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FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2019
The Northern Virginia Daily & The Winchester Star
The Northern Virginia Daily & The Winchester Star
SCHEDULE
3
HigH ScHool Football ScHedule Thursday, Aug. 29
MMA at Hancock (Md.), 7 p.m.
Culpeper County at Spotsylvania, 7 p.m.
Skyline at Independence, 7 p.m.
Page County at Nelson County, 7 p.m.
Rappahannock County at Craig County, 7 p.m.
Falls Church at George Mason, 7 p.m.
James River at Madison County, 7 p.m. Wilson Memorial at Luray, 7 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 30
William Monroe at Spotswood, 7 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 14 Christchurch School at R-MA, 2 p.m.
Brentsville at Fauquier, 7 p.m.
R-MA at MMA, 4 p.m.
Courtland at Liberty, 7 p.m.
Strasburg at East Hardy (W.Va.), 7 p.m.
Heritage at Kettle Run, 7 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 20
Central at Luray, 7 p.m.
Brentsville at Fauquier, 7 p.m.
MMA at Richmond Christian, 6 p.m.
Handley at Warren County, 7 p.m.
Monticello at Culpeper County, 7 p.m.
Central at Strasburg, 7 p.m.
Sherando at James Wood, 7 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 7
Buffalo Gap at Clarke County, 7 p.m.
Stonewall Jackson at Fort Defiance, 7:30 p.m.
Timber Creek Regional (N.J.) at Warren County, noon
Warren County at James Wood, 7 p.m.
Millbrook at Jefferson (W.Va.), 7 p.m.
Stuarts Draft at Clarke County, 7 p.m.
Spotswood at East Rockingham, 7 p.m.
Millbrook at Kettle Run, 7 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 13
Luray at Page County, 7 p.m.
Brentsville at Liberty, 7 p.m.
Quantico at MMA, 4 p.m.
Madison County at William Monroe, 7 p.m.
Fauquier at Loudoun County, 7 p.m.
Broadway at Central, 7 p.m.
East Rockingham at Buffalo Gap, 7 p.m.
William Campbell at Stonewall Jackson, 7 p.m.
George Mason at Manassas Park, 7 p.m.
James Wood at Skyline, 7 p.m.
Spotsylvania at Brentsville, 7 p.m.
Warren County at Independence, 7 p.m.
Fauquier at Heritage, 7 p.m.
Martinsburg (W.Va.) at Sherando, 7 p.m.
Rappahannock County at Nelson County, 7 p.m.
Turner Ashby at William Monroe, 7 p.m.
Eastern View at Culpeper County, 7 p.m. West Point at Rappahannock County, 7 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 6
Clarke County at William Monroe, 7 p.m.
Strasburg at George Mason, 7 p.m.
Millbrook at Heritage, 7 p.m.
Stonewall Jackson at Central, 7 p.m.
Wilson Memorial at Page County, 7 p.m.
Broadway at Skyline, 7 p.m.
George Mason at Madison County, 7 p.m.
Jefferson (W.Va.) at Sherando, 7 p.m.
Riverheads at East Rockingham, 7 p.m.
Loudoun County at Millbrook, 7 p.m.
Kettle Run at Brentsville, 7 p.m.
Handley at Harrisonburg, 7 p.m.
Liberty at King George, 7 p.m.
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SCHEDULE
4
The Northern Virginia Daily & The Winchester Star
HigH ScHool Football ScHedule Friday, Sept. 27
Clarke County at Luray, 7 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 26
Blessed Sacrament-Huguenot at MMA, 4 p.m.
Handley at Millbrook, 7 p.m.
Kettle Run at Handley, 1 p.m.
R-MA at Fishburne Military, 4 p.m.
Culpeper County at James Wood, 7 p.m.
Page County at Strasburg, 7 p.m.
Rappahannock County at Page County, 7 p.m.
Central at Staunton, 7 p.m.
Brentsville at William Monroe, 7 p.m.
Rappahannock County at Stonewall Jackson, 7 p.m.
Kettle Run at Fauquier, 7 p.m.
Sherando at Millbrook, 7 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 12
East Rockingham at Clarke County, 7 p.m.
Richmond Christian at MMA, 2 p.m.
Kettle Run at James Wood, 7 p.m.
Sidwell Friends at George Mason, 7 p.m. Loudoun Valley at Brentsville, 7 p.m. Culpeper County at Liberty, 7 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 1 Fredericksburg Christian at R-MA, 3 p.m.
Warren County at Loudoun County, 7 p.m.
Madison County at Luray, 7 p.m.
R-MA at Blue Ridge, 4 p.m.
Strasburg at Stonewall Jackson, 7 p.m. Central at Warren County, 7 p.m. Skyline at Brentsville, 7 p.m. Fauquier at Sherando, 7 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 18
Page County at Clarke County, 7 p.m.
Strasburg at Madison County, 7 p.m.
Millbrook at James Wood, 7 p.m.
Central at George Mason, 7 p.m.
Handley at Liberty, 7 p.m.
Stonewall Jackson at Clarke County, 7 p.m. Warren County at Brentsville, 7 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 28
William Monroe at Skyline, 7 p.m.
Fauquier at Handley, 1 p.m.
James Wood at Liberty, 7 p.m.
MMA at Clay-Battelle (W.Va.), 7 p.m. Rappahannock County at Madison County, 7 p.m. George Mason at William Monroe, 7 p.m. Kettle Run at Culpeper County, 7 p.m.
Page County at East Rockingham, 7 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 4
Luray at Rappahannock County, 7 p.m. Louisa County at Kettle Run, 7 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 2
Fauquier at Culpeper County, 7 p.m.
East Rockingham vs. Luray at JMU, 4:30 p.m.
Riverheads at Skyline, 7 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 19
Friday, Nov. 8
Sherando at Harrisonburg, 7 p.m.
Sherando at Handley, 1 p.m.
Luray at Strasburg, 7 p.m.
Clarke County at Madison County, 7 p.m.
St. Michael at MMA, 2 p.m.
William Monroe at Central, 7 p.m.
Millbrook at Fauquier, 7 p.m.
Fuqua at R-MA, 2 p.m.
Stonewall Jackson at Page County, 7 p.m.
R-MA at Hargrave Military, 4 p.m. Strasburg at Rappahannock County, 7 p.m. Stonewall Jackson at East Rockingham, 7 p.m.
James Wood at Independence, 7 p.m. Handley at Culpeper County, 7 p.m. Page County at Bath County, 7 p.m. Luray at Stuarts Draft, 7 p.m. William Monroe at Western Albemarle, 7 p.m. Liberty at Kettle Run, 7 p.m.
Warren County at Skyline, 7 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 25
Sherando at Kettle Run, 7 p.m.
Fishburne Military at MMA, 4 p.m.
Clarke County at Rappahannock County, 7 p.m.
Clarke County at Strasburg, 7 p.m.
Culpeper County at Millbrook, 7 p.m.
Brentsville at Central, 7 p.m.
Madison County at East Rockingham, 7 p.m.
Luray at Stonewall Jackson, 7 p.m.
Brentsville at George Mason, 7 p.m.
William Monroe at Warren County, 7 p.m.
Liberty at Fauquier, 7 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 11
Skyline at George Mason, 7 p.m.
East Rockingham at Strasburg, 7 p.m.
Culpeper County at Sherando, 7 p.m.
Skyline at Central, 7 p.m.
Liberty at Millbrook, 7 p.m.
Madison County at Stonewall Jackson, 7 p.m.
James Wood at Fauquier, 7 p.m.
George Mason at Warren County, 7 p.m.
Madison County at Page County, 7 p.m.
Liberty at Sherando, 7 p.m.
East Rockingham at Rappahannock County, 7 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 9 James Wood at Handley, 1 p.m.
ON THE COVER: Photo by Jeff Taylor/The Winchester Star
The Northern Virginia Daily & The Winchester Star
CENTRAL FALCONS
5
Central tasked with reloading after back-to-back 11-win seasons By Brad Fauber The Northern Virginia Daily
bY tHe nuMbeRS
WOODSTOCK — The 2018 Central football team was loaded with star power. This season’s version of the Falcons may too have its share of studs, but those players will have to establish themselves as such. Central said goodbye to a highly successful group of seniors a year ago, one that powered the Falcons to a 31-6 record over the past three years and back-to-back 11-win seasons in 2017 and 2018. Many players in 2019 will be stepping into significant roles at the varsity level for the first time after spending previous years taking a backseat to their older teammates.
2019 FalconS • Coach: Mike Yew (13th year, 81-55) • Offense/Defense: Pro-I/4-4 • Key returnees: OL/DL Camden Zirk, OL/DL Dylan Mullins, RB/LB Gerson Sorto Lopez, RB/DL Billy Ball, K Alex Lopez, WR/DB Landon Shockey • Key losses: WR/DB Kyle Clanton, OL/DL Declan Franklin, OL/DL Grayson Manning, RB/LB Zach Abrams, OL/DL Jake France, RB/LB Shane Watson, TE/LB Christian Spitler, QB Zeb Dyer
• 2 - number of returning players who scored a touchdown in 2018 • 3 - number of consecutive seasons Central has reached at least the second round of the playoffs • 5 - number of consecutive winning seasons for the Falcons • 11 - number of wins in each of the last two years • 741 - number of points Central has outscored its opponents by over the past two seasons
“I think a lot of them were,” Falcons head coach Mike Yew said in the preseason of this year’s anticipated contributors playing in the shadows on a senior-heavy 2018 squad. “That was good and bad. There was no spotlight on them. It’s easy to be Scottie Pippen until it’s time for you to be Michael Jordan, so we’ll see how many Michael Jordans we’ve got this year.”
Rich Cooley/Daily
Central head coach Mike Yew works with a group of linemen during a recent practice.
a season with such tremendous roster turnover. “I think it’s more of kids just challenging themselves individually. I think they need to look in the mirror and decide if they want to compete for a Most of the statistical production With only a handful of starters on both sides of the ball back in 2019, starting job, and if they do then and leadership that carried the many spots were open for the tak- they’ve gotta be willing to fight to Falcons to an 11-2 record and a keep it.” ing when Central opened preseaRegion 2B championship game Though little will change schematson camp on Aug. 1. loss to East Rockingham in 2018 ically on either side of the ball for was lost to graduation. Of the 69 “Team-wise, we just want to send Central this season, from a pertotal touchdowns Central scored the right message and do the right sonnel standpoint the Falcons will last season (the Falcons averaged things,” Yew, who enters his 13th CENTRAL, 8 38.5 points per game), only two re- season, said of the key to handling turning players — senior quarterback Kelan Hoover (one) and senior running back Chris Conner (four) — had a hand in scoring at least one.
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CENTRAL FALCONS
6
2019 ScHedule Aug. 30 at Luray, 7 p.m. Sept. 6
Oct. 11
Stonewall Jack., 7 p.m. Oct. 18
The Northern Virginia Daily & The Winchester Star
2018 ReSultS (11-2, 4-0 bull Run diStRict)
Skyline, 7 p.m.
Aug. 24 beat Skyline, 43-0
Oct. 19 beat George Mason, 39-0
at George Mason, 7 p.m.
Aug. 31 beat Stonewall Jackson, 42-0
Oct. 26 lost to Riverheads, 35-19
Sept. 21 beat Brentsville, 35-0
Nov. 2 beat Strasburg, 55-14
Sept. 29 beat King William, 27-0
Nov. 9 beat Strasburg, 28-6
Sept. 13 Broadway, 7 p.m.
Oct. 25
Brentsville, 7 p.m.
Sept. 20 at Strasburg, 7 p.m.
Nov. 1
at Warren Co., 7 p.m.
Oct. 5 beat Clarke County, 35-20
Nov. 16 beat Luray, 63-21
William Monroe, 7 p.m.
Oct. 12 beat Madison County, 47-23
Nov. 23 lost to East Rockingham, 44-29
Sept. 27 at Robert E. Lee, 7 p.m. Nov. 8
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The Northern Virginia Daily & The Winchester Star
CENTRAL FALCONS
7
Shockey a steady presence for Falcon team that needs leaders By Brad Fauber The Northern Virginia Daily
would like to see from Landon in 2019.
“We’re certainly hoping for that this year out of Landon,” Yew said earlier this month. “But Landon’s been a leader by example for the most part. He’s here on time. He’s at weightlifting. He’s at all the workouts. He’s at 7-on-7. He goes Vocal leaders were at a premium for head coach Mike Yew, who said to camp. He does everything, so from that regard, he has just been on Aug. 12 that the Falcons were a leader by example for the last still looking for two or three playfive years.” ers to make their voices heard After playing in the shadow of a during practice and team meetlarge group of talented football ings. But each team needs those players that graduated last sealead-by-example players too, and Yew said he feels the Falcons have son, Landon Shockey will be asked to lead more on the stat sheet this a good one in senior Landon season, as well. Shockey.
WOODSTOCK — Massive roster turnover had Central’s football team searching for leaders of all types this preseason as they try to reload after back-to-back 11-win seasons.
Shockey, Yew said, is more of the quiet type, and in that regard is a lot like his older brother Carston, who emerged as a standout running back for the Falcons during his senior season in 2016. The sons of Central assistant coach Rich Shockey, Carston and Landon Shockey naturally know how to carry themselves on the football field in a manner that reflects well on teammates and coaches. But Carston shed much of his silent leader role as a senior, Yew said, and found a niche as a vocal presence, something Yew
One of the few Falcons back with starting experience from the 2018 squad that went 11-2 and lost to East Rockingham in the Region 2B championship game, Shockey, a starting cornerback last season, figures to also feature prominently on the offensive side as a receiver for the first time at the varsity level in 2019.
Rich Cooley/Daily
Central’s Landon Shockey figures to have an expanded role in 2019 as a two-way contributor for the Falcons. Shockey, a starting defensive back for the Falcons in 2018, will see more time at receiver and will return kicks this fall.
I have in the past,” Shockey said, “but honestly, it feels different because it’s my senior year and everything, looking at it in a difIt’s relatively new territory for the ferent light. Looking forward to the year, it’s just like any other 5-foot-11, 150-pound senior, who year. If you really think about it, for the past two seasons took a we’re all just playing football, trybackseat in what was a deep receiving corps. ing to get as far as we can.” “I know I gotta step up more than
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Shockey will be just one new piece
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The Northern Virginia Daily & The Winchester Star
CENTRAL FALCONS
8
2018 centRal StatS • Record: 11-2 (4-0 Bull Run District) • Passing leader: Zeb Dyer (80 of 135, 1,280 yards, 17 touchdowns, 4 interceptions) • Rushing leader: Shane Watson (146 carries for 1,167 yards, 13 touchdowns)
• Receiving leader: Kyle Clanton (33 receptions for 753 yards, 12 touchdowns) • Total tackles: Declan Franklin (97) • Sacks: Declan Franklin (8) • Interceptions: Kyle Clanton (7)
Central Continued from 5
look vastly different.
2019 RoSteR No. 2 3 4 5 6 8 10 11 12 15 16 18 20 21 22 23 24 25 28 31
Name Dylan Hamrick Nicholas Pulizzi Jamonta Harris Kelan Hoover Landon Shockey Kamren Wells Alexis Lopez Brevin Scott John Lambert Jalen Kane Ashton Baker Austin Martin Alexander Neff Brett Barr Gabriel Neff Logan Yew Elias Sorto Lopez William Ball IV Brandon Acker Christopher Conner
Pos. QB/DB WR/DB WR/DB QB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/LB WR/DB WR/DB RB/DB TE/LB WR/DB OL/DL FB/LB RB/LB WR/DB RB/LB
Ht. 5-11 5-10 5-7 6-4 5-11 5-10 5-9 5-10 6-1 6-0 5-10 6-4 6-2 6-2 6-0 5-9 5-7 6-4 5-10 5-11
Wt. 165 150 131 210 150 155 141 135 155 160 140 155 172 185 145 195 155 190 150 175
Yr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. So. Sr. Sr. Sr. So. Sr. So. Sr. Sr. Sr.
On offense, Central no longer has the homerun ability of all-state speedster Kyle Clanton, who was a literal threat to score every time he touched the football and torched opposing teams for 56 touchdowns in the past two seaConner (43 carries, 165 yards, four TDs in sons. 2018) is the Falcons’ leading returning rusher The Falcons also break in a new starting QB and was atop the depth chart at running back for the first time since 2016 after Zeb Dyer alongside senior Alex Neff, a first-year player, held down that post for three seasons, and a week before Central’s opener against Luray they said goodbye to a workhorse running on Aug. 30, according to Yew. Isaiah Dyer, a back in Shane Watson — a two-time 1,000sophomore who split time between varsity and yard rusher in two seasons as a starter — and junior varsity last year, will start at fullback, most of an offensive line that included allwith Yew’s son, Logan, slated to open the seastate linemen Declan Franklin and Grayson son as the team’s starting tight end. Manning. Mike Yew added that Billy Ball, a 6-foot-4, Hoover, who completed 5 of 10 passes for 75 190-pound senior, impressed Central’s coaches yards, one touchdown and one interception in with his play out of the backfield in the prea backup role last season, takes the reins of a season but was moved to offensive guard in an Central offense that is completely revamped. effort to bring more senior leadership to a line
No. 32 33 34 43 44 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 62 65 66 67 68 74 75
Name Gerson Sorto Lopez Sean Rhinehart Carlos Maradiaga-Gonzalez Seth Horn Isaiah Dyer Tarren Wood Cody Sellers James Warnick Yabsira Legesse David Reynoso Camden Zirk Clifton Grant III Travis Payne Ryan Wetzel Erik Lopez Jacob Halterman Christian Ross Dylan Mullins Zachary Dysart Carson Jones
Pos. FB/LB RB/DB WR/DB TE/DE RB/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL OL/LB OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DE OL/DL
Ht. 5-8 5-9 5-8 6-0 5-8 6-2 5-11 5-10 5-10 5-10 6-1 6-2 5-9 6-0 5-9 6-2 5-10 5-11 6-0 6-4
Wt. 175 145 144 195 181 245 230 245 225 220 224 230 215 210 210 210 220 255 240 300
Yr. Sr. So. So. Sr. So. Jr. Jr. So. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. So. Jr. Jr. Sr. So. Sr. So. Jr.
that includes returning starters Dylan Mullins (5-11, 255 pounds) and Camden Zirk (6-1, 224). Ball could also see time at tight end and at fullback if the need arises, Yew said. On the perimeter, Yew said the Falcons lack a player with the game-breaking ability of Clanton, though he feels good about a receiving corps that includes senior Landon Shockey, juniors Kamren Wells, Brevin Scott and Alex Lopez and senior Dylan Hamrick, a Strasburg transfer who will also serve as Central’s backup QB. Of that group of receivers, Hamrick, who CENTRAL, 9
The Northern Virginia Daily & The Winchester Star
Central Continued from 8
caught eight passes for 84 yards over the past two seasons for Strasburg, has the most varsity experience at the position. Still, Yew said Central’s passing game was ahead of the running game early in the preseason, though he said on Aug. 19 that he wasn’t sure how ready the Falcons were to throw the ball “wide open in the spread game.”
CENTRAL FALCONS
gion 2B Defensive Player of the Year while tallying teamhigh 97 tackles and eight sacks), Clanton (seven interceptions as a defensive back) and linebacker Zach Abrams (90 tackles) leaving some major holes to fill on a defense that allowed just 13.6 points per game and posted five shutouts in 2018 (excluding a forfeit by Park ViewSterling).
The Falcons do return a bit more starting experience on defense, however, with Mullins (29 tackles, two sacks in 2018) and Ball (39 tackles, “That’s been fortunate be3 sacks) back on the defencause we did go to 7-on-7 and sive line, senior Gerson Sorto we did go to camp, so they got Lopez (53 tackles) back at a lot of reps over the sumlinebacker and Shockey remer,” Yew said of Central’s re- turning to the secondary. ceivers and Hoover. “... I just Yew said Zirk would join think our passing game is Mullins on the interior of the probably a little bit further defensive line with senior along than anything. As soon Jacob Halterman adding as our O-line catches up and depth at the position. Yew really gets on the same page added that Neff could emerge as far as really knowing their as a “pretty good” defensive rules, we could be decent. We end opposite Ball by Week 2 could be pretty decent.” or 3. The roster turnover on deJoining Sorto Lopez at inside fense was about the same as linebacker will be Dyer, and the offense, with the graduaYew said Ball and Wells could tions of all-state honorees see time at outside linebacker Franklin (a defensive lineman who earned the 2018 ReCENTRAL, 66
Shockey Continued from 7
action when a loaded Central team roughed up on lesser opponents over the past two seasons. He also has experience at the junior varsity level playing with Kelan Hoover, who will take over as Central’s starting QB this season. “I want to help get our other receivers and our other players better,” Shockey said. “That’s like one big thing. If I can work with other kids and make them better, then it’s just gonna make the whole team better.” It’s that approach that had Shockey — who Yew said last preseason had taken a big leap between his sophomore and junior seasons — coming into preseason camp with an air about him that Yew said was noticeable the moment the Falcons hit the practice field. “It seems like he’s come in with a little more confidence this year than last year even,” Yew said. “Last year, he was still a junior and he was a junior behind a strong senior class. It was always tough for him to catch our eye because we had so many seniors, but I think this year he’s probably come in with more swag about him, is probably the best word.” Though Shockey’s a bit on the small side — and he’s been dinged up a few
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times in the past as a result — Yew said the senior’s always been one to do as he’s asked, something Yew said is always a strong quality. Shockey, a soccer player (he led Central with eight goals last spring) who possesses quick feet that, Yew said, makes him elusive on the gridiron, also possesses the athleticism that lends itself to the receiver and defensive back positions, though Yew said Shockey has none of the flair that often comes with playing either position. “Everything you see about Landon is what you see is what you get,” Yew said. “He’s not a flashy kid. … He’s just a kid that everything’s kind of straight-edged.” Shockey, who had 20 tackles last season, will also return kicks for Central this season. “He might one of those kids that doesn’t come off the field too much at all,” Yew said. After the tremendous success Central had on the football field over the past three seasons — the Falcons went 316 with four playoff wins in that span — Shockey said this year’s team has some expectations to live up to. “I feel like some teams are kind of looking at us as underdogs, and like that,” Shockey said. “They’re underestimating us. We’d love to keep the tradition of us being great going.” Contact Brad Fauber at bfauber@nvdaily.com
10
CLARKE COUNTY EAGLES
The Northern Virginia Daily & The Winchester Star
More experience could to lead to another big Clarke season By Robert Niedzwiecki The Winchester Star BERRYVILLE — The 2018 Clarke County football team went into the year without graduated players who accounted for 15 of 22 starting positions — including all their offensive and defensive line starters — and without their nine leading tacklers. Clarke County started 0-2 against two Class 4 schools, but the Eagles settled down to win seven of their last eight games and earn their 12th straight playoff berth.
2019 eagleS • Coach: Chris Parker (20th year, 137-76) • Offense/Defense: Single wing/ multiple • Key returnees: RB Peyton Rutherford, QB Colby Childs, LB/RB Cody Sowers, DL Grayson Aylestock, LB Sam Brumback, DB/RB Danny Lyman, DB/RB Jack Taylor, OL Luke Brumback, OL Wade Anderson, OL/DL Bryce Robertson, DL/TE Trey Trenary. • Key losses: RB/DB Kyle Baylor, TE/LB Eamon Juday, K/P Nick Bahamonde, DL Malachi Walker.
