Football Preview 2017 by Northern Virginia Daily

FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2017

The Northern Virginia Daily

FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2017

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SCHEDULE Friday, Aug. 25 Quantico @ MMA, 4 p.m. Strasburg @ Stonewall Jackson, 7 p.m. Handley @ Warren Co., 7 p.m. James Wood @ Sherando, 7 p.m. Fauquier @ Loudoun Co., 7 p.m. Manassas Park @ Kettle Run, 7 p.m. Liberty @ Brentsville, 7 p.m. Millbrook @ Jefferson Co. (WV), 7 p.m. Dominion @ Clarke Co., 7 p.m. Culpeper @ Eastern View, 7 p.m. Monticello @ William Monroe, 7 p.m. Madison Co. @ Luray, 7 p.m. Buffalo Gap @ Fort Defiance, 7 p.m. Spotswood @ East Rockingham, 7 p.m. Turner Ashby @ Robert E. Lee, 7 p.m. Rappahannock Co. @ Page Co., 7 p.m. Stuarts Draft @ Waynesboro, 7 p.m. Skyline @ Central, 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, Aug. 31 George Mason @ Thomas Jefferson, 7 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 1 R-MA @ MMA, 4 p.m. Broadway @ Skyline, 7 p.m. Warren Co. @ Kettle Run, 7 p.m. Sherando @ Jefferson Co. (WV), 7 p.m. Handley @ Harrisonburg, 7 p.m. Loudoun Co. @ Millbrook, 7 p.m. Park View @ James Wood, 7 p.m. Manassas Park @ Clarke Co., 7 p.m. Brentsville @ Fauquier, 7 p.m. Liberty @ Courtland, 7 p.m. Orange @ Culpeper, 7 p.m. William Monroe @ Spotswoood, 7 p.m. Parry McCluer @ Buffalo Gap, 7 p.m. Robert E. Lee @ Rockbridge Co., 7 p.m. Page Co. @ Nelson Co., 7 p.m. Fort Defiance @ Stuarts Draft, 7 p.m. Waynesboro @ Wilson Memorial, 7 p.m. Bath Co. @ Riverheads, 7 p.m. Luray @ Strasburg, 7:30 p.m. Stonewall Jackson @ Central, 7:30 p.m. East Rockingham @ Madison Co., 7:30 p.m.

Luray @ Buffalo Gap, 7 p.m. Robert E. Lee @ East Rockingham, 7 p.m. Riverheads @ Stuarts Draft, 7 p.m. Sidwell Friends @ George Mason, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 9 St. Annes Belfield @ R-MA, 1 p.m. Clarke Co. @ Handley, 1 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 15 Park View @ Central, 7 p.m. Stonewall Jackson @ Luray, 7 p.m. James Wood @ Warren Co., 7 p.m. Loudoun Valley @ Sherando, 7 p.m. Millbrook @ Turner Ashby, 7 p.m. Kettle Run @ Culpeper, 7 p.m. Liberty @ Chancellor, 7 p.m. Eastern View @ Brentsville, 7 p.m. Thomas Jefferson @ Manassas Park, 7 p.m. Madison Co. @ Fluvanna, 7 p.m. George Mason @ Nelson Co., 7 p.m. Buffalo Gap @ Robert E. Lee, 7 p.m. East Rockingham @ Riverheads, 7 p.m. Stuarts Draft @ Page Co., 7 p.m. Wilson Memorial @ Fort Defiance, 7 p.m. Strasburg @ Rappahannock Co., 7:30 p.m. Waynesboro @ Clarke Co., 7:30 p.m. William Monroe @ Broadway, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 16 Skyline @ Handley, 1 p.m. MMA @ Grace Christian, 1 p.m. R-MA @ Christchurch, 2 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 22

Fishburne Military School @ MMA, 4 p.m. Robert E. Lee @ Stonewall Jackson, 7 p.m. Sherando @ Liberty, 7 p.m. Fauquier @ Millbrook, 7 p.m. Handley @ Kettle Run, 7 p.m. Hedgesville (WV) @ James Wood, 7 p.m. Clarke Co. @ Washington (WV), 7 p.m. Culpeper @ Spotsylvania, 7 p.m. Madison Co. @ William Monroe, 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 8 Riverheads @ Buffalo Gap, 7 p.m. Central @ Manassas Park, 7 p.m. Wilson Memorial @ Stonewall Jackson, 7 p.m. Page Co. @ East Rockingham, 7 p.m. Luray @ Wilson Memorial, 7 p.m. James Wood @ Skyline, 7 p.m. Warren Co. @ Strasburg, 7:30 p.m. Broadway @ Sherando, 7 p.m. Manassas Park @ George Mason, 7:30 p.m. Washington (WV) @ Millbrook, 7 p.m. Fauquier @ Dominion, 7 p.m. Kettle Run @ Brentsville, 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23 Culpeper @ Liberty, 7 p.m. Fort Defiance @ William Monroe, 7 p.m. Hargrave Academy @ R-MA, 1 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 29

Friday, Oct. 20

Fishburne Military Academy @ R-MA, 4 p.m. Hancock (Md.) @ MMA, 4 p.m. East Rockingham @ Stonewall Jackson, 7 p.m. Northern Virginia HomeSchool @ MMA, 5 p.m. William Monroe @ Skyline, 7 p.m. Fauquier @ Handley, 4:30 p.m. Warren Co. @ Manassas Park, 7 p.m. Wilson Memorial @ Robert E. Lee, 5 p.m. James Wood @ Fauquier, 7 p.m. Strasburg @ Skyline, 7 p.m. Central @ King William, 7 p.m. Liberty @ Kettle Run, 7 p.m. Stonewall Jackson @ Riverheads, 7 p.m. Brentsville @ Culpeper, 7 p.m. Clarke Co. @ Warren Co., 7 p.m. Riverheads @ Robert E. Lee, 7 p.m. Millbrook @ Kettle Run, 7 p.m. Page Co. @ Luray, 7 p.m. East Rockingham @ Stuarts Draft, 7 p.m. Stuarts Draft @ Wilson Memorial, 7 p.m. Rappahannock Co. @ Madison Co., 7:30 p.m. Nelson Co. @ Strasburg, 7:30 p.m. Brentsville @ George Mason, 7:30 p.m. George Mason @ Central, 7:30 p.m. Clarke Co. @ Madison Co., 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 30 Buffalo Gap @ Page Co., 2 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 21 Sherando @ Handley, 1 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 6 Page Co. @ Stonewall Jackson, 7 p.m. Skyline @ Culpeper, 7 p.m. Warren Co. @ Brentsville, 7 p.m. Martinsburg (WV) @ Sherando, 7 p.m. MMA @ Rappahannock Co., 7 p.m. Kettle Run @ Fauquier, 7 p.m. Handley @ Millbrook, 7 p.m. Liberty @ James Wood, 7 p.m. William Monroe @ Manassas Park, 7 p.m. Stuarts Draft @ Buffalo Gap, 7 p.m. Robert E. Lee @ Luray, 7 p.m. Riverheads @ Wilson Memorial, 7 p.m. Strasburg @ George Mason, 7:30 p.m. Central @ Clarke Co., 7:30 p.m. Nelson Co. @ Madison Co., 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 27

Friday, Oct. 13

Saturday, Oct. 28

Nelson Co. @ MMA, 4 p.m. Stonewall Jackson @ Stuarts Draft, 7 p.m. Skyline @ Manassas Park, 7 p.m. Culpeper @ Warren Co., 7 p.m. Kettle Run @ Sherando, 7 p.m. Millbrook @ James Wood, 7 p.m. Fauquier @ Courtland, 7 p.m. Handley @ Liberty, 7 p.m. Brentsville @ William Monroe, 7 p.m. George Mason @ George Marshall, 7 p.m. Buffalo Gap @ East Rockingham, 7 p.m. Luray @ Riverheads, 7 p.m. Wilson Memorial @ Page Co., 7 p.m. Clarke Co. @ Strasburg, 7:30 p.m. Madison Co. @ Central, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 14 R-MA @ Blue Ridge School, 2 p.m.

ON THE COVER: Strasburgâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Austin Miller. Rich Cooley/Daily

Riverheads @ Central, 7 p.m. Stonewall Jackson @ Buffalo Gap, 7 p.m. Skyline @ Brentsville, 7 p.m. William Monroe @ Warren Co., 7 p.m. Sherando @ Fauquier, 7 p.m. MMA @ Brunswick Academy, 7 p.m. Millbrook @ Liberty, 7 p.m. Manassas Park @ Culpeper, 7 p.m. Wilson Memorial @ East Rockingham, 7 p.m. Robert E. Lee @ Page Co., 7 p.m. Luray @ Stuarts Draft, 7 p.m. Strasburg @ Madison Co., 7:30 p.m. George Mason @ Clarke Co., 7:30 p.m.

Norfolk Christian School @ R-MA, 1 p.m. James Wood @ Handley, 1 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 3 R-MA @ Covenant School, 3 p.m. Warren Co. @ Skyline, 7 p.m. Sherando @ Millbrook, 7 p.m. MMA @ Roanoke Catholic, 7 p.m. Liberty @ Fauquier, 7 p.m. Kettle Run @ James Wood, 7 p.m. Manassas Park @ Brentsville, 7 p.m. Culpeper @ William Monroe, 7 p.m. Buffalo Gap @ Wilson Memorial, 7 p.m. East Rockingham @ Luray, 7 p.m. Stuarts Draft @ Robert E. Lee, 7 p.m. Page Co. @ Riverheads, 7 p.m. Central @ Strasburg, 7:30 p.m. Madison Co. @ George Mason, 7:30 p.m.

CENTRAL FALCONS

The Northern Virginia Daily

Central returns experienced core in quest for district title defense By Brad Fauber bfauber@nvdaily.com WOODSTOCK – Central High School’s football team returns a healthy portion of varsity experience from a squad that won the Bull Run District championship and reached the second round of the VHSL Group 2A playoffs in 2016. Head coach Mike Yew said earlier this month that he expects to have a ‘pretty decent team’ again in 2017, but he’s making sure the Falcons know past success isn’t guaranteed to carry over. ‘On paper it looks like we have it all ready to roll,’ Yew said, ‘and I think that might be our one hiccup

2017 FALCONS • Coach: Mike Yew (11th year, 59-52) • Offense/Defense: Pro-I/4-4 • Key returnees: RB/LB Zach Abrams, WR/DB Kyle Clanton, QB Zeb Dyer, OL/DL Declan Franklin, OL/DL Colton Funk, OL/DL Grayson Manning, OL/DL Andrew Miller, OL/DL Ezra Smith, RB/LB Shane Watson • Key losses: RB/LB Matt Bromley, K Cliff Croom, WR/DB Saxon Franklin, RB/LB Marshall McAboy, OL/DL Dominic Richel, RB/DB Carston Shockey, OL/DL Alex Sibert

this preseason is that we’ve practiced a handful of times like we think we’re already there and we’re certainly not, and that’s the message we keep sending to our kids. When you win the league like we did last year and you make the playoffs and you win a game or two, you’re on everybody’s bull’s eye. Everybody wants to beat Central.’ The Falcons certainly appear like a team built to make another run at a district crown this fall. Though Yew said Central lost a core group of ‘program guys’ to graduation – seniors combined to net eight of Falcons’ 11 All-Bull Run District selections last season – the team returns nine players who have started on offense for the Falcons over the last two seasons and around seven on defense. Zeb Dyer, a junior, returns as the quarterback for a Falcon offense that put up 33.2 points and 349.1 yards per game in 2016, two of the best marks among local teams. Dyer threw for 1,048 yards, 14 touchdowns and four interceptions last season and should have a couple of targets with big-play potential to pick from this fall. Junior speedster Kyle Clanton (28 receptions, 523 yards, six touch-

Rich Cooley/Daily

Central High School football coach Mike Yew waits for players to start a drill during opening day practice. downs in 2016) earned all-state honors as a kick returner, punt returner and receiver last season, and senior Varsey Bright is back at Central after playing last season at Moorefield (West Virginia).

Franklin, Connor Funk (6-foot-2, 350 pounds), Grayson Manning and Ezra Smith (6-4, 268 pounds), though the Falcons did lose allstate lineman Alex Sibert to graduation.

The Falcons do have to replace graduated running back Carston Shockey – who neared 1,400 yards rushing and scored 21 touchdowns last season – and Yew said Central is turning the tandem of juniors Shane Watson (66 carries, 403 yards in 2016) and Hunter Mullins.

Bryan Davis, who did not play football last season, will play tight end after starting in that position two years ago, and Yew added that Andrew Miller, last season’s starting tight end, could see time at guard, tackle, tight end and fullback.

Central boasts a veteran front that returns starting linemen Declan

Despite the question marks in the FALCONS, 7

Good Luck Falcons! Have a Great Season!

The Northern Virginia Daily

CENTRAL FALCONS

2017 SCHEDULE

2016 RESULTS (9-3, 5-1 BULL RUN DISTRICT)

Aug. 25 Skyline, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 29 at King William, 7 p.m.

Aug. 26 beat Skyline, 34-12

Oct. 14 beat Riverside, 48-20

Sept. 1

Stonewall Jackson,

Oct. 6

at Clarke Co., 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 2 beat Stonewall Jackson,

Oct. 21 beat William Monroe, 34-13

7:30 p.m.

Oct. 13

Madison Co., 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 8

at Manassas Park, 7 p.m. Oct. 20

George Mason, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 28 lost to Strasburg, 7-0

40-18

Sept. 16 lost to Turner Ashby, 55-31 Nov. 4

beat George Mason, 21-0

Sept. 23 beat Clarke Co., 22-21

Nov. 11 beat Bluestone, 45-26

Sept. 15 Park View (Sterling),

Oct. 27

Riverheads, 7 p.m.

Oct. 3

beat Warren Co., 36-15

Nov. 18 lost to East Rockingham,

7:30 p.m.

Nov. 3

at Strasburg, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 7

beat Madison Co., 45-26

Finks’ Jewelry Store 134 South Main St. Woodstock, VA 540-459-3142

59-42

DESIGNER™ CLASS RINGS IN

SILADIUM™

$199

NOW $189

8/17/17 - 10/28/17

Bring This Ad

The Northern Virginia Daily

CENTRAL FALCONS

Franklin ascends to leadership role for Falcons By Brad Fauber bfauber@nvdaily.com WOODSTOCK – When Declan Franklin hit the field for preseason practice ahead of his sophomore season with Central High School’s football team in 2016 – his first year at the varsity level – he did so eager to establish himself as a candidate for solid playing time. Doing so required him to become acclimated to the jump from junior varsity. The physicality was more intense, he recalled earlier this month. More work was required on a daily basis. Each day was a fight for playing time on Friday nights. Franklin soaked up all the knowledge he could early last season, and showed the Falcons’ coaching staff enough in preseason camp to earn him a spot as Central’s starting right tackle and a regular contributor on the defensive line.

kind of thing,’ Franklin said. ‘So that part of practice is different. Now I’m not absorbing all that information, now I’m kind of dispersing that information.’ That role is one that Franklin has embraced, quite emphatically, according to Falcons head coach Mike Yew, who labeled the 6-foot, 220-pound junior as Central’s hardest worker early in preseason camp. ‘He leads by example. He leads by voice. He was our every day in the weight room this summer kid,’ Yew said. ‘He works every chance he gets. We use the statement, every play is an opportunity to get better and he embraces that and he goes hard every play. So he’s been our leader both on and off the field.’ That title means big responsibilities are in store for Franklin, whom Yew said would likely be one of the Falcons’ few two-way starters in 2017.

Now a varsity veteran with a defined role as the 2017 season approaches, Franklin said his mindset in preseason practice has been a bit different.

Offensively, Franklin has moved from right tackle to right guard, the spot previously held by Alex Sibert, who earned second team VHSL Group 2A All-State recognition last ‘Now I’m one of the guys that’s season before graduating last June. teaching the younger guys this is On the defensive line, Franklin – what you’ve gotta do every day, that who recorded 23 tackles (10 solo) in

1010 Ox Road, Woodstock, VA 22664 David Emswiler 540-325-6418

Emswiler@FunkhouserGroup.com

2016 – will likely start at defensive four seasons that a Central running end, Yew said, but could see action back has posted the top rushing as the starting strong-side defensive mark among local backs. tackle as well. ‘You have to have pride in what the On both sides of the ball Franklin guys before us have done, all those has showed no signs of ‘leveling off’ guys that have played and were and continues to make strides in his great players,’ Franklin, one of four improvement as a player, Yew said. returning starters along the Falcons’ offensive line, said of ‘He just gets off the ball. That’s his Central’s ability to run the football, biggest thing. He is in good shape. ‘and you kind of have a certain He runs. He takes care of his body. expectation where the past five or He lifts very hard. But his biggest so years … we’ve been able to sucthing is his get-off,’ said Yew. ‘He cessfully ground and pound and can explode off the ball on both beat teams. That’s something you sides, and that’s probably his have in the back of your head every biggest asset.’ down, that I can’t let those guys down in the past that have been That explosiveness has served able to do it. I need to carry on this Franklin well on the Falcons’ offen- tradition.’ sive line. While he prefers defense because it’s more ‘fun and physical,’ As Central gets set to kick off its Franklin said he is a better player new season with a home game on the offensive side of the ball, as against Skyline on Aug. 25, Yew he excels in the mental challenges said there is nothing he would like that come with blocking schemes. to see Franklin change during his junior season. Last season Franklin, a second team All-Bull Run District pick, ‘He’s a good kid. I’ve had him in helped pave the way for a Falcon class. I’m gonna have him in class offense that averaged 257 yards this year. He’s a polite young man. rushing per game, the top mark He does what is expected of him as among local teams. an athlete, as a gentleman, as a student,’ Yew said. ‘He constantly does Carston Shockey’s 1,357 rushing what is expected in every aspect of yards in 2016 also led the area, marking the third time in the last his life.’

ORKNEY SPRINGS•$899,000

MOUNT JACKSON•$154,900

EDINBURG•$99,900

NEW MARKET•$475,000

235 mostly wooded acres w/wildlife food plots. Unique rustic log cabin. Come enjoy “as is” or add your own personal touches. Most furnishings & farm equip. convey. Creeks ﬂow thru property. 2 ponds. Ideal for family relaxation, hunting, hiking & 4-wheeling.

Quaint Country Hideaway great full time home or weekend getaway! Nestled on 6 acres w/2 extra 3 acre wooded lots, this 2BR/1BA home is MOVE-IN READY. Just 10 min from Bryce Mtn. Resort. Enjoy the beauty of all 4 seasons from the comfort of your deck. What are you waiting for?

Great possibilities-think of what you could do if you owned 26.62 wooded acres offering privacy & many good hunting sites! Build your dream home or use for recreation. George Washington National Forest nearby. Septic system already installed for a 3BR home.

166+ wooded acres with 2,375 feet bordering the George Washington National Forest! Offering privacy, good hunting sites, good camping sites and lots of wildlife. Build your dream home, vacation retreat or use for recreation!

The Northern Virginia Daily

CENTRAL FALCONS

2016 CENTRAL STATS • Record: 9-3 (5-1 Bull Run District) • Passing leader: Zeb Dyer (63 for 115, 1,048 yards, 14 touchdowns, 4 interceptions)

touchdowns) • Receiving leader: Kyle Clanton (28 receptions for 523 yards, 6 touchdowns) • Total tackles: Zach Abrams (82)

• Sacks: Matt Bromley (3) • Rushing leader: Carston Shockey (219 • Interceptions: Carston carries for 1,357 yards, 21 Shockey (3)

Falcons

Defensively, Franklin and Watson bring experience up front to Continued from 4 a line that lost Sibert backfield, Yew said not and Dominic Richel, to expect much varia- two all-district picks a tion from the physical year ago. run game that has Junior Zach Abrams, been a staple of the Falcons’ leading Central’s offense. tackler (82) last season, anchors a line‘The thing about it is backer corps that also there’s only so many things you can add in returns Christian Spitler and re-adds the I backfield, so Davis. Yew said the that’s the biggest thing,’ said Yew, whose final outside linebacker spot in team averaged 235.6 Central’s 4-4 defense rush yards per game in 2016. ‘Basically it’s was ‘up for grabs’ between Andrew a power running game. It’s line up and Daugherty, Mullins challenge the guy in and Langdon Spiggle front of you and run as of Aug. 14. the ball. That’s what we’ve hung our hat on In the secondary, for all 11 years that Clanton will once again I’ve been here.’ play cornerback, and

2017 ROSTER No. 1 2 3 4 6 10 11 12 14 16 18 20 21 22 23 24 25 30 31 32 33 34 35 40

Name Kyle Clanton Zebadiah Dyer Nicholous Houghton Varsey Bright Landon Shockey Andrew Daugherty Trent Williams Jr. Hunter Mullins Jeremie Goodrich II Langdon Spiggle Riley Haines Zachary Abrams Hayden Shifflett Shane Watson Jerimiah Doleman-Diaz Mason Marston William Ball IV Bryce Montgomery Christopher Conner Gerson Sorto Lopez Dean Woodwell Christian Spitler Justin Estleford Andrew Miller

Yew said junior Nick Houghton has moved to corner from safety, a position Bright will man this season. ‘Just flying to the ball is the biggest thing we need to work on right now,’ Yew said of the defense. ‘We have good size. We have returning experience at linebacker. Three of our

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

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

Wt. 150 200 178 145 138 175 140 172 143 130 161 230 140 205 200 173 165 138 166 172 184 208 120 235

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

four linebackers have been starters for us before, two of our defensive linemen, so five of the front seven have played a lot of football for us already.’ Miller and Dean Woodwell have been handling kickoffs during practice, Yew said. Those two, plus Davis and Spitler, are all

43 44 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 61 62 63 65 66 67 68 71 74 78 88

Seth Horn Bryan Davis Benjamin Runion Tanner Mullins Bryan Hardesty Grayson Manning Ronald Schreiber Camden Zirk Neddy Portillo Dylan Stogsdill Zachary Helmick Josiah Doleman-Diaz Connor Funk Declan Franklin Zachary Bowman Jacob Halterman Kenneth Royal Dylan Mullins Elijah Del Junco Jacob France Ezra Smith Austin Corbin

5-11 6-0 6-4 5-10 5-9 6-0 5-11 6-0 6-2 5-9 6-1 6-1 6-2 6-0 5-10 5-11 5-5 5-10 5-7 6-2 6-4 5-10

168 247 178 244 190 244 208 236 258 205 217 252 350 225 230 219 175 225 203 270 268 150

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

capable of handling district title. Number the punting duties this three, get in the playfall, he added. offs and just be playing the best football Central opens the you can play then,’ 2017 season with a Yew said. home game against Skyline on Aug. 25. ‘This year I don’t know where we’ll end up. Our ‘Our goals start out goal is to be in the playthe same. Number one, offs, have the best seed be the county champi- we can have and be on. Number two, have playing our best foota shot at wining the ball in mid-November.’

We’re Proud to Support the

Central Falcons

Stop by before the game for all your tailgating supplies!

