Football Preview 2014 by Northern Virginia Daily

FOOTBALL 2014

2 FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 2014

The Northern Virginia Daily

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FOOTBALL 2014

FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 2014

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The Northern Virginia Daily

FOOTBALL 2014

The Northern Virginia Daily

Central Falcons...............................................................5-9 Clarke County Eagles .................................................10-13 Handley Judges ..........................................................14-17 James Wood Colonels ................................................18-21 Millbrook Pioneers ......................................................22-25 Sherando Warriors ......................................................26-29 Skyline Hawks.............................................................30-33 Stonewall Jackson Generals ......................................34-37 Strasburg Rams...............................................38-39, 42-43 Warren County Wildcats .............................................44-47 Massanutten Military Academy Colonels ....................48-50 Randolph-Macon Academy Yellow Jackets ................51-53 High School Football Schedule........................................54 James Madison University Dukes...............................55-57 Shenandoah University Hornets .................................58-60 Shepherd University Rams .........................................61-63 University of Virginia Cavaliers ...................................64-65 Virginia Tech Hokies ...................................................66-68 Top 25 ..............................................................................69 Philadelphia Eagles ....................................................70-71 Baltimore Ravens........................................................72-73 Washington Redskins .................................................74-75 Pittsburgh Steelers......................................................76-78 NFL Schedule ..................................................................79

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The Northern Virginia Daily

CENTRAL FALCONS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 2014

Optimistic Falcons loaded with new starters WOODSTOCK — Central may have lost 21 seniors to graduation, but there’s still good reason for optimism at the school this year. The Falcons have very few players with starting experience, but head coach Mike Yew has been very pleased with what he’s seen in the preseason. “Every year we get asked in the community how we’re going to be and what were going to look like,” Yew said. “I don’t think that question has ever been more relevant than this year with us losing 21 seniors. There’s a lot of speculation with people think we won’t be this, we won’t be that. I’ve told our kids that my honest answer to everyone that has asked me that in the community has been I don’t know how good we’re going to be but I know that I have 44 kids right now that are working their tails off. I couldn’t be more proud of their effort.”

2014 FALCONS • Coach: Mike Yew (Eighth year, 40-38) • Offense/Defense: Pistol/4-4 • Key returnees: RB/LB Jesse Cloyd, RB/LB Hank Hoover, QB Sam Barbour, OL/DL Karl Peters • Key losses: TE/LB Kolton Poston, QB Hayden Bauserman, OL/DL Josh Gum, WR/LB Justin Bauserman, LB Jonathan Feaster, WR Sam Cornman, WR/DB Zach Herbaugh, RB Daniel Molina, RB/LB Hamilton Argueta, DL Caleb Cook, OL Miguel Argueta, OL/DL Brandon Phillips, WR/DB Travis Cooper

Yew said of Barbour. “He’s done a really good job for us. Last year in four B team] games, went 3-1 in those. He’s Rich Cooley/Daily just been a good leader. He’s not a Central High School assistant coach Rowdy Hoover talks to players yeller. He doesn’t yell and holler at during a recent practice drill. everybody but he leads by example. “He’s been the backup the last two years behind Hayden and it’s his time to shine.”

Junior Hank Hoover, who saw a little On offense Yew said the Falcons will time at running back last year, is run more in the pistol set, basically expected to start at tailback. Jeese using the I formation from the shotgun. Cloyd will be the starter at fullback. Senior Sam Barbour will take over the Cloyd started for Hamilton Argueta, reins at quarterback replacing Hayden when he went down with an injury in Basuerman, who threw for 2,764 yards the seventh game of the season, and the Falcons used Cloy in the fullback last season. role the rest of the way. “He’s been a backup [quarterback], he’s played a little bit here and there,”

“We put Jesse in there and then all of

a sudden we were like, ‘Hey he can get it done’ and that freed Hamilton up to be an even better linebacker,” Yew said. “Hamilton still played at fullback from time to time, even played in the PowerI set, but from then on Jesse was our fullback. It was a nice blessing to find out.” Marshall McAboy, Carston Shockey and A.J. Crider will also be used at running back for the Falcons.

this season. Yew said Tristan Rau and Connor Hammack will likely be the starters, while Shockey, Varsay Bright and Saxson Franklin will also see time there. Freshman Bryan Davis will start at tight end.

The offensive line will be led by Riley Peters, who started some last year for the Falcons when Brandon Phillips The Falcons had a lot of depth at wide went down with an injury. Peters will receiver last year and they will have a FALCONS, 9 brand new cast of players to throw to

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CENTRAL FALCONS

6 FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 2014

The Northern Virginia Daily

Barbour’s time has come to lead Central’s offense By Tommy Keeler Jr. WOODSTOCK — Sam Barbour has waited patiently for his time, and this season he will lead a young Central squad onto the field. The Central senior has been the backup quarterback for the last two years, but this season he will be the starter. Central lost 21 seniors, but Barbour said he believes this year’s team is ready to step up. “It’s a completely different experience this year,” Barbour said. “We’ve always had older kids as the leaders. Obviously no one on this year’s team saw the field too much [last year], but one thing about having that talented group above us is we learned a lot. Although we didn’t play, we found out what it feels like to have success and to have a good season. So now that we’re all playing we’re able to transfer that into this year.” Barbour was able to learn from three-year starter Hayden Bauserman, who graduated in June and will play at Alderson-Broaddus College this season. Barbour said it was a good experience playing behind Bauserman the last two years.

Rich Cooley/Daily

Central quarterback Sam Barbour will be conducting the Falcons’ offense this season.

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CENTRAL FALCONS

The Northern Virginia Daily

2014 SCHEDULE Aug. 29 John Champe, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 5

Oct. 10

at Stonewall Jackson, 7 p.m. Oct. 17

Sept. 19 at Spotswood, 7 p.m.

Oct. 24

Sept. 26 at George Mason, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 31

Oct. 3

Nov. 7

Manassas Park, 7:30 p.m.

at William Monroe, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 30 Sept. 6 Clarke County, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 20 at Warren County, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 27 Madison County, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 4 Strasburg, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 11

FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 2014

2013 RESULTS (10-3, 5-1 BULL RUN) beat John Champe, 42-0 beat Stonewall Jackson, 61-8 lost to Spotswood, 49-48, 2OT beat George Mason, 59-17 beat Manassas Park, 39-0 beat William Monroe, 24-8

Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Nov. 1 Nov. 8 Nov. 16 Nov. 23 Nov. 30

lost to Clarke County, 33-32, OT beat Warren County, 47-20 beat Madison County, 56-28 beat Strasburg, 35-21 beat Thomas Jefferson, 39-16 beat Poquoson, 22-14 lost to Loudoun Valley, 34-6

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Barbour Continued from 6

“He’s definitely always been there for me, including this year,” Barbour said. “He’s been to some of the practices and just gives little pointers. Obviously, he’s had success here and he’s going to play in college so I really take what he says and I’ve watched him for the past two years. I’ve really learned the mechanics, poise just from watching him.”

Barbour said he has pretty much always played at quarterback from the time he was in Little League, and he enjoys the leadership role that comes with and also being able to touch the ball on every play.

CENTRAL FALCONS year.” Barbour said one of his goals is to be more accurate with his throws. He’s also had to learn a little different offense, as the Falcons have switched to a pistol formation, but Barbour said it’s been pretty easy to pick it up.

The Northern Virginia Daily

2013 CENTRAL STATS • Record: 10-3 (5-1 Bull Run) • Passing leader: Hayden Bauserman (164 for 265, 2,764 yards, 34 touchdowns, 9 interceptions) • Rushing leader: Daniel Molina (252 carries for 1,758 yards, 25 touchdowns)

Barbour also plays basketball and tennis, and said the other sports help him stay in shape for football.

• Receiving leader: Kolton Poston (38 receptions for 547 yards, 7 touchdowns)

“With the other sports you play, you’re always working on footwork, you’re working on conditioning,” Barbour said. “You’re getting in better shape, which in football being in shape is everything.”

• Sacks: Caleb Cook (14)

• Total tackles: Hamilton Argueta (101) • Interceptions: Justin Bauserman (6)

wants to learn. It’s going great.”

Now that it’s his senior year, Barbour said he wants to make the most of the time he has left at Central lost starters at almost every position to graduation, and the Central. Falcons have a very young, inexperi- “The day before practice started I He said he tries to learn from was lifting and just kind of walking enced team this season. Last year watching it on TV, especially his out, checking out the field, and that Central went 10-3, losing in the favorite player Washington Redskins was exactly the moment when it hit third round of the Group 3A playquarterback Robert Griffin III. me this is the last year I’ll play footRich Cooley/Daily offs. The Falcons have been one of “I look up to RG3 — his leadership Central quarterback Sam Barbour ball,” Barbour said. “I really hadn’t the last eight teams in their class skills,” Barbour said. “That’s where I moves into the starting role this been able to think about that the last two years. want to be as a leader, just like he moment the past two years. I year after serving as the Falcons’ Even with such a young team, does. He came into a not so great sit- backup the past two seasons. Barbour said he’s excited about what haven’t been playing, so it hasn’t uation, I guess you could say like really set in. So now you realize that asked of him so far,” Yew said. “He’s the Falcons can do this season. we’re doing, and trying to turn it it’s all on your shoulders, it definite“Everybody’s stepping up, obviously ly sets in. around. Keeping the positive energy in really good shape. He’s throwing a lot of kids left,” Barbour said. “It’s going, that’s what we’re trying to do the ball better now than I really “I want to enjoy every second of it.” thought he was going to throw the kind of weird that everybody comes here.” ball this year. And I’m really pleased back with such high energy and high Contact Assistant Sports Editor Central coach Mike Yew said he’s with how well he is throwing the Tommy Keeler at hopes. But it’s just awesome. Every been very happy with he’s seen in ball. Which just goes to show that 540-465-5137 ext. 168, or practice so far has gone smooth, the preseason from Barbour. he’s worked on it, and it’s something some a little better than others. tkeeler@nvdaily.com. Follow on “He’s just doing everything we’ve he’s trying to embrace his senior Everybody’s listening and everybody Twitter @tkeelernvd.

Good Luck Falcons on your 2014 Season Lana McNair • April Baker

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CENTRAL FALCONS

The Northern Virginia Daily

FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 2014

2014 ROSTER Name John Hepner Connor Hammack Tristan Rau Trey Riley Tyler Cline Samuel Barbour Jacob Dodson John Hall Aaron Crider Colton Hutchinson Carston Shockey Morgan Lucy-Speidel Timothy Sloan Varsey Bright Chance Estleford Hank Hoover Brandon Braithwaite Brandon Davis Clifton Croom David Wiggins Christopher Carter Marshall McAboy

Ht. 5-9 5-7 5-8 5-8 5-7 6-0 5-8 6-1 5-10 5-10 5-9 5-8 5-9 5-2 5-6 6-0 5-10 5-4 5-9 5-11 5-5 5-8

Falcons Continued from 5

start at left tackle. Tood Stocking will be at left guard, with Alex Sibert at center, Cody Polk at right guard and Codey Heltzel at right tackle.

Wt. 145 135 160 155 115 190 124 161 128 173 145 132 144 102 125 170 161 110 137 153 141 163

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

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

tailback — it’s really just nine other blockers out there blocking. So, they’ve embraced the transition and they’re doing fine.” On the defensive line, Matt Edwards, Harold Wakeman and Domenic Richel Emph will lead the way. Yew said the other spot will be rotated between Peters and Heltzel.

No. 43 44 45 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 63 66 67 68 70 75 77 82 86 88

Name Antolin Perez-Torres Bryan Davis Jesse Cloyd Alexander Sibert Dillon Harris Cody Polk James Horn Angus Shipe Todd Stocking David Jayne Matthew Edwards Harold Wakeman Domenic Richel Emph Nathaniel Burner Dylan Barger Dylan Runion Codey Heltzel Karl Peters Matthew Bromley Saxon Franklin Jamie Campbell

Ht. 5-6 5-11 5-6 5-7 6-0 5-10 5-11 5-11 5-9 5-6 5-10 6-1 5-11 5-9 5-9 5-7 5-11 6-0 5-9 6-0 6-1

Wt. 174 198 177 191 232 211 196 182 215 258 155 202 197 145 212 234 284 283 170 166 165

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

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

where we were in week zero, we are a much better football team,” Yew said. “Hopefully, that transitions into a playYew said the secondary is very up in off game, no matter where it’s at, no the air. Hammack, Rau, Franklin, John matter where our seed is. We’re young Hepner, Bright and Shockey are among and inexperienced. Were hoping to play those battling for playing time. a playoff game. That’s all we want. Yew said one of his main goals for the Everything after that is a new season season is to simply be better at the end and we go from there.” of the year. Contact Assistant Sports Editor McAboy, Cloyd and Barbour will also split time at linebacker.

“It’s been a learning curve,” Yew said of the line. “That’s the biggest thing for The Falcons have a plethora of players all those guys. We moved todd Stocking that will see time at linebacker. Hoover “When we line up in week 10, the last and Cody Polk from fullback to guard, saw some time there last season. game of the regular season, I want to which in our offense if you’re not the look out there and know that from Stocking, Polk, Brandon Braithwaite,

Tommy Keeler at 540-465-5137 ext. 168, or tkeeler@nvdaily.com. Follow on Twitter @tkeelernvd

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10 FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 2014

CLARKE COUNTY EAGLES

The Northern Virginia Daily

Eagles retool backfield for another run at state playoffs By Jeff Nations BERRYVILLE — The Clarke County High School football team broke new ground in the program’s history last season, advancing further into the postseason than any previous Eagles squad before eventually falling in the Group 2A state quarterfinals. Clarke County broke that new ground by simply dominating the ground out of its single-wing offense, churning up massive amounts of yardage with a slew of dangerous backs. Times change, perhaps — Clarke County lost much of that offensive production to graduation, including last season’s leading rusher Josh Dulaney (1,620 rushing yards, 24 touchdowns) and Kasey Lake (755 rushing yards, 10 TDs). The Eagles will need some new faces to step into bigtime roles if they hope to come close to matching or even exceeding last year’s potent attack (359.9 yards per game) that averaged 35.6 points an outing. “I think we still have the capability of establishing a running game,” Clarke County coach Chris Parker said. “How much we throw, we don’t have a Rich Cooley/Daily file set amount. Some games it might be a lot, some Central’s Kolton Poston dives in an attempt to bring down Clarke County’s Sean McDonald as he games if we really have the train moving as far as looks for a receiver during first half action last season in Berryville. our running we’re just going to keep moving on and then sprinkle passes in with it. We have a step into a starting spot. “We’re putting in a lot of new stuff, some singlepretty good play-action package with it.” back things and some gun pro, things like that,” “They’re definitely the strongest group we’ve ever The Eagles also have a good quarterback to lean McDonald said. “I think we’ve adapted to it nicely. had,” Parker said. “They’re exceptionally strong We definitely have the personnel to do it. Each and they’ve really bought into our weight proon again this season. Rising senior Sean gram.” McDonald is pegged to start for this third straight year comes new challenges as far as who’s going to be doing what, but I think we filled those spots season, and the 6-foot-3, 220-pounder is equally Senior Vince Zduoba (6-3, 225) offers nice size at nicely so we’ll have a more dynamic offense this adept at running out of the Eagles’ single-wing tight end, and senior Justin Dulaney (6-3, 195) year.” attack or throwing it downfield. Last season, gives the Eagles another prominent passing McDonald rushed for 761 yards and 11 touchMcDonald could well lead Clarke County in rush- target. downs, and passed for 773 yards and seven ing this season, but the Eagles are hoping junior “In the single wing, there’s an infinite amount of touchdowns. Jordan Turner and sophomore Hunter Rogers (a ways to run plays,” Parker said. “With us, I think Millbrook transfer) are ready to help carry that the advantage is we’re a strong team, our kids 2014 EAGLES load as running backs. The Eagles are also looking love running the offense and they know it, and at juniors Matthew Dang and Jaxon Ottobre on when you have to prepare for that we may be the • Coach: Chris Parker (15th year, 86-64) only team on an opposing team’s schedule that the wings. • Offense/Defense: Single wing/3-4 runs the single wing.” Clarke’s offensive line looks to be in good shape • Key returnees: QB/DB Sean McDonald, RB/DB Matthew Dang, RB/DB Jaxon Ottobre, RB/DB Jordan Turner, TE/DL Vince Zduoba, OL/DL Julius Grant, OL/LB Carson Perkins, OL/LB Logan Withers, OL/DL Zach Melusen, TE/DL Tommy Kenny,

• Key losses: RB/DB Kasey Lake, RB/LB Andy King, TE/DE Ben Wallace, RB/LB Josh Dulaney, OL/DL Buck Bloomingdale, OL/DL Luke Estep, RB/DB Wayne Rouss

despite the graduation loss of two-way all-region starting lineman Luke Estep. Seniors Carson Perkins and Logan Withers, and junior Julius Grant all return to form the basis of a solid and experienced line. Sophomore Josh Wallace has looked solid snapping the ball as the team’s new starting center, and Zach Melusen should also

Parker is optimistic that this year’s team has a blend of strength and speed, which could more than make up for any size deficits the Eagles, might encounter this season. “I think that we’re a pretty athletic team,” Parker said. “To be honest with you, I think we EAGLES, 13

CLARKE COUNTY EAGLES

2014 SCHEDULE Aug. 29

Berkeley Springs (W.Va.), 7:30 p.m. Sept. 12 Stonewall Jackson, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 19 at Brentsville, 7 p.m. Sept. 26 Strasburg, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 3 at Warren County, 7 p.m.

Oct. 10 Oct. 17 Oct. 24 Oct. 31 Nov. 7

Madison County, 7:30 p.m.

Aug. 30 Sept. 13 at Central, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 20 Manassas Park, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 27 at George Mason, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 4 at William Monroe, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 11

FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 2014

2013 RESULTS (12-1, 7-0 BULL RUN ) beat Berkeley Springs (W.Va.), 34-0 beat Stonewall Jackson, 47-6 beat Brentsville, 62-7 beat Strasburg, 12-8 beat Warren County, 28-14 beat Madison County, 40-20

Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Nov. 1 Nov. 8 Nov. 15 Nov. 22 Nov. 30

beat Central, 33-32 beat Manassas Park, 33-6 beat George Mason, 35-2 beat William Monroe, 42-6 beat Luray, 42-7 beat Robert E. Lee, 41-25 lost to Brunswick, 21-14

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The Northern Virginia Daily

12 FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 2014

CLARKE COUNTY EAGLES

The Northern Virginia Daily

McDonald ready to bear heavier load for Clarke By Jeff Nations

squad, and the only non-lineman to accomplish the feat.

McDonald is also eager to make his mark on the defensive side this year. He’s not slated to start at safety, but he’s expecting to see more time on that side of the ball this year.

BERRYVILLE — Sean McDonald is eager to take on a heavier load for Clarke County High School’s football team this season.

All that work made for a bigger and stronger quarterback — McDonald enters his third year as a starter about 30 pounds heavier. At 6-feet, 3 McDonald, the triggerman at inches and 230 pounds, he starting quarterback in the hopes to withstand plenty of Eagles’ single-wing offense, has hard hits in exchange for those never been shy about running extra rushing yards this seathe ball just as often — if not son. Last season, McDonald more frequently — than pass- was the Eagles’ second-leading ing it. But with the graduation rusher with 761 yards on 122 losses of starting running carries. He completed 46 of 93 backs Josh Dulaney and Kasey passes for 773 yards and seven Lake off last year’s 12-1 state touchdowns. quarterfinalist team, “He has worked very hard in McDonald has been preparing the offseason,” Clarke County to do even more in the running coach Chris Parker said. “In game this season. the weight room, he’s been to After averaging about 15 car- speed camps, he went to colries per game last season, lege camps over the summer McDonald is hoping to up that — I think at least six — we did workload to about 25 carries 7-on-7s. I mean, he’s really per contest this season. A risworked hard to be the best ing senior and two-year start- football player and athlete that ing quarterback, McDonald he can be.” feels it isn’t so much pressure The motivation to excel is that is driving him to perform simple — McDonald wants to so much as an obligation. help the Eagles advance even “Not so much pressure — I further than last year’s feel like it’s my duty to step up ground-breaking team, which and do the best I can,” moved deeper into the postseaMcDonald said. “If that means son than any previous squad getting 25-plus carries a game, ever at Clarke County. then so be it. I’ve prepared “It definitely puts a fire in our myself over the offseason, belly,” McDonald said. “We felt physically and mentally, to get ready for it. If anyone has to do like we were state competitors last year, didn’t get as far as it, I’d rather it be me.” we wanted. Obviously the 10-0, McDonald had that in mind the 12-0 was nice, but ultias soon as the Eagles’ playoff mately that wasn’t our goal run ended last season in the and it’s still not our goal. Group 2A state quarterfinals with a 21-14 loss to Brunswick. McDonald hit the weight room with a vengeance, earning the coveted Platinum Iron Eagle award by lifting in excess of 1,500 pounds combined (four different lifts). He’s one of only four Platinum Eagles on the

“When we step on the field, it’s strictly business. We know what we have to do, we know what it takes to get there. But now we just have to make those extra couple games to really cement us as the best team in Clarke history.”

Wherever McDonald is — directing the huddle on offense, bolstering the Eagles’ secondary on defense or even just encouraging from the sideline, he’ll be a leader for Clarke County again this season. “He’s come into his own as a quarterback,” Parker said. “He’s definitely one of the leaders of this team. I think his example in the weight room and how hard he works, I think kids look up to him. The old expression, the field general, he’s definitely a field general. And he’s an intelligent kid in the classroom and out here on the field. He knows what’s going on and he can help other kids.”

Jeff Nations/Daily

Clarke County’s Sean McDonald is back as the Eagles’ starting quarterback for the third straight year. To make that happen, McDonald will likely need to put together his best season yet. Already an accomplished dual-threat quarterback, McDonald aims to make life distinctly uncomfortable for opposing defenses this year. “I’d consider myself a dual threat, definitely,” McDonald said. “I want them obviously to not want me to throw the ball because of my arm strength, and I also want them to be hesitant to give me enough space to run the ball. Obviously I’m a big guy, so if I

McDonald is optimistic, despite the graduation losses of so many key players off last year’s team, that this year’s squad can take that next step and maybe even more as they work to play into December for a spot in the state championship game.

do run the ball I think I have the ability to get more yards than maybe someone who’s not “I think the biggest thing we my frame.” needed to do was learn how to complete the games,” Predictably, McDonald has McDonald said. “Clarke had been cautioned not to try and do too much when he’s running never made it that far — it’s the longest season we’ve ever the ball for the Eagles this had and it takes a toll on you. year. So I think this year we knew “There’s definitely some cauwe really had to prepare ourtion involved in being a dualthreat quarterback,” McDonald selves mentally, especially, and physically. I think we did that said. “Obviously they don’t well.” want me to get hurt, but I think they know it’s kind of in Contact staff writer Jeff my nature and instinct to want Nations at 540-465-5137 ext. to go after those extra yards.” 161, or jnations@nvdaily.com.

The Northern Virginia Daily

CLARKE COUNTY EAGLES

FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 2014

2014 ROSTER

Rich Cooley/Daily

Clarke County’s Carson Perkins tackles Strasburg’s Colton Funk during last season’s game in Strasburg.

Eagles Continued from 10

have above-average speed. We don’t have the 4.4 guys on the team, but our guys are quick and they’re certainly strong.” The Eagles return their entire starting defensive line from last season’s 3-4 base, with Grant (defensive tackle), Zduoba (defensive tackle) and Withers (noseguard) all set for another season. Clarke may be based out of the 3-4, but the Eagles won’t be shy about mixing up coverages and alignments at any point this season. “The way we have it designed is we’re trying to put the best 11 athletes on the field, that can move and play different spots without having to do as much substitution,” Eagles defensive coordinator Casey Childs said. “We’ve been fortunate over the last seven or eight years to have the kids and the personnel to be able to move around to do things.” Perkins returns as one starting inside linebacker, with sophomores Hunter Rogers and Brett McDonald also slated to see time. Justin Dulaney is back as an outside start-

2013 STATS • Record: 12-1, 7-0 Bull Run District) • Passing leader: Sean McDonald (46 for 932 passing, 773 yards, 7 touchdowns) • Rushing leader: Josh Dulaney (181 carries, 1,620 yards, 24 touchdowns) • Receiving leader: Kasey Lake (17 receptions for 356 yards, 4 touchdowns) • Total tackles: Josh Dulaney (140) • Sacks: Luke Estep (8) • Interceptions: Kasey Lake, Wayne Rouss (4)

ing linebacker. Josh Wallace, Bryan Wallace, Tommy Kenny and Mackie Martin could all see time at the other outside linebacker spot or filling in for Dulaney. The secondary is also solid, with returning starting cornerbacks Jordan Turner and Matthew Dang, plus experienced safeties Jaxon Ottobre, Dulaney and Sean McDonald. “Overall, we’re pretty solid,” Childs said. “We’ve got a bunch of hybrid players who can move to different spots.” Contact staff writer Jeff Nations at 540-465-5137 ext. 161, or jnations@nvdaily.com.

No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 20 21 22 24 25 28 35 36 37 39 40 44 46 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 58 59 60 61 64 66 67 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 80 81 83 86 87 89

Name Hunter Rogers Greg Shippa Patrick Cleary Jacob Parrott Jaxon Ottobre Carlos Nunez Michael Fields Matthew Dang Sean McDonald Justin Dulaney Levi Mayo Mackie Martin Chris Keim Robbie Kenny Brett McDonald Michael Zuleger Seth Mayo Jordan Turner Tommy Kenny Doug Sheehan Ben Butler Vince Zduoba Nolan Hall Kaleb Langley David Hernandez Jack Benner Raul Jimenez Jordan Robinson Bryan Wallace Julius Grant Christian Camacho Carson Perkins Josh Wallace Logan Withers Zach Melusen Lee Louthan Andrew Bonnett Evan Whirley Nicholas Orozuo-Ruiz Nathan Cossette Daniel Johnson Daniel Moseley Jacob Buckman Dusty Shepherd Johnny Fens Mark Alexander Jordan Penninton Jesse Carroll Sam White Dylan Thompson Tristan Price Connor Pierson Michael Shepherd Will Roper Hugh Kiser Matt Cleary

Height 5-10 5-10 5-11 5-6 5-10 5-8 5-10 6-2 6-3 6-3 5-11 6-1 5-9 5-10 6-1 5-8 6-0 5-10 6-0 5-6 6-2 6-3 5-10 5-6 6-0 5-9 5-8 6-0 6-4 6-0 5-10 6-2 5-11 5-10 6-1 6-1 6-0 6-0 5-11 6-0 5-10 6-2 6-0 6-2 5-11 6-2 6-2 6-5 6-3 5-7 5-6 5-6 6-2 6-0 5-11 6-0

Weight 185 170 150 140 165 155 190 185 220 195 185 205 165 170 205 205 185 180 185 170 180 225 150 130 280 125 150 190 200 225 220 225 220 225 225 250 185 225 200 195 220 260 300 280 170 235 220 200 200 180 120 130 285 190 215 170

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

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

14 FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 2014

HANDLEY JUDGES

The Northern Virginia Daily

Speedy Judges out to regain top spot in Northwestern By Tommy Keeler Jr. WINCHESTER — Handley has had some explosive teams over the years. That’s why it says a lot about this year’s team when head coach Tony Rayburn says this squad will be on par with some of the speedy teams from the past. “They’re probably some of the most explosive athletes we’ve had,” Rayburn said. “[Handley graduate and current JMU defensive back] Jeremiah [Wilson] and all those guys — we’ve had some really good ones. [This group is] an awfully talented group.” Handley’s speed starts at the skill positions. The Judges will have 6-

2014 JUDGES • Coach: Tony Rayburn (13th year, 93-43) • Offense/Defense: Spread/50 • Key returnees: WR/DB Justin Washington, WR/DB Jarrett Cestaro, QB Will Dearing, RB/DB Dontae Mauck, TE/LB Ben Nelson, OL/DL Marquaye Jackson, OL/DL Cole Daylor, RB/DB D.J. Frisby • Key losses: RB/LB Jack Pingley, WR/DB Brian Thomas, LB Will Martin, DB Andrew Lins, OL/DL Clif Ambers, OL/DL Jordan Dowrey, OL/DL Troy Bergin, OL/DL Zahrain Washington

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foot-4, 215-pound senior Justin Washington back after missing six games last year with an anterior cruciate ligament tear. Washington has already received a scholarship offer from the University of Delaware. Speedster Dontae Mauck is also back and will be at running back and receiver. “We’re going to try to get him the ball a lot,” Rayburn said. Mauck ran for 434 yards last season, and led the Judges with 49 catches for 867 yards. He had a combined 18 receiving and rushing touchdowns. Jarett Cestaro (33 receptions for 461 yards) is back at receiver and Ben Nelson will once again be the tight end. D.J. Frisby will also return at tailback, after rushing for 706 yards on 118 carries and five touchdowns for the Judges last year. “He’s a talented kid,” Rayburn said of Frisby. “He’s got a lot of potential.” Will Dearing will be the quarterback for a fourth year. Last year Dearing threw for 2,542 yards on 156 for 268 passing and 27 touchdowns.

Rich Cooley/Daily

“He’s probably improved his athleti- Handley’s Will Dearing tries to ward off a tackle from a Loudoun County cism as much as anybody,” Rayburn defender in a scrimmage on August 21. Dearin will lead the Judges at JUDGES, 17 quarterback this season.

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HANDLEY JUDGES

2014 SCHEDULE Aug. 29

at Liberty, 7 p.m.

Oct. 4

Kettle Run, 1 p.m.

