont 1 p.m. Urbana, Noon at West Virginia Wesleyan, 1 p.m. Charleston, Noon. at U.Va. Wise, Noon Notre Dame of Ohio, Noon at Glenville, Noon West Virginia State, Noon at Concord, 1 p.m.
yards per carry. Lolly could be the breakaway back the Rams missed last season. It will help, too, that all five starting offensive linemen are back, though the unit struggled at time to keep defenders off the running backs. “We got to be able to
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2012 RESULTS (8-3, 7-1 WVIAC) Sept. 1 Sept. 8 Sept. 15 Sept. 22 Sept. 29 Oct. 6 Oct. 13 Oct. 20 Nov. 3 Nov. 10 Nov. 17
lost to Shippensburg, 38-28 beat American International, 34-7 beat Seton Hill, 42-6 beat Charleston, 16-10 beat Concord, 20-6 beat West Virginia Wesleyan, 37-6 lost to West Liberty, 17-16 beat West Virginia State, 41-20 beat Glenville State, 34-23 beat Fairmont, 49-23 lost to Indiana (Pa.), 27-17
Dominique Dixon and Dontrewell Kelley have turned many plays Interior linemen Jordan Dixon, Hussam there, but after them, Ouri and Isaiah Shelton inexperience will show earned preseason, hon- up for the Rams. On the outside, orable-mention AllAmerican status by one DeáOntre Johnson and Levi Barber return. Key service — three of 10 linebacker losses Shepherd players to include A.J. Parrish and earn such acclaim, Dominic Tolson. which speaks loudly to the talent level the It could be, though, the Rams possess and the inside linebackers will reason is Cater is so never see a ballcarrier if positive. it’s up to the defensive run the football,” Cater said.
Shepherd might have line. to wait until its games Howard Jones is an to see how successful its All-American candidate running game will be. at defense end for his “Look at the defense,” propensity to stop runCater said, “Every ners and quarterbacks week, we go against the in the backfield. Mike best defense we’ll face Franklin and Robert in practice.” Hayes seem like they’ve operated for the Rams Shepherd led the nation in rush defense a forever. All three received some type of season ago with 52.6 preseason All-American yards per game and a scant 1.8 per carry. The honors, including first team for Jones and secRams also topped the nation the season before ond for Franklin. against the running “Our problem is if we game. get guys beat up,” Cater said, “Then it’s a They finished 16th overall in defense a year dropoff.” ago. The players in the Robinson and trenches are back, as Washington are leaders are the team’s big-play in a secondary that also defensive backs. includes Handley grad“We’re thin at inside linebacker,” Cater said.
uate David Carter, who became a regular when
Washington was lost for the season after an injury he suffered in Game 2. Phillip Rhoden received a lot of playing time, as well. Robinson is listed as a first-team preseason All-American at cornerback and third team as a return specialist.
Punter Troy McNeill returns, as does Earls at kicker. The Rams will find out early how they rate within their region, or, taking the glass-is-halffull approach, opponents will determine how they stack up with Shepherd. Shepherd’s opening game is against Shippensburg, which has been rated in the top five nationally among preseason guides and features Harlon Hill Award winner Zach Zulli at quarterback. The Rams let a 28-17 halftime lead get away in a 38-28 loss in Pennsylvania a season ago. Throughout the season, Shepherd’s schedule goes home-away-homeaway for its 10 regularseason games.
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Rams’ Washington primed for last hurrah By Rick Kozlowski rkozlowski@journal-news.net BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. — Corey Washington spent the worst year of his football career as his Shepherd teammates won the West Virginia Conference and advanced to the NCAA-Division II playoffs in 2012. A team captain, all he could do was just watch. That, and offer support as he hobbled along the sidelines “From 1986 when I started playing football, I never missed a year,” Washington said. That streak remains intact, really, because he did play in the Rams’ first two games. He still counts it as a lost season. Oh, to have played in the other nine games, however. Especially the playoff game. His season ended in that second game when he suffered a Lisfranc injury to his foot, however. Season over. Maybe his career, too. Here was an integral player on a defense among the best in the nation and one that often led Division II in rushing yardage, though, to be fair, the Rams often faced teams in their league that threw the football first. He was a key part of a secondary that frequently made game-changing plays when the football went up into the air. He couldn’t play. It was as painful physically as it was mentally.
Ron Agnir/Journal
Shepherd University defensive back Corey Washington is glad to get one last chance to suit up for the Rams after missing most of last season with a foot injury. debilitating, he’ll get 10 more games, possibly more depending on if an experienced Shepherd squad can reach the postseason again as the Rams enter the new Mountain East Conference.
“Twenty-six seniors, you’re going to get a lot from us,” Washington said. “I didn’t cope very well,” Washington “We can be [that good]. It’s up to us.” said. Washington’s personal goal is simStill, the safety held out hope the ple. NCAA would give him a medical redshirt, provide him another season to “Stay healthy,” he said. “I’m trying play, as he completes work on a to string together a whole season.” degree in recreation. His injury is always fresh in his “I only played two games,” mind. He still feels tinges of pain in Washington said. his foot. He avoids the heavy-duty meds that alleviate such agony. Now, barring something similarly
“I push myself to the limit and not use pain-killers,” Washington said. The injury mystifies him. “They said it was a very freak injury,” Washington said. “Usually defensive linemen get it. “They said I exerted so much trying to make the tackle.”
certain situations, Shepherd coach Monte Cater suggested. Still, Washington will play a significant role on a veteran defense that returns eight starters “Getting Corey back is huge,” Cater said. He makes up for the absence of D.J. Scott, who won’t be back.