HAVE A GREAT SEASON! 321 West Reservoir Road • Woodstock, Virginia

TE/DE TE/LB OL/DE OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL WR/LB

The Northern Virginia Daily

CLARKE COUNTY EAGLES

Clarke County reloading with blend of newcomers and veterans

By Brad Fauber bfauber@nvdaily.com BERRYVILLE – The football coaches at Clarke County High School reward their players for gains made in the weight room each year, where certain amounts of combined weight lifted earn that player inclusion in certain ‘clubs.’ On the lowest rungs are the White, Orange and Blue clubs – named after the school’s colors – but things become more exclusive at the Iron Eagle level, which nets players a trophy if they can eclipse 1,200 total pounds combined over four different lifts. Not so long ago, longtime Clarke County head

2017 EAGLES • Coach: Chris Parker (18th year, 120-70) • Offense/Defense: Single wing/multiple • Key returnees: OL/DL Kyle Anderson, K/P Nicholas Bahamonde, RB/DB Kyle Baylor, RB/DB Cole Lawson, OL/LB Pete McLean, RB/LB Rico Nappi, TE/DE Lucas Rogers, OL/DE Bryan Wallace • Key losses: QB/LB Chris Davis, OL/DL Mackie Martin, TE/LB Brett McDonald, RB/LB Hunter Rogers, OL/DL Josh Wallace

coach Chris Parker had to add another level – Platinum Iron Eagle – for those who surpass 1,500 pounds. ‘I don’t know how many thousands of dollars I’ve had to spend in football money to give out these trophies,’ Parker said following practice earlier this month, ‘which is a good problem.’ That devotion to offseason preparation has bred an evolution in Clarke County’s weight program over the last decade, Parker said. It’s also the reason the head coach, entering his 18th season with the Eagles, didn’t seem too overly concerned following an early August practice about finding capable replacements for a large contingent of graduated seniors from his 2016 squad.

Rich Cooley/Daily

Clarke County coach Chris Parker watches his starting offense work during a recent practice.

‘Our (eighth and ninth graders) run the same offense, same terminology, everything, so it’s not like they have to learn anything new,’ said Parker, whose team reached Among the 20 seniors lost – includthe third round of the Region 2A To reload the offense at the unit’s ing five all-state honorees – from East playoffs last season. ‘It’s just most statistically productive posilast season were the Eagles’ top the fact that now they’re in a varsitions, Parker has turned to a pair three leading rushers, who comty football game.’ of sophomores. The head coach said bined for 3,820 yards and 50 touchPeyton Rutherford (listed at 6 feet downs in Clarke County’s potent That duo will have help up front tall, 190 pounds) would be the single-wing offense in 2016. That from an experienced offensive line Eagles’ primary running back, includes Hunter Rogers, the program’s all-time leading rusher who while Colby Childs would take the that includes returning starters Bryan Wallace, a first team VHSL piled up 2,410 yards and 31 touch- snaps at quarterback. Group 2A All-State selection last downs last season; quarterback Both will make their first varsity Chris Davis, who rushed for 691 EAGLES, 11 starts today against Dominion. yards, passed for 414 more and combined for 13 total touchdowns; and wingback Daniel Braithwaite, who rushed for 729 yards and 11 TDs.

Pro Certified LIfetime Warranty Are Unbeatable, Just Like The Clarke County Eagles!

2934 Valley Ave, Winchester www.applevalleyhyundai.com

540-665-0144

2018 HYUNDAI SONATA

$500.00 MORE FOR YOUR TRADE Expires 9/30/17

The Northern Virginia Daily

CLARKE COUNTY EAGLES

2017 SCHEDULE Aug. 25 Dominion, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 29 at Warren County, 7 p.m.

Sept. 1

Manassas Park, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 6

Central, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 9

at Handley, 1 p.m.

at Strasburg, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 15 Waynesboro, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 13 Oct. 20

Sept. 22 at Washington (WV), 7 p.m. Oct. 27

at Madison Co., 7:30 p.m.

2016 RESULTS (10-3, 5-1 BULL RUN DISTRICT) Sept. 2 beat Manassas Park, 43-6 Oct. 21 beat Riverside, 42-14 Sept. 9 lost to Millbrook, 34-14 Sept. 16 beat Handley, 35-14 Sept. 23 lost to Central, 22-21 Sept. 30 beat William Monroe, 62-0 Oct. 7

beat Strasburg, 52-14

George Mason, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 14 beat George Mason, 49-7

Oct. 28 beat Warren Co., 56-7 Nov. 4

beat Madison Co., 49-7

Nov. 11 beat Robert E. Lee, 28-7 Nov. 18 beat Buffalo Gap, 38-20 Nov. 25 lost to Goochland, 28-14

CLARKE COUNTY EAGLES

The Northern Virginia Daily

Wallace set to lead Eagles’ charge again in final season By Brad Fauber bfauber@nvdaily.com

athletic career. On the wrestling mat, Wallace is a three-time Virginia High School League Group 2A state champion in three different weight classes. On the football field, he’s just as dominant.

obviously his strength (is his biggest asset),’ Parker said. ‘He’s got great range, long arms, just BERRYVILLE – Throughout strong, and he brings it. He could Bryan Wallace’s varsity football run all day, get pounded on all day, career at Clarke County High (and) he’s the one that’s delivering School, he’s learned that he can it. He’s a really tough kid. … In a point out the teammates who posplayoff game against Union (in the sess the proper work ethic to sucThe Region 2A East Defensive state semifinals in 2015), he shed ceed on the field. Player of the Year in 2015 and three blockers and made the play. I 2016, Wallace, an imposing defen- mean he’s just, he can do things There’s a noticeable difference, he sive end who enters his senior sea- that the typical high school player said, between the kids that take son listed at 6-foot-6, 265 pounds, can’t do.’ the extra step to get better in the piled up 261 tackles and 20 sacks offseason or in practice and the over the past two seasons as Wallace’s exploits have drawn the ones who sometimes sit back and Clarke County made a pair of deep attention of NCAA Division I tell themselves, ‘I’ll get it next playoff runs (the Eagles reached schools, and Parker listed the play.’ the 2A state championship game University of Virginia, Virginia in 2015 and the regional third Tech, Penn State, Pittsburgh and Wallace is entering his fourth sea- round last season). Tennessee as some of the parties son at the varsity level in 2017, who have showed interest in the and regularly has been one that In 2016, he led the Eagles in tack- senior. resides in that former group. In les (141), tackles for loss (14), fact, if Eagles longtime head coach sacks (eight) and quarterback hur- Wallace gave a verbal commitment Chris Parker could pick an ideal ries (15), and as a starting offento Charlotte, a young football prorole model for his players to emu- sive guard helped pave the way for gram that kicked off its first sealate, it would be someone like a Clarke County single-wing son in 2013, in July, freeing the Wallace. offense that averaged 346.7 rushsenior from playing his final high ing yards per game. school season under the burden of ‘Without a doubt,’ Parker responduncertainty about his college destied earlier this month when asked Wallace was a first-team VHSL nation. if his senior two-way lineman fits Group 2A all-state selection at the mold as the prototypical leader defensive end and as an offensive ‘It definitely makes it feel like by example. ‘It rubs off.’ lineman last season. there’s a lot less pressure, but there’s still a lot of pressure,’ That work ethic has served ‘He’s tough as nails, and he is very Wallace said of giving his verbal Wallace well in his high school heady, very intelligent too. But pledge to the 49ers, who offered

him a scholarship in June. ‘I wanna do the best I can this year for the team and to prepare myself for college and the next level.’ In order to do that, Wallace said, he attended as many football camps as he could across various college campuses this summer, and joined teammates Rico Nappi and Lucas Rogers in working with a physical trainer in Winchester during the offseason. That work falls in line with Wallace’s mindset that despite being on the varsity team for four years now, he continues to ‘keep my horizons open’ and is constantly learning new things on the football field. Wallace’s 2017 goals include winning Clarke County’s first state title and capturing the school’s single-season sack record, which he said is 10.5 sacks over a 10-game regular season. Wallace recorded 12 sacks as a sophomore in 2015 but did so over a 15-game span. ‘I really want to make this senior year really something special and give it everything I’ve got for the next year,’ Wallace said.

The Northern Virginia Daily

CLARKE COUNTY EAGLES

Eagles

‘I think if any scenario No. Name was set, this year Continued from 8 1 Kyle Baylor would be good to have 2 Colby Childs a young backfield season, Kyle Anderson 3 Nicholas Bahamonde and Pete McLean, cen- because we have a 4 Ben Baker strong … very experiter Nate Barb and 65 Tanner Dinkins foot-7, 300-pound tack- enced line,’ said 6 Eamon Juday Parker, who added le Jacob Peace. 7 Ben Sprouse that junior Kyle 8 Danny Lyman Baylor (346 rushing All five linemen are 9 Adam Scroggins yards, five touchdowns 10 Cole Lawson seniors, as are block11 Jackson Taylor ing back Rico Nappi – in 2016) and senior 12 Ed Buzalsky another returning Cole Lawson have 13 Ryan Nesselrodt starter – and tight been competing at 14 Julius Palmer ends Ed Buzalsky and wingback. 18 Cody Sowers Lucas Rogers. Parker said many of 20 Tyler Troutt those same names 21 Peyton Rutherford from the offensive side 2016 STATS 22 Izaac Jackson of the ball will com24 Jacob Weddle • Record: 10-3 (5-1 Bull prise a defense that 25 Bradley Atwell Run District) returns six starters 28 Robert Pryor • Passing leader: Chris from a unit that held 32 Richard Nappi Davis (23 for 41, 414 opponents to 13.8 yards, 5 touchdowns, 5 and Lucas Rogers (92 points per game last interceptions) tackles). season. • Rushing leader: Hunter Rogers (273 carries for 2,410 yards, 31 touchdowns)

• Receiving leader: Brett McDonald (9 receptions for 239 yards, 4 touchdowns) • Total tackles: Bryan Wallace (141) • Sacks: Bryan Wallace (8) • Interceptions: Kyle Baylor (6)

2017 ROSTER Pos. RB/DB QB/DB K/P RB/DB RB/DB TE/DB RB/LB RB/DB TE/DE RB/DB RB/DB TE/LB RB/DE RB/DB RB/DE RB/DE RB/LB RB/DE RB/DB RB/LB RB/DB RB/LB

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

Wt. 165 175 199 150 170 185 160 155 185 175 165 185 180 160 165 165 190 160 160 150 150 220

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

what we do, like we’ve always been able to do, and establish that line of scrimmage in Wallace, the two-time Parker said he foresees the 2017 Eagles our offense,’ he said. Region 2A East continuing to ‘do what ‘Then defensively, Defensive Player of same thing. We hit the Year who amassed we do,’ which at Clarke County means and just have hard141 total tackles, 14 playing a very physinosed football like tackles for loss and cal brand of football. we’ve always had at eight sacks, is one of Clarke. We have tough three returning Eagles ‘(I expect us) to be kids here… and I who finished among the team’s top four in able to continue to run know (that they’ll our offense and try to carry) that weighttackles a year ago. room mentality on the That list also includes dominate the line of field.’ Nappi (100 tackles) scrimmage and do

35 36 37 39 40 44 49 50 51 53 54 56 60 64 66 70 72 73 75 80 86 89

Sam Sawyer Travis Stevenson Brady Atwell Luke Leso Zach Pool Lucas Rogers Sam Sawyer Nate Barb Pete McLean Joey Lamalfa Colin Sardelis Rhett Lawson Bryan Wallace Charly Camacho Jacob Peace Kyle Anderson Wade Anderson Grayson Aylestock Christian Correa Jack Parrott Eric Evans Jonathan Dulaney

RB/DE TE/DE RB/LB RB/DB RB/DB TE/DE RB/DB OL/LB OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/LB OL/DE OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL RB/DB TE/DB RB/DE

5-10 5-6 5-10 5-7 6-3 5-10 5-11 5-11 5-10 5-6 5-8 6-6 5-8 6-7 5-10 5-11 5-11 5-6 5-10

160 160 150 150 175 230 160 235 225 180 195 170 265 250 300 275 200 230 225 150 185 160

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

title if the Eagles can Nicholas Bahamonde will handle the kicking remain healthy. duties for the Eagles ‘Our guys have been this season. there,’ Parker said. ‘Two years ago we Clarke County, which were in the state went 10-3 (5-1 Bull Run District) last sea- championship. We’ve been in the playoffs … son, is two years removed from the pro- for nine, 10 years in a gram’s first-ever state row. That’s the expectation, and the ultichampionship game mately goal is to win appearance, and Parker said this year’s the state championship. That’s what team is built to make a run at its first state you’ve gotta play for.’

Team Up With Hash Today! From One Piece To An Entire Estate, We’ve Got it Covered

Online Auctions Every Monday at 6:04 PM

“When You’re Selling A Lifetime, Don’t Sell it Short” Hash Auctions VAAF 692 Auctioneer: Brian Hash, VAAR 2032 WV 1122 Member of the National and Virginia Auctioneers Assoc. Full Service Auction Company Over 22 Years experience

Good Luck Eagles! Hash Auctions 632 East Main Street Berryville

www.hashauctions.com 540 955-0277

The Northern Virginia Daily

HANDLEY JUDGES

Handley taking steps in Davis’ second season at the helm By Brad Fauber bfauber@nvdaily.com WINCHESTER – When John Davis was hired as the new head coach of John Handley High School’s football team in March 2016, he had about six weeks to become acclimated with his new players and lay a new foundation for a rebuilding program before school let out. Davis and the Judges didn’t have the benefit of a full spring of offseason workouts, and when preseason camp opened last August, the team was still frenetically installing its brand-new schemes. As Davis put it earlier this month, the Judges were ‘scrambling.’

2017 JUDGES • Head coach: John Davis (second year, 2-8) • Offense/Defense: Pistol/4-2-5 • Key returnees: WR/CB Kevin Curry, WR/CB Jorden Davenport, TE/DE Tyrese Dudley, OL/DL Ian Ganey, TE/LB Dʼandre James, OL/DL Joseph Mammano, OL/DL Bryce McDole, WR/FS RaʼShaad Morris, HB/DL Christian Moten, HB/LB Quinton Newman, QB Jacob Parker, OL/DL Bobby Teahan • Key losses: RB/S Michael Brown, WR/DB Jeffrey Walker, RB/LB Diontre Bell, WR/DB Tyler Mudd

Rich Cooley/Daily

Handley coach John Davis has players walk through their offense at a recent practice. This preseason has been different. There is a familiarity among players and coaches – Davis knows who fits best at which positions, and the players are no longer trying to learn the basics of their new schemes.

you know you’ve kind of started to take a turn, you started to turn the corner, take a step a bit,’ said Davis, who led Handley to a 2-8 record in 2016 a year after the Judges suffered the program’s first winless season.

Handley returns seven starters on ‘It’s gotten to a point now as the head ‘That’s our motto this year, take a both sides of the ball, giving the coach where I’m not correcting the step because … we’re not trying to JUDGES, 15 little things as much and that’s when turn it all around in one night. … We

$100 OFF YOUR PURCHASE

Stairlift s from $2995.0 installe 0 d

took one step last year, let’s take another step this year. We wanna be workmanlike. We’re not good enough that we can skip any of the foundational steps. We’re just a workmanlike group.’

The Northern Virginia Daily

HANDLEY JUDGES

2017 SCHEDULE

2016 RESULTS (2-8, 1-3 NORTHWESTERN DISTRICT)

Aug. 25 at Warren County, 7 p.m.

Sept. 29 Fauquier, 4:30 p.m.

Aug. 27 beat Warren Co., 29-2

Oct. 7

Sept. 1

at Harrisonburg, 7 p.m.

Oct. 6

at Millbrook, 7 p.m.

Sept. 3 lost to Harrisonburg, 26-14

Oct. 15 lost to Sherando, 56-0

Sept. 9

Clarke County, 1 p.m.

Oct. 13

at Liberty (Bealeton), 7 p.m. Sept. 9 lost to Fauquier, 46-21

Oct. 21 lost to Skyline, 33-27

Sept. 16 Skyline, 1 p.m.

Oct. 21

Sherando, 1 p.m.

Sept. 16 lost to Clarke Co., 35-14

Oct. 29 lost to Millbrook, 56-6

Sept. 22 at Kettle Run, 7 p.m.

Oct. 28

James Wood, 1 p.m.

Oct. 1

Nov. 4

lost to Jefferson (WV), 42-6

lost to Loudoun Valley, 40-14

beat James Wood, 35-10

HANDLEY JUDGES

The Northern Virginia Daily

Free safety Morris an ‘enforcer’ in Judges’ secondary By Brad Fauber bfauber@nvdaily.com

‘I just love the game,’ Morris said. ‘Defense is my main (position) so I like just hitting people, running around, making plays.’

‘He drives on the football and he trusts what he reads. He does a good job just believing what he sees WINCHESTER – Listed at 6-foot-2, and he’s played enough football now 175 pounds, Ra’Shaad Morris isn’t that he can digest plays fast,’ Davis exactly an imposing figure when he For Handley to continue making said. ‘He believes what he sees and walks into a room. But on the footstrides in its rebuilding process when he gets there he goes with ball field, the John Handley High under Davis, Morris will need to con- intention. It’s not just ‘I’m running School senior free safety has develtinue to do that in the secondary in downhill.’ He’s going downhill with oped a reputation as a force in the 2017. intentions. I’ve never had a safety Judges’ defensive secondary. in all my years of coaching that Last season Morris finished second plays physical football the way he Judges second-year head coach John on the team with 72 tackles (45 solo), does.’ Davis recently called Morris an including four for loss, and snagged ‘enforcer’ on Handley’s defense, and an interception. He enters his senior Morris’ status as a leader in started to call the senior the team’s year this fall garnering some college Handley’s defensive backfield will best tackler before stopping midattention as the Judges prepare to be important for a defense aiming sentence and declaring Morris the kick off the new season today at to cut down on some not-so-pleasant Judges’ best defensive player, period. Warren County. statistical numbers from last season. Though the Judges improved ‘It’s very rare in high school football Handley has already had one player, on a winless 2015 with a 2-8 record that your best tackler is a free safe- senior lineman Bobby Teahan last fall, Handley surrendered 34.6 ty,’ Davis said earlier this month. (Howard University), commit to an points per game – 41.8 points per ‘He’s a kid that he’s up over 150 NCAA Division I school this summer, game in its eight losses – and 383 tackles already going into his senior but Davis said Morris has been the yards per contest. season. He loves the contact. He’s a Judges’ ‘main attraction’ for college smaller-framed guy (but) he loves scouts. Morris, who had yet to field a Morris said big plays hurt the the contact. It’s reassuring for the scholarship offer as of Aug. 7, listed Judges in 2016, a result that he rest of those guys back there that Charlotte and Delaware as a pair of takes personally as the last line of he’s an eraser.’ schools that have shown interest. defense for his unit. That penchant for seeking out collisions, Morris said, has always been an aspect of his play on the football field. It’s also his favorite part – he’s in his element when he’s coming downhill at a ball carrier.

When asked what makes Morris such an effective tackler in the secondary, Davis, who spent six years as the defensive coordinator at Division III Gallaudet University, said the senior safety has no fear.

‘No big plays, that’s the main (responsibility) for the safety, no big plays given up,’ Morris said.

To prepare for his senior season, his third as a varsity starter, Morris said he attended offseason camps at larger universities than he had in the past, trips that included destinations to Charlotte, Delaware and James Madison University. ‘I went to a lot of good camps and hit the weight room harder and harder every day,’ Morris said. Davis said Morris, who has six interceptions in his high school career, has improved his ball skills so much in the offseason that he’ll now start at wide receiver as well. Davis added that Morris likely could’ve been one of the Judges’ top receiving targets in 2016 but Handley lacked depth in the secondary and ‘couldn’t spare (Morris) a snap on defense.’ The Judges are deeper in the defensive backfield entering the 2017 season – cornerbacks Jorden Davenport and Kevin Curry are also returning starters in Handley’s 4-2-5 scheme – but that doesn’t mean Morris’ impact will be any less vital.

‘I think we’ll go as he goes,’ Davis said of Morris, one of the Judges’ five team captains. ‘I mean he’s responsible for setting our strength. He’s responsible ‘When they make big plays basically for helping us digest our checks. We’ll it all goes on me.’ improve as he improves.’

The Northern Virginia Daily

Judges

HANDLEY JUDGES

tained drives, showed better ball security in the preseason and worked Continued from 15 Jacob Parker is entering harder at getting stronger his third season as the in the offseason. Judges a foundation to Judges’ starting quarbuild on a team that terback and has flour‘Technique-wise we was outscored 346-166 ished in Handley’s pistol were always pretty in 10 games last season. offense this offseason, good, we just were not strong enough to hold Offensively, the Judges Davis said. up to our schedule,’ will be experienced up Kevin Curry and Davis said. ‘… I think front as seniors Bobby Ra’Shaad Morris, who this offseason with the Teahan (a Howard each started in the work they put in the University commit), defensive secondary for weight room, they’re Joey Mammano, Bryce McDole and Ian Ganey the Judges last season, starting to see the fruits of that labor now in – all three-year starters will make more of an impact on offense as practices.’ Parker’s primary receiv2016 STATS ing targets. Defensively, Moten (five • Record: 2-8 (1-3 Senior Christian Moten sacks in 2016) and senNorthwestern District) will be Handley’s start- ior Tyrese Dudley – who • Passing leader: Jacob combined for 13 tackles ing running back after Parker (26 for 59, 363 for loss last season – last season’s leading yards, 6 touchdowns, 6 return along the defenrusher, Michael Brown interceptions) sive line, and junior (748 yards, six touch• Rushing leader: D’andre James (45 tackdowns), opted to drop Michael Brown (141 carles in 2016) and sophofootball this season in ries for 748 yards, 6 more Quinton Newman order to focus on his touchdowns) bring starting experibasketball career. • Receiving leader: ence at linebacker. Moten, who battled Jeffrey Walker (11 recepinjuries for most of the tions for 129 yards, 2 An experienced secondseason last year, Davis touchdowns) ary featuring Morris (72 said, rushed for 250 • Total tackles: Diontre tackles in 2016, second yards over the final two Bell (98) on team), Curry and games of 2016. • Sacks: Christopher senior Jorden DavenMoten (5) port (55 tackles, fourth Davis said the offense, • Interceptions: Tyler on team) rounds out the which he wants to be Mudd (3) Judges’ 4-2-5 defense. built around long, sus– anchor the offensive line.

Davis said this season’s defense would be one of the fastest units to take the field for Handley in recent years, but added that the Judges need to be better at making halftime adjustments. Last season, Handley either led or trailed by 3 points or less at halftime in six of its 10 games, Davis said. The Judges allowed 41.8 points per game in their eight losses. ‘We gave up the most points defensively in the third quarter, which means we got outadjusted,’ Davis said. ‘So those are the things that we need to fix and we’ve been harping on conditioning, and our kids know that.’ Cooper Dawson, a junior, is taking over the kicking and punting duties for Handley, Davis said. Dawson replaces all-state punter Aidan Marshall, who is now at Auburn University. Handley opens the 2017 season today at Warren County.

2017 ROSTER No. 2 3 4 5 6 7 10 11 12 13 20 22 23 24 25 26 30 31 32 34 35 43 44 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 63 64 65 69 72 73 75 81 84

Name RaʼShaad Morris Tyrese Dudley Jayden Vardaro Jacob Parker Dʼandre James Kevin Curry Josiah Duffy Mason Smith Jorden Davenport Osmar Lemus Ramirez Zkyah Johnson Brent Gaynor Caleb Metzger Dayvon Newman Leland Walkling Noah Hendrickson Cooper Dawson Miles Ashe John Skiles Christian Moten Uzziel Jose-Lopez Landen Kremer Quinton Newman Kevin Cruz Montano Josiah Ashby Billy Delacruz Tommy Ashby Austin Brown Jʼvon Alsberry Enrique Perez Joseph Mammano Ian Ganey Angel Trejo-Acevedo Bobby Teahan Bryce McDole Solomon Johnson Ben Yerkie Adam Pollak Max Doerwaldt

Pos. WR/FS TE/DE WR/DB QB TE/LB WR/CB TE/LB WR/CB WR/CB WR/FS HB/CB WR/DB TE/LB HB/DB RB/LB WR/DB K/P RB/DB TE/DL HB/DL HB/LB TE/LB HB/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 K/P WR/CB

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

Wt. 175 255 175 160 200 175 175 155 170 160 160 160 170 150 170 170 150 165 180 220 140 175 220 230 200 180 225 160 225 175 225 255

6-3 6-1 6-1 6-2 5-10 6-1

265 230 250 240 155 170

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

Serving the Shenandoah Valley and Paying Premium Prices on Your Gold and Silver Since 1981 Let us r

e you update with ston EW a N nt! Mou

Large Selection of Estate Jewelry

Voted 5 years in a row for Best Place to Sell Gold!