Sept. 6

Harrisonburg, 1 p.m.

Oct. 18

Sherando, 1 p.m.

Sept. 13 Fauquier, 1 p.m.

Oct. 24

at Skyline, 7 p.m.

Sept. 20 Eastern View, 1 p.m.

Nov. 1

Millbrook, 1 p.m.

Sept. 26 at Washington (W.Va.), 7 p.m. Nov. 7

at James Wood, 7 p.m.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 2014

2013 RESULTS (7-4, 3-1 NORTHWESTERN) Aug. 31 beat Liberty, 45-42

Oct. 4 Oct. 18 Sept. 6 beat Harrisonburg, 63-27 Oct. 26 Sept. 13 beat Fauquier, 42-21 Nov. 1 Sept. 20 lost to Eastern View, 63-28 Nov. 9 Sept. 28 beat Washington (W.Va.), 38-28 Nov. 16

lost to Kettle Run, 17-3 lost to Sherando, 42-7 beat Skyline, 56-24 beat Millbrook, 21-7 beat James Wood, 49-15 lost to Liberty, 49-47

248132e

The Northern Virginia Daily

HANDLEY JUDGES

16 FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 2014

By Tommy Keeler Jr. WINCHESTER — Last season was a heartbreaking one for Justin Washington. The Handley standout wide receiver suffered an anterior cruciate ligament tear in his knee in the fifth game of the season and had to miss the rest of the year. The toughest part was having to watch his teammates play without him. “It was tough even in [practice] when they was doing football and stuff, like I cried,” Washington said. “I don’t cry for nothing, but football yeah I’ll cry for that. It’s just my first love.” That love for football is part of what drove him during his rehab. Washington did everything that needed to be done according Handley

trainer Bart Stewart.

70-yard catch.”

He’s taken steps in a lot It was Washington’s first of areas.” game ever as a wide He also plays some in receiver, as he had always the secondary for the played at running back. Judges. Last year he had 25 tackles and two interWashington said he’s grown to love wide receiv- ceptions for the Judges.

er and the results have Washington said the hard certainly shown. As a part was the first few days. sophomore, Washington “First couple days it felt had 45 catches for 630 yards and seven touchlike they were breaking downs. my knee,” Washington said. “I kept doing [rehab] His height and speed have always given him an and my leg started getedge on the playing field. ting stronger and stronger and I can do “I’ve always been taller more stuff.” than everybody, so I just use it to my advantage Stewart said that Washington’s knee is fine and just jump over peonow and you can’t even ple,” Washington said. “I tell that he ever had an can jump pretty high.” ACL tear. Before his injury last That’s great news for year, Washington had 28 Washington and Handley. receptions for 594 yards and eight touchdowns. The 6-foot-4, 215-

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Rayburn said many colleges are waiting to see how Washington bounces back from his injury, but he has already been offered a scholarship by Delaware. Washington said he visited there this summer. “They got a nice campus,” Washington said. “Everything’s great. The coaches are down to earth. I just feel welcome there. I feel like they went me to play with them.”

Right now Washington is focused on having a strong senior season and pounder made an impact Handley coach Tony at Handley from his first Rayburn said Washington helping the Judges win games. game as a freshman. has improved in many ways throughout the last Handley lost in the first “They threw me in my few years. round of the playoffs, and second play and I forgot Washington said the the route at first and “He’s always had some team wants to do much they went the other way,” athleticism. He’s gotten a better this year. Washington said of his lot bigger and faster,” first game as a freshman. Rayburn said. “His worth “Hopefully, we’ll make it “But then the next time I ethic has improved. His far,” Washington said. got the ball I had like a grades have improved. “We still got younger

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Handley’s Justin Washington is fully healed from a knee injury that cost him half of last season. Tommy Keeler Jr./Daily

players, but we’re executing more this year and we got more speed.” Washington said he’s trying to be even more of a leader this year. The Judges return a strong nucleus and could have a lot of success this season. Even though the injury was a tough thing to go through, Washington said he was thankful it happened in his junior year and he has one last year at Handley.

“This is the last year. This has went by fast, this whole high school experience, but it was great,” Washington said. “I met a lot of new people and a lot of great people. “Knowing I’m a senior, it makes you want to work harder than ever before.” Contact Assistant Sports Editor Tommy Keeler at 540-465-5137 ext. 168, or tkeeler@nvdaily.com. Follow on Twitter @tkeelernvd.

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Healthy Washington hoping to make impact for Handley

The Northern Virginia Daily

Judges Continued from 14

HANDLEY JUDGES 2013 STATS • Record: 7-4 (3-1 Northwestern) • Passing leader: Will Dearing (156 for 268, for 2,542 yards, 27 touchdowns, 9 interceptions)

said of Dearing. “He’s a lot stronger. He’s become an athletic quarterback. He continues to grow in every facet.”

• Rushing leader: D.J. Frisby (118 carries for 706 yards, 5 touchdowns)

The key to success on offense will be on the offensive line. The Judges only have one starting lineman back.

• Receiving leader: Dontae Mauck (49 receptions for 867 yards, 10 touchdowns)

“Basically two guys played last year,” Rayburn said of the offensive line. “We’re not very deep at that position. If our offensive line stays healthy, and some of the younger guys keep betting better, we’ll have an explosive offense again.”

• Total tackles: Jack Pingley (129) • Sacks: Jordan Dowrey (4.5) • Interceptions: Jason Morgan (4)

Felder, Marcus Tactikos, Justin Washington and Dustin Cutter will share duties at safety.

Cole Daylor is the only starter Senior Nick Marshall, who made six returning on the offensive line. He field goals last year, will be doing the will be joined by senior Noah Climer, junior Tommy Shea-Roop, senior Max kicking duties again. Rayburn said he was not sure who would be the Prado and junior Deauntia Green. punter. Senior Marquaye Jackson will look The Judges have all the pieces to to lead the way on the defensive have a very strong season, Rayburn front. Jackson had 72 tackles last year, third on the team. said the key is for the players to keep working hard and staying Climer, Shay-Roop and Daylor will focused. also be starting in Handley’s front line. “We have the experience and leaderRayburn said Nelson, Tre Jackson, Dolan Delaney, Green, Anthony Smith and Jacob Shade will see playing time at linebacker.

ship,” Rayburn said. “The kids know what to expect, know what it’s like. They have some goals, obviously, they’re trying to meet. I feel like we Frisby, Mauck, Johnlynn have a chance to be successful. You Washington, Tyler Mudd and Cestaro have to take it each day and keep will split duties at cornerback. Mike working at it.”

FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 2014

2014 ROSTER No. 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 14 15 21 22 24 25 30 31 32 33 34 41 44 47 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 61 63 68 70 72 74

Name Matthew Elliott Tre Jackson Dolan Delaney Justin Washington Channing Tully D.J. Frisby Mike Felder Marcus Tactikos Jarett Cestaro Dustin Cutter Johnlynn Washington Will Dearing Tyler Mudd Dontae Mauck Nick Marshall Ryan Estep Jacob Shade Jimmy Vitola Anthony Smith Micah Strother Chris Bockey Errance Fusco-Grant Ben Nelson Aidan Marshall Marquaye Jackson Deaunita Green Yamir Venable Rickey Green Eddie Currence Daniel Johnson Luke Grzywacz Cameron Brooks Cole Daylor Noah Climer Matt Wagner Tommy Shea-Roop Chandler Brown Max Prado

Height 6-0 6-2 6-0 6-4 6-0 5-10 5-9 6-0 6-1 5-10 5-11 6-3 6-0 6-2 5-9 5-6 5-8 5-8 5-7 5-7 5-7 6-1 6-3 5-8 5-11 5-8 6-2 6-0 5-11 N/A 5-9 5-10 6-0 6-3 5-10 6-3 N/A 6-0

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Pos. QB/DB RB/LB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB RB/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB QB/DB QB/DB WR/DB RB/DB K/P WR/DB RB/LB TE/LB RB/LB RB/DB WR/DB TE/LB TE/LB K/P RB/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL

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248139

The Northern Virginia Daily

JAMES WOOD COLONELS

18 FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 2014

The Northern Virginia Daily

James Wood hopes to show growth under McHale By Tommy Keeler Jr.

2014 COLONELS

WINCHESTER — Mark McHale knew it wouldn’t be easy turning things around at James wood when he took over the head coaching job last year. With a year under his belt, he and the entire team are in a better position as a new season gets started.

• Coach: Mark McHale (Second year, 1-9) • Offense/Defense: Multiple, Multiple 4-3 • Key returnees: QB/DB Brady Hepner, RB/LB Landon Rutherford, RB/LB Tyler Bishop • Key losses: P/K/DB Willi Spears

getting pumped. I think it’s going to help a lot to compare with like Sherando last year and like Handley. I “The players come back, the terminol- think we’re going to compare to them.” ogy’s the same. The way you do the Hepner will lead the way at quarterweight program is the same. The way back, where he threw for 262 yards in you flex is the same. ...all that adds to five games last season. learning and it’s called experience,” Landon Rutherford and Tyler Bishop McHale said. “That’s a big difference will start at running back. The pair coming in. I think the kids are going ran for a combined 972 yards and into it with a positive feeling. They feel eight touchdowns last season. like they’re going to have a good year.” Nick Manuel will lead the way at The Colonels went 1-9 last year, but wide receiver. Manuel was a secondthey return most of the starting lineteam All-Northwestern District selecup, and with a year of experience tion last year. under their belts should be much“He’s got a great set of hands and improved. runs really good routes,” McHale said. One big difference this year should be Adam Bearer will be at the other strength. James Wood had a very high receiver slot, and Branson Ratlief will turnout for the offseason weight probe back at tight end. gram, and that has everyone excited for the season. Cody Feltner, Isaac Schrantz, Adam Vadell, Jesus Correa and Tyler Owens “The whole team has gone from low will start on the offensive line for the weight to high weight,” James Wood senior Brady Hepner said. “We’re all Colonels. Feltner, Schrantz and Vadell McHale said it takes time for everybody to get used to changes and grow together.

Rich Cooley/Daily file

James Wood’s Landon Rutherford, left, and Branson Ratlief close in on Warren County quarterback Austen Butler during last season’s game. Rutherford and Ratlief are both back for the Colonels as the team looks to improve on last season’s 1-9 mark. all started at least a few games for James Wood last season.

also be on the line, with Emmitt Smith also seeing time there.

McHale said they’ve all been in the weight room and are much stronger this season.

Rutherford, Connor Rhodes and Bishop give the Colonels a strong trio at the linebacker spots. Brandon Johnson, a transfer from Texas, will also be in the mix.

Ratlief will help lead the way on the defensive front for James Wood. Devin Moncrief, Schrantz and Feltner will

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COLONELS, 21

JAMES WOOD COLONELS

2014 SCHEDULE Aug. 29

at Heritage (Leesburg), 7 p.m. Oct. 3

Broadway, 7 p.m.

Sept. 5

at Loudoun Valley, 7 p.m.

Oct. 10

at Sherando, 7 p.m.

Sept. 12 Warren County, 7 p.m.

Oct. 17

Skyline, 7 p.m.

Sept. 19 at Strasburg, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 24

at Millbrook, 7 p.m.

Sept. 26 Fauquier, 7 p.m.

Nov. 7

Handley, 7 p.m.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 2014

2013 RESULTS (1-9, 1-3 NORTHWESTERN) Aug. 30 lost to Heritage (Leesburg), 43-29 Sept. 6 lost to Loudoun Valley, 17-0 Sept. 13 lost to Warren County, 41-20 Sept. 20 lost to Strasburg, 32-0 Sept. 27 lost to Fauquier, 21-20

Oct. 4

lost to Broadway, 24-3

Oct. 11

lost to Sherando, 41-6

Oct. 18

lost to Skyline, 22-13

Oct. 25

beat Millbrook, 13-6

Nov. 9

lost to Handley, 49-15

248133e

The Northern Virginia Daily

JAMES WOOD COLONELS

20 FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 2014

The Northern Virginia Daily

Colonels’ Hepner lands prized role as quarterback from the players,” McHale said. “He’s a great leader, probably one of the best on the team.”

By Tommy Keeler Jr. WINCHESTER — Brady Hepner is finally where he’s always wanted to be.

McHale said he’s seen a lot of improvement from Hepner’s passing ability.

The James Wood senior played at wide receiver in his first year with the Colonels, but his heart was always at quarterback.

After taking over as starting quarterback midway through last year, James Wood’s Brady Hepner will begin there this season.

An injury to starting quarterback Cam Butler moved Hepner into the starting quarterback role for half the season last year. This year Hepner will be the starter from the beginning.

Jeff Nations/Daily

“I like having command in the huddle,” Hepner said. “It’s kind of hard, basically everything revolves around you. If somebody messes up, it’s always the quarterback’s fault. I like having that on me. It sets high goals for me and high expecta- es. ... I started to like it a lot.” tions for myself.” As a quarterback last year, Hepner threw for 262 yards, on Hepner said he grew to like 25 for 47 passing with a touchplaying at wide receiver when he needed to, and he had plen- down and two interceptions in five games. ty of success there. “That was a big role I had to fill,” Hepner said of playing at receiver. “I preferred quarterback, but I was getting touch-

Hepner said the playing time he had last season has paid great dividends going into this season.

“He’s had a really good off season throwing,” McHale said. “Coach [Josh] Copp has done a good job with him.” Hepner has also been solid running the ball out of the option, and said they will be doing more of that this season. He said his favorite moment last year was against Heritage when he was one of three James Wood players to rush for more than 100 yards. Hepner also plays on defense. He’s played at cornerback the last two years, but will be moved to safety this season.

“It’s gone a lot smoother,” Hepner said. “Last year I started out at wide receiver and when Cam got hurt in the first week of pads I had to learn a whole new offense at quarterback. This year I’ve been warming up to it.”

Last year Hepner had 17 downs. He also had five receptions for 25 yards as a receiver. tackles and one interception for the Colonels. James Wood coach Mark McHale said that Hepner worked hard in the offseason, including being in the weight room before basketball practice in the winter.

Hepner also ran for 179 yards “That’s given him a great on 37 carries and three touch- leadership role, and respect

“I like it,” Hepner said of playing defense. “Sometimes when I mess up on offense I get a little mad, and I get to go out there on defense and let it all out.” HEPNER, 21

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248146

JAMES WOOD COLONELS

The Northern Virginia Daily

FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 2014

2014 ROSTER Name Ryan Bearer Chris Lakin Kyle Hindmann Ryan Rupp Brady Hepner Payton Miller Matt Papastavrou Dade Carroll Logan King Matt Carico Cole Platt Trenton Miller Brandon Johnson Dillon Manuel Nick Manuel Keegan DeHaven Tyler Bishop

Position WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/LB QB/DB QB/LB WR/DB QB/DB WR/LB WR/LB LB WR/DB LB WR/DB WR/DB RB/LB RB/LB

2013 STATS • Record: 1-9, 1-3 Northwestern • Passing leader: Cam Butler (45 for 81, 555 yards, 2 touchdowns, 5 interceptions) • Rushing leader: Landon Rutherford (118 carries for 475 yards, 4 touchdowns) • Receiving leader: Nick Manuel (19 catches for 277 yards, 1 touchdown) • Total tackles: Landon Rutherford (54) • Sacks: Tyler Bishop (1.5) • Interceptions: Dakota Orndorff (3)

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

No. 30 32 33 34 37 40 42 44 45 46 50 51 54 55 55 56 58

Name Dustin Feathers Brandon Davis Tucker Simmers Jacob Farris Reid Barber Landon Rutherford Dakota Hiles Devin Moncrief Ryan Funkhouser Connor Rhodes Adam Vadell Donald Mellott Jesus Correa Isaac Schrantz Connor Heustis Anthony Morelli Brett Unger

Colonels Continued from 18

Manuel and his brother, Dillon, will start at the cornerback spots. “One of the guys that caught my eye in the whole offseason was Dillon Manuel,” McHale said. “He’s a sophomore, and he found himself a way to start.” Hepner and Reid Barber will be the starting safeties.

Position OL/LB RB/DL LB RB/LB RB/DB RB/LB LB RB/DL LB RB/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL

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

the key is to get them to believe in themselves. “Our goal is to get the guys out of the mentality of expecting to lose to [the mentality of] expecting to win,” McHale said. “We’re going to have to stay healthy because of depth. We’re going to have to execute. If we execute, we can be a pretty good football team. These are great kids, and they deserve to win.”

Contact Assistant Sports Editor Tommy Keeler at The Colonels have only won a 540-465-5137 ext. 168, or combined five games in the last tkeeler@nvdaily.com. three seasons, and McHale said Follow on Twitter @tkeelernvd.

No. 59 60 63 67 70 74 75 76 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 86

Name Tyler Steele Jeb Pingley Justin Vernocy David Funk Jacob Mallon Tyler Owens Emmett Smith Cam Eback Damian Hale Cody Feltner Branson Ratlief Johnny Lanzetta Asa Brewer Adam Bearer Dalton Clark Drew Keller

Hepner Continued from 20

The Colonels have struggled the past few years, going 1-9 in each of their last two campaigns. Hepner said that the attitude has been much better this season, and the Colonels are ready to turn the corner.

Position OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL TE/DL WR/DB OL/DL WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB

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

football,” Hepner said. Being a senior, Hepner said it makes him even more motivated to be successful. “As a senior class it’s our last year, we have to make this count,” Hepner said. “I want to come out in our last year and go out with a bang.”

Contact Assistant Sports Editor Tommy Keeler at “We’re tired of 3-7 and 1-9 540-465-5137 ext. 168, or and 1-9, those are the past tkeeler@nvdaily.com. Follow on Twitter three years, we’re ready @tkeelernvd. for a new James Wood

248144e

No. 2 3 4 5 8 9 11 12 19 20 21 23 24 25 26 27 28

MILLBROOK PIONEERS

22 FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 2014

The Northern Virginia Daily

Haymore excited about Pioneers’ positive vibe WINCHESTER — For Millbrook head football coach Josh Haymore, there’s just something about this year’s group of Pioneers. Haymore, now in his second season as Millbrook’s head coach, noticed early on that this year’s team possesses some traits that set it apart from his inaugural group of Pioneers. They are behaving like a team and taking responsibility for themselves, and there has even been a noticeable rise in the energy level at practice, Haymore said. “Attitude,” Haymore said of the one glaring difference between his first two Millbrook squads. “… We’ve got leaders stepping up. We’ve got leaders holding each other accountable. We’ve got players holding each other accountable. The intensity in practice has even picked up and I thought I was a pretty intense dude when we were doing things last year.” Part of that can be attributed to the overall nature of this year’s team, which appears to

2014 PIONEERS • Coach: Josh Haymore (second year, 2-8) • Offense/Defense: Multiple/Multiple • Key returnees: OL/DL Aaron Seal, QB Mark Paxton, RB/DB P.K. Kier, WR/DB Nazeeh Johnson • Key losses: LB Mitchell Shiley, RB/LB Dylan Wisman, WR/DB Taylor James, OL/DL Johnathan Pearson, TE/DL Joshua Dantzler

Haymore to be closer knit than its predecessor. But Haymore also made sure he drove home that concept of team unity this fall. Millbrook opened its preseason practice in early August away from the school’s campus, as the Pioneers traveled to Powhatan School in Boyce for the first three days of fall Rich Cooley/Daily file camp. It was during those three days that Haymore feels Millbrook’s P.K. Kier leans for extra yardage during last season’s game against Skyline. like the team took a giant leap Kier, who led the Pioneers in rushing last year, is back. forward. we were either getting to know Haymore said the coaches developed even more,” “I think those three days that Haymore said. “Last year we took time telling stories about each other or we were watchwe spent away from everybody watched movies and played in ing film. Either we were learn- themselves to allow the players to learn more about the staff, and away from the community a pond and played Wiffle ball. ing football or we were doing some kind of bonding activity.” at Powhatan School, I think we This year if we had a second PIONEERS, 25

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MILLBROOK PIONEERS

2014 SCHEDULE Aug. 29 Broadway, 7 p.m. Sept. 5

Oct. 3

at Hedgesville (W.Va.), 7 p.m. Oct. 10

at Skyline, 7 p.m. Jefferson (W.Va.), 7 p.m.

Sept. 12 at Kettle Run, 7 p.m.

Oct. 24

James Wood, 7 p.m.

Sept. 19 at Fauquier, 7 p.m.

Nov. 1

at John Handley, 1 p.m.

Sept. 26 Chancellor, 7 p.m.

Nov. 7

Sherando, 7 p.m.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 2014

2013 RESULTS (2-8, 1-3 NORTHWESTERN) Aug. 30 beat Broadway, 6-0 Sept. 6 lost to Hedgesville (W.Va.), 37-21 Sept. 13 lost to Kettle Run, 46-13 Sept. 20 lost to Fauquier, 31-9 Sept. 27 lost to Chancellor, 37-3

Oct. 4

beat Skyline, 10-6

Oct. 14 lost to Jefferson (W.Va.), 27-17 Oct. 25 lost to James Wood, 13-6 Nov. 1

lost to John Handley, 21-7

Nov. 8

lost to Sherando, 43-7

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The Northern Virginia Daily

MILLBROOK PIONEERS

24 FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 2014

The Northern Virginia Daily

Gray provides long-range threat for Millbrook By Brad Fauber WINCHESTER — Tyler Gray’s journey as a kicker began during his eighth-grade year at Admiral Byrd Middle School back in 2010. Gray, a soccer player since he was 5 years old, joined the school’s football team that year, and like many young kickers, Gray’s soccer background translated well on the gridiron. “Our coach, who was Coach Brosig at the time … he wanted all the soccer players to come out on the field and see who could kick the furthest,” Gray, now a senior at Millbrook High School, recalled. “I’ve been playing soccer since I was 5 and during the competition I kicked the furthest.” Gray’s kicking career took off from there. He stuck with that specialist role when he entered high school at Millbrook, and following his freshman season, during which he handled all of the kicking duties for the Pioneers’ junior varsity quad, Gray opted to attend one of the many Kohl’s Professional Camps for

critical game of my career,” Gray said. “There was five seconds left and it was a 37-yard field goal… Everyone was like, ‘Don’t be nervous. Don’t be nervous. Just focus everything out.’ As a kicker you’ve got to block everything out — all the sounds, the linemen on the opposite side screaming at you to miss it. I did my normal routine, three steps back, two steps over, kept my head down, drove through the ball and I ended up making it to put us Brad Fauber/Daily into overtime. We scored a Millbrook’s Tyler Gray rates 21st nationally among rising touchdown in overtime and I senior kickers in the Kohl’s Professional Camps rankings. needed to make the extra point The results were outstanding. for the win and I ended up kickers, punters and snappers In Gray’s sophomore season in making it.” held throughout the nation. 2012, his first at the varsity Gray’s junior season last fall Under the guidance of camp level, he connected on 8 of 10 was less memorable, as the director Jamie Kohl, a former field goal attempts, and his 46- Pioneers struggled to a 2-8 college and professional place yard field goal against Handley record and Gray hit just 3 of 7 kicker, Gray was fed all of the in Millbrook’s 27-24 win that field goals (three kicks were information he needed to season still stands out in his blocked, Gray said, and anothbecome an effective kicking mind. er was the result of a bad specialist. snap). But Gray’s kicking abiliBut no kick during his high “Director Jamie Kohl taught school career remains as vivid ty continues to get better. me a lot of stuff, like a lot of as the two that he planted He is currently ranked 21st through the uprights in the background on kicking. He nationally in the Kohl’s Pioneers’ 34-33 win over visit- Professional Camps rankings taught me the proper teching Harrisonburg in his fourth for the class of 2015, and he is nique and how to strike the varsity game. ball, so that got me a lot betthe highest ranked Virginia “That was probably the most player on that list. ter,” Gray said.

Over the summer, Gray said he nailed a field goal attempt from 63 yards out on John Handley High School’s turf field, and he connected on a 48yard attempt — his longest in a game situation — in Millbrook’s first preseason scrimmage of the season in early August. “He is very skilled. … He’s very calm,” said Pioneers head coach Josh Haymore, who was a long snapper at James Madison University and coached specialists for a period during his time on JMU’s coaching staff following his playing career. “There’s a lot of kickers that when they go to kick, they’re not as smooth as what he does.” Gray, who will handle all of the kicking responsibilities for Millbrook again this season, said he has learned to block everything out when attempting a field goal — fans, opposing players, anything that could be a potential distraction. But the primary path to kicking success rests in the technique. “You’ve got to keep your head GRAY, 25

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The Northern Virginia Daily

Gray

kicking game, but his role is just a part of an intricate process that is required for a Continued from 24 successful field goal attempt. It all begins with the snapper — down. … You keep you’re eye senior Colin Benner will hanon the ball, and as you go into dle that role for the Pioneers your three steps you put your this season — and a good hand up and then follow chemistry with the holder is through,” Gray said. “Then you crucial to a place kicker. get the little hop-step at the Gray has that chemistry built end. You’ve got to make sure up with teammate and best you keep your head down the friend Chris Oates, who startwhole time. ed serving as Gray’s holder “You’ve also got to keep your during their freshman season. plant foot directly to the field Oates didn’t serve as goal post so it goes straight.” Millbrook’s holder last season, Gray’s ability has been a criti- but the duo is back working cal component of Millbrook’s together this fall.

Gray said he and Oates, along with Benner, were clocked with a release time of about 1.4 seconds in practice earlier this fall.

Pioneers

including linebacker Mitchell Shiley (team-high 81 tackles last season), who has transferred to Sherando.

stepping up,” Haymore said. “Colin Benner transferring over from James Wood was one Continued from 22 of the best things that’s hapand parents got involved in the pened to us because of the fact activities as well. By the end of that he’s such a natural-born leader.” the three-day trip, Haymore felt the team more closely Offensively, all-district selecresembled a family than a tion Aaron Seal and Dwayne high school football squad. Shank return along the offen“It was three days that I can sive line, as does junior quarsay actually changed my life,” terback Mark Paxton (77 for 171, 766 yards, eight TDs, 12 Haymore said. interceptions last season), That unity will be important sophomore running back P.K. for Millbrook this season as Kier (102 carries, 400 yards, the Pioneers look to rebound one TD) and junior wide from a 2-8 season a year ago, receiver Nazeeh Johnson. during which they went 1-3 in Haymore said having both Northwestern District play. Paxton’s and Kier’s experience The Pioneers return only a in the backfield should prove handful of starters on each greatly beneficial for the side of the ball, but Millbrook Pioneers, especially since does have some experience at Paxton has embraced the leadkey positions on offense and ership role that comes with should be bolstered by a large being a starting quarterback. group of seniors that includes the additions of tight end/linebacker Colin Benner — who transferred from James Wood midway through the 2013 football season — and wide receiver/defensive back Ryan Hartigan. “I love the seniors that left, but I think with these guys there’s something — they’re

“During the offseason we concentrated a lot on building leaders. We did a thing called Pioneer Platoon Challenge… Mark Paxton was one of our leaders in that, and I think Mark did a good job in doing those things,” Haymore said. On defense, Millbrook lost its top four tacklers from 2013,

“That’s right at collegiate level,” Oates said. Gray’s talent has drawn some interest from several colleges, including JMU, the University of Richmond and Liberty University, although he hasn’t received any offers yet. “It’s been a good process so far,” Gray said. “Over the summer I went to all of their camps and I showed out pretty well. But we’ve just got to see what happens after the season.”

Kier, a defensive back, is the Pioneers’ leading returning tackler this season, as he tallied 40 last fall. Haymore said Seal, Gordon Greer and Tyler Russell are in the mix for the starting defensive tackle positions, with Shank, Tre Baylor, A.J. Brandon and Manuel Griffin also competing for spots along the defensive line. Conor Hartigan and Dakota Koenig will likely man the outside linebacker positions, Haymore said, while Benner and Dylan Lee will work at inside backer. Kevin Valyear will rotate in and out with Kier at safety, according to Haymore, and Ryan Hartigan and Johnson figure to play at the corners. Millbrook opens the 2014 season at home against Broadway. “I think our attitude’s totally different and I think that’s a good thing,” Haymore said. “I don’t know how that will translate into wins and losses, but I think with developing a team it’s a lot different.”

FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 2014

2013 STATS • Record: 2-8, 1-3 Northwestern • Passing leader: Mark Paxton (77 for 171, 766 yards, 8 touchdowns, 12 interceptions) • Rushing leader: P.K. Kier (102 carries, 400 yards, 1 touchdown)

• Receiving leader: Taylor James (29 catches, 299 yards, 1 touchdown) • Tackles: Mitchell Shiley (81) • Sacks: Josh Dantzler (4) • Interceptions: N/A

2014 ROSTER No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 13 14 15 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 25 32 33 35 45 50 52 53 54 55 56 57 59 62 63 64 65 66 68 74 75 76 78 81

Name Edward Kier Conor Hartigan Tre Baylor Ryan Hartigan Jaime Gutierrez Zachary Rogers Colin Benner Jakob Albert Christopher Oates Kevin Valyear David Wise Gabriel Neaverth Michael Lee Mark Paxton James Northrup Kyle Wright Joseph Kaiser Tyler Gray Joshua Davis Nazeeh Johnson Kendall McKee Dakota Koenig Jake Mihill A.J. Brandon Dylan Lee Elijah Doyle Byron Dinges Larry Biddle Demarco Brown Dwayne Shank Jacob Aguilar Nicholas Campbell Richard Egloff Gordon Greer Austin Crone Matthew Trumm Mikisa Yates Tyler Russell Aaron Seal Manuel Griffin Quinn Archie Luke Mosher Steven Guzman Tyler Fuller Collin Graves

Pos. RB/DB WR/LB RB/DL WR/DB WR/DB QB/DB TE/LB WR/LB QB/WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/LB WR/DB QB/DB WR/DB WR/LB RB/DB K WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB RB/LB RB/LB RB/LB TE/LB RB/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL

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

Ht. 5-10 6-1 5-7 6-2 5-8 5-6 6-4 5-8 6-3 5-11 5-8 6-1 5-8 6-1 6-0 5-8 5-6 5-10 5-7 5-9 5-10 5-9 5-10 5-8 5-9 5-4 5-5 6-1 6-1 5-11 5-6 5-10 6-0 5-10 5-8 6-1 6-2 6-0 5-10 6-3 6-2 5-10 5-8 5-8 5-9

Wt. 184 178 172 180 160 145 200 168 165 162 155 185 160 165 165 160 142 162 135 168 185 178 180 182 202 198 173 183 205 180 180 215 203 265 287 243 252 220 243 231 405 268 329 292 180

SHERANDO WARRIORS

26 FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 2014

The Northern Virginia Daily

Sherando revamps to sustain solid momentum “You should not focus on the end goal,” Warriors offensive lineman STEPHENS CITY — A Christian Farris said. spot in the state champi“You should focus on each onship game tends to individual step along the have an immediate and way. I don’t feel there’s a lasting impact on a footrequirement that we ball program. have to go all the way On the one hand, that back up to states, but I do Same approach, same proven success often feel we have the potential message it seems in breeds a high degree of Stephens City. The pres- to do anything that we confidence and even an sure is there, just not nec- set our minds to wanting expectation of repeating to do.” essarily where you’d the same feat. At the Sherando coach Bill Hall same time, the inevitable expect it. Getting back to has been preaching that the title game would be graduation losses of key step-by-step process for great, winning it even performers from an ultrayears, and it works. better, but that’s not how successful team can be the Warriors measure magnified within the “I think it’s all on how their growth. locker room. you view it,” Hall said. “We painted a very clear 2014 WARRIORS picture to these guys. That was then, and this • Coach: Bill Hall (12th year, 96-32) is now. What we did last • Offense/Defense: Pro, multiple/4-3 year will not earn us one • Key returnees: WR/DB Adam Whitacre, TE/LB Dylan victory this year, and I Rivers, WR/DB Joshua Ojo, WR/DB Zach Wagner, think they realize that. WR/DB Rhett Morris, WR/DB Quentin Rohrbaugh, Your prior success can RB/DB LeeQuan Johnson Jr., OL/DL Matthew sometimes put undue VanShufflin, OL/LB Trenton McCarty, OL/DL Ben Avery, TE/LB Brogan McPartland, OL/DL Kyle Warren pressure on them, but what we try to do is wipe • Key losses: RB/DB Isaiah Williams, QB/DB Reid Entsminger, RB/LB George Aston, RB/LB Daniel all that stuff and focus on Eppard, RB/LB Joe Daley, OL/DL Tyler Moquin, OL/DL what we can control.” Sherando, which reached the Group 4A state championship game last year, could be in that very quandary right now — or not. In preseason practice, at least, the Warriors sounded exactly like previous teams.

Dante Tibbs, OL/DL Matt Lowery, TE/DL Tyler Hamilton, WR/DB Branden Litten

Should the Warriors match or even surpass

what they accomplished last season, they’ll have to do it with a sizable contingent of new faces in the starting lineup. Sherando returns seven starters on defense and five on offense from last season’s squad. Hall is counting on another solid effort on defense, where the Warriors might tinker a bit with more multiple looks thanks to an influx of viable linebackers. Sherando traditionally runs a 4-3 base look, but all those linebackers — eight could play there this season — could necessitate some tweaks based on matchups.

Rich Cooley/Daily file

Sherando’s Adam Whitacre looks for running room against Skyline during last season’s game in Front Royal. Whitacre is the Warriors’ top returning receiver. tough linemen up front and possibly forming an even better group than last year.

Eppard and Joe Daley.

Hall said rising sophomore Dylan Rivers, who backed up Eppard last year, is already drawing “Our d-line is looking strong,” VanShufflin said. interest from ACC and “Inside the box we have a Big 10 programs. Tyler The defensive line Tinsman also saw time lot of experience, a lot of should still be a strength, guys coming back who as a reserve last year, with plenty of experience know what they’re doing. and John Doleman was a back in returning starters We play hard football. We part-time starter. The Matt VanShufflin (DE), Warriors will also get get after it on defense.” Ben Avery (DT) and Kyle help from a pair of transThe linebacking corps Warren (DE), plus the fers who started at lineshould be a question return of Brogan backer last year in mark, considering the McPartland (DE), who Mitchell Shiley graduation losses of formissed all last season (Millbrook) and Trent with a broken leg. Warren mer starters George McCarty (James Wood). Aston (now at will shift to the inside, WARRIORS, 29 giving the Warriors four Pittsburgh), Daniel

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By Jeff Nations

SHERANDO WARRIORS

2014 SCHEDULE Aug. 29 at Musselman (W.Va.), 7 p.m. Oct. 3

Liberty, 7 p.m.

Sept. 5

James Wood, 7 p.m.

at Martinsburg (W.Va.), 7 p.m. Oct. 10

Sept. 12 Washington (W.Va.), 7 p.m.

Oct. 18

at Handley, 1 p.m.

Sept. 19 at Kettle Run, 7 p.m.

Oct. 31

Skyline, 7 p.m.

Sept. 26 Jefferson (W.Va.), 7 p.m.

Nov. 7

at Millbrook, 7 p.m.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 2014

2013 RESULTS (13-2, 4-0 NORTHWESTERN) Aug. 30 Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 14

beat Musselman (W.Va.), 40-13 lost to Martinsburg (W.Va.), 27-13 beat Washington (W.Va.), 28-21 beat Kettle Run, 17-7 beat Jefferson (W.Va.), 43-3 beat Liberty, 45-23 beat James Wood, 41-6

Oct. 19 Nov. 1 Nov. 8 Nov. 15 Nov. 22 Dec. 2 Dec. 7 Dec. 14

beat Handley, 42-7 beat Skyline, 55-7 beat Millbrook, 43-7 beat Amherst County, 49-15 beat Liberty, 34-12 beat Courtland, 27-20 beat Salem, 7-0 lost to Dinwiddie, 56-14

248135e

The Northern Virginia Daily

28 FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 2014

SHERANDO WARRIORS

The Northern Virginia Daily

Warriors’ Johnson eager to shoulder heavy load

The results have been transformational. After playing last year as a 5-foot-11, 175pounder, Johnson is up to 205 pounds now (and added an

He won’t have to do it all by himself, for certain — teammate Josh Ojo will likely see time in the backfield as a jackof-all-trades quarterback/wide

camp, camp, camp,” Johnson said. “It was a good experience because I had never known what it was about. I had always looked it up on the

websites and watched videos and stuff, but I actually got to see it for myself. Eventually I found out that you go there, and they teach you stuff to do at home to get you better.” And Johnson did get better. He got bigger, sure, but he also got faster. His goal was to get his 40-yard dash time down to the low 4.5-second range, and at the Purdue camp he was clocked at 4.52. Bigger and faster is a recipe for success in football, and Hall has noticed the positive changes. “He’s moving well with that weight,” Hall said. “I think he had a good role model in George [Aston], in terms of the physicality that you need to bring to that position at certain times. LJ’s always had the speed, always been able to get on the outside, so he’s got the speed and he’s got the moves. But I think he was reluctant initially to stick it up in there and George was a good mentor for that. He’s doing a better job of that now.”

Tommy Keeler Jr./Daily

Sherando’s LeeQuan Johnson Jr., who rushed for 1,159 yards last year, is prepared to do even more this season. the biggest influences in his football progression. “My dad’s the best role model of my life, along with coach Minteer,” Johnson said. “It’s been a good run and I’m just ready for this season to get started now.”

Johnson won’t be playing much, if any, defense for the Warriors this season. He could see action as a kick returner, provided he wins a job there. LeeQuan Johnson Jr. credits For the most part, though, the his father and Sherando assis- plan is to keep him fresh for tant coach John Minteer as the long season ahead.

250873e

inch in height) and thinks the receiver, and rising sophomore added muscle mass will help to Cordell Peterson has looked like a real keeper in preseason shoulder a heavier workload. STEPHENS CITY — practice and should also see “I’ve just got to be the workLeeQuan Johnson Jr., knew time at tailback. Numerous horse of the team,” Johnson the score. Warriors are in line to see Johnson, a rising senior tail- said. “I think that I will have action at fullback, and back at Sherando High School, to do more, but that’s why I do Sherando isn’t shy about handwhat I do. I train, I work hard was all too aware that he to be able to take the responsi- ing the ball off to its big backs. would be the lone returnee of Still, the expectation is that bility to do what I have to do. what was a potent threeBut I also think we have good Johnson will get all the work pronged rushing attack the he can handle. receivers and a quarterback Warriors featured last year. As that can throw the ball.” “I anticipate that he’ll carry it such, Johnson expected that more, but he has to handle it Last season, Johnson he would be compelled to do and prove it,” Sherando coach emerged as a force in more this season. Bill Hall said. “That’s daily Sherando’s backfield as he Ask more? Be more. and weekly, and I expect that piled up a team-high 1,159 That’s basically the way he will.” yards and 15 touchdowns to Johnson approached this com- help the Warriors reach the Johnson did a whirlwind tour ing season during the summer, Group 4A state championship of football camps over the as he attacked his conditioning game. Johnson was no onesummer, ticking off one-day with fearsome rounds of cross- man band, though — fullback visits to Purdue (the alma fit training, sharpened his George Aston chipped in 898 mater of his father LeeQuan technique and skills at what yards and 24 TDs, and quarJohnson Sr., a running seemed like countless summer terback Reid Entsminger back/linebacker for the college camps, and maintained added 873 more rushing yards Boilermakers), Central Florida a monk-like adherence to a and seven TDs. Both are gone (where his uncle Darcy nutrition plan formulated by now, leaving Johnson with Johnson played college ball), his uncle, former NFL tight much of the returning experi- Virginia and James Madison. end Darcy Johnson. ence as a ball carrier. “All this summer it was just By Jeff Nations

SHERANDO WARRIORS

The Northern Virginia Daily

FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 2014

2014 ROSTER Name Seth Smith Patrick Minteer Adam Whitacre KeʼVon Doleman Dylan Rivers Timothy Coleman Joshua Ojo James Tinsman James Platts Collin Painter Lucas Barbe Zachary Wagner Quayvon Doleman Daryl Myers Rhett Morris Quentin Rohrbaugh Mitchell Shiley

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

Wt. 165 150 175 205 205 160 160 200 155 159 160 170 172 150 185 190 200

2013 STATS • Record: 13-2 (4-0 Northwestern District) • Passing leader: Reid Entsminger (115 for 204 for 2,125 yards, 20 touchdowns, 7 interceptions) • Rushing leader: LeeQuan Johnson Jr. (206 carries for 1,159 yards, 15 touchdowns) • Receiving leader: Adam Whitacre (25 catches for 507 yards, 7 touchdowns) • Total tackles: George Aston (191) • Sacks: Tyler Hamilton (3.5) • Interceptions: George Aston (3)

Pos. WR/DB QB/DB WR/DB RB/DL TE/LB RB/LB WR/DB TE/LB RB/DB WR/DB QB/DB WR/DB WR/DB RB/DB WR/DB WR/DB RB/LB

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

Warriors

No. 26 28 30 33 35 36 38 40 42 44 45 47 48 50 54 55 58

Name Luke Melnikoff Allen Wittreich Angel Rodriguez Cordell Peterson David Eppard George Turner Joseph Barrington LeeQuan Johnson Noah Fox John Doleman Ryan Pellath Garrett Poole Myles McPartland Matthew VanShufflin Trenton McCarty Kyle Warren Brandon Teets

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

Wt. 163 119 196 165 195 160 165 210 155 205 165 180 165 178 205 227 175

Pos. K WR/DB K RB/DB RB.LB WR/DB RB/LB RB/DB RB/LB RB/LB LS RB/LB TE/LB OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL

The offense gets a facelift following the graduation losses of quarterback Reid Entsminger Continued from 26 (now playing at Lamar) and Aston. The backfield will count Juniors David Eppard and on another big season from Garrett Poole should also fac- tailback LeeQuan Johnson Jr., tor at linebacker. who ran for more than 1,000 yards last season. Varsity newThe secondary is in good shape with returning two-year comer Peterson, just a sophomore, has “huge upside” in starting safety Rhett Morris and two-year starting corner- Hall’s estimation and could back Josh Ojo anchoring that also get significant carries at group. Adam Whitacre and tailback. Replacing the bruisCordell Peterson could both ing Aston, who scored 24 see time at strong safety, while touchdowns last year at fullZach Wagner and Quentin back, could be tough. John Rohrbaugh were battling for Doleman saw time there last the other starting corner job. year, and Shiley did the same

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

No. 60 61 62 64 65 67 70 71 72 74 75 82 84 85 88 90

Name Ht. Brandon Foreman 5-7 Juan Chavez 5-10 Dashawn Hill 5-10 Adam Holthaus 5-10 Benjamin Avery 6-0 Matthew Dansbach 5-9 Robert Wittreich 5-10 Lyle-Dean Armstrong6-1 Samuel Green 6-1 Matthew Sayen 6-0 Christian Farris 6-3 Travis Ferraro 5-11 Brogan McPartland 6-3 Jacquari Hayes 6-0 Ethan Eddinger 5-10 Scott Hartley 6-0

at Millbrook. David Eppard could also win the job. Entsminger, a dynamic runner in his own right last year with 873 rushing yards, could also be a tricky vacancy to fill. Hall thinks rising junior Pat Minteer will do just fine.

Wt. 178 265 240 204 240 205 195 240 220 280 315 161 245 146 180 165

Pos. OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL WR/DB TE/LB WR/DB TE/DE TE/LB

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

nantly seeing time at slot receiver and possibly at running back.

Ojo, Adam Whitacre, Morris and Seth Smith should see time at the receiving spots, with Rivers a possibility at both wideout and tight end. McPartland is projected to “His fundamentals are good,” start at tight end. Morris also Hall said of Minteer, the son of handled kicking and punting Sherando assistant coach John duties last year. Minteer. The offensive line gets a comOjo, who backed up plete makeover, with the lone Entsminger last year, will like- returning starter in Farris ly reprise that role as a danshifting from tackle to center. gerous running threat at quar- McCarty slides into on guard terback. Ojo will likely be a spot, and Kyle Warren is the jack-of-all trades, predomilikely starting right tackle.

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SKYLINE HAWKS

30 FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 2014

The Northern Virginia Daily

Skyline intent on avoiding breakdown this season FRONT ROYAL — Members of Skyline’s football team admit that the team fell apart down the stretch last season, as a combination of factors led to the Hawks losing six of their final seven games. Hawks head coach Heath Gilbert wants to make sure that a similar breakdown doesn’t happen again this season. From the start of Skyline’s offseason workouts, Gilbert went out of his way to make sure the Hawks were working as a cohesive unit. That philosophy has spilled over into preseason practice, Gilbert said, and the results have been encouraging.

driving that point home,” Gilbert said. “We’re making sure they’re talking to each other more than they’ve done before, making sure they’re touching each other more than they’ve done before — giving a hug or giving a high five. Dapping it up. All that stuff is just over-emphasized every day.” Gilbert said he has spurred his players to encourage each other even during something as simple as conditioning drills, and he added that he’s noticed a positive change in the team’s mindset. That improved mentality is even further strengthened by the program’s optimism leading into the 2014 season.

Skyline went 4-7 last season (0-4 in the Northwestern District) and was “The coaching staff and I, we’ve done a trounced by Kettle Run, 35-7, in the first round of the Region 3A East playgreat job, I think, of making sure we’re offs, but the Hawks return nine starters on offense and defense this 2014 HAWKS fall. • Coach: Heath Gilbert (eighth year, 36-38) • Offense/Defense: Multiple-I/4-2-5 • Key returnees: RB/DB Jerrius Baltimore, QB/DB Corban Ruch, FB/LB Darryl Jordan, FB/LB Gerren Butler, OL/DL Ronnie Clifton, OL/DL Bradley Carson, RB/DB Hunter Partlowe. • Key losses: WR/DB Marcus Turner, OL/DL Travis Siever, K/P Dustin Weir, WR/DB Hunter Smedley.

Rich Cooley/Daily file

Skyline’s Gerren Butler bulls ahead for yardage during last season’s game against Sherando. Butler is back at fullback this year.

impressive,” Gilbert said. “We were pretty proud as a staff to see the coachThe Hawks hope that added year of es and our kids execute at that level experience will lead to improvement before the season even started. this season, and Gilbert said the coach- Definitely having those guys back and ing staff saw the benefits even before understanding what our expectation is Skyline stepped on the practice field for and how we’re supposed to practice is the first official day of practice at the really important.” beginning of August. Offensively, aside from the loss of first team all-Conference 28 selections “The last offseason practice right before camp … it was so much fun. The Travis Siever (OL/DL) and Marcus kids were just like firing off of what Turner (WR/DB), the Hawks return they supposed to do. It was pretty most of their key components, a fact

that Gilbert said will allow Skyline to “branch out more.” Junior quarterback Corban Ruch (43 for 92, 639 yards, five touchdowns, six interceptions) is back to captain Skyline’s offense, and dynamic senior running back Jerrius Baltimore (1,014 rush yards, six TDs) will once again spearhead the Hawks’ rushing attack. The loss of Turner on the outside is a big one for Skyline, but Gilbert was HAWKS, 31

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SKYLINE HAWKS

The Northern Virginia Daily

2014 SCHEDULE Aug. 29 Sept. 5 Sept. 12 Sept. 19 Sept. 26

at Warren County, 7 p.m. at Fauquier, 7 p.m. Brentsville, 7 p.m. Manassas Park, 7 p.m. at Kettle Run, 7 p.m.

Oct. 3 Oct. 10 Oct. 17 Oct. 24 Oct. 31

Millbrook, 7 p.m. Washington (W.Va.), 7 p.m. at James Wood, 7 p.m. John Handley, 7 p.m. at Sherando, 7 p.m.

2013 RESULTS (4-7, 1-3 NORTHWESTERN) Aug. 30 Sept. 6 Sept. 14 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4

beat Warren County, 14-13 lost to Fauquier, 30-12 beat Brentsville, 40-37 beat Manassas Park, 14-8 lost to Kettle Run, 35-0 lost to Millbrook, 10-6

Oct. 12 Oct. 18 Oct. 26 Nov. 1 Nov. 15

lost to Washington (W.Va.), 63-0 beat James Wood, 22-13 lost to John Handley, 56-24 lost to Sherando, 55-7 lost to Kettle Run, 35-7

FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 2014

Hawks

“The offensive line has definitely been a bright spot,” Gilbert said. “… We’re not always going to have this with the Continued from 30 enrollment size that we have, but we’re confident that senior Jamal Parker can bigger. We’re bigger across the board, successfully fill that void in the passing definitely.” attack alongside Jay Roy, Josh Defensively, the Hawks will look to Smeltzer and Aaron Tasker. Gilbert improve on last season’s performance, also had plenty of good things to say in which Skyline allowed 32.3 points about senior Gerren Butler, who will be per game. working as a tight end this fall. Gilbert said the biggest focus for The offensive line also remains largely Skyline’s defensive unit so far has been intact, as five returnees — Joe Pingley, finding ways to force opponents into Ronnie Clifton, Zach Atkins, Justin more mistakes. Hayes and Jacob Short — all started at least one game last season. HAWKS, 33

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SKYLINE HAWKS

32 FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 2014

The Northern Virginia Daily

Baltimore’s unique talents a perfect fit for Hawks By Brad Fauber

touchdown with less than season. seven minutes to play. Baltimore saw time as a Baltimore said he does- defensive back sporadiBaltimore’s football IQ FRONT ROYAL — has served Skyline’s foot- n’t figure to see too much cally in his first three Jerrius Baltimore is a ball program well, as it’s time at quarterback this varsity seasons, and unique kind of football allowed him to effectively season now that junior Gilbert said Baltimore player for Skyline High handle multiple roles on Dylan Hamman has will be included in the School. emerged as a capable the field. He now serves Hawks’ nickel package He didn’t truly begin backup to Ruch, which as the Hawks’ primary this fall. seeing a featured role on will allow Baltimore to running back, but he has Still, Baltimore’s big the field with the Hawks focus exclusively on his also taken snaps at quarimpact for Skyline this until his junior year last responsibilities as terback for the varsity season will be in the runfall, but Baltimore may Skyline’s featured runsquad and plays in the ning game. actually be one of the defensive secondary from ning back. most experienced players At 5-foot-9, 195 pounds, time to time. “It actually takes a lot of to come through Skyline’s Baltimore admittedly That versatility came in pressure off because football program. lacks top-end speed, but when I’m at running handy last season when he makes up for it with Back in 2010, Hawks back and then all the Skyline quarterback what Gilbert calls “unreal head coach Heath Gilbert sudden I go straight to Corban Ruch suffered a lateral movement.” knew Baltimore was bruised sternum early in quarterback, I’ve actually going to serve as the Baltimore also has the season opener against got to read more. That’s quarterback for Skyline’s focused on taking a just a lot,” said Baltimore, cross-town rival Warren junior varsity team, so quicker first step out of who ran for 1,014 yards County. Baltimore Baltimore participated in the backfield in preseaand six touchdowns on stepped in to take the varsity two-a-day pracson practice. 172 carries last season. snaps and led the Hawks tices beginning in his to a thrilling 14-13 comeThose fewer responsibili- “I’m actually working on eighth-grade year. As my burst from the backback win in which ties in Skyline’s offense Baltimore enters his sen- Skyline scored two touchfield because usually I — plus the added runior season this fall, he downs over the final 11 ning back depth provided took a false step and that has now had the benefit was slowing me down,” minutes. Baltimore — by sophomore Nathan of five years of varsity Baltimore said. “I didn’t who is primarily used in Clatterbuck and senior practice experience. a “Wild Hawk” role when Hunter Partlowe — also get through the hole as He’s smart as a whip, so football savvy.”

“He’s a coach on the field,” Gilbert said after practice earlier this month. “He’s amazing. …

taking the snaps at quarterback — rushed for 164 yards on 20 carries and scored the game-winning

will allow Baltimore to stay fresh and possibly see more extensive playing time on defense this

fast. Now I’m actually working on getting forward, getting lean so I can get through the hole

Rich Cooley/Daily file

Skyline’s Jerrius Baltimore scrambles for yardage during last season’s game against Millbrook in Winchester. a lot faster.” Skyline’s rushing attack could be even more dangerous this season now that Baltimore and Ruch have had a year to get comfortable at their mesh point — a critical component of Skyline’s misdirection-laced multiple-I offense. “We’re working every day because some things have been off, but we’re trying to correct it in practice,” Baltimore said. “After practice sometimes we work on handoffs, trying to get that right for the read and stuff so that

he can actually read it instead of me trying to take it every time.” Baltimore, a three-sport athlete at Skyline, said his college options are still wide open at this point, although he said he hopes to continue to play football after his high school career ends. “He’s going to be a great high school back and hopefully has a great year and somebody gives him a shot,” Gilbert said. “They’re going to be happy with him if they do.”

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The Northern Virginia Daily

FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 2014

2014 ROSTER No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22

Name Jerrius Baltimore Chandler Heard Marcus Burke Hunter Partlowe Aaron Tasker Darryl Jordan Keon Roy-Hackley Steven Timbers Brandon Wells Jake Clingerman Joey Dongoski Brandon Doffermire Trenton King Corban Ruch Tyrelle Robinson Dylan Hamman Zach McFall Brandon Walters Jacob Payne Brandon Dodson Jamal Parker Brad Murray

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

Hawks Continued from 31

“Our No. 1 goal is to improve on 11 turnovers — that’s what we forced last year,” Gilbert said. “That’s one per game and three of them were against a team that really struggled. That’s definitely an important emphasis for us to be better and hopefully with nine

Ht. 5-9 5-11 5-10 5-7 5-8 5-10 6-0 5-9 6-0 5-1 6-3 5-8 5-5 6-1 5-8 5-11 6-1 6-4 5-9 5-7 6-1 5-8

Wt. 194 204 145 156 155 205 166 168 165 88 185 141 130 165 141 145 188 215 125 136 160 134

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

No. 23 24 25 26 27 28 30 31 32 33 34 35 40 43 44 45 51 52 53 54 55 56

Name Josh Smeltzer Daniel Guizar Jay Roy Ryan Abel Gerren Butler Nathan Clatterbuck Damon Jones Robbie Oates Joey Norman Keith Sanker David Denton Evan Suhr Iziah Hogan Jacob Carson Matt Hartzell Joey Hugo Casey Cook Anthony Moore Seth Gillespy Justin Hayes Brandon Pyle Alan Shaffer

Ht. 6-1 5-10 5-8 6-3 6-3 5-10 6-2 5-7 5-11 5-7 5-4 5-6 5-9 5-7 5-11 5-7 5-11 5-6 6-0 5-10 5-9 5-5

starters [back] we’re going to lead a defensive line that do that.” also includes Pingley, Butler and Brandon Walters. Senior linebacker Darryl Linebacker Bradley Carson Jordan — the Hawks’ leading tackler (82 total) in 2013 (57 tackles last season) also returns, as does Hunter — returns as the leader of Partlowe to lead a secondary Skyline’s defense, and that includes Parker, Roy Gilbert called Jordan the and Smeltzer. “London Fletcher” of Skyline’s defense, referring Gilbert said Skyline will be to the former Washington utilizing a 4-2-5 defense — a Redskins linebacker. scheme utilized by Texas Christian University to Last season’s sack leader, Clifton (3.5 sacks), returns to counteract spread offenses —

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

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Wt. Yr. 166 Sr. 132 So. 160 Jr. 196 Jr. 265 Sr. 160 So. 206 Sr. 160 Sr. 184 Jr. 204 Jr. 190 So. 130 Jr. 155 Jr. 150 Jr. 176 So. 157 Jr. 245 Sr. 168 So. 160 So. 234 Jr. 178 So. 232 Jr.

No. 57 58 59 60 62 63 64 66 68 72 74 75 76 77 78 79 81 82 88 89

Name Bradley Carson Max Meador Zach Atkins Darrien Roy Jacob Short Austin Scott David Heisler Joe Pingley Ocean Graham Isaiah Washington Hunter Layman Ben Ladd Josh Ortiz Ronnie Clifton Dakota Denton Stephen Leach A.J. Dueweke Ryan Page Colin Smith Asher Ammons

this fall after trying to implement it late last season. “We’re following the TCU model, so we’re doing some different things which is going to help with the more and more spread stuff that you see every year,” Gilbert said. “You’ve got to be ready for it. You’ve got to have answers for things and the old school way that we played defense isn’t up to date, is not effective enough.”

Pos. OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL K/P TE/DL QB/DB TE/DL

Ht. 5-10 6-3 6-0 6-0 6-2 5-11 5-11 6-4 5-5 5-8 5-8 5-9 5-9 6-3 5-6 6-1 6-1 6-0 5-10 6-0

Wt. 175 255 210 233 210 246 184 265 180 190 228 196 270 265 261 254 171 166 146 180

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

2013 STATS • Record: 4-8, 1-3 Northwestern • Passing leader: Corban Ruch (43 for 92, 639 yards, 5 touchdowns, 6 interceptions) • Rushing leader: Jerrius Baltimore (172 carries, 1,014 yards, 6 touchdowns) • Receiving leader: Marcus Turner (31 catches, 470 yards, 2 touchdowns) • Total tackles: Darryl Jordan (90) • Sacks: Ronnie Clifton (3.5) • Interceptions: Marcus Turner (2)

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STONEWALL JACKSON GENERALS

34 FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 2014

The Northern Virginia Daily

Short-handed Generals’ primary goal to stay healthy By Tommy Keeler Jr. QUICKSBURG — It will certainly be a different kind of season for Stonewall Jackson this year. This year won’t be about wins and losses so much as simply staying healthy and finishing the season. The Generals had an unusually low turnout this season, and almost didn’t field a team. They will start the season with 24 players, and head coach Dick Krol said health will certainly be a factor for the team.

healthy,” Krol said. “And to do that we have to be in shape. We have to work hard, and we have to keep moving. It’s hard to hit a moving target.” Obviously, the Generals will not have a lot of depth and Krol said a lot of players will have to play close to 48 minutes each game. That doesn’t mean the Generals won’t have some talent on the field. Stonewall Jackson does return running back Derrick Smith, who rushed for 992 yards last season.

The senior had 167 yards in his final game last season “It comes down to the simple with four touchdowns. fact that we have to stay Joining Smith in the back2014 GENERALS field will be sophomore Ryan Summers and senior Matt • Coach: Dick Krol (28th year, Murphy, who will be the full141-145) back. • Offense/Defense: I, multiple

Brad Fauber/Daily file

Stonewall Jackson head football coach Dick Krol, center, observes some of his players during the first day of practice on July 31 in Quicksburg. The Generals open their season tonight at Strasburg. be the play of the offensive line.

• Key returnees: RB/LB Derrick Smith, RB/LB Ryan Summers, QB/DB Nathan Miller, OL/DL Phillip Mallow, OL/DL Jacob Helsley

“You can’t go anywhere with “He’s a hard-nosed kid, and we think he’s going to be good four good backs, unless you got something in front of for us,” Krol said of Murphy. Junior Nathan Miller will be them, and that’s what we got to watch,” Krol said. the quarterback, after being

• Key losses: QB/DB Daniel Buhl, WR/DL Patrick Kerlin, OL/DL Michael McCampbell, OL/DL Phillip Stauffer

the back-up last season, and will probably run some out of the option this year as well. A key for the Generals will

Phillip Mallow, tackle, and Jacob Helsley, center, return on the line for the Generals. James Stunkle and Coy

Wilkerson will be at the guard spots. The other tackle spot is up in the air between Chance Stroop or Nicholas Kato.