At 5 feet 10, 208 pounds, he doesn’t qualify for the trenches. He’s a defen- It’s about staying solvent for Washington. sive back. “Basically, it’s about me getting back He’s keen on getting back in there, to myself,” Washington said. “This is and given the experience David pretty much my last hurrah with the Carter gained with Washington out boys I came in with. injured, Shepherd could do some different things, mixing Washington “Twenty-six seniors, you’re going to get a lot from us.” and Carter, say, in the secondary in
62 FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013
UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA CAVALIERS
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Revamped staff doesn’t mean reset for Virginia By The Associated Press CHARLOTTESVILLE — Mike London isn’t willing to say Virginia hit the reset button after his third season as coach, but with new offensive, defensive and special teams coordinators, the Cavaliers are in makeover mode. London hopes, however, that the improvement will be immediate. He overhauled his staff after last season’s 4-8 finish, bringing in three former head coaches and a defensive coordinator whose charge is to turn that side of the ball into a big-play, aggressive unit that can dictate what offenses do. The offense under new coordinator Steve Fairchild will remain a pro-style attack, but it’s also the area of the biggest change with redshirt sophomore David Watford assuming the quarterbacking duties. Watford played two years ago as a true freshman, completing just 30 of 74 passes in relief of Michael Rocco, CAVALIERS, 63
2012 CAVALIERS • Coach: Monte Cater (27th year, 190-87-1) • Offense/Defense: MultipleI/4-4 • Key returnees: DB Keon Robinson, RB Jihad Rasheed, DL Howard Jones, DB Keon Robinson, DB Corey Washington, RB Allen Cross, RB Mike Haynes, OL Jordan Dixon, OL Hussam Ouri, OL Isaiah Shelton, DL Mike Franklin, DL Robert Hayes, P Troy McNeill • Key losses: QB Bobby Cooper, WR Larry Lowe, LB A.J. Parrish, LB Dominic Tolson
AP file
Virginia redshirt sophomore David Watford, who played two years ago as a true freshman, will take over as the Cavaliers’ starting quarterback this season. In 2011, Watford completed 30 of 74 passes in a backup role.
HERE ARE FIVE THINGS TO WATCH AS KEYS TO VIRGINIA’S SEASON: 1. DAVID WATFORD: He has said his confidence grew as his understanding of the game from the sidelines did last season, and will have to show it in games. Teammates rave about his athleticism and speed, and he will need to use both in an offense with plays designed to let him show off those skills. His running means redshirt freshman Greyson Lambert needs to be ready, too. 2. OFFENSIVE LINE AND RUNNING GAME: The line’s lack of toughness showed as the team struggled to run the ball. Getting tailbacks Kevin Parks and five-star freshman Taquan Mizzell into
open spaces would make Watford’s job much easier. 3. JAKE McGEE & TIM SMITH: By far the most talented receiver on the team, the 6-foot-6 McGee was under-utilized at tight end last spring, even though he has shown the ability to make tough, athletic catches in traffic. Smith is an oft-hobbled deep threat hoping his final college season is also his healthiest and most productive, and both can be explosive playmakers who afford Watford quick strike opportunities. 4. CLOCK MANAGEMENT: This may be one of the most challenging aspects for a young coach, and London, heading into his
sixth season as a head man, struggled with it in a few key spots last season. Mentoring London seems to be among the jobs new associate head coach for offense Tom O’Brien has been asked to do, and guidance at crunch time will be beneficial. 5. SACKS, PRESSURE & TAKEAWAYS: Apart from a 594-yard debacle against Georgia Tech last season, Virginia’s defense was solid, but not spectacular. It ranked eighth nationally in stopping opponents on third down, but was near the bottom in turnovers caused with just 12, and ranked 103rd with just 17 sacks. It needs to make more plays that shift momentum.
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UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA CAVALIERS
said. “We’ve got to start from day one in fall camp not turning the Continued from 62 ball over and not doing and redshirted last sea- unforced errors. If we can line up right, son when Rocco and Phillip Sims shared the attempt to do the right job in a rotation that assignment, do it in a never really worked. play-hard, play-fast way Rocco transferred after and protect the football, the season, and Sims you’ll be amazed at how was dismissed from the many games you are program this summer. in.” Priority one for the His linemen also know young signal-caller: ball they can be more a part protection. of the solution than “We’ll give ourselves a they were a year ago. chance to win if we “I think at times last don’t beat ourselves,” year we didn’t do Fairchild, twice an NFL enough to make them offensive coordinator, comfortable back there,”
2013 SCHEDULE Aug. 31 Sept. 7 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 Nov. 23 Nov. 30
BYU, 3:30 p.m. Oregon, 3:30 p.m. VMI, TBA at Pittsburgh, TBA Ball State, TBA at Maryland, TBA Duke, TBA Georgia Tech, TBA Clemson, TBA at North Carolina, TBA at Miami, TBA Virginia, TBA
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guard Luke Bowanko said of the QBs. “It’s just unfortunate because it’s tough to sit back there and go through your progressions and throw a good ball when who knows who is coming through and knocking you out.” Virginia hopes to be doing some knocking out of its own on defense under Jon Tenuta. The Virginia alum and 32-year coaching veteran favors aggressive pressure, lots of blitzing and constant ball-hawking. AP file
Tenuta’s philosophy is pretty straight-forward: Virginia Cavaliers freshman running back Taquan Mizzell runs with the ball during an Aug. 6 practice in Charlottesville. Mizzell and Kevin Parks are “The ball is ours. Go get the front runners to league the Cavs’ running game this season. it.”
2012 RESULTS (4-8, 2-6 ACC) Sept. 1 Sept. 8 Sept. 15 Sept. 22 Sept. 29 Oct. 6 Oct. 13 Oct. 20 Nov. 3 Nov. 10 Nov. 15 Nov. 24
Richmond, 43-19 beat Penn State, 17-16 lost to Georgia Tech, 56-20 lost to TCU, 22-7 lost to Louisiana Tech, 44-38 lost to Duke, 42-17 lost to Maryland, 27-20 lost to Wake Forest, 16-10 beat N.C. State, 33-6 beat Miami, 41-40 lost to North Carolina, 37-13 lost to Virginia Tech, 17-14
2012 STATS • Record: 4-8, 2-6 ACC • Passing leader: Michael Rocco (161 for 266, 1,917 yards, 13 touchdowns, 10 interceptions) • Rushing leader: Kevin Parks (160 carries for 734 yards, 5 touchdowns) • Receiving leader: Perry Jones (49 catches for 397 yards, 0 touchdowns) • Total tackles: Steve Greer (122) • Sacks: Chris Brathwaite (10) • Interceptions: Maurice Canady (2)
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Virginia TE McGee looks to be every-down player HANK KURZ Jr. AP Sports Writer CHARLOTTESVILLE — Jake McGee has been making spectacular catches since he arrived at Virginia. The first catch of his career at tight end— a one-handed grab of an errant pass for a 17-yard gain against Richmond— began a stream of highlight-reel receptions. There was the 44-yard pass he caught on third-and-16 against Penn State, defenders draped all over him. And the 19-yard catch-and-run touchdown against Georgia Tech, finished when he hurdled a defender to get to the end zone. Now the 6-foot-6 converted high school quarterback wants to become an everydown player, and not just a one-dimensional threat. He has bulked up to 250 pounds and has worked to improve his blocking and pass protecting. “That was part of it, to be able to have the mass to stay with the D-ends and stuff like that, but it’s also part of the position,” McGee said of the 15 extra pounds he’s added this offseason. “To be a full tight end, there’s a body type that you need to be.” The Cavaliers played three tight ends last season, and Paul Freedman and Colter Phillips were both more adept at the lineman-type skills, meaning McGee’s entrance into games almost telegraphed why he was in.