Shop & Compare

~ SELLING YOUR GOLD AND SILVER VALUABLES IS YOUR BUSINESS • PAYING PREMIUM PRICES IS OURS! ~

41 BOSCAWEN ST., WINCHESTER, VA • 540-667-6065 • WWW.BOSCAWENGOLDANDSILVER.COM

JAMES WOOD COLONELS

The Northern Virginia Daily

Morgan looking to get James Wood back on track

tice. We got some extra bodies to throw in there and if somebody gets dinged up we WINCHESTER — First-year have somebody to go in there. Last year we had James Wood head football coach Ryan Morgan inherits coaches go in there on second team defense, trying to a young team, and one he’s give the offense a look.’ hoping can get back to the playoffs. Morgan said he’s also been impressed with how the Morgan, who was an assisyounger players have tant coach at James Wood stepped up. for eight years, took over in June after Mark McHale ‘There’s a lot of competition,’ stepped down as coach. Morgan said. ‘There’s guys who are pushing from 10th One thing Morgan really grade on up. And there’s likes about his team is the some seniors who are batdepth they have. tling for some jobs from some young guys. Sometimes ‘We have more numbers Rich Cooley/Daily seniors on some teams can than we had last year,’ get complacent. There’s not a James Wood High School coach Matt Morgan leads the Colonels during a recent Morgan said. ‘We have 46 guys out and we only had, I whole lot of complacency practice session. from the seniors because think, 33 last year. Having guys coming up. And we’ve at wide receiver, where he and he had some success more numbers helps in prac- they’ve seen these young with the football team.’ got some talented sophoplayed last year. mores.’ 2017 COLONELS Sophomore William Crowder Morgan said that seniors • Coach: Ryan Morgan (First year) Tyler Arnold and Mark Morgan said they have three is back at running back. Cisler and junior Tylor • Offense/Defense: spread/multiple, 4-4 players battling for the quar- Crowder ran for 368 yards McBride will also get some • Key returnees: RB/LB Luke Roy, OL/DL Dominic Revetta, terback spot. He said senior last year. carries this season. RB/LB Tyler Arnold, RB/LB Mark Cisler, RB/LB William Crowder, Mike Zebarth, senior Josh QB/S Josh Kesner, TE/LB Jordan Loy Kesner and sophomore ‘He’s one of the fastest guys Kesner will lead the way at • Key losses: Ryan Bearer, Ryan Rupp, Chris Lakin, Dade Carson Hoberg are all vying in the area, if not the wide receiver, but Morgan Carroll, Noah Sullivan, Keegan DeHaven, Jacob Whitacre, Isaac for the position. He said fastest,’ Morgan said. ‘He did Schrantz, Justin Vernocy COLONELS, 19 Kesner will also play some a good job in track last year, By Tommy Keeler Jr. tkeeler@nvdaily.com

The Northern Virginia Daily

JAMES WOOD COLONELS

2017 SCHEDULE Aug. 25 at Sherando, 7 p.m.

Oct. 6

Sept. 1

Park View (Sterling), 7 p.m. Oct. 13

Sept. 8

at Skyline, 7 p.m.

2016 RESULTS (2-8, 1-3 NORTHWESTERN)

Liberty, 7 p.m.

Aug. 26 lost to Heritage (Leesburg), 34-7

Millbrook, 7 p.m.

Sept. 2 beat Park View (Sterling), 23-6

Oct. 20

at Fauquier, 7 p.m.

Sept. 15 at Warren County, 7 p.m.

Oct. 28

at Handley, 1 p.m.

Sept. 16 lost to Strasburg, 35-14

Sept. 22 Hedgesville (WV), 7 p.m.

Nov. 3

Kettle Run, 7 p.m.

Sept. 23 lost to Hedgesville (WV), 39-14

Sept. 9 lost to Warren Co., 16-7

Sept. 30 lost to Sherando, 34-0 Oct. 14 beat Skyline, 26-0 Oct. 21 lost to Millbrook, 56-0 Oct. 28 lost to Spring Mills (WV), 45-0 Nov. 4

lost to Handley, 35-10

JAMES WOOD COLONELS

The Northern Virginia Daily

Colonels’ Revetta leading way as a senior By Tommy Keeler Jr. tkeeler@nvdaily.com WINCHESTER — With a few years of experience on his side, Dominic Revetta is looking to lead the way for James Wood this season. The James Wood senior has started on both the offensive and defensive lines for the last two years, and said he wants to help the younger players like the older players in the past helped him. ‘It helped with the seniors and the juniors looking down on me giving me guidance as a young’un,’ Revetta said of his first two seasons. ‘And I feel like I’ve been passing that down on my teammates. This year I definitely want to lead people, the younger kids, in the right direction when it comes to football, teach them how to be leaders.’ Revetta said he loves playing on both the offensive and defensive lines, and doesn’t have a favorite. Last year Revetta was a second-team AllNorthwestern District selection on the offensive line. As a freshman Revetta played at fullback before moving to the offensive line. Revetta said it was fun playing at fullback, but he said he loves playing on the offensive line even if they don’t always get as much attention as other positions. ‘Our running backs and quarterbacks do appre-

ciate us when we don’t get the appreciation, which helps out,’ Revetta said. ‘We know that they wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for us.’ The 5-foot-11 320-pound Revetta said that you have to have the same mentality on the defensive line as you do on the offensive line. ‘When you’re on offense you’re setting things up for the running back,’ Revetta said. ‘On defense you’re trying to set your linebackers up.’ Revetta said that one of the best parts about playing defense is getting to the quarterback and making a sack. Last year Revetta had four sacks to lead the Colonels.

them to get underneath him. And then he can play guard too. He can lock down on nose tackles. And he can get up to linebackers because he’s quick enough. So he can do a lot of different things.’ Revetta said that he’s hoping to play in college next year at Apprentice School in Newport News. He said that he wants to attend the fouryear apprenticeship vocational school because he likes to weld. ‘I’ve always been fascinated by welding,’ Revetta said. ‘I like to just be able to look at the hard work you put in, and looking like ‘wow, I made this just with blood, sweat and tears.’ My dad he used to do construction and he said it was the same thing. I kind of think that’s where I get it from.’

‘It’s an adrenaline rush,’ Revetta said. ‘On the next play it makes you want to go 10 times faster, stronger and harder try to get to him Despite his success last season, Revetta said again. Everyone in the crowd is sitting there, no that he feels he could do better, and he’s hoping matter who it is, someone hits the quarterback to make this year his best one yet. and everybody’s cheering. It’s a good feeling.’ James Wood head coach Ryan Morgan said that Revetta recently ran a 5.3 in the 40-yard dash, and that Revetta’s speed plays a big part in his success on both sides of the ball. Morgan said Revetta could play both at right guard and center this year for James Wood. ‘He’s got some position versatility where we can plug him in at center against teams that have good nose tackles,’ Morgan said. ‘It’s hard for

The Colonels struggled to a 2-8 record, and Revetta said the team wants to make it back to the playoffs this year. They just missed the playoffs two years ago and made it his freshman season. ‘We’re all working 10 times harder now,’ Revetta said. ‘We didn’t like what the outcome of last year was. So we’re ready to step it up. We’re pushing each other non-stop. It’s just amazing — the team work and bonding we’ve gotten.’

Have a great season Colonels! HOME OF THE LIFETIME POWERTRAIN WARRANTY

2018 HYUNDAI SANTE FE 2934 Valley Ave, Winchester www.applevalleyhyundai.com

540-665-0144

The Northern Virginia Daily

JAMES WOOD COLONELS

Colonels

tion for the starting line,’ Morgan said. ‘But we’re also trying to figure out if one guy goes down what are the adjustments that we make.’

Continued from 16

said they have a few players coming up from last year’s junior varsity team who will help out at receiver.

Revetta, Roy and junior Walker See will be expected to lead the way on the defensive line. Revetta led the team with four sacks last year.

Morgan said junior Jackson Clyburn and junior Treyven Mandel should give the team a spark at receiver.

Cisler, Arnold and sophomore Jackson Turner will be relied on heavily at linebacker.

Dominick Revetta leads the way on the offensive line. The two-year starter was a second-team AllNorthwestern District selection last year for the Colonels.

Morgan said Kesner and Mandel will be leading the way in the secondary. Morgan said Mandel had six or seven interceptions on the JV team last year, and has looked impressive in preseason.

Morgan said junior Luke Roy also returns from last year’s offensive line and tight end Jordan Loy will be back at that position. Morgan said the rest of the offensive line positions are up for grabs. He said that the Colonels have 13 players battling for the offensive line spots. ‘We’re trying to find the best starting combina-

2016 STATS

Jacob Sortino will be handling the kicking duties. Morgan said it’s been a little bit of an adjustment for him moving from assistant coach to head coach, but he believes it went pretty smooth. ‘It’s good that I know the kids already, because I coached almost all of them when they were on JV or earlier in their careers,’ Morgan said. ‘So I didn’t have to learn names, didn’t have to learn what their skills are.’

• Record: 2-8, 1-3 Northwestern • Passing leader: Dade Carroll (24 for 64, 386 yards, 2 touchdowns, 6 interceptions) • Rushing leader: William Crowder (75 carries for 368 yards, 3 touchdowns) • Receiving leader: Ryan Bearer (14 catches for 180 yards, 1 touchdown) • Total tackles: Noah Sullivan (74) • Sacks: Dominic Revetta (4) • Interceptions: Ryan Bearer (2)

After a 2-8 season last year, Morgan said he believes the team has had a productive offseason and is ready to bounce back. He said that the goal, like always, is to win the Northwestern District and make the playoffs. ‘The kids are working hard out there,’ Morgan said. ‘It seems like they’re energetic and they’re competing. And so we’re just going to take it one week by one week and see what happens.’

Batteries & Chargers For All These And More! Get Charged Up For Fall Sports

“The Battery Experts”

2017 ROSTER No. 2 3 4 5 7 8 10 11 12 19 20 21 22 23 24 26 27 28 30 32 34 36 40 42 44 45 47 51 52 54 58 59 60 66 73 74 75 76 77 80 82 84 85

Name Jackson Turner Mark Cisler Michael Zebarth Joshua Kesner Jackson Clyburn Carson Hoberg Tylor McBride Tyler Arnold Treyven Mandel Jacob Sortino Tyler Salmon Mason Feathers Zyven Coffman Luke Esparza Joseph Herndon Brent Miller Gabe OʼNeill William Crowder Branson Glass Jack Youngblood Hunter Messick Timothy Lieberman Sam Adkins Chase Bayne Mason Minter Jordan Egger Jordan Loy Jacob Barth Jim Ramey Walker See Hayden Cunningham Chance Grove D.J. Dodson Kevin Martin Kevin Brown Jack Owens Dominic Revetta Zach Herbert Luke Roy Michael Hottle Logan Stanton Elijah Filbert Drake Tews

Pos. RB/LB RB/LB QB/CB QB/S WR/CB QB/S RB/CB RB/LB WR/CB K/P RB/LB RB/LB WR/CB RB/S WR/CB WR/CB WR/CB RB/LB WR/LB RB/LB WR/S WR/CB RB/LB RB/LB RB/LB WR/CB TE/LB OT/LB OG/DE OG/DT OG/DT OT/DT OG/DE OT/DT OG/DE C/DT C/DT OT/DT OG/DE WR/CB TE/DE TE/DE TE/LB

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

Wt. 172 198 136 170 160 150 140 170 151 170 145 175 165 145 145 145 150 195 165 175 155 142 155 176 195 162 180 194 215 215 242 245 194 260 185 265 320 270 218 143 170 195 170

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

Winchester — 1981 Loudoun St. 540-665-0065 Martinsburg — 2159 Winchester Ave. 304-267-7033 HOURS: Mon. - Fri. 8 - 6 • Sat 9 - 3

Camera, Cell Phone, Laptop, Tablet, & e-Reader 800-405-2121 Shop Online at BatteryMart.com

The Northern Virginia Daily

MILLBROOK PIONEERS

Millbrook coach Josh Haymore works with his team at a recent practice. Rich Cooley/Daily

Pioneers eager to build off last year’s success By Tommy Keeler Jr. tkeeler@nvdaily.com WINCHESTER — Millbrook lost a lot from last year’s team, which went 10-2 and advanced to the second round of the playoffs. However, the Pioneers still have a few key

pieces returning and a strong nucleus of players who gained some valuable experience last season.

they weren’t starters.

experience, not just mop-up time. They did a good job with that.’

‘As coaches we did a good job of The Pioneers will certainly have putting those guys in situations Millbrook head coach Josh Haymore where we might be up by three, four plenty of speed on the team this season. Starting running back Savon said one thing that is beneficial is touchdowns in the second quarter that they were able to get a lot of and we put those backups in,’ PIONEERS, 23 kids playing time last season, even if Haymore said. ‘So they got game

Brand New 2017 Model Homes for Sale! Prices starting at $75,900.00

Open House Call (540) 662-1999 2nd or stop by for more details Saturday of 216 Regency Lakes Drive, Every Month 10am-3pm Winchester, VA 22603 www.equitylifestyle.com

The Northern Virginia Daily

MILLBROOK PIONEERS

2017 SCHEDULE

2016 RESULTS (10-2, 4-0 NORTHWESTERN)

Aug. 25 at Jefferson (WV), 7 p.m.

Sept. 29 at Kettle Run, 7 p.m.

Aug. 26 beat Jefferson (WV), 42-20 Oct. 7

Sept. 1

Loudoun County, 7 p.m.

Oct. 6

Handley, 7 p.m.

Sept. 2 beat Hedgesville (WV), 34-0 Oct. 21 beat James Wood, 56-0

Sept. 8

Washington (WV), 7 p.m.

Oct. 13

at James Wood, 7 p.m.

Sept. 15 at Turner Ashby, 7 p.m.

Oct. 27

at Liberty, 7 p.m.

Sept. 22 Fauquier, 7 p.m.

Nov. 3

Sherando, 7 p.m.

beat Skyline, 66-28

Sept. 9 beat Clarke County, 34-14 Oct. 29 beat Handley, 56-6 Sept. 16 beat Kettle Run, 42-17

Nov. 4

Sept. 23 lost to Woodgrove, 50-15

Nov. 13 beat Loudoun Valley, 45-14

Sept. 30 beat Rock Ridge, 61-12

Nov. 20 lost to Salem, 59-14

beat Sherando, 42-41

The Northern Virginia Daily

MILLBROOK PIONEERS

Bruce keeping family tradition going at Millbrook By Tommy Keeler Jr. tkeeler@nvdaily.com

played at wide receiver and defensive back.

Myles Bruce said that he and Taylor would WINCHESTER — Myles Bruce is keeping the always push each other to be better. family tradition going. ‘I always admired Taylor,’ Myles Bruce said. The Millbrook senior had two older brothers ‘There was always a little bit inside me that who played football in the area and he looked wanted to be better than him. I always strive up to both of them. to be better, make more tackles, make more blocks. I couldn’t catch because I was a lineThe oldest brother, T.J., was a standout at man. He was always a better catcher than me, both James Wood and Millbrook and graduat- but I loved him very dear.’ ed from Millbrook in 2013. The middle of the three brothers, Taylor, graduated from Myles Bruce said that it’s been odd not havMillbrook this past June. ing Taylor with him on the team this season, but he said he still talks to Taylor a lot about ‘Every day it was like how can I learn from the team. T.J. today?’ Myles Bruce said. ‘How can I learn from Taylor? I love my brothers dearly, and The last two years Myles Bruce has been a they’ve brought me to where I’m at now. They standout on the defensive line. Last year he gave me the skills to be here.’ had seven sacks and is on pace to break the school record for sacks. T.J. Bruce was a wide receiver and defensive back at James Wood for three years, before Myles Bruce said it’s a nice feeling to break transferring to Millbrook for his senior year. through the offensive line and record a sack. Myles Bruce said that he went to all of T.J.’s games.

Millbrook head coach Josh Haymore said Myles Bruce can be dominant on the defensive line.

‘I would come to every game sit and watch him,’ Myles Bruce said. ‘All the other kids were jumping around, playing, talking to the girls. And I would just be sitting there watching my brother, loving him.’

‘Last year he single handedly just stopped two teams,’ Haymore said. ‘He just kept making play after play after play. He just kept going and everybody kept feeding off of him.’

While T.J. is five years older than Myles, Taylor is only a year older. Taylor Bruce

This year Myles Bruce will also play on the offensive line for the first time.

Haymore said he thinks he’ll do a real good job on the offensive line. ‘He’s fast. I like guys that are fast,’ Haymore said. ‘He’s a physical kid, but he understands how to use his hands. He understands leverage.’ Haymore said that Myles Bruce is also a very good leader for the team. ‘He’ll be a vocal leader when he needs to be, and when he talks the whole room listens,’ Haymore said. ‘He’s not a guy that always talks. It’s about that when he talks it’s something important you’ll need to listen to this.’ The Pioneers went 10-2 last year, falling in the second round of the playoffs. Myles Bruce said that he wants the team to have that kind of success again this year and make the most of his senior season. ‘Last year I know we had a great season, and I was sad to see it end,’ Myles Bruce said. ‘But it was amazing. And hopefully this year I want my (senior) year to be like (that). I always hang out with all the older players that graduated. And they always tell me, ‘it’s your time, it’s your turn. And do your best to make this year a great year’ And that’s what we’re trying to do.’

Head of the Class Dog Training LLC Winchester’s Premium Professional Pet Training .....................................................................................................................................................

Team up with us and COACH your dog to be a well behaved pet!

Mention FALL SPECIAL Save 10% Exp. 9/15/17

“Put Your Dog At The Head Of The Class” www.headoftheclasstrainingllc.com · (414) 881-0779

The Northern Virginia Daily

Pioneers Continued from 20

MILLBROOK PIONEERS

from Martinsburg High School in Martinsburg, West Virginia.

Brown has already committed to play wide receiver at the University of Richmond. Haymore Haymore said the junior said Brown may also has improved in the off- play some at wide receiver for the Pioneers. season. Smith ran for 1,669 yards and 26 touchdowns last year.

‘He’s gotten bigger,’ Haymore said. ‘He’s also going to be playing two ways for us this year.’

‘He’s doing really good,’ Haymore said. ‘He’s a very coachable kid. He’s a leader. He’s not a huge vocal get in your face guy. But he makes sure everybody’s in the right spot.’

Haymore said they will be able to take Smith out on offense at times, because Noah Robinson and Tyrek Talley will be Haymore said the solid back-ups at the Pioneers lost all four of running back spot. their starting wide receivers last year to Isaac Brown will be the graduation. starting quarterback. The senior transferred However, he said Millto Millbrook last winter brook should have plen-

2017 PIONEERS • Coach: Josh Haymore (Fifth year, 23-21) • Offense/Defense: Multiple/Multiple • Key returnees: RB/DB Savon Smith, WR/LB Brandon Shingleton, OL/DL Myles Bruce • Key losses: RB/DB P.K. Kier, WR/DB Kevin Valyear, RB/LB Dakota Koeing, WR/LB Gabe Neaverth, WR/DB Josh Davis, QB Zach Rogers, WR Cameron Faint, DB Taylor Bruce

2016 STATS • Record: 10-2, 4-0 Northwestern • Passing leader: Zach Rogers (42 for 110, 835 yards, 13 touchdowns, 2 interceptions) • Rushing leader: Savon Smith (125 carries, 1,669 yards, 26 touchdowns)

ty of solid options to go to. Haymore said Hunter Shaw and Jordan Jackson will see plenty of time at receiver, and he’ll use Smith and the other running backs in the slot as well.

• Receiving leader: Cameron Faint (20 catches, 394 yards, 6 touchdowns) • Tackles: Brandon Shingleton (117) • Sacks: Myles Bruce (4) • Interceptions: Josh Davis (5)

three spots are up for grabs according to Haymore. Bruce will lead the way on the defensive front, where he is the only returning starter. Bruce had seven sacks last year for Millbrook.

Nick Kline returns at center for the Pioneers, and Haymore said that he has plenty of confidence in Cline.

Haymore said Brandon Shingleton is the only starter returning at linebacker.

‘He’s a really, really good center,’ Haymore said. ‘He’s physical, he’s lean. He’s a leader enough to where people listen when he talks.’

In the secondary, Brown and Smith will play at the corners. Haymore said Shaw will likely play at safety with the other safety spot up for grabs.

Senior Myles Bruce will play on the offensive line for the first time this year, but the other

Sam Nicol is expected to handle the kicking duties.

2017 ROSTER No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 25 30 32 33 40 50 52 53 54 55 57 58 59 60 62 64 73 85

Name Isaac Brown Jordan Jackson Daniel Torres Alec Rudolph Hunter Shaw Michael Payne Jayden Johnson Ricky Timbrook William Martin Caleb Benner Noah Robinson Michael Buza Tyren Gay Christopher Martin Nickholson Opont Hemir Velasquez Emerson Posada Gavin Evosirch Ethan Swaim Samuel Nicol Takoda Guerrero Trammell Anthony Savon Smith Aaron Ringer Jason Updegraff Tyrek Talley James Hill Brandon Shingleton Noah Myers Nicholas Kline Michael Villa Myles Bruce Jacob Young Tyler Duckstein Zachary Clowser Kelvin Enriquez Jordan Haines Austin Mayl Garrett Gillette Zachree Harrison Dennis Hoffman

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

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

Wt. 185 160 170 170 180 175 190 200 170 190 185 170 170 175 190 150 185 175 170 170 170 180 170 175 155 180 185 190 220 230 200 205 180 225 255 225 245 190 200 275 195

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

The Northern Virginia Daily

SHERANDO WARRIORS

Sherando looking to bounce back from .500 season

By Tommy Keeler Jr. tkeeler@nvdaily.com STEPHENS CITY — Sherando’s record may not have been what the team wanted last year. But the experiences the team went through last season may pay big dividends this year. Sherando returns a lot from last year’s 5-5 team, and coach Bill Hall said the team has grown from it. ‘We were pretty young last year, so we return a lot,’ Hall said. ‘And they know the expectations. So I think that helps. I think they’re excited and eager — 5-5 doesn’t sit well with any of the guys around here.’ One of the key returners is junior quarterback Hunter Entsminger.

2017 WARRIORS

Rich Cooley/Daily

• Coach: Bill Hall (15th year, 119-42)

Sherando High School coach Bill Hall gives out instructions during a recent practice.

• Offense/Defense: Pro, multiple/3-4

Hall said that Entsminger’s success in baseball has helped improve for football.

• Key returnees: OL/LB Isaiah Allen, RB/CB T.J. Washington, RB/LB Joseph Doleman, FB/DE KeʼVon Doleman, WR/CB Aaron Banks, QB/FS Hunter Entsminger, WR/LB Michael Perry, OL/DL Nick Corbit • Key losses: Dylan Rivers, Adam Miller, Jacquari Hayes, Nathan Wagner, Jacob Sites, Jose Guevara, Sam Johnson, Cordell Peterson

‘His mentality in the (baseball) playoffs was impressive, and I think he built upon that in the summer with his travel ball,’ Hall said. ‘And I think that mentality will pay off for him, which is part of his evolution as a quarterback. Not that he wasn’t men-

tally tough last year, because he did a great job. But wanting to be the man in the moment, having prepared for that moment and embracing that moment, I think that’s where you’ll see him progress most.’