Junior Michael Knauff has good hands according to Krol and will be the primary target for Miller.

The Generals will be runTyler Patton and Jonathan ning out of the I formation May are battling for the tight this season, after switching to end spot. the wishbone last year. The Generals should have a “I felt sorry, because [assisreason to do something they tant coach] Patrick [Smoot] rarely do — throw the football. GENERALS, 37

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The Northern Virginia Daily

2014 SCHEDULE Oct. 10

East Rockingham, 7 p.m.

Aug. 30 lost to Strasburg, 34-8

Sept. 5

Oct. 17

at Buffalo Gap, 7 p.m.

Sept. 6

Sept. 12 at Clarke County, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 24

Riverheads, 7 p.m.

Sept. 13 lost to Clarke County, 47-6

Sept. 26 Stuarts Draft, 7 p.m.

Oct. 31

at Luray 7 p.m.

Sept. 27 lost to Stuarts Draft, 45-20

Oct. 3

Nov. 7

Page County, 7 p.m.

Oct. 4

at Wilson Memorial, 7 p.m.

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lost to Central, 61-8

lost to Wilson Memorial, 56-40

Oct. 11

lost to East Rockingham, 50-22 Oct. 18 lost to Buffalo Gap, 28-20 Oct. 25 lost to Riverheads, 49-14 Nov. 1 lost to Luray, 31-8 Nov. 8 beat Page County, 42-0

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2013 RESULTS (1-9, 1-6 SHENANDOAH)

Aug. 29 at Strasburg, 7:30 p.m. Central, 7 p.m.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 2014

36 FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 2014

STONEWALL JACKSON GENERALS

The Northern Virginia Daily

Stonewall’s Smith relishes last crack at 1,000-yard mark QUICKSBURG — Eight yards. Those two words haunted Derrick Smith for quite a while after last season was over. Smith finished just eight yards shy of 1,000 yards rushing last season. Those two words have also motivated Smith even more coming into his senior season for Stonewall Jackson.

and he didn’t disappoint. Even though the Generals struggled as a team, Smith had a really strong season and had 12 rushing touchdowns. He suffered an ankle sprain midway through the season and missed two games, which ultimately hurt his chances of getting 1,000 yards rushing. Smith said he’s always enjoyed running the ball from the time he first did it in youth leagues.

“My goal last year was to get fifteen“At running back I feel like I’m in conhundred,” Smith said. “I would like to trol,” Smith said. “I like to run. It’s a at least get that. I don’t think I want to different feeling when I have the ball graduate and look back knowing that I in my hands.” was eight yards short of 1,000.” Smith also plays at linebacker and If Smith stays healthy there’s no had 77 tackles for the Generals. question he’ll have a good chance at Smith ran for 167 yards on 21 carries reaching his goals. and had four touchdowns in a 42-0 win Smith was brought up from JV as a freshman, and had a solid sophomore season where he ran for 184 yards and two touchdowns as part of threepronged attack at running back for the Generals. “That’s when I started to kind of get into the flow of things,” Smith said. “I felt a little more confident, because of my freshman year. I was playing with a lot bigger kids. It was a lot faster pace. Still, I was just a younger guy playing with older guys.” Last year the Generals looked to Smith to lead the way on the ground

over Page County to end the regular season. He said the whole team was motivated to do well and finish the season strong. “We realized we were about to go 0-10 if we didn’t step it up,” Smith said. “Coach [Dick Krol] told us five minutes before the game, he said that he had never coached a winless team in his whole 28, 29, forever years. We realized that we had to step it up that night. We played a pretty good game that night.” Smith said as great as it was that the

Rich Cooley/Daily

Stonewall Jackson running back Derrick Smith has a goal of rushing for 1,500 yards this season. team got that first victory to end the season, there was still a sad feeling inside him.

to play basketball, which he said he stopped playing after his freshman season.

Krol said he believes Smith will “I was happy because we got the win bounce back from coming up short of and all that, and I couldn’t have been happier,” Smith said. “But, inside I was 1,000 yards last season and have a really good year in all three sports that like, ‘I needed eight more yards.’” he plays. Smith also runs track for Stonewall “He’ll come back with a vengeance Jackson, where he’s had plenty of sucthis year,” Krol said. “He’s a competitor. cess in the 200. Smith said he mostly runs track to stay in shape for football. ...He’s going to have a great senior This year Smith said he is also going

SMITH, 37

247235e

By Tommy Keeler Jr.

STONEWALL JACKSON GENERALS

The Northern Virginia Daily

Generals

most depth.

2013 STATS

“We have a few people that we • Record: 1-9, 1-6 Shenandoah can back them up with, but Continued from 34 • Passing leader: Daniel Buhl (13 again at the skill positions — for 50, 186 yards, 1 touchdown, 6 had done such a good job with defensive backs and linebackers interceptions) the [wishbone] offense that he — we’re sparse,” Krol said. “The • Rushing leader: Derrick Smith put in,” Krol said. “It was a good line, we can put a few more kids (121 carries for 992 yards, 12 offense. I have nothing against in there.” touchdowns) the offense or anything, it was Krol said Smith will do the • Receiving leader: Nathan Miller just that under the circumpunting for the Generals. (4 catches for 80 yards) stances this year, I wanted The schedule will certainly not • Total tackles: Phillip Stauffer (156) something that was going to protect most people the best we be easy for the Generals as they • Sacks: N/A start off with Shenandoah could. The only way I could do • Interceptions: Daniel Buhl (3) County rivals Strasburg and that was with the I.” Central, and then play Bull Run The Generals went 1-9 last Many of the same names will District powerhouse Clarke year, and Smith said his goal is be valuable to the Generals on County. to win more games this season. the defensive side of the ball. Then they have to play in an Krol said his goals for the team Mallow, Wilkerson, Drew always competitive Shenandoah this year are very simple. Binion and Helsley will help District. lead the way on the defensive “My goal for the season is just line for the Generals. At the “It’s tough playing in the to get through the season,” Krol linebacking spots it will be Shenandoah District,” Smith said. “There’s a lot of pride here Smith, Summers and Murphy, said. “I’m used to it by now, but that we will finish the season. If while Knauff, Miller and it is tough knowing that we we can be competitive and stay Brendan Hoover lead the secwere once one of those tough healthy, that’s all I can ask from ondary. teams, and now we’re more to the kids under the circumthe bottom. But I still look forKrol said the linebackers and stances. Anything above that secondary is where they lack the ward to playing all of them.” will be gravy.”

Smith

FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 2014

much depth on the squad this year, and considered not fielding a team. Continued from 36 Smith said the goals for year. He’s going to have a the team will be to simtremendous senior year.” ply win more games than The Generals don’t have last year, and of course

he wants to get more “It’s a little different, than 1,000 yards rushing. because I’ve always been He said he’s more moti- younger and there’s vated knowing this is his always been leaders, so it’s a little different last year, and he’s also trying to become more of knowing that I have to a leader. step up and take

2014 ROSTER No.

Name

Ht.

Wt.

Yr.

Michael Knauff

5-11

141

Jr.

Brendan Hoover

5-6

116

Fr.

Jake Kagey Jr.

5-7

148

Fr.

Nathan Miller

6-0

150

Jr.

Matthew Murphy

5-10

189

Sr.

Tyler Patton

5-11

162

So.

Logen Patton

5-5

128

Fr.

Derrick Smith

5-9

187

Sr.

Jacob Murphy

5-6

157

Fr.

Ryan Summers

5-8

151

So.

Chance Stroop

5-6

194

So.

Frederick Livermore

6-1

319

Sr.

Coy Wilkerson

5-10

199

Jr.

Graciel Tapia

5-9

259

Jr.

James Stunkle

5-4

184

So.

Phillip Mallow

6-2

182

Sr.

Drew Binion

6-3

241

Fr.

Tyler Burner

5-7

211

Jr.

Nicholas Kato

5-7

270

Jr.

Jacob Good

5-11

201

Sr.

Jacob Helsley

6-3

300

Jr.

Jonathan May

5-10

155

Jr.

Wyatt Estep

5-9

132

So.

charge,” Smith said. “It’s a weird feeling being a senior. First day of practice I was like this is my last, first day. It was exciting and then sad — mixed feelings.”

Contact Assistant Sports Editor Tommy Keeler at 540-465-5137 ext. 168, or tkeeler@nvdaily.com. Follow on Twitter @tkeelernvd.

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STRASBURG RAMS

38 FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 2014

The Northern Virginia Daily

Strasburg aiming to erase disappointing memories Smoot said. “I know last year it was a bad thing for us but I think it’s going to pay off a STRASBURG — The 2013 little bit this year that we season turned into a grind for Strasburg as injuries took had some guys play some key roles in some big games for their toll and the Rams lost us. We didn’t win many of six of their final seven them but they were still key games, limping to a 3-7 games that guys got to play record and falling short of in.” the Group 2A playoffs. That experience will be as But this year’s Rams are important as ever for hoping to glean some posiStrasburg this season. The tives from some of last seaRams have just nine seniors son’s disappointment. “We’ve got a lot of guys who — two who have rejoined the program for the first time got time [last year] because since their eighth-grade seaof injuries,” Rams senior tight end/defensive end Ryan sons — out of about 40 players on the varsity roster this season, meaning many 2014 RAMS underclassmen are going to • Coach: Mark Roller (seventh be thrust into important year, 28-36) roles. • Offense/Defense: Pro-I/4-4

• Key returnees: TE/DE Ryan Smoot, RB/LB Colton Funk, QB Mark Smoot, OL/DL Aaron Lozado, OL/DL Joe Giallonardo. • Key losses: TE/LB Jonathan Kloosterman, OL/DL Trenton Davis, WR/DB Matt Clutter, WR/DB Colt Cowgill, RB/LB Michael Conley, WR/DB Alex Fauver.

Mark Smoot, running back/linebacker Colton Funk and offensive/defensive linemen Aaron Lozado and Joe Giallonardo comprise what Roller calls Strasburg’s biggest strength this season — a group of seniors who provide leadership and experience at some key positions on the field for the Rams. “I think just having those five guys — Ryan, Mark, Colton, Joe and Aaron — that have been playing since they were sophomores … their attitude is going to be something that helps lead these younger guys,” Roller said.

Four of those five seniors will be playing both ways for the Rams this fall. Mark Smoot, the only exception, It will certainly be a chalprovides some stability at lenge for head coach Mark quarterback and has had a Roller and his staff to groom year to get comfortable in his the Rams’ young and role under center for unproven players into consis- Strasburg. tent varsity contributors, but Last year, Mark Smoot comStrasburg’s biggest strength pleted 118 of 222 passes for this season could reside in Rich Cooley/Daily file 1,637 yards, 20 touchdowns the experience that it does and 10 interceptions. Roller Strasburg quarterback Mark Smoot scrambles in the backhave back. field as Central’s Thomas Peacemaker closes in during last RAMS, 43 season’s Bull Run District game in Strasburg. Ryan Smoot, quarterback

248115

By Brad Fauber

STRASBURG RAMS

The Northern Virginia Daily

2014 SCHEDULE

FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 2014

2013 RESULTS (3-7, 1-6 BULL RUN)

Aug. 29 Stonewall Jackson, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 10

at George Mason, 7:30 p.m.

Aug. 30 beat Stonewall Jackson, 34-8 Oct. 11 lost to George Mason, 6-0

Sept. 5

Oct. 17

Manassas Park, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 6 lost to East Rockingham, 21-0 Oct. 18 beat Manassas Park, 28-14

Sept. 19 James Wood, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 24

at Madison County, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 20 beat James Wood, 32-0

Oct. 25 lost to Madison County, 31-27

Sept. 26 at Clarke County, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 31

Warren County, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 27 lost to Clarke County, 12-8

Nov. 1

Oct. 3

Nov. 7

at Central, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 4

at East Rockingham, 7 p.m.

William Monroe, 7:30 p.m.

lost to William Monroe, 42-34 Nov. 8

lost to Warren County, 28-20 lost to Central, 35-21

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The Northern Virginia Daily

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STRASBURG RAMS

The Northern Virginia Daily

Rams’ Funk makes second home in weight room season as Strasburg’s featured running back, as he carried the ball 169 times for 874 yards and four touchdowns and was named a second team all-Bull Run District selection. Funk holds even loftier goals this season, and he will be called upon again to be a centerpiece of a Strasburg offense that will feature some unproven talent at the other skill positions.

Rich Cooley/Daily file

Strasburg’s Colton Funk takes off after receiving a pass as Central’s Zach Herbaugh prepares to make the tackle during a game last season in Strasburg. “I was devastated,” Funk said. “… I was planning on helping out the team that year, but God does things for a reason. You’ve got to go with the flow.” Funk said his sophomore season — or lack thereof — made him hungrier in 2013, and he seized the starting running back job in presea-

“I look for him to have a bigger and better year this year,” Roller said. “His attitude is great. Leader. Not very outspoken, leads by example but every now and then he’ll speak his mind and let the other guys know what is going on.”

Funk, at 5-foot-9, 175 pounds, isn’t a flashy runner, “Once last year came around Roller said, but he added and I got to do my thing — that the most impressive aspect of Funk’s running the thing that I was used to game is his ability to keep — it felt amazing,” Funk said. “That feeling of just get- his feet moving after contact ting back out here and being and generate extra yardage. That same quality suits able to do what you love, Funk well at his outside what’s better than that?” son practice last year.

Funk thrived in his first

FUNK, 43

247237e

“He was a gym teacher for 43 years and he was a wrestling coach, football STRASBURG — Colton coach, everything. He would Funk is your prototypical get up and run five miles a gym rat, the type of player day and do body weights and that every high school footstuff,” Funk said. “When he ball coach wants and the type of player that every high was younger he played colschool football coach seems to lege football at Shepherd. He’s always been a great role never have enough of. model.” It sounds cliché, but the Strasburg High School senior Funk took those lessons to heart and has applied them lives in the weight room. to his own high school foot“That is my life,” Funk said. ball career. That work ethic “They can’t keep me out.” was further intensified durRams head football coach ing his first varsity season as Mark Roller has tried, and a sophomore in 2012. even suggested that Funk That fall, Funk was suptake a week off over this past posed to serve as the backup summer in order to give his to former Strasburg standout body a rest. Roller can fight running back Rakwon White. Funk’s obsession with the Instead, Funk missed the weight room all he wants, first half of the season while but he knows it won’t do any recovering from a broken colgood. larbone he suffered in a car “He’ll find a way,” Roller accident the previous spring. said. He spent the second half of the 2012 season working his Funk’s passion for lifting way back into playing shape, (he’ll settle for a jog if he’s denied access to weights) did- serving mostly on special teams and never seeing n’t happen by mere chance. That work ethic was instilled meaningful playing time for the Rams as they rolled to a in him when he was a child 10-2 season. by his grandfather, Bill. By Brad Fauber

STRASBURG RAMS

The Northern Virginia Daily

Rams

Mark Smoot also will be working with some uncertainty around him on offense as Continued from 38 the Rams have to rebuild said he expects to be able to their offensive line around throw the ball more this sea- Lozado and Giallonardo. son now that Mark Smoot is The receiving corps will also confident in his role. feature plenty of new faces, although the Rams have “At the beginning of last year I was rusty,” Mark received some new additions Smoot said. “Those first couto the program that should ple games I was terrible… bring speed and athleticism The later part of last year I to the passing game. Seniors had some good games. This Cody Darr and Noah St. Clair year I’ve got to be solid the and juniors Nate Butler and whole year. Just having that Trevin Howard — all firstyear, the game is slower. The year varsity football players beginning of last year those — are in the mix at wide first three games, the game receiver alongside returning was just fast.” juniors Tyrik “Papoose” Steed Ryan Smoot (22 catches, 482 and Austin Schlentner. yards, seven touchdowns in Roller said he was particu2013) became the go-to passlarly impressed with the ing target at tight end last speed of Darr, Howard and season after Jonathan St. Clair during a pursuit Kloosterman — a James drill early in fall practice, and Madison University walk-on he added that Butler quickly this fall — went down with an injury during the first half grasped the concepts thrown at him during the first week of the season and should of drills. reprise that role this year, and Funk (169 carries, 874 “I look for him to play a lot, yards, four touchdowns last probably on both sides of the year) provides a veteran pres- ball just because he’s so ence in the backfield. But skilled,” Roller said of Butler.

Funk

just has an instinct of where things are going.”

Funk said he has some Continued from 42 individual goals in mind for the 2014 season — a linebacker position on defense, too. Funk finished first team all-district nod third on the team with 70 chief among them — though the main concern is total tackles (35 solo) last returning Strasburg to season. winning form after the “He’s not one of those Rams struggled to a 3-7 flashy guys that makes big season in 2013. time hits but he’s always around the football,” Roller Funk’s on-field play this fall will be critical to said. “He’ll always find a achieving that goal, but way. You’ve got to find a way when you’re not built the example he’s already very big. He’s not a big kid. set off the field could bode He just finds a way. He well for the future of the

Defensively, Strasburg returns four of its top five leading tacklers from last season, including Ryan Smoot (teamhigh 90 tackles in 2013), Funk (70 tackles) and linebackers Justin Carr (52 tackles) and Zach McDonald (45 tackles). The secondary will feature inexperienced talent across the board, with Strasburg’s receivers also battling for spots in a wide-open competition in the defensive backfield. Much of Strasburg’s success will depend on how quickly the Rams’ inexperienced players can get comfortable in their increased roles. “They’re young, they’re raw — you can see that right now. But they’re athletic,” Ryan Smoot said of Strasburg’s young talent. “They’ve played some other sports, so you know they have some ball skills and stuff like that. We hope that they can contribute a little bit.” Contact staff writer Brad Fauber at 540-465-5137 ext. 184, or bfauber@nvdaily.com. Follow on Twitter @BradFauberNVD. Strasburg football program. “He’s just one of those kids, he wants to live there in the weight room. He’s the first one in and the last one out, and that’s the kind of kid you want coming out for your program. That mentality rubs off,” Roller said. “As many young kids as we can get in the weight room and let them see how he works, that’s great.” Contact staff writer Brad Fauber at 540-465-5137 ext. 184, or bfauber@nvdaily.com. Follow on Twitter @BradFauberNVD.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 2014

2013 STATS • Record: 3-7, 1-6 Bull Run • Passing leader: Mark Smoot (118 for 222, 1,637 yards, 20 touchdowns, 10 interceptions)

(32 catches, 386 yards, 2 touchdowns) • Total tackles: Ryan Smoot (90)

• Rushing leader: Colton Funk (169 carries, 874 yards, 4 touch- • Sacks: Trenton Davis (4) downs) • Interceptions: Matt Clutter, • Receiving leader: Matt Clutter Colt Cowgill, Alex Fauver (2)

2014 ROSTER No. 1 3 5 7 9 11 15 17 19 21 23 25 27 29 31 33 37 39 43 45 49 50 52 53 54 56 57 58 59 60 64 68 69 70 71 74 75 76 80 81 83 85 87 89

Name Noah St. Clair Nathan Butler Cody Price Trevin Howard Ryan Bowers Austin Schlentner Mark Smoot Adam Gordon Ethan Duckworth Eric Reynolds Trevor Taff Corie Baker Cody Darr Adam Miller Cory Clinedinst Colton Funk Justin Carr Joshua Miller Joshua Freer Zachary McDonald Michael Laing Caleb Haines Joshua Pritchett Joseph Giallonardo Aaron Lozado Connor Keane Jason Gomez Zane Rogers John Williams Jr. Eneko Johnson Christian Neff Zachery Scott Hunter Riley Ryan Jenkins Christian Plaugher Caleb Warren Jacob Stephens Rashon Alsberry Jacob Lockhart Tyrik Steed Damion Howard-Wolford Ryan Smoot Zachary Baker Dorian Hardsbarger

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

Wt. 155 150 145 150 160 150 185 175 160 140 115 160 160 145 155 175 170 135 150 200 140 180 200 240 185 225 160 210 225 175 160 225 260 210 215 245 205 235 155 155 135 210 160 135

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

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

WARREN COUNTY WILDCATS

44 FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 2014

The Northern Virginia Daily

New Warren County coach Crist faces tall task By Brad Fauber

2014 WILDCATS • Coach: Steve Crist (first year) • Offense/Defense: Multiple/4-4 • Key returnees: LB Zach Moon, OL/DL Josh Mallicoat, WR/LB Eric Baker, OL/DL Connor McMackin, OL/DL Jeff Brinson. • Key losses: QB/LB Austen Butler, RB/DB Demetrus Yates, RB/LB Kristian Deal, RB/DE Josh Newman, WR/DB Jontae Rollins, WR/DE/K Blake Steele, WR/DB Casey Stewart.

Rich Cooley/Daily

Warren County High School’s new head football coach Steve Crist has to replace 18 graduated seniors that helped lead the Wildcats to the second round of the Region 3A East playoffs last season.

Newman, Deal and Butler accounted for 2,410 rushing yards and 25 touchdowns on the ground in 2013. In terms of offensive production, current senior wide receiver Eric Baker is Wildcats last year. the lone returnee with significant outThe rest of Warren County’s offense put at the varsity level. He caught 10 and defense will need to be almost com- passes for 141 yards and a touchdown pletely retooled. First team all-conferlast season. ence picks Demetrus Yates (RB/DB), “I definitely lost some friends from Kristian Deal (RB/LB), Jontae Rollins last year. But we’ve got people who can (WR/DB), Josh Newman (RB/DL) and step up,” Baker said. “We’ve just got to Blake Steele (WR/DE) are all gone, as stay focused and execute our assignis quarterback Austen Butler and ments — we’ve really got to execute receiver Casey Stewart, the Wildcats’ our assignments this year. We’ve got to leading pass catcher in 2013. do the best we can.” Butler passed for over 1,000 yards last Crist had yet to decide on a starting season, and the combination of Yates, quarterback after the first week of

practice, though he said the competition was between junior Robert Rutherford and sophomore Cameron Ford. Rutherford was the backup quarterback last season and saw action when Butler went down with an injury. He completed 8 of 10 passes for 116 yards and two touchdowns. Ford is in his first year at the varsity level. “The sooner the better, but we’re not going to rush it,” Crist said of a timetable for naming a starting quarterback. “… I’m going to let it play out. I’m going to give them a chance to play in some scrimmages to get a true evaluation.” WILDCATS, 47

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“It’s always a challenge even with experience coming back for a new year because everybody changes,” Crist said. FRONT ROYAL — Steve Crist faces quite a challenge in his first year as the “We’ve got some experience coming back and we’ve got some inexperience, head football coach at Warren County too. But they’re working hard to High School. improve every day. There’s a lot of The transition into his new role was yards and catches to replace, but I’m easy enough — Crist was an offensive sure somebody will step up and fill assistant at Warren County for six sea- those roles.” sons from 2007 to 2012 under former Warren County has holes to fill all head coach Tony Tallent before serving over the field on both offense and as Manassas Park’s head coach last defense. Crist said the offensive line is year. But Crist now has the tall task of the team’s strongest position group in finding some way to replace the proterms of returning experience, with duction of 18 graduated seniors that seniors Josh Mallicoat — a first-team helped lead the Wildcats to the second all-Conference 28 pick last season — round of the Region 3A East playoffs Connor McMackin and Jeff Brinson last season. returning after starting for the

WARREN COUNTY WILDCATS

The Northern Virginia Daily

2014 SCHEDULE Aug. 29 Skyline, 7 p.m.

Oct. 10

Sept. 5

Oct. 17

at Brentsville, 7 p.m.

Sept. 12 at James Wood, 7 p.m.

Oct. 24

Sept. 26 at William Monroe, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 31 Oct. 3

Clarke County, 7 p.m.

Nov. 7

at Manassas Park, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 30 Sept. 6 George Mason, 7 p.m. Sept. 13 Central, 7 p.m. Sept. 27 at Strasburg, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 4 Madison County, 7 p.m. Oct. 14

FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 2014

2013 RESULTS (8-4, 5-2 BULL RUN) lost to Skyline, 14-13 beat Brentsville, 37-14 beat James Wood, 41-20 beat William Monroe, 29-12 lost to Clarke County, 28-14 beat Manassas Park, 21-7

Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Nov. 1 Nov. 8 Nov. 15 Nov. 22

beat George Mason, 21-14 lost to Central, 47-20 beat Strasburg, 28-20 beat Madison County, 40-3 beat Park View-South Hill, 35-23 lost to Lafayette, 63-7

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WARREN COUNTY WILDCATS

46 FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 2014

The Northern Virginia Daily

Moon the man in the middle for Wildcats By Brad Fauber

down and just leading by action and making sure everybody’s doing what they need to do,” Moon said. “I just need to try to fill the other people’s roles as good as possible.”

FRONT ROYAL — When Zach Moon looks around the football field at his Warren County teammates this season, things will look a little bit Last season, Moon went different. quietly about his role as a During his first two var- middle linebacker in Warren County’s 4-4 sity seasons, Moon, a linebacker in the middle defense — with so many seniors around him on of the Wildcats’ defense, defense, he felt minimal was surrounded at his position by plenty of sen- pressure to come up with the one big play that ior leadership in guys could change a football like Jeff Budwash in game. Still, Moon thrived 2012 and Kristian Deal on defense, as he finished last season. A quick second on the team with glance around the field 82 total tackles (62 solo). during the first day of practice drove home the fact that Moon is now at the center of everything Warren County wants to do on defense. “It’s definitely weird because I was the younger kid for most of the time. Since I’m a senior now, I guess it just really means being the guy in the inside of the huddle just breaking it

And when the opportunity did arise to make that impact play late last season, Moon seized it.

said. “Everybody likes to lead and I think our guys are doing a good job at this point.”

Rich Cooley/Daily

Warren County’s Zach Moon will help lead the Wildcats at linebacker this year. 23 win.

news for new Warren County head coach Steve Moon, one of the few Crist, who will expect a returning players on strong amount of leadereither side of the ball ship — both on and off with varsity experience the field — from Moon for Warren County, and the rest of the senior expects to feel the pressure to make those kinds class to help cope with of plays on a regular the Wildcats’ youth and basis for the Wildcats this inexperience. season. But that might “He’s a senior, he’s been not be such a bad thing. in the program for a long

That moment came in the first round of the Region 3A East playoffs against Park View-South Hill, as Moon intercepted “Honestly, I feel like it a pass — his first career will make me play better interception — late in the if there is more pressure,” Moon said. fourth quarter to help seal Warren County’s 35That would be good

time. We’re going to look to him and people like him for leadership, and so far they’re embracing that challenge, too,” Crist

ond-team unit on the offensive depth chart. He figures to serve in that same capacity again this Moon’s been playing the season, and Crist said Moon could be in the mix sport long enough to for playing time on understand the ins and offense if doing so would outs of the game — he started playing football at make the team better. 8 years old — and he’s Moon said he enjoys developed that sense of being able to focus solely comfort in his role at line- on defense, but he is open backer that you’d come to to helping the team in expect from a player any way possible. It’s about to begin his third been that sense of camaseason at the varsity raderie that has kept level. Moon attached to the “When you first come up sport. it’s so much faster, but as you get older you just get more used to it and it starts to slow down for you and everything’s easier,” Moon said. “You start to get more confidence in yourself as you get older, that just comes naturally. You just become more of a leader.” Moon said he’s worked with the offensive line some in his varsity career, although he hasn’t been higher than the sec-

“It’s a fun sport to play, it’s definitely intense, but the thing is it’s like the brotherhood you have with your teammates because you see them every day,” Moon said. “You just get really close to them. You go to battle for them.” Contact staff writer Brad Fauber at 540-4655137 ext. 184, or bfauber@nvdaily.com. Follow on Twitter @BradFauberNVD.

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WARREN COUNTY WILDCATS

The Northern Virginia Daily

Wildcats

McMackin, Brinson, Cody Vaughn and Quay Caison are all in the mix Continued from 44 along the defensive line, Crist insisted during the Crist said, and Moon, early stages of practice Yatsko, Croson and that no starting assignBaker are all candidates ments had been awarded at the linebacker posiand that he was treating tions in Warren County’s everything as an open competition, not surpris- 4-4 defense. Crist said Ward and Joseph ing given the amount of Rutherford could be in player turnover Warren the secondary this fall. County has experienced over the last two years. Crist said Aaron

Stuart Ashley are candidates to take over the kicking responsibilities that had been previously held down by an all-region performer in Steele.

of the past four seasons and Crist said the goal is to continue that winning tradition this season, though the Wildcats’ coaching staff hasn’t laid forth a distinct set of Warren County has made the playoffs in each expectations.

Crist said there were Deavers, Baker and about eight players in the mix at running back fol2013 STATS lowing the first week of • Record: 8-4, 5-2 Bull practice, including juniors Run Joseph Rutherford and • Passing leader: Austen Brian Croson and seniors Butler (53 for 130, 1,096 Richie Yatsko and T.J. yards, 13 touchdowns, 7 Ferguson. Baker and sen- interceptions) ior Tristan Ward are a • Rushing leader: few options at receiver, Demetrus Yates (185 caramong others, Crist said. ries, 1,463 yards, 13 Defensively, senior midtouchdowns) dle linebacker Zach Moon • Receiving leader: (82 total tackles in 2013) Casey Stewart (26 catchis the leading returning es, 641 yards, 5 touchtackler for the Wildcats, downs) who will have to fill the • Total tackles: Kristian gaps that had been previ- Deal (105) ously filled by Deal • Sacks: Blake Steele (team-high 105 tackles), (10.5) Newman (62 tackles, 9 ½ • Interceptions: Jontae sacks) and Steele (40 Rollins (5) tackles, 10 ½ sacks).

