Football Preview 2016 by Northern Virginia Daily

2 FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

FOOTBALL 2016

The Northern Virginia Daily

FOOTBALL 2016

The Northern Virginia Daily

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SCHEDULE Friday, Aug. 26 MMA at Quantico, 6 p.m. Central at Skyline, 7 p.m. Louisa at Sherando, 7 p.m. Heritage at James Wood, 7 p.m. Jefferson (W.Va.) at Millbrook, 7 p.m. Madison County at King William, 7 p.m. Fort Defiance at Buffalo Gap, 7 p.m. East Rockingham at Spotswood, 7 p.m. East Hardy (W.Va.) at Page County, 7 p.m. Wilson Memorial at Waynesboro, 7 p.m. Nelson County at Luray, 7 p.m. Riverheads at Robert E. Lee, 7 p.m. Stonewall Jackson at Strasburg, 7:30 p.m.

Stonewall Jackson at Parry McCluer, 7 p.m. Brentsville at Skyline, 7 p.m. Warren County at James Wood, 7 p.m. Washington (W.Va.) at Sherando, 7 p.m. R-MA at St. Ammeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s-Belfield, 7 p.m. Clarke County at Millbrook, 7 p.m. Handley at Fauquier, 7 p.m. Bath County at Buffalo Gap, 7 p.m. Page County at Rappahannock County, 7 p.m. Waynesboro at Stuarts Draft, 7 p.m. Fort Defiance at Wilson Memorial, 7 p.m. Broadway at William Monroe, 7:30 p.m. East Rockingham at Madison County, 7:30 p.m. Sidwell Friends at George Mason, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 27

Friday, Sept. 16

Northern Virginia HomeSchool at MMA, 4:30 p.m. Warren County at Handley, 1 p.m. Central at Turner Ashby, 7 p.m. Manassas Park at Skyline, 7 p.m. Brentsville at Warren County, 7 p.m. George Mason at Rappahannock County, 7 p.m. Sherando at Eastern View, 7 p.m. Handley at Clarke County, 7 p.m. Kettle Run at Millbrook, 7 p.m. William Monroe at Charlottesville, 7 p.m. George Mason at Luray, 7 p.m. Roanoke Catholic at MMA, 4 p.m. Stuarts Draft at Broadway, 7 p.m. Strasburg at East Rockingham, 7 p.m. Riverheads at Waynesboro, 7 p.m. Central at Stonewall Jackson, 7 p.m. James Wood at Strasburg, 7:30 p.m. Sherando (W.Va.) at Martinsburg, 7 p.m. Clarke County at Manassas Park, 7 p.m. James Wood at Park View, 7 p.m. Millbrook at Hedgesville (W.Va.), 7 p.m. MMA at Fishburne Military, 4 p.m. Buffalo Gap at Parry McCluer, 7 p.m. Page County at Stonewall Jackson, 7 p.m. Page County at Nelson County, 7 p.m. Warren County at Madison County, 7 p.m. Stuarts Draft at Fort Defiance, 7 p.m. Jefferson (W.Va.) at Sherando, 7 p.m. Wilson Memorial at Robert E. Lee, 7 p.m. R-MA at Hargrave Military Academy, 7 p.m. Covington at Riverheads, 7 p.m. James Wood at Hedgesville (W.Va.), 7 p.m. Skyline at Broadway, 7:30 p.m. Millbrook at Woodgrove, 7 p.m. William Monroe at Brentsville, 7:30 p.m. Buffalo Gap at Wilson Memorial, 7 p.m. Luray at Madison County, 7:30 p.m. Stuarts Draft at East Rockingham, 7 p.m. Luray at Riverheads, 7 p.m. Clarke County at Central, 7:30 p.m. R-MA at Potomac School, noon George Mason at William Monroe, 7:30 p.m. Handley at Harrisonburg, 1 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 1 Friday, Sept. 2

Friday, Sept. 23

Saturday, Sept. 3 Friday, Sept. 9

Grace Christian at MMA, 4:30 p.m. Strasburg at Riverside, 7 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 30 R-MA at Fishburne Military, 4 p.m. Central at Warren County, 7 p.m. Stuarts Draft at Stonewall Jackson, 7 p.m.

Skyline at John Champe, 7 p.m. James Wood at Sherando, 7 p.m. Millbrook at Rock Ridge, 7 p.m. Madison County at Riverside, 7 p.m. Riverheads at Buffalo Gap, 7 p.m. Page County at East Rockingham, 7 p.m. Wilson Memorial at Luray, 7 p.m. Strasburg at George Mason, 7:30 p.m. William Monroe at Clarke County, 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 21

Jefferson (W.Va.) at Handley, 1 p.m. Hargrave Military Academy at MMA, 2 p.m.

Christchruch School at R-MA, 3 p.m. Stonewall Jackson at Buffalo Gap, 7 p.m. Handley at Skyline, 7 p.m. Sherando at Fort Hill (Md.), 7 p.m. James Wood at Millbrook, 7 p.m. MMA at Hancock (Md.), 7 p.m. Page County at Stuarts Draft, 7 p.m. Luray at East Rockingham, 7 p.m. Wilson Memorial at Riverheads, 7 p.m. Madison County at Strasburg 7:30 p.m. Warren County at George Mason, 7:30 p.m. Central at William Monroe, 7:30 p.m. Clarke County at Riverside, 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 7

Friday, Oct. 28

Saturday, Oct. 1

Rappahannock County at MMA, 4 p.m. Stonewall Jackson at Wilson Memorial, 7 p.m. Millbrook at Skyline, 7 p.m. Warren County at William Monroe, 7 p.m. Handley at Loudoun Valley, 7 p.m. Riverside at George Mason, 7 p.m. Buffalo Gap at Stuarts Draft, 7 p.m. East Rockingham at Riverheads, 7 p.m. Luray at Page County, 7 p.m. Clarke County at Strasburg, 7:30 p.m. Madison County at Central, 7:30 p.m.

Brunswick Academy at MMA, 3 p.m. Riverheads at Stonewall Jackson, 7 p.m. Skyline at Sherando, 7 p.m. Clarke County at Warren County, 7 p.m. Spring Mills (W.Va.) at James Wood, 7 p.m. Page County at Buffalo Gap, 7 p.m. East Rockingham at Wilson Memorial, 7 p.m. Luray at Stuarts Draft, 7 p.m. Strasburg at Central, 7:30 p.m. Culpeper at William Monroe, 7:30 p.m. George Mason at Madison County, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 8

Saturday, Oct. 29

R-MA at Fredericksburg Christian, 2 p.m.

Blue Ridge at R-MA, 1 p.m. Millbrook at Handley, 1 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 14 Strasburg at Warren County, 7 p.m. Skyline at James Wood, 7 p.m. Buffalo Gap at Luray, 7 p.m. Riverheads at Page County, 7 p.m. Stuarts Draft at Wilson Memorial, 7 p.m. Riverside at Central, 7:30 p.m. George Mason at Clarke County, 7:30 p.m. William Monroe at Madison County, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 15 Sherando at Handley, 1 p.m. MMA at R-MA, 2 p.m. East Rockingham vs. Stonewall Jackson at JMU, 3 p.m.

Thursday, Nov. 3 Covenant at R-MA, 3 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 4 Stonewall Jackson at Luray, 7 p.m. Skyline at Warren County, 7 p.m. Sherando at Millbrook, 7 p.m. Handley at James Wood, 7 p.m. Buffalo Gap at East Rockingham, 7 p.m. Wilson Memorial at Page County, 7 p.m. Riverheads at Stuarts Draft, 7 p.m. Strasburg at William Monroe, 7:30 p.m. Central at George Mason, 7:30 p.m. Madison County at Clarke County, 7:30 p.m.

ON THE COVER: Dylan Rivers is a senior linebacker for Sherando High School this year. He plans to attend college and play for Penn State next year. Rich Cooley/Daily

CENTRAL FALCONS

4 FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

The Northern Virginia Daily

Rich Cooley/Daily

Central assistant coach Rowdy Hoover works with linemen during a recent practice. The Falcons will have a young squad this season with 24 sophomores on the team.

Youth will be served for Falcons this season By Tommy Keeler Jr. WOODSTOCK — Central football coach Mike Yew is in a familiar position this season. The Falcons have a young squad with 24 sophomores on the team. It was just six years ago when Central had a large group of sophomores on the squad and that group went on

predictions. I’m just saying we will be as good as these young sophomores develop “That year we started the season 1-4 and we ended up quickly. If they develop 5-5 and won a playoff game, quickly, early, we can have a and we got better as the sea- chance to be pretty good. If they develop later we’ll be son went on because those sophomores progressed,” Yew good at the end of the season.” The Falcons will have a lot of said. “I’m not saying we’re young players in the starting going to start 1-4. I’m not making any of those kinds of FALCONS, 7 to have a lot of success over the next three years.

2016 FALCONS • Coach: Mike Yew (10th year, 50-49)

OL/DL Andrew Miller

• Key losses: RB/LB Hank Hoover, WR/DB Tristan Rau, WR/DB Varsey Bright, QB/DB Jordon Hosaflook, RB/LB Trey • Key returnees: WR/DB Carston Riley, WR/DB Timothy Sloan, Shockey, OL/DL Alex Sibert, K/P WR/LB Brandon Braithwaite, Clifton Croom, WR/DB Alonzo OL/DL Todd Stocking, OL/DL Codey Heltzel Charity, RB/DE Matt Bromley, • Offense/Defense: I-formation/ 4-4

CENTRAL FALCONS

The Northern Virginia Daily

2016 SCHEDULE Aug. 26 at Skyline, 7 p.m.

Oct. 7

Sept. 2

Oct. 14

Stonewall Jackson, 7 p.m.

Sept. 16 at Turner Ashby, 7 p.m.

Oct. 21

Sept. 23 Clarke County, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 28

Sept. 30 at Warren County, 7 p.m.

Nov. 4

Madison County, 7:30 p.m.

189

Expires 9/30/2016. Limited time offer on select styles. See store for details.

2015 RESULTS (6-5, 4-2 BULL RUN) Aug. 28 lost to Skyline, 28-27

Oct. 9 at Riverside, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 4 beat Stonewall Jackson, 30-0 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 at William Monroe, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 18 lost to Turner Ashby, 47-26 Oct. 30 Strasburg, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 25 lost to Clarke County, 27-6 Nov. 6 at George Mason, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 1 beat Warren County, 46-0 Nov. 13

Now

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

beat Madison County, 41-21 beat Riverside, 44-20 beat William Monroe, 44-12 beat Strasburg, 27-6 lost to George Mason, 43-19 lost to Buffalo Gap, 41-14

6 FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

CENTRAL FALCONS

The Northern Virginia Daily

Playing for Central special for Shockey By Tommy Keeler Jr. WOODSTOCK - Having a father as a coach, Carston Shockey grew up around Central football. Shockey was often around practices, watching the team year after year. So it’s no surprise that wearing the blue and gold is pretty special for the senior. “It means the world to me, just representing the school,” Shockey said. “Just being out there with my teammates is an awesome feeling.” Shockey’s father, Rich, is an assistant coach for the Falcons and Carston said that it’s nice having his dad as a coach. “There’s good and bad aspects of it, but for the most part it’s a good thing that he’s a coach. I really enjoy having him coach me,” Carston Shockey said. “…He critiques me pretty often, but it’s for the better. I’m glad that he can do that for me and just give me good pointers.”

Shockey said he didn’t start playing football until his 8th grade year. He played two years on Central’s junior Rich Cooley/Daily varsity team, and has been a two-way Central’s Carston Shockey will look to lead the way for the Falcons this season. The versatile senior is expected starter for the last two years on the to play a variety of roles for the team. varsity squad. my teammates. That’s a moment that “I think he just does what you ask both running back and wide receiver. He said his sophomore was a very him to do,” Yew said. “He doesn’t get you can never forget,” Shockey said of valuable learning experience, which He ran for 110 yards on 16 carries out there and stray from what his job the state title. “I think going to states has helped him throughout the years. and had two touchdowns. He also is. If kids do their job, and it’s not to and just track in general just helps “My sophomore year is where I’d say caught six passes for 84 yards with say that were amazing coaches or with my endurance and stamina. I two touchdowns. I learned the most,” Shockey said. anything, but if you put them in posi- think overall it helps with your speed “That was just all the basic skills, Central’s running game last year tion to be successful and they do it a and working with speed explosion off and I really got used to the speed of was led by Hank Hoover, who ran for lot of times they are successful. the line.” varsity play. Just getting experience over 1,800 yards, and Shockey said “He’s a very good kid to have Being a senior this year, Shockey out there helped a lot.” that he learned a lot from him. around. He’s a strong academic stusaid that he wants to make it one to Last year Shockey was solid for the “Hank helped me out a couple times dent and if you have 10 or 12 kids remember, and he feels good about Falcons on defense and had three back there and just watching him, I like that on your team you wouldn’t the squad this year. interceptions and 31 tackles. think that helped me as well,” have any problems.” “I don’t want to jinx ourselves, but I Shockey said. “Just seeing what he “I felt pretty good about what I did Shockey was part of Central’s Group feel like we can accomplish some would do in certain situations, I think last year. I would definitely love to pretty good things,” Shockey said. that helps me think what I can do in 2A track state championship 4x400 improve this year,” Shockey said. “I relay team last spring. “I’m very excited for this year.” those situations if I’m out there.” think last year was a good point for He said that running track definiteme.” Contact staff writer Tommy Keeler at Central head coach Mike Yew said ly helps him during football season. 540-465-5137 ext. 168, or Shockey provided a lot of versatility that Shockey is a great example for tkeeler@nvdaily.com “That was very special for me and the other players on the team. on offense last year. He played at

CENTRAL FALCONS

The Northern Virginia Daily

Falcons

Falcons could come at wide receiver. Yew said that junior Alonzo Continued from 4 Charity, sophomore Kyle Clanton and senior Saxon lineup, including potentially at quarterback. Yew Franklin should see plenty of playing time at wide said that Zeb Dyer was receiver. Yew said that probably going to be the sophomore T.J. Williams starting quarterback, but has also been impressive Yew also felt good with at receiver. Colton Hutchinson play“T.J. Williams is a sophoing as well. more that’s stepped up The Falcons lost Hank and had a real good sumHoover, who ran for 1,854 mer,” Yew said. “We figure yards last season, to he can get into the mix as graduation. Yew said he well as Nick Houghton.” feels good with this year’s The Falcons have some crop of running backs. key pieces returning on He said that seniors the offensive line. Senior Carston Shockey and Alex Sibert should lead Marshall McAboy will see the way on the line, he plenty of time at tailback was an All-Bull Run with sophomore Shane District selection last year. Watson also getting some Yew said that junior Lee time there. Schreiber will also be Yew said that senior starting on the line along Matt Bromley and sophowith senior Dominic more Zach Abrams will Richel. play at fullback, with McAboy also possibly One place the Falcons playing some at that posi- will definitely have depth tion. is on the defensive line. “We feel like in that mix- Yew said that they will have eight players who ture we have three guys they can use on the that played the position defensive line. and give a pretty solid effort there,” Yew said. He said the starters may Another strength of the

change from week to

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

2016 ROSTER No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 8 10 11 12 14 15 16 18 20 22 23 24 28 30 32 33

Name Kyle Clanton Zeb Dyer Nick Houghton Tyler Baronowski Kelan Hoover Elijah Williams Colin Morel T.J. Williams Alonzo Charity Hunter Mullins Austin Clatterbuck Colton Hutchinson Carston Shockey Langdon Spiggle Zach Abrams Shane Watson Brandon Chavez Jeramie Goodrich Cliff Croom Bryce Montgomery Matt Bromley Dean Woodwell

week, depending on the opponent. Junior Jon Riggs and Watson are two of the players Yew said who will contribute on the defensive front. Yew said that Bromley, Abrams and sophomore Dravon Bowman will see time at inside linebacker.

Ht. 5-9 6-1 5-11 5-5 6-1 5-11 5-9 5-10 5-9 5-7 5-9 5-11 5-10 5-10 5-9 5-8 5-8 5-9 5-10 5-6 5-10 6-2

Wt. 145 191 165 128 151 148 133 143 137 141 181 168 160 156 210 175 145 135 148 135 182 191

Pos. WR/DB QB WR/DB WR/DB QB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB RB/LB WR/DE QB/DB RB/DB RB/DB RB/LB RB/LB WR/DB WR/DB K/P RB/LB RB/DE TE/DE

Yr. So. So. So. So. Fr. Sr. So. So. Jr. So. So. Sr. Sr. So. So. So. Sr. Sr. Sr. So. Sr. Jr.

things heading into the season opener as far as who might play where at times on defense. He said that Clanton and Charity will be in the secondary and Shockey will either be in the secondary or at linebacker.

No. 34 37 40 43 44 45 50 53 54 57 58 62 63 65 66 67 70 74 75 77 78 86

Name Christian Spitler Marshall McAboy Andrew Miller Aram Del Junco Andrew Daugherty Dravon Bowman Alex Sibert Grayson Manning Lee Schreiber Dylan Stogsdill Zach Helmick Connor Funk Declan Franklin Zach Bowman Dominic Richel Nathaniel Burner Neddy Portillo Jake France Andre Correa Jon Riggs Ezra Smith Saxon Franklin

Ht. 6-1 5-10 5-11 5-9 5-11 5-10 5-9 6-0 6-0 5-10 6-0 6-1 6-0 5-10 6-1 5-10 6-2 6-0 5-10 6-4 6-4 6-2

Wt. 185 205 220 167 173 198 230 222 195 210 205 290 230 227 215 150 271 239 276 270 255 177

Pos. TE/LB RB/LB OL/DL WR/LB WR/LB FB/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 OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL WR/DB

Yr. So. Sr. Jr. So. So. So. Sr. So. Jr. So. So. Jr. So. Jr. Sr. Sr. So. So. So. Jr. So. Sr.

2015 CENTRAL STATS • Record: 6-5 (4-2 Bull Run District)

• Receiving leader: Tristan Rau (20 receptions for 289 yards, 2 touchdowns)

• Passing leader: Jordon Hosaflook (69 for 164, 1,132 • Total tackles: Brandon Braithwaite (64) yards, 8 touchdowns, 5 interceptions) • Sacks: Matt Edwards (8) • Rushing leader: Hank • Interceptions: Brandon Hoover (298 carries for Braithwaite, Carston 1,854 yards, 23 touchdowns) Shockey (3)

One area Yew doesn’t have to worry too much McAboy and sophomore about is kicking as senior last season with an Christian Spitler could be Cliff Croom returns this playing at outside lineinjury, but was one of the season. backer. Yew said they top kickers in the area were still tweaking Croom missed part of his sophomore season.

Contact staff writer Tommy Keeler at 540-465-5137 ext. 168, or tkeeler@nvdaily.com.

W e’re Proud to Support the

Central Falcons

Stop by before the game for all your tailgating supplies!

321 West Reservoir Road • Woodstock, Virginia

250876

HAVE A GREAT SEASON!

8 FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

CLARKE COUNTY EAGLES

The Northern Virginia Daily

Rich Cooley/Daily

Clarke County head coach Chris Parker drills Cole Lawson during a recent practice.

State title appearance makes Eagles eager to return 2016 EAGLES • Coach: Chris Parker (17th year, 110-67) • Offense/Defense: Single wing/multiple • Key returnees: RB/LB Hunter Rogers, OL/LB Josh Wallace, WR/DB Brett McDonald, OL/DL Bryan Wallace, RB/LB Daniel Braithwaite, TE/DL James Martin • Key losses: OL/DL Julius Grant, QB/DB Jordan Turner, RB/CB Matthew Dang, RB/DB Jason Ottobre, RB/LB Michael Fields, OL/DL Sam White

By Justin McIlwee

game and having 13 selections to the all-VHSL squad, the most of BERRYVILLE - Making it to a any school in 2A. But unfortunately for the Eagles, the 2015 state championship game isn’t season didn’t quite end the way easy. Neither is placing doublethey had hoped as they fell to digit players on the first and secAppomattox 42-6 in the championd VHSL all-state teams. onship game, a game they In 2015, however, Clarke trailed just 14-6 entering the fourth quarter. County was able to do both, advancing to the 2A state title “We have a chip on our shoulder,”

Eagles lineman Cam Marshall said. “We lost last year’s state game and we want to go back and win it.” Getting back to that state championship game will be no easy feat for a Clarke team that went 13-2 last season and lost four all-state players, three of EAGLES, 10

The Northern Virginia Daily

CLARKE COUNTY EAGLES

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

Rich Cooley//Daily

Clarke County senior Hunter Rogers, center, will be looking to lead the team’s offense this year.

A healthy Rogers prepared to lead Eagles’ backfield By Justin McIlwee

Eagles, had a season good enough to be named to the VHSL all-state second team in 2015 and he did it while BERRYVILLE - When a running back rushes for over 1,300 yards and sharing the workload with three or 17 touchdowns in a season, it’s pretty four other backs and after missing three games with an ankle injury. much expected that he’s the feature back for his team. Or that he accu“He’s a gifted runner and an experimulated those 1,300 yards over the ence veteran,” Clarke County head course of a full season. But if either coach Chris Parker said of Rogers. of those thoughts came across your “He’s got a lot of natural ability and mind when thinking about Clarke he sees the field great. He just fits County’s Hunter Rogers, you’d be into our type of offense. He’s just a mistaken. great kid.” Rogers, a rising senior for the

Rogers returns this season as a vet-

eran in a young backfield after the graduation of Jordon Turner, Matt Dang and Jaxon Ottobre, who combined for over 3,000 yards of offense for Clarke. But with a healthy ankle, the healthy back with the word “saucy” written in tape across his back pad, knows that everyone is looking to him to be a leader moving forward and he’s ready to step up and get the team back to the state championship. “Seeing our season that we had last year, and the players that we have coming back, we can do it again,”

Rogers said. “Going to that state game and losing it is making us work even harder. I’m not really the type of person who like to yell at people or get on them, I just lead by example. If I’m doing well on the field, then hopefully it’s helping them to see that.” If Rogers can stay healthy, then there’s no reason he shouldn’t be able to eclipse the 2000-yard mark for the season. And if Rogers leads by setting a good example on the field, then the Eagles backfield should be very good for years to come.

10 FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

CLARKE COUNTY EAGLES

Eagles

offensive lineman Julius Grant, but will return all-state center, senior Josh Wallace, and all-state lineman, junior Bryan Wallace, Continued from 8 who is already getting attention from multiple Division I schools. Seniors Brent which made the first or second team for McDonald (second team all-state TE/LB) both offense and defense. and Mackie Martin will return as the team’s The Eagles, who amassed over 7,000 yards tight ends and leading receivers, catching 24 of offense last season, will have to replace a passes for 426 yards and four touchdowns few key pieces from their 2015 state runnerbetween the two of them. up team. When asked what his team would be Under center for the Eagles in 2016 will be known for this season, Coach Chris Parker Chris Davis, who will look to fill the shoes of praised the physicality and size of this graduated all-state performer Jordan year’s group. Turner. Turner, the starting QB for last “Our team speed is good, but we’re not as year’s squad, rushed for 1,230 yards and flashy or speed demons like some of the added 728 through the air to make up teams that we play,” Parker said. “I think almost 2,000 yards for Clarke’s offense. He our physicality and our size is what we’re was also responsible for 23 touchdowns. going to be known for.” Davis, in limited action as a junior, rushed for 134 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Defensively, the Eagles are coming off a season where they gave up less than 11 In the backfield, Clarke, which is a runheavy team operating out of the wing-T for- points per game. But with the graduation of all-state defensive players Dang (DB), mation, lost its second and fourth leading Michael Fields (LB), Grant (DL) and Turner rushers in Matt Dang and Jaxon Ottobre. Dang was the Eagles’ second leading rusher, (DB), the Eagles will rely heavily on their tallying over 1,300 yards and 20 touchdowns front four to anchor the defense. The line of on the ground in 2015. Add in the 708 yards the Eagles returns a wealth of experience with seniors Josh Wallace, Cam Marshall and 9 touchdowns chipped in by Ottobre, and the Eagles are responsible for replacing and Kyle Anderson down in the trenches. On the outside, Martin and Bryan Wallace over 2,000 yards from their backfield. return for the Eagles. Luckily for them, they return leading rusher Hunter Rogers who, in 2015, rushed for a Behind the front guys, McDonald, Clarke’s third leading tackler, will be looked on to team high 1,354 yards and 17 touchdowns, lead the defense from his linebacker posiafter missing three-and-a-half games with an ankle injury. Joining Rogers in the back- tion. Joining him will be Davis and junior Lucas Rogers. field will be returning senior Daniel Braithwaite, who rushed for 655 yards and Hunter Rogers will be patrolling the secfive touchdowns, senior Patrick Cleary, who ondary, taking over for Dang, who was first had a pair of scores on 160 yards rushing, team all-state in 2015. Joining him will be and junior Cole Lawson, who chipped in four Cleary and senior Zach Flynn. touchdowns on 109 yards. Clarke will look to start another run to the The Eagles’ bread and butter will be their state championship game when they open physicality up front. Clarke lost all-state the season on Sept. 2 away against Manassas Park. But despite losing many 2015 STATS key pieces from last year’s squad, Parker’s • Record: 13-2, (6-0 Bull Run District) message to his team at the beginning of the season was simple. • Passing leader: Jordon Turner (47 for 96 passing, 728 yards, 6 touchdowns, 11 interceptions) • Rushing leader: Hunter Rogers (174 carries, 1,354 yards, 17 touchdowns) • Receiving leader: Brett McDonald (14 receptions for 227 yards, 2 touchdowns) • Total tackles: Michael Fields (166) • Sacks: Bryan Wallace (12) • Interceptions: Matt Dang (4)

“Once you get a little taste of the championship, our goal every year is to get there, we certainly want to try to get there again,” Parker said. “I think we have a great opportunity but we also have a huge target on our back. Our kids know that and we work very hard in the offseason. We have the capability to get there, but the truth’s on the field, we have to get the job done.”