Tailback T.J. Washington and running back JoJo Doleman are both juniors. Washington ran for 1,243 yards and 16 touchdowns last season. Senior fullback Ke’Von Doleman is also back.

Entsminger, who threw for 1,337 yards and 10 touchdowns last year, will have two familiar running backs in the backfield with him.

Senior Aaron Banks will lead the way in a deep receiving core. Banks WARRIORS, 27

Classic Transit

Import & Sports Car Service & Sales

4897 Valley Pike, Stephens City, VA 22655

(540) 869-1868

The Northern Virginia Daily

SHERANDO WARRIORS

2017 SCHEDULE Aug. 25 James Wood, 7 p.m.

Oct. 6

2016 RESULTS (5-5, 3-1 NORTHWESTERN)

Martinsburg (WV), 7 p.m.

Aug. 26 lost to Louisa Co., 22-21

Sept. 30 beat James Wood, 34-0

Sept. 2 lost to Martinsburg (WV), 35-28

Oct. 15 beat Handley, 56-0

Sept. 1

at Jefferson Co. (WV), 7 p.m. Oct. 13

Kettle Run, 7 p.m.

Sept. 8

Broadway, 7 p.m.

Oct. 21

at Handley, 1 p.m.

Sept. 15 Loudoun Valley, 7 p.m.

Oct. 27

at Fauquier, 7 p.m.

Sept. 22 at Liberty, 7 p.m.

Nov. 3

at Millbrook, 7 p.m.

Sept. 9 beat Washington (WV), 71-13 Sept. 16 lost to Eastern View, 35-28

Oct. 21 lost to Fort Hill (MD), 49-21 Oct. 38 beat Skyline, 76-13

Sept. 23 beat Jefferson (WV), 41-12 Nov. 4

lost to Millbrook, 42-41

The Northern Virginia Daily

SHERANDO WARRIORS

Banks prepared for senior season with Warriors By Tommy Keeler Jr. tkeeler@nvdaily.com STEPHENS CITY â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Aaron Banks had a busy summer.

pay big dividends this year,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Hall said.

Banks played at quarterback his freshman year at Sherando, but then switched to wide receiver as a The Sherando senior went to four sophomore. He said he realized different camps. He attended a quarterback wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t for him, and he camp at James Madison University, enjoys playing at wide receiver. University of Richmond, William & Mary College and Old Dominion â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Every play Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m looking to go hard University. He said the camps were and find the strengths and weaka lot of fun. nesses of the defense,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Banks said of playing wide receiver. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Every time I â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;It was definitely fun to get out line up I notice if the guy is slackthere with everyone,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Banks said. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;It ing off at all on defense, and I know was definitely a different environI can get a good route on them. ment once you step out there. Some Every play just seeing what the coaches already have their recruits defense is going to do and adapting and stuff, and then you go out to it, and trying to find ways to there. You may not be getting make something happen.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; recruited, but you gotta compete to try to get into their focus.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; It helps Banks that he also plays in the defensive backfield and he Banks said he has talked to coach- understands what needs to happen es from Richmond, and also the on each side of the ball. University of New Hampshire, even though he didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t attend New Banks has played at cornerback the Hampshireâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s camp. last two years for Sherando, but will switch to safety this season. With all the work that he put in during the summer, Sherando coach Banks said heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s enjoyed learning a Bill Hall said he is expecting a solid new position. Hall said that he year from Banks this season. believes that Banks will be a cornerback in college, but for this seaâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been really investing into son Sherando needs him to play realizing his potential, and it will safety.

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best for the team, and heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be really good,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Hall said. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The guy can fly, and heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s really athletic. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a great ball and space guy, so it will be great for us. And if we need to put him down at corner we still can always go back to doing that. It was more of a team need, but heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll help us.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;

said. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Coming in seeing the same dudes every day and just the bonds are getting stronger. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re working out as a family. When you step on the field you know the person beside you has your back. So itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pretty great.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;You always feel like you can really change the game on defense, I feel like,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Banks said. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;If you come out and play physical and go 100 percent I feel like you can change the game a lot. Defense wins games â&#x20AC;&#x201D; I believe that.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;

Banks said the team is trying to put it behind them and is excited for the upcoming season.

Hall said heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seen Banks improve his leadership role with the team Last year Banks played a big role in this season as well. Sherandoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s success on both sides of the ball. He had 22 catches for 354 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not a very vocal guy by any yards and one touchdown at wide means,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Hall said. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;So heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s done a receiver. good job of stepping out of that to be more vocal. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s done a great job On defense, Banks led the area with with his leadership.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; four interceptions and 47 tackles, including 24 solo. The Warriors went 5-5 last season and missed the playoffs for the first Banks said he loves to play defense. time in a number of years.

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Last season is always a little bit of motivation,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Banks said. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;At the same time weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re just focused on now. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re working on. Banks said he loves the team aspect Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s our mission statement â&#x20AC;&#x201D; be of football, and working together 1-0. So weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re just focused on the with the rest of his teammates. now and things we can do in practice to be better for our season. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s like a brotherhood â&#x20AC;&#x201D; just know- Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not really looking back at ing that I basically have a second that season. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re just ready to be family here. I just love it,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Banks good this season.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to TACKLE those Gutters! 15% OFF 36 Gutter Clogged gutters can cause big problems. Wood rot, mold, and wet basements are all caused by water seeping into places it shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t. 2100/.-,/+*/0)-('-0&/-%-.'0$-#.("(! +$- ! - */.( '- - &#( /

Division of Gregoryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Inc. + ''- - ( - - - - -

(Minimu

Helmet

m 100 ft

.) Not vali d with a ny other Good at offers. ďŹ rst pre sentatio n only. -

- $-

Call for FREE estimate

540-869-3500

The Northern Virginia Daily

Warriors Continued from 24

had 22 catches for 354 yards last year.

SHERANDO WARRIORS

wide receiver. Mike Perry will be playing at the H-back, while William Hall will be at tight end.

Senior Frank Ritter is playing football for the first time, and Hall said he’s been happy with what he’s seen of him in the preseason. Joe Kelliher, Cam Edwards, Dylan Rutherford, Malachi Doleman and Nick Mazza will also see playing time at

Zach McCarty and Isaiah Allen will look to lead the way on the offensive line. Both started for the Warriors last season.

2016 STATS

Allen and Ke’Von Doleman will be two of the big pieces on the defensive line. Ke’Von Doleman, a senior, will be starting for the third year.

• Record: 5-5, 3-1 Northwestern • Passing leader: Hunter Entsminger (92 for 144, 1,337 yards, 15 touchdowns, 4 interceptions) • Rushing leader: T.J. Washington (166 carries for 1,243 yards, 16 touchdowns) • Receiving leader: Aaron Banks (22 catches for 354 yards, 1 touchdowns) • Total tackles: Dylan Rivers (102) • Sacks: Nick Corbit (4) • Interceptions: Aaron Banks (4)

Hall said he has a lot of depth on the offensive line with a lot of players vying for positions.

Zack Kales, Nick Corbit and Austin Covert will be a big part of the defensive line this season. Allen started on the defensive line last season, and Kales, Corbit and Covert all saw plenty of playing time on the line.

2017 ROSTER No. 2 3 4 5 7 8 9 10 12 14 16 17 20 22 23 24 25 26 28 30 33 38

Name Frank Ritter Nicholas Mazza Alexander Hoffman Aaron Banks Michael Perry Hunter Entsminger William Hall Joseph Doleman Chase Wilde Joseph Kelliher Jabril Hayes Malachi Doleman Jamie Pachecho T.J. Washington Dylan Rutherford Melvin Irby Kolby Schlag Dakota Fitzwater Cameron Edwards Darius Lane Payne Bauer Isaiah Taylor

with the graduation of Dylan Rivers, who is now playing at Virginia Tech. However, the Warriors are still very strong at linebacker. Junior JoJo Doleman, the Warriors top returning tackler, moves from outside linebacker to inside linebacker, just like Rivers did last season.

One big part of the line- Kolby Schlag, McKinley Dean and Payne Bauer backing core is gone

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

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

Wt. 155 150 145 165 215 180 210 215 195 195 140 155 150 175 155 160 200 165 165 145 205 185

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

will also be playing at inside linebacker. At outside linebacker Perry, Kelliher and Isaiah Taylor will be taking the majority of the snaps. Banks is moving from cornerback to safety for the Warriors this season. Last year Banks had four interceptions and 47 tackles. Ritter will also be playing at safety.

40 42 44 49 50 53 55 56 58 62 64 65 66 67 71 72 73 75 80 81 85 88 90

Marcus Loveless Pedro Pineda KeʼVon Doleman McKinley Dean Joel Santmier Ethan Broccolo Austin Covert Zachary McCarty Isaiah Allen Jacob Raymond Erich Artis Andrew Gray Kalvin Hoemmen Zackery Kales Nicholas Corbit Daniel Boespflug Keith Gouveia Zachary Mele Tucker Anderson John Arnold Chase Peacemaker Troy Funk Stone Garver

TE/DE WR/DB FB/DE TE/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL WR/DB WR/DB TE/DL TE/DE K

Washington, Melvin Irby, Edwards, Rutherford, Mazza and Malachi Doleman will all see playing time at the cornerback spots. Stone Garver will be doing kicking duties, although Hall said Entsminger could also kick some if needed as well. The Warriors will once again have a tough schedule.

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

195 155 245 190 215 215 210 210 300 245 230 185 280 250 240 255 210 230 165 135 205 195 160

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

Last year Sherando’s five losses came to teams with a combined 47-3 regular season record. Hall said that he wants to have a tough schedule to push his players to be better. ‘We like to challenge ourselves,’ Hall said. ‘We’re not like some teams that just schedule wins. That’s not the way we do it.’

SKYLINE HAWKS

The Northern Virginia Daily

Skyline seeking to rebound after missing playoffs in 2016 By Brad Fauber bfauber@nvdaily.com FRONT ROYAL – Skyline High School head football coach Heath Gilbert has placed a premium on increasing the amount of offseason participation among his players. With the Hawks seeking to rebound from disappointing 2-8 season, that participation became as important as ever in the seven months leading up to the first preseason practice. Gilbert said recently he put the onus on his players when addressing them about putting in the necessary offseason work to become more competitive on the football field. Twenty-seven players earned ‘commitment shirts’

2017 HAWKS • Coach: Heath Gilbert (11th year, 51-56) • Offense/Defense: Multiple-I/4-2-5 • Key returnees: OL/DL Cedric Ausberry, WR/DB Ty Clingerman, RB/LB Quentin Diggs, RB/LB Tucker Fortney, WR/DB Luis Garcia, WR/DB Trenton King, RB/LB Kyle McHugh, OL/DL Ethan Nowell, OL/LB Justin Jenkins, OL/DL Marcel Roy, WR/DB Matthew Rutherford, QB Ryan Scott, WR/DB Bailey Smeltzer • Key losses: FB/LB Seth Gillespy, OL/DL Max Meador, TE/LB Matthew Hartzell, WR/DB Steven Timbers

awarded for attending at least 21 of Skyline’s 27 summer sessions ahead of the new season, an increase of six players from the previous year. That total is still well off Gilbert’s stated goal of handing out over 50 of those shirts each offseason, but it’s a step in the right direction. ‘We are better. We’re stronger. We’re faster,’ Gilbert said earlier this month. ‘Hopefully that’s gonna translate.’ Skyline’s struggles in 2016 snapped a streak of four straight seasons with a playoff appearance, but the inexperiRich Cooley/Daily ence that plagued the Hawks a year Skyline High School head coach Heath Gilbert runs his football team ago is no longer such an imposing through drills during a recent practice. obstacle. Skyline also brings back its top three tion groups in Skyline’s first intraThe Hawks return nine starters on squad scrimmage in early August. running backs from a season ago – offense and seven on defense and, the senior trio of Quentin Diggs (439 pairing that experience with a more yards rushing, five touchdowns), ‘We expect those guys to get open and favorable schedule, should expect Tucker Fortney (339 yards, five TDs) make plays,’ Gilbert said. ‘We have a improvement from a 2016 team that and Kyle McHugh – and its top two very talented quarterback getting was shut out three times and allowed receivers, seniors Luis Garcia and them the ball. We do have high 42.4 points per game. expectations for them.’ Trenton King, who combined for 67 receptions, 963 yards and eight The Hawks also return three starters Ryan Scott, a senior, is entering his touchdowns in 2016. along the offensive line in senior second season as the Hawks’ starting Cedric Ausberry (6-foot-2, 279 quarterback and is coming off a 2016 Gilbert said the emergence of Caleb pounds) and juniors Ethan Nowell (6season in which he accounted for Reedy, a junior with big-play ability, 0, 220) and Marcel Roy (5-11, 258). nearly 2,000 yards of total offense – and senior Matt Rutherford, among including 1,544 yards passing – and others, helped the receiving corps SKYLINE, 31 grade out the highest among all posi13 total touchdowns.

Are You Ready to be F.I.I.T.? Functional Individualized Intense Training

• Intense Crosstraining • Powerlifting • Olympic Lifts • Battle Ropes • Box Jumping & More! Improves Strength, Explosiveness & Athleticism

Monday, Wednesday & Friday • 6-7PM

9816 Winchester Rd | 540.636.2820

The Northern Virginia Daily

SKYLINE HAWKS

2017 SCHEDULE

2016 RESULTS (2-8, 1-3 NORTHWESTERN DISTRICT)

Aug. 25 at Central, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 6

at Culpeper County, 7 p.m. Aug. 26 lost to Central, 34-13

Oct. 7

Sept. 1

Broadway, 7 p.m.

Oct. 13

at Manassas Park, 7 p.m. Sept. 2 beat Broadway, 45-21

Oct. 14 lost to James Wood, 26-0

Sept. 8

James Wood, 7 p.m.

Oct. 20

William Monroe, 7 p.m.

Sept. 9 lost to Brentsville, 49-0

Oct. 21 beat John Handley, 33-27

Sept. 16 at John Handley, 1 p.m.

Oct. 27

at Brentsville, 7 p.m.

Sept. 16 lost to Manassas Park, 55-35 Oct. 28 lost to Sherando, 76-13

Sept. 29 Strasburg, 7 p.m.

Nov. 3

Warren County, 7 p.m.

Sept. 30 lost to John Champe, 42-0 Nov. 4

We’re Proud to Support the

Skyline Hawks

Stop by before the game for all your tailgating supplies!

GOOD LUCK THIS SEASON 807 John Marshall Highway • Front Royal, Virginia

lost to Millbrook, 66-28

lost to Warren Co., 28-14

SKYLINE HAWKS

The Northern Virginia Daily

QB Scott enters senior season as ‘the man’ in Hawks’ offense

made it a point in offseason workouts and preseason practice to become more vocal. But that’s just the first stride amongst many that FRONT ROYAL – Ryan Scott Scott has made in order to ensure entered his junior season with Skyline High School’s football team that his final high school season is his best yet. last fall in competition with Colin Smith before emerging as the Scott attended a handful of Hawks’ starting quarterback for prospect camps in the offseason, he the 2016 season. said, and developed a better sense Scott held that starring role in the of throwing his receivers open instead of waiting to pass the ball Hawks’ offense all season, amassafter his targets broke free of their ing nearly 2,000 yards of total defenders and remaining in the offense over 10 games in his first pocket longer while under presyear as a starter while the team sure. itself struggled to a 2-8 record. Entering his senior season this fall, He worked out at Frisby’s Agility, Scott is free from the uncertainty Speed and Strength Training he faced last preseason as he prepares to captain the Hawks’ offense (FASST) in Winchester to improve his footwork and become more again in 2017. agile. ‘He was a totally different kid last Scott hit the weight room hard and year at this time because he was gained about 25 pounds – he kind of competing and (the team) entered camp at 6-foot-2, 205 really wasn’t his,’ Hawks head pounds – without feeling like he’s coach Heath Gilbert said earlier sacrificed the mobility that is a key this month. ‘It is his now. And it’s asset to Skyline’s offense, which clear that he knows he’s the man heavily features the read-option. and it’s his offense.’ By Brad Fauber bfauber@nvdaily.com

Now more confident at the position and more receptive to the natural leadership responsibilities that come with playing quarterback – ‘It’s the job,’ Scott said – the senior

that Gilbert said the Hawks operated with last season due to the unit’s amount of inexperience. Gilbert confirmed that Skyline’s offensive playbook will feature more ‘wrinkles’ than last season, adding that the Hawks have been able to implement more run-pass options into the mix now that Scott is comfortable with the offense. ‘This year we’ve put in a lot more options,’ Scott said, ‘so I can pull it more and have more pitches available. This offense is kind of based around what our team can do and what I can do.’ Like last season, when Scott completed 123 of 203 passes (60.6 percent) for 1,544 yards, 10 touchdowns and eight interceptions and rushed 114 times for 385 yards and three TDs, the senior quarterback will be given freedom to make his own calls. ‘The reads are all up to me, and I can kill that play, call a different play. I can read it and then pull it and then throw it to another receiver,’ Scott said. ‘It’s all on me this year.’

All of that improvement, paired with the experience Scott gained last season, allows Skyline to open Scott will have help around him, up the playbook in 2017 and branch out from the ‘basic package’ however. His top two receiving tar-

gets from last season – seniors Luis Garcia and Trenton King – are back after combining to snag 67 receptions for 963 yards and eight touchdowns in 2016. Senior running backs Quentin Diggs (team-high 439 rushing yards, five touchdowns last season) and Tucker Fortney (339 rushing yards, five TDs) also return, giving the Hawks a veteran core of skill players. ‘We’re so much further ahead with these guys through the summer stuff because they have a really good grasp of what’s going on,’ Gilbert said. Among Scott’s list of goals for the 2017 season are a winning season, a Northwestern District title and a return to the playoffs for a Hawks squad that missed out on the postseason for the first time since 2011 last fall. Scott also wants to eclipse 2,000 yards of total offense after falling just 71 yards short of that mark a season ago. ‘I really think he could have a special season,’ Gilbert said.

The Northern Virginia Daily

SKYLINE HAWKS

Skyline

2017 ROSTER

Defensively, Skyline has a veteran back seven that includes linebackers Fortney, ‘Ranking them last year, McHugh and senior Justin Marcel was maybe on the bottom but this year it’s been Jenkins (66 tackles in 2016), cornerbacks King and junior a total change. He’s turning into an alpha for us, which is Ty Clingerman (eight passes defended, one interception) fantastic. Really excited and safeties Rutherford (42 about his growth,’ Gilbert tackles, two interceptions) said. and senior Bailey Smeltzer. Continued from 28

‘Ethan brings that tough nastiness to his game. Cedric is a big athlete that’s perfect for your left tackle. He’s got the basketball feet. He’s got good size. … We like what we have there and the pieces around it to fill in have been pretty

2016 STATS • Record: 2-8 (1-3 Northwestern District) • Passing leader: Ryan Scott (123 for 203, 1,544 yards, 10 touchdowns, 8 interceptions) • Rushing leader: Quentin Diggs (104 carries for 439 yards, 5 touchdowns) • Receiving leader: Trenton King (34 receptions for 439 yards, 4 touchdowns) • Total tackles: Seth Gillespy (90) • Sacks: Seth Gillespy (3.5) • Interceptions: Matt Rutherford (2)

solid too.’

The Hawks will be brand-new on the defensive line, however, a concern for a team that surrendered 303.5 yards rushing per game last season. Gilbert said on Aug. 11 that Nowell and junior Nathan Abel were in line to snag starting spots at end and Roy and junior Jacob Grady at the tackle positions. The head coach added that a group that includes Cody Lykins, Jayden Norwood, Tyler Compton and Tyler Hugo has ‘great potential’ along the defensive line.

No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 13 15 16 17 20 21 22 23 24 25 27

Name Nathan Abel Bailey Smeltzer Daquarius Ford Ryan Scott Ty Clingerman Jacob Grady Quentin Diggs Matthew Rutherford Douglas Cummings Aden Smith Luis Garcia Trenton King Chase Tasker Asher Pastore Sam Brown Caleb Dodson Jose Castillo Brandon Smoot Laterrian Barber David Carter Caleb Reedy Kyle McHugh

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

putting it together and understanding what the offensive lineman’s trying to do to you and how you need to react when he does this compared to that. If that can happen, you know, we can have an exciting season.’

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

Wt. 190 160 160 205 146 190 200 170 143 160 160 145 155 160 160 123 150 170 150 175 171 180

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

29 30 32 35 40 42 45 48 53 54 55 56 57 58 60 72 74 76 77 78 79 80 81 88

Tucker Fortney Darrien Santucci Jayden Norwood Ethan Gue Spencer Scriva Wyatt Spiker Tyler Hugo Matthew Leach Parker Holmes Marcel Roy Andre Deville Ethan Nowell Justin Jenkins Rhys Gee Anthony Sosa Cody Lykins William Wolf Cedric Ausberry Patrick Slate Tyler Compton Matthew Sosa Austin Hickman Zane Clark Michael Davis

and Class 4 divisions under the VHSL’s new realignment), the Hawks will play what Gilbert considers a more competitively balanced schedule this fall.

Skyline, which remains a Class 3 (formerly Group 3A) ‘At least it’s a thing where we Skyline kicks off its 2017 sea- member, has dropped have some pieces there that son with a road game at Sherando (Class 4), Millbrook at least we have some size Central on Aug. 25. (Class 4) and John Champe and weight guys that can do (Class 5) – three teams that it,’ Gilbert said of the concern As a result of the expansion combined to outscore the around the Hawks’ revamped of the Northwestern District Hawks 184-41 in 2016 – in D-line. ‘It’s just a matter of to 13 teams (split into Class 3 place of Culpeper County

RB/LB RB/LB FB/DL FB/DE WR/DB RB/LB TE/DE TE/DE OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL WR/LB WR/DB TE/DB

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

180 184 260 200 140 150 226 187 190 258 286 220 195 226 243 235 220 279 236 235 245 140 132 160

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

(Class 3), William Monroe (Class 3) and Strasburg (Class 2). ‘It has an impact across the coaching staff, it has an impact on the kids. You feel like every week that we have a chance to be in the game,’ Gilbert said. ‘I’m not saying we’re gonna win all of our games. I’m not saying that at all. But I just feel like we can compete every week, which is exciting.’

GOOD LUCK THIS SEASON HAWKS!!!! SERVICE TIRE & BATTERY, INC AUTO HOME BUSINESS LIFE Send Flowers, Just Because. We don’t just sell and install most brands of tires, we install Batteries, do Repairs and State Inspections too!

615 N. Royal Avenue, Front Royal, VA 22630

540-635-3148 PROMPT, RELIABLE SERVICE

since 1951

986A John Marshall Hwy. Front Royal, VA 22630

(540) 635-3107

www.mcgreevyinsurance.com

540-635-2815 • 800-806-5182 205 S. Royal Ave. Front Royal

STONEWALL JACKSON GENERALS

The Northern Virginia Daily

Generals looking to improve this season By Tommy Keeler Jr. tkeeler@nvdaily.com QUICKSBURG – First-year head coach Pete Lampman has seen Stonewall Jackson make some strides in the offseason and is looking for improvement from his squad this year. The Generals have a lot of returners from last year’s team, including 12 seniors. ‘Seniors always feel a certain amount of ‘this is it,’’ Lampman said. ‘I don’t want to say pressure, but like ‘let’s do this’. And we got a fair amount of them, so that usually helps.’ The Generals are switching to the triple-option offense this season.