WILDCATS

Warren County Dept. of Parks and Recreation 540-635-7750 www.warrencountyva.net 254270

FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 2014 “We want to win as many games as possible. That’s always the goal,” Crist said. “We just talk about getting better every day. If we get better every day then we’ll have a chance to reach some of

those individual and team goals that we all want.” Contact staff writer Brad Fauber at 540-465-5137 ext. 184, or bfauber@nvdaily.com. Follow on Twitter @BradFauberNVD.

2014 ROSTER No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 11 12 13 14 15 20 21 22 23 24 25 25 30 31 32 34 35 36 40 41 42 43

Name Robert Rutherford Tristan Ward Will Spencer Eric Baker Josh Butler Josh Breeden Brian Croson Cameron Ford Jakob Cornwell C.J. Sharp Troy Turner Nathaniel Hess Richard Yatsko Michael Shirkey Jacob Dunn Joseph Rutherford Marqwon Haley Jake Landry Randall Harris Blake Cockrell Stuart Ashley Aaron Deavers Christian Peters Cody Vaughn Rhett Tierney Kolton Valencia Michael White Dylan Lambert Brendan McMackin Genari Nick Karl Taubenberger

k c u L d o Go Season! This

407 E. Main St., Front Royal (540) 622-6166

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

Wt. 175 175 185 200 175 200 180 155 155 155 160 175 215 180 165 170 175 155 185 185 165 180 165 185 185 145 185 175 185 150 180

Pos. QB/DB WR/DB RB/DL WR/LB WR/LB RB/LB RB/LB QB/DB QB/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB RB/LB WR/DB WR/DB RB/DB RB/LB RB/DL RB/LB WR/LB WR/DB/K WR/LB RB/DB TE/DL WR/LB WR/DB RB/LB RB/DB TE/LB RB/DB TE/DL

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

No. 44 45 51 52 53 54 55 60 61 62 63 64 65 65 66 68 69 70 71 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 84 86 88

Name T.J. Ferguson Tylor Hindman Zach Moon Justus Marshall Dale Mastin Jeff Brinson Josh Mallicoat Paul Bragg Gregory Bourgoin Connor McMackin Jacob Grimsley Jack Kilgallen Cody Smith Brandon Thompson Anthony Machado Cameron Woodward Jaden Petrucha Beau Black Chris Payne Andrew Pavlish Quay Caison Ben Werner Johnathan Shipe Josef Adams Will Deavers Zach Smith Travis Brown Clyde Ritchie Daniel Spangler Andrew Hicks

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Ht. 5-9 6-0 5-11 5-10 5-10 6-4 6-2 5-10 6-0 6-3 6-2 5-10 6-0 5-7 5-9 6-1 5-9 5-10 5-11 5-11 6-0 5-10 5-10 6-0 6-0 5-10 5-8 5-8 6-0 6-1

Wt. 190 185 190 175 175 240 255 200 175 255 225 225 220 145 165 150 165 155 210 185 340 185 185 185 225 185 155 155 180 185

Pos. RB/LB TE/DL OL/DL WR/DB QB/DB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL WR/DB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB OL/DL RB/DB OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL So. OL/DL OL/DL WR/DB WR/DB WR/LB TE/DL

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

GO ! WILDCATS

48 FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 2014

MASSANUTTEN MILITARY ACADEMY COLONELS

The Northern Virginia Daily

Colonels working toward rebound after winless campaign out of a 4-3 base defense, with many of those same linemen forming the defensive front. Gunter is expected to reprise his role as a speed-rushing defensive end.

By Jeff Nations WOODSTOCK — The coaching never stops for Chris Gilliland. The fifth-year head coach at Massanutten Military Academy has been busy stitching together a team, player by player, as they arrive on campus from all over the world. That’s normal. What has been different, compared to last season, is what Gilliland has had to teach to get his team ready for the season.

Other starters back from last year include Holt at strong safety, Draddy is back at middle linebacker, John Love at cornerback and Weiouqing Chen can float between linebacker and safety. Beyond that group, MMA will have some holes to fill.

“We’ve got more experience coming back,” Gilliland said. “There’s only a couple kids out there who haven’t ever set foot on a football field. Last year, basically my entire offensive line had never taken a snap. Derik [Duklis] was playing Jeff Nations/Daily quarterback when he’d always Massanutten Military Academy coach Chris Gilliland talks to his players after a preseason played wide receiver, a couple practice on Aug. 22 in Woodstock. The Colonels are hoping to rebound from a winless linebackers had never seen the season last year. field before. also like to move Tyler Draddy preseason practice. “Most of these kids have actu- enced — most of the team is juniors and seniors.” to the backfield if the anticipat- John Love gained starting ally played football, organized, The Colonels plan to feature a ed offensive line depth materi- experience late in the season at for a couple years. We don’t new look — sort of, anyway — alizes, and he has other options wide receiver, and Gilliland have any freshmen, we don’t as well. on offense. After attacking have any eighth-graders. also expected multi-talented They’re all sophomores, juniors opponents exclusively out of the spread the past few seaand seniors.” sons, MMA is going for more of That’s good news for the a hybrid approach that puts Colonels, who struggled to a winless campaign last season. more emphasis on balance. “We’re doing a lot of different things,” Gilliland said. “We’re kind of meshing what we did my first year here with the triple option, with the spread stuff we’ve done the past few “This year we’re going to have years. We’re in the pistol some, get in the gun, under center, a lot of people coming back we’ll go two- and three-wide from last year,” MMA rising senior Joshua Holt said. “We’re sets. We’ll put a fullback in the backfield once we get our linegoing to have a more experienced offensive line. Last year men in.” Holt, a returning starter in with our guys, it was mainly their first year playing football. the backfield, should see plenty of carries. Gilliland said he’d This year we’re more experiThe experience factor can go a long way toward helping MMA improve and diversify on offense this season, which is exactly what Gilliland plans to do.

“We’ll try to run it 50 to 60 percent of the time, and hopefully pass it the rest of the time,” Gilliland said. “In years past I’ve tried to throw it a little bit more than run it because we had the athletes to do it. This year we’re going to flip it a little bit and be more balanced, try to run the ball and control the clock some.” Duklis transferred, leaving newcomer Deontae Spence as the likely choice at quarterback. Spence, who had previously attended MMA and transferred back, was able to get a head start by attending summer school and was among the first to arrive for

wide receiver/running back Damoni Gunter to return. “Offensively, we’ll put him at wide receiver in the slot, may put him in the backfield a little bit at running back,” Gilliland said. He’s kind of in the same mold as Holt, where we can put him at different positions wherever we need him.” The offensive line could be a real strong point for MMA. Draddy, Beryl Bushaijya, JeanMarc Hollo and Jean-Luc Hollo all saw time with the starting unit last year, and Gilliland is excited about transfers Chase Halliburton and Jake Long. The Colonels will again work

“We’ve got a couple kids that I’m looking forward to seeing,” Gilliland said. “Chase Halliburton is one. He’s playing center for us this year, playing a little bit of defensive tackle. I think he’s going to be a contributor. Jovan Holmes, good kid, a junior, he’s going to be playing free safety for us. He’s replacing Houston, which is kind of a tall task. He’s done well so far in camp. He’s played before, but not as much as he’s going to play so we’ll see what happens when things start to kind of fly by him. “Jake Long is another one; he’s aggressive, a good kid, takes coaching well, fast, and he’s not afraid.” The Colonels will play a 10game schedule this season after only getting to play eight last year. That’s 10 chances to improve on last year’s mark, and Gilliland thinks this year’s group already has a solid foundation to start. “It’s good that I’m not going to have to teach the fundamental stuff to a lot of these kids,” Gilliland said. “They already have it, which is a good thing.” Contact staff writer Jeff Nations at 540-465-5137 ext. 161, or jnations@nvdaily.com.

MASSANUTTEN MILITARY ACADEMY COLONELS

The Northern Virginia Daily

2014 SCHEDULE Aug. 29 Sept. 5 Sept. 12 Sept. 19 Sept. 27

at Quantico, 6 p.m. Atlantic Shores Christian, 4 p.m. at St. Johnʼs Catholic Prep (Md.), 6 p.m. Covenant School, 4 p.m. Fredericksburg Christian, 1 p.m.

Oct. 3 Oct. 10 Oct. 18 Oct. 24 Oct. 31

Aug. 30 lost to Quantico, 23-12

Sept. 27 lost to Fredericksburg Christian, 37-0

Sept. 6

Oct. 12 lost to Fishburne Military School, 40-6

Sept. 13 lost to St. Johnʼs Catholic Prep (Md.), 42-22 Oct. 18 lost to Randolph-Macon Academy, 41-0 Sept. 20 lost to Covenant, 40-20

2014 COLONELS

Oct. 25 lost to Hancock (Md.), 52-18

2013 STATS

• Coach: Chris Gilliland (fifth year, 11-27)

• Record: 0-8 (0-3 Patriot Conference)

• Offense/Defense: Multiple spread/4-3

• Passing leader: Derik Duklis (84 for 175 for 1,284 yards, 9 touchdowns, 15 interceptions)

• Key returnees: RB/DB Joshua Holt, OL/LB Tyler Draddy, WR/DB Weiouqing Chen, OL/DL Jean-Marc Hollo, OL/DL Jean-Luc Hollo, WR/DE Damoni Gunter,

2014 ROSTER

Grace Christian, 4 p.m. at Fishburne Military School, 4 p.m. at Randolph-Macon Academy, 2 p.m. at Hancock (Md.), 7 p.m. Brunswick Academy, 3 p.m.

2013 RESULTS (0-8, 0-4 PATRIOT) lost to Atlantic Shores Christian, 50-0

FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 2014

• Rushing leader: Joshua Holt (26 carries for 190 yards, 2 touchdowns)

OL/DL Beryl Bushayija

• Receiving leader: Damoni Gunter (18 catches for 310 yards, 4 touchdowns)

• Key losses: WR/DB Houston Walls, DE/WR Erin

• Total tackles: Houston Walls (78)

Carter, QB/LB Justin Elshafie, OL/LB Eric Crawley,

• Sacks: Ian Thomas (2)

OL/DL Ian Thomas

• Interceptions: Houston Walls (2)

No. 2 3 4 5 7 9 10 11 12 15/57 17 18 19 21 24 25 28/52 53 54/80 60 62 64 66 70 72 74 75 88 90

Name Damoni Gunter Joshua Holt Jovan Holmes John Love Deontae Spence Michael Kim Jeff Brown Eddie Swift Robert Collins Jackson Arnold Weiouqing Chen Cameron Ebrihimi Blaine Hutchinson Garrett Quartana Paul Cook Jacobb Francisco Tyler Draddy Xialong Liu Alex Lundgren Chase Halliburton Jean-Marc Hollo Jean-Luc Hollo Zack Siegal Will Omigie Gary Geller Vernady Desir Beryl Bushaijya Carlos Almanza Jakob Long

Ht. 6-2 5-9 5-8 5-9 5-9 5-9 5-11 5-10 6-2 6-0 5-10 5-9 6-0 6-0 5-9 5-6 6-1 5-7 5-9 6-3 6-0 6-0 6-5 6-0 6-4 5-10 6-4 5-11 6-0

Wt. 190 165 150 140 165 145 170 185 160 170 180 150 165 180 130 150 205 200 170 310 205 215 250 185 245 210 225 170 180

Pos. WR/DE WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB QB/DB WR/DB WR/LB RB/LB QB/DB OL/LB WR/LB WR/DB WR/LB WR/LB WR/DB WR/DL OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL WR/LB OL/DL

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

50 FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 2014

MASSANUTTEN MILITARY ACADEMY COLONELS

The Northern Virginia Daily

MMA’s Holt takes serious approach to leadership role By Jeff Nations WOODSTOCK — Massanutten Military Academy’s Joshua Holt isn’t one to take his responsibilities lightly, especially not this season. Holt is a tri-captain for the Colonels this season, along with fellow senior Weiouqing Chen and rising sophomore Tyler Draddy. To Holt, that’s serious business. “I take it very seriously,” Holt said. “I take pride in it. As the leader of the team, I want everybody to look good and put out a good name for Massanutten this year.” Holt, who will start both ways as MMA’s top running back and strong safety, wants to help the Colonels rebound from last season’s winless campaign. It was the first year in Woodstock for the Syracuse, New York resident, and Holt wants to make sure this second stint at MMA provides a few more positive memories on the football field. The 5-foot-8, 140-pounder won’t be shy about making sure his teammates are in the proper frame of mind to get it done on the football field. “My role for this team is to be the main leader, the guy that’s going to lead this team in my senior year,” Holt said. “I’m probably never going to leave the field, so it’s my job to keep these guys staying with high energy and ready to play when the season starts. That needs to go on every Friday, every Saturday, every game we play.”

Jeff Nations/Daily

Massanutten Military Academy senior Joshua Holt will be asked to do a lot for the Colonels this season. He’s slated to see time at running back, wide receiver and as a starting free safety. Holt is also a tri-captain for the team, a job he’s taking seriously this season.

“He’ll get some carries, he’ll get some passes out of the backfield. “Good kid in the classroom, good He’ll be all over the place.” leader upstairs, does well on the football field, he’s aggressive, takes That sounds just fine to Holt, who’s coaching well, mild-mannered,” MMA looking forward to playing a major coach Chris Gilliland said. part in what he hopes will be a real turnaround season for MMA. Gilliland has pegged Holt to take over the varied roles filled by “I think everybody’s pretty enthusiHolt is the ideal cadet-athlete at Houston Walls, a four-year starter astic,” Holt said. “Our coaches didn’t MMA, a student with a real interest who graduated in the spring. forget about last year. I haven’t forin pursuing a career in the military gotten about last year. We didn’t win who soaks up the military aspects of “He’s a combo guy,” Gilliland said. the curriculum. Holt hopes to attend “If an emergency were to pop up, he’d a single game. For my senior year, I want to make sure it’s special. I want the United States Military Academy have to go to quarterback as well. to make sure that we come out here in West Point, New York following He’s a guy I can pretty much put his graduation from MMA, but even everywhere offensively on the field. I with the right attitude and win some if he doesn’t secure that appointment mean, I could probably even put him games. We need to basically build it up for next season, and the seasons on the line if I had to. He’s not very he’s still determined to serve in the after that. You never know — football Army. He’s also looking at the ROTC big, but he’s tough. program at SUNY-Brockport.

might be big here, and you never know when you can start it.” Holt would love to be a part of that foundation for future success, but there’s one thing he absolutely must do for the Colonels to have a strong chance at putting a few wins on the scoreboard this season. “He can’t get hurt — I already told him, ‘You can’t get hurt,’” Gilliland said. “He’ll be out there as much as we can use him. It will be difficult for me to take him off the field to get him a breather, but we’ll find a way to do it.” Contact staff writer Jeff Nations at 540-465-5137 ext. 161, or jnations@nvdaily.com.

The Northern Virginia Daily

RANDOLPH-MACON ACADEMY YELLOW JACKETS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 2014

Yellow Jackets tinkering to replace productive backfield By Jeff Nations FRONT ROYAL — You can’t help but feel the Randolph-Macon Academy Yellow Jackets got a bit short-changed last season, through no fault of their own. Two opponents folded their programs just before the season, and bad weather made another game impossible to play and left R-MA with just seven actual games last season. The Yellow Jackets are hoping to get at least nine — their regular-season schedule — and perhaps even beyond that should they advance to the state playoffs. The Yellow Jackets lost much of a

2014 YELLOW JACKETS • Coach: Frank Sullivan (eighth year, 24-41) • Offense/Defense: Multiple/4-4 • Key returnees: RB/LB Faa Faa EkeSpiff, OL/DL Malik Cochran, RB/LB Timmy Idowu, OL/DL Louis Lindsey, QB Peter Blair, WR/DB Tyler Vaughan, WR/LB Jeremiah Hixson, RB/LB Austin Lee, RB/DL Michael Ndigwe, OL/DL Thomas Brewer • Key losses: FB/LB Jonathan Moore, HB/DB Kevin Slaton, OL/DL Emmanuel Arellano, QB/DB Garrett Cavanaugh, OL/DL Ming Gong, WR/DL Carson Holder, OL/DL David Lee, OL/DL Victor Marshall, WR/LB Travis Pullen, WR/DB Troy White

strong backfield to graduation, and must replace standout tailback Kevin Slaton, fullback Jonathan Moore and quarterback Garrett Cavanaugh. R-MA coach Frank Sullivan said his team is moving toward a few new things on offense. “We’re running a little bit of the double wing,” Sullivan said. “We’re sort of diversifying. We have a new backfield, so we’re tinkering with things. We may run a little more two-back set.” Senior Faa Faa Eke-Spiff didn’t get a lot of carries last year, but made the most of them (10 rushes for 157 yards, 2 TDs). He, along with Timmy Idowu

(12 rushes, 138 yards last year) have season as R-MA’s quarterback. the inside track to gobble up most of Easing the transition in the backfield those available carries. Michael Ndigwe will be an experienced offensive line. and Austin Lee could also factor as ball “If we stay healthy, I think we’ll be carriers. eight or nine deep on the offensive “We’re going to try to make them pret- line,” Sullivan said. “We have a ton of ty interchangeable,” Sullivan said. “And competition.” we have another big piece in Paul All-Patriot Conference offensive guard Miller. He’s about 6-5, 220. He’s learnMalik Cochran and lift tackle Louis ing quarterback, he’s learning tight Lindsey are the returning starters, but end, he plays in the slot, he plays a lit- Thomas Brewer, Alex Jung, Junior tle fullback. He’s going to be sort of our Okonkwo, Alfred Sit, Ebot Makia and jack-of-all-trades.” Scott Donahue are all viable options with varying levels of experience to Peter Blair, who completed 5 of 14 help fill out the unit. passes for 48 yards and a TD in relief R-MA, 52 action last year, will likely start the

254244e

RANDOLPH-MACON ACADEMY YELLOW JACKETS

52 FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 2014 2014 SCHEDULE

2013 RESULTS (4-6, 2-2 PATRIOT)

Aug. 30

Covenant, Noon

Aug. 30

beat Brunswick Academy by forfeit

Sept. 6

Sidwell Friends, Noon

Sept. 7

lost to Sidwell Friends, 35-6

Sept. 12

St. John Paul the Great, 4:30 p.m.

Sept. 14 lost to Pope John Paul the Great, 34-7

Sept. 20

at Fredericksburg Christian, 2 p.m.

Sept. 21 lost to Fredericksburg Christian, 29-14

Sept. 26

at Hargrave Military Academy, 7 p.m.

Oct. 3

at Fishburne Military School, 4 p.m.

Oct. 18

Massanutten Military Academy, 2 p.m.

Oct. 25

Blue Ridge, 2 p.m.

Nov. 1

at Potomac School, 3:30 p.m.

R-MA Continued from 51

The Yellow Jackets also lost imposing wideout Carson Holder to graduation. Rising senior Tyler Vaughan, counted on to help fill that void, was slowed early in preseason camp after sustaining 25 stitches in his leg following a skateboarding accident in the summer. He and Jeremiah Hixson are two possible targets for Blair. Sit, Lee and Miller could all see time at tight end.

Change is in the works on defense, too. Sullivan said the Yellow Jackets are likely shifting from last year’s base 4-3 look to a 4-4 this season.

Sept. 27 beat Quantico, 40-6 Oct. 4

lost to Fishburne Military School, 42-41

Oct. 12

lost to Hargrave Military Academy by forfeit

Oct. 18

beat Massanutten Military Academy, 41-0

Oct. 25

beat Bishop Walsh School by forfeit

Nov. 2

lost to Potomac School, 41-15

ously three deep with two cornerbacks and a free safety and just sort of fit pieces in that way.” The defensive line should be a strength, with Cochran at defensive tackle and Ndigwe at defensive end reprising their starting roles. “We’re hoping with more depth we can keep our defensive line fresh by giving them a break on both sides of the ball a little bit,” Sullivan said. “That’s going to be important.” Faa Faa Eke-Spiff and Lee will likely start at the inside linebacker spots, with Idowu and Hixson ticketed for the outside linebacker positions.

Vaughan, possibly Idowu and newcomer Jeffrey Collins could end up filling “We’re going to move more towards a out the starting secondary this season. 4-4 this year,” Sullivan said. “We have a Contact staff writer Jeff Nations at lot of kids that are tweeners, sort of DB/linebackers. So we’re going to play 540-465-5137 ext. 161, or with two outside linebackers, and obvi- jnations@nvdaily.com.

2013 STATS • Record: 4-6 (2-2 Patriot Conference) • Passing leader: Garrett Cavanaugh (31 for 74 for 590 yards, 5 touchdowns, 4 interceptions) • Rushing leader: Jonathan Moore (85 carries for 652 yards, 5 touchdowns) • Receiving leader: Carson Holder (15 receptions for 368 yards, 5 touchdowns) • Total tackles: N/A • Sacks: N/A • Interceptions: N/A

The Northern Virginia Daily

2014 ROSTER No. Name 2 Peter Blair 3 Drew Bendler 4 Jeremiah Hixson 5 George Pitts 6 Ayebalayefaa Eke-Spiff 6 Jared Keefe 7 Paul Miller 8 Will Long 9 Timmy Idowu 11 John Backo 12 Austin Lee 16 Michael Ndigwe 21 Cole Butler 22 Jonathan Capron 24 Jeffrey Collins 27 Jacob Backo 33 Nkeng Morfaw 34 Miles Gilmore 36 AyebeSopreye Eke-Spiff 42 Michael Grossman 44 Joseph Leichsenring 47 Xiangwen Li 50 Peniel Okonkwo 50 Yilun Xie 52 Alfred Sit 53 Benjamin Hester 54 Scott Donahue 55 Malik Cochran 56 BinRong Fu 66 Thomas Brewer 66 Gabriel Dubin 68 Ebot Makia 68 Jack Duckenfield 72 Dennis Ponn 75 Tanyi Makia 77 Alexander Jung 77 Torian Gadson 79 Louis Lindsey 80 Alexander Ndongo-Seh 84 Tyler Vaughan 88 Sean McKnight

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

Weight 165 150 165 150 175 135 225 160 170 140 175 180 155 150 150 155 130 155 125 140 130 160 245 185 185 165 220 215 160 195 180 205 190 180 200 215 215 220 145 170 170

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

Year Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Fr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Fr. Sr. Sr. Fr. So. So. 8th So. Fr. So. Fr. So. So. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. So. Jr. Fr. Sr. So. So. So. Jr. Jr. Jr. So. Sr. Jr.

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254238

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The Northern Virginia Daily

RANDOLPH-MACON ACADEMY YELLOW JACKETS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 2014

R-MA’s offensive line definitely an international effort linemates, Cochran’s commute from Upper Marlboro, Maryland is FRONT ROYAL — practically within walkRandolph-Macon Academy’s football team ing distance. “They make a big comhas traditionally been a group capable of racking mitment to be here, up frequent flyer miles, coming all that way,” Rand this year’s squad is MA coach Frank Sullivan said. no different. The Yellow Jackets’ ros- “Sometimes you don’t think about that, when ter is always multinational, but this year’s it’s the first day of football camp and you have offensive line might well four or five kids from set a new mark for disAsia, a kid from tance traveled to reach Tanzania/Israel and preseason camp. another one from Rising junior Louis Australia there’s a little Lindsey, projected to jet lag that goes with it.” start at left tackle, The Yellow Jackets arrived in Front Royal can’t afford much lag — after helping his family jet or otherwise — from settle in Tel Aviv, Israel, its offensive line this after his parents — who season. R-MA will sport both work in the U.S. an all-new starting foreign service — were backfield, albeit one posted there following with some experience. two years in Tanzania. Quarterback Peter Blair, Fellow junior Thomas and running backs Faa Brewer, slated to start Faa Eke-Spiff and at center, has him beat. Timmy Idowu step into Brewer, originally from full-time starting roles Leesburg, returned to R- this season. Eke-Spiff MA from his new home saw plenty of action last in Melbourne, Australia. year along with gradu“I was tired at first, but ated seniors Jonathan it was good to see every- Moore and Kevin one,” Brewer said on the Slaton, but its still a second day of preseason green group compared to past years. camp. “I got here two days ago. It was 26 “All our job as linemen hours on the plane, and is to do our jobs by then a transfer in L.A. blocking our man,” That’s another six.” Cochran said. “All we’ve got to do is focus on us, Those two, along with block them and the rising senior offensive backs will do their guard Malik Cochran, thing. And I’m confident, are the surest bets to I know they’ll do their start on the offensive thing.” line for the Yellow By Jeff Nations

Jackets this season. Compared to his fellow

Cochran, a first-team all-Patriot Conference

Jeff Nations/Daily

Randolph-Macon Academy’s Thomas Brewer, left, Malik Cochran, center, and Louis Lindsey make up three-fifths of an offensive line that boasts a real international flavor this season. of his sophomore year as he moved back to Tanzania last winter. He missed some development time as a result, but the towering 6-foot6 Lindsey tried to stay in a football frame of mind. Lindsey, who also “I got bigger, I bulked up,” Cochran said. “I hit serves as R-MA’s long snapper, kept in practice the weight room, so I expected that to happen. by targeting a tree in I might have lost a little his African backyard. bit of speed from last “I was practicing in our year, but hey, I got the spacious backyard in power to back it up Tanzania with my dad, now.” but other than that mostly just hitting the Lindsey, also back to gym,” Lindsey said. “I start at left tackle, was here for summer missed the second half selection last year at offensive guard, serves as the rock of stability for the offense this season. He entered preseason camp bigger than last year at 5 feet 9 inches and 211 pounds.

school, and we had prac- Cochran, Lindsey and tices for football every Brewer might have other day.” taken different paths to Brewer’s family relocat- get back to R-MA, but Sullivan sees a common ed abroad just seven thread that will hold the months ago, but he knew he’d be back at R- line together this seaMA for school in the fall. son. He even arrived early to “All three of them are get a jump on football hard workers,” Sullivan season. He’s still getting said. “We’re very proud used to the idea of being of them in and out of on his own now, school, so we’re happy to although he’s always been a boarding student have them be a part of the program.” at R-MA. Contact staff writer “Just more flights,” Brewer said. “It’s inter- Jeff Nations at 540-465-5137 ext. 161, or esting. It’s a lot of responsibility. It’s good.” jnations@nvdaily.com.

FOOTBALL 2014

54 FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 2014

The Northern Virginia Daily

High School Football Schedule Friday, Aug. 29 Skyline at Warren County, 7 p.m. Sherando at Musselman (W.Va.), 7 p.m. Handley at Liberty, 7 p.m. James Wood at Heritage, 7 p.m. Broadway at Millbrook, 7 p.m. Brentsville at Manassas Park, 7 p.m. Fort Defiance at Buffalo Gap, 7 p.m. Luray at Nelson County, 7 p.m. East Hardy (W.Va.) at Page County, 7 p.m. Wilson Memorial at Waynesboro, 7 p.m. Stonewall Jackson at Strasburg, 7:30 p.m. John Champe at Central, 7:30 p.m. Berkeley Springs (W.Va.) at Clarke County, 7:30 p.m.

Bath County at Buffalo Gap, 7 p.m. East Rockingham at James River, 7 p.m. Page County at Parry McCluer, 7 p.m. Nelson County at Riverheads, 7 p.m. Wilson Memorial at Spotswood, 7 p.m. Waynesboro at Stuarts Draft, 7 p.m. Stonewall Jackson at Clarke County, 7:30 p.m. William Monroe at Broadway, 7:30 p.m. Wakefield at George Mason, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 13 Fauquier at Handley, 1 p.m.

Warren County at William Monroe, 7:30 p.m. Madison County at Manassas Park, 7:30 p.m.

Sherando at Handley, 1 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 3 Stonewall Jackson at Wilson Memorial, 7 p.m. Millbrook at Skyline, 7 p.m. Clarke County at Warren County, 7 p.m. Liberty at Sherando, 7 p.m. Broadway at James Wood, 7 p.m. Buffalo Gap at Stuarts Draft, 7 p.m. East Rockingham at Riverheads, 7 p.m. Luray at Page County, 7 p.m. William Monroe at Strasburg, 7:30 p.m. Manassas Park at Central, 7:30 p.m. George Mason at Madison County, 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 19 Friday, Sept. 5 Strasburg at East Rockingham, 7 p.m. Central at Stonewall Jackson, 7 p.m. Skyline at Fauquier, 7 p.m. Warren County at Brentsville, 7 p.m. Sherando at Martinsburg (W.Va.), 7 p.m. James Wood at Loudoun Valley, 7 p.m. Millbrook at Hedgesville (W.Va.), 7 p.m. Park View at Manassas Park, 7 p.m. Buffalo Gap at Parry McCluer, 7 p.m. Nelson County at Page County, 7 p.m. Covington at Riverheads, 7 p.m. Wilson Memorial at Robert E. Lee, 7 p.m. Fort Defiance at Stuarts Draft, 7 p.m. Spotswood at William Monroe, 7:30 p.m. Luray at Madison County, 7:30 p.m. George Mason at Rapp. County, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 6 Harrisonburg at Handley, 1 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 12 Brentsville at Skyline, 7 p.m. Warren County at James Wood, 7 p.m. Washington (W.Va.) at Sherando, 7 p.m. Millbrook at Kettle Run, 7 p.m. Madison County at Culpeper, 7 p.m.