The Northern Virginia Daily

2016 ROSTER No. 1 2 3 4 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 18 20 21 22 24 25 28 32 35 36 37 39 40 44 46 49 51 52 53 54 55 56 59 60 61 64 66 67 69 70 72 74 75 76 77 80 81 83 85 86 87 89

Name Hunter Rogers Christopher Davis Patrick Cleary Jacob Parrott Tanner Dinkins Benjamin Sprouse Eamon Juday Kyle Baylor Cole Lawson Carlos Nunez Edward Buzalsky Ryan Nesselrodt Julius Palmer Nicholas Bahamonde Nathaniel Barb Brett McDonald Joseph Davidson Andrew Bonett Nolan Hall Robert Pryor Richard Nappi Timothy Stokes Travis Stevenson James Martin Tristan Price Daniel Braithwaite Lucas Rogers Jack Benner Blake Forrester William McLean Dustin Shepherd Cory Collins Tyler Trout Joshua Wallace Cameron Marshall Dougie Spalding Jr. Bryan Wallace Charly Camacho Benjamin Baker Jacob Peace Colin Sardelis Bradley Baker Kyle Anderson Johnny Fens Alexander Embrey Jesse Carroll Hugh Kiser Dylan Thompson Jack Dawson Parrott Zach Flynn Dietrich Tilley Isaiah Waters Eric Evans Steven Mercke Adam Scroggins

Height 5-11 6-1 6-1 5-8 5-10 5-9 5-11 5-6 6-0 5-8 5-9 5-11 5-8 5-8 5-11 6-1 5-11 6-0 5-11 5-5 5-11 5-10 5-11 6-2 5-10 5-11 6-3 5-10 5-11 5-10 6-3 5-10 5-10 6-0 6-0 5-10 6-5 5-7 5-8 6-7 5-5 5-11 6-0 6-0 5-9 6-5 5-11 6-0 5-7 5-11 6-3 6-5 5-10 5-10 6-0

Weight 185 200 175 150 160 190 160 150 185 160 165 160 150 150 205 215 150 195 150 150 210 150 160 230 150 180 220 150 155 265 300 265 150 230 225 210 235 235 150 290 200 210 315 220 150 215 220 205 150 170 200 190 165 190 170

Pos. RB/DB RB/LB RB/DB RB/DB RB/DB RB/LB TE/LB RB/DB RB/DB RB/DB RB/DB RB/DE RB/DB K RB/LB TE/LB RB/DB TE/DE RB/DB RB/DB RB/LB RB/DB TE/DE TE/DE RB/DB RB/LB TE/LB RB/DB RB/DB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL RB/DB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DE OL/DL RB/DB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL RB/DB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL RB/DB RB/DB TE/DE TE/DB TE/DB TE/DE

Year Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. So. So. Jr. Jr. Jr. So. Jr. So. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. So. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. So. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. So. So. Jr. So. Jr. Jr. Sr. So. Sr. Sr. Sr. So. Jr. Jr. Sr. So. Jr. So.

CLARKE COUNTY EAGLES

The Northern Virginia Daily

2016 SCHEDULE Sept. 2

at Manassas Park, 7 p.m.

Oct. 7

Sept. 9

at Millbrook, 7 p.m.

Oct. 14

Sept. 16 Handley, 7 p.m.

Oct. 21

Sept. 23 at Central, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 28

Sept. 30 William Monroe, 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 4

at Strasburg, 7:30 p.m.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

2015 RESULTS (13-2, 6-0 BULL RUN)

Sept. 4 beat Manassas Park, 46-8 Sept. 11 lost to Millbrook, 20-14 George Mason, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 19 beat Handley, 42-7 at Riverside, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 25 beat Central, 27-6 Oct. 1 beat William Monroe, 39-18 at Warren County, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 9 beat Strasburg, 27-0 Madison County, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 16 beat George Mason, 42-14

Oct. 23 Oct. 30 Nov. 6 Nov. 13 Nov. 20 Nov. 27 Dec. 5 Dec. 12

beat Riverside, 72-6 beat Warren County, 55-0 beat Madison County, 62-18 beat Arcadia, 60-6 beat George Mason, 47-0 beat Robert E. Lee, 19-0 beat Union, 43-15 lost to Appomattox Co., 42-6

HANDLEY JUDGES

12 FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

The Northern Virginia Daily

Handley eager for a win under new coach By Tommy Keeler Jr. WINCHESTER — Handley enters this season on a 15game losing streak and firstyear coach John Davis said it’s important for his team to stay even-keeled as they try to pick up that first win. Davis said it’s important for his players not to try to do too much and stay positive. “We’re on a 15-game losing streak, and when you have those type of things sometimes bad things can creep

2016 JUDGES • Coach John Davis (First year) • Offense/Defense: Multiple/multiple • Key returnees: WR/DB Tyler Mudd, RB/LB Christian Moten, WR/DB RaʼShaad Morris, TE/LB Jimmy Vitola III • Key losses: RB/LB Sergio Martines, RB/LB Quay Pannell, WR/DB Marcus Tactikos, TE/LB Dolan Delaney, OL/DL Thomas Shea-Roop, P/K Aidan Marshall, RB/LB Deauntia Green, RB/LB Anthony Smith, RB/LB Jacob Shade

into your mind when bad things happen,” Davis said. “So I just have to keep my guys on the straight and narrow and having them believe in themselves, and continuing to stay in the system and continuing to take it one step at a time. Just trying not to do too much too fast.” Davis replaces longtime coach Tony Rayburn, who is now the head coach at Loudoun County. Davis said he runs practices at a fast pace with a lot of energy, and the players have responded well to it. “I think they’re learning how I’m just intense all the time,” Davis said. “And how I’m not going to slow down or how I’m going to see them make a mistake or see the little things, like make sure your helmet’s strapped up, make sure that when your inside the lines you’re running at 100 percent. Those are the things that I know helps win football games. So those are the things that I instill in them.” Davis said he wasn’t sure

Rich Cooley//Daily

Handley’s Tyler Mudd walks on the field during a break in practice. who the starting quarterback will be. He said senior Quentin Davenport and sophomore Jacob Parker were in a tight battle for the spot.

and five touchdowns.

“They both do some great things,” Davis said. “Jacob’s good at commanding the huddle and kind of moving things along, but Quentin’s just got a wow factor that he Parker was the starter last year and threw for 570 yards just moves the chains. He’s

got the ability to run the football and that’s just something that in high school football just breaks games open.” Davis said that juniors Christian Moten and Tyrese JUDGES, 14

HANDLEY JUDGES

The Northern Virginia Daily

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

Mudd excited to be back on field for Judges By Tommy Keeler Jr. WINCHESTER — All Tyler Mudd could do was watch. Last year, as Handley’s football team went 0-10, Mudd was stuck on the sidelines. The wide receiver/defensive back tore the meniscus in his knee in the preseason and couldn’t play a single down for the Judges.

He couldn’t play basketball last year, but did get back in time to run in both indoor and outdoor track. Mudd said he felt like everything he went through made him stronger.

In outdoor track, Mudd did the pole vault, which was a new event last year at Handley, and enjoyed it. He won the Conference 21 West “It was devastating, because title, and just missed qualifying for the state meet by one I couldn’t get on the field with my team and help them position. out,” Mudd said. “Being 0-10 “Poll vaulting was different,” — that’s horrible. That’s Mudd said. “You got to have a going to be devastating for lot guts to take your body up the whole city of Winchester, anywhere from 8-to-15 feet. I because we’re Handley High didn’t hit 15 feet, but you got School. ...It was really hard to throw your body up there.” watching my players lose a Mudd is excited to be back lot of games, and I can’t come playing football for the on the field and help. I tried Judges this season. He said to have a positive attitude, but you just got to keep your he’s happy to just be able to play the sport again after head up.” missing a year. The senior did keep his “It feels good,” Mudd said. head up and came through “Being able to be back on the his rehab. He said he was on turf, and running and throwcrutches for six-to-eight ing your body around and weeks. He said he then began just being active feels good.” rehabbing every day after school. Mudd said that he was

Rich Cooley/Daily

Handley’s Tyler Mudd, center, walks on the field during a break in practice. Mudd missed all of last season due to an injury. brought up from junior varsity to varsity as a freshman. His sophomore year he started at cornerback.

just became like a natural habit, just knowing my alignment and assignments,” Mudd said.

that season led by Dontae Mauck, who is playing at Virginia Military Institute, and Justin Washington and Ben Nelson.

He said it was a great learn- Mudd started two games at This year Mudd said he’s ing experience, and he led wide receiver his sophomore hoping to really shine at the team in interceptions. year, but playing time was hard to come by. Handley had “Once I got used to playing MUDD, 14 a talented receiving corps and getting in the habit, it

HANDLEY JUDGES

14 FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

Judges

The Northern Virginia Daily

2016 ROSTER

2015 STATS • Record: 0-10 (0-4 Northwestern) Continued from 12

• Passing leader: Jacob Parker (38 for 94, for 570 yards, 5 touchdowns, 7 interceptions)

Dudley will be leading the way at running back. Moten has speed, and Dudley has power, and Davis said he’s hoping the combination will work well together. Senior Tyler Mudd will lead the way at wide receiver. Mudd is coming back from an meniscus tear in his knee that sidelined him all of last season. “Tyler Mudd is far and away our best receiver,” Davis said. “We’ll put him on the backside and we’re going to dare teams to cover him one-on-one. And when he has that opportunity to make plays we know he’s going to be there. He’s consistent. He’s got great hands. He runs good routes and he blocks well.” One of the biggest strengths for Handley this season will be their offensive line. Davis said he has four starters back from last year, all of whom are juniors. Bobby Teahan, Ian Ganey, Bryce McDole and Joe Mammano are all back on the offensive line. “They all had to play a lot of football, and what that’s done is they’ve learned a lot and they’ve been our most consistent position group,” Davis said. “They’ve been far and away our best group mentally and assignment-wise. So I’m very proud of what we have there.” Davis said senior Errance Fusco-Grant will be the tight end. On the defensive line, senior Michael BenetizDoleman and Jimmy Vitola will be expected to lead the way.

Mudd Continued from 13

wide receiver, and he’s starting to like playing on offense even better than defense. Handley first-year coach John Davis said Mudd has a lot of ability on both sides of the ball. “Tyler is our best football player,” Davis said. “We have some good athletes. We have some guys that can do some good

• Rushing leader: Sergio Martines (64 carries for 247 yards, 2 touchdowns) • Receiving leader: Dolan Delaney (13 receptions for 184 yards, 1 touchdown) • Total tackles: Dolan Delaney (100) • Sacks: N/A • Interceptions: N/A

Davis said senior Diontre Bell, Moten and freshman Quinton Newman should provide a lot of punch at the linebacker spots. Junior Ra’Shaad Morris will lead the way in the secondary, and Davis said he is the leader of the defense. Last year Morris had 45 tackles. Mudd and sophomore Kevin Curry will be the cornerbacks. One area where Davis doesn’t have too worry too much is the kicking game. Senior Aiden Marshall, who has already committed to a preferred walk-on offer at Auburn University, will be doing the kicking and punting. “We’re excited about what he’s been able to do in the kicking game. We know we’re in good hands with our punting and kicking games,” Davis said. “...He’s kicking with a lot more confidence. We knew coming into fall camp he was our No. 1 defensive weapon just because I know he’s going to put the ball deep and he’ll put some offenses in some bad situations.” Contact staff writer Tommy Keeler at 540-465-5137 ext. 168, or tkeeler@nvdaily.com

things, but when it comes to just football and the things we do inside the lines — hitting, blocking, tackling, catching — he’s our best overall football player. And our guys really respect him.”

he wants to focus on this season and helping turn the program around.

“Last year, being 0-10, is going to be in all our heads until we start the first game and see how the season goes,” he said. “If we Mudd also has a younger brothget a first win then we’re better er, Andrew, who plays on the than last year already. So that’s team. Tyler Mudd said the two our goal, worry about week one are very competitive and push and then move on after that.” each other to get better. Contact staff writer Tommy Tyler Mudd said that he would like to play in college, preferably Keeler at 540-465-5137 ext. 168, or tkeeler@nvdaily.com at the Naval Academy. For now

No. 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 30 31 32 33 34 35 40 41 42 44 45 47 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 63 64 65 69 70 72 75 80 81 82 83 85

Name RaʼShaad Morris Christopher Bockey Kevin Curry Jacob Parker Dʼandre James Errance Fusco-Grant Michael Brown Tyrese Dudley Kevin Nguyen Cameron Davenport Jorden Davenport Arthur Ashe Quentin Davenport Nicholas Hott Zkyah Johnson Tyler Mudd Brent Gaynor Jeffrey Walker Christopher Moten Ryan Estep Andrew Mudd Nahshon Simmons Jack Armel Miles Ashe Hez Fils-Aime Jay House Jensen Lofton Diontre Bell Billy Delacruz Azarius Sloane Aiden Marshall Quinton Newman Malachi Imoh Uzziel Jose-Lopez Kevin Cruz-Montano Tommy Ashby Josiah Ashby Jimmy Vitola III Mark Clifford John Keller Landen Kremer Michael Benetiz-Doleman Ricardo Vallejo Joseph Mammano Ian Ganey Tyreke Mason Robert Teahan RaeQuan Wilson Bryce McDole Jacquon Stern Trey Causey Dawson Cooper Michael Newlin Austin Dietrich Kevin Fields

Ht. 6-2 5-8 6-1 6-1 6-2 6-3 5-7 6-2 5-7 5-7 5-7 6-0 6-1 6-2 5-7 6-1 5-9 5-11 6-0 5-8 5-11 5-10 6-0 5-7 5-7 5-9 5-10 5-10 5-11 5-11 5-10 6-1 5-7 5-7 5-9 5-9 5-9 5-10 6-0 5-11 5-9

Wt. 175 155 180 170 185 200 165 250 165 165 165 170 170 170 155 180 165 175 190 170 170 160 175 150 150 170 160 185 160 160 155 185 145 145 190 190 190 200 250 180 175

6-4 5-9 6-2 6-1 6-0 6-2 6-1 6-1 6-0 6-3 5-9 5-9 6-2 N/A

260 170 220 255 250 265 230 225 270 170 140 155 155 N/A

Pos.

WR/DB QB DB TE/LB RB/S TE/DL RB RB RB WR/DB QB/LB QB RB WR/DB DB WR/DB RB/LB LB DB LB RB/DB DB RB/LB WR/DB RB/LB LB RB/DB K/P RB/LB RB/DB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL WR K/P WR WR WR

Yr. Jr. Jr. So. So. So. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Fr. So. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. So. So. Fr. Jr. So. So. Sr. So. Jr. Sr. Fr. Fr. So. So. Fr. Sr. Sr. So. So. Sr. So. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Fr. Jr. So. Jr. So. Fr. Jr. Jr.

HANDLEY JUDGES

The Northern Virginia Daily

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

Courtesy Photo/Melissa Ambers

2016 SCHEDULE

2015 RESULTS (0-10, 0-4 NORTHWESTERN)

Aug. 27 Warren County, 1 p.m.

Oct. 7

at Loudoun Valley, 7 p.m.

Aug. 28 lost to Warren County, 27-17 Oct. 10 lost to Loudoun Valley, 58-6

Sept. 3

Harrisonburg, 1 p.m.

Oct. 15

Sherando, 1 p.m.

Sept. 4 lost to Harrisonburg, 14-0

Oct. 16 lost to Sherando, 51-0

Sept. 9

at Fauquier, 7 p.m.

Oct. 21

at Skyline, 7 p.m.

Sept. 11 lost to Fauquier, 39-14

Oct. 24 lost to Skyline, 31-17

Sept. 16 at Clarke County, 7 p.m.

Oct. 29

Millbrook, 1 p.m.

Sept. 19 lost to Clarke County, 42-7

Oct. 30 lost to Millbrook, 56-0

Oct. 1

Nov. 4

at James Wood, 7 p.m.

Oct. 2

Jefferson (W.Va.), 1 p.m.

lost to Jefferson (W.Va.), 39-0 Nov. 7

lost to James Wood, 45-28

16 FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

JAMES WOOD COLONELS

The Northern Virginia Daily

Youth will play key role in Colonels’ success By Tommy Keeler Jr. WINCHESTER — James Wood will have a blend of youth and experience this season. The Colonels lost some valuable players from last year’s squad, but despite having only 33 varsity players they have some depth at key positions. The biggest piece missing for the Colonels is 2016 graduate Tyler Bishop, who ran for 1,549 yards last season and 19 touchdowns. “We got pretty good depth at running back. We got pretty good competition COLONELS, 19

2016 COLONELS • Coach: Mark McHale (Fourth year, 10-21) • Offense/Defense: spread/multiple, 4-4 • Key returnees: WR/LB Ryan Bearer, WR/DB Ryan Rupp, WR/DB Chris Lakin, QB/DB Dade Carroll, TE/DB Noah Sullivan, RB/LB Keegan DeHaven, WR/DB Jacob Whitacre, RB/LB Luke Roy, OL/DE Isaac Schrantz, OL/LB Justin Vernocy, OL/DL Dominick Revetta • Key losses: RB/LB Tyler Bishop, RB/LB Ryan Funkhouser, TE/DE Asa Brewer, OL/DL Adam Vadell, WR/DB Dillon Manuel

Rich Cooley//Daily

James Wood players do secondary drills during a recent practice. The Colonels will have a young squad this season.

JAMES WOOD COLONELS

The Northern Virginia Daily

2016 SCHEDULE Aug. 26 Heritage (Leesburg), 7 p.m. Sept. 30 at Sherando, 7 p.m. Sept. 2

at Park View (Sterling), 7 p.m. Oct. 14

Skyline, 7 p.m.

Sept. 9

Warren County, 7 p.m.

Oct. 21

at Millbrook, 7 p.m.

Sept. 16 at Strasburg, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 28

Spring Mills (W.Va), 7 p.m.

Sept. 23 at Hedgesville (W.Va.), 7 p.m. Nov. 4

Handley, 7 p.m.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

2015 RESULTS (4-6, 1-3 NORTHWESTERN) Aug. 28 lost to Heritage (Leesburg), 55-21 Sept. 4 lost to Park View, 32-20 Sept. 11 beat Warren County, 52-34 Sept. 18 beat Strasburg, 26-23 Sept. 25 beat Hedgesville (W.Va.), 28-0

Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30 Nov. 7

lost to Sherando, 14-10 lost to Skyline, 29-28 lost to Millbrook, 72-0 lost to Spring Mills (W.Va.), 35-21 beat Handley, 45-28

18 FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

JAMES WOOD COLONELS

The Northern Virginia Daily

Experienced Carroll ready to lead James Wood

By Tommy Keeler Jr.

to everyone instead of just having Dillon.”

WINCHESTER - Last year James Wood quarterback Dade Carroll had a strong running game to help ease him into his role on the team. This season with James Wood 2016 graduate Tyler Bishop gone, Carroll will have a little more on his shoulders and he’s OK with that.

James Wood coach Mark McHale said that he has a lot of faith in Carroll and is looking forward to seeing how he does this season. “He just got faster in our speed program and he got stronger in our weight program,” McHale said. “His arm’s stronger and he’s worked all year round. …He’s a quiet leader. He leads by example. In the locker room he’s a leader.”

Carroll feels confident about his ability to lead the Colonels this season.

“I feel like (Bishop) was a really good leader and everything,” Carroll said. “I’m going to take over, fill his shoes as a leader on offense and then try to do everything we need to do to win.”

Carroll said he’s worked hard on getting faster, and feels like he can be more of a threat to run with the ball this year.

“I really feel confident in my running The senior was on James Wood’s varability,” Carroll said. “I think it’s realRich Cooley/Daily sity squad as a sophomore and was ly fun running, like when you see the back-up quarterback to 2015 James Wood’s Dade Carroll will be playing quarterback and defensive open field you get really excited.” graduate Brady Hepner back for the Colonels. Carroll threw for 1,052 yards and 10 touchdowns Carroll said that he’s always enjoyed last year. He said he learned a lot from that playing quarterback because he season and did a lot to try to help the Carroll also had a big game against Bishop ran for 1,549 yards, which enjoys the pressure and being in conteam. Handley in the final game of the sea- trol out on the field. helped Carroll in the passing game. son. Even though the Colonels lost top Carroll will also play cornerback this Carroll still made plenty of big plays “I knew I wasn’t starting so I knew receiver Dillon Manuel to graduation, season, and he said it will be the first through the air. what I had to do in practice,” Carroll Carroll will still have plenty of playsaid. “So, I always ran hard in pracOne of the biggest was against time he’s played on defense at varsity tice and everything trying to make level. Sherando. Carroll completed back-to- ers to throw the ball to this season. everyone else better on the team.” “We have (tight end) Noah Sullivan back 20-yard passes in the final minHe said football is the only sport he back and I think he’s going to play a utes in a 14-10 loss to the Warriors. Last year Carroll threw for 1,052 plays, and he mostly loves the team big part,” Carroll said. “He’s going to Sherando stopped James Wood on yards, on 72 for 113 passing and 10 aspect of it. touchdowns. He led the Northwestern downs in the final minute to seal the step up now that Dillon’s gone, but CARROLL, 19 I’m going to distribute the ball more win. District in completion percentage.

Have a great season! ALL NEW

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Colonels Continued from 16

there,” James Wood coach Mark McHale said. McHale said fullback Isaac Schrantz will probably lead the way as the Colonels’ top running back with Mark Cisler as his backup. McHale said that Ryan Rupp, Chris Lakin, Keegean DeHaven, Tyler Arnold and Cody Dahlinger will be competing for the other two starting spots.

JAMES WOOD COLONELS

2016 ROSTER

2015 STATS • Record: 4-6, 1-3 Northwestern

No.

Name

• Passing leader: Dade Carroll (72 for 113, 1,052 yards, 10 touchdowns, 7 interceptions)

Ryan Bearer

5-10

162

WR/DB

Sr.

Chris Lakin

5-8

170

RB/LB

Sr.

• Rushing leader: Tyler Bishop (203 carries for 1,549 yards, 19 touchdowns)

Mike Zabarth

5-9

130

QB/DB

Jr.

• Receiving leader: Dillon Manuel (44 catches for 687 yards, 7 touchdowns)

Ryan Rupp

6-0

175

RB/LB

Sr.

Isaac Schrantz

5-11

217

RB/DE

Sr.

• Total tackles: Ryan Funkhouser (105)

Garrett Florence

5-10

170

WR/DB

Jr.

• Sacks: Asa Brewer (5.5)

Dade Carroll

5-11

170

QB/DB

Sr.

• Interceptions: Asa Brewer (5)

Noah Sullivan

6-0

205

TE/DB

Sr.

Justin Vernocy

5-10

200

RB/DT

Sr.

Josh Kesner

6-2

150

WR/DB

Jr.

Zack Michael

5-9

155

WR/LB

Jr.

Keegan DeHaven

5-10

175

RB/LB

Sr.

Tyler Arnold

5-8

160

RB/DB

Jr.

Cody Dahlinger

5-7

135

RB/DB

Sr.

Jack Youngblook

5-7

160

RB/LB

Jr.