2017 GENERALS • Coach: Pete Lampman (First year) • Offense/Defense: Triple option/4-4 • Key returnees: QB/DB Brendan Hoover, FB/LB Jacob Murphy, RB/CB Logen Patton, RB/LB Tyler Vanderpuye, RB/LB Caleb Fauver, OL Dakota Baker, OL/LB Charles Street V, OL/DL Drew Binion, OL/DL Dakota Bush, WR/DL Wade Banks • Key losses: Chance Stroop, Tyler Patton, Dylan Vann, James Stunkle

Rich Cooley/Daily

Stonewall Jackson coach Pete Lampman watches his team run through warmup drills during a recent practice. Leading the option will be quarter- who led the team with 524 yards ‘They’re seniors, they’ve been back Brendan Hoover, a senior. rushing last year, had some experi- around a while,’ Lampman said of ence with the triple option when GENERALS, 35 Hoover and fullback Jacob Murphy, they were freshman.

Go Let’s Go Generals! #SAC Generals!

A historic town located in the heart of the beautiful www.newmarketvirginia.com

540-740-3432

NOW OPEN! Full Service Hair Salon

157 E. Avondale Ave. Mt. Jackson Virginia Langston Owner/Sylist

335-3724

Our prices are so you don’t have to choose between paying a bill or your hair!

VALLEY SPORTS CONNECTION

“More than just a sports store” Cathy & Mitch Donald (540) 740-3322 Mon. – Fri.: 10–6 Sat.: 9–1 9395 S. Congress Street, New Market

Good Luck Generals!

Valleysportsconnection.com • vsc@shentel.net

The Northern Virginia Daily

STONEWALL JACKSON GENERALS

2017 SCHEDULE

2016 RESULTS (0-10, 0-7 SHENANDOAH DISTRICT)

Aug. 25 Strasburg, 7 p.m.

Sept. 29 at Riverheads, 7 p.m.

Aug. 26 lost to Strasburg, 13-12

Oct. 7

Sept. 1

at Central, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 6

Page County, 7 p.m.

Sept. 2 lost to Central, 40-18

Oct. 15 lost to E. Rockingham, 49-12

Sept. 8

Wilson Memorial, 7 p.m.

Oct. 13

at Stuarts Draft, 7 p.m.

Sept. 9 lost to Parry McCluer, 47-0 Oct. 21 lost to Buffalo Gap, 38-0

Sept. 15 at Luray, 7 p.m.

Oct. 20

East Rockingham 7 p.m.

Sept. 23 lost to Page County, 39-0

Oct. 28 lost to Riverheads 48-7

Sept. 22 Robert E. Lee, 7 p.m.

Oct. 27

at Buffalo Gap, 7 p.m.

Sept. 30 lost to Stuarts Draft, 27-0

Nov. 4

lost to Wilson Memorial, 51-8

lost to Luray, 44-6

Pam M Terry, Agent 5324 Main Street Mount Jackson, VA 22842 Bus: 540-477-9292 pam@pamterryinsurance.com Hablamos EspaÃ±ol

Get discounts up to 35%.* why you can count on me to get you all the discounts you deserve.

GET TO A BETTER STATE.TM CALL ME TODAY.

The Northern Virginia Daily

STONEWALL JACKSON GENERALS

Murphy looking to build off successful season at fullback By Tommy Keeler Jr. tkeeler@nvdaily.com QUICKSBURG – Jacob Murphy didn’t used to enjoy running with the ball. But after last season it’s become one of his favorite parts of the game. The Stonewall Jackson senior fullback led the team in rushing last year, and said that he’s learned to love carrying the ball. ‘Running the ball was a great experience,’ Murphy said. ‘I’d never been able to run the ball like that before. And I really enjoyed that more than anything else.’

that in his freshman year.

Lampman said that Murphy and senior quarter- Murphy said he tries to be a leader for the back Brendan Hoover have led the way in the younger players on the team, just like the sennew offense. iors did for him when he was a freshman. ‘He’s going to get the ball a far amount,’ Lampman said of Murphy. ‘Between him and Brendan they make a good team. They got a good mesh point. They can read the play well. He’s going to run the ball.’ Murphy is also a standout at linebacker, where he has started for the last three years. He played at inside linebacker his freshman and sophomore seasons, but moved to outside linebacker last year.

Stonewall Jackson first-year head coach Pete Lampman said Murphy will be back at inside Lampman, who was an assistant with the linebacker this year. Generals last year, said that they noticed that Murphy had the tools to be a good running back Murphy said he enjoys playing at linebacker last year and gave him the ball more. and making plays. ‘He can see the holes,’ Lampman said. ‘He’s got ‘I enjoy just finding the ball and getting to it,’ pretty good ability to cut. He runs hard, which Murphy said. ‘I enjoy knowing that my line’s is the big thing. He’s not (former NFL running doing everything they can and I’m doing everyback) Barry Sanders or anything, but he’s a thing I can. I just like getting to the ball and pretty good running back. And he’s got pretty making things happen.’ good vision.’ Murphy ran for 524 yards last year, before a knee injury ended his season in the eighth game. This year the Generals will be running a triple option offense. Murphy said it hasn’t been too much of an adjustment because the team used

Lampman said Murphy is a great leader for the Generals. ‘Jake, he can be the heart and soul of the program,’ Lampman said. ‘He really works hard. He’s a great kid, a great student, a great citizen. I can’t say enough accolades about Jake. He’s just been a leader on the team and working hard in the weight room, and working hard in the offseason.’ Lampman said that he thinks Murphy has come back from his injury stronger than he was before and that he can have a big season on both sides of the ball. The Generals have struggled the last few years, with only five combined wins in the last five years. Murphy said that he believes the team is ready to turn the program around this year.

‘We’re learning from it and we’re determined to turn that around,’ Murphy said. ‘As I look back, and I’m sure all the other seniors look back, and they realize they don’t want that anymore. And I think that’s really going to help us this year is ‘He taught me a lot, and I like that the most about him,’ Murphy said. ‘He really taught me a that mentality that we don’t want that anymore. It’s not going to be who we are anymore.’ lot. And that’s why I play today and love it so Murphy said he learned a lot his freshman year playing with his older brother Matt at linebacker.

Town of Mount Jackson

Mt. Jackson Farm Service

In Shenandoah County, Virginia

CATTLE, HORSES, POULTRY, PETS & MORE... WE ARE YOUR FEED HEADQUARTERS. WE SUPPORT LOCAL FFA & 4-H

much because of him.’

The Mount Jackson Moose Lodge #979

5901 Main Street, Mount Jackson

477-2121

An international organization of men and women, dedicated to caring for young and old, bringing communities closer together and celebrating life.

477-3157

HOURS: MON.-FRI. 7:30 - 5:00, SAT. 7:30 - 1:00

477-2612

www.mountjacksonmooselodge.webs.com

www.mountjackson.com

The Northern Virginia Daily

Generals Continued from 32

Hoover and Murphy. ‘They understand the offense.’ Playing at the wings will be seniors Logen Patton and Logan Ritchie and sophomore Tyler Vanderpuye. The offensive line will be led by Drew Binion. The 6-foot-3, 290-pound senior has been invited to participate in the Blue-Grey All-American Bowl in Jacksonville, Florida, on Jan. 13. ‘Drew’s a stud when he wants to be,’ Lampman said. ‘He’s a great player. He’s a guy that can somewhat write his ticket if he just puts in the effort.’

STONEWALL JACKSON GENERALS

2016 STATS

them for football.

2017 ROSTER

‘I think these guys’ success in baseball, wrestling, track • Rushing leader: Jacob Murphy translates to confidence,’ (101 carries for 524 yards, 4 touchLampman said. ‘Confidence downs) translates to wanting to win, • Total tackles: Jacob Murphy (59) to working to win. And it translates on the field. If you said that Bush, Dakota Baker, play with confidence on the Josh Lantz and Cole Wealthy field you give yourselves a will all be factors on the defen- chance to win.’ sive line as well. • Record: 0-10, 0-7 Shenandoah

One of the strengths of Stonewall Jackson’s defense will be the linebackers. Seniors Murphy, Caleb Fauver and juniors Udreka Claude and Street will be the linebackers. Lampman said Claude has shown real improvement.

‘Udreka Claude has had a really good camp at lineSeniors Dakota Bush and backer,’ Lampman said. ‘I look Dakota Baker and junior Chase Street will also give the for big things from him this Generals some strength on the year. He played some as a sophomore, but he’s gotten bigoffensive line. ger, stronger, faster in the offseason.’ Lampman said they have six or seven guys who will be Quite a few of Stonewall playing on the offensive line Jackson’s players have had this season. success in other sports, such as baseball, wrestling and Senior Wade Banks will be track. Lampman said he expected to lead the way on the defensive line. Lampman thinks that definitely helps

Lampman said Street has also been real impressive in the preseason. Lampman said that Patton and Ritchie will lead the way in the defensive backfield this season. Junior Blake McCourt will handle the kicking duties. The Generals suffered through an injury-riddled season last year and finished 0-10. Lampman said he expects better results this season. ‘I tell them I expect success,’ Lampman said. ‘Now I don’t know what success is going to spell out exactly. But I expect us to be competitive. I expect us to win. There’s not a game I’m going into that I don’t think we can win. I don’t care who it is.’

OVERNIGHT TOURS MINI BUS TOURS 1. Boston vs Orioles Sept 20 2. Maryland Live! Sept 23 3. Jonah Sept 27 4. New Tygart Train Oct 4 5. Potomac Eagle Train Oct 8 6. Zoo Oct 11 7. Miracle of Christmas Dec 6 and Dec 9 8. Daily and Vincent Concert Dec 10 New York City and Yankee Stadium by Train Sept 28-Oct 1 2018 MLB All Star Game Packages July 14-17

1. New Years @ Disney Dec 28-Jan 1 2. NFL Pro Bowl - Universal Studios Jan 25-29, 2018 3. Daytona 500 NASCAR Feb 15-19, 2018 4. Tauck New Orleans May 1-8, 2018 Other tours added through out the year

GROUP CRUISES

1. Hawaii Feb 7-17, 2018 2. Bahamas Mar 4-11, 2018 3. Panama Canal April 9-20,2018 4. Bermuda June 28- July 6, 2018 5. Alaska June 28-July 6, 2018 6. New England Sept. 13-22-2018 American Queen River Boat Cruise May 13-21, 2018 We can book any cruiseline for ANY Cruise

No. 4 5 7 10 11 12 20 22 24 28 29 32 35 40 44 50 51 54 57 61 63 69 70 72 73 74 75 77 80 82 84 85 87 88

Name Damian Tapia Logan Ritchie Branson Estep Brendan Hoover Austin Ritchie Kyle Baker Jacob Murphy Logen Patton Tyler Vanderpuye Juan Ortiz Calvin Smith Udreka Claude Caleb Fauver Chad Morse Rion Dennison Tyler Mongold Jacob Breighner Dakota Ruffner Caleb Clinedinst Charles Street V Dakota Baker Drew Binion Dakota Bush Kyle Bushong Cole Wealthy Jake Gaete Joshua Lantz Devin Campbell Hunter Smith Austin Carney James Shumway Griffin Proctor William McCourt Wade Banks

Pos. RB/DB RB/CB WR/LB QB/DB QB/DB WR/DL FB/LB WR/CB RB/LB RB/DB WR/DB FB/LB RB/LB WR/DB RB/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL WR/OL WR/DB WR/LB WR/DL OL/DL/K WR/DL

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

Wt. 133 160 160 151 135 123 191 171 175 135 172 186 173 121 185 212 153 260 212 260 238 290 291 198 173 294 179 260 172 120 183 161 226 177

OUT OF COUNTRY TOURS 1. Cancun Jan 5-9, 2018 2. Costa Rica Jan 13-21, 2018 3. Punta Cana Feb 11-15, 2018 4. Ireland Mar 11-18, 2018 5. Greece June 13-19, 2018 6. London-Paris July 8-14, 2018 7. Italy Sept 2-9, 2018 8. Holy Land Oct 1-9, 2018 Passion Play-Germany June and Sept 2020

Travel Adventures

540-810-1196

Harrisonburg, VA www.TravelAdventuresByMike.com Call for Trip Details

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

STRASBURG RAMS

The Northern Virginia Daily

Strasburg flush with fresh faces after first playoff win in 4 seasons By Brad Fauber bfauber@nvdaily.com STRASBURG – Strasburg High School’s football team picked up its first playoff victory in four seasons in 2016. This fall the Rams will try to build on that achievement with plenty of new faces gracing the roster. Strasburg, which fell in the Region 2A East

2017 RAMS • Coach: Mark Roller (10th year, 48-50) • Offense/Defense: Pro-I/4-4 • Key returnees: RB/LB Tyjone Carter, WR/LB/DB Stephen Kloosterman, WR/DB Jacob Knapp, RB/LB Austin Miller, OL/DL Hunter Miller, TE/DE Grant Scott, WR/DB Brody Tomblin • Key losses: QB/DE Ethan Duckworth, OL/DL Ryan Jenkins, RB/LB Josh Pritchett, OL/DL Hunter Riley, OL/LB Zach Scott

second round last year, returns only a handful of starters on each side of the football heading into the 2017 season and lost all five 2016 All-Bull Run District honorees to graduation. The Rams will turn to that group of returning veterans to help guide a crop of less experienced players and varsity newcomers as they settle into expanded roles. Rams head coach Mark Roller said earlier this month that the upperclassmen have embraced the responsibility of taking the younger players ‘under their wing,’ and pointed to the team’s work ethic as a positive bullet point a couple weeks into preseason camp.

Rich Cooley/Daily

Strasburg head football coach Mark Roller gives instructions Thursday on a drill during opening day of football practice.

to get them to the point where they are confident within ‘We don’t have a whole themselves so that lot of experience com- they can actually do ing back but they are the job and the task at a group that will hand. I think they’re work,’ Roller said. willing to work, and I ‘And so I think right think that’s probably now we’re just trying the thing that sticks

out the most is the eagerness to learn.’

That position remained unsettled on Aug. 14, and Roller said he likely wouldn’t One of the biggest question marks for the know who would take the snaps for Rams (8-4 record in Strasburg until the 2016) when they opened practice at the week of the opener against Stonewall end of July was at Jackson on Aug. 25. starting quarterback.

On those crazy days, just know that I have your back. With my help and the backing of my great team, I’ll have you back on the road and driving happy in no time. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.® Brenda Parsons, Agent 113 E King Street • Strasburg, VA 22657 Bus: 540-465-3879 brenda.parsons.Inll@statefarm.com

Two sophomores, Dylan Hamrick and Chase Hart, were vying for the chance to replace Ethan Duckworth – who threw for 1,142 yards and 11 touchdowns as a senior in 2016 –in that RAMS, 39

The Northern Virginia Daily

STRASBURG RAMS

2017 SCHEDULE Aug. 25 at Stonewall Jackson, 7 p.m. Oct. 6

2016 RESULTS (8-4, 4-2 BULL RUN DISTRICT)

at George Mason, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 26 beat Stonewall Jack., 13-12 Oct. 14 beat Warren Co., 24-21

Oct. 13

Clarke County, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 15 at Rapp. County, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 20

Nelson County, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 22 Warren County, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 27

at Madison Co., 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 1

Luray, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 29 at Skyline, 7 p.m.

Nov. 3

Central, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 2 lost to E. Rockingham, 35-8 Oct. 21 beat Madison Co., 34-32 Sept. 8 beat Riverside, 22-8

Oct. 28 beat Central, 7-0

Sept. 16 beat James Wood, 35-14

Nov. 4

lost to William Monroe, 38-7

Sept. 30 beat George Mason, 25-14 Nov. 11 beat King William, 41-20 Oct. 7

lost to Clarke Co., 52-14

Nov. 18 lost to Goochland, 35-13

THE CRAWFORD INSURANCE AGENCY, INC. www.crawfordinsuranceonline.com

Hank Dean 257 - 1 E. King Street, Strasburg, Virginia â&#x20AC;¢ Phone 465-3772

STRASBURG RAMS

The Northern Virginia Daily

Miller more comfortable entering second season in Rams’ backfield By Brad Fauber bfauber@nvdaily.com

football, said earlier this month. ‘I mean I’ve been hit hard all the time, but it just changed, I guess, being a running back from tight end.’

STRASBURG – There were moments, particularly early last season, when Austin Miller looked like a A year later, Miller has a full season football player trying to become accli- as the Rams’ workhorse back under his belt – he carried the ball 218 mated to a new position in 2016. times, the second-most among local Miller, who came up through players in 2016, for 948 yards and Strasburg High School’s football pro- nine touchdowns last fall – and he gram as a tight end, moved into the needs no such introductory phase. backfield as a junior last fall to fill That much was apparent to the Rams’ vacant spot at running Strasburg head coach Mark Roller back, the featured role in a tradition- when the Rams hit the practice field ally run-heavy offensive scheme. for preseason camp on July 31. As Miller took his first varsity handoffs in the season opener against Stonewall Jackson last year, when he often stutter-stepped before trying to squeeze through a hole along the offensive line, it was clear he would need some time to adjust. Unlike his blocking assignments as a tight end, he said, or his pursuit of opposing ball carriers as a linebacker, playing running back brings with it an uncertainty in regard to when and where contact will come from. It was that thought that left Miller feeling a little uneasy. ‘I was really hesitant in the beginning just because I was really nervous about getting hit, really. I don’t know what it was,’ Miller, who played running back and fullback in youth

or I’ll have to bounce it,’ Miller said. ‘But this year … I know pretty much every single position, like he has to block here, he has to block here, so my hole will be here and I’ll end having to be either one-on-one with the safety or the outside linebacker.’ Miller also has added 10 pounds to his 5-foot-11 frame since last season and entered preseason camp around 190 pounds, he said, adding that he’s got his sights set on reaching the 200-pound threshold.

That extra punch from the tailback spot could prove a valuable asset to a ‘Watching him in the preseason right Strasburg offense breaking in a new now, and seeing how he’s running, he quarterback, a new fullback and an has really progressed from preseason unproven offensive line this season. last year to this year. And he should have,’ Roller said. ‘But the way he’s ‘I think a lot of guys are gonna turn running right now is very impressive to him for the leadership role, but for to us. He’s seeing things a little bit him to produce for us, to get that better, so I think that’s gonna be benextra yard after first contact, those eficial for him.’ are the little things that he’s gonna have to do,’ Roller said. Miller enters his third year as a twoway varsity starter with more confidence in his role on the offensive side ‘Knowing he’s back there, he can’t do of the ball. He’s got a better grasp of it all by himself, but certainly he’s big enough and strong enough now that the Rams’ offensive playbook, and he can get those extra yards on his he’s studied the roles of each of his own.’ teammates so he can establish with more certainty where his running Defensively, Miller – who has tallied lanes will be. 157 total tackles over the last two ‘Last year half the time I was like a seasons – will likely reprise his role as a starting outside linebacker, hole will be here, maybe over there,

although Roller said the senior could be moved around the field and see time at inside linebacker (where he played in 2015 and led the Rams with 95 tackles) and defensive end. ‘He just has a nose to get (to the football),’ Roller said. ‘There were times last year that he kind of overran plays and was a little too aggressive, and I think this year he’s gotta be a little bit more focused and under control to where he’s not overrunning those plays again. ‘And I think the maturity level, you can see that he’s started to really mature in that aspect of the game,’ he added. ‘We’re looking for big things on the defensive end and to have him moving all over the field.’ Miller said he would consider Strasburg’s 2017 season a success if the Rams simply put forth their full effort in every game. His personal goals are a bit loftier. He wants to top 100 total tackles this season, and he wants to rush for 1,500 yards. ‘My goals are a lot higher this season than they were last year just because I’ve got a name, I’ve got shoes to step into from being behind Rakwon (White), Colton (Funk), Justin (Carr), all them,’ Miller said, referring to some of Strasburg’s past running backs. ‘I’ve got big shoes to fill, for sure.’

We are proud to sponsor our local teams! 3985 Valley Pike, Winchester, VA 22602 www.miller-honda.com

540-869-5000

The Northern Virginia Daily

Rams Continued from 36

starring role throughout the preseason. Hamrick (5-foot-9, 145 pounds) was the Rams’ junior varsity quarterback last season, while the 6-foot, 175-pound Hart spent last season at Sherando.

STRASBURG RAMS

returns to the backfield after playing the role of workhorse back last season, when he carried 218 times for 948 yards and nine touchdowns, and senior tight end Grant Scott and junior receiver Stephen Kloosterman each started on a regular basis last season.

with all of the inexperience. Asked if that inexperience would impact the look and feel of Strasburg’s offense, Roller said ‘we’ll have to wait and see what happens.’

‘I mean if they do a really good job in the run game then we’ll continue to do that. I Junior fullback Tyjone Carter, who at 5-9, 260 like to be balanced Whoever earns that when it comes to that starting spot will have a pounds brings even kind of thing. And if we little experience around more heft to a position can’t do that then we’ll held previously by them at the skill posilook to throw it a little tions. Austin Miller bruiser Josh Pritchett, bit more than what we and junior receiver normally do,’ said Brody Tomblin also 2016 STATS bring a little experience Roller, whose team • Record: 8-4 (4-2 Bull averaged 262.8 yards of to the offense. Run District) offense per game in • Passing leader: Ethan 2016, one of the lowest However, Strasburg’s Duckworth (90 for 189, marks among local new QB will also be 1,142 yards, 11 touchteams. playing behind a downs, 8 interceptions) revamped offensive line • Rushing leader: Austin ‘I don’t wanna give up that returns just one Miller (218 carries for on the run just yet,’ he starter, junior Hunter 948 yards, 9 touchdowns) continued, ‘and who Miller. Roller said out• Receiving leader: knows, we may not be side of senior Shawn Josh Pritchett (23 recepable to pass block and Hamp the offensive line tions for 348 yards, 2 we might have to run it. still held many touchdowns) I don’t know. I think it’s unknowns ahead of the • Total tackles: Zach just, you’ve gotta give Rams’ Aug. 17 scrimScott (89) those guys a little bit of mage at Moorefield • Sacks: Hunter Riley (4) (West Virginia), adding time.’ • Interceptions: Brody that the position group Tomblin (4) On the other side of the is ‘obviously a concern’

trenches, the Rams lost all-state defensive lineman Hunter Riley to graduation and will rebuild the line with Scott and Cameron Harmon at the ends and Hamp and Hunter Miller (two sacks in 2016) at the tackles, Roller said. Austin Miller (62 tackles, second on the team last season) and Carter (54 tackles) return to a linebacker corps that has to replace Pritchett, a four-year starter, and Zach Scott. Roller said Kloosterman, who played in the secondary last season, would likely see a lot of time at linebacker as well. Tomblin (three interceptions) and senior Jacob Knapp (two interceptions) bring experience to a defensive backfield that will add sophomore Trevor Sager and junior Landen Elliott.