AP file
Virginia tight end Jake McGee (83) makes a reception in front of Penn State linebacker T.J. Rhattigan (22) and safety Stephen Obeng-Agyapong (7) during last season’s game in Charlottesville. The converted high school quarterback looks to have a bigger role in Virginia’s offense, and to that end, he added about 20 pounds in the offseason hoping to make his blocking as effective as he catching. teams game-planning what they do based on what he’s limited at.”
McGee’s emergence has drawn obvious comparisons to Heath Miller, New offensive coordinator Steve Fair- another former quarterback who He caught 28 passes, including five switched to tight end at Virginia and child said he purposely didn’t go back touchdowns, but drew more attention and look at much film from last season, emerged as one of the top tight ends in as the season wore on. the country. Miller was a first-round but it didn’t take long in the spring to “People that have film, they look at draft choice of the Pittsburgh Steelers realize that McGee was a big target the film and try to see, like we all do, in 2005, and made his first Pro Bowl in with a knack for making big plays. personnel and what you do when you 2010. “There’s no way, shape or form of gethave particular personnel in,” coach Teammates say McGee has the same ting around it,” Fairchild said. “You’ve Mike London said. “One of the things abilities. we always want to work on with him is got to have guys that can make plays, and he appears to be one of those guys “He’s got all the talent in the world. being physical at the point of attack. that, even if he’s not open, he’s got a He’s just got to want to do it,” guard It’s something that Jake has been chance at getting the football and mak- Luke Bowanko said. “He’s a super talworking on and will continue to work ing something happen. I’m excited. We’ll ented kid. He’s a great basketball playon and knows that that has to be part of his game as well. ... We don’t want just develop and see what he does.” er, great softball player. He’s going to be
fine. He just needs to put the weight on, which he has, and want to do it. Get his nose dirty a little bit.” McGee hopes he gets the chance to show his willingness to do it. “I’m confident in saying that I could be an every down blocker and an every down player. It’s taken a lot of work and I’ve put a lot of time in this summer and spring and winter,” McGee said. And he’s not shying away from comparisons to Miller. Said McGee, “I’m not going to complain if I get mentioned in the same sentence as he is.”
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Beamer, Hokies look to rebound after last season HANK KURZ Jr. AP Sports Writer BLACKSBURG — As the losses piled up and preseason goals became unreachable for Virginia Tech last season, the frustration mounted. The Hokies, after all, had won at least 10 games eight straight seasons, the longest streak in the country, and eventually found themselves needing to win their last three games just to qualify for a bowl and possible winning season. “That was unacceptable by any means,” center turned right guard Andrew Miller said. The Hokies closed with a bowl victory against Rutgers, and then coach Frank Beamer made changes. Three offensive coaches left, long-time offensive coordinator Bryan Stinespring was reassigned and offensive coordinator Scot Loeffler, line coach Jeff Grimes and receivers coach Aaron Moorehead were brought in to infuse the staff with some HOKIES, 66
2012 HOKIES • Coach: Frank Beamer (27th year, 216-104-2)
AP file
Virginia Tech quarterback Logan Thomas will lead the Hokies’ offense against defending national champion Alabama in the season opener on Aug. 31 in Atlanta.
HERE ARE FIVE THINGS TO WATCH AS KEYS TO VIRGINIA TECH’S SEASON:
• Key returnees: QB Logan Thomas, TE Ryan Malleck, OL Andrew Miller, DL James Gayle, DL Derrick Hopkins, DL Luther Maddy, DL J.R. Collins, LB Jack Tyler, CB Kyle Fuller, DB Antone Exum, DB Kyshoen Jarrett, DB Detrick Bonner, K Cody Journell
1. LOGAN THOMAS: Expectations have always been high for the 6-foot-6, 254-pound Thomas, and this is his final chance to put it all together, Loeffler tweaked his mechanics with an eye on better accuracy, and also schooled him on leadership. The result was a more assertive — Beamer said “aggressive” — Thomas over the summer, one not afraid to call a teammate out for running the wrong route in players-only practices. The Hokies can only hope that Thomas is ready to finish his career with a flourish.
• Key losses: RB Michael Holmes, WR Marcus Davis, OL Vinston Painter, LB Bruce Taylor, LB Alonzo Tweedy
2. OFFENSIVE LINE AND RUNNING GAME: Grimes has moved players around on the line, and the result could find a true freshman playing left tackle, and thereby
• Offense/Defense: Spread, 4-4
guarding Thomas’ blind side. A meager running game last season limited Thomas’ ability to be effective in the running game, too, and it had a paralyzing effect on the Hokies’ ability to move the ball. In redshirt freshman Trey Edmunds and bulked up sophomore speedster J.C. Coleman, the Hokies hope they have a solution to that stagnant ground game. 3. THE EMERGENCE OF A GO-TO RECEIVER: Loeffler loves using the tight end, and the Hokies have a good one in Ryan Malleck, but the receiver spot is still uncertain. Fifth-year senior D.J. Coles can’t seem to shake the injury bug, and speedy Demetri Knowles is unproven as a go-to guy. Freshman Carlis Parker could have an
impact here, as could redshirt freshmen Joshua Stanford and Charley Meyer. 4. KENDALL FULLER’S IMPACT ON DEFENSE: Defensive coordinator Bud Foster says he’s not sure he’s ever had a freshman arrive on campus as ready to play as the fourth and final Fuller brother, who is already penciled in as a starter at cornerback. He’ll surely get tested in the opener against No. 1 Alabama. 5. THE KICKING GAME: Beamer loves his kickers, and has good ones in placekicker Cody Journell, who won three games with field goals last season, punter A.J. Hughes and kickoff specialist Mitchell Ludwig.