With a more experienced roster this year, Clarke County (7-4 overall “Throughout the practices we’ve last year) has ample reason to feel had, our confidence level is pretty good about what it can do this year. high,” said senior running back Peyton Rutherford, a Region 2B bY tHe nuMbeRS second-team selection. “I think • 4 - Players with 58 tackles or more we’re a really good team this year. back from last year’s Clarke County We’ve all come together. We all get team. The Eagles did not have along really well. anyone with more than 45 tackles who returned to the 2018 team.
• 206 - Rushing yards per game for Clarke County last year, the 11th straight year the Eagles rushed for at least 200 yards per game. • 3,802 - Career rushing yards for Peyton Rutherford in two seasons. Rutherford needs 1,221 yards this year to break Hunter Rogers’ school record set in 2016.
Jeff Taylor/The Winchester Star
Clarke County High School head football coach Chris Parker, center, enters his 20th year as the Eagles’ head coach. He has led the Eagles to the playoffs 12 years in a row. He also added 15 catches for 251 yards and 2 TDs.
Lawson and Anderson are returning starters and Robertson saw sig“Our offensive line this year, I think nificant as well last year. Those who will play at the strongwe’re really smart,” Rutherford said. “I’m confident in our line. I re- side tight end position are junior ally like the way we’re running as a Trey Trenary (6-2, 215) and 6-2, “I’m confident in our team. I can 180-pound senior Jacob Weddle team. We’re just running smooth.” count on my guys to have my back.” (back after a one-year absence) and The blockers in Clarke County’s junior Wynn Morris (6-0, 185) will Rutherford can also count on the single wing offense this year up guys whose backs he’ll be running front are senior center Wade Ander- start at tight end on the opposite side. behind as he looks to improve on son (6-0, 225), junior right guard yet another stellar season. Ruther- Neil Mitchell (5-10, 230), junior left “[The offensive line and tight ends] ford (6.9 yards per carry) led all have grown a lot,” Clarke County guard Luke Brumback (6-0, 190), Clarke County, Frederick County coach Chris Parker said. “It’s head junior inside tackle Bryce Robertand Winchester schools with 1,661 son (6-3, 225) and senior outside EAGLES, 11 yards and 25 touchdowns in 2018. tackle Rhett Lawson (5-10, 200).
The Northern Virginia Daily & The Winchester Star
CLARKE COUNTY EAGLES
2019 ScHedule Aug. 30 Buffalo Gap, 7 p.m.
Oct. 11
at Luray, 7 p.m.
Sept. 13 at William Monroe, 7 p.m. Oct. 18 Stonewall Jack., 7 p.m. Sept. 20 Stuarts Draft, 7 p.m.
Oct. 25 at Strasburg, 7 p.m.
Sept. 27 E. Rockingham, 7 p.m. Nov. 1 Oct. 4
at Madison Co., 7 p.m. Nov. 8
Eagles
Page County, 7 p.m. at Rapp. County, 7 p.m.
11
2018 ReSultS (7-4, 3-1 bull Run diStRict) Aug. 24 Sept. 7 Sept. 13 Sept. 21 Sept.28 Oct. 5
Of course, Rutherford (6-0, 210) doesn’t always need blockers in front of him to pick up yards because he’s got the strength to knock defenders over and the speed to elude them, and this year he’s faster and stronger than ever.
lost to Dominion, 25-14 lost to Handley, 41-35 beat Waynesboro, 49-7 beat Washington (W.Va.), 45-8 beat Warren County, 31-29 lost to Central, 35-20
Oct. 12 beat Strasburg, 26-23 Oct. 19 beat Madison County, 49-7 Oct. 26 beat George Mason, 35-16 Nov. 1
beat West Point, 17-16 (OT)
Nov. 8
lost to Buffalo Gap, 32-21
top squat is 450 pounds, his bench press is 300, his dead lift is 500 and his hang clean is 275 for a total of Continued from 10 1,525 pounds. Rutherford’s squat went up almost 100 pounds from and shoulders compared to last last year because he was focused on year. They’ve had a year of experideveloping stronger legs to run a ence, a year in the weight room. faster 40-yard dash. They needed some time to adjust to Rutherford became the seventh alltime member of Clarke County’s Rutherford — who went to camps the speed of the varsity game last Platinum Eagle club (1,500 pounds at Wake Forest, Pittsburgh, James year, and now we’re a lot more exin lifts) this summer. Rutherford’s Madison and Richmond this sumperienced.”
mer — recorded a 40-yard dash time of 4.53 seconds. In addition to Rutherford, Clarke County also returns senior quarterback Colby Childs to its backfield. Childs was a Bull Run second-team all-purpose selection last year after completing 75 of 120 passes for 1,016 yards, 12 TDs, and one interception. EAGLES, 13
12
CLARKE COUNTY EAGLES
The Northern Virginia Daily & The Winchester Star
Leading tackler Sowers badgers opponents ponents for a team-high 131 tackles, 25 more than anyone in FrederBERRYVILLE — As the father of a ick County or Winchester. Sowers son in the same grade as Cody Sow- was one of just two Clarke County ers, Casey Childs was quite familiar players to be selected to the All-Rewith Sowers’ playing style long be- gion 2B first team. fore he entered the halls of Clarke Sowers, who started playing football County High School. at age 6, has never been very big. “I’ve known these seniors since they He played cornerback until his freshman year in high school, and were knee-high, basically,” said he currently stands 5-foot-10 and Childs, the Clarke County football weighs 175 pounds. But the senior team’s defensive coordinator. “I rehas always loved hitting people, and member them all from Little it shows. He earned the team’s League football. Basically, he would “Honey Badger” award last year in just knock on people. He’ll take on part because of his fearless attitude. guys twice his size and he can pop right back up and keep rolling. He’s “He’s not one of these physically the type who would run through a ominous guys,” Clarke County head wall.” coach Chris Parker said. “With guys
By Robert Niedzwiecki The Winchester Star
Clarke County’s coaches might not have known what type of stats or accolades Sowers was going to accumulate last year, but they weren’t surprised with the effort. “Aggressive,” said Sowers when asked about his strengths as a linebacker. “I’m not scared of anyone bigger than me.”
like [current NCAA Divison I players] Bryan Wallace and Jacob Peace, you think, ‘My Lord, they’re huge.’ But he’s tough. A honey badger is a vicious, fighting-to-thelast-breath type of creature and Cody goes hard all the time and is relentless to the ball. He makes tackles.
After making only 10 tackles as a special teams player and late-game substitute as a sophomore in 2017, the hunting enthusiast burst onto the scene as a junior at middle linebacker and successfully targeted op-
“This year, he’s going to have the role of being a two-way player, because he’s going to be the blocking back for our offense. Basically, in our offense [the single wing], the blocking back is a guard. You have
Jeff Taylor/The Winchester Star
Clarke County linebacker Cody Sowers, left, was selected to the Region 2B first team last year. to make some physical blocks. And he can do it.” Childs said the manner in which Sowers handled himself as a sophomore against a strong senior class proved to be a strong harbinger. One of the members of that 2017 group of seniors, Ben Sprouse, gave him the nickname “Cooter” — a reference to the “Dukes of Hazzard” character who Sowers does bear some resemblance to — and that’s the name people around the Clarke
County football team use for him. “He was the scout team linebacker, and he got beat on when he was younger by Bryan Wallace, Kyle Anderson, Lucas Rogers, Jacob Peace, guys that were pretty daggone good football players,” said Childs of players who weighed between 230 and 300 pounds. “You can imagine going against kids who are D-I and off in college now. But he never stopped. He just kept coming and coming SOWERS, 14
The Northern Virginia Daily & The Winchester Star
CLARKE COUNTY EAGLES
2018 claRKe co. StatS • Record: 7-4 (3-1 Bull Run District) • Passing leader: Colby Childs (75 of 120, 1,016 yards, 12 touchdowns, 1 interception) • Rushing leader: Peyton Rutherford (240 carries for 1,661 yards, 25 touchdowns)
• Receiving leader: Kyle Baylor (33 receptions for 416 yards, 5 touchdowns) • Total tackles: Cody Sowers (131) • Sacks: Malachi Walker (4) • Interceptions: Danny Lyman (4)
Eagles Continued from 11
“I thought he did a really good job last year and made great decisions,” said Parker of the 5-11, 185-pound Childs. “He threw in the summer and got stronger. I’m excited for him. I think he’s going to have a good senior year.” Senior Cody Sowers (5-10, 180) — the Winchester-area leading tackler with 131 last year — takes over as the starting blocking back this year. Clarke County loses the electric Kyle Baylor as its wing back. Seniors Danny Lyman and Jack Taylor (eight catches for 107 yards) will be the main players at that position this year.
13
2019 RoSteR No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 18 20 21 22 24 25 28
Name Brandon Hindman Colby Childs Dain Booker Titus Hensler Cody Sowers Deonte Trammel Wynn Morris Luke Lyman Danny Lyman Jack Taylor Trey Trenary Brandon Mayo Liam Whalen Nathan Brooks Jacob Weddle Zachary Rosen Peyton Rutherford Izaac Jackson Bradley Atwell Luke Leso Brandon Proffitt
Pos. QB/DB QB/DB RB/DB TE/DE RB/LB RB/DB TE/DE TE/DE RB/DB RB/DB TE/DE K/DE RB/LB TE/LB TE/DB TE/DE RB/LB TE/DE RB/LB RB/DB RB/DB
Ht. 5-10 5-11 5-7 5-11 5-10 5-8 6-0 6-3 6-0 5-9 6-2 6-1 5-8 5-11 6-2 5-10 6-0 6-2 5-8 6-2 5-9
Wt. 165 185 135 165 180 135 185 190 165 180 215 185 170 135 180 145 210 180 180 165 150
Yr. So. Sr. So. So. Sr. So. Jr. So. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. So. So. Sr. So. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. So.
team, passing, running or blocking.” “They’re good athletes, they’re smart, and they’re very coachable,” said Parker of his wingback options.
Baylor was also one of Clarke County’s best defenders last year as a cornerback, but the Eagles return the rest of their secondary starters Lyman showed his athleticism last season. He caught eight passes for 158 yards (18.9 average) and Weddle, a starter at cornerback as a sophomore. Lyman (41 tackles, four interceptions) and 3 TDs and carried the ball 15 times for 70 earned second-team all-district honors last year yards (4.7 average) in addition to leading the and will play cornerback and Taylor (58 tackles, team with four interceptions. one interception) will play safety. “It’s hard to be going to wing back after Kyle Clarke County features a strong linebacking played so well last year, but I’m pretty excited about it,” Lyman said. “I think I can help out the corps led by returning starters Sowers and Sam
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No. 32 35 37 39 44 50 51 52 53 55 56 58 61 64 65 66 70 71 72 73 80
Name Kellan Dalton Brady Atwell Timmy Balon Alvaro Wong Sam Brumback Roger Tapscott Jacob Goode Luke Brumback Joey Lamalfa Clay Welsh Rhett Lawson Neal Mitchell T.J. Lowery Gage Shiley Michael Perozich Bryce Robertson Wade Anderson Quinton Thomas Jeremy Burns Grayson Aylestock Levi Bodnar
Pos. K RB/LB RB/DB RB/DB TE/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DE OL/DL OL/DL OL/DE OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL RB/DB
Ht. 6-0 5-8 5-8 5-8 6-0 6-2 6-3 6-0 5-11 6-2 5-10 5-10 5-10 5-9 5-10 6-3 6-0 6-1 6-3 6-3 5-8
Wt. 185 180 135 160 195 200 290 190 220 280 200 230 165 170 185 225 225 270 200 265 140
Yr. Sr. Sr. So. Jr. Jr. So. Sr. Jr. So. So. Sr. Jr. So. So. So. Jr. Sr. Sr. So. Sr. Jr.
Brumback (101 tackles). Sowers was selected to the Region 2B first team and Brumback was an all-district second-team selection in 2018. Sophomore Liam Whalen is also projected to start at linebacker. The Eagles’ defensive line is anchored by senior nose tackle Grayson Aylestock (6-3, 265), who recorded 63 tackles en route to earning secondteam all-region honors last year. Other defensive tackles are Robertson (37 tackles) and sophomore Clay Welsh. The ends will include Trenary (21 tackles) and senior Izaac Jackson. All-region pick and defensive end Malachi EAGLES, 14
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CLARKE COUNTY EAGLES
14
Eagles
tional Kohl’s Kicking and Punting camp this summer — will start for the first time this year after the graduation of Nick Bahamonde, who is now kicking for Ithaca. Anderson will handle punting duties. Baylor was a star return specialist last year, but the Eagles can turn to players like Lyman (11 kickoff returns for 225 yards, a 20.5 average).
The Northern Virginia Daily & The Winchester Star
two of the same Bull Run teams they saw last fall.
Gone are Central — which went undefeated in Bull Run District Walker (95 tackles, four sacks) did play the last two years — and not return to the team this year, George Mason. The holdovers are but Clarke County feels the 6-2, Strasburg (which also went 7-4 180-pound Jackson is someone and lost in the first round of the who can create havoc on the right Region 2B playoffs) and Madison edge. County. Rappahannock County is a “He’s tall and lanky, and he’s got holdover Bull Run member, but good speed,” Parker said. “We’ll see Clarke County’s schedule will look the Panthers are playing a Bull what happens [when we play other a lot different this year because of Run District schedule for the first teams], but he’s doing a great job.” altered Bull Run District member- time in a long time. Bull Run addiClarke County also figures to be tions (some of which were in the ship. The Eagles played only four strong on special teams as well. Bull Run games last year (posting district long ago) are East RockSenior Kellan Dalton — who a 3-1 mark) and this year they’ll be ingham, Luray, Page County, and earned a four-star rating at the na- playing seven while facing only Stonewall Jackson. Continued from 13
Sowers Continued from 12
and coming. “The breakout season he had last year I think had a lot to do with who he had to go against as a sophomore. You’re not playing anyone better than Bryan and Jacob and those guys.” After earning a starting position in the preseason, Parker said Sowers was “Mr. Consistency” once the regular season began. Sowers had just three tackles in his first game, but then had 17 in the second game against Handley.
“We get to beat some new teams,” Lyman said. Clarke County knows the Bull Run district schedule won’t be easy, though. Central may be gone, but East Rockingham (Class 2 state semifinalists) and Luray (Region 2B semifinalists) are both coming off impressive 2018 seasons. “It’s a good district,” Parker said. “I’m ready to compete with them. I know the kids are. We’ll see how we stack up. Some of those teams are good programs.” Contact Robert Niedzwiecki at rniedzwiecki@winchesterstar.com
While size has never intimidated Sowers, having so much added responsibility in the heart of Clarke County’s defense had him a little on edge at first.
“He’s very coachable, and that helps bench press (205 pounds), dead lift him,” Parker said. “You don’t have (345), squat (285) and hang clean to worry about him in practice.” (195). Sowers — a first-team Region 2B “I hope to do at least as good as I soccer defender in the spring who did last year, and hopefully get all“I was nervous [when the season had seven goals and one assist — state,” Sowers said. “I’m looking forstarted],” Sowers said. “[After the said he believes soccer helps him ward to playing on offense as well.” first game], I started feeling more with his footwork for football, and Linemen Grayson Aylestock said he comfortable playing and wasn’t feel- football helps him with his aggreshas no doubt that Sowers’ name ing scared to mess up. I put it all siveness and strength for soccer. will continue to be a staple over the out there.” public address system at games. “If you see him on the soccer field, Sowers only failed to reach double he just destroys people,” Childs said. “He’s a freak,” Aylestock said. “He’s digits in tackles once over the final After getting significantly stronger, fast, he’s aggressive. He’ll put him10 games of the year for a Clarke self [in the middle of the action] and County team that finished 7-4. Sow- Sowers might be delivering even ers had a season-high 19 tackles in more pain this fall. Sowers said he’s won’t even hesitate.” increased his lifting marks by about Contact Robert Niedzwiecki at the regular-season finale against West Point. 50 pounds from last summer in the rniedzwiecki@winchesterstar.com
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CLARKE COUNTY EAGLES
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HANDLEY JUDGES
16
The Northern Virginia Daily & The Winchester Star
Judges look to improve after roller-coaster season By Walt Moody The Winchester Star WINCHESTER — After going through some lean years, the Handley football team experienced some of the highest highest highs and lowest lows last season. The Judges opened with four straight wins, many in dramatic fashion. They also suffered four straight losses to end the year. Both streaks, maybe even more the final stretch is serving as a motivator as the Judges look to become a power again in the Class 4 Northwestern District. “Last year, that was a real heartbreaker,” senior defensive
2019 JudgeS • Coach: Dan Jones (second season, 5-5) • Offense/Defense: Multiple offenses, including I formation, 50 defense • Key returnees: RB Malachi Imoh; FB/LB Quinton Newman; LB/TE Stephen Daley; OL/DL Kobe Wolfinbarger; RB/LB Leland Walking; WR/DB Jayden Vardaro. • Key losses: WR/DB Kevin Curry; QB Jacob Parker; LB/TE D’Andre James; WR/DB Tyson Long.
bY tHe nuMbeRS • 3 - number of Handley players returning who scored a touchdown last season. • 6 - number of years since Handley’s last winning season. • 12 - number of interceptions by the Judges defense last season. • 15 - number of sacks by freshman Stephen Daley. The rest of the team combined for 14.5. • 19.8 - number of points scored per game. • 21.8 - number of points allowed per game. • 32 - number of combined rushing yards gained by Handley players other than Malachi Imoh last season.
back/running back Miles Ashe said. “In the past few years at Handley we haven’t had too many wins. Last year, that was the first real time we felt what winning was. We’ve become addicted to it. That last stretch serves as a motivator for this year.
Walt Moody/The Winchester Star
Handley’s Stephen Daley will have his sights set on opposing quarterbacks again this season. Daley recorded 15 sacks as a freshman last fall. Second-year head coach Dan Jones said his team did learn a hard lesson.
“Last year our biggest thing is that we wanted to start off and learn how to compete or to win,” Jones said. “We learned how to “That is the motivation, the way win, but we didn’t finish strong. I we finished the season,” senior don’t want want to say we got linebacker/running back Quinton complacent. We hit the tough part Newman agreed. “We didn’t really of our schedule. We had close like that, so we try to learn from games and we competed. We our mistakes and past and capital- haven’t learned how to win against some good teams.” ize what we have done last year.”
The Judges did play some good teams tough. Falling by one score to playoff qualifiers Millbrook and Kettle Run. “We’ve learned how to compete and how to win,” Jones said. “Now we have got to learn how to consistently compete and beat better teams.” The Judges certainly have taken a different turn on offense this season, one that started after JUDGES, 19
The Northern Virginia Daily & The Winchester Star
HANDLEY JUDGES
2019 ScHedule Aug. 30 Sept. 6 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 4
at Warren Co., 7 p.m. at Harrisonburg, 7 p.m. Skyline, 1 p.m. Fauquier, 1 p.m. at Culpeper Co., 7 p.m.
Oct. 11 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 1 Nov. 9
17
2018 ReSultS (5-5, 1-5 claSS 4 noRtHweSteRn diS.)
at Millbrook, 7 p.m. Sherando, 1 p.m. Kettle Run, 1 p.m. at Liberty, 7 p.m. James Wood, 1 p.m.
Aug. 25 Sept. 1 Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 22
beat Warren County, 15-14 beat Harrisonburg, 24-17 beat Clarke County, 41-35 beat Skyline 35-0 lost to Kettle Run, 28-21
Sept. 28 Oct. 6 Oct. 13 Oct. 19 Oct. 28
beat Fauquier, 13-6 lost to Millbrook, 36-28 lost to Liberty, 20-7 lost to Sherando, 42-0 lost to James Wood, 21-14
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HANDLEY JUDGES
The Northern Virginia Daily & The Winchester Star
Handley’s Imoh speeding into senior season By Walt Moody The Winchester Star WINCHESTER — Handley’s Malachi Imoh had known since he was a youngster that he was pretty fast. He just wasn’t sure how fast.
Winning silver medals was the farthest thing from Imoh’s mind as the track season began. He’d go on to run 10.91 seconds in the 100 and post the area’s fastest time of 21.85 in the 200.
“Coming into the season, I did not have that high of expectations for Running track for the first time, myself,” Imoh said. “I feel like every Imoh won district and regional tibig race we had, I exceeded my extles in the 100 and 200 meters and pectations and kind of surprised finished second in the Class 4 state myself. I kept going off of that until meet in those two races. He also ran the end of the season. I definitely the opening leg of the school record- surprised myself.” setting 4x100 relay team that also Imoh became better and better as finished second in Class 4. the meets and races continued to The senior is hoping that affirmaget bigger. In football he’d be known tion of blazing speed on the track as a “gamer,” someone who perwill make him even better on the forms his best when the outcome is football field as the Judges look to on the line. contend in the Class 4 Northwest“I think I found that out during ern District this fall. track season,” Imoh said. “Going Imoh is the key returnee on offense into the big races that we had and for Handley. He rushed for 885 looking at the times on the sheets yards and eight touchdowns last and seeing all of these people who season. He is the only returning had run really fast times, I felt like Judges player from last season to in all of the big races I was able to score more than one touchdown. have my best times and keep up with all of the fast people. When the Imoh, who started the season this pressure was high, I was able to run season at running back but is now my best times.” playing quarterback, is hoping to
This spring, he got the answer.
Walt Moody/Winchester Star
Malachi Imoh ran for 885 yards and eight touchdowns last season to lead Handley’s rushing attack. Imoh showed his tremendous speed after the season, placing second in the 100, 200 and 4x100 in the Class 4 track & field meet.
in the past Imoh has relied on great things — he can outrun you or put a little move on you. This is going to moves and hasn’t necessarily used his speed to its greatest advantage. benefit us and him. Track was a huge confidence builder for him, ‘Oh Track success may have changed yeah, I am pretty fast.’” that. Just looking at Imoh, many would “He realized that he actually can say that at 5-foot-7, 170 pounds he run,” Jones said. “Before I think he better be fast to avoid the tacklers knew he was fast, but he didn’t rein his path. ally realize that he can outrun peofind some holes to show off the blaz- Handley coach Dan Jones can’t wait ple instead of doing all of these little ing speed that made him one of the to see how Imoh’s track success IMOH, 20 translates this fall. Jones said that jukes. I think now there’s two state’s elite sprinters.
The Northern Virginia Daily & The Winchester Star
HANDLEY JUDGES
19
2018 HandleY StatS • Record: 5-5 (1-5 Northwestern District) • Passing leader: Jacob Parker (120 for 207, 1764 yards, 15 touchdowns, 12 interceptions)
• Receiving leader: Kevin Curry (60 for 1,067 yards, 13 touchdowns) • Total tackles: Quinton Newman (82) • Sacks: Stephen Daley (15)
• Rushing leader: • Interceptions: Kevin Malachi Imoh (162 for 885 yards, 8 touchdowns) Curry (4)
Judges Continued from 16
practice began. Running back Malachi Imoh, who gained 885 yards rushing last season, will move to the quarterback spot. The senior has some experience taking snaps, having done so in the Judges’ Wildcat formation. Imoh completed 5 of 7 passes last season.