2017 ROSTER No. 1 3 5 7 11 15 17 19 21 23 25 27 29 37 45 50 52 53 54 56 60 62 69 70 71 72 75 76 77 81 83 85 87

Name Dylan Hamrick Jacob Knapp Chase Hart Jalen Bray Brody Tomblin Austin Miller Landen Elliott Austin Hamrick Nathan King Tyjone Carter Stephen Kloosterman Trevor Sager Cameron Harmon Gregory Mason DaʼNeil Holliday Brandon Swafford Hunter Miller Shawn Hamp Austin Summerlin Andrew Jenkins Hunter Neff Ian Alsberry Justin Plaugher Seven Jackson Tarkan Eastham Luke Whitacre Quentin Elliott Zion Holmes Levi Miller Peter McKechnie Bradley Ferrell Grant Scott Alec Campbell

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

talked a whole lot about Strasburg’s defense allowed 289.2 yards per (goals for the 2017 season) but certainly we game in 2016, one of wanna be able to comthe area’s best marks. pete every Friday night ‘We haven’t really and we wanna be able

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

Wt. 145 165 175 145 165 190 140 145 140 260 185 150 170 165 210 195 210 235 210 185 210 200 310 210 235 240 255 270 280 160 160 210 170

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

to do the best we can when we go out there,’ Roller said. ‘If we can do that then we’ll be able to accomplish some things.’

Stacey Pangle Loan Officer

Looking to buy? Ask me about 100% financing! Looking to refinance? Interest rates are low! Come visit me at our new Strasburg Office today, located right by Dollar General.

183 East King Street Strasburg, VA 22657

(540) 692-1621 • office (549) 305-1395 • cell (540) 551-4399 • fax stacey@cbmmortgage.com

www.cbmmortgage.com NMLSR ID #282839

EQUAL HOUSING

OPPORTUNITY

The Northern Virginia Daily

WARREN COUNTY WILDCATS

Bush excited for first year with Wildcats By Tommy Keeler Jr. tkeeler@nvdaily.com FRONT ROYAL — Firstyear Warren County head coach Brian Bush is excited for what’s in store for the Wildcats this season. Bush, who was an assistant coach at Hidden Valley High School in Roanoke the last few years, said he wants his players to have fun and enjoy playing the game more than anything else.

2017 WILDCATS • Coach: Brian Bush (First year) • Offense/Defense: Pistol/42-5 • Key returnees: K Stuart Ashley, RB/LB Ronnie Dodson, QBWR/DB R.J. Keeney, WR/DB Ben Vogt, WR/DB Brett Dickerson, RB/LB Jacob Dodson, WR/DB Michael Carter, RB/LB Cody Petitt, RB/LB Darren Frantz • Key losses: Cam Ford, Jack Kilgallen, Brendan McMackin, Marqwon Haley, Paul Bragg, Ryan Guerrero

Rich Cooley/Daily

Warren County coach Brian Bush starts his first year as head coach of the Wildcats. ‘Once they start looking forward to practices and it’s fun and they’re enjoying everything, the winning, playing on Friday nights, all that will take care of its self,’ Bush said. The Wildcats have plenty of

terback and wide receiver last season. As a quarterback he threw for 518 yards and five touchdowns.

experience returning and have 24 seniors.

some strong qualities to the position.

The quarterback position was up in the air during the preseason as senior R.J. Keeney and freshman Bryce Post were battling for it. Bush said they both bring

‘R.J. Keeney, he’s very athletic and is one of the capOne of the biggest strengths tains,’ Bush said. ‘Bryce Post has all the quarterback of the team this season could be at running back. tools and is athletic as well.’ WILDCATS, 43 Keeney played at both quar-

GOOD LUCK THIS SEASON WILDCATS!!! SERVICE TIRE & BATTERY, INC AUTO HOME BUSINESS LIFE Send Flowers, Just Because. We don’t just sell and install most brands of tires, we install Batteries, do Repairs and State Inspections too!

615 N. Royal Avenue, Front Royal, VA 22630

540-635-3148 PROMPT, RELIABLE SERVICE

since 1951

986A John Marshall Hwy. Front Royal, VA 22630

(540) 635-3107

www.mcgreevyinsurance.com

540-635-2815 • 800-806-5182 205 S. Royal Ave. Front Royal

The Northern Virginia Daily

WARREN COUNTY WILDCATS

2017 SCHEDULE

2016 RESULTS (3-7, 1-6 BULL RUN DISTRICT)

Aug. 25 Handley, 7 p.m.

Oct. 6

at Brentsville, 7 p.m.

Aug. 27 lost to Handley, 27-2

Oct. 7

Sept. 1

at Kettle Run, 7 p.m.

Oct. 13

Culpeper, 7 p.m.

Sept. 9 beat James Wood, 16-7

Oct. 14 lost to Strasburg, 24-21

Sept. 15 James Wood, 7 p.m.

Oct. 20

at Manassas Park, 7 p.m.

Sept. 16 lost to Brentsville, 35-14

lost to William Monroe, 35-10

Oct. 21 beat George Mason, 23-13

Sept. 23 lost to Madison County, Sept. 22 at Strasburg, 7 p.m.

Oct. 27

William Monroe, 7 p.m.

Sept. 29 Clarke County, 7 p.m.

Nov. 3

at Skyline, 7 p.m.

Oct. 3

26-20 (OT)

Oct. 28 lost to Clarke County, 56-7

lost to Central, 36-15

Nov. 6

beat Skyline, 28-14

WARREN COUNTY WILDCATS

The Northern Virginia Daily

Warren County’s Ashley making most of kicking prowess

By Tommy Keeler Jr. tkeeler@nvdaily.com

against Madison County.

FRONT ROYAL — Stuart Ashley was encouraged by Warren County coaches to give kicking a try when he was in eighth grade. Four years later, Ashley may be on his way to a scholarship at the collegiate level. The Warren County senior had always played soccer, but now it’s American football that has become his first love.

It was one of an area-best six field goals by Ashley last year.

and a great kicker, but just the stuff he does on the outside — he’s involved in Young Life and volunteering — and his grades are great. You couldn’t ask for anything more from a student athlete.’

Ashley said he’s worked hard in the offseason to improve, including going to a few kicking camps. One of the things that Bush loves most about He said he went to one at Liberty University Ashley is his ability to kick the ball into the end and also one at Daytona Beach, Florida. zone on kickoffs. ‘They teach me the little things that I don’t already know, which is what I need to work on — just the little things now,’ Ashley said. ‘All the little steps, like how I have my foot and how far my leg goes back and how my body is positioned.’

‘I tried it out and I wasn’t too bad,’ Ashley said of his first year of football. ‘But I just kind of wanted to pursue it, because I thought it was my strong suit. And I could help out the team in winning.’ He said this summer in the kicking camps he was hitting from 55 yards, and making 80 perAshley started at kicker as a freshman for cent of his kicks from 50 yards. Warren County, and said he was the only freshman on the team that season. Ashley said he also trains in Charlottesville with kicking coach Jimmy Howell, a former He said the other players treated him well that punter at the University of Virginia. season and he learned a lot. Ashley said he’s being looked at by some colAshley said the highlight of his freshman sealeges, and he hopes to get a scholarship to kick son was doing his first on-side kick, which was in college. However, Ashley said academics are recovered by the Wildcats. He said he had never important and he’ll only go to a school where he tried it before learned how to do it on his own. feels he can get a good education.

‘It is huge,’ Bush said. ‘We’re going to practice our kickoff team. And we’re going to stay in our lanes. And we’re going to make sure we work hard at our kickoff team, but if Stuart or our kicker can put it into the end zone every time the other team gets it at the 20-yard line. And we’re able to get our defense out there. And they have to drive 80 yards instead of allowing them to have an extra play to get further to switch the game field.’ Ashley said that he’s improved a lot on kickoffs due to working out in the weight room and getting stronger. He said he also wants to improve his punting this season. Ashley said he feels like the Wildcats will be better this season. Ashley said he looks forward to the challenge of hitting another big field goal late in the game if the team needs it.

‘I just kind of figured it out myself,’ Ashley said. ‘I just figured out a way to do it.’

First-year Warren County head coach Brian Bush said as soon as he watched film on Ashley he became excited to have him.

Ashley said another highlight of his kicking career came last year when he hit a game-tying field goal in the final seconds of regulation

‘I really like the pressure,’ Ashley said. ‘And the fact that you can score those little points, but it ‘He’s got a great leg and he works hard at it,’ Bush said. ‘Not only is he a great football player makes a big difference at the end of the game.’

He said that is his favorite part about kicking.

Are You Ready to be F.I.I.T.? Functional Individualized Intense Training

• Intense Crosstraining • Powerlifting • Olympic Lifts • Battle Ropes • Box Jumping & More! Improves Strength, Explosiveness & Athleticism

Monday, Wednesday & Friday • 6-7PM

9816 Winchester Rd | 540.636.2820

The Northern Virginia Daily

WARREN COUNTY WILDCATS

Wildcats

Dickerson and Parker Meltveldt will see plenty of playing time at wide receiver.

Continued from 40

The Wildcats have plenty of returners at running back, including Ronnie Dodson. The junior ran for 693 yards and two touchdowns last season.

Vogt had 14 receptions for 207 yards and three touchdowns last season. Meltveldt had 12 catches for 150 yards last season.

Bush said wide receiver is another strength of the offense.

Bush said that Nate Stoneberger, Aaron Schroyer and Tiernan Komelasky will see playing time on the defensive line as well.

Bush said every position on his Cody Petitt and Darren Frantz also offensive line was up for grabs, and saw action last year, and Bush said it would take some time for them to figure out who to play where. senior Jacob Dodson will also be However, Bush said he liked what getting carries this season. he saw in the early part of preseason from his line. ‘We’re trying to figure out how to piece them all together,’ Bush said of his running back depth. ‘Running On the defensive line, Bush said that Jake DiPatre and Nathan backs are definitely a strength of Johnson will be leading the way. ours.’

He said seniors Michael Carter, Jacob Good, Ben Vogt, Brett

2016 STATS • Record: 3-7, 1-6 Bull Run • Passing leader: Cam Ford (61 for 121, 700 yards, 4 touchdowns, 6 interceptions) • Rushing leader: Ronnie Dodson (152 carries, 693 yards, 2 touchdowns) • Receiving leader: Marqwon Haley (22 catches, 261 yards, 1 touchdown) • Total tackles: Ryan Guerrero (77) • Sacks: Paul Bragg (4) • Interceptions: Ben Vogt (3)

‘We gave a great group of kids that we can just throw in there,’ Bush said. ‘And they’ll put their hands in the dirt and they’ll just fight. And that’s what I like about defense — it’s not complicated. You just put ‘em in the right position and let ‘em go. We have the kids that can fight their way to the ball and that’s what I like.’

2017 ROSTER No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 20 21 22 23

Name R.J. Kenney Brett Dickerson Carmen Smith Ethan Patterson Jacob Dodson Stuart Ashley Josh Edwards Ben Vogt Parker Meltveldt Bryce Post Jacob Good Brodie Cripps Jordan Kenyon James Villatoro Colton Bates Harmon Sisk Jorge Figueroa Michael Carter Ronnie Dodson Cody Williams Joey Kilgallen

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

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

Bush said that much like the offensive line, they were still sorting out who to put where in the defensive backfield. He said he loves the athleticism of his defensive backs. One position that was settled very early was at kicker. Senior Stuart Ashley will do the kicking and punting duties once again this season.

Ashley made an area-best six field goals last season. Bush said that seniors Jacob Dodson, Josh Edwards, Frantz and Petitt as well as Ronnie Dodson will The Wildcats went 3-7 last year, but will be playing in a new district this be seeing action at linebacker.

24 25 27 30 31 32 42 50 51 53 54 55 63 64 65 72 74 75 78 80 82 84 86

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

season. They are moving from the Bull Run District to the Northwestern District this season. Bush said he doesn’t want his squad to look ahead too much this season. ‘One of the main goals that I see for our team is taking one day at a time, not one game at a time, one day at a time,’ Bush said. ‘Learning as much as we can each day. Having the best day that we can, dominate it. If we go out there and have a great practice we went 1-0 that day. Eventually that’s going to carry over.’

We’re Proud to Support the Warren County Wildcats Stop by before the game for all your tailgating supplies!

BEST OF LUCK THIS SEASON! 807 John Marshall Highway • Front Royal, Virginia

Logan DeHaven WR/DB Malik Turner-Schaffer WR/DB Thomas Cantrell RB/DB Darren Frantz RB/LB Russell Rowe RB/LB Cody Petitt RB/LB Patrick Coffron RB/LB Knorr Hunter OL/DL Danny Bloomfield OL/DL Hunter Wines OL/DL Dakota Harvey OL/DL Nate Stoneberger OL/DL Andrew Johnson OL/DL Nathan Johnson OL/DL Ricky Chavez OL/DL Jake DiPatre OL/DL Trent Rudolph OL/DL Mason Blauvelt OL/DL Ricky Dodson OL/DL Tiernan Komelasky H/DL Nigel Schroeder WR/DB Aaron Schroyer H/DL Cameron Pilkins WR/DB

The Northern Virginia Daily

JAMES MADISON UNIVERSITY DUKES

JMU head football coach Mike Houston looks on during the Dukes’ win over North Dakota State University in the FCS semifinals on Dec. 16 in Fargo, North Dakota. Courtesy photo/JMU Athletics Communications

Reigning champion JMU ready for challenges By Tommy Keeler Jr. tkeeler@nvdaily.com HARRISONBURG — James Madison University’s football team is aware of the challenges they will face this season as the reigning Football Championship Subdivision national champions. The players say they are excited and ready for the challenge. ‘I think there’s two ways you can look at it: you can pretend it’s not there, or you can just accept the fact that everybody’s going to give you their best shot and let it motivate you,’ JMU senior quarterback Bryan Schor said. ‘And I think that’s something that this team has done. And we’re definitely not a team that shies away from anything. So we know that people are going to want to take us down. And we’re going to attack each week like it’s our last. And we’re going to see what happens.’ The Dukes went 14-1 last season, including a

12-game win streak to end the season. The win streak is the current longest winning streak in FCS or Football Bowl Subdivision. JMU has plenty of reasons to be excited for the upcoming season. The Dukes return nine starters on defense, including safety Raven Greene, who was selected as a STATS Preseason All-American. Greene started all 15 games, had 70 tackles and a team-high six interceptions. Senior Jordan Brown also returns at safety, with the other safety spot up for grabs.

2016 STATS • Record: 14-1, 8-0 CAA • Passing leader: Bryan Schor (217 for 297, 3,002 yards, 29 touchdowns, 6 interceptions) • Rushing leader: Khalid Abdullah (298 carries for 1,809 yards, 22 touchdowns) • Receiving leader: Brandon Ravenel (45 catches for 720 yards, 5 touchdowns) • Total tackles: Gage Steele (104) • Sacks: Martez Stone (5) • Interceptions: Raven Greene (6)

defense. Junior Dimitri Holloway, redshirt senior Kyre Hawkins and senior Brandon Juniors Rashad Robinson returns at cornerback Hereford, who will miss the first four games of this season due to suspension, all started at with junior Curtis Oliver and redshirt junior least a few games at linebacker last year. The Jimmy Moreland also seeing plenty of playing Dukes also added redshirt sophomore Gus time there last year as well. Little, a transfer from the University of Maryland, and Landon Word, a sophomore The Dukes lost Gage Steele to graduation, but still return a bevy of linebackers in their 4-2-5 transfer from the University of Virginia.

The Northern Virginia Daily

JAMES MADISON UNIVERSITY DUKES

2017 SCHEDULE Sept. 2

at East Carolina, 6 p.m.

2016 RESULTS (14-1, 8-0 CAA)

Oct. 21

at William & Mary, 3:30 p.m. Sept. 3 beat Morehead State, 80-7 Sept. 9 E. Tennessee State, 6 p.m. Oct. 28 New Hampshire, 3:30 p.m. Sept. 10 beat Central Connecticut State, 56-21 Sept. 16 Norfolk State, 3:30 p.m. Sept. 17 lost to N. Carolina, 56-28 Nov. 4 at Rhode Island, noon Sept. 24 beat Maine, 31-20 Sept. 23 Maine, 1:30 p.m. Oct. 1 beat Delaware, 43-20 Nov. 11 Richmond, 3:30 p.m. Sept. 30 at Delaware, 3:30 p.m. Oct. 8 beat William & Mary, 31-24 Nov. 18 at Elon, noon Oct. 14 Villanova, 3:30 p.m. Oct. 15 beat New Hampshire, 42-39 Andrew Ankrah leads the way on the defensive line for the Dukes. Ankrah, a 6-foot-4, 251pound redshirt senior, had 44 tackles, six for a loss, and 3.5 sacks last year. He was a STATS FCS Preseason All-American selection, and Ankrah said that he’s worked hard on trying to improve in the offseason. ‘My mindset is just to keep working hard each and every day, even if I’m not perfect,’ Ankrah said. ‘I’m just looking to improve on things that I’m not so great at, but I’m working to make my weaknesses my strengths and trying to increase my strengths. It’s encouraging to know that I have things I can work on. And it’s inspiring that I can come out here every day with a great attitude, with great teammates and coaches that can coach me up to become better.’

Georgia Tech. He led the Yellow Jackets with 624 rushing yards last season and four touchdowns.

beat Rhode Island, 84-7 beat Richmond, 47-43 beat Villanova, 20-7 beat Elon, 63-14 beat New Hampshire, 55-22 beat Sam Houston St., 65-7 beat N. Dakota State, 27-17 beat Youngstown St., 28-14

2017 DUKES • Coach: Mike Houston (Second year, 14-1) • Offense/Defense: Multiple/4-2-5

The Dukes lost several wide receivers to graduation, including Brandon Ravenel and Rashard Davis. However, the Dukes still have plenty of depth at the position. Redshirt senior Terrance Alls returns after starting all but one game last season. Alls will miss the first four games of the season due to suspension. Senior John Miller and redshirt senior Ishmael Hyman also saw plenty of time at wide receiver last year. Redshirt sophomore Riley Stapleton should also see a lot of playing time, after having a strong spring with the Dukes.

‘The thing we focused on with the new guys is we know each other,’ Schor said. ‘I know Ish (Hyman), I know Riley (Stapleton), I know John (Miller). I know all the wide receivers out there. I’ve been with them for years. So the one thing we focus on is just that we’re on the same page with everything and our chemistry is good. It didn’t take me long to adapt to them, and I The offense will once again be led by Schor, who think we’re in a pretty good state right now.’ threw for 3,002 yards and 29 touchdowns. Schor also ran for 569 yards and 10 scores. 2014 Strasburg graduate Jonathan Kloosterman, who has been suspended for the JMU lost starting tailback Khalid Abdullah to first two games of the season, returns at tight graduation, but the cupboard is far from bare. end for his senior season. Kloosterman was a STATS FCS Preseason All-American selection. Junior Trai Sharp (617 yards and five touchSophomore Brandon Carlton will also see playdowns in 2016) and senior Taylor Woods (240 ing time at tight end. yards and five touchdowns) return from last year’s team. Redshirt senior Cardon Johnson The Dukes lost three starters off the offensive also returns, after suffering a season-ending line, but return 2013 Millbrook graduate A.J. injury in the ninth game of the season. Johnson Bolden and Aaron Stennie. They have plenty of ran for 704 yards and eight touchdowns before lineman vying for the other three spots includhis injury. Johnson had 1,037 yards and 10 ing 2015 Skyline graduate Gerren Butler, sophotouchdowns in his sophomore season. more Mac Patrick and redshirt sophomore Jahee Jackson. The Dukes added two transfers JMU added Marcus Marshall to the roster in in redshirt sophomore E.J. Donahue (University the offseason. Marshall is a junior transfer from of Maryland) and sophomore Pika Leota Redshirt junior Darrious Carter, redshirt senior Simeyon Robinson and senior Cornell Urquhart all started last year for the Dukes on the defensive line. JMU also added Ron’Dell Carter, a 6foot-3, 270-pound redshirt sophomore transfer from Rutgers University.

Oct. 29 Nov. 5 Nov. 12 Nov. 19 Dec. 3 Dec. 9 Dec. 16 Jan. 7

• Key returnees: S Raven Greene, QB Bryan Schor, RB Cardon Johnson, OL Aaron Stennie, TE Jonathan Kloosterman, KAT Andrew Ankrah, RB Trai Sharp, WR Terrance Alls, OL A.J. Bolden, CB Curtis Oliver, S Jordan Brown, K Tyler Gray, DL Darrious Carter, LB Brandon Hereford, DL Simeyon Robinson, DL Cornell Urquhart, CB Rashad Robinson, LB Kyre Hawkins, CB Jimmy Moreland, LB Dimitri Holloway • Key losses: Rashard Davis, Brandon Ravenel, Taylor Reynolds, Khalid Abdullah, Gage Steele, Matt Frank, Mitchell Kirsch, Kyle Rigney, Gunnar Kane, Domo Taylor, Martez Stone

(University of South Carolina). Houston said true freshmen Jake Glavin and Liam Fornadel were also in the mix for playing time on the offensive line. ‘It’s kind of unexpected because freshmen usually aren’t that far along,’ Houston said of the pair. ‘But those two — Liam Fornadel and Jake Glavin — they’re going to be special. They’re playing really well right now.’ Tyler Gray, a 2015 Millbrook graduate, returns as the team’s placekicker. True freshman Harry O’Reilly and redshirt freshman Jeremiah McBride will be vying for the punting duties. With winning the national title comes a lot of attention and expectations and Ankrah said he thinks the team is doing a good job of handling it. ‘There’s definitely hype outside about us, and we try not to pay too much attention to it,’ Ankrah said. ‘We try to stay focused on getting better each and every day. We have a lot of guys who have have type of maturity on our team to focus on the day ahead, and all you can focus on is the here and now.’