Mitchell Morris

5-7

175

RB/LB

Sr.

Mark Cisler

5-9

190

RB/LB

Jr.

Jacob Whitacre

5-10

160

WR/LB

Sr.

Dakota McDonald

5-10

200

OG/LB

Jr.

Jim Ramey

5-9

200

OC/DE

Jr.

Chase Bayne

5-7

160

RB/DB

Jr.

Damien Hale

5-10

294

OT/DT

Sr.

Jordan Loy

5-9

168

OG/LB

Jr.

Kevin Martin

5-11

245

OT/DT

So.

Conner Heustis

6-0

200

OC/DE

Jr.

Dominick Revetta

5-10

313

OG/DT

Jr.

Luke Roy

5-10

200

OC/LB

So.

Michael Hottle

5-10

150

WR/DB

Jr.

Elijah Filbert

6-0

170

TE/DE

Jr.

Xavier Kallash-Kyler

5-10

140

Jr.

Sam Costin

6-2

200

TE/DE

Sr.

side linebacker. McHale said that newcomer Mitch Morris, who plays baseball at James James Wood senior Dade Carroll will be back to lead the way at quarterback this sea- Wood, will also be seeing playing time at linebacker. son. Carroll threw for 1,052 yards and 10 touchdowns last year. “He’s come out for football and he’s had “Having that year under his belt — you like some good practices,” McHale said. “So we that when you got a returning quarterback,” got some competition at outside backer.” McHale said. “He knows the system. He’s Revetta and Schrantz return at defensive good under pressure.” tackle, and McHale said Costin and Filbert Last year Dillon Manuel led the way at will play at defensive end. wide receiver with 44 catches for 687 yards, “We’re young at defensive end, but we’re but he graduated. McHale said that Carroll experienced inside,” McHale said. will have more options to throw the ball to this year. McHale said Kesner and Jacob Whitacre will play at free safety with Carroll and “Ryan Bearer, he’s pretty steady,” McHale said. “Josh Kesner — he’s every bit as fast as Arnold playing at cornerback. Dillon and taller, but he’s learning. As the McHale said that there’s been plenty of season goes that young man, Josh Kesner, competition at a lot of spots, which is always will get better and better.” a good thing. Carroll will also have plenty of tight ends to “Even though our rosters don’t have a lot of throw to. Noah Sullivan returns as the startnumbers, somehow we’re balanced with coming tight end. Last year Sullivan caught 13 petition and we’re blessed,” McHale said. passes for 174 yards and one touchdown. “That doesn’t always happen. So it’s made McHale said that Sam Costin and Elijah for good practices. When you got competition Filbert will also get some playing time. you got to practice hard because nobody’s The Colonels lost Asa Brewer and Adam locked in (to their spot).” Vadell to graduation on the offensive line, McHale said that if his young players can but they still have a solid nucleus returning adjust to the varsity level quickly than can this year. have a successful season. Dominic Revetta returns at guard, and McHale said that they’ve moved Luke Roy to “The key to our football team is they’re going to have the heart. They’re going to play center. McHale said they have sophomore hard, but can the youth catch up to the inexKevin Martin and Damien Hale at tackles perience and how fast?” McHale said. “As and said Hale had playing time last year at tackle, but will now be a starter. soon as the youth matures I think we’re going to have a really good football team. Justin Vernosi and Jordan Loy will see We’ve got a good mix. They have a great attiplaying time at left guard. Defensively, McHale said that Sullivan has tude.” moved from the secondary to inside linebacker. Rupp will also be at inside linebacker. Lakin, and Bearer will play at out-

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

Contact staff writer Tommy Keeler at 540-465-5137 ext. 168, or tkeeler@nvdaily.com

Carroll Continued from 18

Ht.

Wt.

Pos.

Yr.

about the team this season and what they can accomplish.

“I feel like were really bonded together and every“Really it’s not who has the one’s on the same page,” best players, it’s who has Carroll said. “We’re not the strongest team working going to be the biggest, together,” Carroll said. fastest or strongest team, “That’s what I like best but I feel like working about it.” together as a team we’ll get Last year the Colonels fin- there.” ished 4-6, and lost several Contact staff writer Tommy close games. Keeler at 540-465-5137 ext. Carroll said he feels good

168, or tkeeler@nvdaily.com

20 FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

MILLBROOK PIONEERS

The Northern Virginia Daily

Rich Cooley/Daily

Millbrook head coach Josh Haymore leads his team with stretching during the start of a recent practice. The Pioneers are looking to build off of a strong season last year.

Millbrook victory over Clarke turned season around By Jim Laise

program headed in the right direction.

thing,” the head Pioneer said the other day.

WINCHESTER - Millbrook football coach Josh Haymore can remember the point last season when he and his staff began to think they had the

“Clarke County,” he said without Haymore, beginning his fourth seablinking. “It wasn’t so much that we son at the Frederick County school, won the game, but that we learned to is a tight-lipped guy. But remembercompete with them. That was the big ing the game at the Eagles’ Wilbur

M. Feltner Stadium, a 20-14 win, on Sept. 11 causes even the coach to smile. Clarke County, a traditional state MILLBROOK, 23

MILLBROOK PIONEERS

The Northern Virginia Daily

2016 SCHEDULE Aug. 26 Jefferson (W.Va.), 7 p.m.

Sept. 30 at Rock Ridge, 7 p.m.

Sept. 2

at Hedgesville (W.Va.), 7 p.m. Oct. 7

at Skyline, 7 p.m.

Sept. 9

Clarke County, 7 p.m.

Oct. 21

James Wood, 7 p.m.

Sept. 16 Kettle Run, 7 p.m.

Oct. 29

at Handley, 1 p.m.

Sept. 23 at Woodgrove, 7 p.m.

Nov. 4

Sherando, 7 p.m.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

2015 RESULTS (8-4, 3-1 NORTHWESTERN) Aug. 28 Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 1

lost to Jefferson (W.Va.), 25-13 beat Hedgesville (W.Va), 59-7 beat Clarke County, 20-14 beat Kettle Run, 33-7 lost to Woodgrove, 31-28 beat Rock Ridge, 54-0

Oct. 9 Oct. 23 Oct. 30 Nov. 6 Nov. 13 Nov. 20

beat Skyline, 59-14 beat James Wood, 72-0 beat Handley, 56-0 lost to Sherando, 32-10 beat Liberty Christian Acad., 65-18 lost to Jefferson Forest, 35-21

22 FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

MILLBROOK PIONEERS

The Northern Virginia Daily

Millbrook’s Kier has special hero By Jim Laise WINCHESTER - Millbrook fans - inside the high school and outside in the stands - consider college football recruit P.K. Kier a hero. After all, he maintains nearly a 4.0 grade-point-average, according to his coach, and Kier also rushed for more than 1,300 yards last season in one of the Pioneers’ best campaigns. He will play at Virginia in fall 2017 after committing in June. He will proudly say that he wants his Pioneers to play as deeply into the postseason as they can get. To boot, he would like to average 150 yards rushing per game. But this squarely built 5-foot-11, 205 pounder has a hero all his own. And this one has nothing to do with football or Ivy League offers he received from Harvard and Yale. His hero is a youngster named Brayden Kier, who, at age 3 passed away due to cancer. Brayden was P.K.’s cousin. “He really touched me in a way because I have so much and he didn’t. He inspired me,” P.K. Kier said. P.K. Kier said inspiration in the classroom comes from his parents, and Coach Josh Haymore is asking for more leadership out of his two-way starter. But P.K. Kier also has a new motivator now. Rich Cooley/Daily

Millbrook running back P.K. Kier, right, stretches during the start of a recent practice session. The senior has already made plans to play for U.Va. after high school.

Little Caleb, a friend of Brayden’s, lives on fighting leukemia. “I’m rooting for him,” P.K. Kier said.

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The Northern Virginia Daily

Millbrook Continued from 20

power at Group 2A, was meeting a Millbrook team which had gone 5-15 the previous two seasons. The Pioneers were a 4A school trying to find its way. But on that night in Berryville, the 2015 Pioneers helped turn things around.

MILLBROOK PIONEERS • Record: 8-4, 3-1 Northwestern

No.

Name

Height

Weight

Year

• Passing leader: Mark Paxton (38 for 78, 690 yards, 8 touchdowns, 7 interceptions)

P.K. Kier

6-0

215

Sr.

Conor Hartigan

6-2

195

Sr.

Zachary Rogers

5-10

170

Sr.

Cameron Faint

5-9

160

Sr.

Taylor Bruce

6-0

180

Sr.

Ryan Arnold

5-10

170

Jr.

Antwon Rodgers

5-11

170

Sr.

Demarco Brown

6-1

220

Sr.

Tyren Gay

5-6

145

So.

Kevin Valyear

6-0

180

Sr.

Noah Robinson

5-9

180

So.

Tyler Ratliff

5-8

160

Sr.

Gabriel Neaverth

5-11

185

Sr.

Jayden Johnson

6-0

200

Jr.

Gavin West

5-10

190

Sr.

Cody Roy

6-3

210

Sr.

Kaiseem Simms

5-10

185

Jr.

Ethan Swaim

5-9

140

Jr.

Tanner Ames

5-9

170

Jr.

Hans Kloo

5-11

160

Sr.

Joshua Davis

5-9

140

Sr.

Anthony Trammell

6-0

170

Jr.

Savon Smith

5-9

165

So.

Dakota Koenig

5-11

190

Sr.

Thomas Blackstone

6-0

185

Jr.

William Martin

5-8

135

Jr.

Hunter Shaw

5-9

155

Jr.

Brandon Shingleton

5-9

160

Jr.

Myles Bruce

5-11

200

Jr.

Joshua Gaddy

6-0

235

Sr.

Nicholas Kline

5-6

200

Jr.

Dwayne Shank

6-1

180

Sr.

Tavon Blowe

5-11

265

Jr.

Nicholas Campbell

6-1

220

Sr.

Zachary Clowser

5-10

225

So.

Kelvin Enriquez

5-9

230

So.

Austin Mayl

5-10

190

Jr.

Jared Hawthorne

5-8

200

Sr.

Joshua Vanderhoof

6-2

335

Sr.

• Rushing leader: P.K. Kier (151 carries, 1,351 yards, 17 touchdowns) • Receiving leader: Nazeeh Johnson (16 catches, 359 yards, 3 touchdowns) • Tackles: Brandon Shingleton (121)

Seven offensive starters and eight defensive “On offense, on defense, everywhere. He’s first-teamers return from that squad, includ- got to lead us now,” Haymore said. ing the smashing running back P.K. Kier, Gone is versatile back Nazeeh Johnson, who committed to Virginia on June 17. who is a walk-on defensive back at Marshall Kier, a 3-star recruit according to several who is trying to make the traveling squad. services, rushed for 1,352 yards and 19 Johnson rushed for 1,093 yards last year to touchdowns last year. He averaged nine give Haymore a combustible pair to put his yards per carry. shot-gun, Wing-T into action. It was the first season the 5-foot-11, 205Obviously Kier, who said he would like his pound combination of speed and explosiveteam to win the state championship and ness was completely healthy after limping that he wanted to average 150 yards per through his first two years. He earned secgame on the ground, will be even more proond-team Group 4A All-State. ductive.

2016 PIONEERS • Coach: Josh Haymore (Fourth year, 13-19) • Offense/Defense: Multiple/Multiple • Key returnees: RB/DB P.K. Kier, WR/DB Savon Smith, WR/DB Kevin Valyear, WR/LB Brandon Shingleton, RB/LB Dakota Koeing, WR/LB Gabe Neaverth, WR/DB Josh Davis, OL/DL Myles Bruce • Key losses: QB Mark Paxton, RB/LB Trequan Baylor, WR/DB Nazeeh Johnson, RB/LB A.J. Brandon, K Matt Hershberger, RB/LB Jake Milhill, OL/DL A.J. Brandon

2016 ROSTER

2015 STATS

• Sacks: A.J. Brandon (7) What followed was a stand-out season. The • Interceptions: Kevin Valyear (5) Carolina Blue-clad Pioneers finished 8-4 overall, 3-1 in the Northwestern District. Finally, UVA offered, and, after contemplatThat was the second highest win total in the ing a choice at JMU, the lure of one of the 13-year history of the school. state’s major football powers was too much They flummoxed Liberty Christian to turn down. Academy 65-18 in a first-round game of the But now, Coach Haymore wants Kier to do 4A West playoffs, becoming just the second more than catch, run and score - though he Millbrook team to win a playoff contest since will not turn that down - he wants him to be the school started. a leader.

A unique list of schools lined up to take their shot. James Madison, Appalachian State, Marshall, Old Dominion and Texas State all offered. Then came academically guided pledges from Harvard, Yale and Bucknell.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

Without quarterback Mark Paxton from ‘15, Haymore is looking at speedy Noah Robinson, a sophomore, and junior Kaiseem Simms, Kier’s cousin. “I like a quarterback who can run, but you’ve got to be balanced too,” Haymore said. Several Millbrook baseball players have returned to spots on the football team they vacated for a year. Conor Hartigan made 64 tackles as a sophomore linebacker. Another diamond man, Zach Rogers, has also returned to the fall sport. Meanwhile, all-conference second-teamer Dwayne Shank will anchor both lines. “We like our athletes to play two and three sports at our school,” said Haymore, “It keeps our kids competitive and all the coaches are for it.”

24 FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

SHERANDO WARRIORS

The Northern Virginia Daily

Warriors aiming to ‘realize potential’ in 2016 By Brad Fauber STEPHENS CITY - Prior to the start of each high school football season, Sherando head coach Bill Hall poses a question to his players - what is our why? When the Warriors opened preseason camp with their traditional weekend trip to Graves Mountain Lodge in Syria, Virginia, the group began exploring the differences between being a team and being a tribe. A team, Hall said after practice earlier this month, can be compiled whether its members enjoy being a part of it or not, whereas a tribe is a singular body with a singular focus. Keeping that theme in mind, the 2016 Warriors have adopted the mantra “unified mindset,” what Hall calls an emphasis on having a singular focus aligned toward one objective.

“I think that (it’s a) reminder of going back to the why are we here, what’s the purpose of this day, this drill, this rep - to get better, to realize our potential,” Rich Cooley/Daily Hall said. “Put the picture back in it so they can see Sherando’s football team warms up during a recent practice. it and then they work at it. So that’s kind of our thing this year.” the field regularly. … There’s a lot of competition, filled by a combination of seniors Cordell Peterson and Nathan Wagner and sophomores T.J. Similar team-building initiatives have worked out there’s a lot of youth in that number.” well for Sherando, which has recorded 12 straight Sherando returns seven regular starters on offense Washington and Joseph “JoJo” Doleman, who will also be Sherando’s fullback. Rivers also scored nine winning seasons in Hall’s 13 years at the helm. Last and six on defense this fall, Hall said. rushing touchdowns last season as a wildcat quarseason, the Warriors went 9-2 (4-0 in the On offense the Warriors must replace the producterback. Northwestern District) and were knocked out in the tion of two-year starting quarterback Pat Minteer first round of the Group 4A playoffs by Woodgrove. (3,173 yards, 38 touchdowns and eight interceptions Defensively, Hall said the Warriors will operate in a 3-4 and he has a wealth of options up front, with This year’s crop of Warriors is composed of about in that span), and will do so with sophomore 100 total players, Hall said, including 47 on the var- Hunter Entsminger, whose older brother Reid quar- five capable nose tackles and eight defensive ends, including returning starter Ke’Von Doleman. sity squad. terbacked Sherando to a state championship game The 6-foot-3, 230-pound Rivers, a Penn State com“I think the quality of that number is a little better appearance in 2013. mit, will once again lead the Warriors’ linebackers maybe than it’s been in the past,” Hall said, adding “I think with Hunter at quarterback, you know and will shift inside this season for the first time. that Sherando averages around 50 varsity players he’s like his brother some, but he’s not his brother, Hall said JoJo Doleman will replace Rivers as the per season. “… I mean like, of those 48, there’s a lot you know what I mean,” Hall said. “He’s an athletic field-side outside linebacker, with Perry playing the of really good football players that don’t always see quarterback. He’s a competitor. He’s got a live arm, other outside backer position. so the passing game is still all there. But he’s a “We’re running to the ball great this year,” said 2016 WARRIORS threat (to run), so you’ve gotta play honest with the Rivers, who had 43 tackles in 2015. “Last year we field, so that’ll be nice.” • Coach: Bill Hall (14th year, 114-37) were always yelling at each other, ‘Run to the ball,’ Entsminger will have veteran targets to throw to, • Offense/Defense: Pro, multiple/3-4 but now we’re having fun. Last year we didn’t have including senior tight end Dylan Rivers (26 catches, that much fun during practice but this year we’re • Key returnees: C/LB Isaiah Allen, RB/LB Joseph 614 yards, six touchdowns) and senior receivers Doleman, FB/DE KeʼVon Doleman, OG/NG Jose having a lot of fun, a lot of smiles on everyone’s Jacquari Hayes (189 yards, two touchdowns) and Guevara, WR/FS Jacquari Hayes, OT/DT Sam faces, so that’s good.” Michael Perry, and will work behind an offensive Johnson, WR/LB Michael Perry, RB/SS Cordell Sherando should feature plenty of speed and athPeterson, TE/LB Dylan Rivers, WR/FS Nathan Wagner. line that returns three starters in seniors Jose leticism in the secondary with a group that will Guevara (first team all-Conference 21 West) and • Key losses: OL/DL Ben Avery, WR/DB Quayvon include Hayes, Wagner and junior Aaron Banks. Doleman, OL/LB David Eppard, WR/DB Travis Ferraro, Sam Johnson and sophomore Isaiah Allen. “All those guys can run like deer,” Hall said. “They QB/DB Pat Minteer, RB/DB D.J. Myers, RB/LB Garrett The Warriors will also break in a new regular Poole, TE/LB Tyler Tinsman, OL/DL Kyle Warren. starting running back, a role that Hall said could be WARRIORS, 26

SHERANDO WARRIORS

The Northern Virginia Daily

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

Sherando’s Hayes primed with new mindset By Brad Fauber STEPHENS CITY - Spend enough time with Sherando High School’s football program and you’ll eventually hear head coach Bill Hall stressing the importance of his players “living in the moment.”

Those issues, Hayes hopes, are now in the past, as a combination of maturity and playing experience has him in a more relaxed mental state in his final high school season, he said.

“I think probably more than anything, he’s always been very athletic, but I think he’s gained a lot of confidence It’s a mentality Hall has over the last year and that’s been preaching to his players because of his success with for some time now, and it’s football last year,” Hall said. one that senior Jacquari “He built on that in basketHayes admits he initially had ball and then in track he had trouble grasping. a lot of success. So I expect “It was very difficult because the sky is the limit for him growing up I’ve always been a just because his confidence thinker,” Hayes said prior to now goes along with his athpractice earlier this month. leticism. He’s very gifted.” “I’m always thinking about In his first year as a varsity different things.” starter last season, the fleetOn the football field Hayes, a wide receiver, would often find his mind racing as he ran through the Warriors’ passing plays in his head, he said, and he would worry about committing blunders that would draw the ire of Hall or one of his assistant coaches. Hayes said he was overly concerned about “stuff I don’t need to be worrying about.”

ance around his participation on Sherando’s boys basketball and track teams - focused on improving his footwork and route-running, and he has concentrated on becoming more physical in order to be a more effective run blocker on the perimeter.

100-meter dash, 200-meter dash and triple jump last spring. “It really helps because when you run your route at full speed, you know your routes so the corner’s not gonna know where you’re going. As long as you’re running full speed you should always have the advantage over the cornerback.”

Hall praised Hayes’ growth in both areas since he began While Hayes should provide practicing with the varsity team as a sophomore in 2014. an important veteran presence at receiver for sopho“He understands what we’re more first-year quarterback trying to accomplish with the Hunter Entsminger, he can route, so he has some flexibilexpect to get his first taste of ity to work to make sure he significant varsity playing can get to where he needs to time on the other side of the get to,” Hall said. “And he ball this year. attacks the ball in the air, Hall said Hayes, who saw which is something that sepplenty of playing time at free arates a lot of receivers is the safety for Sherando’s JV way he goes and plays the footed Hayes emerged as team in 2014, will “absoluteball.” Sherando’s second-leading ly” be a steady presence in a receiver when he hauled in 15 Once Hayes has the ball in defensive secondary that will catches for 189 yards and two his hands, his speed can cre- also feature fellow speedsters ate problems for opposing touchdowns, numbers that Nathan Wagner and Aaron trailed only those of standout defenses. Banks. linebacker/tight end and fel“I like to think I’m the “He’s a great free safety,” low senior Dylan Rivers (26 fastest person out there and I Hall said of Hayes. “He has catches, 614 yards, 6 TDs). need to be running full great ball skills. Him being The 6-foot, 170-pound Hayes speed,” said Hayes, a back there allows us to, you Conference 21 West track said much of his offseason know, he’s your typical free work - which he has to balchampion in the boys safety from the standpoint of

Rich Cooley/Daily

Sherando senior Jacquari Hayes should play an important role at receiver and free safety for the Warriors this fall. he can be an eraser. He can make up for some mistakes by other guys. Not that that’s what happens, but often that’s what their role is, to make a game saving tackle or prevent a touchdown. … He has all the characteristics and I think he’s embraced that role, so I anticipate a lot of snaps in the secondary for him.” Contact staff writer Brad Fauber at 540-465-5137 ext. 161, or bfauber@nvdaily.com

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SHERANDO WARRIORS

26 FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

Warriors

The Northern Virginia Daily

2016 ROSTER No.

Name

Pos.

Ht.

Wt.

Yr.

No.

Name

Pos.

Ht.

Wt.

Yr.

Chase Hart

5-10

145

Fr.

KeʼVon Doleman

FB/DE

5-11

245

Jr.

Melvin Irby

WR/CB

5-9

150

Jr.

Joel Santmier

G/LB

5-10

205

So.

Aaron Banks

WR/CB

5-11

165

Jr.

Troy Funk

T/DE

5-9

185

Jr.

Dylan Rivers

TE/LB

6-3

230

Sr.

Zachary McCarty

T/NG

5-11

200

Jr.

Hunter Entsminger

QB/FS

6-1

180

So.

Isaiah Allen

C/LB

5-10

280

So.

Michael Perry

WR/LB

6-2

205

Jr.

Dashawn Hill

T/DE

6-0

225

Sr.

Russell Simmers

TE/LB

5-11

185

Sr.

Erich Artis

T/DT

5-10

210

Jr.

Adam Miller

WR/FS

6-1

170

Sr.

Andrew Gray

G/NG

6-0

225

Jr.

Joseph Kellliher

WR/LB

6-1

180

Jr.

Kalvin Hoemmen

T/DT

6-4

250

Jr.

Lucas Barbe

6-1

195

Sr.

Zackery Kales

C/DT

5-11

230

Jr.

Jacquari Hayes

WR/FS

6-0

170

Sr.

Jose Guevara

G/NG

6-0

285

Sr.

Samuel Brown

RB/SS

5-8

150

Jr.

Timonjah Washington

RB/CB

5-10

165

So.

Nicholas Corbit

T/DE

6-0

215

So.

Dylan Rutherford

WR/CB

5-7

150

Jr.

Daniel Boespflug

C/NG

5-11

240

So.

2015 STATS

Forrest Limon

WR/CB

5-10

165

Sr.

Austin Covert

G/DE

6-0

205

So.

• Record: 9-2, 4-0 Northwestern

Kolby Schlag

FB/LB

5-8

180

Jr.

Zachary Orrison

T/DT

5-11

240

Sr.

• Passing leader: Patrick Minteer (87 for 145, 1,433 yards, 14 touchdowns, 5 interceptions)

Troy Payne

TE/LB

5-8

170

Jr.

Zachary Mele

T/DT

6-3

230

Jr.

Cameron Edwards

WR/CB

5-10

160

Jr.

Samuel Johnson

T/DT

6-5

285

Sr.

• Rushing leader: DJ Myers (246 carries for 1,571 yards, 16 touchdowns)

Joseph Doleman

RB/LB

6-1

200

So.

Tucker Anderson

WR/CB

6-0

165

Jr.

Nathan Wagner

WR/FS

5-8

160

Sr.

John Arnold

WR/FS

5-5

130

Jr.

• Receiving leader: Dylan Rivers (26 catches for 614 yards, 6 touchdowns)

Cordell Peterson

RB/SS

5-11

185

Sr.

Alexander Hoffman

WR/CB

5-9

135

Jr.

Trenten Pangle

WR/CB

5-10

170

Sr.