2019 RoSteR No. 1 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 11 13 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 25 26 27 30
Name Mason Smith Chaz Lattimore Jayden Vardaro RJ Britton Stephen Daley Malachi Imoh Caleb Metzger Josiah Duffy Chris Milotte Josh Ashby Journey Cannon Josh Slack Tycuan McMillian Isaiah Lowry Damon Mintschenko Miles Ashe Dayvon Newman Leland Walkling Noah Hendrickson Nikqui Williams Michael Newlin
Pos. WR/CB WR/CB WR/SS WR/CB LB/TE QB/DB QB/LB DB/RB QB/DB LB/RB WR/CB QB/LB WR/DB WR/CB WR/DB RB/FS WR/DB LB/RB RB/S OL/LB WR/DB
Ht. 5-8 6-1 6-2 5-10 6-2 5-7 5-1 5-10 5-11 6-0 5-8 5-10 5-8 6-1 5-9 5-9 5-9 5-9 5-8 5-10 5-7
Wt. 160 145 195 155 220 170 180 165 160 180 140 140 170 170 140 180 195 180 180 175 155
Yr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. So. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr.
No. 31 32 43 44 45 50 51 52 54 55 57 62 64 65 66 67 71 73 74 75 83
Name Nathan Dones John Skiles Adam Pollak Quinton Newman Grayson Haines Joey Ashby Justin Menjivar Brian Martinez Ryan Carbaugh Tommy Ashby Victor Saravia Kobe Wolfinbarger Luke Foltz Thomas Pearson Trey Craft Jonathan Ramey Chase Vollmers Solomon Johnson Noah Johnson Rodd’ney Davenport Joshua Corsnitz
Pos. RB/CB TE/LB PK/P LB/FB TE/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 TE/LB
Ht. 5-3 5-11 6-1 6-0 5-8 5-7 5-9 5-5 5-9 5-7 6-2 6-0 6-1 5-11 5-11 6-0 5-11 6-0 5-10 6-0 5-9
Wt. 140 170 175 240 155 200 190 315 220 220 205 270 250 270 240 160 240 300 265 220 180
great job.
Yr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Fr. Jr. Sr. So. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. So. Fr. Jr.
want to put eight in the box, he can hurt you with the pass. I’m hoping that his ability to “In our first scrimmage [against Loudoun County], we threw more than we probably will throw will open up more lanes for him.” Jones certainly expects the playbook to expand in the regular season, but that’s where he Jones said Imoh, the Class 4 runner-up in the lacks the most. We know he can run and our as the season progresses. 100 and 200 meters, is picking things up running backs can run. We’ve just got to find a “I don’t have to change it, but I want to change quickly. it,” he said of the playbook. “Yeah, we’ll change way to incorporate all our speed and get our “He’s a smart kid,” Jones said. “The thing it because we based it on different things with receivers the ball somehow.” about Malachi like I’ve said is that we can put other quarterbacks being there. We’re going to Jones says that Imoh (5-foot-7, 170 pounds) him anywhere and he will pick it up. He’s one be a more running back, receiver, quick screen can burn opponents with the pass. of these kids that I can tell him something one kind of offense. Now we can incorporate the “He throws the ball well,” Jones said. “Moving quarterback and you have to defend 11 guys time and he will remember what we talked late, he’s not as sharp as we’d like him to be at about. It’s a lot to make the move to quarterJUDGES, 67 back this late in the summer, but he’s done a this point, but he’s quickly getting there. If you “We made a move,” said Jones with a chuckle. “We’re just trying to get our athletes the ball as much as possible.”
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Imoh
Last year, he was second on the squad with 27 receptions. Early in the season, he became the team’s Continued from 18 punter and using a rugby-style approach averaged 34.4 yards per Jones said to think of Imoh as just a kick. Imoh also returned kickoff and speed demon only is to underestimate the senior. Imoh has great vi- punts. sion, power and the canny ability to He also had experience in the Wildcat formation where he receives diavoid taking a big shot. rect snaps and either runs or “He hits the hole hard and we’re going to get him more opportunities passes. While he was mostly a threat as a runner, Imoh completed to do zones to find a hole,” Jones said. “We’re going to let him be who 5 of 7 passes for 79 yards last seahe is and that’s a little scatback who son. has the ability to outrun you, but has the ability to pound you inside. He’s put together. He’s not the tallest kid, but he’s definitely solid.
bit of running and passing,” Imoh said. “It is a little bit different than the Wildcat that I’ve run in the past. Our coaches have been able to help me.”
“As I’ve gotten older, I’ve been able to talk with him and get pointers from him on the best way because he did really well at such a high level,” Malachi said.
Imoh says he relishes the opportunities to pass.
Imoh wants to be able to help his Handley teammates play to their peak, too.
“I do like throwing the ball,” he said. “I did that a lot more my sophomore year than I was able to last year. We have really good receiving corps and we should have a good running game, too. I think we should be able to both run and throw the ball efficiently.”
“I definitely like being able to be multi-faceted and not only be a run- Imoh began playing the game as a ning back and do other things that fourth-grader and hasn’t missed a helps our team out,” Imoh said. year since. In sixth grade, Imoh said “He doesn’t back down,” Jones “That’s the thing every coach loves he came to a realization. added. “I don’t think you can always — if you can have multiple kids “I was in this football league in get a great shot on him. He always that can do a lot of different things Strasburg,” he recalled. “That’s has the ability to wiggle at the last you just feel like you’re fortunate, when I began to grow my passion second.” lucky,” Jones said. “You can put him for football and found that passion Imoh says he doesn’t mind the con- anywhere on the field and know he playing. We were all really small understands what is going on. We’ll and hadn’t played that much but I tact. He carried the ball 162 times stick him on defense at times. He’s a think that’s when I was like, ‘Wow, I last season, 131 carries more than kid that we trust and that we know could be really good at this sport if I the next highest running back on will give his all and he’s athletic put a lot of work into it.’” the squad. enough to do a lot of different Imoh has some pretty good genes in “Honestly, you would think it would be worse,” Imoh said of the physical things. I feel fortunate. I’m lucky to the family, too. have him.” pounding. “I just feel like running His uncle Mike was a running back full speed every play it’s hard to get Imoh said he’s looking forward to at Virginia Tech, who led the Hokies playing quarterback, which is a lit- in rushing (720 yards) in 2004. Dura clean shot on me. With everyone tle more complicated than the Wild- ing that season, Mike Imoh broke else doing their jobs, it’s not that bad.” cat. the school rushing mark in a game And as his new position indicates, “I think within our offense we have as he rushed for 243 yards on 32 Imoh is a lot more than just fast. a lot of option running and a little carries against North Carolina.
“I not only have to be, but I enjoy being a leader for this team,” Imoh said. “I’m really vocal at practice. I like to make it fun, compete and motivate like when we’re doing a run or something like that.” Jones says those qualities are what makes Imoh such a strong player. “It’s his confidence,” Jones said. “The kid loves to compete and he just believes anytime he touches the ball he is going to be successful. I don’t want to say he’s a jokester, but he makes people around him smile and have fun. He loosens you up in a sense.” Imoh certainly has earned the respect of his teammates, who speak of him in glowing terms. “I could say a lot of things,” chuckled linebacker/fullback Quinton Newman when asked about Imoh. “He’s a great kid for one. He’s a smart kid. I love him to death. I wouldn’t want to have anyone else running behind me. He’s a great athlete. If I could be anybody in the IMOH, 67
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The Northern Virginia Daily & The Winchester Star
Experienced Colonels looking to build more success By Walt Moody The Winchester Star
bY tHe nuMbeRS
WINCHESTER — With a 4-6 record last fall, the James Wood football team doubled its win total from the previous season.
• 3 - number of James Wood running backs to gain more than 550 yards last season with William Crowder (711), Jackson Turner (607) and Sam Adkins (556) going over that total.
Colonels coach Ryan Morgan says hitting that total again and moving forward will be another challenge this season.
• 4 - number of times James Wood’s defense held an opponent to 14 points in a game.
“We need to make strides forward,” Morgan said. “Even to remain a 4-6 team, we would need to be better than we were last year. I think they realize that. I think there is some optimism they can do it because there is such a large group of seniors and they’ve stuck together for a
2019 colonelS • Coach: Ryan Morgan (third season, 6-14) • Offense/Defense: Multiple offenses, multiple defenses • Key returnees: RB/LB Jackson Turner; RB/DB William Crowder; RB/LB Sam Adkins; C/DT Hayden Cunningham; QB Carson Hoberg; LB/RB Kevin Brown; OL/DL Seth DeHaven; WR/DB Luke Esparza • Key losses: WR/DB Treyven Mandel; OL/DL Luke Roy; OL/DL Walker See; OL/DL Zach Herbert; OL/DL Chance Grove
• 5 - number of players returning who had at least one sack last season. • 13 - number of different players who caught at least one pass last season. • 22.8 - average number of points scored per game. • 32.7 - average number of points allowed per game.
long time.” Morgan, whose squad went 2-4 in Class 4 Northwestern District action, said this fall will be tougher, especially with the addition of Culpeper County to the district chase. Walt Moody/Winchester Star Culpeper (9-5) rebounded from a 1- James Wood’s William Crowder (28) is one of three returning 3 start and made the Class 3 semifi- starters at running back for the Colonels. Crowder, the Class 4 nals. fourth-place finisher in the 100 meters, rushed for a team-leading “They were a playoff team last year 711 yards last season. and we saw them on film a couple of “Millbrook is bringing back some and Millbrook are always going to times,” Morgan said of the Blue be tough and then with the addition talent,” Morgan said. “They lost Devils. “I know that they are a good some talent, too. Sherando lost of Culpeper it’s another tough team program.” added to the schedule.” some talent, but Sherando has got The other challenges are more familiar.
some young guys coming up that have a lot of promise. … Sherando
COLONELS, 25
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JAMES WOOD COLONELS
2019 ScHedule Aug. 30 Sherando, 7 p.m.
Oct. 11
Culpeper County, 7 p.m.
Sept. 13 at Skyline, 7 p.m.
Oct. 18 at Liberty, 7 p.m.
Sept. 20 Warren County, 7 p.m.
Oct. 25 at Fauquier, 7 p.m.
Sept. 27 Kettle Run, 7 p.m.
Nov. 1
Millbrook, 7 p.m.
Oct. 4
Nov. 9
at Handley, 7 p.m.
at Independence, 7 p.m.
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2018 ReSultS (4-6, 2-4 claSS 4 noRtHweSteRn diS.) Aug. 24 lost to Sherando, 65-6
Oct. 5
Aug. 30 lost to Justice, 28-21
Oct. 12 lost to Millbrook, 60-32
Sept. 8
beat Skyline, 20-14
Sept. 13 beat Warren Co., 27-14 Sept. 21 lost to Hedgesville (W.Va.), 45-20
lost to Liberty, 32-23
Oct. 19 beat Fauquier, 44-14 Oct. 26 beat Handley, 21-14 Nov. 2
lost to Kettle Run, 41-14
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JAMES WOOD COLONELS
24
Colonels looking for ‘Hammer’ to nail opponents By Walt Moody The Winchester Star
iron. The third-year head coach was the JV head coach when Turner arrived as a freshWINCHESTER — James Wood football player man. “He came to us in ninth grade and he already Jackson Turner got the nickname he carries around today when he was barely big enough had that nickname and he proved it,” Morgan said. “He was pretty short coming into ninth to tote a pigskin. grade. He started at fullback for us and ran His father Chip can take credit for the over a lot of people. I know it was JV, but we moniker. were playing against Spring Mills and a “Back in I believe my second year of playing safety came up as Jackson was running up football, my dad was my coach,” Turner exthe middle. Jackson hit him and the safety plained after a recent Colonels practice. “I was kind of went vertical and ended up flat in the about seven years old and this one kid came air before he ended it up on his back.” through the hole and with my natural instinct Now 5-foot-9 1/2 and 210 pounds, Turner is I hit him and he fell over. My dad was like, still a wrecking ball that loves contact on the ‘Way to go Hammer’ and I kind of stuck with field. it. I’ve always tried to live up to that nickAs a fullback, Turner gets the tough inside name since.” yards for the Colonels, who have a pair of Teammates and opponents will tell you that speedsters in Crowder and Sam Adkins to “Hammer” is doing a pretty good job at that break off the long runs. task. With his bruising running as a fullback He also delivers big hits from his middle lineand his aggressive play at middle linebacker, backer slot. Turner has been the team’s defenTurner has nailed plenty of people during his sive MVP the past two seasons. football career. Turner has a hard time deciding which he “He is ‘The Hammer,’” backfield mate William likes better — running over a defensive back Crowder said with a chuckle when asked or crushing a running back or receiver. about Turner’s nickname. “Yep, he will lay the “It’s a big 50-50 because I adore both sides of boom on you.” the ball,” Turner said. “I think ‘Hammer’ describes him really well,” center and defensive tackle Hayden Cunningham added. “He runs hard and does a lot of hard things.” It’s been that way since Colonels head coach Ryan Morgan first saw Turner on the grid-
Offensively, Turner does the dirty work running between the tackles. He’s not going to break off the long TD runs, but he’s going to get the tough yardage often required to extend drives.
Jeff Taylor/The Winchester Star
James Wood fullback Jackson Turner gained 607 yards an scored a team-leading eight touchdowns for the Colonels last season. Nicknamed “Hammer,” Turner also is a standout middle linebacker on defense. team-high 134 times and was second on the squad with 607 yards. He averaged 4.5 yards per carry and led the Colonels with eight touchdowns. “He keeps us on schedule,” Morgan said. “We know he’s not the guy who is going to take it
Last season, Turner carried the ball a
TURNER, 26
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JAMES WOOD COLONELS
2018 JaMeS wood StatS • Record: 4-6 (2-4 Northwestern District) • Passing leader: Carson Hoberg (45 for 96, 802 yards, 5 touchdowns, 11 interceptions) • Rushing leader: William Crowder (86 for 711 yards, 5 touch-
downs) • Receiving leader: Treyven Mandel (13 for 313 yards, 5 touchdowns) • Total tackles: Kevin Brown (92) • Sacks: Walker See (5.5) • Interceptions: Treyven Mandel (4)
Colonels Continued from 22
The good news for the Colonels is that they’ve got a roster full of experience. More than half (21 players) on the varsity roster are seniors. “There are a lot of seniors,” Morgan said. “They’ve been through some battles for a couple of years. Several of them were up on varsity as sophomores. They’ve been around. We’ve had some good moments and some bad moments. I think that they are a pretty mature group and they can kind of keep things on an even keel a little bit — never getting too high or too low. It helps with the experience and they have another year of growth and size. Hopefully it pays off in the long run.” Players feel the same way and see the potential to improve. “Two years ago, we were kind of in a slump,” senior Jackson Turner said. “Last year, we picked it up more, but we could have had some more success. This year, I know we have a big season coming up.”
25
2019 RoSteR No. 2 3 4 5 7 8 9 10 12 19 21 22 24 26 27 28 32 36 37
Name Jackson Turner Andrew Waters Blake Hounshell LaVaughn Freeman Chris Garcia Carson Hoberg Drew Reese Josiah Geaslen Zach Rose Jayson Herndon Joey Vitola Jaden Ashby Reid O’Roke Jacob Owens Ethan Grooms William Crowder Jamys Salosky Noah Cooley Luke Esparza
Pos. FB/LB QB/LB WR/LB WR/DB P/PK QB/DB QB/NG WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB RB/LB RB/DB RB/LB WR/DB WR/DB RB/DB TE/DL WR/DB WR/DB
Ht. 5-10 5-11 5-10 6-1 5-10 5-10 5-10 5-6 5-10 6-5 5-8 5-10 5-10 5-10 6-0 5-10 5-10 5-11 5-10
Wt. 210 198 185 160 150 185 205 130 146 195 170 155 168 165 165 185 198 131 165
Yr. Sr. Jr. So. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. So. Jr. Jr. So. Sr. Sr. So. Sr. Jr. Sr.
No. 40 42 47 50 51 52 54 55 56 58 66 68 71 72 73 75 76 87
Name Sam Adkins Wes Brondos Mike McGeachy Jonathan Addison Clayton Jones Austin Schmitt Alex Barth Tyler Darr Ronan Solosky Hayden Cunningham Garrett Strong Bradley Sions Trevor Feathers A.J. James Seth DeHaven Brayden Patterson-Campbell Kevin Brown Steadman Green
Pos. RB/LB RB/LB RB/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL C/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/LB TE/DL
Ht. 6-0 5-7 5-10 5-10 6-3 6-0 5-11 5-7 5-11 6-0 6-1 6-3 5-11 5-8 6-3 5-11 5-9 6-0
Wt. 175 155 185 217 214 212 180 220 204 283 250 200 250 216 258 275 200 175
Yr. Sr. So. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. So. Jr. So. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr.
“We’re pretty confident,” senior Hayden Cunningham echoed. “We have a pretty solid team. We have a lot of our backs returning. There’s a lot of 10th-graders who are going to help us a lot.”
fore,” Morgan said of his three senior backs. “This is the fourth year that William has been on varsity. This is the third year for Sam. This is the third year for Jackson. They’ve been around. The Colonels certainly have plenty of experienced They were a little unsure maybe as 10th-graders whether they could hack it at the varsity level. seniors in the offensive backfield. Fullback “Now this is just a way of life for them — the exTurner (5-10, 210) and running backs Sam Adkins (6-0, 175) and William Crowder (5-10, 185) pectation for them to go out and succeed. I don’t think that they will question themselves and combined for nearly 1,900 yards and 21 touchdowns last season. Crowder, fourth in Class A in they are also good leaders. I think that rubs off the 100 meters, and Adkins provide the dash and on other people. They can talk to people like Joey Turner provides the bash in the running attack. or Jaden who are a little bit younger and give them some tips and pointers and keep them on Junior Joey Vitola (5-8, 170) and sophomore Jaden an even-keel if they start to get too high or too Ashby (5-10, 155), who scored 22 touchdowns in low.” junior varsity action, could also see action. “They’ve been around and they’ve done it be-
COLONELS, 68
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Turner
Morgan said. “That is kind of Jackson.
“He runs behind his pads and he’ll put his head down and try to around the edge and go 80 yards, burrow through people,” Morgan but he is the type of guy who can added. “He’ll run through people and keep his feet moving. Some get up to four, five or six yards running backs stop their feet on when we need it. He’s not afraid contact or want to bounce it outof those tough runs. Sometimes you see football players who know side. Even if he is getting dragged to the ground, you can see his feet it’s an inside run, but they want to bounce it outside every time. If churning through the mud or whatever surface we’re playing he sees a hole or a cutback lane, he’s able to make those cuts, but if on.” you need one yard he’s going to do Turner admits he loves the conhis best to give us one yard.” tact. Turner said he thrives on getting “It’s my favorite thing in the the tough yards. world,” he said. “Sometimes it catches up to me.” “The short yardage runs mean a lot because they can be a make or One of those times happened last a break it,” he said. “When you season in a Colonels win against can get that third-and-2 or a Fauquier. Turner found himself in third-and-4 and you can get that a position where he didn’t have a first down, that gives your team a lot a bodies around him as he time to breath and gives us anbroke through the line. other set of downs to drive down “Last year against Fauquier, he the field.” had a chance of scoring about a Morgan said Turner’s desire to get 40-yard touchdown when he the tough yardage reminds him of busted through the middle,” Mora story about a former NFL gan recalled. “There was a safety player. and he could have run to the cor“There’s a quote by Leroy Hoard ner of the end zone and scored a who used to play for the Clevetouchdown or he could have atland Browns who said, ‘Coach, if tempted to run over the safety. you need three yards I will get You could see that he was headed you three yards. If you need eight vertical and he leaned back inside yards, I will get you three yards,’” to take on that contact. He ran Continued from 24
over the guy, but he also got tripped up in the process. We’d like him to score the touchdown, but that does show his mentality.” The aggressiveness carries over to the defense. Turner was second on the squad with 72 tackles last season and was always around the ball.
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day nights. Morgan said that Turner is motivated and a student of the game. Morgan equates Turner with one of the school’s all-time great running backs.
“I don’t worry about him not wanting to finish conditioning or not wanting to be here,” Morgan “He plays the most important spot said. “Some kids prefer to be somewhere else on Saturday or on defense,” Cunningham said. something like that. He doesn’t “He leads the D-line and tells them the calls and everything. He mind putting in the work, looking at the playbook, watching film. shows good leadership.” Turner likes that teammates look “His dad coached him when he was younger and he played travel to him for leadership on and off ball over in Loudoun County. So the field. when he came to me in ninth “I take it very seriously,” he said. grade, he was probably one of the “I love being able to get my team- two smartest football players commates pumped up in the weight ing in. He and Tyler Bishop are room and on the field, getting probably the two of the smartest everyone pumped up and getting football players that we’ve had ready for the game. It’s just mak- coming up in ninth grade that I’ve ing sure we’re on the right path.” seen. “It rubs off to everybody knowing “He absorbs everything that we he’s the leader and they want to give to him, whether it be offenbe what he is,” Crowder said. “He sively or defensively. We don’t have to tell him anything twice. basically is given the genus for With technique and stuff like others to be good and keep the work ethic like he has. No one has that, he picks up on the little it better than he has. He wants to things really well. We’re lucky to have him.” help others.” Turner expects this to be his best While Turner’s nickname elicits season, yet. He’s put in the time thoughts of blunt force, Morgan said that his senior is more than a TURNER, 69 wrecking ball turned loose on Fri-
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MILLBROOK PIONEERS
The Northern Virginia Daily & The Winchester Star
Millbrook hopes aggressive approach pays off on defense By Robert Niedziewiecki The Winchester Star WINCHESTER — Millbrook senior Jordan Jackson said the Pioneers don’t plan on holding anything back this season.
bY tHe nuMbeRS • 4 - Consecutive playoff seasons for Millbrook, tying the longest streak in school history (2007-10). • 23 - Combined rushing (13) and passing (10) touchdowns from Gavin Evosirch last year.
“Intensity and toughness [are going to be strengths],” the wide re• 361 - Passing yards to go along with ceiver/cornerback said. “We lost a four touchdowns for Kaden Buza lot of people from last year, so I think we’re going to come out against James Wood last year. harder and play with more aggresserving as the team’s defensive cosiveness and passion. Fly around, ordinator this year after previously fly to the ball.” directing the Pioneers on the offenMillbrook head coach Josh Haysive of the ball. more definitely liked to hear JackThe Pioneers have six starters and son talk about flying to the ball a lot of proven playmakers back after practice last week. from an offense that averaged an The seventh-year head coach is impressive 36.9 points and 376.9 yards per game last year. Millbrook 2019 pioneeRS has some players back with experience on defense, but the Pioneers • Coach: Josh Haymore (7th year, don’t have any returning linebacker 40-27) starters back on a unit that would • Offense/Defense: Shotgun like to improve on the 28.4 points wing-T/multiple and 320.8 yards per game it al• Key returnees: RB/DB Gavin lowed in 2018. Evosirch, WR/DB Jordan Jackson, OL/DL Tyler Duckstein, OL/DL Zach Harrison, QB Kaden Buza, WR/DB T.J. Spain.