The Northern Virginia Daily

JAMES MADISON UNIVERSITY DUKES

Greene ready to make most of final senior year for Dukes By Tommy Keeler Jr. tkeeler@nvdaily.com

Last season Greene had his best season yet. He led the Dukes with six interceptions ‘We had some young guys to help lead them to the step up and take my place, Football Championship and I was really proud of the Subdivision national title. way they went out and played,’ Greene said. ‘As far Greene said his favorite as everybody supporting me, memory on defense was his all my teammates just ralinterception against lied around me. And they Villanova University. The team meeting last year that made me still feel like I was Dukes won the game, 20-7, he had been injured and really, really within the team despite starting quarterback could get a medical waiver. and all that. It was a great Bryan Schor going out of the The team then decided to learning lesson to say the game with an injury to start pursue it and was awarded least.’ the second quarter. The the waiver in November. defense stepped up, includGreene was recruited as a ing Greene with his interTrott, who is in his second cornerback, but switched to ception. year at JMU, said he’s very safety in his freshman seahappy to have him back for son. He said he enjoys play‘It just happened so fast,’ another year. ing safety. Greene said of the interception. ‘It was off a tipped ball. ‘He’s been a dream to coach He said that he learned a lot It was just a crazy play. That the whole time,’ Trott said. from the older players, espe- whole game was crazy. I ‘He bought into what we cially JMU graduate Dean remember (former JMU were doing. He had a great Marlowe. Marlowe plays in defensive lineman) Martez year last year. He made some the National Football League (Stone) catching that interplays, and he’s smart football for the Carolina Panthers. ception and just seeing him player. I’m glad he’s back.’ light up when he went (to ‘Dean Marlowe really the sidelines) and so excited Greene, who is from Virginia showed me a lot while he about it. He was a great guy, Beach and played at First was here, as far as just me so he deserved every bit of Colonial High School, said leading by example and that.’ the process of coming back things of that nature,’ after his broken leg wasn’t Greene said. ‘And I see where Greene said last year was a it got him. He’s a great guy.’ very memorable and special too bad because of the

And I can say that they’re one of the main reasons why I came back and I’m glad to HARRISONBURG — It’s not be here sharing this moment. often a football player gets a And hopefully go out and second chance at a senior have a great season.’ year, but that’s what James Madison University’s Raven JMU defensive coordinator Greene has. And he wants to and safeties coach Bob Trott make the most of it. said Greene mentioned in a The redshirt senior safety was awarded a medical waiver last year due to a broken leg he suffered in his second year at JMU. The waiver, which was approved by the NCAA, allowed him to have one more year of eligibility with the Dukes. ‘It’s like nothing else,’ Greene said of being given the medical redshirt. ‘I literally just got a whole nother year to be around these great guys and just have this camaraderie and just build the team work with the guys. They are my brothers. We’ve been together for five years now. Guys like Kyre Hawkins, Jordan Brown, Simeyon Robinson. Even the transfers. Ish (Hyman) came in, A.J. (Bolden). We’ve really bonded a lot throughout the process.

support he had from his teammates.

year. He said his favorite memory from the national championship game was hugging his father after the game and sharing the moment with him. ‘He’s actually never missed a game throughout my entire career here,’ Green said. ‘As far back as my freshman year. He went up to New Hampshire on his birthday to be in, I think it was 16 degrees minus the wind chill. He’s never missed a game. He came to Fargo (North Dakota). He’s just a great guy. And I’m glad to have him be a road warrior again this year. It should be fun.’ Greene will be looking to lead the way for the Dukes again this season. He said he hasn’t thought about his NFL prospects, and instead he just wants to stay focused on this year’s team in the extra season he was given. ‘I’m in the here and now,’ Greene said. ‘So I’m going to enjoy these moments while I’m here playing with my brothers here at JMU.’

hair | makeup | skincare waxing | spray tanning Full Service Salon In Creekside Station 3119 Valley Ave., Winchester llmckeesalon.com Call for your session today! | 540-678-3533

The Northern Virginia Daily

SHENANDOAH UNIVERSITY HORNETS

Shenandoah enters Yoder’s fifth season as coach’s most experienced group By Brad Fauber bfauber@nvdaily.com

2016 STATS • Record: 6-4 (4-3 ODAC)

WINCHESTER – Shenandoah University’s football team continued its upward climb under head coach Scott Yoder in 2016, earning the program’s first winning season since 2011 and remaining in contention for the Old Dominion Athletic Conference title before dropping back-to-back games to end the regular season. Plenty of veteran experience has the Hornets primed to continue taking positive steps this fall. SU returns nine starters on offense and four on defense in 2017, though Yoder said earlier this month that the coaching staff has cautioned the Hornets about letting that wealth of experience develop into a false set of expectations.

• Passing leader: Hayden Bauserman (229 for 369, 2,648 yards, 27 touchdowns, 7 interceptions) • Rushing leader: Cedrick Delaney (140 carries for 858 yards, 10 touchdowns) • Receiving leader: Michael Ashwell (57 receptions for 639 yards, 6 touchdowns) • Total tackles: Micheal Wroble (98) • Sacks: Lorenza Thomas Jr. (4.5) • Interceptions: Deaquan Porter (3)

at the position and enters his third year as the Hornets’ starting signal caller. Bauserman, already the school’s all-time leading passer, led the ODAC in passing yards (2,648), touchdowns (27) and completion percentage (62.1) last season.

Also back is Bauserman’s favorite target from 2016, senior receiver Michael Ashwell (another first team All-ODAC honoree), and a veteran offensive line anchored by junior center and two-year starter Caleb Hutson, one of three linemen – alongside junior guard Andrew Coffman and junior tackle Adam ‘Now that being said, this is the most Ibrahim – to start all 10 games for SU in 2016. returning starters we’ve had back together. When you bring back nine starters on offense, the first team all- The Hornets committed the fewest turnovers (12) in the conference last league quarterback, your entire season and were plus-12 in turnover offensive line, you feel really good about where you are. And right now margin. … we feel really good about the ‘We were by far the number one beginning of camp.’ plus-minus in our league and it showed. Not only did we win more Most of the key pieces remain for a games but we were in a position to Shenandoah offense that led the win a lot more games,’ Yoder said. ‘So ODAC in points per game (35.2) in can we make that dramatic increase the eight-team conference in 2016. again? Probably not, because we Photo courtesy of Shenandoah University went from being not very good to Junior quarterback Hayden Scott Yoder, in his fifth season as head football coach at Shenandoah being very good. But (if we can) keep Bauserman, a first team All-ODAC University, returns nine starters on offense and four on defense in 2017. pick last season, remains entrenched HORNETS, 49 ‘To think we just automatically start where we ended last year, it never works like that. That’s how we have to approach and that’s how we started preseason,’ said Yoder, whose squad went 6-4 overall and 4-3 in the ODAC in his fourth year with the school last season.

The Northern Virginia Daily

SHENANDOAH UNIVERSITY HORNETS

2017 SCHEDULE

2016 RESULTS (6-4, 4-2 ODAC)

Sept. 2

Gallaudet, 7 p.m.

Oct. 14

Bridgewater, 7 p.m.

Sept. 3 beat Gallaudet, 43-6

Oct. 22 beat Guilford, 33-28

Sept. 9

at N.C. Wesleyan, 7 p.m.

Oct. 21

at Guilford, 1 p.m.

Sept. 10 beat Ferrum, 53-33

Oct. 29 beat Catholic, 45-34

Oct. 28

Apprentice, 1 p.m.

Sept. 17 lost to N.C. Wesleyan, 31-13 Nov. 5 Sept. 30 lost to Randolph-Macon, 24-19

Sept. 16 at Hobart, 7 p.m.

Sept. 28 at Randolph-Macon, 6:30 p.m. Nov. 4

at Hampden-Sydney, 1 p.m. Oct. 8

Oct. 7

Washington and Lee, 1 p.m. Oct. 15 beat Bridgewater, 34-10

Emory & Henry, 1 p.m.

Hornets Continued from 47

Nov. 11

slot receiver this season. Shenandoah has fewer certainties on defense, where the Hornets lost five of their top seven tacklers from a season ago.

eliminating negative plays and maybe make the turnovers even better, then we’re gonna have a chance to The Hornets do have some win even more games.’ experience up front, led by senior defensive linemen The Hornets do have to replace three-time first team Gladimir Dupalis – the team’s leading returning all-conference running back Cedrick Delaney, who gradu- tackler (62 total in 2016) – ated as SU’s all-time leading and Thomas Whalen. Those rusher, and will do so with a two combined for six sacks and 17 tackles for loss last tailback rotation that includes junior Jalen Hudson season. and sophomore Mario At linebacker, new faces will Wisdom. enter the mix beside senior Yoder said Hudson, who Javonte Rose, and Yoder said rushed 106 times for 365 the unit’s biggest question as yards in 2016 and was voted SU progresses through presecond team all-conference as season camp is who will fill an all-purpose back, would out the defensive secondary play the versatile role that around two-year starter Delaney held last season and Weldon Gilchrist Jr. could frequently line up as a Last season Shenandoah

ranked fifth in the ODAC in points allowed per game (29.5), third in rush defense (198.5 yards per game) and last in pass defense (236.6 yards per game). ‘We’re gonna be better than people think on that side of the ball because even though they’re not returning starters, if you remember there was a lot of young guys that played last year, especially the linebacker position,’ said Yoder before rattling off a list of names that included Adrian Brisbon, Bernie Hayes III and Tyler Williams – a trio of players who combined for 59 tackles in backup and special teams roles last season.

Nov. 12 lost to Washington and Lee, 59-42

2017 HORNETS • Coach: Scott Yoder (fifth year, 18-22) • Offense/Defense: Spread/4-3 • Key returnees: P Christian Arias, WR Mike Ashwell, WR Justin Ayres, QB Hayden Bauserman, OL Andrew Coffman, DL Gladimir Dupalis, CB Weldon Gilchrist Jr., RB Jalen Hudson, OL Caleb Hutson, OL Adam Ibrahim, WR Leonard Scott, DL Thomas Whalen • Key losses: RB Cedrick Delaney, DB Deaquan Porter, DT Jake Shaffer, SS Malik Sims, FS Josh White, LB Micheal Wroble, DB Bayvon Young

On special teams, senior Christian Arias will again resume punting duties after earning second team AllODAC honors in 2016.

Yoder said senior kicker Jacob Newton entered preseason camp healthy after struggling through complications with a knee injury ‘I think they’ll take a couple the last two seasons. Newton made 12 of 14 field games to get rocking and rolling but they’re good foot- goals and 28 of 33 extra points as a freshman in ball players now.’

KICK OFF TO GREEN! Tips to make your gatherings more environmentally-friendly: Serve finger foods, eliminating the need for utensils. Choose recycled paper or compostable paper plates. Shop locally for fresh veggies, fruits and baked goods. Compost paper goods and kitchen scraps. Leave out meat, cheese and grease. Choose your favorite beverage in recyclable cans or plastic bottles. Reuse decorations and table cloths.

www.fcrecycles.net (540) 665-5643, ext. 1

beat Emory & Henry, 36-33

lost to Hampden-Sydney, 37-34

2014 but attempted just nine field goals in 2015 and 2016 combined. Shenandoah opens the 2017 season with a home game against Gallaudet on Sept. 2. The Hornets, who were picked to finish last in the ODAC preseason poll, begin their six-game conference slate with a Thursday night road contest at defending conference champ RandolphMacon on Sept. 28.

The Northern Virginia Daily

SHENANDOAH UNIVERSITY HORNETS

RB Hudson being asked to do more than run for Hornets By Brad Fauber bfauber@nvdaily.com WINCHESTER – Jalen Hudson was asked how his hands are in reference to his pass-catching ability before a recent Shenandoah University football practice. The junior running back held his hands in front of himself as if to examine them and, with a laugh, replied, ‘Eh, they’re getting there.’ Hudson has been asked to use those hands with more frequency as the Hornets prepare to kick off their 2017 season against Gallaudet on Sept. 2. After spending his first two seasons playing behind and then alongside Cedrick Delaney, Hudson finds his own career taking a trajectory similar to that of the school’s now-departed alltime leading rusher. Delaney, a converted receiver when he arrived at Shenandoah in 2013, returned to his roots last season and split playing time between running back and slot receiver. With Delaney

bit,’ said Hudson, who also averaged 28.8 yards per kick return and scored a return touchdown in 2016. ‘Just gotta work on getting to my The shift is being made, routes. I’ve been going too head coach Scott Yoder said, ‘It’s very different,’ Hudson in order to diversify ways of said. ‘You’ve gotta run routes, fast, I don’t know what catch the ball and then look yards to cut on. Just the litgetting the ball into the tle things.’ hands of Shenandoah’s ‘most out for all the linebackers that’s coming because you dynamic player’ and give Yoder said the frequency opposing defenses one more got the ball in your hands. with which Hudson lines up It’s weird for me but I’m thing to account for. starting to learn it every day, in the slot will be similar to Delaney’s usage last season, take it day by day.’ ‘He’s a kid that we’ve gotta when the former SU rungo through a game and Shenandoah’s coaching staff ning back split time between you’ve gotta have 10 to 15 the two positions fairly first approached Hudson touches for him designed,’ equally (Delaney caught 40 Yoder said. ‘And if you’re not about the switch during passes in 2016, the secondspring practice, and Yoder getting him the ball, if the throws aren’t coming his way said during the first week of highest mark on the team). preseason camp that the junyou’ve gotta hand it to him The difference, Yoder added, because he’s gotta have a big ior was working almost is that while Delaney often exclusively in the slot in impact on the game.’ started games in the backorder to get up to speed. field before shifting to the Moving the 5-foot-8, 180perimeter, Hudson likely will pound Hudson to slot receiv- Catching the football is not er means that the junior has entirely new to Hudson. Last start games in the slot, been asked to learn a brand- season he had 24 receptions where he can take the handoffs on jet sweeps and for 259 yards and a touchnew position. Never in his motion into the backfield. football career, Hudson said, down in addition to his 106 has he consistently lined up carries for 365 yards and four TDs, and was named second ‘We’re still trying to figure at receiver. out exactly what the finer team All-Old Dominion Most of Hudson’s preseason Athletic Conference as an all- points of our offense are gonna be,’ Yoder said, ‘so camp has been spent getting purpose back. Now he’s just (Hudson’s) a big part of that.’ being asked to do it in a difacclimated to his new role, Hudson’s focus on slot receivnamely, he said, discovering ferent way. er in practice has opened up ‘It’s been a struggle a little the importance of not dropgone, Hudson has been asked to assume that same role in 2017.

ping the ball and being wary of opposing linebackers as he crosses over the middle of the field during routes.

opportunities for some of Shenandoah’s younger backs in the preseason. Yoder said sophomore Mario Wisdom, who carried 26 times for 100 yards in a limited role last season, provides SU with a change-of-pace tailback who brings more power to the backfield than the Hornets had last season. Yoder added that transfer Corey Bell and freshmen Marcus Burton and Jordyn Hunter will find playing time this season. How much Hudson ultimately factors into the backfield in 2017 remains to be seen, but he said he’s prepared to handle whatever workload he’s given after being Delaney’s understudy for two years. ‘Talking to Cedrick and watching his film and just learning the stuff he did on the field, that was amazing (to) me. I just learned from him,’ Hudson said. ‘He did it all here. He broke the records here, so I just wanna learn from him and do what I gotta do.’

Providing same treatment for orthopaedic injuries previously only available through Urgent Care clinics or emergency rooms. Call: 540-536-6400 Richard J. Patterson, M.D.

Thomas W. Courtney, M.D.

James W. Larson, III, M.D.

Martin F. Baechler, M.D.

Over 100 combined years of experience!

Medical Ofﬁce Building II, 190 Campus Blvd., Suite 310, Winchester, VA 22601

(540) 667-9252 • www.boneandjointspecialists.com

SHEPHERD UNIVERSITY RAMS

The Northern Virginia Daily

Ron Agnir/Journal

Shepherd RB Deonte Glover (29) runs past Fairmont State DB Emanuel Ivey (1) and Stephen Turner (15) during third quarter action in Shepherdstown, West Virginia.

Shepherd looking to keep tradition going By Rick Kozlowski rkozlowski@journal-news.net

Region 1 champion Rams.

SHEPHERDSTOWN - Shepherd has lost its all-time best passing combination.

Shepherd only has the single-game passing record holder to step in at quarterback. It’s not a bad tradeoff.

Jessop will make fans of the Rams forget previous quarterback Jeff Ziemba and wide receiver Billy Brown, the holders of almost all of Shepherd’s passing records, it’s hard to forget what Jessop has meant to the team.

That’s OK for the two-time defending Super

Although there’s no way incoming Connor

Beside his single-game-record 480 passing

The Northern Virginia Daily

2017 RAMS

SHEPHERD UNIVERSITY RAMS

2017 SCHEDULE Sept. 2

Notre Dame College, noon

Oct. 12

at Fairmont State, 7 p.m.

Sept. 16 at Glenville State, noon

Oct. 21

Urbana, noon

• Key returnees: RB Deonte Glover, WR Ryan Feiss, FB Tatah Ndeh, RB Jabre Lolley, OL Lavonte Hights, OL Jamie Colon, OL Levi Lloyd, K Zach Wise, DL James King, DL Bruno Anyangwe, DL Scott Dixon, LB James Gupton, DB Chris Jones, DE Myles Humphrey

Sept. 23 West Virginia State, noon

Oct. 28

at West Va. Wesleyan, noon

Sept. 30 at Concord, noon

Nov. 4

Univ. of Charleston, noon

Oct. 7

Nov. 11 at U.Va.-Wise, noon

• Key losses: Jeff Ziemba, Billy Brown C.J. Davis, Tony Squirewell, Angelo Jean-Louis, Tre Sullivan

Sept. 3 Sept. 8 Sept. 17 Sept. 24 Oct. 8 Oct. 15 Oct. 22

• Coach: Monte Cater (31st year, 235-92-1) • Offense/Defense: Multiple-I/4-4

yards against West Virginia State last season as a fill-in for Ziemba, Jessop played a pivotal role in two playoff games when Ziemba got hurt. Jessop played all but the first three plays of a national semifinal game in 2015 against Grand Valley State after Ziemba got hurt and led the Rams to a victory and an appearance in their first national championship game.

West Liberty, noon

2016 RESULTS (13-1, 10-0 MOUNTAIN EAST) beat W. Va. Wesleyan, 27-12 beat University of Charleston, 38-22 beat U.Va-Wise, 64-13 beat Notre Dame College (Ohio), 38-17 beat Glenville State, 38-7 beat West Va. State, 70-24 beat Concord, 21-7

Yes, people nationally are paying attention to Shepherd, which finished the last two years ranked second and third in the nation, respectively.

In the Region 1 championship game a year ago, he came on for one play after Ziemba took a shot ‘It’s nice to be able to kick things off,’ Cater to his head and carried the ball across the goal said. ‘It’s great for the league. line to give the Rams a late, two-score lead as they defeated California of Pennsylvania 41-30. ‘They look at our success, I guess. Twenty-six and two the last two seasons, and we lost the ‘Conner saved our butts on three occasions,’ national championship game (in 2015). Shepherd coach Monte Cater said. No matter how Jessop plays, the Rams expect business as usual.

Interestingly, Shepherd hosted both national semifinals against a pair of blue bloods of Division II football.

beat West Liberty, 38-27 beat Fairmont State, 27-17 beat Urbana, 38-14 beat Assumption College, 38-14 beat LIU Post, 40-21 beat California Univ. of Penn., 41-30 lost to University of North Alabama, 23-13

said. ‘It’s a big game for the league.’ Shepherd will find out how it stands right away. Beside Ziemba and Brown, the Rams lost C.J. Davis, another 1,000-yard receiver from last season, as well as the school’s all-time leader in special teams returns, a pair of tight ends, some key defenders, including Tre Sullivan, who has been with the Philadelphia Eagles, along with Brown, during NFL training camp.

Shepherd has earned its notoriety. Cater is the leader in career wins in NCAA football regardless of division.

Picked to win the Mountain East Conference by the league’s coaches, the Rams have found The Rams have played in the regional semifithemselves in the various preseason Top 25s. nals three times since 2010. Some of the players aren’t happy that some of those polls have Shepherd outside of the Top 10, and they’ve expressed their displeasure on social media. Shepherd ended its season with a record-tying 13-1 record last season, although, unlike the year before when the Rams played in their first national championship game, the campaign ended in a loss in the national semifinals to North Alabama at Ram Stadium.

Oct. 29 Nov. 5 Nov. 12 Nov. 19 Nov. 26 Dec. 3 Dec. 10

‘The bottom line, we’ve had some success,’ Cater said. ‘Can we continue?’ Cater knows his team has to take care of business in its conference first. Beside Shepherd, Fairmont reached the postseason in 2016 and Shepherd’s Mountain East Conference has a three-year string of Final Four appearances since Concord started it in 2014.

‘I can guarantee the cupboard’s not bare,’ Cater said. ‘We’re excited.’ While Jessop will be a focal point of Shepherd’s offense, the Rams have plenty of talent and depth at running back, a position that traditionally flourished before the Ziemba-andBrown Era. However, Shepherd took an unexpected hit when Brandon Hlavach underwent a pair of knee surgeries over the summer and won’t be with the team. He ran for 1,217 yards as a true freshman.

Deonte Glover, a transfer from West Virginia, began last season as the starter, providing 576 yards rushing. Plus, Jabre Lolley is back for his senior season after not being eligible a season Notre Dame lost just two games last season, to ago. Lolley led the MEC in scoring two seasons the two playoff teams from the MEC, and is ago when he rushed for 680 yards and finished projected by the league coaches to finish second with 102 points, providing an extra dimension - behind the Rams. as a wildcat quarterback at times. The Rams expect to face a challenge right from the start.

Both games were broadcast nationally, as will be the Rams’ opener on Sept. 2 against Notre Dame College in the first contest of an 18-game ‘It’s great to have that kind of matchup,’ Cater package.

RAMS, 52

SHEPHERD UNIVERSITY RAMS

Rams

There is also veteran Jamie Colon and Levi Lloyd back as starters. Continued from 51

The Northern Virginia Daily

bolstered by the return of E.J. Norris, who, like Lolley, wasn’t eligible last season.

‘King, it’s hard to block him one on one,’ Cater said. ‘Having E.J. back will help us. And Myles is such a solid guy.’ For his career, he’s completed 54 of 74 pass Cater’s big on Patrick Griffin, as well as transHumphrey had 13.5 sacks and 24 tackles for attempts for 1,005 yards, almost a 20-yard fers Akeem Holland and Dante Mauck. Mauck, loss. King recorded eight sacks. a Handley graduate, comes to the program from average per completion. He had five rushes last season for 69 yards. Virginia Military Institute, while Holland is a ‘I think that group will be good,’ Cater said. former freshman of the year in the Central Shepherd is sound in special teams with the Intercollegiate Athletic Association while at Veteran linebacker James Gupton finished secreturn of its kicker, punter and long snapper. Virginia State. He could wind up at wide ond a season ago with 99 tackles. He’s joined by receiver. Tre Anderson, who had 73 stops, and Jared Zach Wise was successful on 9 of 13 field goal Austin. tries a season ago and finished with 88 points That’s because Ryan Feiss, who missed spring drills after surgery, is the lone holdover starter. and returns for his senior season, though kickoff Chris Jones is a returning starter in the secHe grabbed 55 passes a year ago for 734 yards. duties could go elsewhere. Punter Ruan Venter ondary. DeJuan Neal and Keith Davis are other Dakwon Foreman and Wanya Allen collected 21 averaged 41.5 yards per boot last season, and Nick Barmoy is back for one more season as the regular defensive backs. Raugn Cater and passes a year ago and give the Rams some Justin Cole will see significant time in the seclong snapper, and is in graduate school. experience. ondary, as well. Cameron Reynolds played a lot Tatah Ndeh, who has rotated between fullback at linebacker. and the defensive line over his career, is again Shepherd took big hits defensively by losing listed as a fullback as a senior. Sullivan, a hard hitter, among some others. ‘We’ve kept the defense strong and have been There are nine veteran starters back, led by able to lead the nation in different categories, All-America candidate Lavonte Hights returns All-American candidate Myles Humphrey on especially against the run,’ Cater said. to lead the offensive line. He’s received his fair the defensive line. share of preseason honors. The Rams want to keep their successful run Other veteran linemen include James King, going. ‘It’s not just Lavonte,’ Cater said. Bruno Anyangwe and Scott Dixon. The unit is Offensively, it comes back to Jessop.

The Northern Virginia Daily

UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA CAVALIERS

AP Photo/Ryan M. Kelly, File

Virginia quarterback Kurt Benkert (6) throws a pass during the team’s NCAA college football game against Louisville in Charlottesville. Benkert took nearly all the snaps in spring practice, and the only other player to take any, redshirt freshman De’Vante Cross, has also been working at wide receiver this fall.

Virginia counting on QB Benkert to stay healthy, productive By Hank Kurz Jr. AP Sports Writer CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (AP) Bronco Mendenhall is hoping for no more surprises in his second season as Virginia’s coach. The former BYU coach got one he

wasn’t expecting last season before the first game was over. With Richmond of the FCS dominating the Cavaliers in a victory at Scott Stadium, his team looked beaten long before the final gun.

seasons at BYU is taking a calculated risk. He’s putting his confidence in quarterback Kurt Benkert in the hopes to reversing the fortunes of a team that finished 2-10 last year.

This season, the coach who averaged nine victories a year in 11

Benkert took nearly all the snaps in spring practice, and the only

other player to take any, redshirt freshman De’Vante Cross, has also been working at wide receiver. Admittedly, Mendenhall is hoping that Benkert stays healthy, and that if he goes down with an injury, freshman Lindell Stone will be ready to play. CAVALIERS, 54

The Northern Virginia Daily

UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA CAVALIERS

2017 SCHEDULE

2016 RESULTS (2-10, 1-7 ACC)

Sept. 2

William & Mary, 3:30 p.m. Oct. 21

Boston College, TBA

Sept. 3 lost to Richmond, 37-20

Oct. 22 lost to N. Carolina, 35-14

Sept. 9

Indiana, 3:30 p.m.