VIRGINIA TECH HOKIES
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Hokies Continued from 65
fresh ideas. “Sometimes you need change for change’s sake,” Beamer said. Beamer, entering his 27th season, sees plenty of reasons to expect big things, starting with the return of quarterback Logan Thomas, who decided a year under Loeffler’s tutelage would be to his benefit. “I think he understands, hey, this is his team,” Beamer said of Thomas, who has been
more assertive than ever this summer and preseason. “I think he’s more take charge. I think Logan handles things real well, and how he handles taking charge, I think he handles it in a good way, a very natural way.” Thomas needs to rebound from a season in which he barely completed 50 percent of his passes and had 18 touchdowns and 16 interceptions, and do it while bringing along an inexperienced set of skill players. Beamer hopes it’s a
2013 SCHEDULE Aug. 31 Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 26 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 Nov. 16 Nov. 30
vs. Alabama at Atlanta, 5:30 p.m. Western Carolina, 1:30 p.m. at East Carolina, Noon Marshall, TBA at Georgia Tech, 7:30 p.m. North Carolina, TBA Pittsburgh, TBA Duke, TBA at Boston College, TBA Miami, TBA Maryland, TBA at Virginia, TBA
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recipe for getting the Hokies back to those double-digit victory totals. “I think what happened last year is we understand there’s a real thin line between being OK and not being OK, that you’ve got to play every play, prepare for every team,” he said, adding he was proud that his team fought to the end. “We gave effort at Boston College and the last two ballgames, so I think there are some things on both sides of it, positive and negative, that we can learn from it,” he said. “I think we have. I think if you ask any kid, we have.”
AP file
Virginia Tech football coach Frank Beamer, right, sits with some of his players during the team’s Aug. 10 media day in Lane Stadium on the campus in Blacksburg. The Hokies open the season against two-time defending national champion Alabama on Aug. 31.
2012 STATS • Record: 7-6, 4-4 ACC • Passing leader: Logan Thomas (220 for 429, 2,976 yards, 18 touchdowns, 16 interceptions) • Rushing leader: Logan Thomas (174 carries for 524 yards, 9 touchdowns) • Receiving leader: Marcus Davis (51 catches for 953 yards, 5 touchdowns) • Total tackles: Jack Tyler (119) • Sacks: Bruce Taylor (5.5) • Interceptions: Antone Exum (5)
2012 RESULTS (7-6, 4-4 ACC) Sept. 3 Sept. 8 Sept. 15 Sept. 22 Sept. 29 Oct. 6 Oct. 13 Oct. 20 Nov. 1 Nov. 8 Nov. 17 Nov. 24 Dec. 28
beat Georgia Tech, 20-17, (OT) beat Austin Peay, 42-7 lost to Pittsburgh, 35-17 beat Bowling Green, 37-0 lost to Cincinnati, 27-24 lost to North Carolina, 48-34 beat Duke, 41-20 lost to Clemson, 38-17 lost to Miami, 30-12 lost to Florida State, 28-22 beat Boston College, 30-23, (OT) beat Virginia, 17-14 beat Rutgers, 13-10 (OT)
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Beamer reflective as 27th season at VT approaches HANK KURZ Jr. AP Sports Writer BLACKSBURG — Frank Beamer is in full grind mode, preparing for the season. He’s got practices to plan, coaches meetings, and lots of film to watch. The Hokies open the season against two-time defending national champion Alabama on Aug. 31, and time is precious.
acknowledging that when it’s time to close up the lake house in Georgia, stow the golf clubs and come back to get ready for the season, he always finds himself thinking, “Ten more days here would be about right.” Beamer’s wife of 41 years, Cheryl, says success hasn’t changed him at all.
“I know people don’t believe me,” she said one day after stopping at his office, “but he’s exactly the same way he was the day I met him on a blind The 66-year-old Beamer is entering date. He has no ego. He does not his 27th season as coach at his alma AP file bring it home with him. He keeps a mater, and his 33rd as a head coach lot inside. Sometimes I wish he overall. The Hokies are coming off a Virginia Tech football coach Frank Beamer, front center, sits with some of would let it out, keep him from his players as a team picture is organized during the team’s media day 7-6 season, their worst in 20 years, Aug. 10 at Lane Stadium in Blacksburg. maybe getting an ulcer one day, but but with a career record of 258-127he doesn’t get too high or too low. It’s 4, Beamer is the winningest active and running backs coach. His daugh- the truth.” hit it off, and if it had been anyone coach in the Bowl Subdivision, and ter, Casey, and her husband also live else other than Dutch Baughman, he’s not slowing down at all. Beamer, who has an eight-year deal in Blacksburg. I’m not sure I’d have been hired as with Virginia Tech that will pay him Looking out the windows of his the coach here.” Beamer has a lot to be excited about $250,000 annually for fundraising expansive corner office at Lane Baughman, like Beamer a graduate these days. A new season is close. He and alumni relations once he stops Stadium, which the Hokies and their of Virginia Tech, recalls the meeting has a book coming out, “Let me be coaching, isn’t planning to step away fans have turned into one of the best fondly. Frank: My Life at Virginia Tech,” and from the sidelines anytime soon. His game-day environments in the the literary foundation he named for “It became almost like an instant contract to coach expires after the nation, the coach is humbled, and his mother, Hermas’s Readers, is friendship. We felt like we had a lot 2016 season. reflective. thriving in its fifth year. in common,” he said. “It was very “I think about it a lot,” he said. “I “Things have always worked out for clear that he was interested in our Last season, was not so fun. generally say as long as I’ve got a me,” he said as his gestures show off football head coaching position not The Hokies opened with eyes on good quarterback and I’ve got a good the diamond-crusted 2009 Sugar because it was open, but because it contending for the national champiBowl ring on his hand. “I could go kicker, and my health’s good, I’m was Virginia Tech.” onship, with a highly touted defense good to go.” through different stories like when I Six years later, Beamer’s record was and quarterback (Logan Thomas). was an assistant coach and hoped to That view of Lane Stadium surely Two victories, though, were followed just 24-40-2, including a 2-8-1 mark get a head coaching job and someone helps, and was one of the things that in the sixth year. Many in Hokies fan by six losses in eight games. else got it and I was hurting like kept him at Virginia Tech in 2000, base were ready to make a change. “You know, I went on my diet and heck, and when I look back, it was even after he agreed to leave to got down to about 180, which is Dave Braine, who had replaced the best thing that ever happened. become the head coach at North about where I wanted to be,” Beamer Baughman as athletic director, was My whole life has kind of been that Carolina. Like one of the coaches he said, “and then about halfway not among them. way.” pursued when he made changes to through the season I was down to In 1986, after Beamer’s sixth season “If it had been anyone else other his offensive staff last season, at Murray State, the Bill Dooley era than Dave Braine, I probably would- about 166, which is where I didn’t Beamer couldn’t get on the plane. want to be.” at Virginia Tech ended amid a scan- n’t be here, so there’s been a lot of “It’s just a fact that when it got It was the kind of season that can luck involved, but I know how fortudal that would lead to NCAA sancdown to leaving Virginia Tech, I cause a coach to stop eating and to nate I am,” Beamer said. “I’ve been tions. Dutch Baughman was the couldn’t do it.” ponder the future, especially after Hokies’ athletic director, a stint that able to hang around, and hang Now as Beamer hopes to lead the around in one place, and a place that revered coaching friends Bobby lasted just six months, but long Hokies back into the national elite, Bowden and the late Joe Paterno means so much to you, and to have enough for him to make the hire. he views “The House that Frank stepped down unceremoniously. your family all back here, it’s spe“We didn’t know each other,” Built” with humble pride. cial.” “I think it makes you say, ‘Hey, Beamer said in a recent interview “I don’t know about that,” he says of Beamer’s son, Shane, joined his staff know when the right time to get out with The Associated Press, “but I the moniker, “but I’m proud of it.” is, and when is that?’” he said, last season as associate head coach think when we met, we just kind of
68 FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
The Northern Virginia Daily
AP file
New Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly looks on during a preseason game against the Carolina Panthers on Aug. 15 in Philadelphia.