• Key losses: WR/DB Savon Smith, RB Noah Robinson, OL/DL Kelvin Enriquez, LB Tyrek Talley.
Jeff Taylor/The Winchester Star
Gavin Evosirch earned second-team all-district honors as an all-purpose selection last year, recording 855 yards and 13 TDs rushing and 566 yards and 10 TDs passing.
senior Jose Cruz Teran, junior and wrestling state tournament qualifier Jack Winans, and junior Diante Ball “I think we’re doing the right things (38 tackles), though sophomore Aidan Long could be a big factor as well. to make us good,” said Haymore, whose team went 7-4 and advanced “I coach the linebackers, and to the playoffs for the fourth straight they’re doing exactly what I’m season last year. “We’re not there yet, telling them to do,” Haymore said. but we’re doing the right things.” “Obviously, every linebacker wants Projected linebacker starters are to be attacking and getting down-
hill. But we’re emphasizing good tackling, and they’re hitting people, they’re being physical, they’re attacking. They’re not sitting back and watching. They understand what our pass drops are. Obviously, we’ve got to fine-tune these things and get better at them and get faster at them, but right now I PIONEERS, 31
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MILLBROOK PIONEERS
2019 ScHedule Aug. 30 at Jefferson (W.Va.), 7 p.m. Oct. 4 Sept. 6
Loudoun County, 7 p.m.
Oct. 11
29
2018 ReSultS (7-4, 4-2 claSS 4 noRtHweSteRn diS.)
at Fauquier, 7 p.m. Handley, 7 p.m.
Sept. 13 at Heritage (Leesburg), 7 p.m. Oct. 25 Liberty, 7 p.m. Sept. 20 at Kettle Run, 7 p.m.
Nov. 1
at James Wood, 7 p.m.
Sept. 27 Sherando, 7 p.m.
Nov. 8
Culpeper County, 7 p.m.
Aug. 24 beat Jefferson (W.Va.), 26-24 Aug. 30 lost to Loudoun County, 49-28 Sept. 7 beat Washington (W.Va.), 46-6 Sept. 13 beat Turner Ashby, 67-28
Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 6 Oct. 12 Oct. 26 Nov. 1 Nov. 8
beat Fauquier, 53-26 lost to Kettle Run, 44-22 beat Handley, 36-28 beat James Wood, 60-32 beat Liberty, 36-12 lost to Sherando, 41-14 lost to Kettle Run, 20-14
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MILLBROOK PIONEERS
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Jackson leads Pioneers in all phases By Robert Niedzwiecki The Winchester Star WINCHESTER — The Millbrook football team doesn’t take the task of choosing its leadership group lightly. Approximately 15 players qualify to be potential members of the team’s “senate” based on the number of points they accumulate in the previous year in offseason football workouts and academics. Those candidates are asked to write a paper on why they want to be a leader. Then they have four one-on-one interviews with a select group of teachers to test their leadership qualities. A team vote is also taken to see how the players feel about the potential candidates. When it’s all over with, four players are chosen for the senate. Last year was the first year that Millbrook conducted this process and of the four players chosen, only one wasn’t a senior — Jordan Jackson. Anyone who attends a Millbrook football or basketball game can see the 5-foot-10, 185pound Jackson’s speed (4.56 40-yard dash) and shiftiness whether he’s playing wide receiver, cornerback or returning kicks in football or taking the court as a point guard in basketball. But those who are around him most feel it’s Jackson’s personality that makes the biggest impact on the team. “We know whenever we need him, he’ll be there,” said Millbrook senior running back
and defensive back Gavin Evosirch, who’s been playing football with Jackson for almost 10 years. “He’s a guy to count on. He’s a fun guy to be around, and he doesn’t let other people get down.” “He’s always upbeat,” Millbrook head coach Josh Haymore said. “He’s a social butterfly who’s always walking with someone different every time you see him in the hallway. I never see him do anything negative or hear anything negative come out of his mouth. On the field, he talks a little bit of junk, but that’s every football player. “And last year, he really opened up as a leader. If we needed him to lead a person to make sure they were doing the right things, we’d tell him, ‘This guy needs to be pushed a little harder,’ and he’d go push him. Out of the senate, I thought he was one of the better leaders. As positive as Jordan is, people turn to him a lot. He exceeded our expectations. He’s a good kid who was raised right.” Jackson is one of Millbrook’s best all-around athletes for the entire school, having earned second-team All-Class 4 Northwestern District honors for offense (29 catches, 390 yards, seven TDs last year), defense (three interceptions, 16 tackles) and special teams (two kickoff return TDs) as a junior. In basketball, Jackson averaged 10.9 points, 2.6 assists and 1.5 steals to earn second-team Region 4C and first-team all-district honors. Jackson even played baseball for the first time so he could help the team as a courtesy/pinch-runner. One of the people who raised Jackson was a
Robert Niedzwiecki/The Winchester Star
Millbrook senior Jordan Jackson earned second-team Class 4 All-Northwestern District honors in all three phases last year — wide receiver, cornerback and punt returner. pretty special athlete, too. Scott Jackson, a 1988 Handley graduate, was inducted into the school’s Hunter Maddex Hall of Fame in 2014. Scott was a second-team all-state JACKSON, 32
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MILLBROOK PIONEERS
2018 MillbRooK StatS • Record: 7-4 (4-2 Class 4 Northwestern District) • Passing leader: Kaden Buza (52 of 97, 800 yards, 8 touchdowns, 7 interceptions) • Rushing leader: Noah Robinson (158 carries for 1,172 yards, 14 touchdowns)
31
2019 RoSteR No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 8 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 22 23
• Receiving leader: Jordan Jackson (29 receptions for 390 yards, 7 touchdowns) • Total tackles: Tyrek Talley (106) • Sacks: Tyrek Talley (7) • Interceptions: Savon Smith (4)
Pioneers Continued from 28
think they’re coming along really well.” Millbrook’s defensive line features senior Tyler Duckstein (56 tackles), sophomore Aden Evosirch, senior James Nelson and senior Michael Villa (35 tackles). Ends Duckstein and Villa each started last year.
Name Jordan Jackson T.J. Spain Detric Brown Braden George Diante Ball Jacob Ford Joshua Lonas Aidan Haines Kyle Lowman Kaden Buza Tyler Foreman Ryan Lowman Braden Raymond Jose Cruz Teran Christopher Leverich Gavin Evosirch Brandon Riley Jayden Banks Aidan Long Lee Holland
Pos. WR/DB WR/DB QB/DB WR/DB RB/LB WR/DB RB/LB WR/DB WR/DB QB/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DE WR/DB WR/DB RB/DL RB/LB RB/LB
Ht. 5-10 6-2 6-1 5-8 6-0 5-9 5-11 6-0 5-11 6-1 5-8 5-11 6-1 5-9 5-10 5-11 5-9 6-0 5-9 5-8
Wt. 185 210 165 170 185 185 175 185 165 180 165 165 175 170 185 200 165 185 180 200
Yr. Sr. Sr. Fr. So. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. So. Jr. So. Jr.
At running back, the Pioneers lose Noah Robinson, who rushed for 1,172 yards and 14 touchdowns and is now at the University of Delaware.
No. 33 35 44 51 52 53 54 56 57 58 59 65 66 70 71 72 73 75 89
Name Tajay Goulborne Joseph Young Jack Winans Anthony Castillo Brigham Groll Michael Villa Landon Anderson Edgar Rivas Tyler Duckstein Jordan Towles Andrew Dennard James Nelson Aden Evosirch Markell Harrison Shoaib Zamani Dalton Tusing Zach Harrison Dejon Baylor Patrick Sigler
Pos. WR/LB WR/LB RB/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DE OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL K
Ht. 5-8 6-1 6-0 5-6 6-0 6-0 5-10 5-9 6-1 6-2 6-0 5-8 5-10 6-0 6-3 6-1 6-3 6-4 5-11
Wt. 190 170 195 240 230 210 225 240 230 225 200 220 235 260 250 245 250 320 170
Yr. Sr. So. Jr. So. Jr. Sr. So. So. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. So. Fr. Jr. Jr. Sr. So. So.
season. But the Pioneers like what they have in their other four wide receivers.
Jackson (team-best 29 catches for 390 yards and 7 TDs, second team all-district) and Ball will be But the Pioneers are shifting an impressive ath- featured in the two slot positions. The outside wide receiver positions will be manned by Spain lete in senior Gavin Evosirch from the slot to (17 catches for 313 yards and 5 TDs) and Robinson’s running back position. Evosirch Haines. Starting at cornerback are Jackson, who earned earned second-team all-district honors as an allsecond-team Class 4 Northwestern District hon- purpose selection last year, recording 855 yards Haymore is expecting a big year from the man ors last year after recording three interceptions and 13 TDs rushing and 566 yards and 10 TDs directing the offense at quarterback. Senior Kaden Buza wasn’t available at the outset of and 16 tackles, and senior T.J. Spain. The safety passing. the 2018 season because of injury, but he was positions will feature senior Gavin Evosirch (55 Millbrook also loses wide receiver Savon Smith given the starting job in the seventh game of tackles) and Aidan Haines (15 tackles). All but (Richmond), who missed the first half of last the year and completed 52 of 97 passes for 800 Spain are returning starters in the secondary. year because of injury but posted 20 catches for yards, eight TDs and seven interceptions. Millbrook’s offense has a lot of firepower return- 306 yards and two TDs and rushed for 412 PIONEERS, 32 ing to its shotgun wing-T attack. yards and 6 TDs over the last six games of the “We’ve got a lot of new faces [up front], but I think they’re using their hands very well with what we’re trying to accomplish this year,” Haymore said. “They’re playing fast, getting off blocks and not just kind of watching.”
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Pioneers Continued from 31
His backup is one of the two freshmen on the team, Detric Brown, the younger brother of 2017 starting QB Isaac, now a wide receiver at Richmond. Haymore said Detric Brown is also capable of playing other positions.
The Pioneers also return the senior tackle Zach Harrison, a secondteam all-district selection who’s still working his way back to 100 percent after suffering a torn ACL in the regular-season finale against Sherando last year. “We’re still really strong,” Duckstein said. “I don’t think there’s any weaknesses on our offensive line.”
good job down-blocking. He knows the plays.
of the addition of sophomore Patrick Sigler.
“He did a good job on defense last year for us, but I think he was really waiting for a tackle job to come open. He’s done a really good job, and I can’t wait to see him as he grows.”
One thing that Haymore has noticed is that his players are spending more time together off the field than in the past, and he hopes the relationships the players are building makes a difference as they look to keep themselves among the top teams in the district.
Millbrook boasts a couple of impressive return specialists in Jackson, a second-team all-district selection who returned two kickoffs for touchdowns last year, and Evosirch.
“You see them at lunch sitting together, you see them in the common area before school and they’re all sitting together,” Haymore said. “I think they’re making it a point of Evosirch was a first-team all-disemphasis this year to have fun and trict selection as a punter last year be closer as a team.” “Obviously he’s got the size, but (a 35.6 average on 29 punts). And he’s got the work ethic, too,” Hayafter almost always going for two- Millbrook opens its season on Aug. more said. “He works really hard. point conversions for the past two 30 at Jefferson (W.Va.). He really loves offense. He does a years, Millbrook won’t necessarily Contact Robert Niedzwiecki at rniedzwiecki@winchesterstar.com good job pass-setting and he does a have to do that this year because
Heading into the team’s second scrimmage, the offensive line featured sophomore left tackle Dejon Baylor (6-foot-4, 320 pounds), the 6-1, 230-pound Duckstein (firstteam All-Region 4C selection last year), senior center Andrew Dennard (6-0, 200), Villa (6-0, 210) at right guard and sophomore Edgar Rivas (5-9, 240) at right tackle.
Baylor had some injury problems last year, but the fact that he was on the varsity as a freshman showed how much the Pioneers thought of his potential.
Jackson
know in basketball and football, and he always teaches and tells me to do the right thing.”
Continued from 30
As one of the team’s leaders (this year’s senate has not been deterlinebacker selection as a senior mined by the time this story went and also a standout fullback. In to press), Jordan has had to be track, Scott also ran on state strong for his team over the past championship 4x400-meter relays year, and now he has to be strong team in 1985 and 1987. He played for his father. Scott was diagcollege football at Ferrum and nosed with stomach cancer in was on the 1989 Division III naMarch. tional semifinalist team. “He’s my everything,” Jordan said. “He taught me everything I
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to focus on you.’ If I want to play college football, I have to grind. I’m just trying to make him proud.” Jordan has provided more than enough moments to make Scott smile from ear-to-ear over the years.
In his first year on the varsity, Jackson started at wide receiver. Through six games, Jordan had only four catches for 36 yards and “It hasn’t been easy,” Jordan said. one TD. But he had a 71-yard receiving TD against his father’s “He’s always told me, ‘You’ve got
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former Handley team in a 43-0 win, part of a stretch in which he had 16 catches for 275 yards (a 17.2 average) and three TDs over the final five games of the year. “We needed a deep ball threat, and we got a deep ball threat,” said Haymore of Jackson’s sophomore year. Jackson worked on getting stronger, faster and more explosive as a junior, leading to increased offensive production and JACKSON, 70
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The Northern Virginia Daily & The Winchester Star
Sherando aims to keep success going By Robert Niedzwiecki The Winchester Star STEPHENS CITY — Gone are nine primary offensive starters and more than half of the defensive starters from last year’s Class 4 Northwestern District champions and Region 4C finalists. A program that hasn’t had a losing season since 2002 and has 12 playoff berths in 14 years isn’t going to sweat those details, though. “We’re working pretty hard,” senior linebacker and running back Payne Bauer said. “We know we’re not last year’s team, so we’re trying to cre-
2019 waRRioRS • Coach: Bill Hall (17th year, 140-47) • Offense/Defense: Pro, multiple/multiple • Key returnees: LB/RB Payne Bauer, WR/DB Jabril Hayes, OL/DL Keith Gouveia, QB/DB Chacai Campbell, K Jack Hendren, LB McKinley Dean, WR/LB Keli Lawson. • Key losses: QB Hunter Entsminger, RB/DB T.J. Washington, RB/LB JoJo Doleman, OL/DL Nick Corbit, WR Nick Mazza, TE Will Hall, OL/DL Joel Santmier, DB Malachi Doleman, OL Jacob Raymond.
bY tHe nuMbeRS • 4 - Players with NCAA Division I offers on this year’s team. LB/RB Payne Bauer (New Hampshire, Virginia Military Institute, Alabama A&M, Georgetown). WR/DB Jabril Hayes (Saint Francis, New Hampshire, VMI). Keith Gouvei (Kent State), Keli Lawson (Virginia). • 13 - Consecutive wins for Sherando against Class 4 Northwestern District teams. • 199 - Wins in Sherando’s 26-year history. The Warriors are averaging 7.7 wins per year and have 18 winning seasons. They have not had a losing season since 2002.
ate our own identity heading into the season.” The Warriors will look different on offense with junior dual threat Chacai Campbell taking snaps at quarterback instead of graduated three-year starter Hunter Entsminger. The defensive identity figures to include hard-nosed defense yet again.
Jeff Taylor/The Winchester Star
Jabril Hayes, left, earned second-team all-district honors as wide receiver and free safety last year. game. Sherando held nine of its 12 opponents to 14 points or less.
The Warriors’ middle linebacking corps is an impressive one. Senior Payne Bauer was a first-team Class 4 all-state selection, the co-Region 4C Defensive Player of the Year, and the Class 4 Northwestern District Player of the Year in 2018, when he recorded 106 tackles (36 for loss) The Warriors (10-2, 6-0 Class 4 Northwestern District) return three and 7.5 sacks. Sherando also brings all-district players and five players back a returning starter in McKinwith starting experience from a de- ley Dean (71 tackles). fense that surrendered 14.8 points Senior free safety Jabril Hayes (secper game and 245.8 yards per ond-team all-district, 51 tackles,
four interceptions) gives Hall another strong leader. “From an experience standpoint, it’s always good when you can be strong down the middle of your defense,” Hall said. At outside linebacker, Sherando no longer has JoJo Doleman, a secondteam all-state selection who is now at Marshall University. (Doleman is not listed on the roster but Marshall assistant athletic director for media relations Jason Corriher said WARRIORS, 35
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SHERANDO WARRIORS
2019 ScHedule Aug. 30 at James Wood, 7 p.m. Sept. 6
Oct. 11
Liberty, 7 p.m.
Jefferson (W.Va.), 7 p.m. Oct. 19 at Handley, 1 p.m.
Sept. 13 Martinsburg (W.Va.), 7 p.m. Oct. 25 Culpeper County, 7 p.m. Sept. 27 at Millbrook, 7 p.m.
Nov. 1
Fauquier, 7 p.m.
Oct. 4
Nov. 8
at Kettle Run, 7 p.m.
at Harrisonburg, 7 p.m.
Warriors
2018 ReSultS (10-2, 6-0 claSS 4 noRtHweSteRn diS.) Aug. 24 Aug. 31 Sept. 7 Sept. 12 Sept. 21 Oct. 5
beat James Wood, 65-6 beat Jefferson (W.Va.), 42-6 beat Broadway, 55-6 beat Loudoun Valley, 56-14 beat Liberty, 55-21 lost to Martinsburg (W.Va.), 50-45
play the two outside linebacker positions.
Continued from 34
Doleman is being redshirted.) Sherando uses both 3-4 and 4-3 looks, and Hall said there are five players who are being looked at to
35
Senior Skyler Taylor-Goode (46 tackles, 1.5 sacks) started at defensive end last year. Sophomore Campbell is a rover type who can Aydan Willis, senior Chase Wilde shift between outside linebacker and junior Jay’lin Polston, another and the secondary (a strong safety, rover between linebacker and secCampbell earned second-team allondary, are also being looked at to district honors last year as an allplay outside linebacker. purpose selection in 2018, recording 54 tackles and one interception). Hall did not mention junior Keli
Oct. 12 beat Kettle Run, 27-14 Oct. 19 beat Handley, 42-0 Oct. 25 beat Fauquier, 49-6 Nov. 1
beat Millbrook, 41-14
Nov. 16 beat Kettle Run, 16-14 Nov. 23 lost to Woodgrove, 27-3 Lawson (40 tackles) as an option right now at either linebacker or wide receiver. Lawson (scholarship offer from Virginia) is on the team but Hall would not say what his playing status is right now. When Sherando’s in an odd front, WARRIORS, 37
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Physicality of Sherando’s Gouveia runs in the family for himself.
By Robert Niedzwiecki The Winchester Star STEPHENS CITY — In March, Sherando senior Keith Gouveia was one of 100 Virginia high school football players invited to compete at the Washington Redskins/Sparta Science Combine in Ashburn. In addition to doing football drills, players had a chance to check out the Redskins’ facilities. Gouveia’s experience was a little different from his fellow football players — he got to look at a picture of a Gouveia in a Redskins uniform.
The junior is coming off a 2018 season in which he earned second-team Class 4 all-state honors as a right tackle, the only sophomore or younger offensive lineman to earn all-state honors in Class 4. Gouveia already has an offer to play NCAA Division I football, with Kent State extending an invitation to play this summer after seeing him at a camp at Catholic University in Washington, D.C.
Kurt isn’t Keith’s only impressive football-playing relative. His cousin Jeron Gouveia-Winslow was a lineKurt Gouveia — a 13-year NFL backer at Virginia Tech from 2008linebacker from 1987-99 who won 12 and has also been someone Keith two Super Bowls during his nine can talk with about football. (Both years with the Redskins — is Keith’s uncle. Keith has a lot of ap- Kurt, who will be part of Washington’s XFL team as an assistant preciation for the football knowlcoach next year, and Jeron have edge Kurt has passed on to him. But the most important part of that lived in North Carolina most of Keith’s life.) trip wasn’t what he saw at Redskins Park, but rather the reason Like Keith’s relatives, Sherando why he was at Redskins Park. coach Bill Hall says he sees the type “I just want to be me,” said Gouveia of mentality from Keith that should earlier this month after a Sherando also have him playing at the NCAA football practice, long after the sun Division I level once his Sherando had set. “I always want to be myself days are done. and my own football player.” “I think he understands and emThere’s no question that the 6-foot3, 260-pound Gouveia has carved out a pretty impressive name
braces the way the game has to be played,” Hall said. “He brings that as part of his DNA. He’s just tough
Jeff Taylor/The Winchester Star
Sherando junior Keith Gouveia, the nephew of former Washington Redskins linebacker Kurt Gouveia, has established himself as one of the best offensive lineman in the state. Keith Gouveia was the only sophomore or freshman offensive lineman to earn Class 4 all-state honors last year. and physical.
line. He didn’t mind it one bit.
“He’s really great because all you have to do is refine technique. You don’t have to coach effort.”
“I started running kids over,” Gouveia said. “It just grew on me. That’s my thing.”
Keith — who moved from Ashburn to Frederick County in third grade — has been playing football since he was 8. Because he’s always been bigger than his peers, he didn’t play linebacker when he began playing — he was inserted up front on the
As Gouveia advanced from elementary school to middle school he continued to shine. When August of 2017 rolled around, Gouveia was the only freshman at Sherando GOUVEIA, 71
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SHERANDO WARRIORS
2018 SHeRando StatS • Record: 10-2 (6-0 Class 4 Northwestern District) • Passing leader: Hunter Entsminger (100 of 148, 1,857 yards, 18 touchdowns, 3 interceptions) • Rushing leader: T.J. Washington (173 carries for 1,312 yards,
15 touchdowns) • Receiving leader: Nick Mazza (36 receptions for 715 yards, 9 touchdowns) • Total tackles: Payne Bauer (106) • Sacks: Payne Bauer (7.5) • Interceptions: Jabril Hayes (4)
Warriors Continued from 35
37
2019 RoSteR No. 2 3 4 5 7 9 10 12 14 16 17 20 22 23 24 25 28 29 30 33 35 40 42
Name Jordan Polston Damien Gustaitis Zachary Kim Jabril Hayes Chase Wilde Jay’lin Polston Derek Metcalf Dylan Rodeffer McKinley Dean Connor Waymire Jared Ilnicky Chacai Campbell Adrian Burner Keli Lawson Zachary Symons Aydan Willis Jack Hendren Isiah Dyche Darius Lane Payne Bauer Christian Eppard Sean Loveless Dillon Hunter
Pos. WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB TE/LB RB/DB RB/LB QB/DB TE/LB WR/DB WR/DB QB/DB WR/DB WR/LB WR/DB RB/LB WR/DB/K WR/DB RB/DB RB/LB RB/LB WR/DB TE/LB
Ht. 5-10 5-9 5-9 5-11 6-0 5-11 5-10 6-0 6-2 5-9 5-8 5-10 5-8 6-5 6-0 5-10 5-8 5-8 5-10 6-2 5-9 5-11 5-10
Wt. 150 150 170 160 215 160 175 165 215 160 120 195 160 185 185 210 150 135 185 235 190 155 175
Yr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. So. Sr. So. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. So. So. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr.
the ends will be junior Keith Gouveia (20 tackles) and senior Caleb McLee (10 tackles), the district wrestling champion at 220 pounds last year and senior Addison Rios would be the nose tackle. Other people who can play tackle are junior Dante Hill (a transfer from Philadelphia who played for Jefferson, W.Va., as a freshman), soph- Jack Hendren, senior track star Darius Lane omore Brett Shockey, and sophomore Fabian and junior Damien Gustaitis. Kimbrough. Hill and senior Brady McKnight Sherando will benefit from versatility with playcan also factor in at the ends. ers like Campbell (secondary, linebacker), TaylorThe secondary will be led by the free safety Goode (line, linebacker) and Jay’lin Polston Hayes. Among the other candidates for playing time at safety are senior Adrian Burner, a trans- (secondary, linebacker) comfortable playing on multiple defensive levels. fer who got some playing time for Kettle Run, Wade Butler, a standout soccer player, senior Zach Kim and sophomore Connor Waymire.