Christopher Moquin

WR/DE

6-2

190

Jr.

• Sacks: Ben Avery (6.5)

Isaiah Taylor

RB/LB

5-9

170

So.

Ethan Eddinger

TE/DE

6-0

205

Sr.

• Interceptions: Travis Ferraro (4)

Jacob Sites

K/LB

6-2

175

Sr.

William Hall

TE/DE

6-3

190

So.

Continued from 24

just have to perfect their craft but the tools are there and they have the right workman-like attitude. The tools are there and it’s our job to develop them.” Rivers will handle the punting duties once again for Sherando, while senior Jacob Sites will be the Warriors’ new kicker. Sherando opens its 2016 season Friday night with a 7 p.m. home game against Louisa County and will play four out-ofstate schools, including West Virginia’s Martinsburg (Sept. 2), Washington (Sept. 9) and Jefferson (Sept. 23) and Maryland’s Fort Hill (Oct. 21). Contact staff writer Brad Fauber at 540-465-5137 ext. 161, or bfauber@nvdaily.com

• Total tackles: Tyler Tinsman (124)

SHERANDO WARRIORS

The Northern Virginia Daily

2016 SCHEDULE Aug. 26 Louisa County, 7 p.m.

Sept. 30 James Wood, 7 p.m.

Sept. 2

at Martinsburg (W.Va.), 7 p.m. Oct. 15

at Handley, 1 p.m.

Sept. 9

Washington (W.Va.), 7 p.m. Oct. 21

at Fort Hill (Md.), 7 p.m.

Sept. 16 at Eastern View, 7 p.m.

Oct. 38

Skyline, 7 p.m.

Sept. 23 Jefferson (W.Va.), 7 p.m.

Nov. 4

at Millbrook, 7 p.m.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

2015 RESULTS (9-2, 4-0 NORTHWESTERN) Aug. 28 Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 9

beat Louisa County, 35-7 beat Martinsburg (W.Va.), 21-14 beat Washington (W.Va.), 28-0 beat Eastern View, 42-21 beat Jefferson (W.Va.), 35-7 beat James Wood, 14-10

Oct. 16 beat Handley, 51-0 Oct. 23 lost to Fort Hill (Md.), 23-14 Oct. 30 beat Skyline, 53-0 Nov. 6

beat Millbrook, 32-10

Nov. 20 lost to Woodgrove, 35-21

28 FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

SKYLINE HAWKS

The Northern Virginia Daily

Youthful Hawks look to gain experience and victories By Tommy Keeler Jr. FRONT ROYAL — Skyline lost a lot to graduation last year, but the Hawks still have some solid pieces returning, which could lead to another successful season. Skyline coach Heath Gilbert said that his young team will need to learn and just keep improving as the season goes on. He said that with the players lost it presents opportunities for other players to step up. “With the position battles, we have a lot of kids that left, a lot of skilled guys that are gone and that creates new opportunities for young guys,” Gilbert said. Gilbert said that either Ryan Scott, who played in a back-up role last year, or Colin Smith will be the quarterback. Smith, a junior, did not play his first two years of high school. Scott, also a junior, threw for 80 yards last year including two touchdowns. He led the Hawks to a come-from-behind win against James Wood after starter Dylan Hamman was injured. One of the strong spots for the Hawks could be at running back where the Hawks should have some depth. Juniors Quentin Diggs, Tucker Fortney and Kyle McHugh will be leading the way in the running game. “There’s talent there. They each bring something different to the table,” Gilbert said. “(Diggs) has that nice combination of speed. He’s doing some things I haven’t seen him do before with using hesitation and quick moves that he’s throwing out there. Tucker (Fortney) is a bigger back with some speed. So he brings that power to the game and then Kyle he’s more speed. ...So we have a versaRich Cooley/Daily file tile group there. We’ve got a couple fullbacks that Skyline’s Quentin Diggs tries to ward off Warren County’s Robert Rutherford, left, and his brother Joseph, right, during their game last season in Front Royal. Diggs will be looking to lead the running game this season.

2016 HAWKS

• Coach: Heath Gilbert (10th year, 49-48) • Offense/Defense: Multiple-I/4-2-5 • Key returnees: WR/DB Aaron Tasker, WR/DB Steven Timbers, QB/LB Ryan Scott, RB/LB Quentin Diggs, OL/DL Max Meador, WR/DB Trenton King, FB/LB Seth Gillespy • Key losses: WR/DB Jay Roy, WR/DB Brandon Wells, OL/DL Joe Pingley, OL/DL Justin Hayes, OL/DL Zack Atkins, OL/DL Austin Scott, RB/LB Keith Sanker, FB/LB Joey Norman, WR/DB Marcus Burke, WR/DL Ryan Abel, WR/DL Antwan Swain, LB Jacob Carson

will bang it up there and lead for us and run some returning starter. ISO’s and be the blockers for us if we need to.” “He’s been playing tough for us on both sides of the ball,” Gilbert said. “He’s definitely talented. Senior Aaron Tasker returns to lead the way for He went to a JMU prospect camp and he did some the receivers. Last year Tasker had 35 receptions good things. They liked what they saw in him. So for 293 yards and two touchdowns. Gilbert said he’s a top player in the trenches for sure.” that Trenton King, Steven Timbers, Louie Garcia, Bailey Smeltzer and Matt Rutherford will also be Gilbert said Cedric Ausberry, Marcel Roy, factors at wide receiver. Brandon Pyle and Stephen Leach are also expected to start on the offensive line. One of the areas where the Hawks have some inexperience is the offensive line. Senior Max Meador will be leading the way as the only HAWKS, 30

SKYLINE HAWKS

The Northern Virginia Daily

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

Tasker ready to lead Skyline receiving corps By Tommy Keeler Jr.

as Jamal Parker, Jay Roy and Brandon Wells, and this year could be Tasker’s year to shine even more.

FRONT ROYAL - Aaron Tasker has had plenty of “Jamal Parker, and the Jay players to learn from over the years, but this season the Roy’s they’re all out, they’re gone now. It’s him he’s the senior wide receiver will be leader,” Skyline coach Heath the one doing the leading. Gilbert said. “He’s the true Tasker is the only starting veteran of that group now. wide receiver returning, and We’ve got some young guys is looking forward to taking coming in behind him. So on more of a leadership role. he’s kind of setting that lead“I’m trying to step up a lot ing example, setting that because I’ve got a whole lot standard for them to bring of younger guys (around) me. along the next core that I think I’m one of the only comes through.” senior receivers out there,” Tasker could reach 100 Tasker said. “...I need to be a receptions in his career. little bit more of a leader, Gilbert said that would make because I’m one of the oldest him the first in school history guys out there and have a lit- to reach that milestone. tle bit more experience than Gilbert said that Tasker is a anybody else.” very smart receiver. Tasker has been one of the “He’s very intelligent. He’s a team’s top receivers the last savvy player,” Gilbert said. two years. As a sophomore he “He understands how to run caught 26 passes for 268 routes well, and he’s got realyards. ly good hands.” Last year he had 35 receptions for 293 yards and two touchdowns. He also had plenty of good receivers around him, such

Tasker said his favorite player is Odell Beckham Jr., of the New York Giants. Beckham is known for making thrilling one-handed

catches, and Tasker said he tries to learn from Beckham and make one-handed catches as well. Tasker said he loves playing wide receiver because he enjoys running routes and making plays for the team. He said that the last two years were special, especially playing with such a strong group of receivers. “It was really fun,” Tasker said. “We had a lot of receivers, so it was a lot of competition and we were just always seeing who would get the most catches, the most yards. So it was pretty fun.”

He said his biggest highlight of last year came when he caught the game-winning 2Rich Cooley/Daily point conversion against Aaron Tasker, Skyline’s wide receiver, had 35 receptions James Wood, for a 29-28 win, last year. This year he will be looking to lead the way again on homecoming night. for the Hawks’ receiving corps. Tasker also played on to get into the playoffs again, game for only the second defense as a defensive back. time in school history. and win a couple more games Gilbert said he could play a Tasker said the success they and trying to have a winning big role in their secondary had last year gives the team record,” Tasker said. this year as well. Contact staff writer Tommy The Hawks advanced to the some good momentum going into this season. Keeler at 540-465-5137 ext. second round of the playoffs “It motivates us a lot to try 168, or tkeeler@nvdaily.com last year, winning a playoff

SKYLINE HAWKS

30 FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

2016 ROSTER

2015 STATS • Record: 6-6 (2-2 Northwestern District) • Passing leader: Dylan Hamman (169 for 287, 2,180 yards, 21 touchdowns, 15 interceptions) • Rushing leader: Brad Halsey (144 carries for 715 yards, 6 touchdowns) • Receiving leader: Jay Roy (47 receptions, 684 yards, 8 touchdowns) • Total tackles: Keith Sanker (87) • Sacks: Phillip Clark (4.5) • Interceptions: Marcus Burke (3)

Hawks Continued from 28

The Northern Virginia Daily

No. Name

Ht.

Wt.

Pos.

Yr.

No. Name

Ht.

Wt.

Pos.

Yr.

Steven Timbers

5-10

160

Sr.

Nathan Abel

6-2

172

TE/DL

So.

Cooper Lowe

5-10

152

Jr.

Spencer Scriva

5-8

140

RB/LB

Jr.

Colin Smith

6-1

170

Jr.

Seth Gillespy

6-0

177

FB/LB

Sr.

Ryan Scott

6-2

185

Jr.

Matt Hartzell

6-0

186

TE/LB

Sr.

Aaron Tasker

5-8

167

Sr.

Stan Speiwak

5-10

150

TE/LB

Jr.

Quentin Diggs

5-10

173

Jr.

Darrien Roy

6-2

258

OL/DL

Sr.

Matt Rutherford

5-10

157

WR/DB

Jr.

Chris Canby

5-6

170

OL/DL

Sr.

Brody Jones

5-9

148

WR/DB

Jr.

Parker Holmes

5-8

190

OL/DL

So.

Jacob Grady

5-7

150

FB/DL

So.

Marcel Roy

5-11

258

OL/DL

So.

Louie Garcia

5-11

155

WR/DB

Jr.

Brandon Pyle

5-11

244

OL/DL

Sr.

Kyle McHugh

5-10

170

RB/DB

Jr.

Ethan Nowell

6-0

218

OL/DL

So.

5-11

195

OL/DL

Jr.

Trenton King

5-8

147

WR/DB

Jr.

Justin Jenkins

Gilbert said that Scott and King were battling it out for the punting and kicking duties.

Chase Tasker

5-9

144

QB/DB

So.

Max Meador

6-4

250

OL/DL

Sr.

Ty Clingerman

5-6

117

WR/DB

So.

Devan Barreto

5-9

230

OL/DL

So.

The 6-foot-4 250-pound Meador will also be leading the way for the Hawks on the defensive line.

Bailey Smeltzer

5-11

152

WR/DB

Jr.

Erik OʼBrien

6-1

215

OL/DL

So.

Brandon Smoot

5-10

163

RB/LB

Jr.

Rusty Fox

6-5

278

OL/DL

So.

David Denton

5-6

225

FB/DL

Sr.

Ryce Gee

5-8

226

OL/DL

So.

Brad Murray

5-8

160

WR/DB

Sr.

Bruce Murphy

5-10

178

OL/DL

Jr.

Laterian Barber

5-8

140

WR/DB

So.

Cedric Ausberry

6-2

279

OL/DL

Jr.

Steven Dane

5-7

130

RB/DB

So.

Stephen Leach

6-3

306

OL/DL

Sr.

Caleb Reedy

5-11

152

WR/DB

So.

Tyler Compton

6-1

212

OL/DL

Jr.

Seraphina Bowdey 5-4

140

RB/DL

Jr.

Austin Hickman

5-7

137

WR/LB

So.

Tucker Fortney

6-1

185

RB/LB

Jr.

Nick Jodan

6-2

220

TE/DL

Jr.

Bogdan Ion

6-0

170

RB/LB

So.

Leon Bradshaw

6-0

185

TE/DL

Jr.

Gilbert said there would be a bunch of guys competing for time on the defensive front, and they will probably rotate guys in to keep them fresh.

“Defensive-wise we’ve always wanted to rotate kids anyway, so we’re definitely hopefully going to find a rotation that we can do that with,” Gilbert said.

At the inside linebacker spots Gilbert said seniors Seth Gillespy and Matt Hartzell and juniors Fortney and Justin Jenkins were battling for those spots.

Gilbert said that Diggs will be playing at outside linebacker with Scott backing him up.

Tasker, King, McHugh, Garcia and Brad Murray will be seeing playing time at the cornerback spots. Timbers and Smeltzer will be

seeing time at safety. Gilbert said that Smith and Rutherford are battling it out in what Gilbert called the toughest position on the team — rover or the weakside safety. “You have to be that run defender plus you have

to be have cornerback cover skills,” Gilbert said. “You have to make those open field tackles and those guys are trying hard, and trying their best and they’re embracing what they need to do.” Contact staff writer Tommy Keeler at 540-465-5137 ext. 168, or tkeeler@nvdaily.com

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The Northern Virginia Daily

2016 SCHEDULE

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

2015 RESULTS (6-6, 2-2 NORTHWESTERN DISTRICT)

Aug. 26 Central, 7 p.m.

Oct. 7

Millbrook, 7 p.m.

Sept. 2

at Broadway, 7 p.m.

Oct. 14

at James Wood, 7 p.m.

Sept. 9

Brentsville, 7 p.m.

Oct. 21

Handley, 7 p.m.

Sept. 16 Manassas Park, 7 p.m.

Oct. 28

at Sherando, 7 p.m.

Sept. 30 at John Champe, 7 p.m.

Nov. 4

at Warren County, 7 p.m.

Aug. 28 Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Oct. 1 Oct. 9

beat Central, 28-27 lost to Broadway, 41-21 lost to Brentsville, 27-14 beat Manassas Park, 49-17 lost to John Champe, 43-7 lost to Millbrook, 59-14

Oct. 16 Oct. 24 Oct. 30 Nov. 6 Nov. 13 Nov. 20

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32 FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

STONEWALL JACKSON GENERALS

The Northern Virginia Daily

Rich Cooley/Daily

Stonewall Jackson’s Brendan Hoover walks with the ball back to the practice field after a break from a recent practice. Hoover will be handling quarterback duties for the Generals this season.

Optimism high for Stonewall in Goode’s second year By Brad Fauber

head coach Jay Goode, bringing a sense of comfort and familiarity into the program to replace the uncertainties that came with the introduction of a QUICKSBURG - There’s a certain vibe running new coach. Participation in offseason weightlifting through members of Stonewall Jackson High was high, and so are the numbers - nearly 70 stuSchool’s football program as the 2016 season dent-athletes make up this year’s program, Goode approaches, one that is markedly different than last said, and the 37 varsity players is a strong total, year. considering Stonewall drew just 24 varsity athletes This year marks the second for the Generals under in 2014.

2016 GENERALS • Coach: Jay Goode (Second year, 1-9) • Offense/Defense: Multiple-I/4-4 • Key returnees: OL/DL Cody Baker, OL/DL Drew Binion, OL/DL Dakota Bush, QB/DB Brendan Hoover, WR/DB Brandon Lewter, RB/LB Jacob Murphy, OL/LB Chance Stroop, OL/DL James Stunkle, RB/LB Dylan Vann, TE/DE Chris Williams • Key losses: OL/DL Jacob Helsley, RB Cole Holsinger, WR/DB Michael Knauff, QB/RB/DB Nathan Miller, RB Ryan Summers

the attitude is a lot different in that manner.” A large part of Stonewall’s positive vibes come from the full installment of a multiple-I offense, a scheme the Generals began implementing in the latter half of 2015 in an effort to phase out the Wing-T that Goode had initially brought to the program.

“One of the reasons there, everybody kind of runs Wing-T up here and everything and until I got up Those factors alone had the Generals - winners of here I really didn’t realize that,” Goode said of the only five games in the last four seasons - feeling a switch. “Even though I’m a big fan of the Wing-T bit optimistic as they prepared to kick off their 2016 you’ve gotta have certain components to run it. And season with a road game at Shenandoah County teams like Wilson (Memorial), those teams that run rival Strasburg at 7:30 p.m. Friday. it up here, they practice it all the time and everything. So I felt going to a multiple-I, it just better “I think we’ve got the highest expectations of ourselves going into any season,” senior receiver/defen- suits us. It better suits us as coaches as well.” The multiple-I offense, which many Generals sive back Duncan Schroeder said earlier this month. “The attitude is a lot more improved. Like in said resembles the one they grew up learning in youth football under current Stonewall offensive the past we’ve always gone into the season thinking, ‘We’re Stonewall Jackson, we’re gonna lose’ … but I think the perspective we have this year and GENERALS, 35

STONEWALL JACKSON GENERALS

The Northern Virginia Daily

2016 SCHEDULE

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

2015 RESULTS (1-9, 1-6 SHENANDOAH DISTRICT)

Aug. 26 at Strasburg, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 7

at Wilson Memorial, 7 p.m.

Sept. 2

Central, 7 p.m.

Oct. 15

E. Rockingham at JMU, 3 p.m. Sept. 4 lost to Central, 30-0

Sept. 9

at Parry McCluer, 7 p.m.

Oct. 21

at Buffalo Gap, 7 p.m.

Sept. 11 lost to Parry McCluer, 34-12 Oct. 23 lost to Buffalo Gap, 42-6

Sept. 23 Page County, 7 p.m.

Oct. 28

Riverheads 7 p.m.

Sept. 25 beat Page County, 51-24

Oct. 30 lost to Riverheads, 56-7

Sept. 30 Stuarts Draft, 7 p.m.

Nov. 4

at Luray, 7 p.m.

Oct. 1

Nov. 6

Aug. 28 lost to Strasburg, 28-6

lost to Stuarts Draft, 47-0

Oct. 9

lost to Wilson Memorial, 32-0

Oct. 16 lost to E. Rockingham, 44-16

lost to Luray, 33-28

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34 FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

STONEWALL JACKSON GENERALS

The Northern Virginia Daily

Stroop leading an experienced offensive line for Generals By Brad Fauber QUICKSBURG - The players who have stuck with Stonewall Jackson High School’s football program over the last three years have experienced quite a bit of turnover in that span. The Generals saw longtime head coach Dick Krol retire following the 2014 season, opening a vacancy that was eventually filled by current head coach Jay Goode. With Goode’s arrival came a shift in offensive philosophy, a move away from the tripleoption and toward the Wing-T. Stonewall’s new offensive style didn’t even last a full season, as Goode opted to turn to a multiple-I scheme around midseason in 2015, a move that the Generals will carry on into this fall. Generals senior offensive lineman Chance Stroop said earlier this month that even though they have done three different offenses, he feels like this year has been the easiest. “The triple-option was real confusing,” Stroop said. “Then we got the new coach and the Wing-T - that was just, with the playbook even it was just a headache and a half. Now we’ve got the (multiple-I) and I feel like it’s clicking inside our heads.” The consensus among the Generals is that the transition has been a smooth one, which has brought a sense of optimism to a Stonewall offense that has struggled to move the football in recent years. One unit in particular the offensive line - has Stroop brimming with excitement of what could be in store for a group that returns four

starters from a season ago. “I feel like our line this year is a lot better than it has been in the years past,” Stroop said. “I don’t know if it’s because … we have a new line coach (Pete Lampman) now. I don’t know if he’s running the line differently, if (offensive coordinator Bryan) Murphy told him what we’re capable of doing, but (we’re) doing lots of double teams and pulling and I just feel like the line is more powerful than what it was in the years past.” That experienced front five for Stonewall’s offense includes seniors Cody Baker and James Stunkle and junior Drew Binion and, of course, Stroop, who has assumed a leadership role along the offensive line and for the Generals as a team.

Goode said kids follow Rich Cooley/Daily Stroop, who has been a Stonewall Jackson’s Chance Stroop fights through a blocker during practice. starter - primarily at right guard - for the varsity squad “I feel like I’ve gotten quicker past. He said he and the rest couple pass plays where we since his sophomore season in - a lot quicker. And I can block of the group had a little trou- fire off the ball instead of 2014. a lot better too, and that’s not ble grasping the new concepts three-step drop,” Stroop said. just me but the whole line,” at first, but sees a great bene- “We didn’t fire off hard “He’s just kind of one of said Stroop, who is listed at 5- fit in that relieves some of the enough and they (the defenthose natural leaders, and foot-9, 233 pounds. pressure that comes with onesometimes that’s hard to sive linemen) shot past us on-one blocking against often find,” Goode said. “Just from seeing it in the and they got in there to the scrimmage (against Pendleton larger defensive linemen. That leadership role is one quarterback. We saw that and The ability of Stroop and the that Stroop said is not purely County on Aug. 13) and pracwe knew instantly that we his own - his “senior buddies” tice, we’re firing off a lot hard- rest of the Generals’ offensive had to fire off harder and if er. I mean last year we would line to continue to improve Dylan Vann and Baker each have a scout defense in prac- will be a driving force behind we don’t protect the quarterhold a stake in that departback he’s gonna get hurt. tice and they would tear up the success of Stonewall’s ment as well, Stroop said, as do junior quarterback Brendan Hoover and Jacob Murphy - but it’s one he feels primed for thanks to a high school career that has seen him contribute as a regular starter since joining the junior varsity squad. Stroop’s leadership isn’t the only aspect of his game that has grown in that period, either.

our offense because our line just, I don’t know, just couldn’t block, weren’t firing off right. This year it’s like our offense is unstoppable against the scouting defense.” Stroop said that in Stonewall’s multiple-I offense the line is being asked to do more double-team and combo blocks, while they are also pulling more than in years

offense, which will feature some new, inexperienced faces at running back and a relative newcomer in Hoover, who took over as the Generals’ starting quarterback in the latter half of last season.

“I mean Hoover’s a small guy and we try to keep him from getting hit as much as we can, and seeing him getting chased by those big 250pound defensive linemen was just something I don’t wanna see again.”

“We noticed that during the scrimmage (against Pendleton Contact staff writer Brad County), there was a couple Fauber at 540-465-5137 ext. times that we didn’t fire off 161, or bfauber@nvdaily.com the ball when we’d have a

STONEWALL JACKSON GENERALS

The Northern Virginia Daily

Generals

2015 STATS

Continued from 32

coordinator Bryan Murphy, will need to produce more consistently than it did last fall if the team is to buck its trend of three straight 1-9 seasons. Last year the Generals averaged only 12.6 points per game. Stonewall returns an experienced core along the offensive line, as seniors Cody Baker, Chance Stroop and James Stunkle and junior Drew Binion are back after starting in 2015. That group will be blocking for some new faces in the backfield, as the Generals lost their top three leading rushers from a season ago.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

2016 ROSTER

• Record: 1-9, 1-6 Shenandoah

No. Name

Pos.

Wt.

Yr.

No. Name

Pos.

Wt.

Yr.

• Passing leader: Nathan Miller (22 for 50, 395 yards, 3 touchdowns)

Cody Cline

WR/DB 5-7 142

So.

Chad Morse

WR/DB 5-2 111

Jr.

Logan Ritchie

QB/DB

5-11 149

So.

Devin Cline

WR/DB 5-10 138

Sr.

• Rushing leader: Nathan Miller (56 carries for 356 yards, 4 touchdowns)

Branson Estep

WR/DB 5-10 155

So.

Chance Stroop

OL/LB

5-9 233

Sr.

Brendan Hoover

QB/DB

5-9 141

Jr.

Dylan Smith

OL/DL

6-1 265

Sr.

John Howdyshell

RB/DB

5-8 130

Jr.

Cody Baker

OL/DL

6-0 276

Sr.

Joshua Gibson

WR/DB 5-5 128

Jr.

Charles Streett V

OL/LB

5-10 222

So.

Kyle Baker

WR/DB 5-5 125

So.

James Stunkle

OL/DL

5-6 208

Sr.

Tyler Patton

WR/DB 6-1 175

Sr.

Dakota Baker

OL/DL

5-11 216

Jr.

Jacob Murphy

RB/LB

5-8 184

Jr.

Drew Binion

OL/DL

6-2 276

Jr.

Dakota Bush

OL/DL

6-2 310

Jr.

Bryant Schutz

TE/DE

5-11 191

Jr.

Kyle Bushong

OL/DL

5-10 202

Jr.

Trey Lam

WR/DB 5-10 162

So.

Jake Gaete

OL/DL

5-10 264

So.

Dylan Vann

RB/LB

5-11 179

Sr.

Joshua Lantz

OL/DL

5-6 175

Jr.

5-11 165

So.