Eagles banking on Kelly’s unique approach By ROB MAADDI The Associated Press PHILADELPHIA — Chip Kelly was the talk of the NFL entering his first training camp with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Everyone wants to know if Kelly’s unique approach and his high-octane offense will work at the next level. Even general manager Howie Roseman was excited to see how Kelly will handle his first camp.
seeing how his practices were run at Oregon, spending a lot of time with him, I think I have an idea of how it’s going to be run,” Roseman said. “But until you get into it in the moment and know about it, we’ve never been here, I’ve “Being part of the offseason, never been here, none of us
have ever been here. Even just the logistics of being here, being over at the stadium, I think that’s the exciting part of it, seeing how that part of it works out.” Kelly has a tough task ahead, turning around a team that went 4-12 under
Andy Reid last year. He’s changed the way the Eagles do everything, including where they go camping. The team held training camp at its practice facility in Philadelphia after 17 years at Lehigh University.
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FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013
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FIVE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE EAGLES 1. IT’S AN ARMS RACE: Michael Vick beat out Nick Foles for the starting job at quarterback, but don’t rule out rookie Matt Barkley. Vick lost the job to Foles after getting injured last year. The four-time Pro Bowl QB restructured his contract and returned to Philadelphia eager to learn Kelly’s flash-and-dash offense. Vick has the edge in athleticism and mobility, but Kelly insists “repetitive accuracy” is his top priority for a starter. That seems to fit Foles and Barkley more than Vick. 2. BLOCKING WOUNDED: Four-fifths of Philadelphia’s projected starting offensive line is coming off surgery. Jason Peters, Todd Herremans, Jason Kelce and Evan Mathis each are returning from surgery, but could provide a formidable front, if healthy, along with rookie firstround pick Lane Johnson, the No. 4 overall selection. Of course, Kelly’s up-and-down style requires quick, in-shape linemen who can handle the pressure of taking all those snaps. If some of the starters are slowed early on because they’re still recovering, they could lose their jobs. 3. LET’S NOT GET PHYSICAL: Reid was known for his tough, hard-hitting, physical practices during camp. Kelly, however, is a new-wave coach who made a point to stress he wants his players to stay healthy and not hurt each other. His practice sessions are much shorter than a typical NFL coach, but they’re fast-paced, high-tempo and involve running a great number of plays. Kelly also has to make many roster decisions and choose starters at several positions, so he has to find a way to get an accurate evaluation of players while preventing them from beating each other down. 4. D-E-F-E-N-S-E!!! Fans that took pride in rooting for ferocious defenders like Brian Dawkins, Reggie White, Chuck Bednarik for decades suffered a major letdown the last couple seasons. A once-fearsome defense was an embarrassing soft spot for the Eagles in 2012. Reid tried three different coordinators in four years after longtime assistant Jim Johnson passed away in 2009. Now, it’s Billy Davis’ turn and he’s going with a hybrid 3-4 defense. Holdover ends Trent Cole and Brandon Graham will try to make the transition to stand-up attackers while other veterans also adjust to a new scheme. 5. WHAT’S THE PLAYLIST? Kelly’s spring practice sessions featured loud music blaring through speakers on the field. It’s certainly a different way to bring noise into the stadium, and it forces players to focus even harder on what they’re doing. Reporters had fun the first few days of offseason workouts charting Kelly’s taste in music. It AP file included nearly every genre and ranged from Nicki Minaj to Bruce Springsteen. “There’s a lot of science behind it,” Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick won the starting job after beating out Nick Foles during training camp. Now the former Virginia Tech standout will try to turn around the Kelly said. “I can’t really get into the details of it but Eagles. Philadelphia missed the playoffs last season. there’s some science behind it. We’ve used it for a while.”
70 FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013
BALTIMORE RAVENS
The Northern Virginia Daily
Ravens taking aim at Super Bowl title repeat By DAVID GINSBURG The Associated Press OWINGS MILLS, Md. — The parade, the lavish ring ceremony and the trip to the White House are only a memory now. The Super Bowl champion Baltimore Ravens weren’t going to relive last season at training camp this summer. The first full-squad practice marked the beginning of a renewed quest for greatness, making the Ravens vastly similar to each of the other 31 NFL teams. “To me, it feels like we’re working to get a Super Bowl, because there are a lot of new people, a lot of new faces,” offensive tackle Bryant McKinnie said. “The chemistry has to grow with all the new people and everything. Different people have to play different roles this year, as far as stepping up and becoming leaders.” This team has undergone a vast makeover in the months since Baltimore defeated San Francisco 3431 in the Super Bowl. The retirement of linebacker Ray Lewis, the trade of wide receiver Anquan Boldin and the loss of free agents Ed Reed, Paul Kruger, Cary Williams, Bernard Pollard and Vonta Leach means Ravens will defending their title with an altered cast of characters.