Central at Spotswood, 7 p.m. Manassas Park at Skyline, 7 p.m. Sherando at Kettle Run, 7 p.m. Millbrook at Fauquier, 7 p.m. Clarke County at Brentsville, 7 p.m. George Mason at Luray, 7 p.m. Riverheads at Waynesboro, 7 p.m. Stuarts Draft at Broadway, 7 p.m. James Wood at Strasburg, 7:30 p.m. William Monroe at Charlottesville, 7:30 p.m. East Rockingham at Madison County, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 20 Eastern View at Handley, 1 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 4 Kettle Run at Handley, 1 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 24 Central at Warren County, 7 p.m. Riverheads at Stonewall Jackson, 7 p.m. Handley at Skyline, 7 p.m. James Wood at Millbrook, 7 p.m. Page County at Buffalo Gap, 7 p.m. East Rockingham at Wilson Memorial, 7 p.m. Luray at Stuarts Draft, 7 p.m. Strasburg at Madison County, 7:30 p.m. Manassas Park at Clarke County, 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 31 Stonewall Jackson at Luray, 7 p.m. Skyline at Sherando, 7 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 10 East Rockingham at Stonewall Jackson, 7 p.m. Washington (W.Va.) at Skyline, 7 p.m. James Wood at Sherando, 7 p.m. Jefferson (W.Va.) at Millbrook, 7 p.m. Buffalo Gap at Luray, 7 p.m. Riverheads at Page County, 7 p.m. Stuarts Draft at Wilson Memorial, 7 p.m. Strasburg at George Mason, 7:30 p.m. Central at William Monroe, 7:30 p.m. Warren County at Manassas Park, 7:30 p.m. Madison County at Clarke County, 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 26 Stuarts Draft at Stonewall Jackson, 7 p.m. Skyline at Kettle Run, 7 p.m. Jefferson (W.Va.) at Sherando, 7 p.m. Handley at Washington (W.Va.), 7 p.m. Fauquier at James Wood, 7 p.m. Chancellor at Millbrook, 7 p.m. Riverheads at Buffalo Gap, 7 p.m. Page County at East Rockingham, 7 p.m. Wilson Memorial at Luray, 7 p.m. Strasburg at Clarke County, 7:30 p.m. Central at George Mason, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 18

Buffalo Gap at East Rockingham, 7 p.m. Wilson Memorial at Page County, 7 p.m. Riverheads at Stuarts Draft, 7 p.m. Warren County at Strasburg, 7:30 p.m. Madison County at Central, 7:30 p.m. Clarke County at George Mason, 7:30 p.m. William Monroe at Manassas Park, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 1 Millbrook at Handley, 1 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 7 Friday, Oct. 17 Stonewall Jackson at Buffalo Gap, 7 p.m. Skyline at James Wood, 7 p.m. George Mason at Warren County, 7 p.m. Luray at East Rockingham, 7 p.m. Page County at Stuarts Draft, 7 p.m. Wilson Memorial at Riverheads, 7 p.m. Manassas Park at Strasburg, 7:30 p.m. Clarke County at Central, 7:30 p.m. William Monroe at Madison County, 7:30 p.m.

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

JAMES MADISON UNIVERSITY DUKES

The Northern Virginia Daily

FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 2014

Withers brings changes to JMU football program By Tommy Keeler Jr.

and just do things differently and put in coach [Everett] Wither’s perspective, and his whole staff and just get used to our team,” JMU redshirt senior offensive lineman Matt Williams said. “I think we started out in winter and then rolled through spring getting to know our plays and our schemes and that kind of stuff, just changing our whole culture. I wish I had more time here. It’s been exciting.”

HARRISONBURG — James Madison University’s football team had many changes in the offseason, but all the changes may lead to plenty of success this season. The Dukes have a completely new coaching staff, including a head coach, a new defense and lots of transfers. However, the players are confident that the changes have been for the better. “We tried to get a lot more energy around the program

2014

been much improved this season. “This is my fifth year and I don’t know that this team’s ever been this close,” redshirt senior wide receiver Daniel Brown said. “Now offensive and defensive guys are hanging out. Linemen and receivers, things like that. Everybody has a good time. We’ve had a couple times this summer where the team’s just gotten together and hung out, and it’s just been really fun.”

One of the biggest things the new coaching staff did was Withers said that he and his bring the players closer togeth- staff believe that close bond er, and the team chemistry has will help on the field this season. DUKES

• Coach: Everett Withers (First year) • Offense/Defense: Multiple/3-4 • Key returnees: OL Austin Lane, OL Matt Williams, OL Eric Buchholz, OL Matt Cunningham, RB Khalid Abdullah, WR Brandon Ravenel, WR Daniel Brown, WR DeAndre Smith, TE Deane Cheatham, DL Sage Harold, DL Alex Mosley, LB Gage Steele, LB Titus Till, DB Dean Marlowe, DB KweʼShon Williams, DB Jeremiah Wilson • Key losses: QB Michael Birdsong, RB DaeʼQuan Scott, OL Scott Jones, OL Josh Wells, LB Stephon Robertson, DL Jordan Stanton, DL Tyler Snow, K Cameron Starke

The Dukes will certainly have plenty of talent on the field. It may all start with Georgia Tech transfer Vad Lee. The redshirt junior is expected to be the quarterback of a fast-paced offense that will try to run as many plays as possible. Lee ran for 513 yards and DUKES, 57

Courtesy photo

James Madison’s Daniel Brown (10) catches a pass against St. Francis last season at Bridgeforth Stadium in Harrisonburg.

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56 FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 2014

JAMES MADISON UNIVERSITY DUKES

The Northern Virginia Daily

Dukes’ Steele not satisfied despite sterling season By Tommy Keeler Jr. HARRISONBURG — Gage Steele had a sterling season for James Madison University’s football team last year. However, don’t expect the Warren County graduate and current JMU redshirt sophomore to get caught basking in the glory of his success. Steele believes as good as last season was, he has a lot to improve on over the next three years. “Last year is just one thing that will stick in my head for the rest of my life,” Steele said. “It was a great experience, but I’m focused on this year now. I’m only going to try to get better. “I’m going to constantly work on my craft, my toolbox, and each year I’m going to come out better and better.” As a redshirt freshman Steele had 106 tackles, including 43 unassisted. He had three sacks and forced three fumbles. Steele was also a third-team All-CAA selection.

Courtesy photo

James Madison University rising redshirt sophomore linebacker Gage Steele (33), a Warren County High School graduate, aims to build on his stellar freshman season with the Dukes. Last year, Steele had 106 tackles, three sacks and forced three fumbles. only for one year but it will be OK. I still talk to him to this day. He’s a real good guy.”

He said that he even surprised himself with the success that he had for the Dukes.

linebacker position with Stephon Robertson, who was the two-time CAA Defensive Player of the Year.

“Last season I was definitely a little nervous, but that’s how it’s going to be playing college ball,” Steele said. “But it’s also a dream that I’ve always wanted to accomplish. Last year I just wanted to be productive for the team, knowing that I was young. I didn’t have as much experience, but I was just constantly trying to get better to help out the team.”

Steele suffered a hip injury Steele said Robertson, who graduated from JMU in May, in preseason this year, but is expected to be ready for was a great mentor to have. JMU’s season opener against “He was my teacher all last Maryland. year,” Steel said. “I did nothA lot changed in the offseaing but sit down and watch son for the Dukes. After a 6-5 film with him, ask him quesseason, head coach Mickey tions constantly just trying to Matthews was replaced by add to what I knew about Everett Withers, who brought football. Coming from high a whole new staff in with school, it’s a totally different him. animal coming up here. Stephon was just a great JMU also switched from a 4teacher, unfortunately it was 3 defense to a 3-4, although

Steele also had help at his

they will still use the 4-3 some. plenty of depth in the middle Steele said he’s enjoying the of the defense. new defense. “There are tons of different formations that we can run out of in this 3-4 package, and it just seems like anything the offense throws at us we got something to counteract it,” Steele said. “It’s really exciting to learn a new defense where you have so many things to counteract offenses with.” With the 3-4 depth will be even more important at the linebacker spot, and Steele said he believes the team has

Robertson was a big leader for the Dukes, and Steele said he knows that he has to step up and be more of a leader and he believes he’s ready to do that. “I’ve got to be more of a leader this year. I’ve got to take control,” Steele said. “I love working with all [the linebackers]. They’re real competitive. It’s real nice to work with guys who want the same thing as you. It makes your job a lot easier.” STEELE, 57

JAMES MADISON UNIVERSITY DUKES

The Northern Virginia Daily

Dukes

FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 2014

2014 SCHEDULE

Aug. 30 Continued from 55 Sept. 6 Sept. 13 passed for 1,561 yards in helping the Yellow Sept. 20 Jackets to a second-place finish in the Coastal Sept. 27 Division of the ACC. “This offense is great,” Lee said. “We’ve got some Oct. 4 great playmakers. We got a great offensive line. I Oct. 11 can’t say that enough, because those guys are Oct. 25 really working their butt off. We’re just looking to Nov. 1 get better each and every day.” Nov. 8 University of Tennessee transfer Alden Hill will battle sophomore Khalid Abdullah for the starting Nov. 15 running back spot. Nov. 22

2013 STATS

at Maryland, 3:30 p.m. at Lehigh, 12:30 p.m. Saint Francis (Pa.), 4 p.m. at Villanova, 12:30 p.m. Delaware, 4 p.m. at Albany, 6 p.m. Towson, 12:30 p.m. at Charlotte, Noon William and Mary, 3:30 p.m. at Stony Brook, 1 p.m. at Richmond, 12:30 p.m. Elon, Noon

• Record: 6-5, 3-5 CAA • Passing leader: Michael Birdsong (227 for 376, 2,728 yards, 22 touchdowns, 15 interceptions) • Rushing leader: DaeQuan Scott (239 carries for 1,040 yards, 8 touchdowns) • Receiving leader: Daniel Brown (42 catches for 665 yards, 8 touchdowns) • Total tackles: Stephon Robertson (141) • Sacks: Jordan Stanton (8) • Interceptions: Kweʼshon Williams (3)

2013 RESULTS (6-5, 3-5 CAA)

Aug. 31 The Dukes should have plenty of depth at wide Sept. 7 receivers. Brown, Brandon Ravenel and DeAndre out of the 3-4 instead of the 4-3 this season, and Sept. 14 the players were excited about the change. Smith will be joined by transfers Sean Tapley Sept. 21 The Dukes should be solid up front led by Sage (North Carolina) and redshirt freshman Ishmael Harold, Brandon Lee and Alex Mosley. Hyman (Kansas). Sept. 28 Warren County graduate Gage Steele and Titus The offensive line will also have plenty of depth. Oct. 5 Till will help lead the way in the linebacking Williams, Matt Cunningham, Dominick Richards Oct. 12 spots, although they will have to fill the void left and Austin Lane are back this season, and the Oct. 26 by the graduated Stephon Robertson. Dukes have two transfers in Millbrook graduate A.J. Bolden (Toledo) and Nick Appel (North The Dukes were young in the secondary last sea- Nov. 2 Carolina) who will help give them additional depth. son, but have a lot coming back and with another Nov. 9 “I think our line is really good,” Williams said. year of experience should be much improved. Nov. 16 “We’re going to be a really tight unit. I think Dean Marlowe, Handley graduate Jeremiah Nov. 23 we’ve come together so much as a unit. We have a Wilson, Taylor Reynolds and Kwe’Shon Williams lot of depth and experience on the line, so that’s going to be huge. Our team chemistry, our team camaraderie has just been unbelievable.”

are all back this season.

JMU’s defense struggled at times last season, especially in the secondary. JMU will play mostly

The JMU coaching staff is confident that if the players buy into the culture and do what is asked

beat Central Connecticut State, 38-14 lost to Akron, 35-33 beat Saint Francis (Pa.), 24-20 beat UNC Charlotte, 34-7 lost to Delaware, 29-22 beat Albany, 40-13 beat Richmond, 38-31 lost to William and Mary, 17-7 beat Villanova, 31-21 lost to New Hampshire, 33-17 lost to Stony Brook, 41-38 lost to Towson, 28-17

they will have a good season.

Defensive coordinator Brandon Staley said he wants his players to be aggressive.

“I’m expecting good things out of this football team,” Withers said. “It may not mean 10-1 or whatWithers said Connor Arnone will help lead the kicking game in some capacity, but he wasn’t sure “We want our guys to have fun playing the game,” ever, it may not mean that. It may mean growing every week, getting better as a football team every if that would be as a punter, placekicker or kickoff Staley said. “The only way you’re going to make guy. There were several others being looked at for any plays is being aggressive. No player in the his- week. The objective is to get better every week.” tory of ball has made a play by being scared.” the open special teams slots. Contact Assistant Sports Editor Tommy Keeler at

Steele

some things. We’ll try to make him uncomfortable and make him have to comContinued from 56 municate with his teammates. If he’ll do that and Withers said being a vocal leader is an area where they grow in that way in training are really looking for Steele camp, that will be a plus for to improve before the season us.” JMU defensive coordinator starts. Brandon Staley said he’s “We want him to grow as a happy that Steele is at JMU. leader,” Withers said. “He’s not a real talkative guy, so we have to make him do

said. “He’s been a real pleasure to coach. He’s a throwback. He’s a pro. He’s really mature. He takes a lot of pride in his performance. He’s an exceptional student.

“We’re real excited about him. He can be a lot better player and he knows that. And it’s going to be exciting to work with him and see “They don’t make them like him grow.” Gage very often,” Staley Steele said the first time he

540-465-5137 ext. 168, or tkeeler@nvdaily.com. Follow on Twitter @tkeelernvd.

ran onto the field a few years ago he couldn’t stop smiling. He said even last year that same incredible feeling came over him every time he stepped onto the field. “It didn’t get old,” Steel said of running onto the field. “It was just amazing running out in front of the crowd. It makes me more hungry to do better. It’s a

motivator. You want to do well for all these guys, my family and fans. It’s an amazing experience, and I’m very humbled. I don’t talk much about it, but I’m very thankful for this opportunity.” Contact Assistant Sports Editor Tommy Keeler at 540-465-5137 ext. 168, or tkeeler@nvdaily.com. Follow on Twitter @tkeelernvd.

58 FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 2014

SHENANDOAH UNIVERSITY HORNETS

The Northern Virginia Daily

Shenandoah working to strengthen program’s foundation

By Brad Fauber

his team this season.

The foundation for Shenandoah University’s football program was planted last fall. Now the Hornets have to continue to build on the progress that was made in 2013.

Shenandoah made some big strides in its first year under Yoder in 2013, as the Hornets went from a program that had won just one game two years ago to a team that went 4-6 (34 ODAC) last season and finished tied for fourth in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference.

2014 HORNETS • Coach: Scott Yoder (second year, 4-6) • Offense/Defense: Spread/4-4 • Key Returnees: QB Drew Ferguson, WR Brandon Adams, WR Qlyl Middeljin, WR Cedrick Delaney, WR David Bell, TE Miles Green, OL Jonathan Hudson Jr., OL Ivan Ayala, OL Dustin Edwards, OL Marcus Jenkins, OL Forest McDaniel, DL Jake Payne, DL Ian Griffin, LB Michael Messick, LB Michael Wroble, DB Sean Blackman. • Key losses: QB Justin Neff, RB Andrew Smith, RB Josh Wells, DL Preston Funk, DL Evan Griffin, LB Tijun Findley, DB Bayvon Young, CB Darryll Gadsden.

The Hornets claimed several marquee victories last season — including an upset of eventual ODAC champion Hampden-Sydney — but also suffered from inconsistencies that hindered Shenandoah’s ability to carry momentum from one game into the next. Yoder wants that to change in 2014. “I think the No. 1 thing that we have to continue to work on is our collective confidence,” Yoder said. “We certainly made some strides with that last year and now it’s building on the consistency, because we have the proof. We know we can play with anybody in the league on any Saturday but now we have to prove to ourselves that we can do it week in and week out. That’s the next big step we have to make.”

Photo courtesy of Shenandoah University

Shenandoah University’s Qlyl Middelijn turns upfield after making a catch against Gallaudet during a game last season in Winchester. On paper, Shenandoah looks like a team built for another year of improvement. The Hornets’ offensive and defensive schemes that Yoder installed upon his arrival last year are no longer brand new, and Yoder said he hopes the upperclassmen can take

advantage of that luxury that SU didn’t have a season ago. There is also the returning experience — plenty of it — particularly on the offensive side of the ball. Shenandoah returns 10 offensive starters this season, including its quarterback, the entire

offensive line and all of its receivers. The Hornets struggled offensively in 2013, ranking last in the ODAC in scoring (21.8 points per game) and total offense (333.4 yards per game), but Yoder hopes that unit will be more comfortable in its HORNETS, 59

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The Northern Virginia Daily

SHENANDOAH UNIVERSITY HORNETS

Hornets Continued from 58

spread offense in year two. “We’re coming off a year where … we knew what we wanted to be but we weren’t sure what we could be,” Yoder said. “Now in year two, with a group that played well and knows they can play well, has 10 starters back, doesn’t have a lot of question marks, has some freshmen coming into it that can contribute… I know we’re smiling and we’re just trying to do everything we can do to make sure that we get the most out of that group.” The one major question mark for Shenandoah’s offense lies at running back, where the Hornets will have to replace the output of Andrew Smith, who transferred to Division II Shippensburg (Pennsylvania) University. As a sophomore last season, Smith ran for 890 yards and nine touchdowns on 191 carries and caught 36 passes for 269 yards and three touchdowns. Sophomore Dalaun Richardson, who was limited last year after suffering a dislocated toe in a preseason scrimmage, will play a more prominent role in the Hornets’ backfield this season, Yoder said, and junior Kye Hopkins and Virginia Union transfer Morris Jackson should provide Shenandoah with some depth at running back.

2013 STATS • Record (4-6, 3-4 ODAC) • Passing leader: Justin Neff (102 for 159, 1,054 yards, 8 touchdowns, 2 interceptions) • Rushing leader: Andrew Smith (191 carries, 890 yards, 9 touchdowns) • Receiving leader: Brandon Adams (44 catches, 377 yards, 4 touchdowns) • Total tackles: Byron Mitchell (94) • Sacks: Byron Mitchell (4.5) • Interceptions: Sean Blackman (2)

“I feel really good about Drew Ferguson and he’s going to be our trigger guy. The hard part for us is now we have to get another first-year player for us ready to play as a backup,” Yoder said. “I’m not going to say we’re going to have the two-quarterback system, but … we’re always going to need that second guy ready to go just in case. We’re kind of back to square one as far as that’s concerned.”

FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 2014

2013 RESULTS (4-6, 3-4 ODAC) Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 Nov. 16

lost to Gallaudet, 31-20 beat Ferrum, 43-29 lost to Christopher Newport, 34-6 beat Bridgewater, 29-20 lost to Guilford, 56-29 lost to Catholic, 37-7 beat Hampden-Sydney, 36-35 lost to Randolph-Macon, 42-7 lost to Emory & Henry, 37-20 beat Washington & Lee, 21-14

2014 SCHEDULE

Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Defensively, Shenandoah has some holes to fill, par- Oct. 18 ticularly in the secondary, but has a strong core of returning starters from a group that was last in the Oct. 25 Nov. 1 conference in scoring defense (33.5 points allowed per game) and total defense (443.3) yards per game. Nov. 8 Yoder said he expects everything in SU’s 4-4 Nov. 15

defense to begin up front with defensive ends Ian Griffin and Jake Payne. He added that the Hornets’ linebacker group — which features senior Sean Shenandoah will also be impacted by the loss of quarterback Justin Neff, who tore his ACL in the off- Blackman and returning leading tackler Michael Messick — is “probably the deepest and most talentseason and will be unavailable to the Hornets this ed position for us.” fall. Neff shared time with Drew Ferguson in SU’s two-quarterback system last season. “I think the key for us is our secondary is going to be very young. We’re talented, we have good athletes Neff’s absence leaves Ferguson (81 for 157, 944 [but] we don’t have a lot of varsity game experience. yards, 8 touchdowns, 8 interceptions last season) as We’ve just go to get the pieces in the right position the Hornets’ lone option at quarterback.

at Gallaudet, 7 p.m. Frostburg State, 7 p.m. Ferrum, 7 p.m. at Bridgewater, 7 p.m. Guilford, 1 p.m. at Catholic, 1 p.m. Hampden-Sydney, 1 p.m. Randolph-Macon, 1 p.m. at Emory & Henry, 1 p.m. at Washington & Lee, 1 p.m.

and get them reps because if we can get those guys up to speed I think we can be very solid on the defensive side,” Yoder said. Shenandoah, which was picked to finish sixth in the ODAC in the preseason coaches’ poll, begins play on Sept. 6 at Gallaudet. Contact staff writer Brad Fauber at 540-465-5137 ext. 184, or bfauber@nvdaily.com. Follow on Twitter @BradFauberNVD.

Good thru Oct. 1, 2014

248130

60 FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 2014

SHENANDOAH UNIVERSITY HORNETS

The Northern Virginia Daily

Fiery Payne determined to lift Hornets to new heights By Brad Fauber

third on the team with three sacks and had a total of 5.5 tackles for loss, and was named a second team allODAC selection.

WINCHESTER — Jake Payne doesn’t need to be reminded about Shenandoah University’s defensive numbers from a season ago. They’re ingrained in the defensive lineman’s brain.

“He played last year and started every game for us as a sophomore and he did more than hold his own,” Yoder said. “I think the game that Shenandoah really solidified it for me was against University’s Hampden-Sydney. He was going up Jake Payne against their All-American tackle, (99) and Ian [Will] Ferrell, and Jake had some Griffin chase nice moves against him and really down held his own. He’s a huge part of Catholic what we’re doing, and the fact that University he can play inside or out — he’s a quarterback difference maker. Right now we don’t T.J. Tutone have enough difference makers, so during a those guys are really important to game last us. The big thing for him, for our proseason in Winchester. gram, is the leadership aspect.” Payne and Griffin, who have built a Photo courtesy of strong friendship since Payne’s freshShenandoah University man year in 2012, will bookend a defensive line this fall tasked with leading a unit that will be inexperienced in the secondary.

The Hornets ranked last in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference in scoring defense in 2013, as they allowed 33.5 points per game. They were last in the conference in total defense (443.3 yards allowed per game), rushing defense (231.3 yards/game) and turnovers forced (12). Somehow Shenandoah managed to win four games — a three-game improvement on SU’s win total from 2012 — but that has done little to ease Payne’s frustration with the Hornets’ defensive performance last fall. “I can’t even sleep at night because I think about it,” Payne said following practice earlier this month. Payne may take those stats a little more personally than others around him, but that’s what sets him apart from most of his teammates. That passion is what makes him click. And it starts with Payne and his teammates along the defensive line.

trainer, so I was just running all the time trying to get my speed up,” said Payne, who added that he is “signifi“We want to be the best D-line in the ODAC, if not the top in the coun- cantly stronger” than he was last try,” Payne said. “I think we have the season. “Me and [Hornets defensive end] Ian [Griffin] both ran the condipotential to be. I know we do. We worked our [butts] off this offseason tioning test [in the spring] with the Yoder said he has challenged Payne and I think that’s going to show this wide receivers and we both passed it with the wide receiver times. … We this season to rein in his emotions a year.” did that because we know that’s little bit, mainly for the simple fact Payne took personal strides to what it’s going to take. My goal is to that the 6-foot-5, 265-pound junior ensure that this year’s version of has been voted as one of the Hornets’ Shenandoah’s defense is better than have my motor going 100 percent four team captains and will be relied its predecessor. Knowing that he was every play.” upon to help guide his younger team- going to be moving back to defensive If Payne does indeed improve on a mates through adversity. end after playing mostly at defensive personal level from his 2013 season, tackle last season, Payne shed 20 that will be great news for But don’t expect that to dampen pounds this offseason and focused on Shenandoah. Last year as a sophoPayne’s fiery passion on the football getting faster. more, Payne started all 10 games field this fall — he’s got too many and finished third on the team with lofty goals for the Hornets’ defense “I was down in Florida training for 62 tackles (26 solo). He also was this season to allow that to happen. a month and a half with a speed “Football is really important to him,” Hornets head coach/defensive coordinator Scott Yoder said. “Honestly he’s one of the kids that — you’ve got to walk the fine line in saying this — but he almost takes the bad too hard.”

Yoder said the success of Shenandoah’s defense this season will depend heavily on how well Payne and Griffin (51 total tackles, 3.5 sacks, 10 TFL in 2013) perform, and Payne said the defensive line’s ability to generate a pass rush against opposing quarterbacks will be critical to helping SU’s defensive backs. “Those guys are our leaders, and up front they’re going to take us as far as we’re going to go,” Yoder said. “They’ve got a great connection. We’ve got to lean on that.” Just how much improvement that leadership will generate remains to be seen, but Payne is determined not to let Shenandoah repeat 2013. “It’s not going to be the same,” Payne said. “I can promise you that.” Contact staff writer Brad Fauber at 540-465-5137 ext. 184, or bfauber@nvdaily.com. Follow on Twitter @BradFauberNVD.

The Northern Virginia Daily

SHEPHERD UNIVERSITY RAMS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 2014

Journal Photo by Ron Agnir

Shepherd Allen Cross (31) cuts inside Glenville defenders Devin Cain (43) and Darren Elliot (3) during last season’s game in Shepherdstown, W. Va.

Shepherd has holes to fill on defensive line campus and on line,” senior Levi Barber said.

Other players used up their eligibility or graduated from a squad that The defending Mountain East was “probably the best defense we Shepherd suffered heavy losses from Conference champion goes into the ever had,” Cater said. SHEPHERDSTOWN — Over his 27 new season with check marks on the a defense that was among the top In speaking of the defense, Cater three nationally in all of the imporfirst three items. previous seasons as head coach at continued, “But there are significant tant statistics, including leading the Shepherd, Monte Cater established Defense, though, that’s the question nation in rushing defense for the losses, not just up front either.” certain standards: everyone seems to have about a team third year in a row. Barber anticipates the defensive • An emphasis on the running that has been picked to defend its unit will reach the Shepherd stanThe defensive line lost all four game. championship in a vote by league dard when the Rams open the season starters, each of whom was studied coaches. • A quality kicking game. Sept. 6 at West Liberty. by NFL scouts and one, Howard “It’s been brought up a lot around Jones, signed a professional contract. • An excellent return unit. RAMS, 62 By Rick Kozlowski rkozlowski@journal-news.net

• A strong and stalwart defense.

62 FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 2014

SHEPHERD UNIVERSITY RAMS

Rams

2013 STATS • Record: 11-1, 9-0 Mountain East Continued from 61

• Passing leader: Jeff Ziemba (104 for 167, 1,133 yards, 7 touchdowns, 6 interceptions)

“I’m completely confident in the people we have,” said Barber, a first-team, all-conference linebacker.

• Rushing leader: Allen Cross (237 carries for 1,100 yards, 12 touchdowns) • Receiving leader: William McKenzie (34 catches for 362 yards, 2 touchdowns)

Added Cater, “The cupboard’s not bare.”

Still, most of the experienced starters are on offense and not defense, a switch from last season when Shepherd ran the table in the regular season, won a 7-0 playoff victory and then fell in the national quarterfinals. Shepherd’s defense returned virtually intact a season ago, and the offense was a little less experienced.

“I think we’re going to be fine,” Cater said of his team’s defense.

Shaneil Jenkins gained extensive experience on the defensive line last season, and Demetrius Dixon and Myles Humphries figure into the mix. Former fullback Bernard Wooley also is there. Three of four linebackers return to the fold — including Barber and all-league second-teamers De’Ontre Johnson and Octavious Thomas, the MEC’s defensive freshman of the year. Transfer Antoine Young looks to grab a fourth spot. In the secondary, David Carter and Philip

2014 RAMS

• Total tackles: DeOntre Johnson (66) • Sacks: Robert Hayes (11) • Interceptions: Phillip Rhoden (5) Journal photo by Ron Agnir

Rising redshirt sophomore quarterback Jeff 2013 RESULTS (11-1, 9-0 MT. Ziemba returns to lead the Shepherd Rams again Sept. 7 beat Shippensburg, 33-0 this season. Last year, Ziemba passed for 1,133 yards and seven touchdowns. Sept. 14 beat Fairmont State, 27-7

Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 “Athleticism will get you by,” Cater said. “I think Oct. 19 they’re going to be OK.” Nov. 2 Davis is an All-American return specialist who Nov. 9 will bring his immense talent to the defensive Nov. 16 backfield. He averaged 24.9 yards per punt return Nov. 30 in 2013. “We’ve had some great ones,” Cater said of return Dec. 7 Rhoden, who had five interceptions a season ago, are veteran starters, but Dontrewell Kelley will miss the whole season because of an injury. Adam Coles, Tre Sullivan and C.J. Davis will join the unit.

• Coach: Monte Cater (28th year, 232-111-2)

men. “He’s going to be among them.”

• Offense/Defense: Multiple-I/4-4

Similarly, the Rams have possessed tremendous running backs, and Allen Cross and Jabre Lolley fit that category. Plus, Cater is high on newcomer Trenton Cannon.

• Key returnees: QB Jeff Ziemba, RB Allen Cross, RB Jabre Lolley, LB Octavius Thomas K Ryan Earls, KR C.J. Davis, OL Hussam Ouri, OL Isaiah Shelton, LB Levi Barber, LB DeʼOntre Johnson, DB Dontrewell Kelley, FB Jon Hammer • Key losses: DL Howard Jones, DL Robert Hayes, DL Mike Franklin, DL Xavier Tyler, QB Trae Tinsman, WR Robert Byrd, OL Jordan Dixon, DB Corey Washington, P Troy McNeill

Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Nov. 1 Nov. 8 Nov. 15

The Northern Virginia Daily

2014 SCHEDULE at West Liberty, 1 p.m. Fairmont State, Noon at Urbana (Ohio), Noon West Virginia Wesleyan, Noon at University of Charleston, 1 p.m. Virginia-Wise, Noon at Notre Dame College (Ohio), 1 p.m. Glenville State, Noon at West Virginia State, 1 p.m. Concord, Noon

EAST)

beat Urbana, 28-21 beat West Virginia Wesleyan, 45-10 beat Charleston, 28-9 beat Virginia-Wise, 42-17 beat Notre Dame College, 57-17 beat Glenville State, 45-19 beat West Virginia State, 47-0 beat Concord, 41-33 beat Winston-Salem State, 7-0 lost to West Chester, 28-7

also includes veterans William McKenzie and Tony Squirewell. “Offensively, we got to get better,” Cater said.