No. 44 45 48 50 53 54 55 56 58 60 62 64 65 66 70 72 75 80 81 82 84 85 88
Name Owen Even Skyler Taylor-Goode Brady Michaels Fabian Kimbrough Charles Wright Caleb McLee Keith Gouveia Jamie Tinsman Henry Rusch Parker Clendenen Ethan Raymond Brady McKnight Addison Rios Clay Morgan Dante Hill Isaiah McPherson Brett Shockey Wade Butler Jonathan Romero Noah Grady Riley Adams Aaron Metz Saxton Garver
Pos. TE/LB TE/LB WR/DB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL WR/DB WR/DB TE/LB WR/DB TE/LB TE/LB
Ht. 5-11 6-4 5-9 6-2 5-8 5-11 6-3 5-10 6-2 6-0 6-0 5-11 5-10 6-4 6-2 5-9 6-1 6-2 5-11 6-0 5-8 6-2 6-1
Wt. 190 205 170 245 210 240 280 205 265 220 260 200 270 210 275 225 245 165 150 190 155 180 200
Yr. Sr. Sr. Jr. So. Jr. Sr. Jr. So. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. So. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr.
The Warriors aren’t as experienced on offense, but they feel good about the pieces they do have. “I think our guys up front are physical, and I think we’ve got some good speed at the skill positions,” Hall said. “We’ll look a little different with probably Chacai at quarterback. He adds another element to the run game that we would use more often than we would use with Hunter. The offense doesn’t change, you form it to fit the strengths of the guys you have. We’ll look a little different, but I think we’ll be good.”
“The outside joker position for us, outside linebacker, is kind of a like a nickel player for us,” The Warriors have five people competing at play- Hall said. “Anymore, you see so many spread ofing time for cornerback, including Jay’lin and his fenses, we’re running a lot more nickel-type Hall said Campbell will get “a lot of the reps” at junior brother Jordan Polston (the two are a packages. All those guys are physical and can fill WARRIORS, 38 year apart in age), second-team all-state kicker space quickly.”
SHERANDO WARRIORS
38
Warriors
should factor into the backfield mix are Bauer (12 carries, 70 yards, five TDs), Willis and Jay’lin Polston. Continued from 37 Hall describes the 5-10, 210-pound Willis as a “Jerome Bettis” type of quarterback after seeing time in back while Polston is more of a “scat three games last year because of inback.” juries to Entsminger, the Class 4 Northwestern District Player of the “Each of those backs possesses different qualities, so it’s up to us to Year who passed for 5,930 yards use what their strengths are,” Hall and 66 touchdowns as the team’s said. “Keeping people fresh is imstarting quarterback over the last portant. That kind of plays off on three years. In 2018, Campbell completed 25 of how much they’re playing on the 36 passes for 309 yards, four touch- other side of the ball.” downs and no interceptions and finished second on the team in rushing, carrying the ball 40 times for 311 yards (a 7.8 average) and four TDs. Hall said sophomore quarterback Dylan Rodeffer could be used in some scenarios. “We’ll use different people for different situations,” Hall said. Sherando loses a three-year starter and second-team all-state running back in Washington as well as fullback Doleman, who combined for 34 rushing and receiving TDs last year. Washington had 1,879 yards from scrimmage. Hall said Lane (41 carries, 223 yards, 2 TDs) should get the most carries at running back, but the Warriors could wind up spreading the wealth a bit depending on a variety of factors. Other people who
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season with 19 catches for 280 yards and three TDs to earn secondteam all-district honors. Gustaitis, Jordan Polston, sophomore Zach Symons, Butler, and Burner are also receiving reps at wide receiver.
specialist in Washington. Hall said Hayes and the other players working at receiver could fill that role.
The Warriors will have one new opponent to deal with in the Class 4 Northwestern District (Culpeper On special teams, Sherando has the County, a Class 3 state semifinalist last year) and they could meet some No. 1 kicker in the state for the intriguing new options down the class of 2021 as rated by the naroad in the Region 4C playoffs. Detional Kohl’s Kicking and Punting fending Class 4 state champion organization. Hendren — who reWoodgrove has moved up to Class ceived a 4.5-star rating at the national Kohl’s camp — connected on 5, but Broad Run and Tuscarora — 57 of 60 extra points and 3 of 4 field a region finalist and semifinalist goals for 66 points last year, with a last year, respectively — are moving The only returning starter on the down from Class 5 into Region 4C. offensive line is Keith Gouveia (6-3, long field goal of 42-yards against Martinsburg (W.Va). Hendren had 280 pounds), a second-team allAs always, Sherando’s goal is to state selection who is moving from eight touchbacks on 83 kickoffs. He challenge for championships. helped pin opponents deep by freright tackle to left tackle. “We have a program that works 365 quently forcing them to return kickPositions could change, but other days a year,” Hall said. “Our saying offs that he placed inside the 5-yard players who should be contributors always is, ‘Tradition never graduline. up front this year are McLee (left ates, but dictates the standard of guard, 5-11, 240), McKnight (center, “His leg’s gotten stronger,” Hall excellence.’ There’s a standard there 5-11, 200), junior Parker Clendenen said. “That ability to be able to score that our guys understand, and it’s when you get inside the 30 is great, our job as coaches to put them in (right guard, 6-0, 220) and Hill (right tackle, 6-2, 275). Sherando is and that’s a weapon when you the best position to be successful. make somebody have to drive the also looking at junior Charlie “We’ve proven over time that we’ve Wright (5-8, 210), Shockey (6-1, 245) whole field as a result of kickoffs.” figured out ways to be successful. It and senior Hank Rusch (6-2, 265). Butler and Campbell are both pomay look different from year to McLee was the only one who played tential punters for the Warriors. As year, but it’s about trying to put the significantly for the Warriors’ varEntsminger showed during his cakids in the best positions. As long as sity last year. reer, having a quarterback who can they’re putting in the effort and At tight end, Hall must replace his punt can be a weapon because opdoing the things we expect from posing teams will have to be wary of them, we just need to figure out a son Will. Dean and Wilde figure to Sherando trying to convert on play there. way to make it work.” fourth down with an offensive play. Sherando lost its top receiver in Contact Robert Niedzwiecki at Nick Mazza but Hayes had a strong Sherando loses an all-state return
rniedzwiecki@winchesterstar.com
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SKYLINE HAWKS
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Hawks looking to turn things around this season Tommy Keeler Jr. The Northern Virginia Daily
bY tHe nuMbeRS
FRONT ROYAL — After back-toback losing seasons, Skyline is looking to turn things around this year. The Hawks are coming off a disappointing 2-8 season but with a strong group returning the team feels good about what they can do this year. “It’s always in the back of your mind that you don’t want to go like that again,” Skyline junior Will Wolf said. “I think the past few years have been pretty abysmal seasons. And I think we’re done with that. We’re all
2019 HawKS • Coach: Heath Gilbert (13th year, 57-71) • Offense/defense: Multiple-I/4-2-5 • Key returnees: K/P Doug Cummings, WR/DB Anthony Domino, RB/LB David Carter, FB/DE Ethan Gue, OL/DL William Wolf • Key losses: TE/LB Nathan Abel, RB/DB Ty Clingerman, FB/LB Jacob Grady, WR/DB Caleb Reedy, QB/DB Chase Tasker, WR/DB L.T. Barber, FB/DE Bogdan Ion, OL/DL Marcel Roy, OL/DL Ethan Nowell, OL/DL Anthony Sosa
• 11 - Number of seniors on this year’s squad. • 16 - Number of touchdowns Skyline scored last season • 26 - Average number of points per contest the Hawks gave up last season • 155 - Average number of total yards for Skyline last season • 277 - Average number of yards allowed by Skyline’s defense last season
ready to change and we want to change. That’s a big thing. We all want to change. Everybody’s onboard. Last year was a lot more groups like you have your own area of the team. But this year it’s more like a brotherhood. You’re always there for each other. So that’s why I think we’ve got a big chance.” Skyline coach Heath Gilbert said that he believes his defense will be a strong point for the squad this season.
Rich Cooley/Daily file
Skyline’s Anthony Domino tries to avoid Culpeper’s Balke Polleri after making a catch near the goal line during second quarter action of a game from last year in Front Royal. Domino and the Hawks will look to get back on track this season after back-to-back losing seasons. Gilbert said. “So it was not so much physical but more mental errors.”
The defensive line should be a big part of Skyline’s defense this year “(In Skyline’s first scrimmage) we led by Wolf and senior Ethan Gue. looked like that part of the game, Wolf had 52 tackles, including a you know we’re not perfect or any- team-best 10 for a loss, last season. Gue led the team with three thing like that, but we’re more fumble recoveries and had 61 varsity ready on defense right now than we are on offense,” tackles overall.
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Gilbert said that juniors Patrick Slate, Dathen Montoya, Wesley Deavers, Alan Pinon-Santos and Lamar Schmitz are also looking solid on the defensive line. Linebackers should be a real strength of the defense led by seniors David Carter and Hayden Gray at the inside linebacker spots. The two combined for 195 HAWKS, 44
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2019 ScHedule Aug. 29 Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 21 Oct. 4
at Independence, 7 p.m. Broadway, 7 p.m. James Wood, 7 p.m. at Handley, 1 p.m. Riverheads, 7 p.m.
Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Nov. 1 Nov. 8
at Central, 7 p.m. William Monroe, 7 p.m. at George Mason, 7 p.m. at Brentsville, 7 p.m. Warren County, 7 p.m.
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2018 ReSultS (2-8, 0-5 claSS 3 n.weSt. diStRict) Aug. 24 Aug. 31 Sept. 8 Sept. 14 Sept. 21
lost to Central, 43-0 beat Broadway, 21-20 lost to James Wood, 20-14 lost to Handley, 42-0 beat George Mason, 42-22
Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 2
lost to Strasburg, 28-3 lost to Culpeper Co., 35-21 lost to William Monroe, 17-8 lost to Brentsville, 26-7 lost to Warren Co., 14-7
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SKYLINE HAWKS
43
Hawks looking for Gue to make impact on both sides of the ball By Tommy Keeler Jr. The Northern Virginia Daily
“Gue’s right there,” Gilbert said of the races. “They may get him FRONT ROYAL — Last year, in a by a step or something but even with his weight, compared to 35-21 loss to Culpeper, Ethan some of these smaller skill guys, Gue had a highlight-reel mohe can run right with them.” ment. The Skyline defensive end picked up a fumble and returned it for a long touchdown. For Gue, it was a moment he won’t forget.
Gue is also a wrestler at Skyline and finished fifth in the Class 3 state meet last year at 220 pounds.
“My buddy (Skyline 2019 graduate) Bogdan Ion, me and him hit the running back at the same time and the ball went out,” Gue said. “(Ion) pushed the running back away for me to pick it up. When I picked it up, there was nothing else in my head except for ‘run.’ So I took off and I could feel (Skyline 2019 graduate) Caleb Reedy on my back, looking around making sure nobody else was around and he was blocking. It was a pretty fun moment.”
Gilbert said being a wrestler definitely helps Gue on the football field.
Gue could have more of those ‘fun’ moments this season for Skyline even though he plays at defensive end. The 6-foot-2, 220pound Gue is fast for his size. Skyline coach Heath Gilbert said at times Gue will challenge some of Skyline’s skill players to races during practice and he can usually hold his own with them.
“They go hand-in-hand,” Gilbert said. “Any time I get wrestlers out here I know I can count on them for their toughness. And a lot of times those guys can always tackle, and obviously, they’re not afraid of contact at all. They’re just tough, strongnosed kids.” Gue said that while he enjoys wrestling, he loves football even more. Gue was moved up to the varsity level during his sophomore season but said he mostly just played on special teams.
Rich Cooley/Daily
Skyline’s Ethan Gue, left, battles with a teammate in a pass rush drill during the Hawks’ first day of practice in Front Royal earlier this month. we think he can be a strong force.”
and led the team with three sacks.
Gue said he enjoys playing on the defensive line and feels like he’s learned what to look for upfront “He’s just got a really good knack going against opposing offensive lines. for using his leverage and being able to help us in so many spots,” “I’m usually looking to see if they’re more aggressive or if Last season, Gue played at defen- Gilbert said. “So we’d really like they’re more technical on the ofto play him at defensive end this sive end and nose guard on defensive line,” Gue said. “If they’re year and get settled in at that fense and as a back-up fullback more aggressive I can use my spot. But it all depends on the and tight end. He finished last season with 61 tackles, one forced game plan and what the guys GUE, 45 around him are able to do. But fumble three fumble recoveries Gilbert said Gue primarily will be used as a defensive end this season.
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SKYLINE HAWKS
44
2018 SKYline StatS • Record: 2-8, 0-5 Class 3 Northwestern District • Passing leader: Chase Tasker (89-for188, 963 yards, 8 touchdowns, 9 interceptions) • Rushing leader: Ty Clingerman (97 carries for 300 yards, 1 touchdown)
• Receiving leader: Caleb Reedy (34 receptions for 426 yards, 3 touchdowns) • Total tackles: David Carter (100) • Sacks: Ethan Gue (3) • Interceptions: Ty Clingerman (2)
Hawks Continued from 41
tackles last season to lead the Hawks. Gilbert said that senior Darion Santucci, Michael Davis and juniors Matthew Leach and Grady Pastore will be the team’s top outside linebackers. Gilbert said that the secondary will be young this season led by seniors Anthony Domino and Wyatt Spiker. Sophomores Ethan Caperton and Brayden Poe have looked solid at safety behind Domino and Spiker. Junior Marion Haley, sophomore Austin Dunlap and senior Dominic Guizar are expected to lead the way at the cornerback spots. Gilbert said that he feels pretty good about the team’s depth on defense. “We don’t have a ton of guys, but we seemed to have filled in to have at least four in each of these positions, hopefully,” Gilbert said. “But you’re one injury away and then you’re depth is stressed, then more guys are playing two
2019 RoSteR No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 11 14 21 22 24 25 28 29 30 35
Name Connor Hughes Blake Appleton Austin Dunlap Hayden Gray Marion Haley Lamar Schmitz Luke Winningham Ethan Caperton Douglas Cummings Michael Davis Logan Maiatico Darion Santucci Anthony Domino David Carter Colin Parsons Ethan Wooddell Jahrel Whiting Justin Reid Ethan Gue
Pos. WR/DB QB/DB WR/DB RB/LB WR/DB WR/DE K/P WR/DB K/P WR/LB WR/DB RB/LB WR/DB RB/LB WR/DB WR/LB RB/LB RB/LB TE/DE
Ht. 6-2 5-8 5-8 5-10 6-3 6-4 5-9 6-1 6-1 5-9 5-9 6-1 5-9 6-1 6-0 5-11 5-11 5-10 6-2
Wt. 180 140 140 170 180 210 180 185 160 165 130 240 170 180 140 170 185 170 240
Yr. So. So. So. Sr. Jr. Jr. So. So. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr.
ways, instead of maybe splitting the position or going one way. So it can be a challenge quickly.” Offensively, the Hawks will be led by the offensive line. Wolf and Slate return from last year’s squad on the line. Deavers and junior Miles Troxell are also expected to have staring spots. Gilbert said the left guard starting spot is between senior Andre Deville and Montoya. Gilbert said he is a little worried about his depth on the offensive line because they only have eight linemen.
No. 36 40 42 43 45 48 51 54 55 56 59 62 66 72 74 76 77 78 88
Name Christopher Moin Dominic Guizar Wyatt Spiker Grady Pastore Benjamin Cagle Matthew Leach Ashton Tingle Keith Schmitz Andre Deville Julian Marcey Dathen Montoya Andrew Ross Judd Schuman Alan Pinon-Santos Will Wolf Miles Troxell Patrick Slate Wesley Deavers Brayden Poe
Ht. 5-11 5-10 5-9 5-9 5-9 6-1 5-10 6-4 6-4 6-3 6-2 6-0 5-10 5-10 6-2 6-3 6-2 6-1 6-1
Wt. 175 155 160 180 180 215 210 245 300 240 300 250 165 300 250 215 295 220 170
Yr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. So. So. Sr. So. Jr. Jr. So. So. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. So.
Spiker will combine to get the bulk of the carries in the backfield this season. The combination of backs doesn’t have a lot of experience with Carter being the top returner (nine carries for 39 yards last season). Haley will be expected to lead the way at the wide receiver position. Gilbert said the transfer from Warren County has adjusted to being at Skyline and should have a good season for the Hawks. Haley had 18 receptions for 293 yards and two touchdowns last year for Warren County.
Junior Logan Maiatico, Carter, Gray and
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Pos. RB/LB WR/DB RB/DB RB/LB TE/LB TE/DE 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
HAWKS, 45
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SKYLINE HAWKS
Gue
45
Gue said that he’s hoping he can break some of Skyline’s school records for defensive linemen into categories such as tackles and sacks this season.
week to get ready for the high school season.
Gue said he would like to play in college at either the Division 1 or Division 2 level and Continued from 43 he’s already had interest from schools such Offensively, Gilbert said that Gue will start as Virginia Military Institute, Randolphtechnique to get around them. But if they’re at tight end this season and that Gue’s size, Macon College and Frostburg State Univertechnical I’ve got to try to out-technique strength and speed, along with the Skyline sity. their technique.” offensive tackles, should pose problems for The Hawks have struggled the last two Gue said he enjoys all aspects of playing de- opposing defenses. years and Gue said that has helped serve as fense but his favorite part is getting a Gue said he’s excited about not only blockextra motivation for the team to do well tackle for a loss. ing but also being able to catch some passes this season. “Either sacks or hitting the running back in at tight end. “Nobody likes losing,” Gue said. “Nobody the backfield,” Gue said. “Those are nice be“I do enjoy actually getting the ball,” Gue likes being on a team that’s had two losing cause they think they’re going forward and said. “That’s why I enjoyed being a running seasons in a row. So I feel like if we work then you hit them right in the face and back was the opportunity to get the ball and harder, and with not wanting to lose, the they’re going back. I try to control my gap and I enjoy running with the ball.” wins will take care of themselves. We’ll read where the ball’s going. I’m really good have a winning season, possibly make the Gue said he also loves to lift weights and at reading the backfield. So I read which playoffs. And I think we’ll do pretty well.” way the flow’s going and that’s the way that trying to get stronger. He said during the I rip across and just get the person with the summer he is either lifting weights or doing Contact Tommy Keeler Jr. at ball. That’s really my mentality.” things like situps and pushups five days a tkeeler@nvdaily.com
Hawks Continued from 44
receiver position. Tight end Gue is also expected to catch some passes and be a factor for the Hawks.
Sophomore Blake Appleton will be the starting quarterback, after being called up from the junior varsity team at the end of last season. Appleton split time with 2019 Skyline graduate Chase Tasker at the end of last season. Appleton was 10-for-19 Domino, Caperton, Poe and Davis will give some depth to the for 68 yards passing.
“He’s a dynamic player,” Gilbert said of Haley. “He’s played travel football with a lot of the guys and so the transition has been easy. He’s a joy to be around. He’s a good worker. He’s a good athlete.”
Gilbert said the most important goal for him is for the coaches and players to continue to work together and develop strong relationships.
record,” Gilbert said. “We want to qualify for the playoffs. Our region is so far up in the air. Everyone in our region should feel like they can make it to the (state He said that the Region 3B play- semifinals). I think our region is wide open and everyone should off picture should be wide open. have that goal of being a final Culpeper County and Spotsylvafour team from our region. It’s nia moved up to Class 4, while possible. That’s just the way it Central, George Mason and is.” Goochland moved from Class 2 to Class 3. Contact Tommy Keeler Jr. at tkeeler@nvdaily.com “We want to have a winning
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STONEWALL JACKSON GENERALS
47
Generals have reason for optimism this season By Tommy Keeler Jr. The Northern Virginia Daily
bY tHe nuMbeRS
QUICKSBURG — Stonewall Jackson’s football team has suffered through three straight years of winless seasons, but there’s a reason for optimism at the school this year. The Generals are returning a solid nucleus of players, and in their third year of running the triple-option, the team has had more success on offense in the preseason. “This is the best team that’s run (the triple-option) the best so far at this point,” Stonewall Jackson coach Pete Lampman said. “They seem to be reading it better. The quarterbacks are reading it a lot
2019 geneRalS • Coach: Pete Lampman (Third year, 0-22) • Offense/defense: Triple option/3-5-3 • Key returnees: QB/RB Austin Ritchie, RB/DB Tyler Vanderpuye, OL/DL Jacob Stephens, RB/LB Rion Dennison, RB Damian Tapia, TE Griffin Proctor • Key losses: RB/LB Udreka Claude, WR/K Blake McCourt, QB/RB/DB Logan Ritchie, OL/DL Chase Streett, OL/DL Devin Campbell
• 4 - Number of years since the Generals have won a football contest • 38 - Number of consecutive losses Stonewall Jackson has suffered • 119- Number of rushing yards per game for Stonewall Jackson last season • 160 - Number of yards Stonewall Jackson averaged per game last season • 293 - Number of yards allowed per game by the Generals last season
better. The (offensive) linemen seem to know where they’re going most of the time. It’s been a positive camp.” The Generals scored 30 points in four quarters in two scrimmages against Waynesboro and Riverheads this preseason, including a 16-0 win over Waynesboro. The Generals scored only 69 points in 10 games last season. The quarterback position will be vital for Stonewall Jackson. Junior Austin Ritchie and sophomore Jacob Lemon are battling for the spot. Lampman said it’s possible they could split time there in games. “Austin Ritchie played some there the last couple years and Jacob
Rich Cooley/Daily file
Stonewall quarterback Austin Ritchie scrambles in the backfield as Buffalo Gap’s Wesley Tinsley attempts to make a tackle during second quarter action last season in Quicksburg. Ritchie will look to lead an improved Generals’ offense this season. Lemon had a strong summer and has had a strong camp,” Lampman said. “They both played well in the scrimmage. They’re both pretty good.”
Lemon, who was brought up from the junior varsity squad halfway through the year, was 2-for-4 for 17 yards passing and ran for 68 yards.
The Generals will have plenty of running backs to run with the ball Last season, Ritchie led the team this year led by junior Rion Denniin passing as he threw for 263 yards on 10-for-45 passing and two son. He finished with 263 yards touchdowns. He also ran for 211 GENERALS, 50 yards and three touchdowns.