AP file
Baltimore Ravens linebacker Elvis Dumervil puts the heat on Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan during an Aug. 15 preseason game in Baltimore.
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1. MAN IN THE MIDDLE: For the first time, the Ravens won’t have Lewis in the middle of their defense. His retirement means someone else will have to play middle linebacker and perhaps provide leadership for the unit. Jameel McClain is the leading choice, but he’s coming off a neck injury and might not be ready to go at full strength. Either way, the Ravens will probably give rookie Arthur Brown a strong look as a potential starter in their 3-4 alignment. Josh Bynes, Albert McClellan and former Jacksonville Jaguars standout Daryl Smith will be given plenty of opportunity to impress.
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Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco enters the season with a shiny Super Bowl championship ring and a new $120.1 million contract signifying his elite status in the NFL. AP file
FIVE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE RAVENS the void at one of the safety spots, and top draft pick Matt Elam will quickly be blended into the mix. Cornerback Lardarius Webb, who tore his ACL early last season, will probably see limited action in training camp but hopes to ultimately reclaim his starting spot. Jimmy Smith, who finally lived up to his potential in the Super Bowl, will also be considered as a potential starter along with Corey Graham. Cornerbacks Chykie Brown, Mark Anthony and Asa Jackson are also expected to receive playing time. “I’m looking forward to seeing how that competition will play out,” coach John Harbaugh said. “You talk about 2. SECONDARY TO NONE: The the starting positions, and it will be loss of Reed, Pollard and Williams means the Ravens will enter training interesting who wins. Who is the Top 2? Who is the Top 3? Absolutely, I get camp with a revamped secondary. Free agent Michael Huff should fill that. But, they are all going to play,
and they are all going to have to play Gino Gradkowski as the heir apparlike starters.” ent, but he saw little playing time as a rookie last year. That’s why the 3. HERE’S THE CATCH: General Ravens got A.Q. Shipley in a trade manager Ozzie Newsome did a fine job filling plenty of the holes, but he with Indianapolis. Shipley started five games for the Colts last season has yet to come up with a suitable replacement for Boldin. Torrey Smith and will compete for the starting job. and Jacoby Jones are deep threats, 5. MONEY MAN: There’s no reason but Baltimore needs a receiver capa- to believe a new $120.1 contract will ble of mixing it up in the middle on take the competitive edge off quarthird-and-6. At this point, Harbaugh terback Joe Flacco, but now that he’s hopes the answer is someone already reached elite status, the pressure is on the roster. LaQuan Williams, on for him to play that way. Although Tommy Streeter, Aaron Mellette, Ray Rice is one of the NFL’s best David Reed, Tandon Doss, Deonte running backs, the Ravens relied Thompson all have a decent shot at heavily on the pass last season and making the team. None of them are will almost certainly do so again in as good as Boldin, however, so 2013. Thus, the Super Bowl MVP Newsome could end up making a must be just as a good as last year, belated move. even though he won’t have Boldin to 4. CENTER OF ATTENTION: The depend upon and will be taking his retirement of center Matt Birk left snaps from a different center.
WASHINGTON REDSKINS
72 FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013
The Northern Virginia Daily
The Washington Redskins’ playoff hopes may well rest on how well second-year starting quarterback Robert Griffin III recovers from reconstructive knee ligament surgery. Griffin has been pushing to be ready for the Redskins’ season opener. AP file
RG3’s recovery vital to Redskins’ plans By JOSEPH WHITE The Associated Press
RG3, the leader.
Really, was there anyone else worth watching at Washington Redskins WASHINGTON — RG3, the rehabber. training camp? RG3, the revolutionary quarterback.
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Griffin is determined to be ready for Week 1 of the regular season and has been cleared by doctors to practice. Even if it is in a limited capacity, he’ll command more attention than anyone on the field.
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FIVE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE REDSKINS 1. RG3’s KNEE: Griffin had reconstructive ligament surgery a few days after reinjuring his knee multiple times in the playoff loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Since then, he and the Redskins have vacillated endlessly over the state of his rehab, but the doctors gave Griffin and team a boost by clearing him to work out after Shanahan said RG3 would “set a record for coming back.” The QB himself proclaimed he was “all in” for Week 1 of regular season. But Shanahan said RG3 will “never” play if less than 100 percent. RG3 made it clear he’s really not quite “all in” for Week 1, saying he wouldn’t compromise his career to rush himself back. No one really knows until he tests the knee for the first time under competitive conditions. One thing is certain: The Redskins need RG3 healthy, because they’re not the same team without him. 2. RG3’s OFFENSE: Once RG3 is practicing and playing again, the Redskins have vowed to continue full-speed ahead with the same innovative zone-read offense that flummoxed defenses a year ago. Offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan said Griffin’s designed runs — or at least the threat of them — kept the QB safer in the pocket because pass-rushers couldn’t make a beeline for the pocket. Griffin needs to make wiser choices to avoid injury when he does run, sliding more and darting out of bounds when the yards aren’t important. Also, defenses have had an offseason to study the zone-read, so the Redskins will inevitably have to make adjustments to stay one step ahead in the weekly chess matches that make up an NFL season. 3. RG3’S TEAM: RG3 is more than just a quarterback, he’s already the heart and soul of the team, having firmly established himself as a leader with his words and deeds after being elected as a captain midway through last season. That role will only increase during his second year as he learns which buttons to push to keep any wayward teammates from slacking off. He already knows what sound bites his adoring fans want to hear and displays a maturity not often seen from a 23-year-old in the NFL. And, sorry ladies: He married his longtime fiancee this month. 4. ROOKS IN THE SECONDARY: Strapped by a salary cap penalty from the NFL, the Redskins couldn’t afford to spend big to improve a defense that ranked 30th in the league against the pass last year. They will instead rely on an eclectic mix of draft picks: second-round cornerback David Amerson, fourth-round safety Phillip Thomas and sixth-round safety Bacarri Rambo. Each is talented, but each has a college backstory that involves a performance drop-off, injury or suspension. All three will be in the mix for playing time, and it will be a disappointment for the team if at least one isn’t contributing regularly in the season opener. 5. NEW DIGS: Shanahan bucked the trend of NFL coaches who are opting more and more to stay home for camp. The Redskins are hitting the road, setting up shop in Richmond, Va., after a decade of staying put at their year-round headquarters in the Virginia suburbs near the nation’s capital. Shanahan likes the notion of getting away, saying it helps the players’ focus, and the AP file team was able to leverage taxpayer money out of the state legislature to help build state-of-the-art facilities. Had the lawmakers not Washington Redskins tight end Fred Davis catches a 3-yard touchdown pass against the Tennessee Titans in the first quarter of a preseason NFL football game on Aug. 8 in ponied up, the team would have seriously looked at leaving Nashville, Tenn. Virginia altogether for Maryland or the District of Columbia.