Importantly, quarterback Jeff Ziemba is back after taking over the position at midseason of his Cross rushed for 1,114 yards and 12 touchdowns, redshirt freshman year in 2013. His completion while Lolley, the conference’s top offensive freshpercentage led the MEC, but he suffered a pair of man, added 925 yards and a league-high 15 TDs. interceptions that were returned for touchdowns in Shepherd’s lone loss during the playoffs to West “They’re as good of running backs that we’ve Chester. He was intercepted just six times all seahad,” Cater said. son. They’ll be running behind a line that returns “He’ll be better,” Cater said. “He learned a lot in three starters, including all-league performer that last ballgame.” Isaiah Shelton, second-teamer Hussam Ouri and Dameon Hairston. Will Smith and Lavonte Hights Cater likes Ziemba’s consistency and said, “He’ll will join the crew up front. be better this year.” “We lost two good players,” Cater said, “but we’re Kicker Ryan Earls earned all-conference honors still excited by what we have there.” last season, but he might have to add punting to his repertoire. James Domenico is steady at long John Hammer, wearing the perfect name for his snapper. position in Shepherd’s system, is the team’s allleague fullback, a player used mostly for blocking. Jamie Deason returns at tight end.

The league coaches think the Rams have enough to win the conference championship for a second time in its two-year run.

The return of Billy Brown, who sat out all of last season injured, and Dalton Boyd, who was injured “It’s an expectation to be on top here,” Barber early in the season bolsters a receiving corps that said. “Winning is an expectancy here.”

SHEPHERD UNIVERSITY RAMS

The Northern Virginia Daily

FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 2014

Rams’ Ouri provides veteran presence to offensive line By Rick Kozlowski rkozlowski@journal-news.net SHEPHERDSTOWN, W.Va. — Hussam Ouri qualifies as Shepherd’s Every-Year Man. “That’s what everyone says,” Ouri said, laughing. It seems like he’s been manning a position on the offensive line for the Rams forever. Maybe it’s his rugged looks, particularly his thick, dark beard that is unmistakable.

Ouri and his linemates will be charged with playing an integral part, especially as Shepherd hopes for “more production” from the offense, as coach Monte Cater put it. The Rams suffered major losses in personnel from one of the nation’s best defenses over the last several seasons, and to help its new unit grow, Shepherd wants to rely on its running game to keep possession of the football.

Jordan Dixon and Isaiah Shelton, both all-Mountain East Really, this will be his fourth Conference performers in 2013, year as a starter on the Shepherd join Ouri, a second-team allline, though, as a redshirt senior, league pick, as starters on the Ouri’s in his fifth season with the offensive line. program. He started at times as a freshman at guard before moving “We have to rebuild from the to center full time since his soph- bottom up and succeed up front,” Ouri said. “We have to improve omore season. “I was joking around with one of the talent we have. We have talent, as long as everyone buys in the refs one time, and he said, ‘You guys don’t want to graduate; to what the coaches say. you want to stay there forever,’” Ouri said. Truth be known, Ouri could’ve graduated from Shepherd after 3 1/2 years of school, but he’s been taking extra classes in order to go to graduate school. “I’m getting ready for physical therapy school,” he said. He’ll receive his degree in December — after, he hopes, another successful season by the Rams, winners of two straight titles in different conferences. “What we did last year, we don’t want to replicate last year,” Ouri said. “Our strength coach said, ‘We went undefeated and lost.’” Sure enough, Shepherd won its first 11 games before stumbling in the national quarterfinals to West Chester. Ouri and his teammates want more: semifinals, finals, national championship.

“We have talent.” How quickly the offensive line gels with its newcomers will be key. “We should be a capable offensive line,” Ouri said. “That’s hard to deal with (on defense). I want to lead them.” Ouri said he doesn’t feel there’s pressure on the offense to ease the burden on a fairly new defensive unit. His pressure is what he puts on himself to perform. “Last year, I was having one of my better camps,” Ouri said. “I hurt my foot. I didn’t look like myself when I watched films, whether it was pulling or moving. “I have to prove to myself I want to get it done. I want to be the player I can be.” It’s now or never, because, believe it or not, this is Ouri’s last season.

Journal photo by Rick Kozlowski

Shepherd University senior offensive lineman Hussam Ouri returns to start for the fourth straight season. Ouri will be back at center for the Rams.

64 FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 2014

UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA CAVALIERS

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Cavaliers have high expectations after dismal year HANK KURZ Jr. AP Sports Writer CHARLOTTESVILLE — Looking around the room, Virginia’s players see signs of greatness everywhere. A big-armed new quarterback in Greyson Lambert with plenty of skill players to lean on. An aggressive defense more familiar with the system its second year under defensive coordinator Jon Tenuta. “We see what the potential is that we have,” tackle David Dean said. “We see the ceiling that we have and it’s only us that can stop us from reaching that ceiling.” In many ways for the Cavaliers, it’s like last year’s 2-10 record never happened. But it did and coach Mike London — who’s fifth year could determine if he gets a sixth at Virginia — is well aware things need to improve. Virginia was fifth nationally in time of possession, keeping the ball for better than 33 minutes per game, but 110th in scoring, averaging just 19.6 points. They forced 21 turnovers but turned them into just 13 points, and ranked 74th nationally in red zone efficiency with just 21 touchdowns on 41 attempts. “It’s great to execute, it’s great to have the ball, but if you don’t produce, if you don’t have points coming out of that, CAVALIERS, 65

2014 CAVALIERS • Coach: Mike London (Fifth year, 18-31) • Offense/Defense: Pro, 4-3 • Key returnees: QB Greyson Lambert, RB Kevin Parks, WR Darius Jennings, DL Eli Harold, DL David Dean, LB Henry Coley, LB Daquan Romero, DB Demetrious Nicholson, DB Anthony Harris, DB Brandon Phelps, DB Maurice Canady, P Alec Vozenllek

(AP Photo)

In this Nov. 30, 2013, file photo, Virginia quarterback Greyson Lambert (11) tosses a pass during the second half an NCAA college football game in Charlottesville.

• Key losses: TE Jake McGee, WR Tim Smith, OL Morgan Moses, OL Luke Bowanko, OL Sean Cascarano, DL Jake Snyder, DL Brent Urban, DB DreQuan Hoskey

The Northern Virginia Daily

UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA CAVALIERS

HERE ARE FIVE THINGS TO WATCH FOR WITH VIRGINIA THIS SEASON:

FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 2014

Cavaliers Continued from 64

• WHO’S BLOCKING?: The loss of left tackle Jay Whitmire to injury has left the Cavaliers scrambling to put together an offensive line, which is critical to everything. A week into camp, offensive coordinator Steve Fairchild said players were still being moved around to find the best combination. With offensive efficiency a focus, opening holes for the tailbacks and keeping Lambert upright will be imperatives. • THE SCHEDULE: The Cavaliers open with three straight home games, none of them easy, and a poor start could send the season into a tailspin before October. They open with expected national contender UCLA and then play a very experienced Richmond of the FCS and ACC newcomer Louisville in the first three weeks. • REPLACING McGEE: Hope always springs eternal before the games actually begin, and the talk of tough competition among the receiving corps needs to translate onto the field. TE Jake McGee was their best receiver until he transferred to Florida, and at least one big receiver needs to emerge as a go-to guy. Leading options appear to be WRs Kyle Dockins, Keeon Johnson and Miles Gooch and TE Zach Swanson. • NEW COACHES: Tenuta’s arrival last season meant that the players and his assistant coaches all had to learn his system, and that won’t be the case this year. Oliver and Archer both have worked with him before, and the players have a year under their belts in the system, which relies on ball disruption, forcing turnovers and sacking the quarterback. More of each of those would be a welcome development. • LONDON FALLING?: Virginia has won just six of 24 games the last two seasons, making an 8-5 record and bowl berth three years ago seem like a distant memory. The team worked extensively on chemistry in the offseason, and many players have said the losing has been the fault of the players, not the coach. Whether that accountability helps, and translates into victories, will determine the tone of the season.

then that’s a statistic that obviously is not in our favor,” London said. “Our focus is on the executing of the offense. ... One of the functions of an offense is scoring points.” The hope is that Lambert, a 6-foot-5 redshirt sophomore who supplanted incumbent David Watford in the spring, will help, as will an emerging group of wide receivers. It may take a few of them to replace receiving leader Jake McGee, a 6-6 tight end who transferred to Florida for his final season. “They’ve been the biggest surprise I think this spring,” offensive coordinator Steve Fairchild said. “That’s probably where we are most improved.”

(AP Photo)

In this July 21, 2014, file photo, Virginia head coach Mike London answers a question during a news conference at the Atlantic Coast Conference Football kickoff in Greensboro, N.C. that can produce big plays.

The defense has two new assistants in defensive line coach Jappy Oliver and safeties coach Mike Archer, both of whom have histories working with Tenuta. Running back also is The unit will be led by solid with Kevin Parks providing the power and tackle David Dean, middle linebacker Henry fellow senior Khalek Coley and safety Shepherd and sophoAnthony Harris, whose more Taquan “Smoke” Mizzell both possessing eight interceptions led the nation. the breakaway speed

2013 RESULTS (2-10, 0-8 ACC) Aug. 31 Sept. 7 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 Nov. 23 Nov. 30

beat BYU, 19-16 lost to Oregon, 59-10 beat VMI, 49-0 lost to Pittsburgh, 14-3 lost to Ball State, 48-27 lost to Maryland, 27-26 lost to Duke, 35-22 lost to Georgia Tech, 35-22 lost to Clemson, 59-10 lost to North Carolina, 45-14 lost to Miami, 45-26 lost to Virginia Tech, 16-6

2014 SCHEDULE Aug. 30

UCLA, Noon

Sept. 6

Richmond, 3:30 p.m.

Sept. 13

Louisville, 12:30 p.m.

Sept. 20

at BYU, TBA

Sept. 27

Kent State, TBA

Oct. 4

Pittsburgh, TBA

Oct. 18

at Duke, TBA

Oct. 25

North Carolina, TBA

Nov. 1

at Georgia Tech, TBA

Nov. 8

at Florida State, TBA

Nov. 22

Miami, TBA

Nov. 28

at Virginia Tech, TBA

2013 STATS • Record: 2-10, 0-8 ACC • Passing leader: David Watford (244 for 427, 2,202 yards, 8 touchdowns, 15 interceptions) • Rushing leader: Kevin Parks (227 carries for 1,031 yards, 11 touchdowns) • Receiving leader: Jake McGee (43 catches for 395 yards, 2 touchdowns) • Total tackles: Henry Coley (91) • Sacks: Eli Harold (15) • Interceptions: Anthony Harris (8)

66 FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 2014

VIRGINIA TECH HOKIES

The Northern Virginia Daily

Hokies look to return to staples of running and D HANK KURZ Jr. AP Sports Writer BLACKSBURG — It’s a year of change at Virginia Tech, and the Hokies hope it is for the better. Coach Frank Beamer entered his 28th training camp still trying to determine a successor for quarterback Logan Thomas, with Texas Tech transfer Michael Brewer and Mark Leal battling for the job. Brewer, viewed by many as the favorite, said the Hokies were a “nobrainer choice” after meeting with offensive coordinator Scot Loeffler on a

recruiting visit, and can only hope he’s a no-brainer, too. “The winning tradition here, expecting to win every game that you’re in, was something that meant a lot to me,” Brewer said of choosing the Hokies. “And then obviously getting to play behind a defense that can back you up like that on a consistent basis takes a lot of pressure off the offense.” For the past two seasons, when the Hokies went 7-6 and then 8-5, offensive consistency has been a problem mostly because of the absence of a reliable running game. They hope to fix HOKIES, 67

HERE ARE FIVE THINGS TO WATCH WITH VIRGINIA TECH THIS SEASON: • OPENING HOLES: Three starters return on the offensive line, but “that’s where we get young,” tight ends coach Bryan Stinespring said. Mark Shuman is a fifth-year senior, but has hardly played, and the guards figure to be redshirt freshman Wyatt Teller and redshirt sophomore Augie Conte. Brewer has a good pocket presence, according to his coaches, but would benefit from running lanes and time to throw. • MAKING STOPS: Inside linebackers Jack Tyler and Tariq Edwards were the Hokies’ top tacklers last season, and both have moved on, leaving redshirt senior Chase Williams and junior Deon Clark to fill their critical roles. In Foster’s defense, the inside linebackers are always among the leading tacklers. • SNAP COUNT: Assuming he wins the job, Brewer comes to Blacksburg after having played in a spread offense his entire football life, which means he’s always been in the shotgun. He’ll be expected to get behind center in Loeffler’s offense, a transition that can either go smoothly or be very costly. • ELEMENT OF SURPRISE: The Hokies had to scrap much of what Loeffler intended to do on offense last season when Malleck got hurt in training camp and then Edwards was hobbled. With both healthy, and now-experienced backups behind them, Loeffler expects the offense to look “significantly different.” (AP Photo)

In a Nov. 16, 2013, file photo Virginia Tech defensive coordinator Bud Foster cheers his team prior to the start of the Maryland Virginia Tech NCAA college football game in Blacksburg. Foster loves it that some are calling Virginia Tech DBU, or Defensive Back U.

• CUPCAKES: The Hokies play at Ohio State in the second game of the season, but caught a break from the ACC schedule-maker by avoiding league powerhouses Florida State and Clemson and getting Miami at home.

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VIRGINIA TECH HOKIES

FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 2014

2014 HOKIES • Coach: Frank Beamer (28th year, 224-109-2) • Offense/Defense: Spread, 4-4 • Key returnees: RB Trey Edmunds, TE Ryan Malleck, WR Dimitri Knowles, WR Josh Stanford, OL Jonathan McLaughlin, OL Caleb Farris, DL Luther Maddy, DL J.R. Collins, DB Kyshoen Jarrett, DB Detrick Bonner, DB Kendall Fuller • Key losses: QB Logan Thomas, OL Andrew Miller, WR Willie Byrn, DL James Gayle, DL Derrick Hopkins, LB Jack Tyler, CB Kyle Fuller, DB Antone Exum, K Cody Journell

Hokies Continued from 66

that this season behind Trey Edmunds, who has rebounded fully from a broken left leg, and diminutive speedster J.C. Coleman. Help also will come from the return of tight end Ryan Malleck, an effective receiver who missed last season with a torn left rotator cuff. He’ll not only bolster the passing game, but a young offensive line. Loeffler also expects a second season running his system to pay big dividends. “It’s a comfort level, in terms of system-wise, where we’re at,” he said. “Now we’ve just got to put the right people and the right seats on the bus, execute, run the football and don’t turn it over.” The opposite plan had guided Bud Foster’s defense for years, and will again. The unit is led by the passing rushing duo of Dadi Nicholas and Luther Maddy up front, and anchored by a secondary that should rival any in college football. The safeties are seniors Kyshoen Jarrett and

2013 RESULTS (8-5, 5-3 ACC) Aug. 31 Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 26 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 Nov. 16 Nov. 30 Dec. 31

lost to Alabama, 35-10 beat Western Carolina, 45-3 beat East Carolina, 15-10 beat Marshall, 29-21, 3OT beat Georgia Tech, 17-10 beat North Carolina, 27-17 beat Pittsburgh, 19-9 lost to Duke, 13-10 lost to Boston College, 34-27 beat Miami, 42-24 lost to Maryland, 27-24, OT beat Virginia, 16-6 lost to UCLA, 42-12

(AP Photo)

Virginia Tech head coach Frank Beamer answers a question during a news conference at the Atlantic Coast Conference Football kickoff on July 21 in Greensboro, N.C. Detrick Bonner, and the cornerbacks are Kendall Fuller and Brandon Facyson, who started as freshmen. The foursome combined for 15 of the team’s 19 interceptions a year ago. The Hokies had a string of eight straight years with at least 10 wins snapped when they stumbled

2013 STATS • Record: 8-5, 5-3 ACC • Passing leader: Logan Thomas (227 for 402, 2,907 yards, 16 touchdowns, 13 interceptions) • Rushing leader: Trey Edmunds (166 carries for 675 yards, 10 touchdowns) • Receiving leader: Willie Byrn (51 catches for 660 yards, 2 touchdowns) • Total tackles: Jack Tyler (100) • Sacks: Luthur Maddy (6.5) • Interceptions: Kendall Fuller (6)

to the 7-6 finish in 2012-13, but Beamer rejected the notion that last year continued the hard times. “In reality, it’s one or two wins away,” he said. “It’s not like the bottom’s falling out here.”

2014 SCHEDULE Aug. 30 Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Nov. 1 Nov. 15 Nov. 22 Nov. 28

William and Mary, 4 p.m. at Ohio State, 8 p.m. East Carolina, Noon Georgia Tech, TBA Western Michigan, TBA at North Carolina, TBA at Pittsburgh, 7:30 p.m. Miami, 7:30 p.m. Boston College, TBA at Duke, TBA at Wake Forest, TBA Virginia, TBA

68 FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 2014

VIRGINIA TECH HOKIES

The Northern Virginia Daily

Strong secondary a tradition at Virginia Tech HANK KURZ Jr. AP Sports Writer BLACKSBURG — Virginia Tech’s Bud Foster began rattling off names: DeAngelo Hall. Brandon Flowers. Kam Chancellor. All NFL Pro Bowlers, and all former Hokie defensive backs who played in Foster’s defense. Kyle Fuller, a cornerback selected in the first round of the 2014 NFL draft by the Chicago Bears, could be the next to rise to that level. The impressive list has some Virginia Tech fans calling the school DBU (Defensive Back University). Kyshoen Jarrett, Detrick Bonner, Kendall Fuller and Brandon Faycson — this year’s starting secondary — hope to carry on the tradition. Jarrett and Bonner are seniors, and the younger Fuller and Faycson are sophomores. “Kids want to go someplace where you’ve got a great tradition and that’s the one thing we’ve developed here is a great defensive tradition, a great mindset,” Foster said. “We’ve developed a great culture here. The expectations don’t change ... I hope that’s why kids want to come to Virginia Tech.”

(AP Photo)

In an Aug. 10, 2013, file photo, freshman defensive back Kendall Fuller smiles during Virginia Tech football team media day in Blacksburg. Virginia Tech defensive coordinator Bud Foster thinks Fuller could become the best defensive back he’s coached.

Foster has been the defensive coordinator in Blacksburg since 1996.

Foster said it wasn’t an easy Bowl and had nine tackles. choice. Kyle Fuller would have been “We have some special guys a contender for “best ever” status had he not been that have come through nagged by injuries with the here,” he said. Hokies, Foster said, and Hall plays for the Kyle’s brother, Kendall, still Washington Redskins and has a chance to top the has 43 career interceptions in 11 seasons. He has scored charts.

Asked to name the best defensive back during his time at Virginia Tech, he settled on Flowers. He played six seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs and now is with the San Diego Chargers.

nine career touchdowns on interception and fumble returns. Chancellor is entering his fifth season with the Seattle Seahawks. He intercepted Denver’s Peyton Manning in the 2013 Super

“So he’s kind of in that line with Brandon, being a physical guy at the point of attack.”

Kendall Fuller was the Atlantic Coast Conference’s defensive rookie of the year last season, when he started 12 of the Hokies’ 13 games “I’m hoping in a couple and had six interceptions. He years, he’s going to be the was a second team All-ACC best one,” Foster said. “He’s a choice. lot like Brandon Flowers, a lot like his brother. He’s a lit- “He still hasn’t reached his tle bigger, a little more physi- potential yet,” Foster said. cal, I think, than Kyle can be. Another former star under

Foster, Torrian Gray, played three years in the NFL and now coaches the secondary for Virginia Tech. With three impressive freshmen on the team, he sees no drop-off in the defensive backfield. “You get talented guys, you coach them well and we’ve just happened to have guys turn out well and be successful,” he said, adding that he expects Jarrett and Bonner to both be in the NFL next season. “We just kind of run with it.”

TOP 25

The Northern Virginia Daily

FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 2014

‘Noles nation domination

• No. 7 UCLA has its best preseason ranking since 1998, when the Bruins were also seventh.

Finish No. 1. Start No. 1. Even Bobby Bowden’s best Florida State teams never did that.

• No. 8 Michigan State has its best preseason ranking since 1967, when the Spartans were No. 3.

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Florida State 2.0 is built to last.

“We’re the second-winningest team in the country Jimbo Fisher’s Seminoles the last four years, the winwill. Jameis Winston and ningest team the last two the defending national years and have had the champions are preseason most NFL players,” Fisher No. 1 for the sixth time. said. “We’ve recruited well, In two of the previous five too. Recruited a lot of great seasons Florida State start- young players we’ve been ed No. 1, the ‘Noles went on able to mentor and develop as we go, so we’re very comto finish No. 1, including a fortable with the guys who wire-to-wire title in 1999. But they never did start the are replacing the guys that left.” following year top-ranked. The Seminoles were an OK, the 2000 Seminoles overwhelming choice as No. were preseason No. 2, and 1, receiving 57 of 60 firstafter Bowden, the Hall of place votes from the media Fame coach whom Fisher panel. No. 2 Alabama, No. 2 replaced, won his first Oregon and No. 4 Oklahoma national championship in 1993, Florida State started got one first-place vote each. 1995 ranked No. 3.

• No. 10 Baylor is ranked in the preseason for the first time since 1986 and has its best preseason rankings since 1957, when the Bears were No. 7. (AP Photo)

• No. 25 Washington, with new coach Chris Petersen, formerly of Boise State, is making its first preseason appearance since 2003.

In this Jan. 6, 2014, file photo, Florida State’s Jameis Winston (5) throws during the first half of the NCAA BCS National Championship college football game against Auburn in Pasadena, Calif. Winston and defending national champion Florida State are No. 1 in The Associated Press Football Playoff national championship game. preseason college football poll. CONFERENCE CALL an offensive line that STREAKS Do not think for a second returns four starters. that the end of the There’s turnover at receiver • Ohio State has been Southeastern Conference’s and running back but still ranked in 26 straight prestreak of national champiseason polls, the nationʼs plenty left of four- and fiveonships means the SEC is longest current streak. star talent left behind. slipping. Ohio State is No. 5 and Fisher’s Seminoles have a • Alabama has been ranked Same goes on defense, The SEC begins the 2014 Auburn, which lost the final in the top five in six straight long way to go to compare where sophomore safety season with eight ranked BCS national championship to Florida State’s unprecepreseason polls, the Jalen Ramsey and defensive teams, matching its own game to the Seminoles 34dented run of national nationʼs longest current end Mario Edwards step record for most teams from championship contention, a 31, is No. 6. streak. into leadership roles. one conference in the prestring of 14 straight seasons Last season was a good Florida State is the hunted season poll, set in 2011. during which the ‘Noles fin- reminder that preseason again. Fisher wants them to The Bowl Championship After Alabama and ished the season ranked in rankings can look pretty Series is gone now, replaced still act like hunters. Auburn, South Carolina is the top five of the AP rank- silly by the end of the seaby the College Football “We better have that attiNo. 9, Georgia is 12, LSU is ings. son. Four teams that finPlayoff. The top four teams tude. It’s got to be your atti- 13, Mississippi is 18, Texas ished in final top 10 last Still, make no mistake: will be placed into national tude every year,” said A&M is 21 and Missouri is season (No. 2 Auburn, No. 3 semifinals to be played on Fisher, starting his fifth 24. START TO FINISH Michigan State, No. 5 New Year’s Day and season as Florida State Missouri and No. 10 UCF) The Pac-12, which gave the advance to the champiSince the AP preseason coach. “We call it an attiwere unranked to start the SEC a good run as the onship game about a week poll debuted in 1950, tude of domination. You can nation’s best conference last season. Throw in No. 13 and half later. Florida State in ʻ99 and never be satisfied.” Baylor, No. 20 Arizona State year, has six ranked teams Southern California in 2004 Expect surprises, though Florida State starts its and No. 23 Duke, and seven — No. 7 UCLA, No. 11 are the only teams to start coming up with a scenario season with a rebuilding of the teams that either Stanford, No. 15 Southern and end the season No. 1 Oklahoma State team at won or played for the cham- in which Florida State is California, No. 19 Arizona in the AP poll. Eight other not part of college football’s AT&T Stadium in pionship in the six conferState and No. 25 preseason No. 1s have Arlington, Texas, which, ences with BCS automatic- first final four is difficult. Washington — the most also won the national Winston will make a run at coincidentally, is also the ever for the league in the qualifying status began championship. his second Heisman behind site of the first College preseason. 2013 unranked.

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

70 FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 2014

The Northern Virginia Daily

(AP Photo)

This Jan. 4, 2014, file photo shows Philadelphia Eagles’ LeSean McCoy running during the second half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game against the New Orleans Saints in Philadelphia.

After surprising year, Eagles have high hopes ROB MAADDI AP Pro Football Writer PHILADELPHIA — After a worst-to-first season that far surpassed expectations, the Philadelphia Eagles finished with a bitter taste because of a first-round playoff loss. It also made them more determined.

Chip Kelly’s team opened training camp with lofty goals, looking to not only repeat in the NFC East, but make a run at the Super Bowl. That’s why every player took part in all the offseason workouts. They’re more familiar with Kelly’s system going into his second year,

and this training camp will be spent on improving instead of learning. “What I have seen is a real dedication to what we want to get accomplished here,” Kelly said. “They want to improve. They have got a great work ethic. They have a thirst for improvement, and I think that’s what we are

looking for. We want a bunch of guys that like playing football, not what football gets them.” Here were some things to know about the Eagles going into camp: NICK THE FRANCHISE: Nick Foles’ emergence from backup to Pro Bowl MVP was the key to Philadelphia’s suc-

cess last season. It also was one of the year’s biggest surprises, considering Foles lost the starting job to Michael Vick in training camp, and wasn’t thought to be a fit for Kelly’s up-tempo offense. But a guy who throws 29 TDs and only two interceptions and has a 119.2 passer rating EAGLES, 71

The Northern Virginia Daily

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 2014

Eagles Continued from 70

will fit into any system. Foles works hard and is eager to prove he’s no fluke. He’s eligible for a contract extension after the season, so another big year will put him in line to get a $100 million-plus deal. “I think if you start worrying about numbers, you stop worrying about what you’re doing,” Foles said during minicamp. “That’s where you mess up. I’m happy for those guys who do well, but my most important thing is being successful with my teammates. When I’m playing out there, there’s no dollar sign on me when I’m throwing a ball.” J-MAC BACK, D-JAX GONE: Replacing DeSean Jackson’s 82 catches, 1,332 yards and nine TDs won’t be easy. The Eagles are counting on Jeremy Maclin returning to form after missing last year with a torn ACL. Maclin, a first-round pick in 2009, averaged 64 catches, 863 yards and six TDs in his first four seasons. They’ll also need Riley Cooper to follow up his breakout year and get contributions from rookies Jordan Matthews and Josh Huff. Do-it-all running back Darren Sproles could end up getting some of Jackson’s touches. “I think we’ll be fine,” Maclin said. “Obviously, DeSean’s one of the better playmakers in this league, but we’re moving forward.” GRITTY O-LINE: Jason Peters, Evan Mathis, Jason Kelce, Todd Herremans and Lane Johnson started every game last season. Continuity and consistency helped them develop into one of the NFL’s top units. They paved the way for a record-setting rushing attack and helped Foles have an excellent year. But Johnson will miss the first four games because of a suspension for violating the NFL’s policy on performance enhancing drugs. Veteran Allen Barbre is expected to replace Johnson the first month of the season. Still, it’s a blow for the offense.

(AP Photo)

This June 18, 2014, file photo shows Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly speaking at NFL football minicamp, in Philadelphia. Kelly’s team opened training camp with lofty goals, looking to not only repeat in the NFC East, but make a run at the Super Bowl. “He played well as a rookie and you only imagine seeing him as a secondyear [player], just the great shape he is now,” running back LeSean McCoy said. “He’s got the playbook down and he’s a heck of a player. That will stink losing him for that many games.” SAFETY SHUFFLE: The Eagles filled a major need at safety by signing Malcolm Jenkins away from the Saints on the first day of free agency. Jenkins should bolster a pass defense that was the worst in the NFL. The Eagles have had a revolving door at safety since former AllPro Brian Dawkins left Philadelphia. Nate Allen will likely start opposite Jenkins, with second-year pro Earl Wolff pushing for playing time. None of these guys is Dawkins, but Philadelphia has more depth and stability at the position. UNDERRATED D-LINE: Cedric Thornton, Fletcher Cox and Bennie

(AP Photo)

This Jan. 26, 2014, file photo shows Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Nick Foles of Team Sanders looking to hand of the football in the third quarter of the NFL Pro Bowl football game in Honolulu. Foles’ emergence from backup to Pro Bowl MVP was the key to Philadelphia’s success last season. It also was one of the year’s biggest surprises, considering Foles lost the starting job to Michael Vick in training camp, and wasn’t thought to be a fit for Kelly’s up-tempo offense. But a guy who throws 29 TDs and only two interceptions and has a 119.2 passer rating will fit into any system. Logan had a promising first year together as starters in a 3-4 defense. They were particularly strong against the run, helping the Eagles finish fourth in yards-per-carry allowed. Each guy worked on improv-

ing as a pass rusher in the offseason and Logan bulked up to provide a bigger presence in the middle. If they can improve in their second season in Billy Davis’ defense, it’ll set a tone.