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48
2019 ScHedule Sept. 6 at Central, 7 p.m. Sept. 13 William Campbell, 7 p.m. Sept. 20 at Fort Defiance, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 27 Rappahannock Co., 7 p.m. Oct. 4 at East Rockingham, 7 p.m.
Oct. 11 Madison County, 7 p.m. Oct. 18 at Clarke County, 7 p.m. Oct. 25 Luray, 7 p.m. Nov. 1 Strasburg, 7 p.m. Nov. 8 at Page County, 7 p.m.
The Northern Virginia Daily & The Winchester Star
2018 ReSultS (0-11, 0-8 SHenandoaH diStRict) Aug. 24 Aug. 31 Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 22 Sept. 28
lost to Strasburg, 47-0 lost to Central, 42-0 lost to Wilson Mem., 66-7 lost to Luray, 52-0 lost to Robert E. Lee, 28-14 lost to Riverheads, 65-7
Oct. 5
lost to Page County, 53-6
Oct. 12 lost to Stuarts Draft, 42-0 Oct. 19 lost to E. Rockingham, 65-6 Oct. 26 lost to Buffalo Gap, 62-0 Nov. 9
lost to Altavista, 47-29
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STONEWALL JACKSON GENERALS
49
Healthy Stephens looking to lead way for Generals this season By Tommy Keeler Jr. The Northern Virginia Daily QUICKSBURG — Two years ago, Jacob Stephens was ready for his first year on Stonewall Jackson’s varsity football team. He had put in the work and was excited but bad timing got in the way. Stephens found out he needed to have knee surgery for knocked knees and he would have to miss the football season. “It was a sad time for me,” Stephens said. “I missed football. I missed being in front of the lights. I missed standing up for the National Anthem. I missed just every part of football. That offseason I had put in more time in the weight room, lifting weights and conditioning than I ever had.” Stephens said he tried to be at every practice and every game to support his teammates and his time away helped him appreciate the game even more.
ting the people as hard as I can and doing the best that I can for my team. It was amazing. I can’t even put it into words, to be honest.” Last year, Stephens started on the offensive line and at both defensive end and linebacker on defense. The 5-foot-11 senior said it took him a while to adjust to the varsity level last year. Once he made the adjustment, Stephens made an impact on the team, especially defensively. Stephens finished the season fourth in tackles with 24 and had the team’s only sack. He also led the team with three fumble recoveries. Stephens said that he’s always loved football and that you have to have the right mindset when you’re out there. “It’s a mindset game,” he said. “I’m going to eat. I’m going to get mine and I’m going to help my teammates while I’m doing it. That’s my mindset.”
Rich Cooley/Daily
Stonewall senior Jacob Stephens will look to help lead the Generals this season. Stephens led the team with one sack last year and three fumble recoveries. somebody on the ground. It’s just laying somebody out or getting through the gap as quick as possible and getting into the backfield and having them lose 4 yards. I love everything about defense.”
Last year, Stephens finally was able to play for the Generals at the varsity level. He said the first game of the season was special for him.
Stephens said he loves playing on defense and making a play or a big hit.
“The first game, I got chill bumps,” Stephens said. “It just felt like the good ole days, just going and hit-
“Defense is a lifestyle,” Stephens said. “I love defense. I love hitting. I Stonewall Jackson coach Pete Lampman said that he’s been love giving the hit and laying
Stephens said in the offseason he worked harder than ever before and lost a lot of weight and turned it into muscle.
pleased with how much progress Stephens made in the offseason. “Over the course of the offseason and the summer, he’s taken a leadership role,” Lampman said. “He’s tried to really motivate the guys. He’s really transformed his own body. He’s got a picture from the beginning of the summer and one at the end and it’s a huge difference. He’s lost weight. He’s gotten STEPHENS, 51
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50
2018 Stonewall JacKSon StatS • Receiving leader: Logan Ritchie (7 recep• Passing leader: Austin tions, 183 yards, 2 touchdowns) Ritchie (10-for-45, 263 • Total tackles: yards, 2 touchdowns, Thamyus Claude (37), 4 interceptions) Chase Streett (37) • Rushing leader: Logan Ritchie (73 carries • Sacks: Jacob Stephens (1) for 304 yards, 2 touch-
• Record: 0-11, 0-8 Shenandoah
• Interceptions: none.
downs)
Generals Continued from 47
2019 RoSteR No. 1 4 5 7 10 11 13 15 16 19 20 22 23 24 28 29
Name Austin Ritchie Erik Barnes Kadin Hitt Luis Leon-Irizarry Damian Tapia Dario Mendez Jacob Lemon Craig Ayala Arturo Jose-Santiago Colby Thomas Victor Gonzalez-Cordero Tyler Vanderpuye Jesse Lemon Hunter Rinker Rion Dennison Ashden Tusing
Pos. Ht. Wt. Yr. QB/DB Jr. WR/DB 5-9 145 Sr. RB/DB So. WR/DB Jr. RB/DB Sr. RB/DB Jr. QB/DB So. WR/DB Jr. K So. RB/DB Sr. RB/LB 5-7 148 Sr. RB/LB Sr. QB/DB So. RB/DB So. RB/DB/K Jr. WR/DB Sr.
and one touchdown last season. Seniors Tyler Vanderpuye and Damian Tapia are also return- as a unit. They hang out together.” ing. Lampman said that junior Dario Mendez Senior Jacob Stephens, juniors Jarrett Lonas, and sophomore Kaden Hitt have also looked Colin Vresics and Sam Richman along with strong in the preseason. sophomore Hunter Frazier are expected to be Lampman said that 6-foot-5 senior Sydney the starters on the offensive line. Rubenstein, playing football for the first time at The Generals have switched defenses this seathe varsity level, has looked solid at wide reson, going from a 4-3 scheme to a 3-5-3. Lampceiver. Griffin Proctor also returns at wide receiver. The 6-foot senior had four receptions for man said he’s already seen a big difference in his team defensively in the preseason with the 51 yards and one touchdown last year for the new scheme. Generals. Lampman said the biggest key to the offense will be the offensive line.
Lampman said he wants his team to be more aggressive this year.
“The line should be a strength of ours,” Lampman said. “We’ve got some experience. Three juniors, a sophomore and a senior, but they’ve all played over the last couple years. So they’ve got some experience there. They’re coming together. They worked hard together all summer
“I think in the past we’ve kind of sat back and really took a beating,” he said. “And I told them this year if we’re going to take a beating, we’re going to take a beating in that backfield — and that’s fine with me. If they lose and we’re doing that — if we get beat then we get beat. At least
No. 30 40 51 53 54 57 58 60 63 68 70 75 82 84 85 88
Name Cully Neese Jorge Guzman Lucero Cameron Martinez Andrew Zirkle Jacob Stephens Samuel Richman Jace Breeden Kayvian Langston Kobe Hinkle Hunter Frazier Colin Vresics Jarrett Lonas Manuel Rodriguez Cody Burkholder Griffin Proctor Juan Jose Barrera-Salas
Pos. RB/DB RB/DB OL/LB OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/LB WR/DB WR/DB WR WR/LB
Ht. Wt. Yr. 5-6 155 Fr. So. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. So. Jr. Jr. 5-10 145 Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr.
you’re aggressive, you’re trying, you’re not just sitting back and taking it.” Middle linebacker Stephens will be leading the way this season. Last year Stephens 24 tackles, one sack and a team-best three fumble recoveries. Lampman said he will be rotating a lot of different players into the defense and many will play multiple positions. He said they are still trying to figure out who will be starting. He said senior Cole Wealthy, Frazier, and junior Kobe Hinkle will be leading the way upfront. Lampman said Stephens, Andrew Zirkle and Vanderpuye will be in the middle with Dennison and Ritchie leading the defensive backfield. Vanderpuye said there is a different vibe to the Generals this season and he has high hopes for GENERALS, 51
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Stephens Continued from 49
stronger. He’s faster. He’s worked hard.” This season Stephens will start at both center and middle linebacker and both are leadership positions. Stephens said he enjoys being a leader on the team. He said he is expecting big things from the offensive line this season. Stephens, the only senior on the offensive line, said the rest of the line worked just as hard as he did in the offseason. He said the offensive line is much closer this year than in year’s past. Stephens said the offensive line hangs out together a lot and lifted weight together a lot as well attended camps together. “The offensive line is basically just about being a family and being brothers and being connected as a whole group,” Stephens said. “In the past, we haven’t had that. We’ve had strength, we’ve had size, we’ve had speed, but we’ve never been together. Everybody’s been on their own single page. This year, I thought it was very important to bring my boys together and show them if we’re just a family you don’t have to have size and speed and strength, which we do, though. But if we’re just a family and we got each other’s back, watch how much success we can have in this game of football and in the game of life, to be quite honest with you.” Stephens said he’s excited about playing at middle linebacker this season, which means he will be calling the plays on defense.
STONEWALL JACKSON GENERALS
receiver goes to one side, I got to call something. It’s quick reacting. If you’re not reacting quick enough, they’ll beat you. But we got some speed this year. We’re very quick to the ball. We’ve got some speed out there for sure. I love that role just because I know what’s happening and I can let everybody else know what’s happening.” Stephens said he wants to play football in college and that’s always been a dream of his. “Ever since I was knee-high to a grasshopper I’ve always just wanted to play college football whether it was for a D-3 school, D2 school, D1 school,” Stephens said. “Just the thought of playing for a team and helping them out — it’s just something that I’ve always wanted to
51
come true” Stephens said he just wants to help Stonewall Jackson out as much as he can and be a great leader for the team this season. The Generals have lost 38 straight games and Stephens said he believes the team will have some wins this year. “We’d be looking short if we didn’t say we want to win every game,” Stephens said. “But it would be nice to win a couple. It would be nice to win three. It would be nice to win four and so on and so on. I think we have that potential. I know that we have that potential.” Contact Tommy Keeler Jr. at tkeeler@nvdaily.com Run District.
Generals Continued from 50
the team. “I feel like everybody’s together,” Vanderpuye said. “We’ve got a lot of lowerclassmen that are really psyched about the season. And I think they will step up and do a good job this year. ...Everybody’s getting along. Last year not everybody got along. Everybody’s acting like a family around here. It feels great.” The Generals have made the playoffs the last two years despite an 0-10 regular-season record due to Region 1B having only six teams that were playoff eligible. With this year’s reclassification, the Generals have moved up to Class 2 and have moved from the Shenandoah District to the Bull
Stonewall Jackson opens its season on Sept. 6 at Central after having a bye week to start the season. Lampman said he believes this team will be better than in the past few years. “I’ve told the kids they’re on the wire,” Lampman said. “They can fall one way and be good. They could fall the other way and be bad. And it’s really up to them which way they fall. ...Our goal this year is to get better. I think we’re going to be better. We’re going to be a better team. I don’t think we’re going to go winless. I think our goal is to make the playoffs. I think we can meet that goal if we fall to the right side of that fence. They have the potential to be pretty good.” Contact Tommy Keeler Jr. at tkeeler@nvdaily.com
“I call the plays,” Stephens said. “If some wide
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STRASBURG RAMS
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Experienced Rams need to ‘keep driving’ to realize potential By Brad Fauber The Northern Virginia Daily STRASBURG — From the start of preseason camp on Aug. 1, members of Strasburg’s football team started talking about the potential of this year’s Rams and the high expectations under which they would play the 2019 season.
bY tHe nuMbeRS • 4 - number of players returning who earned all-region honors last season • 5 - number of consecutive seasons the Rams have made the playoffs • 17.6 - average number of points Strasburg allowed last year • 20 - number of passing touchdowns for QB Chase Hart in 2018
It’s natural for the Rams — and • 156 - number of carries for RB Jalen those outside the program — to exBray last season pect some good things to come out of Strasburg, given the amount of Roller said earlier this month, is actalent and experience the team poscepting that, no matter how talsesses at some key positions in 2019. ented the Rams are, they won’t be But the key to thriving under those flawless in 2019. Mistakes will hapexpectations, head coach Mark pen, he said. How the Rams handle Rich Cooley/Daily file them and learn from them will go a 2019 RaMS Strasburg quarterback Chase Hart scrambles in the backfield during long way toward realizing the a game against Skyline last season. • Coach: Mark Roller (12th year, team’s potential this fall. 60-60) • Offense/Defense: Multiple/50 • Key returnees: QB Chase Hart, RB/LB Jalen Bray, RB/LB Da’Neil Holliday, WR/DB Trevor Sager, OL/DL Alec Campbell, OL/DL Patchrick Kennedy, OL/DL Camren Rutz, OL/DL Brandon Swafford, RB/DB Jesse Funkhouser, RB/DB Peter McKechnie, TE/DE Bradley Ferrell, TE/LB Trey Stinnette • Key losses: WR/DB Stephen Kloosterman, OL/DL Hunter Miller, TE/DE Cameron Harmon, OL/DL Levi Miller
“We’ve just got to keep moving forward, and I think the potential becomes the drive to push ourselves even further and harder,” Roller, whose team went 7-4 and was ousted in the first round of the Region 2B playoffs by rival Central in 2018, said in mid-August. “And I think I’m seeing that from a lot of the seniors. That even after a mistake, no matter who it is, it’s ‘hey, get your head up, let’s move forward.’ I think that’s the big key right now, is the potential’s there,
however, (you have) to understand that you need to take and keep driving in order to make yourself better every day. That’s the key.” With two weeks standing between the Rams and their 2019 opener at East Hardy (West Virginia) on Friday night, Roller said on Aug. 15 that “things were really looking up” for Strasburg in the preseason and that the Rams were further along than he’d anticipated they’d be at that point. That’s a testament to the large vet-
eran presence Strasburg has on both sides of the ball. Strasburg’s offense, which averaged 29.5 points and 267 yards per game last season, appears primed to produce in 2019 with the return of several important weapons. Senior quarterback Chase Hart, who received a scholarship offer from William & Mary and committed to the Tribe over the summer, enters his third year as a starter RAMS, 55
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STRASBURG RAMS
2019 ScHedule Aug. 30 at E. Hardy (W.Va.), 7 p.m. Oct. 11 Sept. 6
at George Mason, 7 p.m.
East Rockingham, 7 p.m.
Oct. 18 at Madison Co., 7 p.m.
53
2018 ReSultS (7-4, 2-2 bull Run diStRict) Aug. 24 beat Stonewall Jack., 47-0 Oct. 12 lost to Clarke Co., 26-23 Aug. 31 lost to Luray, 35-7 Sept. 12 beat Rapp. County, 54-6
Oct. 19 beat Nelson County, 47-7
Sept. 20 Central, 7 p.m.
Oct. 25 Clarke County, 7 p.m.
Sept. 27 Page County, 7 p.m.
Nov. 1
at Stonewall Jackson
Sept. 28 beat Skyline, 28-3
Nov. 2
lost to Central, 55-14
Oct. 4
Nov. 8
Luray, 7 p.m.
Oct. 5
Nov. 9
lost to Central, 28-6
at Rapp. County, 7 p.m.
Sept. 21 beat Warren Co., 22-21, OT
beat George Mason, 35-7
Oct. 25 beat Madison Co., 42-6
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54
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STRASBURG RAMS
Bray rises to challenge as Strasburg’s lead tailback
when I think that’s where I really wanted to change myself for the STRASBURG — Jalen Bray admits better.” that, for a running back, he’s a bit Take a look at Bray as he prepares undersized. for his final high school football season and you might notice a differAt 5-foot-8 and 170 pounds, the Strasburg senior isn’t the most im- ence from the player who was listed posing presence on the football field. at 145 pounds on last year’s preseason roster. Bray said his playing He never has been. Even in youth weight was actually around 157 football during his middle school pounds in 2018, but he’s still added years, Bray was often looking up — Rich Cooley/Daily over 10 pounds — all of it muscle, quite literally — to most of his Strasburg’s Jalen Bray returns to an experienced backfield after by the look of him — to his frame teammates. rushing for 806 yards and 11 touchdowns in his first season as a starter for the Rams in 2018. “I was never the biggest guy,” Bray, since his junior season ended. who’s coming off a 2018 season in “I’m really comfortable with the po“You always want to build confivarsity start at home against which he earned All-Bull Run Dissition I’m in right now,” he said. “If dence. As every game went by I county rival Stonewall Jackson last trict and All-Region 2B recognition, you had looked at me last year, I started to feel more and more confiAugust. In the Rams’ blowout win, said earlier this month. “If you probably was skin and bones comdence, and I got a better underBray carried 18 times for 127 yards would’ve seen me in sixth, seventh pared to what I am now. It’s been a standing of how everything works,” and a pair of touchdowns. grade and you would’ve told me I long ride. It’s been a long time comsaid Bray, who averaged 73.3 yards There were some inconsistencies would’ve gotten this accolade, I ing.” rushing per game in 2018. “After along the way — Bray, in large part would’ve been all-district, all-region, Bray’s commitment to the weight that game (against Stonewall) I was due to game flow and a Luray defenI would’ve never believed you. I room, he said, didn’t really start to pretty confident moving on.” sive front that left the Ram running doubt anybody would’ve believed hit its peak until toward the end of As the 2018 season progressed, back with little room to run, was you. I think in middle school I was his junior season last fall. But his Bray said certain parts of his game bottled up for just 6 yards in a Week 5-foot even. I was a pretty chubby emergence as Strasburg’s latest — his vision out of the backfield, his 2 loss — but Bray’s 2018 season was kid and I just knew something had workhorse tailback happened well footwork and his overall strength, largely a success. He finished the to change. I always loved the game before that. mostly — improved, making him a year with 156 carries for 806 yards of football and I always wanted to better overall player. continue playing it, so once I got in Getting his shot at the starting job and 11 touchdowns, earning first after the graduation of Austin team all-district and second team summer workouts and stuff like BRAY, 56 that and started exercising more is Miller, Bray broke out in his first all-region honors at season’s end. By Brad Fauber The Northern Virginia Daily
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STRASBURG RAMS
55
2018 StRaSbuRg StatS
2019 RoSteR
• Record: 7-4 (3-2 Bull Run)
(32 receptions for 688 yards, 12 touchdowns)
• Passing leader: Chase Hart (86 of 186, 1,450 yards, 20 touchdowns, 5 interceptions)
• Total tackles: Da’Neil Holliday (82) • Sacks: Da’Neil Holliday, Hunter Miller (3)
• Rushing leader: Jalen Bray (156 carries for 806 • Interceptions: Jesse yards, 11 touchdowns) Funkhouser, Stephen Kloosterman, Peter • Receiving leader: McKechnie (2) Stephen Kloosterman
Rams Continued from 52
and is coming off a 2018 season in which he threw for 1,450 yards and 20 touchdowns. Running back Jalen Bray, another senior who rushed for 806 yards and 11 TDs in his first season as a starter last year, also returns to the backfield, as does classmate Da’Neil Holliday, a multi-year starter at fullback and linebacker. Senior Trevor Sager, Strasburg’s second-leading receiver from a year ago (28 receptions, 404 yards, nine touchdowns), was still working his way back in the preseason from a broken arm he suffered while playing baseball last spring but should be a wild card in the Rams’ offense when healthy. Roller said the Rams of 2019 would show a variety of looks on offense in order to capitalize on the running ability of Bray and Hart’s arm.
No. 1 3 5 7 9 11 15 17 19 21 23 25 27 29 31 33 35 37 39 41 43 45 47
Name Sean McKinley Trey Stinnette III Chase Hart Jalen Bray Bradley Ferrell Peter McKechnie Jesse Funkhouser Nathan Lauer Christian Quite-Marquez Kameron Cooper Jack VanNorton Craig Pangle Jr. Trevor Sager Tanner Jenkins Brady Neary Justin Day Kamryn Pangle Zackary Ritchie Lucas Orndorff Mauricio Caballero Chicas Collin Reynolds Da’Neil Holliday William Roller
Pos.
QB/DE RB/LB WR/DB WR/DB RB/DB RB/LB WR/DB TE/DE WR/DB RB/DB WR/LB RB/DB RB/DB RB/LB WR/DB RB/DB RB/LB RB/DB RB/DB RB/LB TE/DL
Ht. 5-9 6-0 6-1 5-8 6-1 5-10 5-11 5-11 5-7 5-11 5-8 6-0 5-9 5-7 5-9 5-9 5-11 5-9 5-3 5-9 5-6 5-11 6-2
Wt. 150 180 195 170 200 180 160 175 125 160 145 145 165 140 155 210 150 125 150 170 160 210 200
Yr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. So. Sr. So. Jr. Jr. Sr. So. So. Jr. Sr. So. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr.
trying to adapt our offense to the kids we have, and I think right now Jalen’s a pretty decent running back that we have and he’s got the potential to be a 1,000-yard back, and we want to be able to give him the ball and see what he can do and produce. And Chase has the potential to be a 1,000-yard passer, give him the opportunity. And we have some guys that can catch it. We’re gonna be well-rounded offensively.�
Which players would flesh out a receiving corps that lost leading receiver Stephen Kloosterman “Everybody has the pistol and the I and the was one of the big questions Strasburg had to wing-T and all those different looks. We’ll just answer heading into preseason camp. Roller said mix some of that stuff in,� Roller said. “We’re just in mid-August that players like Kamryn Pangle,
No. 50 52 54 55 63 64 66 68 69 71 72 73 74 75 76 78 80 81 83 85 87 89
Name Brandon Swafford Dale Waybright III Jakovian Weber JaMin Nam Alec Campbell Dylan Stevens Lucas Molloy Jacob Goldsmith Kane Palmer Clayton Lauer Patchrick Kennedy Manuel Perez Camren Rutz Tyreese Lee Jacob Nappier Connor Livingston Griffin Turpen Devonte Porter Brandon Martin Jackson Schlenter Mathis Kohen Ricardo Fransen
, 2PUN :[YLL[ ŕ Ž :[YHZI\YN =( )\Z! IYLUKH WHYZVUZ 0USS'Z[H[LMHYT JVT
Ht. 5-11 6-0 5-10 5-7 6-0 5-10 6-0 5-7 5-9 6-2 6-2 5-5 5-10 5-7 6-0 6-1 5-3 5-11 5-8 5-10 5-6 5-8
Wt. 210 245 180 210 180 165 265 255 195 190 200 180 200 185 290 205 110 175 165 145 135 160
Yr. Sr. So. Sr. So. Sr. So. Jr. So. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. So. Jr. Jr. So. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr.