74 FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013
PITTSBURGH STEELERS
The Northern Virginia Daily
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger looks to pass against the Washington Redskins during the first half of an Aug. 19 preseason game in Landover, Md. Roethlisberger will try to lead the Steelers back into the playoffs this season after the team missed out last year. AP file
Steelers’ overhauled roster creates uncertainty By WILL GRAVES The Associated Press
understands it means little if it doesn’t translate onto the field.
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and a spot outside the playoffs looking in. It marked a decidedly ungraceful “The reality is these types of processes exit for some of the stars that led the are measured based on results,” Tomlin team to three Super Bowl appearances PITTSBURGH — Mike Tomlin knows in six years. he can talk all he wants about progress said at the end of minicamp in June. and the overhauled roster and how James Harrison, Casey Hampton, And the results were typically unmuch he likes what he’s seen during Steelerlike last fall for one of the NFL’s Mike Wallace, Max Starks, Rashard the offseason. Mendenhall, Willie Colon and Keenan most consistent franchises. A late-seaYet the Pittsburgh Steelers coach son swoon dropped Pittsburgh to 8-8 Lewis were either cut, not brought back
or lured elsewhere in free agency. In their place are a bevy of rookies or reserves expected to take on larger roles. How quickly youngsters like rookies Jarvis Jones and Le’Veon Bell assimilate will determine if the “processes” the Steelers have undergone the last few months will pay off with a return to the postseason.
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FIVE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE STEELERS when Jones bombed on his 40yard dash during Pro Day. The shoddy 4.8-second time scared off some teams, but not Pittsburgh, which scooped him up with the 17th pick with the expectations he’ll be the eventual successor to James Harrison at outside linebacker. Jones led the NCAA in sacks last fall (14?) at Georgia and the Steelers believe he will give a jolt to a pass rush that got to the quarterback just 37 times in 2012, tied for 15th in the league.
minicamp and organized team activities due to NCAA rules that prevented him from leaving school before graduation. Wheaton will have time to get his feet set behind veterans Antonio Brown, Emmanuel Sanders and Plaxico Burress. But with Sanders in the final year of his deal and Burress looking for one last hurrah, Wheaton will be expected to contribute this season.
3. YOUNG GUNS: So long Starks. See you later Colon. The youth movement along the offensive line is complete after those two were allowed to leave through free agency. In their place are 20-somethings — Marcus Gilbert (25), Maurkice Pouncey (24), David DeCastro (23) and Mike Adams (23) — with 27-year-old Ramon Foster the “old” guy. Despite their youth, none of the starters made it through 2012 unscathed. Their health 2. SPEED TO BURN: Mike and the quickness with which Wallace and his speed ran off they gel will be vital for a unit to Miami in the offseason. The required to protect the health Steelers hope they brought in a of Roethlisberger and open cheaper — but eventually no holes for Bell. Pouncey, a threeless effective — replacement in time Pro Bowler, is the unquesthird-round pick Markus tioned leader, but his image Wheaton. The rookie missed took a hit when he was pic-
5. HAPPILY EVER AFTER? Roethlisberger and offensive coordinator Todd Haley have enjoyed a year to work out the rough spots in their relationship. The quarterback even praised Haley for openness in accepting input from players during the offseason. The two will need to find a way to peacefully coexist if the AP file Steelers want to minimize the Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell (26) runs the off-the-field distractions. ball at practice on Aug. 14 during training camp at the team Without Wallace around to training facility in Latrobe, Pa. take the top off opposing tured wearing a hat defending his play make the biggest defenses, the Steelers will need former college teammate Aaron impression this fall. to find interesting ways to get Hernandez. Pouncey apoloplayers open. Haley likely can’t gized but as one of the faces of 4. CAN JONES KEEP UP? do that without RoethlisberThe Steelers felt they got lucky ger’s support, and vice versa. the franchise, he’ll need to let
• "Let's Tackle Recycling" is the battle cry during Steelers' home games. 22,000 pounds of recyclables were collected from tailgaters during the program's first year. • New solar panels over a part of a parking lot at FedExField will be unveiled by the Redskins in September. Panels will produce 2 megawatts of electricity and provide covered parking for a few lucky fans. • The new synthetic turf installed at the dome in New Orleans just prior to Super Bowl 2013 was made with the help of recycled tires. • As part of Philly’s Go Green! initiative, beverage cups are made of cornstarch and composted, keeping 40,000 pounds of plastic out of the landfill.
• During construction of Ford Field in Detroit, the Lions incorporated part of an old warehouse in the design, used 20 million pounds of recycled steel and constructed part of the parking lot from recycled tires. • The Philadelphia Eagles are the first NFL team to run a stadium entirely on sustainable energy. The system uses 2,500 solar panels and 80 20-foot wind turbines. • In 2015, the San Francisco 49ers will relocate to a new stadium with many green measures, including the use of recycled water in toilets and for irrigation purposes.
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1. THE BELL TOLLS: The Steelers didn’t exactly shed any tears when enigmatic RB Mendenhall bolted for Arizona in free agency. Five seasons and just as many off-the-field issues had Pittsburgh all but pushing him out the door. Enter second-round pick Bell. Though the 21-year-old comes to camp in a three-way battle with Isaac Redman and Jonathan Dwyer for the starting job, there’s little doubt Bell will be given every opportunity to win it. The 6-foot-2, 230pound Bell offers size and versatility the other two lack. The Steelers haven’t had a true every down back since Willie Parker left the team after the 2009 season. Running back by committee failed last season — the Steelers were 26th in yards rushing. Bell gives them their best chance at taking some of heat off quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.