Devin Campbell

OL/DL

6-0 241

So.

6-1 166

Sr.

Christopher Williams TE/DE

6-1 170

Jr.

5-8 176

So.

James Shumway

WR/DE 6-2 172

So.

5-10 159

Jr.

Christopher Estep

WR/DB 5-10 148

Sr.

5-11 152

Jr.

William McCourt

TE/DE

6-1 210

So.

5-11 169

Jr.

Wade Banks

TE/DE

6-5 180

Jr.

• Receiving leader: Michael Knauff (8 catches for 230 yards) • Total tackles: Jacob Helsley (44) • Sacks: Jacob Helsley (6) • Interceptions: N/A

into the starting role in the second half of the 2015 season.

“Brendan’s just such a 29 Calvin Smith RB/DE leader,” Goode said. “He’s one 30 Duncan Schroeder WR/DB of these kids that just goes hard all the time. Like the 32 Udreka Claude RB/LB other day he kind of hurt his RB/DB shoulder in practice and I said 32 Logen Patton man, just sit out a couple 33 Brandon Lewter WR/DB plays (and he said), ‘Nah, I’m 35 Caleb Fauver WR/LB getting back in there.’ He’s just a competitor and that’s and Vann being among those just great to have as a quarcompeting at linebacker. terback.” Lewter will see time in a On defense, Goode said young secondary that Goode Baker, Binion, sophomore said was exposed in a scrimDakota Bush and junior Chris mage against Pendleton Williams will see action on the County on Aug. 13. defensive line, with junior

Goode said juniors Logen Patton and John Howdyshell a transfer from East Hardy High School in West Virginia and senior Dylan Vann will likely see a bulk of the carries at running back, while juniors Brandon Lewter, Caleb Fauver and Chad Morse and seniors Schroeder and Tyler Patton will compete for targets at receiver. Brendan Hoover, a junior, resumes the quarterback responsibilities after moving Jacob Murphy, Stroop, Stunkle

“We’re gonna make some

Ht.

adjustments here and there,” Goode said of Stonewall’s defensive scheme, which operates out of a 4-4 base. “Got a new secondary coach in Jeremy Knight, who helped with basketball and baseball last year, he’s brought some new ideas to

Ht.

the program there.” Goode said sophomore Blake McCourt will handle kickoffs this season, while Williams will do the punting. Contact staff writer Brad Fauber at 540-465-5137 ext. 161, or bfauber@nvdaily.com

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STRASBURG RAMS

36 FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

The Northern Virginia Daily

Rams looking to win with smaller team

By Tommy Keeler Jr.

STRASBURG - Strasburg football coach Mark Roller may not have as many kids out for this year’s team as he would like, but he still believes they can have a successful season.

Roller said that it will be important for his team, which has 30 players, to stay healthy.

“I know there are a lot of teams that have won a lot of games (with low numbers),” Roller said. “I keep telling our kids that we can win even though we have low numbers, but you’ve got to stay healthy and you’ve got to do the right things and eat healthy.”

Senior Ethan Duckworth will be the starting quarterback. Last year Duckworth threw for 79 yards in a backup role.

“I think he looks better,” Roller said. “I think he’s a little more confident now than he was last year. So I think that that’s a plus for him and

Rich Cooley/Daily

Strasburg coach Mark Roller works with his offensive unit during a recent practice. The Rams have a young and inexperienced squad this season. going into senior year you always have a little bit more confidence. We’re looking forward to him leading us and putting some points on the

and Tyjone Carter will also last year, to tailback. Senior Josh Pritchett returns at full- see time at running back. Senior Trevor Taff is the Junior Austin Miller is mov- back. Roller said that sophomores ing from tight end, where he RAMS, 39 had nine catches for 97 yards Greg Mason, Brody Tomblin board for us. We’re expecting big things from him.”

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STRASBURG RAMS

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FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

Pritchett’s versatility key for Rams By Tommy Keeler Jr.

carries last year for the Rams with two touchdowns.

He said he enjoys playing at fullSTRASBURG — Strasburg’s Josh Pritchett has played all over the field back. for the Rams during his high school “You don’t get a lot of running plays, career. but that don’t matter,” Pritchett said. The senior’s versatility is just one of “I just like making holes for people to score touchdowns. Like last year, the reasons he’s been a big part of (Strasburg 2016 graduate) Justin the team the last three years. (Carr) got a lot of touchdowns, “He’s such a good athlete that you because the line was making the can put him at a couple different spots on the football field,” Strasburg holes. Blocking is pretty fun, because coach Mark Roller said. “That’s what I can just run full speed at people.” we’ve been able to do with him here the last couple years. He’s kind of played where we needed him.”

While Pritchett enjoys playing on offense, he said he loves playing on defense just as much. He’s played on the defensive line for the last three years, but this season he will play at linebacker.

As a freshman, Pritchett was brought up from the junior varsity team during the season to play on Last year Pritchett had 29 tackles, the offensive line at center. He including two sacks. He said that played there as a sophomore, but then moved to fullback at the start of getting a sack is his favorite part of the game. last year.

During the season he moved back to “It’s the best feeling ever,” Pritchett said. “Just going out there making a center, and then later in the year sack, you look up in the stands, returned to fullback again. everyone’s flipping out. Coaches are “I was helping the team,” Pritchett out there cheering. It’s just fun.” said of playing at center for the Pritchett said he learned a lot his Rams. “I didn’t really like it, but I was helping the team. I was better at first couple years from some of the players around him on defense. that position than other people.” Pritchett ran for 182 yards on 57

“Ryan Smoot was there. He was

Rich Cooley/Daily

Strasburg’s Josh Pritchett will look to lead the Rams on both sides of the ball this season. Pritchett has played numerous positions for the Rams in his three seasons. teaching me how to do stuff. Jonathan Kloosterman was teaching me how to play. Trenton (Davis) was there, Colton Funk, all them helped me out,” Pritchett said. “They told me what to do, helping me out, teaching me how to play real football.” This year as a senior it will be

Pritchett’s turn to teach some of the younger players on the squad. Roller said he’s counting on Pritchett’s leadership and thinks he will do a good job. “His peers are the ones that look to PRITCHETT, 39

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2016 SCHEDULE Aug. 26 Stonewall Jackson, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 7 Sept. 2

at East Rockingham, 7 p.m. Oct. 14

Sept. 9

at Riverside, 7 p.m.

Oct. 21

Sept. 16 James Wood, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 28

Sept. 30 at George Mason, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 4

The Northern Virginia Daily

2015 RESULTS (5-6, 3-4 BULL RUN DISTRICT)

Clarke County, 7:30 p.m.

Aug. 28 beat Stonewall Jackson, 28-6 Oct. 9 at Warren County, 7 p.m. Sept. 4 beat E. Rockingham, 29-14 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Madison County, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 11 beat Riverside, 27-6 Oct. 30 at Central, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 18 lost to James Wood, 26-23 Nov. 6 at William Monroe, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 1 lost to George Mason, 22-0 Nov. 13

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STRASBURG RAMS

The Northern Virginia Daily

Rams

2016 RAMS • Coach: Mark Roller (ninth year, 40-46) • Offense/Defense: Pro-I/5-3 • Key returnees: FB/LB Josh Pritchett, OL/DL Ryan Jenkins, QB/LB Ethan Duckworth, OL/DL Hunter Riley, RB/LB Austin Miller • Key losses: RB/LB Justin Carr, WR/DB Trevin Howard, QB/LB Adam Miller, WR/DE Dylan Campbell, RB/DE Ryan Bowers, OL/DL Rashon Alsberry, OL/DE Tyler Brill

2015 STATS • Record: 5-6 (3-4 Bull Run District) • Passing leader: Adam Miller (67 for 135, 720 yards, 5 touchdowns, 9 interceptions) • Rushing leader: Justin Carr (157 carries for 995 yards, 10 touchdowns)

• Receiving leader: Trevin Howard (31 receptions for 329 yards, 2 touchdowns) • Total tackles: Austin Miller (95) • Sacks: Tyler Brill (4) • Interceptions: Trevin Howard (3)

2016 ROSTER No.

Name

Height

Weight

Year

Justin Rickard

5-11

160

Sr.

Jacob Knapp

6-0

155

Jr.

Trevor Taff

5-10

140

Sr.

Ethan Duckworth

6-0

195

Sr.

Russell Reeder

6-2

145

So.

Brody Tomblin

5-10

160

So.

Austin Miller

5-11

190

Jr.

Landen Elliott

5-8

125

So.

Nathan King

5-5

130

So.

Tyjone Carter

5-7

230

So.

Stephen Kloosterman

5-11

165

So.

Cameron Harmon

6-0

150

So.

Joshua Pritchett

5-9

220

Sr.

Zachary Scott

5-11

220

Sr.

Hunter Miller

5-9

195

So.

Shawn Hamp

6-0

225

Jr.

Austin Summerlin

5-9

215

Jr.

Hunter Riley

5-10

235

Sr.

John Williams

6-0

245

Sr.

Ian Alsberry

6-0

205

Jr.

Ryan Jenkins

6-0

225

Sr.

Levi Miller

5-9

265

So.

Caleb Warren

6-1

250

Sr.

Quentin Elliott

5-8

235

Jr.

Ryan Day

6-5

265

Sr.

Decklyn Miller

5-8

145

Jr.

Grant Scott

6-0

205

Jr.

Adam Knapp

6-3

185

So.

Joseph Reconnu

5-9

145

Jr.

and we got some seniors there, so that’s kind of the bright spot because those Continued from 36 guys have been around,” only returner at wide receiv- Roller said. “Except for Ryan er, and Roller said sophomore Day, they’ve all played in the Stephen Kloosterman, along years past. Not that we’re going to hang our hat on the with senior Justin Rickard and junior Jacob Knapp, will offensive line, but we’re going to go as far as they block for also see action at wide us.” receiver. Junior Grant Scott is One of the strong suits for expected to be the starting Strasburg should be the tight end. offensive line.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

Mason will also see time at linebacker. In the secondary, Taff, Kloosterman, Rickard, Tomlin and Knapp will get plenty of playing time. Pritchett, who led the area with a 40.1 average, is back at punter. Roller said he expects Knapp to take over the kicking duties.

Strasburg has 11 seniors, but several of those didn’t Roller said that Riley, Day, play last year. The Rams The Rams return plenty of Alsberry and Warren will see went 5-6 and lost in the first experience on the line. time on the defensive line, round of the playoffs last seaSophomore Hunter Miller, along with Duckworth, who son. seniors Zach Scott, Hunter had 34 tackles last year, and Riley, Ryan Day and Ryan Roller said that team chemGrant Scott at the defensive Jenkins are expected to be istry will be a key to success the starters. Roller said that end spots. for his young team. only Day, who did not play The Rams should be solid at “I think overall if they can last year, did not see playing linebacker. Miller, who led jell together and work as a time on the offensive line last the team with 95 tackles, season. returns along with Pritchett team, I think we’ll be OK and we’ll be able to win some Roller said that juniors Ian and Zach Scott. games,” Roller said. “We’ll Alsberry, Quentin Elliott and Pritchett played on the take every day just one day Shawn Hamp and senior defensive line last year, Caleb Warren will see playrecording 27 tackles and two at a time and keep trying to get better.” ing time on the offensive line sacks, but played at lineand all of them saw playing backer in his first two seaContact staff writer Tommy time last year. sons. Keeler at 540-465-5137 ext. “We got some young guys, Roller said that Carter and 168, or tkeeler@nvdaily.com

Pritchett

Pritchett also wrestles and They lost quite a few playplays baseball. In his first ers to graduation, and will three years, he lettered in have a young squad this Continued from 37 all three sports each year. year. However, Pritchett him for guidance, and he’s a “It’s pretty cool to do that. said he still has a good feelNot many people have done ing about the team this kid who’s very capable of season. leading,” Roller said. “He it. It’s just nice doing it,” has that mixture of comedi- Pritchett said. “Doing all “I think we’re doing pretty an and leader. He just three sports is fun. Then I good this year,” Pritchett needs to know when to turn have something to do all said. “People that didn’t that comedian style off and year. It helps me keep my play last year are coming be that guy that says ‘hey, grades up, because If I out this year and playing. I come on guys lets do this.’ don’t keep my grades up I’ll think that’s going to help And I think he can do it, us on both sides of the and I’m looking forward to be ineligible for a sport. I just like playing sports.” ball.” seeing what he can do out there on the field.” The Rams were 5-6 last Contact staff writer Tommy Keeler at 540-465Pritchett is also the punter, year, losing in the first and last year led the area round of the playoffs to 5137 ext. 168, or with a 40.1 average. tkeeler@nvdaily.com Robert E. Lee.

40 FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

WARREN COUNTY WILDCATS

The Northern Virginia Daily

Wildcats seeking rebound from last season’s struggles By Brad Fauber

didn’t take it too serous. I think this year’s gonna be a big change.”

FRONT ROYAL - Last season was a pretty forgettable one for Warren County High School’s football team.

The offseason already marked a period of change for Warren County, which must now fill key positions with new The Wildcats stumbled to a 2-8 record faces at quarterback and running back after the graduation of twins Robert while struggling on both sides of the ball, and missed out on the playoffs for and Joseph Rutherford, both two-year starters, as well as spots left by threethe first time in five seasons. Wide receiver/defensive back Cam Ford said year starting lineman Quay Caison and 2015 leading tackler Rhett Tierney. earlier this month that it “brought us Wildcats head coach Steven Crist, down a lot” knowing that they broke that string of playoff appearances last now in his third year, said junior R.J. Keeney emerged from a preseason fall, but the senior liked what he saw competition with sophomores Brodie from his teammates early in camp. Cripps and Nate Stoneburger for the “I see a lot of new faces that are just open quarterback spot previously filled ready to play,” Ford said. “They look by Robert Rutherford, the team’s leaddedicated to football. I think we ing passer (1,565 yards, 12 touchslacked a little bit last year and we downs, four interceptions) and leading rusher (139 carries, 360 yards, six 2015 STATS touchdowns) a year ago. • Record: 2-8, 1-6 Bull Run

• Passing leader: Robert Rutherford (104 for 187, 1,565 yards, 12 touchdowns, 4 interceptions) • Rushing leader: Robert Rutherford (139 carries, 360 yards, 6 touchdowns) • Receiving leader: Cam Ford (39 catches, 551 yards, 4 touchdowns) • Total tackles: Rhett Tierney (74) • Sacks: Brendan McMackin (4) • Interceptions: Jakob Cornwell, Robert Rutherford (2)

“He’s a big, strong kid that’s athletic, so he’s got some mobility, he’s got a strong arm,” Crist said. “He doesn’t have varsity experience. He played as the freshmen (football team’s) quarterback when he was in ninth grade. But he’s definitely got some ability. He’s got some good players around him too that will help him.” At running back, Crist said the Wildcats will take a committee approach to the position, with sopho-

more Ronnie Dodson and juniors Cody Petitt and Brett Dickerson expected to see carries. Petitt saw action last season when Joseph Rutherford missed extended time with a leg injury. The team returns two starters along the offensive line in seniors Will Deavers and Jack Kilgallen, and Crist said on Aug. 18 that there was still competition for the other spots. Keeney will have some experienced targets to throw to in Ford (39 receptions, 551 yards, four touchdowns in 2015) and senior tight end Brendan McMackin (17 catches, 273 yards, four touchdowns), both second team allConference 28 selections last fall.

2016 WILDCATS • Coach: Steven Crist (Third year, 6-15) • Offense/Defense: Multiple/4-4 • Key returnees: K Stuart Ashley, OL/DL Will Deavers, WR/DB Cam Ford, OL/DL Jack Kilgallen, TE/DE Brendan McMackin. • Key losses: WR/DB Josh Butler, OL/DL Quay Caison, RB/LB Joseph Rutherford, QB/DB Robert Rutherford, WR/LB Rhett Tierney.

couple little things here and there. Some of it was TA - they’re pretty good - and some of it was stuff that we didn’t do correctly. In that case we got to evaluate it and make improvements “That’s some big shoes to fill, especial- and stuff like that.” ly after Robert. I think we’re just Defensively the Wildcats return some gonna have to work harder on what we experience up front with McMackin have to do to give (Keeney) more open (team-high four sacks last season), space so he can get the ball there safe- Deavers (32 tackles) and Kilgallen. ly,” Ford said. Crist said senior Paul Bragg, a Crist said the Wildcats’ offense, which averaged 16.5 points per game and was shut out three times in 2015, will look similar in scheme to what it has in his first two seasons, although he said he wasn’t particularly pleased with how his team moved the football in its weather-shortened scrimmage against Turner Ashby (Group 4A) on Aug. 12. “We didn’t move the ball real effectively,” Crist said. “We were close, a

Strasburg transfer, will also play along the defensive line. Crist said he expects senior Ryan Guerrero and junior Darren Frantz to start at linebacker, while Ford will be one of the Wildcats’ starting cornerbacks. Last season, Warren County allowed 35.5 points per game. WILDCATS, 42

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WARREN COUNTY WILDCATS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

Rich Cooley/Daily

Warren County’s Brendan McMackin will play tight end and defensive end for the Wildcats this year.

McMackin hopes to ride confidence into senior season By Brad Fauber FRONT ROYAL - If Brendan McMackin had to place his confidence level heading into his junior football season at Warren County High School last fall on a scale of one to 10, he would call it a five.

It didn’t take long for McMackin’s self-confidence to receive a jolt. In Warren County’s first game of 2015 at home against Handley, the Wildcats were clinging to a 3-point lead late in the fourth quarter with the Judges driving when McMackin swatted a pitch from Handley quarterback Matt Elliott and fell on the loose ball for a key turnover. McMackin then capped the ensuing possession by hauling in a 10-yard touchdown pass to seal the 27-17 win with two minutes remaining.

He had played sparingly as a sophomore in 2014, starting only three games at tight end after the spot opened up due to injury, McMackin said recently, and thought he’d see the type of better talent that would shut him down offensively while stymieing him in his spot as one of the Wildcats’ “I guess I found myself,” defensive ends. McMackin recalled of that

opener, “found where I should be on the field and found out what I could do, and (my confidence) boosted like immediately after the first game.” The Wildcats would go on to win just one more game last fall to finish 2-8 while missing the playoffs for the first time in five seasons, but McMackin continued making plays. Notably, in a 14-13 win over William Monroe on homecoming night, the tight end caught both touchdown passes, including the game-winner with less than two minutes to play.

catches for 273 yards and four touchdowns as the Wildcats’ second-leading receiver, and led the team with four sacks at defensive end. Still, he said he didn’t feel like he lived up to his full potential on the field in 2015, and he added that he opened camp this season more athletic and stronger than a year ago. And, he hopes, he’s a better leader, a trait he wants to use to remedy what McMackin called a lack of “want” that plagued the 2015 Wildcats.

than that,” he said, “so all the leaders are really pushing them to want to do better this year and not only win two games in a season.” McMackin’s veteran presence could be key to Warren County’s rebound in 2016, particularly for an offense that will be breaking in a new starting quarterback after the graduation of two-year starter Robert Rutherford (1,565 yards passing, 360 yards rushing, 20 total touchdowns).

“We definitely have some new faces, fortunately for us he’s “I think this year it’ll be difMcMackin, a second team all- ferent because I want it more not one of them,” Wildcats Conference 28 selection, ended than I have before and I want his junior season with 17 my teammates to want it more MCMACKIN, 42

WARREN COUNTY WILDCATS

42 FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

Wildcats Continued from 40

“Our defense is just hungry and ready, and hungry to play and hungry to hit,” Ford said. “We just want that physicality again. We’ve been waiting for it all summer and now it’s finally here.”

McMackin Continued from 41

head coach Steven Crist said of McMackin. “We expect a large contribution from Brendan this year. He’s been with the program for a number of years now and has gotten better each year, and we expect the same this year - an improvement from last year and a big impact.”

Junior Stuart Ashley returns to handle the kicking for the Wildcats after being named second team all-conference in 2015. Warren County opens its 2016 season at 1 p.m. Saturday with a road game at Handley. Contact staff writer Brad Fauber at 540-465-5137 ext. 161, or bfauber@nvdaily.com long arms to go with the height. And … (being) 6-5 he’s got pretty good quickness too. Put all that together and you’ve got a pretty good offensive player.”

McMackin said he hopes the same can be said for his defensive presence, as well. Despite being undersized at 185 pounds, the senior said he frequented the weight room more often in the offseason, while adding that he’s in “great shape” after playing basketball “Big” certainly describes McMackin’s all summer. “I think my strength has played a role at tight end - at 6-foot-5, the senior figures to be a nice target for junior good part (at defensive end) and I’ve quarterback R.J. Keeney, and one that worked on a lot of moves, like hand fighting and finesse moves on the should serve to complement speedy receiver and fellow senior Cam Ford defensive side of the ball because with (39 catches, 551 yards, 4 TDs in 2015). my size I feel like I can get thrown around pretty easily by some O-line“It seems like he gets taller every day,” Crist said. “He can present some men,” McMackin said. “But I’ve been working on my moves to get around matchup problems. them this year.” “He catches the ball well, which is Contact staff writer Brad Fauber at great when you’re 6-5 and you have the ability to catch the ball. He’s got a 540-465-5137 ext. 161, or huge catch radius because he’s got the bfauber@nvdaily.com

The Northern Virginia Daily

2016 ROSTER No.

Name

Pos.

Yr.

No.

Name

Pos.

Yr.

R.J. Keeney

QB/DL

Jr.

Cody Petitt

RB/DL

Jr.

Brett Dickerson

RB/LB

Jr.

Kolton Valencia

WR/DB

Sr.

Cam Ford

WR/DB

Sr.

Michael White

RB/LB

Sr.

Ethan Patterson

WR/DB

So.

Jacob Dodson

RB/LB

Jr.

Marqwon Haley

WR/DB

Sr.

Brendan McMackin TE/DL

Sr.

Stuart Ashley

Jr.

Nick Genari

RB/DB

Sr.

Greg Burgoin

WR/DL

Sr.

Ryan Guerrero

RB/LB

Sr.

Ben Vogt

WR/DB

Jr.

Mason Blauvelt

RB/DL

Jr.

Parker Meltvedt

WR/DB

Jr.

Hunter Wines

OL/DL

Jr.

Nate Stoneburger

QB/LB

So.

Dakota Harvey

OL/DL

Jr.

Brodie Cripps

QB/DB

So.

Tyler Mallow

OL/DL

Jr.

Jordan Kenyon

RB/LB

So.

Paul Bragg

OL/DL

Sr.

Brandon Glass

RB/DL

Jr.

Andrew Johnson

OL/DL

Jr.

Colton Bates

QB/LB

So.

Jack Kilgallen

OL/DL

Sr.

Jorge Figueroa

RB/DB

Jr.

Ricardo Chavez

OL/DL

So.

Michael Carter

WR/DB

Jr.

Jake DiPatre

OL/DL

So.

Ronnie Dodson

RB/LB

So.

Ben Werner

OL/DL

Sr.

Cody Williams

RB/DB

Jr.

Ricky Dodson

OL/DL

So.

Josh Edwards

TE/LB

Jr.

Josef Adams

OL/DL

Sr.

Knorr Hunter

RB/DL

So.

Will Deavers

OL/DL

Sr.

Anthony Machado

WR/DB

Sr.

Tiernan Komelasky TE/LB

Jr.

Thomas Cantrell

RB/DB

So.

Aaron Schroyer

TE/DL

So.

Darren Frantz

RB/LB

Jr.

Cameron Pilkins

WR/DB

Jr.

Chris Carino

WR/DB

So.

Danny Bloomfield

TE/DL

So.

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The Northern Virginia Daily

2016 SCHEDULE

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

2015 RESULTS (2-8, 1-6 BULL RUN DISTRICT)

Aug. 27 at Handley, 1 p.m.

Oct. 7

at William Monroe, 7 p.m.

Aug. 28 beat Handley, 27-17

Oct. 9

Sept. 9

Oct. 14

Strasburg, 7 p.m.

Sept. 11 lost to James Wood, 52-34

Oct. 16 lost to Strasburg, 38-0

Sept. 16 Brentsville, 7 p.m.

Oct. 21

at George Mason, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 18 lost to Brentsville, 28-14

Sept. 23 at Madison County, 7 p.m.

Oct. 28

Clarke County, 7 p.m.

Sept. 25 lost to Madison County, 26-13 Oct. 30 lost to Clarke County, 55-0

Sept. 30 Central, 7 p.m.

Nov. 4

Skyline, 7 p.m.