Kameron Cooper and Brady Neary would likely fill that position alongside Sager. Roller added that senior Bradley Ferrell and junior Trey Stinnette, two players who saw a lot of playing time last season, would likely split time between tight end and receiver. The offensive line, which lost all-region two-way lineman Hunter Miller to graduation, was another area that presented a few unknowns at the start of the preseason, but Roller said a group that includes returning starters Camren Rutz (a 5-foot-9, 195-pound junior), Brandon
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Pos. OL/DL OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL RB/LB TE/LB RB/DB TE/DB WR/DB WR/DB
RAMS, 56
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STRASBURG RAMS
56
Rams Continued from 55
Swafford (Sr., 5-11, 200) and Patchrick Kennedy (Jr., 6-0, 190) had been a surprise through the first two weeks of practice. Senior Kane Palmer (5-8, 185) and junior Lucas Molloy, a firstyear player who Roller called a pleasant surprise in the preseason, were in line to claim the other two starting offensive line spots, Roller said, with Will Roller also in the mix at tight end. Senior Alec Campbell, another past starter, should bolster both the offensive and defensive lines when he returns from injury, which Mark Roller said could happen in Week 2. “Those guys are really starting to gel a little bit,” Mark Roller said of the O-line. “And they’ve been around for a little while, so they should. There’s a lot of expectations now just seeing what they’ve done so far in practice.” Many of those same names on offense will also see significant playing time in Strasburg’s 50 defense, which allowed 17.6 points and 252.2 yards per game last season. Roller said the Rams’ interior
defensive line would include Palmer, Swafford and Kennedy, with Molloy, Will Roller, and Dale Waybright adding depth at that position. Ferrell, Rutz and Campbell will be in the mix for starts at defensive end, Roller added, and Clayton Lauer could also see time at the position, which lost 2018 all-region firstteamer Cameron Harmon. Holliday (team-high 82 tackles, three sacks in 2018) and Bray (58 tackles) return to anchor a linebacker corps that will include Stinnette, Justin Day, Devonte Porter and Jakovian Weber. Sager, who played linebacker last year and tallied 68 tackles, will move to safety this season to replace Kloosterman, a firstteam All-Region 2B pick last year. Roller said the Rams have a “slew” of defensive backs, including returning starting cornerbacks Jesse Funkhouser and Peter McKechnie, who had two interceptions apiece last season. Roller added that Neary, Kamryn and Craig Pangle, Brandon Martin and Hart could all see time in the defensive backfield. Contact Brad Fauber at bfauber@nvdaily.com
Bray Continued from 54
Strasburg head coach Mark Roller, who first noticed Bray’s improvement in his pass-catching ability when the Rams opened preseason camp on Aug. 1, said there’s no reason why his starting tailback can’t duplicate — or exceed — his 2018 numbers this season. “I think the thing about Jalen is he’s pretty hardnosed and he does a good job keeping his feet, especially after first contact,” Roller said. “I think he sees the holes well. His vision’s pretty good and I think that’s one of the things that’s helped him. And of course he’s not a big kid, so sometimes when he gets into a pile he kind of gets lost and the next thing you know he’s squirting through. I think those are the things that set him aside from big, powerful backs.” Historically speaking, Strasburg’s offense — which has relied for years on a physical running game — has typically featured a lead back with a little more bulk than what Bray brings to the position. Though Roller said Bray sometimes brings a more finesse running style to Strasburg’s offense, he added that the Rams haven’t had to alter their identity as a power-running team to compensate for Bray’s size. Roller said Bray, also a starting line-
backer for the Rams who had 58 tackles last season, does a good job of avoiding hard contact to help alleviate concerns about his durability while playing two physical positions, and that Bray adjusted to fill the role that Strasburg’s coaches needed him to play out of the backfield. Bray said he harbors the mentality of a powerful, downhill runner anyway, even if his physical stature doesn’t exactly match that style. “I would say that it’s mostly just heart,” Bray said. “Heart and work ethic and determination that I have, just going in there, playing my heart out and just having fun with my guys. That’s what it’s about, just teamwork.” This season, Bray will fill out a veteran Strasburg backfield that will include senior quarterback Chase Hart, senior fullback Da’Neil Holliday, junior running back Jesse Funkhouser and possibly senior receiver Trevor Sager, who Roller said could play a variety of roles for the Rams in 2019. Roller said Bray has the potential for a 1,000-yard season, a milestone that is on Bray’s very short list of personal goals in 2019. “I don’t really have like many personal goals for me,” Bray said, “just 1,000 yards in a season and play as hard as I can, play my heart out and do everything I can for the team, is what it all comes down to.” Contact Brad Fauber at bfauber@nvdaily.com
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Wildcats will need new starters to step up By Kip Ritenour The Warren Sentinel FRONT ROYAL ― Last year, the Warren County Wildcats took a step back from coach Brian Bush’s successful first year on the job. Bush arrived at Warren County in 2017 to replace former coach Steve Crist and promptly led the Wildcats to seven wins and to the second round of the Region 3B playoffs. It was the Wildcats first winning record in three seasons and there was plenty of optimism heading into the 2018 campaign. But last fall, Warren County
2019 wildcatS • Coach: Brian Bush (Third year, 8-14) • Offense/defense: Pistol/4-2-5 • Key returnees: WR/DB Logan DeHaven, RB/LB Russell Rowe, RB/LB Patrick Coffron, QB/DB Bryce Post, WR/DB/K Joey Kilgallen, WR/DB Isaiah Frame, • Key losses: WR/DB Ethan Patterson, RB/LB Ronnie Dodson, WR/DB Hunter Pratscher, OL/DT Jordan Kenyon, OL/DE Aaron Schroyer, OL/DT Jake DiPatre, OL/DT Ricky Dodson, OL/DT Knorr Hunter Jr., OL/DE Nate Stoneberger
bY tHe nuMbeRS • 9.8 - Average number of points the Wildcats lost their nine games by last season • 14.7 - Number of points per game Warren County averaged last season • 15 - Number of seniors on Warren County’s squad this season • 32 - Number of receptions wide receiver Logan DeHaven had for the Wildcats last year • 1,300 - Number of yards passing by Warren County quarterback Bryce Post last season
started slow and never recovered. Everything that could go wrong went wrong for Warren County last season. Only a win over rival Skyline in the season finale allowed the Wildcats to avoid a winless season. Despite losing leading rusher Ronnie Dodson due to graduation and the bulk of a huge offensive line, Bush and the Wildcats believe this year’s squad will be much improved, and they’ll leave the bitter taste of last season in the rearview mirror.
Rich Cooley/Daily file
Warren County’s Isaiah Frame and Aaron Schroyer chase down Skyline quarterback Blake Appleton for a loss during fourth quarter action at Warren County High School last season. to start the season and move forward.”
Post completed 103 passes last season for 1,300 yards and 10 Helping with the move forward is touchdowns. Post also carried the the presence of junior quarterback ball 92 times for 351 yards and six Bryce Post, entering his third year more touchdowns. “First, he’s a heck of a player,” as the Wildcats starting signalBush said. “It’s a true advantage caller. “The kids that came back are step- It Warren’s option-read style of of- to have him in that role and being ping up and taking on the chalfense, an experienced quarterback WILDCATS, 61 lenge,” Bush said. “They are ready like Post is a big plus.
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WARREN COUNTY WILDCATS
2019 ScHedule Aug. 30 Handley, 7 p.m.
Oct. 11
Sept. 7
Oct. 18 at Brentsville, 7 p.m.
Timber Creek Regional (N.J.), noon
George Mason, 7 p.m.
Oct. 25 William Monroe, 7 p.m.
Sept. 20 at James Wood, 7 p.m.
Nov. 1
Central, 7 p.m.
Sept. 27 at Loudoun Co., 7 p.m.
Nov. 8
at Skyline, 7 p.m.
59
2018 ReSultS (1-9, 1-4 claSS 3 n. weSt. diStRict) Aug. 25 Aug. 31 Sept. 13 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5
lost to Handley, 15-14 lost to Kettle Run, 33-7 lost to James Wood, 27-14 lost to Strasburg, 22-21 (OT) lost to Clarke Co., 31-29 lost to Brentsville, 14-6
Oct. 12 lost to Culpeper Co., 19-0 Oct. 19 lost to Western Albemarle, 49-28 Oct. 26 lost to William Monroe, 19-14 Nov. 2 beat Skyline, 14-7
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Dehaven’s speed to play big role for Wildcats By Kip Ritenour The Warren Sentinel FRONT ROYAL ― Junior Logan Dehaven is one of the speedier players who will be on the field in any given game that the Warren County Wildcats will play this fall. Also armed with good size at 6’3 and 185 pounds, Dehaven figures to be a tough match-up for defensive backs this season. When you have a speedy player with good size like Dehaven, you want to get the ball in his hands as often as possible, so naturally, Dehaven will also handle the punt and kick-off returns for the Wildcats this year as well. It’s a load that Dehaven proved he could handle last year after leading the Wildcats in reception yards (480) and touchdown pass receptions (four) from a year ago.
as a marked man this season. “Every time we play, they are going to try and stop him,” Bush said. “That’s going to be our challenge, trying to get him the ball.” Dehaven said he’s up for the test each and every game this fall. “I don’t look at it as a challenge,” Dehaven said. “I believe no one can guard me.” It helps to have a veteran quarterback such as Bryce Post throwing the ball. The strong-armed Post is never afraid to challenge the defense deep down the field. “I’m confident he will get me the ball,” Dehaven said. A lot will ride on how fast the Wildcats offensive line jells.
Rich Cooley/Daily file
Warren County’s Logan DeHaven looks for running room after receiving a pass during the game against Western Albemarle on Oct. 19 in Front Royal.
The entire starting unit graduated last year, leaving just one varsity battle-tested player (Jared Bush is confident Dehaven can “He’s a dynamic type of player,” Ebersole) to lead the way. handle the load. Warren County third-year coach “They are looking good so far,” DeBrian Bush said. “Special things “He’s very quick, very fast and haven said. “They are starting to happen with the ball in his has great hands,” Bush said. “He’s come together.” hands.” one of the most athletic kids I’ve been around.” Also being one of the Wildcats With the graduation of fellow restarting defensive backs, Dehaven ceiver Ethan Patterson and the The Wildcats’ success this season will be on the field quite a bit, transfer of Marion Haley to rival could come down to how fast the whether it’s catching passes, deSkyline, Bush says he knows opoffensive line jells and how many posing defenses will have Dehaven fending passes or returning kicks. times Dehaven can get his hands
on the ball. Dehaven says he’s up to the challenge, even though he thinks it really isn’t one. “We want to come out and put our feet on their throats,” Dehaven said. “We want to score first and hold them (down). Then we will let it snowball.”
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WARREN COUNTY WILDCATS
2018 waRRen co. StatS
2019 RoSteR
• Record: 1-9, 1-4 Class 3 Northwestern • Passing leader: Bryce Post (103-for-197, 1,300 yards, 10 touchdowns, 6 interceptions) • Rushing leader: Ronnie Dodson (172 carries for 733 yards, 4 touchdowns) • Receiving leader: Ethan Patterson (33 receptions, 380 yards, 1 touchdown) • Total tackles: Isaiah Frame (94) • Sacks: Isaiah Frame (5), Jake DiPatre (5) • Interceptions: Isaiah Frame (1), Thomas Cantrell (1), Logan DeHaven (1)
Wildcats Continued from 58
able to start the last two years.”
61
No. 1 2 3 4 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 20 21
Name Cody Crawford Kori Baugher Logan DeHaven Ayden Haffer Tyberius Carter Patrick Coffron Ty Boyles Zaiya Hubbard Bryce Post Joey Kilgallen Dolan Jenkins Nolan Johnson Nick Foltz Karenzo Hogue Aadon Atwood Isaiah Frame Andrew Bergmann
Pos. WR/DB/K WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB RB/LB RB/LB WR/DL WR/DB QB/DB WR/DB/K WR/DB WR/DB QB/DB QB/DL WR/DB WR/LB RB/LB
Ht. 5-9 6-0 6-3 6-2 5-7 5-8 6-2 5-6 5-11 5-11 6-0 6-1 5-7 6-0 5-10 5-9 5-11
Wt. 135 150 185 150 175 160 170 135 215 175 135 145 130 210 150 150 195
Yr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Fr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Fr. Sr. So. Sr. Jr.
No.
Name
Pos.
Ht.
Wt.
23
Dante Lewis
WR/DB
5-8
155 So.
Yr.
27
Collin Conner
RB/DL
5-10
170 Jr.
30
Russell Rowe
RB/LB
5-11
200 Sr.
34
Paul Berry
RB/LB
5-6
160 So.
35
Zamari Buchanan
RB/LB
5-7
170 Sr.
50
Alex Cockrell
OL/DL
6-3
240 Sr.
52
Caleb Heflin
OL/DL
6-2
200 Sr.
53
Ian Hurdle
OL/LB
5-5
145 Sr.
54
David Fox-Wyrick
OL/DL
5-7
180 So.
55
Logan Burner
OL/DL
5-10
190 Sr.
63
Jarod Ebersold
OL/DL
5-7
200 Sr.
64
Oakley Hess
OL/DL
6-3
205 Jr.
71
Wesley Merchant
OL/DL
6-2
230 Jr.
72
Emery Coffman
OL/DL
5-10
190 So.
75
Ethan Neely
OL/DL
5-10
180 Sr.
77
David Rizzo
OL/DL
6-0
260 Fr.
At 5’11” and 215 pounds, Post not only is a “He’s the type of player that is going to play dangerous threat to heave the ball deep down- hard,” Bush said with a smile. “He’s going to field but also to turn it upfield and turn into a play ball. It’s hard to tell him not to.” punishing hard-nosed runner.
that is big,” Bush said. “Him knowing why I’m calling certain plays for certain situations. Sometimes he will finish my sentence before I can. He’s two steps ahead of me.”
“He’s a load, and he’s hard to bring down,” With the Wildcats rebuilding along the offenBush said. “He can run and he can pass, and sive line, Post admits there will be an adjustwith our type of offense, he knows what to look ment and a learning curve, but he’s confident at, when to pull it down and when to throw.” the new group will progress and be effective. Post said he loves to run the ball just as much “They look pretty good,” Post said. “They have as passing the ball. picked up all the easy concepts, so now they “I like running, I’m a confident runner,” Post can advance to the more complicated said. “If no one is open, I’ll run it.” schemes.” Bush said he’s not too worried when it comes If Post sounds like a coach, it’s kind of like he to Post possibly getting injured, something that has happened on occasion during the past is another one for the Wildcats on the field.
Replacing Dodson as the Wildcats primary ball carrier will be senior Russell Rowe.
two seasons.
The 5’11”, 200-pound Rowe impressed in a couple of brief appearances last year when Dodson was out with an injury. Rowe ran for 339 yards and showed an ability to break tackles and hit holes hard. “Ever since he was a sophomore, we knew he was a kid that could play, and be a great running back,” Bush said. “Unfortunately, or WILDCATS, 62
“He’s picking up on my way of thinking, and
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Wildcats Continued from 61
fortunately for him, we had Dodson in front of him to teach him how to run. He’s more of a downhill runner and it was good for him to get that experience. He was able to learn under a seasoned running back.” Senior Patrick Coffron (5’8, 160) will also get some carries out of the backfield this season. Warren County also took a few hits to the receiving corps as well from last season. Receptions leader Ethan Patterson (33 for 380 yards and one touchdown) has graduated and senior Marion Haley transferred across town to rival Skyline. But junior Logan Dehaven is back after being the Wildcats’ top threat from a year ago. The 6’3, 185 -pound Dehaven led the Wildcats in reception yards with 480 and in touchdown catches with four. Helping out at receiver will be team senior Karenzo Hogue, a big target at 6’0, 210 pounds, junior Ayden Haffer (6’2, 150), and senior Zamari Buchanan (5’7, 170). But for the weapons to work this season, the Wildcats O-line will have developed quickly.
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the mix nearly every week according to Bush. will make the same impact as a defensive Other potential starters will be junior Wesley end. Merchant (6’2, 230), senior Alex Cockrell (6’3, “He’s looked pretty good out there,” Bush 240), senior Logan Burner (5’10, 190) and said. “He’s gotten better with his hands and senior Ian Hurdle (5’5, 145). he’s hard to block.” Freshman D.J. Rizzo (6’0, 260) offers good size as does junior Oakley Hess (6’3, 205), and senior Caleb Heflin (6’2, 200).
Joining Hogue along the defensive line will be senior nose guard Ethan Neely (5’10, 180) and senior defensive end Ty Boyles (6’2, 170).
On defense, the Wildcats will be a smallish but quick and tenacious group.
Joining Rowe and Coffron at linebacker will be Buchanan.
Six starters return on defense for the ‘Cats, including three of the team’s top four tacklers
Frame will be assisted in the secondary by Dehaven, senior Nolan Johnson (6’1, 145), and senior Kohl Baugher (6’0, 150).
Frame, the leading tackler at 94 and sacks at five, was a second-team All-Region 3B defensive back and Coffron came up with 76 tackles and three sacks from his outside linebacker position. Rowe chipped in with 61 tackles from his inside linebacker spot.
Dehaven will handle the kick and punt returns and senior co-captain Joey Kilgallen will be the field goal and kick-off specialist. Cody Crawford will handle the punting duties for the Wildcats.
“We put athletes on the field on defense that rally to the ball and never give up,” Bush said. “Coffron and Frame are all-state wrestlers and they are hard to block. They have a nose for the ball.” Coffron, an emotional player, is the defender on the field that gets the Wildcats defense fired up the most.
“We are more experienced on defense,” Bush said. “We have good leadership, an older group that have played together the last two or three years. They fly around to the ball and are exciting to watch. They are coming together as a unit and they know what to do.” But the Wildcats will have to score points to win games and Post is confident the team can carry its fair share of the load this season.
“He gets us excited,” Bush said. “He’s the voice and he pumps everyone up. There is “We can accomplish a lot,” Post said. “Our denever a dull moment around him. The energy fense is strong and our offense is just going he brings is unreal. to get better. We hope to keep our defense off With Frame, Coffron and Rowe, the Wildcats the field more this year.” are in great shape behind the defensive line.” Warren will host Handley on Friday in both
The only player back with extensive varsity experience is senior Jared Ebersold (5’7, 200 pounds), who started three games and was in Bush said he believes that co-captain Hogue
teams’ season opener.
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Bunker bringing rare versatility, leadership to Yellow Jackets By Brad Fauber The Northern Virginia Daily FRONT ROYAL — It’s not unusual in high school football for one player to fill multiple positions on a team, sometimes even on the same side of the ball. Few take that versatility to the extent that Jonathan Bunker does. Bunker, a senior at Randolph-Macon Academy, has been all over the place on offense during his first three seasons with the Yellow Jackets. As a freshman in 2015 he was an offensive guard. The following season he played tight end and fullback, and last season he moved to quarterback in R-MA’s spread offense. Bunker entered the 2019 season open to again filling whatever offensive role the Yellow Jackets needed him to fill but anticipated either a return to fullback or tight end, or possibly even another go-round at QB. A week into preseason practice on Aug. 19, head coach Frank Sullivan decided Bunker’s leadership was needed on the offensive line, and the senior returned to the guard position he’d played as a freshman. The move, Sullivan said, had the desired effect and put a jolt into an otherwise inexperienced O-line, and with a little over a week before the Yellow Jackets’ season opener against Massanutten Military Academy on Friday, that’s where Bunker was taking most of his offensive reps. Don’t get used to seeing Bunker always at the front paving the way for R-MA’s new offense that Sullivan said will feature aspects of the single-wing, however. If things go according to plan, he’ll be as diverse a wildcard for the
Rich Cooley/Daily
Randolph Macon Academy’s Jonathan Bunker will provide the leadership for the Yellow Jackets this season. Yellow Jackets as any player Sullivan has ever man number so he can do everything but go out for a pass. But I don’t think people will coached. know where Jon will be from series to series.” “I think he’s gonna be capable of doing a lot of Such a role fits Bunker’s nature. A newcomer things,” Sullivan said last week. “If there to the sport his freshman season, Bunker weren’t restrictions with the number on his spent some of his time that year on the scout jersey, he’d probably play everywhere. Right YELLOW JACKETS, 65 now, probably next Friday, he’ll be in a line-
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Yellow Jackets Continued from 64
team during linebacker drills, where he took repeated shots from the first-team defense even though he was initially hesitant about the level of contact in the sport. At the time, that was the role he needed to fill. His attitude toward R-MA football hasn’t changed. “I’ll be anywhere where the team needs it,” Bunker said of what role he hopes to fill in 2019. “I know the backfield positions. I can move around on the line, so I can pull pretty effectively. I’ll be all over, anywhere where the team needs me to get the job done.” Last year that meant taking the snaps at quarterback in R-MA’s spread offense, a first for Bunker. Sullivan, explaining the move last week, said a shorthanded Yellow Jackets team last season was in need of a tough player who could provide leadership from the sport’s most important position, and Bunker’s name came up. Bunker completed 23 of 54 passes for 231 yards, a touchdown and five interceptions last season while also rushing 24 times for 64 yards and a score for an R-MA squad of 17 players that struggled to a 1-5 record.
RANDOLPH-MACON ACADEMY YELLOW JACKETS
65
2019 ScHedule Aug. 30 at MMA, 4 p.m. Sept. 14 Christchurch School, 2 p.m. Sept. 21 Blessed Sacrament-Huguenot, 2 p.m. Sept. 27 at Fishburne Military, 4 p.m. Oct. 4
at Hargrave, 4 p.m.
Oct. 19 Fuqua, 2 p.m. Oct. 26 at Blue Ridge, 4 p.m. Nov. 1
Fredericksburg Christian, 3 p.m.
my favorite but at practice, (on Aug. 19) coach was like ‘I need you on the line, practice on the line.’ I got out there, I was like this is kind of fun,” the 5-foot-10, 195-pound Bunker said. “I was pulling. I was pancaking people, just running around, blowing things up. I was like wow, I haven’t been able to do this in a while. It’s kind of nice.” Bunker, who also plays inside linebacker and led R-MA with 25 tackles last season, brings leadership to an offensive line that Sullivan said will include center Max Yang, offensive tackles Felix Obi and Binglong Lei and whoever wins the position battle between Ahmed Hasanka and Austin Johnson for the other guard spot.
2019 RoSteR Name Jonathan Bunker Felix Obi Max Yang Binglong Lei Ahmed Hasanka Katherine Babineau Sean Loeber Devin Wang Tyler Campbell Alan Williams Jacob Carver Reece Conn David Idah Usran Awa Kiyesi Abiodun Aquilla Turk Devlin Montgomery Roosevelt Roberts A.J. Sullivan Connor Gamma Reilly Schweigert-Opas Patrick Brewer
Pos. AP/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL TE/TB TE/DE TE/DE TE/DE RB/LB RB/LB RB/LB RB/WR/DB QB/DB RB/DB WR/DBWR/DB WR/DB/K/P WR/DB WR/DB
Ht. 5-10 6-3 5-9 6-3 5-9 5-10 5-11 5-8 5-10 5-11 5-11 6-3 5-11 5-11 6-1 6-0 5-8 5-7 5-11 6-0 6-2 6-1
Wt. 195 255 220 250 245 175 265 220 210 165 165 185 210 185 180 180 165 150 150 165 155 165
Yr. Sr. Sr. Jr. So. So. Sr. So. Sr. So. Sr. Jr. So. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Fr.
2018 ReSultS (1-5) Sept. 1
beat MMA, 30-6
Oct. 1
lost to Fishburne Military, 36-21
Oct. 13 lost to Blue Ridge, 2-0
Starting running backs as of Aug. 20 were junior David Idah, a returning starter, and Kiyesi Abiodun, Sullivan said, with Devlin Montgomery slotted in at quarterback, which takes a non-traditional form in the single-wing. Tyler Campbell and Alan Williams will play tight end/fullback, Sullivan added.
spots while the inside linebacker (Bunker, Campbell) and secondary (Connor Gamma, A.J. Sullivan, Montgomery) positions were set.