FOOTBALL 2013
76 FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013
Yellow Jackets
decent showing, so I think it’s going to be another battle again this year.”
Ben Gillis, a standout soccer player who moonlighted as R-MA’s kicker said. “We’ll adjust accordingly to that.” last year, is expected to reprise that The secondary should be a strength role this season. An honorable menwith Slaton and White returning as tion all-Patriot pick, Gillis connected starters. Slaton was an honorable on 24 of 26 point-after attempts and mention all-Patriot pick as a safety hit a pair of field goals for the Yellow last year, and White will hold down Jackets last year. He’s also expected one of the cornerback spots. to contend for the starting punting Cavanaugh is a solid contender to join job. Slaton, White and Cavanaugh are Slaton as the Yellow Jackets’ other safety, while Idowu, Speer and junior penciled in for returns. For the first time in several seasons, Tyler Vaughan are all getting looked at as cornerbacks. R-MA will have a full 10-game schedThe Yellow Jackets fielded the area’s ule after playing just nine for the past top defense last season, surrendering few years. Sullivan thinks his squad only 214.2 yards per contest to help is up for the full grind this season. the team finish second behind only “We pretty much returned everybody Fredericksburg Christian in the on our team from last year that didn’t newly-formed Patriot Conference. graduate,” Sullivan said. “It’s been “I thought it went pretty well,” that way for two years, so that’s a Sullivan said. “Fredericksburg good sign.” Christian was strong, they ended up being a finalist in their class I believe Contact Sports Editor Jeff Nations and lost in the finals. Massanutten at 540-465-5137 ext. 161, or had a strong team and we had a jnations@nvdaily.com Continued from 50
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Wildcats
program. Coach Yew, the same thing — Central’s really riding high right now. That’s a school that’s 30 miles Continued from 45 away that we have some history of some solid kids back there, and those are some kids that have seen playing. Same thing with Clarke, some time,” Tallent said. “So we feel we’re counties that touch. To me, it actually that our secondary and our makes sense to play them.” linebackers are really going to be a There is a potential drawback to strength. And we’ve seen a lot of that Bull Run membership — with quick improvement from some of so many conference games, the our young offensive and defensive Wildcats could only schedule crosslinemen.” town rival Skyline for the opening Tallent is looking forward to the game of the season rather than the Wildcats’ new-look schedule, featur- traditional finale. ing a slate of Bull Run opponents To Tallent, when the two schools which more closely mirrors Warren meet just doesn’t matter. County’s student population size. “We’re always going to play them,” “It really sets in some rivalries Tallent said. “It doesn’t matter if that not only have we cultivated you play them first, the middle or over the last few years, but that I last. It’s going to be a rivalry game. felt should have been in place the It’s a cross-town thing.” whole time,” Tallent said.
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“Strasburg’s just around the corner Contact Sports Editor Jeff Nations — that to me is a natural geograph- at 540-465-5137 ext. 161, or ic rival. Coach Roller’s got a great jnations@nvdaily.com
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FOOTBALL 2013
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Hawks
Butler is the lone returning starter at linebacker, where he’ll be joined by Darryl Jordan and Bradley Carson in Continued from 31 the middle, with a slew of options on the outside including Corvon Thomas, Turner to catch the ball,” Gilbert said. Alex Shaffer, Nick Lehew, Hunter “He has been great in camp, targeting him, and he’s been doing everything we Smedley, Partlowe, Will Spencer and T.J. Massie all possibilities for the want him to do.” Hawks. Gilbert said the tight end job is an The defensive front is a bit more setongoing battle, with Corvon Thomas, tled, with Travis Siever and Ronnie Nick Lehew and Antwan Swain all in the mix. Clifton both back to resume starting roles. Senior Jon Overstreet and juniors “We have skills, but we’re not experienced,” Gilbert said. “So we’re counting David Heisler, Robbie Oates, Jacob on our offensive line to help carry those Short, Brandon Walters and sophomore kids and create that time and space for Pingley are all slated to see time as well. them, so they can learn on the fly here.” Turner, an all-district pick as an outThe offensive line features three side linebacker last year, shifts back to returning starters, including first-team free safety as the Hawks look to all-Northwestern guard Travis Siever. replace four graduated all-district perHe’ll anchor a line that also welcomes formers in the secondary. Senior James back returning starters Chase Clatter- Clatterbuck and junior Jamal Parker buck and Ronnie Clifton. Jacob Short are slated to start, with Tyrone and Gustavo Solis are also slated to Holloman and Josh Smeltzer also start, and the Hawks have plenty of expected to log time in the secondary. depth with Joe Pingley, Zack Atkins and Evan Pavlicek, who made a schoolDavid Heisler all options for the line. record 25 straight point-after attempts “We have some guys with experience last year, is back to lead the special inside,” Gilbert said. “I like that group.” teams unit. Gilbert said Skyline will feature an The Hawks have to come together even front defense, but won’t be shy quickly, with the opening game coming about shifting to a 3-5 against the against cross-town rival Warren spread or to get more speed on the County. Historically, that game was the field. season finale for both teams. Due to the Only three starters are back from last Wildcats’ move to the Bull Run year’s defense, a group seemingly hard District, the date had to change and hit by the graduation losses of lineGilbert is making the best of it as a backer Zach Blair (Northwestern motivational tool. District Defensive Player of the Year), “The only spot for us to play each longtime standout defensive end other was now, the first game,” Gilbert Helmick, defensive lineman Chris said. “Traditionally you’d kind of like to Grady, and secondary stars Haight and have your rivalry game at the end of Jeremiah. the year, but it’s good to have now, too. “We lost a lot of guys,” Gilbert said. “How are we going to respond? Are we It’s going to be exciting. It’s definitely a game we want to win. It’s a nice thing going to be like, ‘Oh, we need another to start off with your rival like that, to year before we can compete again,’ or have that in your back pocket to pull are we going to step right back to the plate and start swinging? That’s what I out that Warren County card. It’s like, ‘Hey, you think the boys across the way want these kids to do, and I think we aren’t working hard right now? You can. We’re not going to make any excuses about someone not being here. better get your butt going.’” We’re moving forward and this next Contact Sports Editor group of guys has their chance to make Jeff Nations at 540-465-5137 their mark.” ext. 161, or jnations@nvdaily.com
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