Oct. 1

at James Wood, 7 p.m.

lost to Central, 46-0

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beat William Monroe, 14-13

Oct. 23 lost to George Mason, 56-42 Nov. 6

lost to Skyline, 24-21

44 FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

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The Northern Virginia Daily

JAMES MADISON UNIVERSITY DUKES

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

Courtesy photo/JMU Athletics Communications

James Madison University redshirt senior linebacker and Warren County graduate Gage Steele prepares for a snap against Richmond last season. Steele and the Dukes will begin regular season play on Sept. 3.

Dukes have lots of potential in Houston’s first year By Tommy Keeler Jr. HARRISONBURG — James Madison University’s football team may be going through its third coach in four years, but the potential is as bright as ever for the Dukes. First-year JMU coach Mike Houston has taken over for former coach Everett Withers, who left to become head coach at Texas State. Houston, who

was the head coach at The Citadel last year, has inherited and recruited another strong team. JMU junior tight end and Strasburg graduate Jonathan Kloosterman said that the team just needs to work together and it can be successful. “I think we got a lot of potential, but potential don’t mean nothing unless you put it together,” Kloosterman said. “We’re out here every day just working hard. So I feel great about what we can

achieve this year.” JMU was co-Colonial Athletic Association champions last year, and finished 9-3 on the season. They had a first-round bye in the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs, and lost in the second round to Colgate. One of the areas that’s hurt the Dukes in the last two seasons has been the play of the defense. DUKES, 46

46 FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

JAMES MADISON UNIVERSITY DUKES

Dukes

The Northern Virginia Daily

2016 SCHEDULE Continued from 45

Sept. 3

Morehead State, 6 p.m.

Sept. 10

Central Connecticut State, 4 p.m.

This season under new defensive coordinator Bob Sept. 17 Trott the Dukes will be using a 4-2-5.

“We’re getting better. It’s a process,” Trott said. “I’ve said since Day 1 that the guys have been great. They’re buying into it. ...We’re trying to bring our culture that we know, but you’re sensitive to these players. This is not the first time I’ve taken over a program that’s had three coaches in four years. So it’s a two-way street that we understand what the players are going through, and they understand what we’re doing. And all I know is if we work together and we do well we all prosper.”

Certainly a key cog in the Dukes’ success will be JMU redshirt senior linebacker Gage Steele. The Warren County graduate was second on the team with 89 tackles last season.

The team’s leading tackler last year, Kyre Hawkins (95), is also back at linebacker.

In fact, the Dukes return eight of their top nine tacklers from last season.

“I feel like we have a defense that’s bought in,” Steele said. “We have a lot of veterans that have been though a couple of the coaching staffs and different defenses, and so they’re bought into this defense and it’s going to help us out during the season. We’re really liking how its feeling and where it’s taken us right now.”

at North Carolina, 3:30 p.m.

2015 STATS • Record: 9-3, 6-2 CAA • Passing leader: Vad Lee (165 for 240, 2,190 yards, 21 touchdowns, 10 interceptions)

Sept. 24

at Maine, Noon

• Rushing leader: Cardon Johnson (161 carries for 1,037 yards, 10 touchdowns)

Oct. 1

Delaware, 1:30 p.m.

• Receiving leader: Brandon Ravenel (57 catches for 683 yards, 4 touchdowns)

Oct. 8

William & Mary, 3:30 p.m.

• Total tackles: Kyre Hawkins (95)

Oct. 15

at New Hampshire, Noon

• Sacks: Andrew Ankrah (10.5)

Oct. 29

Rhode Island, 3:30 p.m.

• Interceptions: Taylor Reynolds (3)

Nov. 5

at Richmond, 3:30 p.m.

Nov. 12

at Villanova, 1 p.m.

Nov. 19

Elon, 1:30 p.m.

44.25 points per game. The biggest question mark is who will be the starting quarterback. Junior Bryan Schor and redshirt junior Connor Mitch are battling for the spot. Mitch transferred from the University of South Carolina in July. Mitch started last year for the Gamecocks to start the season, but suffered a season-ending injury in the second game.

2015 RESULTS (9-3, 6-2 CAA) Sept. 5 Sept. 12 Sept. 19 Sept. 26 Oct. 3 Oct. 10 Oct. 17 Oct. 24 Oct. 31 Nov. 14 Nov. 21 Dec. 5

beat Morehead State, 56-7 beat Lehigh, 55-17 beat Albany, 42-28 beat SMU, 48-45 beat Stony Brook, 38-20 beat Towson, 51-30 beat Elon, 51-0 lost to Richmond, 59-49 lost to William & Mary, 44-41 beat Delaware, 24-21 beat Villanova, 38-29 lost to Colgate, 44-38

Schor was JMU’s back-up and became the starter when Vad Lee suffered a season-ending injury late in the season. Schor started the last pleased by what he’s seen from Butler. four games of the season, and threw for 847 yards “He’s really a good blocker and really a physical and seven touchdown passes during the year. player,” Kirkpatrick said. “He’s a linebacker Senior Raven Greene and redshirt senior Taylor “We have a great competition going on, which is moved to offensive line. So it’s not a natural posiReynolds and junior Marcell Johnson will be good — it’s making them both better,” JMU offen- tion for him, but he can be a great one. When you expected to lead the way in the secondary. sive coordinator Donnie Kirkpatrick said. can take a linebacker and get him big enough to The Dukes should also be solid on the defensive be a center you can have a special player there.” Running backs Cardon Johnson and Khalid line, with redshirt juniors Andrew Ankrah and Abdullah are also returning for the Dukes this Redshirt senior Gunnar Kane will be doing the Brandon Brown looking to lead the way. season. Johnson, a redshirt junior, ran for a team- punting again this season. Sophomore and The Dukes could be just as potent on offense this best 1,037 yards last year. Abdullah, a senior, Millbrook graduate Tyler Gray is in a battle for season as they were last year when they averaged rushed for 975 yards last season. the placekicking duties along with junior Pat Frio, who transferred from Lackawanna College, The Dukes also have a talented group of wide 2016 DUKES and freshman Jeremiah McBride. receivers, including seniors Brandon Ravenel, Rashard Davis, Domo Taylor and redshirt junior The Dukes have lost in their first playoff game • Coach: Mike Houston (First year) Ishmael Hyman. The Dukes have also added two years in a row, and Steele said that only • Offense/Defense: Multiple/4-2-5 Terrance Alls, a redshirt junior who transferred serves as extra motivation for this season. • Key returnees: S Raven Greene, WR Rashard Davis, from Duke University. “We definitely don’t want to get to the first WR John Miller, LB Kyre Hawkins, WR Brandon Kloosterman, who had eight receptions for 77 round of playoffs and then have that be done for Ravenel, CB Taylor Reynolds, QB Bryan Schor, RB yards and one touchdown, will take over the Cardon Johnson, RB Khalid Abdullah, LB Gage Steele, us,” Steele said. “We want to go as far as possible. starting tight end role. OL Matt Frank, OL Aaron Stennie, OL Mitchell Kirsch, But we’re going to take it one game at a time, TE Jonathan Kloosterman, KAT Andrew Ankrah, P The offensive line will be led by redshirt seniors focus on that one game, because it’s the next Gunnar Kane Matt Frank and Mitchell Kirsch and redshirt jun- game and with that it will bring us as far as we • Key losses: QB Vad Lee, OL Austin Lane, TE Deane want it to.” ior Aaron Stennie. Cheatham, DL Alex Mosley, K Ryan Maglio, OL Dominick Richards

Skyline graduate Gerren Butler is the back-up center, and Kirkpatrick said that he’s been

Contact staff writer Tommy Keeler at 540-465-5137 ext. 168, or tkeeler@nvdaily.com

SHENANDOAH UNIVERSITY HORNETS

The Northern Virginia Daily

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

Hornets hope to continue to make strides By Brad Fauber

of every Hornet’s checklist, and they would certainly enjoy the gratification that an improved record would bring, WINCHESTER - Shenandoah but Yoder doesn’t view Shenandoah’s University head football coach Scott Yoder thinks the Hornets’ records over trio of identical losing records as evihis first three seasons can be a bit mis- dence that the program is stuck in a standstill. leading. During that span, SU has gone 4-6 each year, and last season the Hornets suffered a 1-6 mark in Old Dominion Athletic Conference play, tied with Catholic University for the league’s worst record. Sure, a higher win total is at the top

2016 HORNETS • Coach: Scott Yoder (fourth year, 12-18) • Offense/Defense: Spread/4-4 • Key returnees: P Christian Arias, WR Michael Ashwell, QB Hayden Bauserman, WR Jalen Brisco, WR Deshon Brown, RB Cedrick Delaney, CB Weldon Gilchrist Jr., C Caleb Hutson, K Jacob Newton, RB Dalaun Richardson, LB Javonte Rose, WR Leonard Scott, DT Jake Shaffer, LB Malik Sims, CB Josh White, LB Micheal Wroble. • Key losses: FS Cedrick Bridges, OL Dustin Edwards, TE Miles Green, RB Kye Hopkins, OL Marcus Jenkins, OL Forestt McDaniel, LB Michael Messick, DE Jake Payne, DE Taylor Slaughenhopt, DT Brandon Thompson, OL Phillip Way.

“I think when you look at the records I think it’s very easy to be disappointed. But you also look at each year we’ve figured out how to get better as a program,” Yoder said. “Each year is different, so you don’t wanna dwell too much in the past but I think if our program can just keep getting better and keep taking steps every week and every season, as a coaching staff you can’t ask more than that. … Obviously we wanna win every Rich Cooley/Daily file time we play and we wanna win more, Shenandoah University head football coach Scott Yoder yells during but I can find some comfort in that our second half action of their home game against Catholic during a 2015 program continues to take steps forgame. Yoder is entering his fourth season with the Hornets this year. ward.” (third, 177.9) and passing yards (fifth, tice but mentioned returning sophoThe Hornets, who haven’t had a winmores Austin Goins, Adam Ibrahim 248) but must replace four starters ning season since 2011 when they and Andrew Coffman as players in the along the offensive line this fall. were members of the USA South, mix, as well as Jonathan Grammo, a Head coach Scott Yoder, who is enterenjoyed the best start in program histransfer from Division II Shepherd ing his fourth season with the Hornets, tory (3-0) last fall before skidding in University and a former teammate of ODAC play and losing their final four said the coaches feel “really good” Goins at Kettle Run High School in games. about being able to rebuild the offenNokesville, Virginia. sive line around center Caleb Hutson, Offensively, Shenandoah ranked in “While we don’t have as much game who started nine games as a freshman the middle of the eight-team conferexperience as the group last year we ence in points (fourth, 30.4 per game), in 2015. Yoder couldn’t name a projectHORNETS, 49 total yards (fifth, 425.9), rushing yards ed starting five after one day of prac-

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SHENANDOAH UNIVERSITY HORNETS

The Northern Virginia Daily

Wroble returns, brings veteran presence to middle of SU defense By Brad Fauber WINCHESTER - Shenandoah University linebacker Micheal Wroble has heard it a few times since the Hornets’ football team opened camp on Aug. 11, the seniors jokingly making statements about how they are getting old. Wroble can only laugh and reply, “This is my fifth camp.”

Rich Cooley/Daily

Shenandoah University’s Micheal Wroble comes into his fifth season as the Hornets’ returning leading tackler after making 72 total stops (46 solo) last fall, a mark that ranked third on the team in 2015.

backer when SU kicks off its season with a 7 p.m. road game at Gallaudet on Sept. 3, with one exception. This fall will mark one of the few times he and Messick haven’t shared the football field since the two were in elementary school in Mechanicsville, Maryland. “It’s kind of weird out here now but I’ll get there,” Wroble said of missing the on-field chemistry he previously enjoyed with Messick. “We’ll get there, whoever is beside me.”

Indeed, Wroble is entering a rare second senior season at Shenandoah after applying for and being Who will start next to the 5-foot-7, 180-pound granted a medical hardship waiver from the senior at the other inside linebacker position NCAA prior to the 2016 season for time he missed remained a mystery for the Hornets after the first during his freshman year in 2012 due to a torn week of camp. Yoder said senior Cody Miller - a meniscus and MCL. Strasburg High School grad - junior Dante Count head coach Scott Yoder as one of the many Richardson, sophomores Marty Stevenson and Hornets thrilled to have Wroble back on campus John Edwards and freshmen Steve Gebhardt and and providing a much-needed veteran presence in Bernie Hayes were all in competition for that spot the middle of SU’s 4-4 defense after the graduation as of Aug. 16. of career tackles leader Michael Messick and the Wroble said he was pleased with what he saw 2015 Old Dominion Athletic Conference Defensive from that inexperienced group early in preseason Player of the Year, defensive end Jake Payne. practice. “Having him back, being here again for another “They’re stepping up big,” he said. “They’re doing year, makes us feel a lot better about the inside what they have to do to fill those shoes and make just because we know we’re gonna have a fresh it their own spot, you know. … I think they’re face playing (inside linebacker) but he’s gonna play doing what they need to do. They’re working hard a lot of snaps right next to Wroble,” Yoder said. to get to that spot and make sure it’s theirs.” Wroble comes into his fifth season as the Hornets’ Wroble, meanwhile, is making it his job to help returning leading tackler after making 72 total that group - and the Hornets as a whole - accomstops (46 solo) last fall, a mark that ranked third plish what they set out to accomplish in 2016. on the team in 2015. A soon-to-be four-year starter, WROBLE, 49 Wroble should feel right at home at inside line-

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The Northern Virginia Daily

SHENANDOAH UNIVERSITY HORNETS

Hornets Continued from 47

feel really good about what they can do physically and what they’re going to be,” Yoder said. “Now it’s a challenge of how quickly can we get them there?”

2015 STATS • Record: 4-6 (1-6 ODAC) • Passing leader: Hayden Bauserman (188 for 330, 2,177 yards, 21 touchdowns, 15 interceptions) • Rushing leader: Cedrick Delaney (186 carries for 1,035 yards, 8 touchdowns)

• Receiving leader: Leonard Scott (34 receptions for Shenandoah returns plenty at the skill positions on 411 yards, 6 touchdowns) offense, including sophomore quarterback Hayden • Total tackles: Michael Messick (126) Bauserman (2,177 yards, 21 touchdowns and 15 interceptions in 2015) and all-ODAC senior running • Sacks: Jake Payne (7) back Cedrick Delaney (1,554 all-purpose yards, 10 • Interceptions: Weldon Gilchrist Jr. (3) TDs). Seven of the team’s top eight pass catchers also return, including receivers Leonard Scott (34 (team-high three interceptions in 2015) and Josh catches, 411 yards, six touchdowns) and Deshon White (one interception, six pass breakups) - is Brown (32 catches, 405 yards). “probably the best” he’s had at Shenandoah in terms of returning experience. On defense, the Hornets ranked seventh in the ODAC in points allowed (31.8) and yards allowed Inside linebacker Micheal Wroble (72 tackles in (427.7) last year, and now must fill holes left by the 2015) returns for a fifth season after securing a medgraduation of career tackles leader Michael Messick ical hardship waiver for an injury sustained during (126 total tackles in 2015), an inside linebacker, and his freshman year, Yoder said, and brings valuable defensive end Jake Payne, the 2015 ODAC experience to the defensive alongside senior lineDefensive Player of the Year. backer Malik Sims (67 tackles). “To be honest I don’t think we can replace it,” Yoder Yoder said the team will take a by-committee said of the production and leadership provided by approach to the defensive line around defensive the duo. tackles Jake Shaffer and Gladimir Dupalis. “Messick’s loss probably hurts the structure of the “I think the defensive side is just more, we’ve gotta defense more because of what he was able to do, so quickly find out who our best 11 are and then, not we’re gonna have to actually make some changes drastically alter the scheme, but without Messick we that people wouldn’t see from the outside to help the can’t do some things,” Yoder said. “So now whoever young inside linebackers that are trying to fill that that guy’s gonna be, now kind of build it to help spot, which is gonna make it more on us as coaches him.” to get us in the right calls and do things that help Jacob Newton entered camp healthy after suffering those young guys.” through a knee injury last season and will resume Yoder noted that the defensive secondary - a group the kicking duties for Shenandoah, Yoder said, and that includes junior cornerbacks Weldon Gilchrist Jr. all-ODAC punter Christian Arias also returns.

Wroble

“He’s grown up in the three years that have been with him, now four,” Yoder said. “And not just football-wise but life Continued from 48 in general. He’s been through a lot, “I’ll help those guys achieve what they good and bad, and he’s just more mature now as a person, which helps want,” Wroble said. “The seniors now, him on the football field.” they were young guys when I started out, so just letting them see what they That doesn’t mean Wroble - who has can do, I guess, just doing whatever I developed a reputation as a jokester have to (do) to get to their goals.” among his teammates - doesn’t still like That statement supports Yoder’s asser- to have fun. He still sports the mullet tion that Wroble’s greatest growth in his that he’s had since the end of his sophtime at SU has been in the linebacker’s omore season, the result of a bet between him and Payne while the two maturity. Off-the-field issues led to Wroble being suspended for the final watched highlights of former two games of his sophomore season in University of Oklahoma linebacker 2013, but since then has devoted himself Brian Bosworth during a video game to putting the team above himself. session, although Wroble has allowed

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

2015 RESULTS (4-6, 1-6 ODAC) Sept. 5 Sept. 12 Sept. 19 Oct. 3 Oct. 10 Oct. 17 Oct. 24 Oct. 31 Nov. 7 Nov. 14

beat Gallaudet, 51-6 beat Ferrum, 42-27 beat N.C. Wesleyan, 30-17 lost to Bridgewater, 39-21 lost to Guilford, 55-38 beat Catholic, 34-17 lost to Hampden-Sydney, 38-33 lost to Randolph-Macon, 31-13 lost to Emory & Henry, 54-21 lost to Washington & Lee, 34-21

Sept. 3

at Gallaudet, 7 p.m.

Sept. 10

Ferrum, 7 p.m.

Sept. 17

N.C. Wesleyan, 1 p.m.

Sept. 29

Randolph Macon, 6:30 p.m.

Oct. 8

at Emory & Henry, 1 p.m.

Oct. 15

at Bridgewater, 7 p.m.

Oct. 22

Guilford, 1 p.m.

Oct. 29

at Catholic, 1 p.m.

Nov. 5

Hampden-Sydney, 1 p.m.

Nov. 12

at Washington & Lee, 1 p.m.

2016 SCHEDULE

The Hornets open their 2016 season with a 7 p.m. non-conference road game at Gallaudet on Sept. 3. Contact staff writer Brad Fauber at 540-465-5137 ext. 161, or bfauber@nvdaily.com

his hair to return to its natural brown body and he’s a pretty funny guy.” after dyeing it blond for his junior season. Yoder didn’t suggest that Wroble’s onBut when Wroble steps onto the field, field responsibilities would change this season with the departure of Messick. he’s all business. He ranks eighth on SU’s all-time career tackles list with “I’m gonna tell him he should have a 206 and has recorded totals of 75 and lot more tackles because that little 72 tackles in his last two seasons. guy’s not gonna get there first,” Yoder Another 70-tackle season in 2016 quipped in reference to Messick, who would tie Wroble with Byron Mitchell finished with 348 career tackles (126 in for second on that list. 2015). “I think probably just a little “Mike’s a lot of things. We know what more of a leadership role (from Wroble) and hopefully defensively play the way he is,” Yoder said. “I mean he’s a foothe’s played the last three years. That’s ball player, he’s a plugger and he’s what we’re hoping for.” gonna do his job. He’s not real flashy but he gets the job done. So it’s great to Contact staff writer Brad Fauber at have him back. He’s a good locker room 540-465-5137 ext. 161, or bfauber@nvdaily.com guy because he’s friends with every-

50 FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

SHEPHERD UNIVERSITY RAMS

The Northern Virginia Daily

Shepherd looking to build on 2015 success By Rick Kozlowski - The Journal

Ziemba was reminded of the pain the team felt in losing just a lone game last season.

Will Smith each were starters along the line. Smith is returning from injury.

playoffs) as a challenge. Billy (Brown) lied to us and said he knew a player on Slippery Rock and said they were going to run all over us.”

The defensive line is just as veteran “We are hungry to get back and restart with Marshall Mundin, Elijah Norris, what we started,” Ziemba said. Myles Humphrey, Shaquille Melvin and Slippery Rock rushed for 67 yards on 33 carries after averaging 257 yards per It will be Ziemba’s offense in the early D.J. Cornish among the veteran leaders. game. part of the season, at the very least, as James Gupton and Octavious Thomas, new running backs get acclimated to a both of whom missed some time injured Sullivan is a veteran at free safety, system at Shepherd that likes to run True enough. last season, are standouts at linebacker. while C.J. Davis and Adam Coles, who moved into the starting lineup as a the football. Cameron Reynolds and Jaylen Johnson The Rams reached the program’s first result of a season-ending injury, are key are other veteran linebackers. Musselman graduate Deonte Glover, Division II national championship in the secondary. game, but Shepherd dropped the contest who had a productive series of spring Gupton, who missed four games, “We definitely got to defend the pass,” drills at West Virginia University, trans- ranked second on Shepherd in total to Northwest Missouri State. Cater said. ferred and is among the candidates to tackles last season with 80. Thomas was After graduating just 10 seniors, Coles led the team with five intercepstep behind Ziemba. That might’ve been third with 70. Shepherd, with a bevy of preseason Alltions a season ago, while Davis has Americans in different ranking systems, the biggest focus of camp. Shepherd, which had ranked first earned All-America honors in the past Ziemba, whose career completion peris well-positioned to make a deep run against the rush four seasons straight, as a return specialist. into the playoffs — maybe even making centage is 63 percent, threw for 3,414 fell from that pedestal last season, but Ruan Ventor and his big leg is back at yards and 30 touchdowns, with only five the Rams were particularly strong in that leap to the top. punter. However, the Rams were trying interceptions. the postseason and put clamps on a pair to decide on a kicker after their top two That group includes the dynamic quarof high-powered offenses in the playoffs. graduated a season ago. His record as a starter since taking terback-wide receiver tandem of Jeff over around midseason of his redshirt Ziemba and Billy Brown. “We started to click at the end of the Shepherd opens the season on Sept. 3 freshman season is 26-4. when it hosts West Virginia Wesleyan. season,” Sullivan said. “We took (the There are seven veteran starters on Should Ziemba need relief for whatever both offense and defense for a team opening the season ranked in the Top 5 reason, Shepherd has a very capable backup in Connor Jessop, who bailed in assorted preseason polls. The Rams out Shepherd when Ziemba left the are favored to win their third of four national semifinal with a shoulder Mountain East Conference titles. injury. The most-glaring departures will be at kicker and running back, where eligibili- Shepherd’s corps of wide receivers is ty issues clouded the return of veterans. talented, although a little young, and Shepherd also replaced three assistant led by the player Cater calls the “best coaches, their stock having risen by the ever” at the position, Billy Brown. success of the team. Brown caught 89 passes for 1,492 and 10 touchdowns a year ago. Next in line “They want to go ahead and replicate was veteran Tony Squirewell with 49 the kind of season we had last year,” Shepherd coach Monte Cater said. “Too receptions. Other returnees caught fewer than 10 passes. many things go into it, injuries, the schedule — where you play games — “We got some good, young receivers,” and letdowns.” Cater said. SHEPHERDSTOWN, W.Va. — No summation of Shepherd’s 2015 season fits more than one tendered by Rams defensive back Te Sullivan: “We made history, but we fell short of history,” he said.

ALL TEAMS!

Shepherd overcame its share of Tyrell Hollingsworth and Wanya Allen injuries a season ago — including one to will be among those receivers making Ziemba on the first series of the nation- an impact. al semifinals — yet won its first 13 Jamie Deason returns at tight end, bolgames before falling in the title game. stering a front line that is experienced “I don’t see our guys as complacent,” and will be getting some players back. Cater said. “We’ll find out.” Lavonte Hights is the most-heralded of What they did last year — whet the the linemen. Jake Kingston is the players’ appetites to do it again. Well, as returning starter at center, while Levi Lloyd, Jaime Colon, Khalil Proctor and Sullivan would say, to do it one better.