Sullivan, whose team averaged only 7.8 points per game in 2018, said R-MA’s switch to the single-wing was made in an effort to get the Yellow Jackets back to playing a team-oriented brand of football.
Bunker, who said he started playing football because it gave him the “feeling of being part of something bigger,” said his primary goal for 2019, as it always is, is focused on improvement and team unity.
“I think it’s getting better every day,” Sullivan said of the offense. “It’s a learning process. The kids have a goal of getting one percent better every day. Some of our kids are new to football, Bunker’s role in 2019 was going to change no matter what with the Yellow Jackets’ switch to so they’re getting a lot better every day. It’s the single-wing offense. The idea of playing in been a lot of film, watching other teams do it the backfield in such a run-oriented scheme at night and a lot of questions to other coaches probably appealed to Bunker, who grew up when we see something that we may not have watching Clarke County ride that offense to a seen before running a traditional offense. But long string of playoff appearances, but he’s it’s going great. I think we have a good plan quite enjoyed his recent return to the offensive and it’s going to go well.” line. Sullivan added that R-MA’s defense had a “I really thought playing in the backfield was wide-open position battle for the defensive line
“On a personal level, just get everyone to get together as a team at the end,” Bunker said. “When I walk off the field for the last time — I’m not gonna be playing in college — I just want to know I played with guys I’m gonna know for the rest of my life. There are people on this team that I would call family at this point. I grew up in a house with two sisters. I have some brothers on this team. I want to make my family a little larger. That’s my personal goal, get closer with everyone. Win some games, fight with these guys, get closer.”
The numbers don’t look good, but Sullivan said film review of the 2018 season showed Bunker progressing on a game-by-game basis. “At first it was a lot to take in,” Bunker, whom Sullivan said has a 4.2 GPA, said of playing QB. “It’s a lot to know, like what you’re supposed to do. You think it’s pretty simple, like the wide receivers run a route, you throw it to them. You’ve got to know where they’re running. It’s being on the same page with everyone, it’s learning how to read a defensive end crashing. It’s just a lot to take in, but it also gives you an understanding about what everything’s doing, what’s happening, the flow of the game.”
Oct. 19 lost to Fuqua, 50-6 Nov. 1
lost to Fredericksburg Christian, 70-6
Contact Brad Fauber at bfauber@nvdaily.com
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FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2019
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VALLEY 10 The sports staffs of the Northern Virginia Daily, The Winchester Star and the Warren Sentinel collaborated to create a football top 10 for the schools in the area. Each staffer voted, with 10 points being awarded to the top-ranked team, nine to the No. 2 team and so on. First-place votes are in parentheses.
School Name
Record
Last Week
1. Sherando (5)
0-0
—
The Warriors will look to build off of last year’s run to the Region 4C final. Sherando plays at James Wood to start the season.
2. Millbrook
0-0
—
The Pioneers went 7-4 last season, losing to Kettle Run in the first round of the Region 4C playoffs. Millbrook plays at Jefferson (W.Va.) to start the season.
3. Handley
0-0
—
The Judges open the season on the road at Warren County. Handley went 5-5 last year, after starting the season 4-0.
4. Clarke County
0-0
—
Central
Lopez during the preseason.
“He had a good offseason in the weight room,” Yew said of the 510, 155-pound junior. “He’s really worked hard. He’s in my weighttraining class and he’s still working hard. He could be kind of that hybrid kid that we move to outside linebacker to safety and corner and kind of do whatever we need to do.”
Yew said. “I don’t ever believe in coming out and going ‘we’re gonna win a state championship.’ ... My goal has always been to win the county championship, to win a district title and to be playing our best football we can play in Week 11. That’s our goal, because if you’re playing your best football Week 11, the regional championship and state championship will take care of itself, or it won’t because you’re not good enough.”
Central’s reload season comes in the middle of a move up from Continued from 9 Class 2 to Class 3 in the latest Virginia High School League realignthough both could be used as wild- ment. The Falcons, who won three straight Bull Run District titles cards and move around on defrom 2016-18, will compete in the fense. Wells, in particular, Yew said, could play three different de- Class 3 Northwestern District in fensive positions depending on the 2019. situation. “My goals have never changed,”
Joining Shockey in the secondary will be Scott, Hamrick and Alex Lopez, who also will retain the field goal/extra-point duties and split time on kickoffs with Sorto
Contact Brad Fauber at bfauber@nvdaily.com
The Eagles, who return a solid group of players from last year, start the season by hosting Buffalo Gap. Clarke County lost to Buffalo Gap in the first round of the playoffs last year and finished 7-4.
5. James Wood
0-0
—
The Colonels play host to Frederick County rival Sherando to start the season. James Wood went 4-6 last season, but the Colonels won two of their last three games.
6. Strasburg
0-0
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The Rams went 7-4 last year, losing to Shenandoah County rival Central in the first round of the playoffs. Strasburg starts this season off at East Hardy (W.Va.).
7. Central
0-0
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—
The Falcons went 10-2 last year and advanced to the Region 2B title game, falling to East Rockingham. Central plays at Luray in its season opener.
8. Warren County
0-0
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The Wildcats went 1-9 last year, defeating cross-town rival Skyline in the final game of the season. Warren County hosts Handley in the season opener.
9. Skyline
0-0
—
The Hawks went 2-8 last season, with both wins coming in non-district contests. Skyline opens its season a day early, Aug. 29, at Independence, a new school in Loudoun County.
10. Stonewall Jackson
0-0
—
The Generals went 0-11 for the second straight season and have lost 38 straight games. Stonewall Jackson has a bye this week before starting its season on Sept. 6 at Shenandoah County rival Central.
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Judges Continued from 19
because now we have a mobile quarterback who can be very dangerous.” Imoh’s move to quarterback opens up the running back position. Seniors Noah Hendrickson (5-8, 180), Ashe (5-9, 180) and Newman (6-0, 240) will get some carries. Hendrickson, who carried the ball four times for eight yards last season, is looking to get the bulk of the carries. “I challenged him,” Jones said. “I told him, ‘Look, this is your chance. You’ve worked hard for years. You’re a senior. This is your time to shine, but you have to do everything right. You can’t just be a running back. You have to be able to block and know what you’re doing.’
FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2019
cial,” Jones said. “He wants to be good and he works hard. He’s going to be a great addition to offense and defense and wherever he plays for us.” Jones also likes what he’s seeing from senior Mason Smith (5-8, 160). “He catches everything you throw to him and he runs great routes,” Jones said. “He’s that kid kid we can trust when we need third-down conversions.” Sophomore Stephen Daley (6-2, 220) also presents a big target at tight end. Junior Dayvon Newman (5-9, 195) will see time at receiver and Caleb Metzger (Jr., 5-10, 180) will back up Imoh at quarterback. Adam Pollak (Jr., 6-1, 175) returns as placekicker and Imoh will punt for the second consecutive season. The Judges will present a tough challenge for opponents with their defense.
Tommy Ashby, Joey Ashby, Foltz “He runs well. He sees holes and and Wolfinbarger will start up he’s got great vision. I think he will front. step up the challenge.” The Judges return three of their The backs will run behind a more top tacklers at linebacker in Quinexperienced and beefier line this ton Newman, Daley and Leland season. Kobe Wolfinbarger (Jr., 6-0, Walkling (Jr., 5-9, 180). 270), Solomon Johnson (Jr., 6-0, 300), Thomas Pearson (So., 5-11, 270), Joey Ashby (Sr., 5-7, 200), Luke Foltz (Sr., 6-1, 250) and Tommy Ashby (Sr., 5-7, 220) will be seeing action up front. Johnson has been one of the surprises thus far.
As a freshman, Daley (72 tackles) was a devastating pass rusher, racking up 15 sacks. Newman and Walkling, who started the season as a reserve, had 82 and 63 tackles, respectively.
Vardaro returns at strong safety and is part of a solid group that “He played in eighth and ninth features Ashe, Tycuan McMillan grade and took last year off,” Jones (Sr., 508, 170), Josiah Duffy (Sr., 5said. “We are fortunate to have him 10, 165), Dayvon Newman and back. He’s 300 pounds and we’re a Journey Cannon (Sr., 5-8, 140). little bit bigger on the line than we Cannon had three interceptions have been. … We’re probably 40 last season. pounds heavier across the board than we were last year.” McMillan has been another surprise at cornerback and he also While the Judges lost their pricould see time at receiver. mary threat on offense in Kevin Curry (60 catches, 1,031 yards,13 “Tycuan came out for the first time TDs), Jones thinks the Judges have as a senior,” Jones said. “He’s realplenty of receiving threats. istically fighting to play both ways. Junior Jayden Vardaro (6-2, 195) had scouts buzzing at college camps over the summer. “He’s spe-
… He’s been a great addition to our team. He’s another kid that’s quick and shifty and he just goes. He has
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a motor.”
get ourselves in trouble. We have to Jones says the defense can help the trust our teammates.” Judges offense early in the season. Jones knows competing in the “I’m hoping that our defense, with Northwestern District will be a battle. All five of the Judges’ losses all of that experience back, will give us time to grow as an offense,” came in district action last season. Class 3 semifinalist Culpeper he said. County has moved up a classificaJones believes that the team’s extion and joins the league this fall. perience will be a key for success. “Our district, we’ve always had two “We have a good group of seniors or three really tough opponents who are motivated,” he said. “They and we’ve got two or three that on are leading by example. They are a given year could surprise people,” leading vocally this year. They are he said. “Now we are eight deep. holding each other accountable We all have great coaching staffs which is something we’ve been and great players. It’s going to be a lacking for a couple of years and fun season. I really do think on a it’s nice. They don’t mind getting given night anyone could win.” on each other. They don’t mind And he said his motivated players pushing each other to the limits. are confident that they can com“We have to use all of this motiva- pete and finish off opponents. tion in the right way,” he added. “It’s one thing to be motivated but “This year I think we have a lot we cant be too excited or over-moti- more weapons that we are able to trust and get the ball in their vated that we try do things that hands,” he said. “Defensively, if 11 we’re not supposed to. If we all guys fly to the ball we’re going to work together, become a team and be successful because I don’t think trust 11 people on the field to do we are weak in any one spot.” the job, we will be successful. If we try to be individuals, do somebody Contact Walt Moody at else’s job and not do ours, we will wmoody@winchesterstar.com
Imoh Continued from 20
world, he would be one of those people.” “Oh man, he is such a great guy,” said defensive back/running back Miles Ashe, also a state qualifier in the 100 and 200 and part of the 4x100 relay team. “He is full of energy, always excited to come out to practice.” Imoh, an excellent student, hopes to play football in college. While some may question his size, Imoh points to his uncle, who was 5foot-6 and a successful player at Division I.
schools that size isn’t everything,” Jones said. “If he’s given the opportunity, I think he will help a team.” Regardless of whether he plays football, Jones has high expectations for Imoh. “That kid is going to be great in life,” Jones said. “His grades are outstanding. He has a great family at home. He’s always a good guy to be around. He’s always helping other people. He’s a joy to have as part of the program.” Imoh certainly appears to be on the right track.
“I’m really glad we finally got him to run track and really develop Jones believes that Imoh can play his speed,” Ashe said. “I think at the next level. that really opened his eyes on “I’m hoping he can show some how fast he was.”
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FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2019
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Colonels Continued from 25
Handing them the ball will be senior quarterback Carson Hoberg (510, 165). Hoberg (5 TD passes, 11 interceptions last season) has shown improvement. “He’s gotten a little bit stronger and kind of grown into his body a little bit more,” Morgan said. “He’s put on a little bit of weight and muscle. The biggest thing with him is confidence and understanding of the offense. I’ve spent a good amount of time with him in the offseason looking at film and going through his reads and progressions. He asks questions when necessary. He’s kind of a quiet guy in general, but he’s starting to come out of his shell as far as leadership and talking to his teammates.” The question mark on offense will be on the guys up front. Center Cunningham (6-0, 283), senior Seth DeHaven (6-3, 258) and senior Austin Schmitt (6-0, 212) have started games. Senior Kevin Brown (5-9, 200), who was a fullback last year, senior Bradley Sions (6-3, 200) and sophomore Ronan Solosky (511, 204) are also getting time up front as Morgan looks for the right combination.
of catching the ball. He’s somebody who has grown into his body. He’s put on a couple of inches and has become a really strong blocker for us as well. I’m pleased with the way he attacked the offseason.” Soccer standout Chris Garcia (Jr., 510, 150) will handle the placekicking and punting chores. Defensively, the Colonels are excited to see where the season leads. “It looks like we are going to be dogs this year — hungry to make a statement and show everybody we’re not somebody to mess around with,” defensive back Crowder said. “We’re all crazy,” added Turner. “It’s going to be nasty this year.” Cunningham, DeHaven, Green, Schmitt, Brayden Patterson-Campbell (5-11, 275) and Jonathan Addison (5-10, 217) are all seniors who will play on the defensive line.
prove. We’ve enjoyed watching that improvement and him having success.” Reese has an interesting position indication on the roster — backup quarterback and nose guard.
guys we’re counting on to play both ways and to get some time on special teams, too. We have to stay healthy.
“We have to make sure we don’t make some of the mental mistakes we made last year. The coaching “That’s a rare combination where you have a quarterback and a nose staff has done a good job of trying to tackle,” Morgan said. “He can throw make things simpler for kids this season. You always try to make and he’s gotten stronger.” things easier and help the kids play Morgan believes the defense can faster. I think the coaching staff has help out the offense. made good adjustments to practice “I hope we can create turnovers,” he and to our schemes. Hopefully we said. “That’s one of the things we can avoid those mental things that focus on and Coach Brian Thomas took us out of games we should does a good job getting those kids have been in a little closer position excited to create turnovers and get if not ahead.” some big returns. We’ve got good He certainly has a team of motiathletes. We’re just trying to get vated seniors that will try to make them to react quickly rather than that happen. think too much.”
“I am crazy-pumped,” Turner said. “This is senior year so you have got to leave it all out there.” Leading tackler Brown, Turner, Ad- “We have to stay healthy,” the thirdkins and Vitola form an experienced year head coach said. “We have de- Contact Walt Moody at wmoody@winchesterstar.com linebacking corps. Sophomore Alex cent numbers, but we have a lot of Barth (5-11, 180) also will see action.
“Our linebackers, again a lot of them are third-year varsity players,” Morgan said. “Kevin, Sam and Jackson are third-year players and Joey was on varsity as a sophomore and played a lot for us and he is probably our most technically sound offensive linebacker. He’s not very “We’re moving guys back and forth,” big, but he’s tough.” Morgan said. Crowder, Esparza, basketball standSeniors Steadman Green (6-0, 175) out LaVaughn Freeman (Sr., 6-1, and Jamys Solosky (5-10, 198) are 160) and Owens lead the secondary. seeing time at tight end. Freeman returns to football after a year away. Junior Jayson Herndon (6-5, 195), senior Luke Esparza (5-10, 165) and Morgan says the defense will also senior Jacob Owens (5-10, 165) will get a lift from a couple of seniors be the main targets for Hoberg. who have made big jumps in the offMorgan has been impressed with Herndon’s development.
season — defensive linemen Trevor Feathers and Drew Reese.
“We had him up on varsity last year as a 10th-grader last year, but he wasn’t targeted a whole lot,” Morgan said of Herndon. “He has really stepped up. He knows the offense real well. … He knows the routes and who to block. He’s about 6-5 now and he’s been doing a good job
Feathers (5-11, 250) impressed Morgan with his dedication. “He was at every workout that he could possibly get to,” Morgan said. “He did a really good job in the [first] scrimmage. He’s somebody who has been playing since ninth grade and he has continued to im-
Morgan says the season boils down to a couple of key things.
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Turner
FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2019
“He’s kind of our DJ in the weight room when it comes time to pick the right music,” Morgan said. Continued from 26 Turner said his father, who played “It’s fun having somebody who is not all just about football. He has some college football, is his another side to him which is imon and off the field. He’s as strong biggest fan and toughest critic. portant.” as ever, recently dead-lifting 420 Chip Turner is pretty hard to pounds before fall practice Still football is big and Turner admiss in the stands. started. mits if he does venture to Canada, “He’s always the loudest guy,” he hopes to parlay it into maybe “I definitely feel more prepared Jackson said. “I can hear him on playing in the CFL one day. this year,” he said. “I’ve done a lot the field no matter what.” of college camps and gotten a lot “It’s always been in the back external coaching and I’ve learned Turner said he’s considering a pocket to play professional foota lot more about the game of foot- couple of majors in college, but ball because it’s such a longshot one might be a surprise for some- nowadays,” he said. “To have that ball.” one that goes by “Hammer” — chance would be crazy.” A couple of college programs are music. paying attention to Turner’s But right now, he’s gotten an improwess. Division III Catholic has Turner describes himself as selfmediate goal of leading the offered the excellent student a taught on the piano. Colonels to an improvement. After chance to extend his football ca“At home I have my own little stu- going 2-8 in Turner’s first varsity reer along with Western Universeason, James Wood was 4-6 last dio, headset and everything,” said sity, located in London, Ontario. year. Turner who likes all kinds of “I got into college football when I music. “It’s kind of in my room. “I’m very blessed,” Turner said. “I was very young and I always told Sometimes I will have a friend who love playing for my team. I love myself that that’s going to be can sing real well come over and making sure we do the best we what I’m going to do,” said Turner, we’ll work on a song or whatever.” can do no matter what.” who credits his father for recruiting help. “I’ve always stuck with it.”
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He has an idea what he’d like to see every Friday. “A good night for us is when we have shutdowns on defense and when we’re pressing down the field on offense,” Turner said. “It’s games like when we played Handley [a 21-14 overtime win] last year when we were pressing, pressing and pressing down the field, but our defense was getting awesome stops and holding them on third and fourth down and keeping the game alive. Those are things our team definitely takes a lot of pride in.” And of course, Turner is awful proud of his nickname. “I love it,” Turner said. “A lot of kids at school will be like, ‘Hey, Hammer’ and I say, ‘Thank you.’ It’s always a fun thing.” Contact Walt Moody at wmoody@winchesterstar.com
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FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2019
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situation when an opponent moved a linebacker to safety, and Jackson told him that he Continued from 32 should just have all the other receivers run hitch patterns so standout play as well on defense Jackson could go at the lineand special teams. backer alone up the middle. Haymore said Jackson showed Jackson beat the defender for a his growth as a player in the sec- big gain. ond game of the season. The Pio“If a player comes over and says, neers were without injured star ‘I can beat him,’ he’s probably slot player Savon Smith for the going to beat him,” Haymore first five games of last season, said. ‘I don’t have too much pride and Haymore asked Jackson to to say, ‘I’ve got the play call.’ I’ll play in the slot for the first time be like, ‘Cool, you got him, next in his career in the second game play man.’” of the season against Loudoun County. The Raiders won 49-28, Jackson will be a primary slot but Jackson responded with player this year, which is a key seven catches for 98 yards and position for receiving, rushing two TDs. and blocking. Jackson has preHaymore was also impressed by pared himself well, going to camps at Notre Dame, Virginia Jackson’s growing field awareness last year. For examTech, James Madison, Davidson, ple, Haymore said there was a Frostburg State and Shenandoah.
Jackson
“A lot of [people at those camps] just told me I have to get stronger coming off the ball,” Jackson said. “There are so many strong DBs and you can’t get pressed. I had to get stronger and get faster.” Haymore’s been impressed with the work that Jackson has put in. He likes his improved blocking, and the physicality he’s showing on defense. Haymore believes Jackson — who preferred playing basketball to football until his high school experience — can play offense or defense in college.
throw out the first pitch at a Washington Nationals game. Jordan said a friend of Scott’s is part of a company that works with the Nationals, and they were able to set it up. “There was a lot of joy,” Jackson said. “It was nice to see my dad out there, having fun, throwing out the first pitch.” Jackson also hopes to create a lot of smiles amongst his football teammates this fall by doing what he does best.
“I have to be a leader at my position, and teach guys stuff so we can be more deep all-around and College is another year away. For run fast routes,” Jackson said. “I just want to do whatever it takes now, Jackson is going to enjoy to help the team get better and the present, which includes spending time with his dad. The win games.” duo had a particularly special Contact Robert Niedzwiecki at day on July 24, when Scott got to rniedzwiecki@winchesterstar.com
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Gouveia
FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2019
work and hand placement.”
Gouveia hit the weight room and added 40 pounds to his growing Continued from 36 body in advance of his sophomore year — Gouveia was 6-3 that year playing on the team’s varsity squad. — and used his increased knowlGouveia said being on the varsity as edge of the game and increased a freshman helped his development strength to dominate. greatly, and that assistant coach T.J. “I was able to sit and learn all the Rohrbaugh had a lot to do with plays my freshman year, then that. Rohrbaugh — who is taking a everything clicked my sophomore sabbatical from football this season year,” Gouveia said. “I could go hard to focus on graduate school work — in the game and in practice. Everyis best known for the work he’s done thing came so much easier.” as Sherando’s defensive coordinator The only non-senior on Sherando’s since 2009, but he’s also served as starting offensive line went on to be an offensive line coach. the only one to earn all-state honors. (Gouveia was also first-team “My freshman year, I was bruised everywhere. I was getting beat up a all-district and all-region). He delivered sound technique in helping little bit,” said Gouveia, who stood Sherando average area-bests in 5-10 and weighed 210 pounds in yards (390.1) and points (41.3), and 2017 and mostly just played when he delivered ferocity. Sherando went with heavy formations. “He helped me be tougher. He “He’s our most consistent lineman,” also helped with just learning the Hall said. “We have a clip of him techniques, the plays, everything an running his guy to the opposite side offensive lineman does with footof the field out of bounds. He plays
snap to whistle. You love that about him.” To prepare for his junior year, Gouveia attended elite camps like the one the Redskins put on and worked with Hall on boosting his strength even more. Gouveia said his hang clean is 270 and his bench press is 265, which are about 60pound jumps from last year. Gouveia needs to be his strongest this year. In addition to having to lead an inexperienced offensive line, Gouveia (20 tackles) will be starting at defensive end this year after serving in a three-man defensive tackle rotation last year. Gouveia said “absolutely” when asked if he was looking forward to playing a bigger defensive role, and Hall is looking forward to the results.
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ways?’ He’s like, ‘You mean you’re taking me out? I should be in there both ways.’ I think he’s kind of like a throwback player from that perspective.” With Sherando losing more than half its starters from last year’s team, everyone on the Warriors is going to have to be on the same page in order for the team to win its third straight Class 4 Northwestern District title. “I’d really like to see the team just come together and have a bond more than the team last year,” Gouveia said. “I just want to be a group of guys that are getting after it and working hard, growing and becoming better people and better football players.
“We have great leaders and we have a great team. I think we can do “We talk as a [coaching] staff, and great things, but we have to come back when we were playing it was like offensive if you got taken off the together and make it happen.” Contact Robert Niedzwiecki at field,” Hall said. “Now people are like, ‘You mean I have to play both rniedzwiecki@winchesterstar.com
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