72 FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 2014

BALTIMORE RAVENS

The Northern Virginia Daily

Ravens look forward, not backward at training camp

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Not much has gone right for the Baltimore Ravens in the 17 months since they won the Super Bowl.

After defeating the San Francisco 49ers to claim their second championship, the Ravens sputtered to an 88 finish in 2013 and missed the playoffs for the first time since coach John Harbaugh took over in 2008.

During the past offseason five players were arrested — most notably running back Ray Rice, who is awaiting word on a possible suspension for allegedly assaulting his fiancee in Atlantic City.

Harbaugh and the Ravens attempted to put all that behind them this summer at training camp. Beginning with the first full-team workout, Baltimore had plenty of work to do before the season opener against the defending AFC North champion Cincinnati Bengals.

The primary focus will be building a cohesive attack under former Houston Texans coach Gary Kubiak, who replaces Jim Caldwell as offensive coordinator.

“We’ll figure it out,” Kubiak said, (AP Photo) “and make sure on opening day we’re Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco, center, prepares to catch a snapped ball as fellow quarterbacks doing what we do best.” Keith Wenning, back left, and Tyrod Taylor, as well as running back Ray Rice (27) look on during an NFL football training camp on July 26 in Owings Mills, Md. RAVENS, 73

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BALTIMORE RAVENS

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FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 2014

ABOVE: Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice, second from left, speaks with team president Dick Cass, left, owner Steve Bisciotti, second from right, and Kevin Byrne, senior vice president for public and community relations, after a training camp practice on July 24 at the team’s practice facility in Owings Mills, Md. LEFT: Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Steve Smith, second from left, waits alongside fellow wide receivers before running a drill during a training camp practice on July 24 at the team’s practice facility in Owings Mills, Md. (AP Photos)

Ravens Continued from 72

Here were some things the Ravens focused on during training camp:

with Joe.”

For that to happen, either free agent pickup Darian Stewart or rookie Flacco threw 22 interceptions comTerrence Brooks will have to distinpared to 19 touchdowns last season. guish themselves as the last line of That can’t happen again if Baltimore defense. is to be successful.

THE RIGHT STUFF: One of the most notable duels in camp will be at FLACCO’S FEET: The new offensive scheme calls for quarterback Joe right tackle, a position that opened Flacco to be more elusive in the pock- up when the Ravens let Michael et, which would have been a priority Oher depart as a free agent. anyway after a season in which he Rick Wagner is atop the depth absorbed a career-high 48 sacks. chart, but the second-year pro saw “There’s a lot of play action and most of his action last year as a tight stuff like that where [the plays] are a end in the “jumbo” package. little bit longer in developing, so “He definitely shows the tools that you’re going to have to move around he can be a starter for us, and he’s the pocket a little bit just to find the definitely going to compete for that place to set up,” Flacco said. [right tackle] spot,” Pro Bowl guard Flacco got a taste of the offense durMarshall Yanda said. ing the minicamp sessions and If Wagner can’t handle the job, the appeared to find a decent comfort Ravens could turn to Ryan Jensen or level in the pocket. left guard Kelechi Osemele. “Obviously, you’re going to read

with your eyes, but we teach to read with your feet,” Kubiak said. “There are certain things going on; the ball has to get going. I’m very impressed

Stewart has the edge in experience, having played for St. Louis. But he’s had problems with injuries and started only five games for the Rams last year. Brooks, a third-round pick out of Florida State, intends to make a run at the starting free safety job.

backer Terrell Suggs said. “We had it a few years ago in 81 [Boldin], and it’s good to have that fire back on that side of the ball, somebody who will go out there and jab back with us and compete.” Smith provides leadership and an extra set of accomplished hands to go with a receiving group that includes Torrey Smith, Jacoby Jones, Dennis Pitta and newcomer Owen Daniels.

EYES ON RICE: This is a very important season for Rice, who “Coming into a new system, it’s defi- rushed for only 660 yards last year and could begin the season serving a nitely going to be challenging,” Brooks said. “But for the most part ... suspension. I feel like I’ve got a good grasp on Rice was bothered by a hip injury in how this defense is and the 2013, one reason for his reduced schemes.” numbers. He expects improvement in MR. SMITH COMES TO B-MORE: 2014, and so do the Ravens. The addition of free agent wide But expect his backups, including receiver Steve Smith gives the Bernard Pierce, to see plenty of Ravens offense the swagger it lost action this summer as Baltimore preafter Anquan Boldin was traded in SAFETY FIRST: Although Matt pares for the possibility of starting Elam started 15 games at free safety the wake of Baltimore’s Super Bowl the schedule without the franchise’s win. last year, the Ravens would love to career leader in total yards from “It’s good to have that,” Ravens line- scrimmage. make him their strong safety.

WASHINGTON REDSKINS

74 FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 2014

The Northern Virginia Daily

Redskins hope new approach under Gruden pays dividends The Associated Press RICHMOND — Robert Griffin III was the last player on the field, signing one more football helmet, one more No. 10 jersey and one more poster for training camp volunteers before heading to the locker room. Unlike a year ago, when the Washington Redskins’ star quarterback and then-head coach Mike Shanahan feuded openly about whether he’d be allowed to test his surgically repaired knee in a preseason game, Griffin and the Redskins wrapped up a drama-free camp under new coach Jay Gruden.

AP photo

Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) rushes the ball in the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Baltimore Ravens on Aug. 23 in Baltimore. Griffin’s awkward sliding technique continues to worry the team.

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“You never want a media circus or anything like that,” Gruden said. After nearly three weeks in Richmond the Redskins headed back to northern Virginia and a much-appreciated day off for players. REDSKINS, 75

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Redskins Continued from 74

WASHINGTON REDSKINS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 2014

Here’s some storylines for the Redskins as they headed into training camp in Richmond:

WHAT’S NEW: Gruden and Allen have brought about franchise’s latest “I think it was pretty smooth. I culture change, from former coach think everybody’s on the same page Mike Shanahan’s authoritarian ways as far as what we’re talking about, what we’re doing on the field. There’s to structure of shared responsibility. Gruden is determined to make no hidden agendas, I don’t think,” Griffin more a traditional pocket Gruden said. passer, a transformation that could None appeared evident as crews take some time. At least WRs loaded barriers into tractor-trailers Jackson, Roberts, Pierre Garcon and and took down the many tents used Santana Moss give RG3 plenty of for a temporary training area. The options. only negative thought seemed to EXPECTATIONS: There’s nowhere come from tailback Darrel Young to go but up after fifth last-place finafter he dropped a sure touchdown pass from Kirk Cousins in a one-on- ish in six seasons, one overwhelmed by tension between Shanahan and one drill. Griffin. Improved atmosphere under “It’s time to go home,” Young said. Gruden alone should be worth extra The camp also featured three days win or two, but he’s also rookie NFL of joint workouts with the New head coach dealing with headstrong England Patriots before the teams QB. Offseason additions mean met in their preseason opener — the offense should be more potent, first dual practice the Redskins have defense should have better pass ever done. Team president and genrush, and special teams should be eral manager Bruce Allen declared better in every aspect — perhaps the combined effort a huge success enough to be competitive in NFC and said he would look into doing it East that doesn’t appear to have with someone again next season. dominant team. “We had spirited practices,” Allen UNDER SIEGE: The Washington said. “There’s good competition on Post says it will stop calling this football team right now, and the Washington’s football team the work with the Patriots and the work “Redskins” on its editorial page. that we got against ourselves hopeThe paper’s editorial board fully is going to propel us this seaannounced that it will refrain from son. I don’t think there’s any doubt using the term that it says “unquesthat we got better at camp.” AP photo tionably offends not only many One big decision will come at quarWashington Redskins wide receiver DeSean Jackson leaps to grab a pass Native Americans but many other terback, where Gruden has Griffin, during team warm ups prior to the Aug. 18 preseason football game incumbent backup Cousins and Colt Americans, too.” against the Cleveland Browns in Landover, Md. McCoy and is happy with all three of The board operates independently of tough to do in open field when playthe paper’s newsgathering operation. this week he will likely avoid the them. He said the Cincinnati name when he announces a ers are flying around. The coach even The Post will continue to use Bengals kept two quarterbacks Washington game this season. suggested he might eventually have active and one on the practice squad “Redskins” in the news and sports to order up some sort of sliding trainsections. when he was their offensive coordiRedskins owner Dan Snyder has ing for the franchise quarterback. nator, but that’s risky. vowed never to change the name, The board noted that it has been saying it honors Native Americans. Sliding remained the hot topic at speaking out against the Redskins “That’ll be a decision we make at the very end,” he said. name since 1992. Redskins SLIDING SCALE: Gruden is both Redskins Park two days after Griffin spokesman Tony Wyllie said the understanding and a little perplexed took some big hits and pulled off an Cost will also be a factor. The inelegant slide in a preseason win announcement was therefore “no surby Griffin’s inability to execute a Redskins are only about $2 million over the Cleveland Browns. prise” to the team. graceful slide. under the salary cap, Allen said, and

“obviously we’re going to have some injuries during the year that will eat that up.”

Several major newspapers have stopped using the name altogether. CBS lead analyst Phil Simms said

Gruden said that Griffin “needs to be a bit more fluid” when it comes to sliding, even though that can be

Asked if the topic is overblown, Gruden said: “It is an issue if he gets injured. It’s not an issue if he doesn’t.”

PITTSBURGH STEELERS

76 FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 2014

Makeover complete, Steelers ready for resurgence in 2014

PITTSBURGH — The faces Ike Taylor grew so accustomed to seeing line up alongside him over the past decade have disappeared.

Ryan Clark? Gone. Ditto Brett Keisel. And LaMarr Woodley. Larry Foote too.

The 34-year-old Taylor knows he may be part of the next wave out the door. He’s just trying to keep it propped open as long as he can, even if it means the longtime court jester has suddenly become one of the de-facto elder statesmen.

“There are a whole lot of new All Pittsburgh Steelers veterans faces,” the cornerback said with with Super Bowl rings. a laugh. “That’s a good and bad All now are a part of the team’s thing. It’s a good thing that I am still here. I’ll give a shout out to past after another offseason everybody who left. But football purge, part of the inevitable is football. Football, you have to churn from which no franchise understand as a player, is a busi— not even the one with more ness.” Lombardi Trophies than any

other — is immune.

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Of the 90 players who reported to Saint Vincent College when the Steelers open training camp, only seven stood on the field in Tampa on that cool February night five years ago when Pittsburgh beat the Arizona Cardinals for its sixth championship.

And business wasn’t so hot for the Steelers in 2013. Only a resurgent 6-2 second half allowed Pittsburgh to avoid its first losing season since 2003. The Steelers haven’t missed the playoffs three consecutive years this millennium. To keep that streak alive, they spent the long STEELERS, 77

The Northern Virginia Daily

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger wears a jersey with the number 99 during an NFL football training camp practice on July 26 in Latrobe, Pa. Steelers defensive lineman Brett Keisel wore 99 in the prior season and had not been re-signed with the team. (AP Photo)

PITTSBURGH STEELERS

The Northern Virginia Daily

FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 2014

Steelers Continued from 76

winter and spring giving the defense a needed jolt of speed and youth. The early returns are promising. Cornerback William Gay likened practice during organized team activities to a track meet. One in which the defense that finished 13th in the league in yards allowed last year did less chasing and more catching. “These boys are running,” Taylor said. “When you look at it on the field and you actually play with them, you can see that they are running.” Perhaps, all the way back to the postseason. Here’s what to look for as Pittsburgh began its 47th summer at Saint Vincent.

SLIM SHAZIER: Rookie linebacker Ryan (AP Photo) Shazier runs like a safe- In this Nov. 17, 2013, file photo, Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Ike Taylor waits to take the field during the second quarter of ty and hits as if he’s a an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions in Pittsburgh. The faces Taylor grew so accustomed to seeing line up alongside him over the past decade have disappeared. STEELERS, 78

• Solar panels at Washington’s FedEx Field produce enough energy to meet the power needs of 300 metro area homes.

• Blue recycling bags and Heinz Field tailgate parties are a tradition in Pittsburgh thanks to the “Let’s Tackle Recycling” program.

www.fcrecycles.net

• At the Cleveland Brown’s stadium, an organics recycling program collects food waste which is converted into renewable energy and a soil amendment. The Browns estimate that they generate enough methane gas to heat 32 homes for one month.

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• 11,000 solar panels and 14 windmills generate more than enough energy to power Philly’s Lincoln Field on game days.

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• An electronics recycling event led up to the 2014 Super Bowl. Post-game in New Jersey, unprepared stadium food was donated to local shelters.

78 FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 2014

Steelers

PITTSBURGH STEELERS

The Northern Virginia Daily

most of the offseason workouts because of a nagging leg injury.

NO HUDDLE HYPE: The Steelers rallied from a miserable 2-6 start in 2013 thanks in large linebacker. The Steelers can deal part to an uptick in offensive prowith the 6-foot-1, 237-pound duction due to an increased Shazier’s relative lack of size if it reliance on the no-huddle. Expect means he can move sideline to quarterback Ben Roethlisberger to sideline as quickly as he did in be given even more freedom in three standout years at Ohio State. On a defense where young- 2014. Pittsburgh averaged 28 points a game during its 5-2 run to sters typically only start when close 2013. Roethlisberger expects necessary, Shazier could be the the offense to be even more proexception as the Steelers search ductive with the addition of wide for someone to replace Foote. LOADED BACKFIELD: Le’Veon receiver Lance Moore and the potential of 6-foot-4 rookie wideout Bell put together the best rookie season by a Steelers running back Martavis Bryant, who gives since Franco Harris in 1972, with Roethlisberger the big red zone 1,259 yards from scrimmage. He’ll target he’s lacked since Plaxico Burress left town the first time have plenty of help this fall from nearly a decade ago. beefy LeGarrette Blount, who signed after spending last year in HEALTHY LINE: Who knows New England and rookie Dri what 2013 would have looked like Archer, whose 4.27 40-yard dash in Pittsburgh if center Maurkice time at the draft combine has Pouncey hadn’t torn up his right offensive coordinator Todd Haley knee eight plays into the season? dreaming of ways to use him. It took the line weeks to stabilize, and by then it was too late. OUT OF THIS WORILDS: Pittsburgh liked enough of what it Pouncey is healthy and happy saw from outside linebacker Jason after signing a contract extension in June. His return buoys a group Worilds and his team-high eight of youngsters — including rapidly sacks in 2013 to hand him the transitional player tag and cut ties improving guard David DeCastro with the oft-injured Woodley. — that was one of the better units Worilds and the Steelers, however, in the league by the end of last have not yet agreed to a long-term year even with Pouncey on the deal and the 26-year-old missed sideline in sweatpants. Continued from 77

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger hopes to help his team avoid missing the playoffs for the third straight season this year. Roethlisberger is expected to have more freedom in an offense that promises to be more productive this season. AP photo

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NFL SCHEDULE

The Northern Virginia Daily

Thursday, Sept. 4 Green Bay at Seattle, 8:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7 New Orleans at Atlanta, 1 p.m. Cincinnati at Baltimore, 1 p.m. Buffalo at Chicago, 1 p.m. Washington at Houston, 1 p.m. Tennessee at Kansas City, 1 p.m. New England at Miami, 1 p.m. Oakland at N.Y. Jets, 1 p.m. Jacksonville at Philadelphia, 1 p.m. Cleveland at Pittsburgh, 1 p.m. Minnesota at St. Louis, 1 p.m. San Francisco at Dallas, 4:25 p.m. Carolina at Tampa Bay, 4:25 p.m. Indianapolis at Denver, 8:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 8 N.Y. Giants at Detroit, 7:10 p.m. San Diego at Arizona, 10:20 p.m. — Week Two Thursday, Sept. 11 Pittsburgh at Baltimore, 8:25 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 14 Miami at Buffalo, 1 p.m. Detroit at Carolina, 1 p.m. Atlanta at Cincinnati, 1 p.m. New Orleans at Cleveland, 1 p.m. New England at Minnesota, 1 p.m. Arizona at N.Y. Giants, 1 p.m. Dallas at Tennessee, 1 p.m. Jacksonville at Washington, 1 p.m. Seattle at San Diego, 4:05 p.m. St. Louis at Tampa Bay, 4:05 p.m. Kansas City at Denver, 4:25 p.m. N.Y. Jets at Green Bay, 4:25 p.m. Houston at Oakland, 4:25 p.m. Chicago at San Francisco, 8:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 15 Philadelphia at Indianapolis, 8:30 p.m. — Week Three Thursday, Sept. 18 Tampa Bay at Atlanta, 8:25 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21 San Diego at Buffalo, 1 p.m. Tennessee at Cincinnati, 1 p.m. Baltimore at Cleveland, 1 p.m. Green Bay at Detroit, 1 p.m. Indianapolis at Jacksonville, 1 p.m. Oakland at New England, 1 p.m. Minnesota at New Orleans, 1 p.m. Houston at N.Y. Giants, 1 p.m. Washington at Philadelphia, 1 p.m. Dallas at St. Louis, 1 p.m. San Francisco at Arizona, 4:05 p.m. Kansas City at Miami, 4:25 p.m. Denver at Seattle, 4:25 p.m. Pittsburgh at Carolina, 8:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 22 Chicago at N.Y. Jets, 8:30 p.m. — Week Four (Byes: Arizona, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Denver, Seattle, St. Louis) Thursday, Sept. 25 N.Y. Giants at Washington, 8:25 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28 Carolina at Baltimore, 1 p.m. Green Bay at Chicago, 1 p.m. Buffalo at Houston, 1 p.m. Tennessee at Indianapolis, 1 p.m. Detroit at N.Y. Jets, 1 p.m. Miami vs. Oakland at London, 1 p.m. Tampa Bay at Pittsburgh, 1 p.m.

Jacksonville at San Diego, 4:05 p.m. Atlanta at Minnesota, 4:25 p.m. Philadelphia at San Francisco, 4:25 p.m. New Orleans at Dallas, 7:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 29 New England at Kansas City, 7:30 p.m. — Week Five (Byes: Miami, Oakland) Thursday, Oct. 2 Minnesota at Green Bay, 8:25 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5 Chicago at Carolina, 1 p.m. Houston at Dallas, 1 p.m. Buffalo at Detroit, 1 p.m. Baltimore at Indianapolis, 1 p.m. Pittsburgh at Jacksonville, 1 p.m. Tampa Bay at New Orleans, 1 p.m. Atlanta at N.Y. Giants, 1 p.m. St. Louis at Philadelphia, 1 p.m. Cleveland at Tennessee, 1 p.m. Arizona at Denver, 4:05 p.m. N.Y. Jets at San Diego, 4:25 p.m. Kansas City at San Francisco, 4:25 p.m. Cincinnati at New England-x, 8:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 6 Seattle at Washington, 8:30 p.m. — Week Six (Byes: Kansas City, New Orleans) Thursday, Oct. 9 Indianapolis at Houston, 8:25 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 12 Chicago at Atlanta, 1 p.m. New England at Buffalo, 1 p.m. Carolina at Cincinnati, 1 p.m. Pittsburgh at Cleveland, 1 p.m. Green Bay at Miami, 1 p.m. Detroit at Minnesota, 1 p.m. Denver at N.Y. Jets, 1 p.m. Baltimore at Tampa Bay, 1 p.m. Jacksonville at Tennessee, 1 p.m. San Diego at Oakland, 4:05 p.m. Washington at Arizona, 4:25 p.m. Dallas at Seattle, 4:25 p.m. N.Y. Giants at Philadelphia-x, 8:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 13 San Francisco at St. Louis, 7:30 p.m. — Week Seven (Byes: Philadelphia, Tampa Bay) Thursday, Oct. 16 N.Y. Jets at New England, 8:25 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19 Atlanta at Baltimore, 1 p.m. Minnesota at Buffalo, 1 p.m. Miami at Chicago, 1 p.m. New Orleans at Detroit, 1 p.m. Carolina at Green Bay, 1 p.m. Cincinnati at Indianapolis, 1 p.m. Cleveland at Jacksonville, 1 p.m. Seattle at St. Louis, 1 p.m. Tennessee at Washington, 1 p.m. Kansas City at San Diego, 4:05 p.m. N.Y. Giants at Dallas, 4:25 p.m. Arizona at Oakland, 4:25 p.m. San Francisco at Denver-x, 8:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 20 Houston at Pittsburgh, 8:30 p.m. — Week Eight (Byes: N.Y. Giants, San Francisco) Thursday, Oct. 23 San Diego at Denver, 8:25 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26 Detroit vs. Atlanta, at London, 9:30 a.m.

Seattle at Carolina, 1 p.m. Baltimore at Cincinnati, 1 p.m. Miami at Jacksonville, 1 p.m. St. Louis at Kansas City, 1 p.m. Chicago at New England, 1 p.m. Buffalo at N.Y. Jets, 1 p.m. Minnesota at Tampa Bay, 1 p.m. Houston at Tennessee, 1 p.m. Philadelphia at Arizona, 4:05 p.m. Oakland at Cleveland, 4:25 p.m. Indianapolis at Pittsburgh, 4:25 p.m. Green Bay at New Orleans-x, 8:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 27 Washington at Dallas, 8:30 p.m. — Week Nine (Byes: Atlanta, Buffalo, Chicago, Detroit, Green Bay, Tennessee) Thursday, Oct. 30 New Orleans at Carolina, 8:25 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 2 Jacksonville at Cincinnati, 1 p.m. Tampa Bay at Cleveland, 1 p.m. Arizona at Dallas, 1 p.m. Philadelphia at Houston, 1 p.m. N.Y. Jets at Kansas City, 1 p.m. San Diego at Miami, 1 p.m. Washington at Minnesota, 1 p.m. St. Louis at San Francisco, 4:05 p.m. Denver at New England, 4:25 p.m. Oakland at Seattle, 4:25 p.m. Baltimore at Pittsburgh-x, 8:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 3 Indianapolis at N.Y. Giants, 8:30 p.m. — Week 10 (Byes: Houston, Indianapolis, Minnesota, New England, San Diego, Washington) Thursday, Nov. 6 Cleveland at Cincinnati, 8:25 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9 Tennessee at Baltimore, 1 p.m. Kansas City at Buffalo, 1 p.m. Miami at Detroit, 1 p.m. Dallas vs. Jacksonville, at London, 1 p.m. San Francisco at New Orleans, 1 p.m. Pittsburgh at N.Y. Jets, 1 p.m. Atlanta at Tampa Bay, 1 p.m. Denver at Oakland, 4:05 p.m. St. Louis at Arizona, 4:25 p.m. N.Y. Giants at Seattle, 4:25 p.m. Chicago at Green Bay-x, 8:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 10 Carolina at Philadelphia, 8:30 p.m. — Week 11 (Byes: Baltimore, Dallas, Jacksonville, N.Y. Jets) Thursday, Nov. 13 Buffalo at Miami, 8:25 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 16 Atlanta at Carolina, 1 p.m. Minnesota at Chicago, 1 p.m. Houston at Cleveland, 1 p.m. Philadelphia at Green Bay, 1 p.m. Seattle at Kansas City, 1 p.m. Cincinnati at New Orleans, 1 p.m. San Francisco at N.Y. Giants, 1 p.m. Denver at St. Louis, 1 p.m. Tampa Bay at Washington, 1 p.m. Oakland at San Diego, 4:05 p.m. Detroit at Arizona, 4:25 p.m. New England at Indianapolis-x, 8:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 17 Pittsburgh at Tennessee, 8:30 p.m.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 2014 — Week 12 (Byes: Carolina, Pittsburgh) Thursday, Nov. 20 Kansas City at Oakland, 8:25 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23 Cleveland at Atlanta, 1 p.m. N.Y. Jets at Buffalo, 1 p.m. Tampa Bay at Chicago, 1 p.m. Cincinnati at Houston, 1 p.m. Jacksonville at Indianapolis, 1 p.m. Green Bay at Minnesota, 1 p.m. Detroit at New England, 1 p.m. Tennessee at Philadelphia, 1 p.m. St. Louis at San Diego, 4:05 p.m. Arizona at Seattle, 4:05 p.m. Miami at Denver, 4:25 p.m. Washington at San Francisco, 4:25 p.m. Dallas at N.Y. Giants-x, 8:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 24 Baltimore at New Orleans, 8:30 p.m. — Week 13 Thursday, Nov. 27 Chicago at Detroit, 12:30 p.m. Philadelphia at Dallas, 4:30 p.m. Seattle at San Francisco, 8:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 30 San Diego at Baltimore, 1 p.m. Cleveland at Buffalo, 1 p.m. Tennessee at Houston, 1 p.m. Washington at Indianapolis, 1 p.m. N.Y. Giants at Jacksonville, 1 p.m. Carolina at Minnesota, 1 p.m. New Orleans at Pittsburgh, 1 p.m. Oakland at St. Louis, 1 p.m. Cincinnati at Tampa Bay, 1 p.m. Arizona at Atlanta, 4:05 p.m. New England at Green Bay, 4:25 p.m. Denver at Kansas City-x, 8:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 1 Miami at N.Y. Jets, 8:30 p.m. — Week 14 Thursday, Dec. 4 Dallas at Chicago, 8:25 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7 Pittsburgh at Cincinnati, 1 p.m. Indianapolis at Cleveland, 1 p.m. Tampa Bay at Detroit, 1 p.m. Houston at Jacksonville, 1 p.m. Baltimore at Miami, 1 p.m. N.Y. Jets at Minnesota, 1 p.m. Carolina at New Orleans, 1 p.m. N.Y. Giants at Tennessee, 1 p.m. St. Louis at Washington, 1 p.m. Kansas City at Arizona, 4:05 p.m. Buffalo at Denver, 4:05 p.m. San Francisco at Oakland, 4:25 p.m. Seattle at Philadelphia, 4:25 p.m. New England at San Diego-x, 8:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 8 Atlanta at Green Bay, 8:30 p.m. — Week 15 Thursday, Dec. 11 Arizona at St. Louis, 8:25 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14 Pittsburgh at Atlanta, 1 p.m. Jacksonville at Baltimore, 1 p.m. Green Bay at Buffalo, 1 p.m. Tampa Bay at Carolina, 1 p.m. Cincinnati at Cleveland, 1 p.m. Minnesota at Detroit, 1 p.m. Houston at Indianapolis, 1 p.m. Oakland at Kansas City, 1 p.m. Miami at New England, 1 p.m. Washington at N.Y. Giants, 1 p.m.

Denver at San Diego, 4:05 p.m. N.Y. Jets at Tennessee, 4:05 p.m. San Francisco at Seattle, 4:25 p.m. Dallas at Philadelphia-x, 8:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 15 New Orleans at Chicago, 8:30 p.m. — Week 16 Thursday, Dec. 18 Tennessee at Jacksonville, 8:25 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20 San Diego at San Francisco, 4:30 or 8:15 p.m. Philadelphia at Washington, 4:30 or 8:15 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21 Cleveland at Carolina, 1 p.m. Detroit at Chicago, 1 p.m. Baltimore at Houston, 1 p.m. Minnesota at Miami, 1 p.m. Atlanta at New Orleans, 1 p.m. New England at N.Y. Jets, 1 p.m. Kansas City at Pittsburgh, 1 p.m. Green Bay at Tampa Bay, 1 p.m. N.Y. Giants at St. Louis, 4:05 p.m. Indianapolis at Dallas, 4:25 p.m. Buffalo at Oakland, 4:25 p.m. Seattle at Arizona-x, 8:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 22 Denver at Cincinnati, 8:30 p.m. — Week 17 Sunday, Dec. 28 Carolina at Atlanta, 1 p.m. Cleveland at Baltimore, 1 p.m. Detroit at Green Bay, 1 p.m. Jacksonville at Houston, 1 p.m. San Diego at Kansas City, 1 p.m. N.Y. Jets at Miami, 1 p.m. Chicago at Minnesota, 1 p.m. Buffalo at New England, 1 p.m. Philadelphia at N.Y. Giants, 1 p.m. Cincinnati at Pittsburgh, 1 p.m. New Orleans at Tampa Bay, 1 p.m. Indianapolis at Tennessee, 1 p.m. Dallas at Washington, 1 p.m. Oakland at Denver, 4:25 p.m. Arizona at San Francisco, 4:25 p.m. St. Louis at Seattle, 4:25 p.m. Note: Night game TBD — Postseason Saturday, Jan. 3 AFC or NFC Wild Card Playoff (ESPN, NBC, CBS OR FOX) AFC or NFC Wild Card Playoff (ESPN, NBC, CBS OR FOX) Sunday, Jan. 4 AFC or NFC Wild Card Playoff (ESPN, NBC, CBS OR FOX) AFC or NFC Wild Card Playoff (ESPN, NBC, CBS OR FOX) Saturday, Jan. 10 AFC Divisional Playoff (NBC, CBS OR FOX) NFC Divisional Playoff (NBC, CBS OR FOX) Sunday, Jan. 11 AFC Divisional Playoff (CBS) NFC Divisional Playoff (FOX) Sunday, Jan. 18 AFC Championship Game (CBS) NFC Championship Game (FOX) Sunday, Jan. 25 Pro Bowl at Glendale, Ariz., 8 p.m. (ESPN) Sunday, Feb. 1 Super Bowl at Glendale, Ariz., 6:30 p.m. (NBC)

80 FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 2014

FOOTBALL 2014

The Northern Virginia Daily

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