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UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA CAVALIERS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

Mendenhall hopes Virginia buy-in produces Saturday wins By HANK KURZ Jr., AP Sports Writer CHARLOTTESVILLE - Former BYU coach Bronco Mendenhall has brought a new way of doing things to Virginia, using his theories of "earned, not given" and "there are two ways of doing things: right, or again" in trying to steer the Cavaliers to the success that has been elusive for so long. The Cavaliers did not have a typical spring game, but instead a typical practice with fans watching. They did not have a starting quarterback when that was over, even with incumbent and team leader Matt Johns returning. Instead, Johns, Connor Brewer and transfer Kurt Benkert have been battling for the job ever since. The coach, who serves as his own defensive coordinator and typically runs a 3-4 scheme, has been pleased with the results so far. "I love our team because of how willing they are to work and how hard they've worked," he said as preseason camp began. "That's something they've chosen to do, and my responsibility, as long as they keep that up, is to put them in the very best

2016 SCHEDULE

2016 CAVALIERS

Sept. 3

Richmond, 3:30 p.m.

Sept. 10

at Oregon, 10:30 p.m.

• Offense/Defense: Pro, 4-3

Sept. 17

at UConn, 1:30 p.m.

Sept. 24

Central Michigan, TBA

Oct. 1

at Duke, TBA

• Key returnees: QB Matt Johns, TB Taquan Mizzell, DB Quin Blanding, DB Tim Harris, DB Darious Latimore, LB Micah Kiser, OL Michael Mooney, WR Olamide Zaccheaus,

Oct. 15

Pittsburgh, TBA

Oct. 22

North Carolina, TBA

Oct. 29

Louisville, TBA

Nov. 5

at Wake Forest, TBA

Nov. 12

Miami, TBA

Nov. 19

at Georgia Tech, TBA

Nov. 26

at Virginia Tech, TBA

positions ... to have success." The biggest question is behind center. Johns threw 20 touchdown passes last season, but also threw 17 interceptions, and began the spring as the least familiar with the offense among the

• Coach: Brock Mendenhall (first year)

• Key losses: WR Canaan Severin, OL Ross Burbank, OL Ryan Doull, DL David Dean, DB Maurice Canady, DB Demetrious Nicholson, DB Kelvin Rainey, LB Zach Bradshaw, DE Mike Moore, DE Trent Corney, WR T.J. Thorpe

three contenders. "Hopefully my experience will give me a little bit of an advantage," Johns said, "but at the same time, it's about earning the coaches' trust and playing simple and decisive and really competing every single day." The winner will have plenty of playmaking options to look to, starting with tailback Taquan Mizzell and multipurpose speedster Olamide Zaccheaus and including receivers Andrew VIRGINIA, 52

52 FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA CAVALIERS

The Northern Virginia Daily

Virginia Continued from 51

Levrone and Doni Dowling, both back from injuries. Virginia is deep at running back, and moving the ball doesn't seem to be a concern of the coaches. On defense, nose tackle Donte Wilkins, linebacker Micah Kiser and safety Quin Blanding give them stalwarts and signal callers at all three levels, and Blanding is comfortable that Mendenhall will have the unit ready. "We love him, and we're thankful for him to be here," he said. "We're just ready to win games." Some things to watch with Virginia this season: CHAPTER ONE The Mendenhall era starts with a game against very talented Richmond of the Championship Subdivision, and rarely has an opener meant more. Sure, the Spiders are a lower-level opponent, but the Cavaliers have had their hands full with Richmond a few times in recent seasons, and they travel in Week Two to high-powered Oregon. Getting off to a good start and some positive initial reinforcement could set a tone for the early going. THE QB

In this Dec. 7, 2015, file photo, Virginia coach Bronco Mendenhall speaks during an NCAA college head football news conference in Charlottesville. Mendenhall arrives from BYU to lead a program with one winning season in eight years.

Johns has the respect of his teammates, but neither the arm strength with his feet that Benkert has nor the ability to keep plays alive shown. Benkert also arrived after spring practice already more famil2015 STATS iar with the team's offense, having run it at East Carolina. • Record: 4-8 (3-5 ACC) • Passing leader: Matt Johns (247 for 403, 2,810 yards, 20 touchdowns, 17 interceptions) • Rushing leader: Taquan Mizzell (163 carries for 671 yards, 4 touchdowns) • Receiving leader: Taquan Mizzell (75 receptions for 721 yards, 4 touchdowns) • Total tackles: Micah Kiser (117) • Sacks: Micah Kiser (7.5) • Interceptions: Darious Latimore (2)

won the last 12 meetings in the series. PREDICTION

Mendenhall was pleasantly surprised with the talent available KEY GAMES when he got to Virginia, and the The Cavaliers would love for players have universally professed games later in the season to become total belief in the coach and his more important because of bowl staff. That kind of mindset goes a ramifications, but until that haplong way, especially in crunch time pens, games at Connecticut on Sept. of tight games, and with a non17, at recent nemesis Duke on Oct. league schedule not nearly as 1 and the regular-season finale at daunting as in recent years, the Virginia Tech are the one fans will Cavaliers should expect to get six most hope show a new day is dawn- wins and their first bowl game in ing for Virginia. The Hokies have five seasons.

2015 RESULTS (4-8, 3-5 ACC) Sept. 5 Sept. 12 Sept. 19 Sept. 25 Oct. 10 Oct. 17 Oct. 24 Oct. 31 Nov. 7 Nov. 14 Nov. 21 Nov. 28

lost to UCLA, 34-16 lost to Notre Dame, 34-27 beat William & Mary, 35-29 lost to Boise State, 56-14 lost to Pittsburgh, 26-19 beat Syracuse, 44-38 (3 OT) lost to North Carolina, 26-13 beat Georgia Tech, 27-21 lost to Miami, 27-21 lost to Louisville, 38-21 beat Duke, 42-34 lost to Virginia Tech, 23-20

The Northern Virginia Daily

VIRGINIA TECH HOKIES

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

Hokies set to start post-Beamer era under Fuente By Brad Fauber BLACKSBURG - The initial getting-to-know-you phase has passed for Virginia Tech’s football program and new head coach Justin Fuente. Fuente, hired by Tech last November to replace longtime head coach Frank Beamer, has had nine months to become acclimated to the Hokies, and them to Fuente, and he said during the school’s media day on Aug. 14 that he has a “pretty good handle” on the character of this year’s group. “We have a selfless team who want to work hard and do their best,” Fuente said. “There is a certain work level needed in order to give yourself a chance to win ballgames. There are no guarantees but they have been willing to work that hard. This is important to them. I like where their mind is at. To me, it is about getting the job done now. It is about going out there and executing. We are going through ups and downs. They know that but it is how we handle those ups and downs will determine our long-term success.” The Hokies certainly experienced plenty of that success under Beamer, who led Tech to 23 straight bowl games - including a 55-52 win over Tulsa in the Independence Bowl last December - in his 29 years in Blacksburg. But Tech hasn’t won more than eight games in a season since 2011, and now Fuente is tasked with returning the Hokies to the realm of ACC championships and 10-win seasons.

Courtesy of Dave Knachel/Virginia Tech

Justin Fuente enters his first season as head football coach at Virginia Tech. with a broken collarbone in the opener against Ohio State - and junior college transfer Jerod Evans left spring camp in competition for that starting quarterback spot. Fuente turned the situation into a full-fledge controversy when he declared on Aug. 16 that freshman Josh Jackson - a four-star recruit according to ESPN - had worked his way into contention.

2015 RESULTS (7-6, 4-4 ACC)

Sept. 7 Sept. 12 Fuente, credited with resurrecting a struggling Sept. 19 program at Memphis in his four seasons with the Tigers, has brought his up-tempo offense to Sept. 26 Blacksburg, although as of Aug. 18 it still wasn’t Oct. 3 clear who would be quarterbacking that unit. Oct. 9 Whoever will be taking snaps for the Hokies in Redshirt senior Brendan Motley - who started six Oct. 17 games last season after Michael Brewer went down 2016 will be doing so behind an offensive line that drew high praise from Fuente in mid-August. Oct. 24 2016 HOKIES “That is the group that has been the most consisOct. 31 tent so far,” Fuente said of a group that returns sen- Nov. 12 • Coach: Justin Fuente (first year) iors Augie Conte (guard) and Jonathan McLaughlin • Offense/Defense: Spread/4-4 Nov. 21 (tackle) and juniors Eric Gallo (center) and Wyatt • Key returnees: CB Adonis Alexander, FS Chuck Nov. 28 Teller (guard). “They are the most accountable on Clark, OL Augie Conte, LB Tremaine Edmunds, DE Ken being where they should be and doing what they Dec. 26 Ekanem, CB Brandon Facyson, WR Isaiah Ford, C Eric should be doing. I love their mindset. We have some Gallo, TE Bucky Hodges, OL Jonathan McLaughlin, RB Travon McMillian, QB Brenden Motley, LB Andrew Motuapuaka, WR Cam Phillips, FB Sam Rogers, K Joey Slye, OL Wyatt Teller.

• Key losses: QB Michael Brewer, LB Deon Clarke, CB Kendall Fuller, P A.J. Hughes, DT Luther Maddy, DT Corey Marshall, DE Dadi Nicolas, TE Ryan Malleck.

lost to Ohio State, 42-24 beat Furman, 42-3 beat Purdue, 51-24 lost to East Carolina, 35-28 lost to Pittsburgh, 17-13 beat N.C. State, 28-13 lost to Miami, 30-20 lost to Duke, 45-43 (4 OT) beat Boston College, 26-10 beat Georgia Tech, 23-21 lost to North Carolina, 30-27, OT beat Virginia, 23-20 beat Tulsa, 55-52

satile senior fullback Sam Rogers (250 yards rushyounger guys who are pushing for playing time at different spots. It will be interesting to see how it all ing, 193 receiving in 2015). unfolds.” Redshirt junior tight end Bucky Hodges passed up Tech also returns wealth of experience at the offen- the NFL draft to return after racking up 1,056 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns in his first two sive skill positions. Sophomore running back seasons, and junior receivers Isaiah Ford (75 catchTrayvon McMillian is back after rushing for 1,043 yards and seven touchdowns last season, as is verHOKIES, 54

VIRGINIA TECH HOKIES

54 FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

Hokies

2016 SCHEDULE Sept. 3

Liberty, 12:30 p.m.

Sept. 10

Tennessee at Bristol, 8 p.m.

es, 1,164 yards, 11 touchdowns last Sept. 17 season) and Cam Ford (49 catches, 582 Sept. 24 yards, 2 TDs) provide reliable targets Oct. 8 on the outside.

Boston College, 3:30 p.m.

Continued from 53

Depth at receiver behind Ford and Phillips remains a question for the Hokies, however. Fuente said he was encouraged by the progress made of Jalen Bradshaw, Henri Murphy, Divine Deablo, Eric Kumah and C.J. Carroll but said there is still “some concern.” “Within those guys and some of the younger guys, I am hopeful that they will keep making progress and will produce some quality depth,” Fuente said. “We are certainly better off than we were two weeks or two months ago. We still have a lot of work to do.” Defensively, the Hokies will be looking to bounce back under longtime defensive coordinator Bud Foster, as Virginia Tech ranked 44th in the nation in total defense (369.8 yards allowed) and 59th in scoring defense (26.3 points allowed) in 2015, some of the worst marks in Foster’s tenure. “I want to get back to doing those things where we aren’t just playing man all the time,” Foster said. “I want to get a few more eyes on the ball. I want to play a little bit more and show a little bit more. Even though we might be playing a little bit more man, we also want to be doing some more disguise plays, which we have done in the past. I think the biggest thing is getting more eyes on the football.”

East Carolina, TBA at North Carolina, TBA

Oct. 15

at Syracuse, TBA

Oct. 20

Miami, 7 p.m.

Oct. 27

at Pittsburgh, 7 p.m.

Nov. 5

at Duke, TBA

Nov. 12

Georgia Tech, TBA

Nov. 19

at Notre Dame, 3:30 p.m.

Nov. 26

Virginia, TBA

2015 STATS • Record: 7-6 (4-4 ACC) • Passing leader: Michael Brewer (126 for 216, 1,703 yards, 13 touchdowns, 7 interceptions) • Rushing leader: Travon McMillian (200 carries for 1,043 yards, 7 touchdowns) • Receiving leader: Isaiah Ford (75 receptions for 1,164 yards, 11 touchdowns) • Total tackles: Chuck Clark (107) • Sacks: Ken Ekanem (4.5) • Interceptions: Adonis Alexander (4)

to see extensive action at linebacker last season.

In the secondary, Tech is still searching for depth behind cornerbacks Brandon Facyson and Adonis Alexander (who is suspended for the opener), safety Chuck Clark (teamhigh 107 tackles last year) and cornerTech’s much-hyped defensive line did- turned-rover Terrell Edmunds. n’t pan out in 2015, and now the “We need to find a fourth guy in a lot Hokies must replace three starters up of spots right now,” Foster said. “If we front, although Ken Ekanem (teamhave two positions, we have three high 4.5 sacks in 2015) does bring vet- guys and need to find a fourth guy. We eran leadership at end, while defenwant to feel comfortable, so we can sive tackle Woody Baron proved a compete and perform at a high level. capable regular contributor last year. … We are still at the developmental Experience beyond the defensive line stages with some of the young guys is thin for the Hokies. Redshirt junior that we are hoping to develop sooner Andrew Motuapuaka (73 tackles in 11 rather than later.” Contact staff writer Brad Fauber at starts in 2015), sophomore Tremaine Edmunds and redshirt junior Anthony 540-465-5137 ext. 161, or Shegog are the only returning players bfauber@nvdaily.com

The Northern Virginia Daily

MASSANUTTEN MILITARY ACADEMY COLONELS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

Colonels in rebuilding mode under new coach just 4.6 points in games in which they competed (MMA forfeited a matchup against powerhouse Roanoke Catholic) WOODSTOCK - There’s not really any way for first-year coach Pete Stone and were shut out five times. Only to sugarcoat the state of Massanutten once, in a 26-18 loss to Victory Christian Academy, did MMA keep the Military Academy’s football program. final score to a one-possession game. After a winless 2015 season, the second for the program in three years, Stone said the key to successfully and playing for their third different running the flexbone lies in the capahead coach in as many seasons, the bilities of the quarterback. Colonels are essentially laying a new “You’ve gotta have a quarterback that foundation. can make reads, pre-snap and during “We’re rebuilding,” Stone said during the play, and change plays when necesMMA’s practice this week. “There’s no sary,” said Stone, who declined to disother way to put any more lipstick on close who would take the snaps for the it than that.” Colonels this fall. Last season, under one-and-done Defensively the Colonels will work head coach Buster Davis, the Colonels out of a 4-2-5 base. suffered through an 0-10 season and “That’s not scientific either - I’ve got their third straight winless campaign more fives than I’ve got fours and against Patriot Conference competiRich Cooley/Daily twos,” Stone said, referring to defention. Pete Stone, center, Massanutten Military Academy’s new head football Stone said on Aug. 17 that he expect- sive backs, linemen and linebackers, coach, prepares to start a drill with his team during a recent practice on respectively. “We’ve got some kids that ed anywhere from 25 to 30 players on the school’s football field in Woodstock. run pretty well, so we should be able to this season’s roster - most didn’t arrive get to the ball and do some good on campus until Aug. 20 - and most of things.” those would be new to the school and/or the football program. MMA allowed 49.6 points per game in By Brad Fauber

The first-year coach, who spent the last three years as the head football coach at Lubbock Christian High School in Texas, said he’s received good cooperation from the players who reported for the first week of camp.

2015 and surrendered over 50 points four times. Stone said he’s gone back to the basics of playing defense by preaching the importance of lining up correctly, getting to the ball and making the tackle.

“These kids are really buying in and working hard,” said Stone, who grew up in Waynesboro and graduated from Stuarts Draft High School. “I don’t have to spend a lot of time telling them not to jack around, which obviously increases your practice time. So far I’ve been really happy with the senior leadership we have.”

“What I’ve seen on film last year, we weren’t good tacklers, so we’ll spend a lot of time working on tackling fundamentals,” Stone said. “We have a chance to be pretty good defensively.” The Colonels begin their 2016 season at 6 p.m. Friday with a road game at Quantico.

“My goal really, and this sounds Stone said he is installing the flexbone, triple-option offense at MMA, cliché, is to be competitive, and you a scheme he implemented during his know, get the kids fundamentally to head coaching tenure in Lubbock. where they can enjoy the game,” Stone said. “Once we do that wins will come.” “We do it for the same reason the service academies do it, we’re gonna be Contact staff writer Brad Fauber at small up front,” Stone said. 540-465-5137 ext. 161, or Last season, the Colonels averaged

bfauber@nvdaily.com

Stone eager for challenge that awaits at MMA By Brad Fauber

where he will coach the Colonels on the football field this fall.

WOODSTOCK - Pete Stone said he “I, quite frankly, enjoyed being an assistant coach and for about half had the chance to take on another the money I decided my passion was job. about coming back to this part of A football coach for seven years at the world, being in a military school, Lubbock Christian School in Texas, working with these types of kids the last three of which he spent as and rebuilding,” Stone said after a the team’s head coach, Stone recent MMA practice. could’ve gone to a public school and Drawn by the prospect of returning returned to his previous post as a closer to home and his 90-year-old high school defensive coordinator. In mother after spending 24 years in fact, that was what he envisioned Texas, Stone began picking around his future held. for vacant coaching jobs throughout But the Waynesboro native realized the local area. His search led to him perusing the football schedule of he wanted something else, and a Fishburne Military Academy passion pulled him back to the (Fishburne’s head coach, Chip Hill, Shenandoah Valley and to Massanutten Military Academy, STONE, 56

56 FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

MMA COLONELS/RANDOLPH-MACON ACADEMY YELLOW JACKETS

Stone Continued from 55

was the defensive coordinator at Stuarts Draft High School while Stone attended there, he said), and he eventually happened upon the football coaching vacancy at MMA. Athletic director Michael Campbell, who was hired by MMA in April, made Stone one of his first hires later that month and considers the school lucky to have drawn a coach like Stone. “He was a perfect fit,” Campbell said. “He knows the military school. He knows the situation.” Indeed, Stone is pretty familiar with the military school atmosphere he attended Virginia Military Institute for three years and served in the United States Army for six, and his father was the former superintendent at Fishburne, he said. What is unfamiliar to Stone, however, is the state of MMA’s football program. Stone said while at Lubbock Christian he and his team enjoyed consistent playoff appearances, and the Eagles went 5-5 in his final season in 2015. He now inherits an MMA program that has won five games in the last four years. For Stone, that was all part of the allure. “That’s one of the things that was really appealing about this job, the opportunity to really build something from the ground up,” he said. A self-proclaimed football and baseball junkie - he will also coach varsity baseball at MMA in the spring - Stone said he never played on the gridiron before being hired as the defensive coordinator at Lubbock Christian seven years ago. Stone enjoyed what he called “a really good coaching staff” while essentially learning how to coach the sport on the fly in Texas, and said he began developing his own coaching style by starting at the teambuilding phase, something he took from his days in the Army. “It’s just like anything else, you just study and work at it,” he said. Stone added that, in his experience, a lot of really good football coaches are the ones who have had limited playing experience in the sport. “A lot of guys that played football at a high level have never been on a team where you had to teach kids how to put their chinstrap on,” Stone said. “You know, (former MMA football coach Buster Davis) last year, great guy. He played at a 5A high school, he played D1 football, played in the NFL. He’d never been around a team where you had to teach kids how to put the pads in their pants. So it’s a different skill set. Small-school football is awesome.” Stone is eager to get the 2016 football season rolling at MMA, when the Colonels travel to Quantico on Friday. But he knows the rebuilding process won’t be a quick one for a team coming off an 0-10 season, its second winless campaign in three years.

The Northern Virginia Daily

Returning players give Yellow Jackets reason for optimism By Tommy Keeler Jr. FRONT ROYAL - Randolph-Macon Academy coach Frank Sullivan is optimistic about the upcoming season. The Yellow Jackets have a lot of returning starters from a team that just missed the playoffs last year. “I expect them to play with great effort, and right now for the third day in they’re executing at a point where we’re usually not at right now,” Sullivan said in an interview last week. “We’re throwing a lot at them and they’re taking it all in. I have high expectations for them on and off the field.” Sullivan said there were a number of players battling for spots on the offensive line. He said that seniors Gery You-Ghosal and Dennis Ponn were two of the players expected to lead the way on the offensive line. One area where the Yellow Jackets should be strong is at quarterback. Senior Corban Ruch is back after missing most of last season with an injury. He threw for 68 yards last year before being sidelined by an injury. “He’s really grown with his ability to throw the ball and his speed,” Sullivan said. “He’s just a leader on and off the field.” Senior Jeffrey Collins and junior Miles Gilmore will be getting the bulk of the carries. They combined for 491 yards rushing and four touchdowns last year. Ruch will have plenty of targets to throw to this season in R-MA’s spread offense. Sullivan said he wants to use around eight receivers, and be able to rotate guys in and out. Seniors Alex Ndongo-Seh and So So Eke-Spiff are two of the team’s top returning receivers. Sullivan said that senior Tanyi Makia and juniors Rhamel Brewer and Awungarac Ngosong will be expected to lead the way on the defensive line. Senior Alex Blell will be a big factor at linebacker. Blell had 65 tackles last season to lead the Yellow Jackets. “He does whatever the team needs him to do. He’s just an all-around good guy,” Sullivan said. “He controls the whole front for us.”

“There’s not gonna be a miracle here,” Stone said. “There’s not gonna be a Disney movie here.”

Sullivan said that Gilmore and junior Gabe Dubin will also be playing at linebacker. Sullivan said that Ndongo-Seh, Collins, junior Ed Loolo and Christian Pierce will be in the secondary.

Contact staff writer Brad Fauber at 540-465-5137 ext. 161, or bfauber@nvdaily.com

Contact staff writer Tommy Keeler at 540-465-5137 ext. 168, or tkeeler@nvdaily.com

RANDOLPH-MACON ACADEMY YELLOW JACKETS

The Northern Virginia Daily

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

Ndongo-Seh ready to lead R-MA in senior season By Tommy Keeler Jr. FRONT ROYAL — Alex Ndongo-Seh has grown a lot since his freshman season at Randolph-Macon Academy. Not only has he literally grown several inches, but the R-MA senior football standout said he’s learned a lot during his time at the school. “I used to think I was on top of the world,” Ndongo-Seh said. “I came here in ninth grade and there were some seniors that showed me how to play. It’s really humbling. I learned a lot about effort. Now I’m 17 years old, now I know I used to be a pretty lackadaisical, lazy player. I was athletic and I sort of relied on that.”

Randolph Macon Academy’s Alex Ndongo-Seh stands outside Riddick Field in Front Royal. Ndongo-Seh, who plays wide receiver and safety, will help lead the Yellow Jackets this season.

Ndongo-Seh said that R-MA coach Frank Sullivan had a talk with him after his freshman season about working harder on his game. NdongoSeh said he took it to heart and his game prospered after that. He started as a sophomore, and last year had a strong season starting at both wide receiver and safety. Last year he had 16 receptions for 230 yards and three touchdowns. He also had two interceptions and 19 tackles on defense. Sullivan said Ndongo-Seh is a very physical kid.

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“He looks more like a running back and a linebacker for high school, but he runs great routes,” Sullivan said. “He’s a very good blocker and on defense he probably knows about six positions. So he’s been around the block, and so he’s good at safety to line people up and things like that.” Sullivan said Ndongo-Seh has

developed into a really good leader for the team. The Yellow Jackets went 4-5 last season, and just missed the postseason. This season Ndongo-Seh said he wants to help lead the team to even more success. “There’s a couple games (from last

year) that are on everybody’s mind, you can ask anybody,” Ndongo-Seh. “There’s a couple games we want to get back, we want to win. Last year wasn’t bad, but this year can be way better.” Contact staff writer Tommy Keeler at 540-465-5137 ext. 168, or tkeeler@nvdaily.com

Good Luck R-MA Yellow Jackets!

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58 FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

PITTSBURGH STEELERS

The Northern Virginia Daily

No excuses in Steeltown Athlon Sports

cant piece from last year’s third-ranked group.

There are two ways to look at the Steelers’ High-flying wide receiver Martavis Bryant is gone for the season because of 2015 season, and coach Mike Tomlin another drug-related suspension. It’s his prefers the less sympathetic version. second in as many seasons and so much On one hand, the Steelers could take solace in the fact that they finished 10–6 more of a blow than last year’s, which cost him four games. His top-end speed and sent Cincinnati out the door once and size can’t truly be replaced, but the again with an early playoff exit in the AFC Wild Card round despite boatloads Steelers will need others from the group, of significant injuries to the team’s high- Markus Wheaton in particular, to pick powered offense. On the other, though, is up the slack and account for the nearly 70 yards per game Bryant amassed in a franchise with annual Super Bowl or 2015. Darrius Heyward-Bey stepped up bust expectations, a shrinking window because of the age and wear and tear of during Bryant’s suspension last year, and he’ll be called on again to serve a franchise quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and a no-nonsense coach key role in Pittsburgh’s offense, which is at its best when three or more receivers whose next excuse for why something are in the open field providing went wrong will be his first. Roethlisberger with multiple options and “We go into the journey with that under- preventing excessive coverage on top tarstanding, that it’s going to be difficult, get Antonio Brown. Second-year wide that’s it’s going to be a fight,” Tomlin says. receiver Sammie Coates, who left a mini“We appreciate the support, but at the mal imprint as a rookie, stayed in Pittssame time we set out to be world champi- burgh throughout the offseason to train on. That was our goal. We meant it.” and knows he’ll need to be better in 2016. The Steelers will mean it again in 2016, The Steelers hope they have filled the and there’s reason to believe they’ll have vacancy left by tight end Heath Miller, a chance to make good on it, especially if who retired after 11 consistent seasons. they stay just a little bit healthier than Ladarius Green, the team’s most notable they did a year ago. free-agent signing, should be coming into

headaches after two concussions last season. The return of Le’Veon Bell, who missed the second half of 2015 with a knee injury, and Pro Bowl center Maurkice Pouncey should do wonders for a running game that ranked middle of the pack in 2015. Veteran DeAngelo Williams, in a revival of a 2015 season, certainly did his best to carry the load in Bell’s absence, but the versatility, mix of speed and power and every-down threat Bell provides is matched by few in the NFL. None of the above matters, of course, unless Roethlisberger is behind center. The 13th-year veteran was battered and bruised from start to finish in 2015, as the fourtime Pro Bowler battled significant injuries to his knee, foot and throwing shoulder, the last of which he powered through in a gritty effort against the Broncos in the AFC Divisional Round. If there’s a cumulative effect to all of these injuries, Roethlisberger has done a great job of hiding it, as the last two seasons have been his most statistically prolific. With Roethlisberger starting last year, the Steelers averaged better than 340 passing yards per game. Without him, the number dropped to 177.

DEFENSE The time is now for the his prime after four seasons with the OFFENSE The Steelers are poised to defense to pay dividends on all of the be electric on offense once again in 2016, Chargers. But he still hadn’t practiced as earlyround picks Pittsburgh’s front office has poured into it. but they’ll have to do it without a signifi- of mid-August because of lingering

Counting this year’s draft, the Steelers have used five of their last six firstround picks and all of their first- and secondround picks in the last three drafts on defensive players. There have been no outright misses in the group, but each one finds himself in a vital role on a defense that continues to be tough against the run but has struggled mightily against the pass. The front seven is in decent shape with minimal turnover from last year’s squad. The loss of nose tackle Steve McLendon was mitigated by the third-round selection of Javon Hargrave, and the Steelers are strongest at the ends with Cameron Heyward and Stephon Tuitt. They are sound at inside linebacker with Ryan Shazier and veteran Lawrence Timmons, too — two big reasons why the Steelers STEELERS, 59

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PITTSBURGH STEELERS/WASHINGTON REDSKINS

Steelers

a shoulder injury, hoped to compete at the nickel corner spot but injured his foot in camp and may miss the season.

Continued from 58

SPECIALISTS One year after dealing with some adversity at kicker, the ranked fifth against the run in 2015. Steelers were planning on holding a Jarvis Jones, a first-round pick in 2013 kicking competition between veteran who has been a relative disappointment, Shaun Suisham and Chris Boswell. But is entering a prove-it season after a that was before the team released 2015 campaign that showed flashes of Suisham on June 24 due to a setback promise. His performance, coupled with from the ACL he tore in the Hall of the development of last year’s firstFame game prior to last season. round pick, outside linebacker Bud Dupree, will dictate just how much this That leaves the job to Boswell, who was group can overcome a work-in-progress more than solid in 2015, making all but secondary. three of his 32 field goal attempts including going 11-for-14 from 40-plus. Australian There’s only one way to go for the punter Jordan Berry is coming off a defensive backfield after a season in which it surrendered a whopping 271.9 solid debut season, and the Steelers are in great hands in the return game with passing yards per game — third-worst Brown on punts and Wheaton on kicks. in the NFL. FINAL ANALYSIS The Steelers’ verThe losses to the Steelers’ back end — sion of limping to the finish line in 2015 Brandon Boykin, Will Allen and Antwon saw them a play away from taking down Blake — could be considered addition by the eventual Super Bowl champions on subtraction if Pittsburgh’s latest injecthe road and advancing to the AFC tion of young talent pans out. Top pick Championship Game. Health in the Artie Burns was among the rawest corNFL is as unpredictable as it gets; but if nerbacks selected in the early rounds, the Steelers, thanks to one of the but he’ll likely be learning on the fly on league’s most dangerous offenses and a the opposite side from William Gay. Still just-good-enough defense, enter the reeling from the retirement of future home stretch of 2016 in just a little bit Hall of Famer Troy Polamalu and disbetter shape than the previous year, satisfied with the performance of Shamarko Thomas last year, Pittsburgh then there’s every reason to believe they’ll be back atop a tough AFC North drafted Maryland’s Sean Davis in the division. And they’ll once again be a second round and has hopes for him to threat to represent the conference in the step right up next to safety Mike Super Bowl. Mitchell. Senquez Golson, a secondround pick who missed all of 2015 with PREDICTION First in AFC North

• The Cleveland Browns rolled out a food wasteto-energy program in 2013, the ﬁrst NFL stadium to do so. A grinder sends stadium kitchen scraps for composting where renewable methane gas is collected, enough to power 32 homes for one month. The process also provides enough nutrients for three football ﬁelds of new crops.

• In just two days following Super Bowl 2016 in the Bay Area, volunteers built nine tiny houses on wheels for the area’s homeless. All materials were scavenged, including items from the Super Bowl City construction site.

Stability in Washington Athlon Sports The prevailing view of the Redskins some 18 months ago was of an organization beset by dysfunction — with a meddling owner, a revolving door of coaches and GMs, a mercurial quarterback (Robert Griffin III) who was never the same after reconstructive knee surgery and a history of terrible (and terribly expensive) free-agent signings. The Redskins’ 2015 season, which produced a surprising NFC East title behind quarterback Kirk Cousins, went a long way toward shedding the dysfunction label. So did the uncharacteristic harmony and decisiveness of the management team, headed by GM Scot McCloughan, whose vast overhaul of the roster continued this offseason — a period bookended by the long-expected release of Griffin and the surprise signing of star cornerback Josh Norman.

player drafted three rounds before him in 2012 — Cousins put up dazzling numbers, setting franchise records for passing yards (4,166) and completions (379) while leading the league in completion percentage (69.8) and guiding the Redskins to a 9–7 record. Most important, he learned to protect the ball — his biggest failure in previous seasons — throwing 11 interceptions and losing only four fumbles, both respectable totals, while also avoiding sacks better than his more mobile predecessor. The biggest question now is whether Cousins fits in the team’s long-term plans; he was hit with the franchise tag for 2016, and talks are ongoing regardinga long-term extension.

Cousins has a nice assortment of targets for the passing game, from risingstar tight end Jordan Reed to big-play threat DeSean Jackson to steady veteran Pierre Garçon. Reed led the team in Washington may not be the model fran- receptions (87), receiving yards (952) and chise it was in its 1980s heyday, but with touchdowns (11) in his third season in 18 of the 22 starters listed for last seathe league. Jackson averaged 17.6 yards son’s Wild Card game returning in 2016, on his 30 receptions. There’s also a nice and with what appears to be another crop of young players such as Jamison solid draft class coming in, the Redskins Crowder — who caught 59 passes as a remain a team on the rise. Much, of rookie last year — and 2016 first-round course, will depend upon the continued draft pick Josh Doctson. The latter was a development of Cousins in his second bit of a surprise for the Redskins in the year as the full-time starter in Jay first round, given their needs elsewhere, Gruden’s offense. but Doctson was also a hedge on the OFFENSE Handed the starting job REDSKINS, 60 during training camp over Griffin — the

• Pittsburgh’s “Let’s Tackle Recycling” initiative has become a mainstay at Heinz Field where tailgaters are offered recycling bags by volunteers. Fans are also encouraged to use their 30-gal. recycling bags in the “world’s largest cornhole game” while awaiting kick-off.

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FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

• The Philadelphia Eagles divert 99 percent of waste from Lincoln Field by employing recycling, food diversion and the use of corn-based food and beverage containers. Cooking oil is converted into biodiesel. Through the production of wind and solar energy and a green power purchase agreement, the stadium is powered solely by green energy. It boasts the largest solar panel in the NFL.

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WASHINGTON REDSKINS

60 FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

Redskins Continued from 59

remains the anchor of the line, while right guard Brandon Scherff, the fifth overall pick in 2015, is coming off a stellar rookie campaign.

secondary that the team released veteran corner Chris Culliver, its top freeagent signee of the previous offseason.

covering slot receivers, tight ends and running backs on passing downs.

SPECIALISTS The Redskins’ special teams upcoming free agencies of were once a perennial Meanwhile, the pass rush Jackson and Garçon. was expected to get a boost laughingstock but now are DEFENSE At first The running back spot is glance, the sudden signing with the expected return of a pillar of stability for the something of an unknown. franchise. The team was sack specialist Junior of Norman, following his Matt Jones, coming off an happy enough with lefty Galette, who missed the release from Carolina, unremarkable rookie year, punter Tress Way to take entire 2015 season after appeared to be another ascends to the starting job, the rare step of signing tearing his left Achilles case of Redskins impetureplacing popular veteran him to a five-year contract. tendon. But he tore it ousness. But credit for this Alfred Morris. Backup In 2014, he became the again over the summer Chris Thompson is coming move goes to McCloughan, and will miss another sea- first Redskins punter since off minor shoulder surgery who put aside his build1958 to lead the league in through-the-draft strategy son. On the other side is and will have to compete punting average. Kicker veteran Ryan Kerrigan, and pivoted decisively with seventh-round draft Dustin Hopkins, meanwho has totaled 23 sacks when a game-changer like pick Keith Marshall — while, signed with the the past two seasons. And Norman became available. who ran a 4.31 in the 40team last September after don’t forget 2015 secondyard dash at the NFL One of the top cover men rounder Preston Smith, being cut by New Orleans Combine — for carries in the game, Norman will who amassed six sacks in and paid immediate divibehind Jones. fit perfectly in coordinator the final four games of dends. His 52 touchbacks Marshall appeared head- Joe Barry’s zone scheme. in 2015 were nearly three 2015. If Galette returns With Norman’s signing, ed for greatness early in healthy, outside linebacker times as many as Kai the secondary goes from a Trent Murphy, a 2014 sec- Forbath had the year his career at Georgia weakness to a potential before tearing his ACL in before, while opponents’ ond-rounder, could be 2013. Morris isn’t the only strength, with Norman starting field position folmoved to defensive end. veteran back whose depar- and Bashaud Breeland Among the more intrigu- lowing kickoffs declined by forming one of the top corture will be felt in nearly six yards. ing members of the Washington. The team also nerback duos in the league Redskins’ 2016 draft class He also made 25 of his 28 jettisoned fullback Darrel — a huge plus in a division was second-rounder Su’a field goal attempts for the where they will face Odell Young and likely won’t Cravens, a linebacker/safe- year — more than good Beckham Jr. and Dez replace him. enough to ensure his rosty hybrid out of USC. At If the offensive line is not Bryant twice each. ter spot for 2016. The 6'1", 226 pounds, he has exactly a strength for the Redskins, at least it is no longer a clear weakness. Left tackle Trent Williams, a four-time Pro Bowler,

By the time the Redskins selected cornerback Kendall Fuller in the third round of the draft, there was so much depth in the

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the size to go either way — though he will be listed as a safety — and the Redskins envision using him as a “dime linebacker,”

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team’s top return men for 2016 also appear set, with Rashad Ross handling kickoffs and Crowder returning punts.

FINAL ANALYSIS It is tempting to say the signing of Norman pushed the Redskins into the role of favorites in the NFC East. The division was the only one in the NFL last year with three teams with losing records. The Redskins haven’t had back-to-back winning seasons since 1996-97 and haven’t made the playoffs in back-toback years since making it three in a row from 1990-

92, but this year both distinctions could fall. They are certainly far from a sure thing, but with a little more improvement from Cousins, some luck with health and a typical suffocating performance by Norman, the Redskins could improve on last year’s surprising run to the division title. PREDICTION Second in NFC East

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PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

Big change at the top Athlon Sports The Eagles aborted the failed Chip Kelly experiment before last season even ended, giving the former Oregon Ducks boss fewer than three years to make his college system successful in the NFL. Owner Jeffrey Lurie, who in 2013 thirsted to dazzle the league with Kelly’s high-speed offense and alleged revolutionary approach to conditioning and practicing, realized the mistake he made putting someone in complete charge of a program who had never been a part of an NFL staff before. So, he looked back to find his next brain trust.

smarts and tools to be successful in the NFL. But if he plays in 2016, the Eagles likely will not contend. Whoever is under center will work with an uninspiring cast of wideouts. Thirdyear man Jordan Matthews is a proven slot weapon but has no downfield ability.

The arrival of Dorial Green-Beckham from the Titans after the first preseasongame could keep Matthews in the slot where he is most effective. Second-year man Nelson Agholor caught only 23 balls in ’16 and remains an unknown quantity, despite his first-round pedigree. Josh Huff, new He started by reinstating Howie Roseman atop comer Rueben Randle and Chris Givens are hardthe team’s football org chart, after having exiled ly inspiring options. The tight end situation is the Eagles’ former boss in favor of Kelly. Roseman strong, with Zach Ertz and veteran Brent Celek then led a coaching search that featured some offering plenty of production. misfires (Adam Gase, Ben McAdoo, Tom Coughlin) The DeMarco Murray experiment failed spectacThey’ll work behind a line that includes standout before resulting in the hiring of former Eagles QB ularly last year, and the Eagles dished him to tackle Fletcher Cox, who signed a six-year conand Andy Reid acolyte Doug Pederson, who will Tennessee during the offseason. That leaves Ryan tract extension in June that is worth $103 million try to take a roster with some serious questions to Mathews, who carried the ball just 106 times last ($63 million guaranteed), and highly capable intethe top of the NFC East. year, as the main back, with aging Darren Sproles rior man Bennie Logan. But Brandon Graham, OFFENSE The Eagles appeared to have their in reserve. Fifth-round pick Wendell Smallwood, Vinny Curry and Connor Barwin are not first-rate quarterback situation figured out when they gave who led the Big 12 in rushing last year but had ends, making this unit a little vulnerable against Sam Bradford a two-year deal ($22 million guarsome off-field issues, will get a chance for some the run and in the pass rush. The Eagles’ 37 sacks anteed), signed former Kansas City backup Chase carries. last year were in the middle of the league hierarDaniel to provide reinforcements under center They will run behind a line that has some queschy. and were planning to spend a draft pick on a tion marks, most notably Pro Bowl left tackle Philadelphia reconfigured its secondary during young quarterback they would groom for the Jason Peters, whose play has slipped the past cou- the offseason. The stalwart is safety Malcolm future. Then, the Birds jumped up to the second ple years due to injury. Right tackle Lane Johnson Jenkins, and the Eagles are excited about freeoverall spot, chose North Dakota State’s Carson has been steady and could ultimately slide into agent arrival Rodney McLeod. But the cornerback Wentz, and Bradford demanded that he be traded Peters’ position, but he will sit out the season’s situation is not ideal. Neither journeyman Nolan to a team for which he could be the clear-cut first 10 games after testing positive for PEDs. The Carroll nor second-year performer Eric Rowe is a starter. Eagles need free-agent acquisition Brandon standout, and former Bill Leodis McKelvin is not The funny thing about all this is that while Brooks to provide stability at guard. a front-line starter. The Eagles tried to upgrade Bradford had a solid second half of 2015, he has things through the draft by acquiring safety Jalen DEFENSE The Birds finished 30th in total never been a consistent winner, thanks to injuries defense last year, in part due to a gaping time-of- Mills and versatile Blake Countess, but both were (he missed two games last year) and an inability possession deficit caused by Kelly’s refusal to pro- late-round choices, and it’s unlikely either will to avoid mistakes. His petulance created turmoil tect his D with anykind of ball-control principles. play a big role. within the organization, and even if he plays for The Eagles added a couple of pieces, but it SPECIALISTS The Eagles were forced to use Philadelphia in 2016, it’s unlikely he will have remains devoid of first-rate playmakers. The best Caleb Sturgis as their kicker last year after Cody complete support of his teammates. And it is cer- move the team made during the offseason was Parkey tore his groin muscles early in the year. If tain the fans will be merciless in the abuse they trading underachieving cornerback Byron healthy, Parkey is a solid option who converted heap on him. Maxwell and linebacker Kiko Alonso to the 32-of-36 chances in 2014. He doesn’t have the Pederson’s West Coast offense is far more conven- Dolphins for a draft pick that helped the Eagles biggest leg around, but he proved to be a reliable tional than Kelly’s campus attack. The Eagles fig- move up to acquire Wentz. option. Donnie Jones averaged a robust 47.0 yards ured Bradford had the skills to be successful in it Second-year linebacker Jordan Hicks was a reve- per punt last year, and his net of 41.6 was sixth in and gave Daniel a lot of money ($12 million guar- lation last year before tearinghis pectoral muscle. the NFL. His 23 fair catches were second in the anteed) because he knows it so well. league, and he was ninth in punts inside oppoHe’ll work with Mychal Kendricks, who must nents’ 20-yard lines. Sproles is a dangerous punt Wentz, a big-armed, mobile passer who led North become more dynamic, and newly acquired Nigel Dakota State to a pair of FCS titles, has the EAGLES, 62 Bradham on the second line of defense.

62 FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES/BALTIMORE RAVENS

The Northern Virginia Daily

Health key in Baltimore Athlon Sports The Ravens followed an uncharacteristic 5–11 season, the first losing campaign in John Harbaugh’s eight-year tenure, with an equally unusual offseason. Normally content to mostly sit out free agency, the Ravens were aggressive in March, signing established veterans Mike Wallace, Benjamin Watson and Eric Weddle, while also making sure that cornerback Shareece Wright and kicker Justin Tucker stayed with the organization. The signings, coupled with an 11-player draft class, have strengthened a roster that was short on talent and healthy bodies last year. Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome believes the team is as deep at the offensive skill positions as it’s been in years. But in order to rebound, the Ravens will still be largely dependent on veterans — quarterback Joe

Eagles Continued from 61

return man, although he isn’t as electric as he once was, while Huff averaged a respectable 23.7 yards per kick return last year but hasn’t shown the ability to break off big runs yet. FINAL ANALYSIS The Eagles were in contention for the mediocre NFC East until late in the 2015 season, hardly reason for celebration. But Kelly is gone, and the team can get on with the process of playing real football again. The problem is that Pederson is an untested head coach. Roseman may have survival instincts, but he hasn’t shown any reason for fans to believe he is capable of re-tooling the roster. The Eagles’ executive hierarchy is among the least stable in the league, so even the selection of Wentz can be viewed as worrisome. Should Bradford behave and play to his capability, the team is capable of finishing in the 8–8 range. While there isn’t an abundance of big-time NFL talent on the roster, there aren’t many gaping holes, either. If it’s up to Daniel, and worse, Wentz — at least in the short term — Philadelphia will be lucky to win six games. PREDICTION Fourth in NFC East

Flacco, running back Justin Forsett, wide receiver Steve Smith Sr. and outside linebacker Terrell Suggs — returning to form following significant 2015 injuries, and the improvement of a defense that has struggled to regain its identity. OFFENSE By the end of the 2015 season, the Ravens’ starting quarterback, running back, No. 1 receiver, tight end, left tackle and center were all on injured reserve, making it difficult to evaluate Marc Trestman’s first year as offensive coordinator. The group’s shortcomings, though, were evident before the injuries hit. With first-round receiver Breshad Perriman missing the entire season with a knee injury, the Ravens lacked top-end speed on the outside. The running game never got on track, and Flacco made a host of late-game mistakes while often facing heavy pressure. As he rehabbed following December surgery for a torn ACL and MCL, the team reaffirmed its commitment with a three-year contract extension. The Ravens then sought to get him help. Ravens offensive coaches spent a chunk of the offseason reviewing the running game and making some alterations to the team’s zone-blocking schemes. Ultimately, it will be up to Trestman to establish and stick to the run. The team’s 383 rushing attempts last season were the fewest in franchise history. With a backfield that includes Forsett and the young and versatile duo of Javorius Allen and Kenneth Dixon, the Ravens will likely spread the ball around and stick with the hot hand. Last season, Forsett led the team with 641 yards on a 4.2yard average. Allen added 514 yards. Finding a solid replacement for departed left guard Kelechi Osemele will be crucial to the success of the running game. However, another vacancy opened up when left tackle Eugene Monroe was released on June 15. Monroe played in just six games last season before suffering a shoulder injury. With Monroe gone, the expectation is that Ronnie Stanley, the No. 6 overall pick in this year’s draft, will take over as Flacco’s blind side protector. At least now, the Ravens have some speed on the outside to keep defenses honest. The Ravens don’t need Wallace to catch 60-plus balls like he’s done most of his career. They need him, and a supposedly healthy Perriman, to make

some big plays down the field and take advantage of Flacco’s big arm. Last season, the Ravens did not have pass play longer than 50 yards. Perriman’s health will continue to be a hot topic after he suffered another knee injury in OTAs. Originally feared to be serious, the hope is that he will be ready for the season. With underneath and intermediate threats such as Smith, Kamar Aiken, Crockett Gillmore and Benjamin Watson, the Ravens have enough weapons to have a high-scoring offense. Last year, they averaged 20.5 points per game (25th in the NFL), down from 25.6 (12th) in 2014. DEFENSE The Ravens played much better defensively over the second half of the2015 season, but the organization spent the spring trying to make the unit quicker, younger and more versatile. Gone are middle linebacker Daryl Smith, defensive end Chris Canty, strong-side linebacker Courtney Upshaw and safety Will Hill. Young players such as outside linebacker Za’Darius Smith, defensive end Brent Urban and inside linebackers Zachary Orr and Arthur Brown will assume bigger roles, with C.J. Mosley sliding over to the middle linebacker spot. The Ravens like Orr’s coverage skills, so he’s the favorite to start on the weak side. After watching their normally vaunted pass rush disappear following Suggs’ season-ending Achilles injury in Week 1, the Ravens drafted three pass rushers — Kamalei Correa, Bronson Kaufusi and Matt Judon — to join Suggs, Smith and Elvis RAVENS, 63

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Ravens used the franchise tag to keep Tucker, who even in his worst year as a pro in 2015 converted 33Continued from 62 of-40 field-goal attempts, all 29 ofhis point-after tries and was among the Dumervil. Defensive coordinator league leaders in touchback percentDean Pees figures to cut down on Suggs’ and Dumervil’s snaps and get age. back to the attacking style of defense Punter Sam Koch, the second longest-tenured player on the team the Ravensused to play. Dumervil behind Suggs, is getting better with also is coming off of offseason foot surgery, but he should be ready to go age as he finished second in the league with a 42.9-yard netaverage once the season starts. last year while making his first Pro The major defensive questions lie in Bowl team. His variety of directional the secondary, which has undergone punts also nullifies return games. ashakeup after the Ravens had a Early in camp, Kaelin Clay was batfranchise-low six interceptions last tling Michael Campanaro and year and allowed a franchise-high 30 Keenan Reynolds for the return jobs. touchdown passes. Campanaro’s sure hands may give him the edge as the punt returner. Harbaugh hired former NFL head coach Leslie Frazier to lead the FINAL ANALYSIS On paper, the group. The Ravens also signed talent level of the roster has been Weddle, re-signed Wright, converted upgraded significantly. long-time cornerbackLardarius Webb However, last season can’t be to safety and added veteran cornerchalked up to an aberration, a proback Jerraud Powers late in free ductof a ton of injuries and a gruelagency. The team hopes the changes ing schedule. After years of trying to lead to a secondary that gives up replace freeagent losses with young fewer big plays and causes more players, the Ravens lacked the talent turnovers. The hope is that Weddle, a level and the depthto compete with cerebral playerand vocal leader, the AFC’s best. They are better becomes the presence the Ravens equipped this year and have a farless have lacked since Ed Reed’s deparformidable schedule, but they remain ture following 2012. very dependent on veterans coming off injuries — and that can be a SPECIALISTS Last year’s group scary proposition. was the strength of the team, and that doesn’t figure to change. The PREDICTION Third in AFC North

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