Oct. 28

at Pittsburgh, TBA

Sept. 10 lost to Oregon, 44-26

Oct. 29 lost to Louisville, 32-25

Sept. 16 UConn, noon

Nov. 4

Georgia Tech, TBA

Sept. 17 lost to UConn, 13-10

Nov. 5

Sept. 22 at Boise State, 8 p.m.

Nov. 11 at Louisville, TBA

Sept. 24 beat Central Michigan, 49-35 Nov. 12 lost to Miami, 34-14

Oct. 7

Duke, TBA

Nov. 18 at Miami, TBA

Oct. 1

Oct. 14

at North Carolina, TBA

Nov. 24 Virginia Tech, TBA

Oct. 15 lost to Pittsburgh, 45-31

Cavaliers Continued from 53

Benkert missed one game with a separated non-throwing shoulder last season, but started 10 games. The senior enters his second year at Virginia after transferring from East Carolina. He threw for 21 touchdowns, tied for third most in program history. ‘Pretty delicate balance,’ Mendenhall said, ‘because we certainly need a backup. But we also need to improve our starting unit. So as Lindell continues to learn and grown within the offense, that will continue to be shifted.’

• Sacks: Andrew Brown (13) • Interceptions: Juan Thornhill (3)

Nov. 26 lost to Virginia Tech, 52-10

LINING UP: Mendenhall brought 2017 CAVALIERS in two huge transfer offensive line• Coach: Bronco Mendenhall (second men - 6-foot-4, 320-pound guard year, 2-10) John Montelus from Notre Dame • Offense/Defense: Pro, 3-4 and 6-5, 325-pound tackle Brandon On defense, eight starters return, Pertile from Oklahoma State - to • Key returnees: QB Kurt Benkert, but to a unit that allowed nearly bolster what was an undersized DE Andrew Brown, WR Doni Dowling, DB Quin Blanding, DB Tim Harris, LB 34 points per game. The group is collection last season. If they can Micah Kiser, WR Olamide Zaccheaus, led by linebacker Micah Kiser and shore up protection and run-blockS Juan Thornhill safety Quin Blanding, who have ing, and the team finds a replacefinished 1-2 in the ACC in tackles ment for graduated center and cap- • Key losses: TB Taquan Mizzell, OL Michael Mooney in each of the last two seasons. The tain Jackson Matteo, the offense starters feature only one other sen- might achieve a better balance their longest made field goal was ior in pass-rushing end Andrew than a year ago. from 36 yards in finishing 5 for 10. Brown. Among the misses? Field-goal KICKBALL: This is another area Other things to know as Virginia attempts from 20, 30 and 31 yards that needs improvement. The heads into the season: Cavaliers tried two kickers, and and two extra points.

carries for 940 yards, 5 touchdowns)

• Total tackles: Micah Kiser (134)

Nov. 19 lost to Georgia Tech, 31-17

versatile receiver Olamide Zaccheaus, tailback Jordan Ellis and receivers Andre Levrone, Joe Reed and Doni Dowling.

BOLD BENKERT: The quarterback impressed with his arm strength and willingness to take a hit early last year, but a separated The Cavaliers also must replace non-throwing shoulder and porous do-everything tailback Taquan protection eventually made him Mizzell, who accounted for nearly 70 percent of their rushing yardage skittish. He set a school record with 421 passing yards (a school last season and led the team with record-tying five TDs) in a victory 52 receptions while scoring seven against Central Michigan. He has TDs. dropped weight and gained speed, The good news for Benkert is the but hopes for a bowl-qualifying committee approach to replacing season require him to stay healthy. Mizzell. That includes flashy and ‘O’ MY!: Zaccheaus can do it all, from turning short passes into long 2016 STATS gains, beating his defender on a post route or running the ball. Now • Record: 2-10 (1-7 ACC) that offensive coordinator Robert • Passing leader: Kurt Benkert (228 for Anae has had a year to see what 406, 2,552 yards, 21 touchdowns, 11 ‘O’ can do, he needs to find ways to interceptions) get him the ball in open space. • Rushing leader: Taquan Mizzell (187 • Receiving leader: Taquan Mizzell (52 receptions for 404 yards, 2 touchdowns)

beat Duke, 34-20

lost to Wake Forest, 27-20

GET THAT BALL: Virginia turned the ball over 26 times last year and took it away just 17 times, leading to a 99-42 deficit in points off turnovers. That has to improve dramatically for successful outcomes.

ALL TEAMS! & select NCAA

GIFTS & COLLECTIBLES

540-635-9000 • 21 1⁄2 W. 6th St., Front Royal

Mon.-Sat. 10-6 Sun. 10-5 Closed Wed.

The Northern Virginia Daily

VIRGINIA TECH HOKIES

Matt Gentry/The Roanoke Times via AP, File

Virginia Tech head coach Justin Fuente instructs quarterback Hendon Hooker during NCAA college football practice in Blacksburg. Fuente’s second year at Virginia Tech will present some challenges similar to the first. The Hokies still have not identified a quarterback, with the options including redshirt freshman Josh Jackson, junior college transfer AJ Bush and freshman Hooker. None of them have ever taken a snap in a FBS-level game.

Fuente again looking for QB in second season before deciding to make himself transfer AJ Bush and freshman Hendon Hooker. None of them have available for the NFL Draft. ever taken a snap in a FBS-level While the signal-caller is the playgame. BLACKSBURG, Va. (AP) - Justin er in the offensive spotlight, Fuente’s second year at Virginia Fuente is quick to note that wide Tech will present some challenges The Hokies, however, fared pretty well last season with JUCO trans- receiver Isaiah Ford, tight end similar to the first. Bucky Hodges and running back fer Jerod Evans. He threw for 29 Sam Rogers all helped Evans The Hokies still have not identified touchdowns with just eight interimmensely last season, but all ceptions, led the team with 846 a starting quarterback, with the three also left for the NFL. They rushing yards and 12 TDs and options including redshirt freshtook a combined 151 receptions for guided them to a 10-3 season man Josh Jackson, junior college By Hank Kurz Jr. AP Sports Writer

2,086 yards and 18 touchdowns with them. Expectations for a repeat from this season’s quarterback derby winner would be a stretch, but Fuente and the Hokies should be able to take a page from seasons past when Bud Foster’s stingy defense carried the program early in the season. The HOKIES, 56

2017 SCHEDULE Sept. 3

vs. West Virginia Oct. 21 (at FedEx Field), 7:30 p.m. Oct. 28 Sept. 9 Delaware, 3:30 p.m. Nov. 4 Sept. 16 at East Carolina, 3:30 p.m. Nov. 11 Sept. 23 Old Dominion, TBA Nov. 18 Sept. 30 Clemson, TBA Oct. 7

The Northern Virginia Daily

VIRGINIA TECH HOKIES

at Boston College, TBA

Hokies

North Carolina, TBA Duke, TBA at Miami, TBA at Georgia Tech, TBA Pittsburgh, TBA

Nov. 24 at Virginia, TBA Virginia Tech heads into the season: WHO IS AT QB? Many consider Jackson the odds-on favorite to be the Hokies starting quarterback. He’s the most dual-threat player of the three, and has had a year head start to learn the offense while watching Evans execute it with great success. He impressed with his poise during last year’s competition, but all three are unknowns when the games count.

Continued from 55

Hokies have eight starters back on that side, with depth at defensive tackle behind returning starters Tim Settle and Ricky Walker the biggest concern so far. That would give the offense some time to find its footing if not for a daunting opening nonconference game against longtime rival West Virginia at FedEx Field on Sunday, CAM AND WHO? Cam Phillips finSept. 3. ished second on the team with 76 catches for 983 yards and five After reversing a trend that saw touchdowns last season, and could the Hokies have to fight to keep their 24-year bowl streak going in break all the school records Ford set with another huge year. The the last four years of Frank Hokies lost one candidate to play a Beamer’s career, Fuente became big role when freshman Caleb the most popular man in Farley was likely lost for the seaBlacksburg with last year’s showson with a knee injury in the first ing. Still, he’s not sure one year returns them to the expectations of practice. Redshirt junior C.J. Carroll, with 18 receptions in 2016, 10-win seasons and major bowl is second among returning players games. in experience. ‘I think there’s an element of, ‘this can be attained,’’ he said. ‘It had been a few years since it happened, that we can do this. ... I’m going on multiple occasions (to) tell them that none of those wins mean anything now.’ Some other things to know as

2016 RESULTS (10-4, 6-2 ACC) Sept. 3 Sept. 10 Sept. 17 Sept. 24 Oct. 8 Oct. 15 Oct. 20 Oct. 27

beat Liberty, 36-13 lost to Tennessee, 45-24 beat Boston College, 49-0 beat East Carolina, 54-17 beat North Carolina, 34-3 lost to Syracuse, 31-17 beat Miami, 37-16 beat Pittsburgh, 39-36

Nov. 5 Nov. 12 Nov. 19 Nov. 26 Dec. 3

beat Duke, 24-21 lost to Georgia Tech, 30-20 beat Notre Dame, 34-31 beat Virginia, 52-10 lost to Clemson (ACC Championship), 42-35 Dec. 29 beat Arkansas (Belk Bowl), 35-24

2017 HOKIES • Head coach: Justin Fuente (second year, 10-4) • Offense/Defense: Spread/4-4 • Key returnees: S Terrell Edmunds, LB Tremaine Edmunds, CB Brandon Facyson, RB Travon McMillian, DE Vinny Mihota, LB Andrew Motuapuaka, WR Cam Phillips, DB Mook Reynolds,

K Joey Slye, CB Greg Stroman, OL Wyatt Teller • Key losses: DT Woody Baron, S Chuck Clark, OG Augie Conte, DE Ken Ekanem, QB Jerod Evans, WR Isaiah Ford, TE Bucky Hodges, OT Jonathan McLaughlin, FB Sam Rogers

tackle depth? Finding fourth and fifth options at safety and cornerback.

118 last year - to supplant longtime NFL kicker Shayne Graham atop both career lists.

BEAMERBALL LIVES: Beamer’s success with special teams made attending more to them a trend, and the coach loved to say that is he had a good quarterback and kicker, he was in good shape. This year, placekicker Joey Slye could move to the top of the list among Hokies kickers. He needs six more field goals - he was 20 of 27 last year - and just 51 points - he had

SCHEDULING HELP: The ACC seemingly did the Hokies a favor with a very favorable slate. After the West Virginia game, their toughest tests figure to be against Clemson (Sept. 30) and North Carolina (Oct. 21 after an off week), both at Lane Stadium, and on the road at Miami on Nov. 4 in what many think will be for the Coastal Division.

LUNCH PAIL DEFENSE: Defense has been Virginia Tech’s calling card for most of the last two decades, which also happens to be the period when the Hokies rose to national prominence, and this year’s group could be special. Foster’s biggest concerns besides

2016 STATS • Record: 10-4 (6-2 ACC) • Passing leader: Jerod Evans (268 for 422, 3,546 yards, 29 touchdowns, 8 interceptions) • Rushing leader: Jerod Evans (204 carries for 846 yards, 12 touchdowns)

• Receiving leader: Cam Ford (79 receptions for 1,094 yards, 7 touchdowns) • Total tackles: Andrew Motuapuaka (114) • Sacks: Ken Ekanem (7.5) • Interceptions: Terrell Edmunds (4)

GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE THIS SEASON!

The Northern Virginia Daily

MASSANUTTEN MILITARY ACADEMY COLONELS

By Tommy Keeler Jr. tkeeler@nvdaily.com

2017 COLONELS

Turner, Bradshaw looking to lead MMA this season • Coach: Pete Stone (Second year, 0-10)

Brendon Turner is Massanutten Military Academy’s quarterback, while Tyrek Bradshaw is a wide receiver.

• Offense/Defense: Multiple/multiple • Key returnees: QB/DB/LB Brendon Turner, WR/DB Nate David, OL/DL Stephan Schultz • Key losses: Josh Kovach

The two MMA football players quickly developed a bond as they started training camp this month. us. I’m excited. He’s really embraced the position and put in the extra work and studied. So that ‘I really like that being a receiver you can have a will be good.’ relationship with the quarterback,’ Bradshaw said. ‘Me and Brendon have a nice relationship. Bradshaw, a junior from Baltimore, is in his first We throw the ball around a lot.’ year at MMA. Stone said that Bradshaw went to summer school at MMA a few years ago and The two could be a key this season for the liked it so much that his parents decided to send Colonels. him to MMA this year. Turner is in his second year at MMA, but last year he didn’t play at quarterback. The sophomore, who is from Stephens City, said he played at a lot of different positions last year and enjoyed it.

Bradshaw said he’s always enjoyed playing football and it runs in his family. Bradshaw said his cousin is Adrian Amos, who is playing in his third year at safety for the Chicago Bears in the National Football League.

‘It was pretty fun. I got a lot of playing time,’ Turner said. ‘ Offensively and defensively you never know where you’re going to out at. If someone twists an ankle or something and they need you out there you might have to play at a position you never thought you would play.’

Bradshaw said he also has two older brothers who played. ‘They helped me learn the game quicker, and taught me a lot of techniques,’ Bradshaw said of his brothers.

MMA head coach Pete Stone said he knew during baseball season last year that Turner would be the quarterback. Stone, who is also the baseball coach, said that Turner was one of his top pitcher’s last season.

Rich Cooley/Daily

Massanutten Military Academy quarterback Brendon Turner prepares to throw during a recent practice.

Both Turner and Bradshaw said they enjoy being at MMA, and being in a structured environment. practice until Aug. 14, and the Colonels’ first game is today against Quantico. ‘It’s kind of different waking up and going right to practice from your school,’ Turner said. The Colonels went 0-10 last year, but with a solid ‘Everyone works together to get things done. We nucleus back from last year and some bright new Stone said playing baseball helps Turner for foot- never really do anything yourself. You just work additions the team has high hopes for the season. ball. with everybody to do everything, even up in the barracks, everyone works together.’ ‘I look for us to win some games and be very com‘I knew he had the arm to play quarterback,’ petitive this year,’ Stone said. ‘This team looks Stone said. ‘He’s really grown up quite a bit in Stone said he was expecting to have 25-28 playlike, from what I’ve seen and on paper, better the last year. So he’s going to be a good leader for ers on the team this year. MMA didn’t start than what I had last year.’

2017 SCHEDULE Oct. 6

Aug. 25

Quantico, 4 p.m.

Sept. 1

Randolph-Macon Acad., 4 p.m. Oct. 13

Sept. 16 at Grace Christian, 1 p.m.

Oct. 20

at Rappahannock Co., 7 p.m. Aug. 26 lost to Quantico, 61-0 Nelson County, 4 p.m. Hancock (Md.), 4 p.m.

Sept. 2 Sept. 9 Sept. 16

Sept. 22 Fishburne Military, 4 p.m. Sept. 29 Northern Virginia HomeSchool, 5 p.m.

2016 RESULTS (0-10, 0-4 PATRIOT)

Oct. 27

at Brunswick Acad., 7 p.m.

Nov. 3

at Roanoke Catholic, 7 p.m. Sept. 23

Oct. 1

lost to Hargrave Military Academy, 53-0 lost to Roanoke Catholic, 83-6 Oct. 7 lost to Rapp. County, 52-0 lost to Grace Christian, 33-6 Oct. 15 lost to Randolph-Macon Academy, 58-6 lost to Northern Virginia Oct. 21 lost to Hancock (MD), 41-0 HomeSchool, 25-6 Oct. 28 lost to Brunswick lost to Fishburne Military, 74-0 Academy, 34-28

RANDOLPH-MACON ACADEMY YELLOW JACKETS

The Northern Virginia Daily

Randolph-Macon Academy’s Edmund Loolo, center, will help lead the Yellow Jackets this season. Rich Cooley/Daily

Loolo expanding his role after strong debut for R-MA last season of the sport was not so good. It to explain it,’ Loolo said of watchwas an experience playing another ing Peterson. ‘It just drew me to it ‘football’ – soccer – that warmed and it looked fun.’ Loolo to the American version. FRONT ROYAL – Around the Loolo has been playing in the time when Edmund Loolo was in The Randolph-Macon Academy defensive secondary since, and his eighth grade he began dabbling in senior recalled earlier this month list of football role models has football, and his initial impression ‘messing around’ with his friends grown to include players like on the soccer field, covering each Tyrann Mathieu, Vernon 2017 YELLOW JACKETS other one-on-one in a similar fash- Hargreaves III, Karl Joseph and • Head coach: Frank Sullivan (11th ion that cornerbacks cover Ed Reed. year, 38-54) receivers on the gridiron. • Offense/Defense: Spread/4-2-5 ‘DBs just have that swagger to The experience piqued Loolo’s them,’ Loolo explained, ‘just the • Key returnees: OL/DL Rhamel Brewer, OL/LB Tajour Gadson, interest enough for him to give way they dress, the way they come ATH/DB Tradarius Gadson, RB/LB football another try, and he out, just the confidence because Miles Gilmore, QB/DB Edmund Loolo, became fully hooked when he saw they’re playing – we’re playing – OL/DL Luel Mekonnen Arizona Cardinals cornerback at a disadvantage. That confi• Key losses: WR/LB Alex Blell, Patrick Peterson play while dence, it drew me and just made RB/LB Jeffrey Collins, WR/S SoSo watching the NFL at a friend’s me wanna play that.’ Eke Spiff, LB/DE Tanyi Makia, WR/DB house. Alex Ndongo-Seh, QB/DB Corban Loolo, whose family moved from Ruch ‘Just the flash, I don’t know how Nigeria to Texas when he was By Brad Fauber bfauber@nvdaily.com

young, transferred last season to R-MA, where his cousin, So So Eke Spiff, also played football for Frank Sullivan’s Yellow Jackets. Loolo made an immediate impact. As one of R-MA’s starting cornerbacks he tallied 30 tackles in nine games and was a second team AllVISAA Division II selection. ‘(He) really didn’t have a lot of numbers because after a while teams stopped throwing that way a little bit,’ said Sullivan, who praised Loolo’s athleticism, intelligence, awareness and eagerness to ask questions when preparing for opposing offenses. ‘But he did a great job, sort of held us together back there.’ As one of about 10 seniors on the

The Northern Virginia Daily

Yellow Jackets’ roster in 2017 (R-MA’s football roster was not entirely set on Aug. 16), Loolo will be asked to do a little bit more this fall. Not only has he made the switch from cornerback to safety this preseason, but he’s also moved to the backfield on the other side of the football, where he’s competing with fellow senior Tradarius Gadson for the chance to quarterback the Jackets’ spread offense. Sullivan said the loser of the QB battle would play receiver this season but added that he expects Loolo to be the starter in the opener at Massanutten Military Academy on Sept. 1. Loolo’s transition to safety has been simple enough. Instead of being responsible for oneon-one coverage on the perimeter he’s asked to focus on and read the opposing quarterback.

RANDOLPH-MACON ACADEMY YELLOW JACKETS

2017 SCHEDULE

2016 STATS • Record: 6-3 (1-1 Patriot Conference) • Passing leader: Corban Ruch (87 for 178, 1,584 yards, 23 touchdowns, 9 interceptions) • Rushing leader: Jeffrey Collins (128 carries for 905 yards, 5 touchdowns) • Receiving leader: Alex Ndongo-Seh (37 receptions for 882 yards, 17 touchdowns) • Total tackles: Alex Blell (77)

Sept. 1 at Mass. Military Acad., 4 p.m. Sept. 9 St. Anneʼs Bellfield, 1 p.m. Sept. 16 at Christchurch School, 2 p.m. Sept. 23 Hargrave Military Acad., 1 p.m. Sept. 29 Fishburne Military School, 4 p.m. Oct. 7

Fredericksburg Christian School, 2 p.m.

• Sacks: Tanyi Makia (5)

Oct. 14 at Blue Ridge School, 2 p.m.

• Interceptions: Joseph Leichsenring, Alex NdongoSeh (1)

Oct. 28 Norfolk Christian School, 1 p.m.

on an offense that returns only three starters from a season ago. In addition to Ruch the Yellow Jackets, who return seven starters combined on offense and defense, also must fill the holes left by the departures of first team all-state receiver Alex Ndongo-Seh (37 receptions, 882 yards, 17 touchdowns in 2016) and running back Jeffrey Collins (905 yards rushing, five TDs).

Nov. 3

2016 RESULTS (6-3, 1-1 PATRIOT CONFERENCE)

Sept. 3 Sept. 9 Sept. 23 However, Loolo did not play offense for R-MA Sept. 30 last season – a result of his value as a defenOct. 10 sive back and the Yellow Jackets’ depth at the skill positions – and he said his experience as Among R-MA’s returning starters are two-way Oct. 15 a quarterback is very limited. senior linemen Luel Mekonnen and Rhamel Oct. 21 Brewer (three sacks in 2016), senior line‘It’s a process. It’s different but the drills backer Miles Gilmore (67 tackles, three sacks) Oct. 29 we’ve been doing in practice, I’m feeling a lot – the Yellow Jackets’ returning leading tackNov. 3 more comfortable with it,’ said Loolo, who would follow Corban Ruch – who threw for over 1,500 yards and 23 touchdowns as a senior last season – should he win the starting quarterback job. ‘I watched Corban play last year, he gave me a few tips, like throwing, stepping into your throw and everything. I think I’ve got a pretty good arm so I’m doing pretty good.’

ler who will also start at running back this season – and the Gadson brothers Tradarius and Tajour.

Loolo figures to be one of the many new faces

‘It’s going to be very important for guys like

Sullivan added that newcomers Wyatt O’Donnell (OL/DL), Trysten Noszek (ATH/LB), Connor Blow (ATH/LB), Kobi Okaford (WR/DB) and A.J. Sullivan (WR/DB) will make impacts for R-MA this season.

at Covenant School, 3 p.m.

lost to Potomac School, 42-26 beat St. Anneʼs Bellfield, 41-35 beat Hargrave Military Academy, 28-14 beat Fishburne Military School, 21-0 lost to Fredericksburg Christian, 21-14 beat Massanutten Military Academy, 58-6 beat Christchurch School, 31-20 lost to Blue Ridge School, 59-21 beat Covenant, 35-24

(Loolo) to step up,’ said Sullivan, whose team went 6-3 and missed out on the playoffs last season. ‘In the past two years our team has basically been senior led and we have another great group of seniors this year that are sort of learning that role. They’ve sort of been in the background. They’ve been playing on the field and they’re seeing where that goes.’

Good Luck R-MA Yellow Jackets!

4675 John Marshall Hwy. • Linden, VA • www.theapplehouse.net • (540) 636-6329

The Northern Virginia Daily

PITTSBURGH STEELERS

~YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO THE 2017 NFL SEASON~ LESTER & MOWERY’S PHARMACY

GO!

20 South Street Front Royal, VA

(540) 622-2307 Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9-7 • Sat. 9-6 CLOSED Sunday

Have you tried Cold Laser Therapy? Cold Laser therapy treatment helps reduce pain and inflammation and enhances tissue healing - both in hard and soft tissues, including muscles, ligaments, and even bones. We have seen tremendous results in our patients with acute, repetitive-use and chronic injuries when combined with Massage Therapy.

Call for a customized consultation with Dr. Scott Cabazolo today! 112 EAST 6TH STREET, #A • FRONT ROYAL • 540-622-6400 www.naturalresultschiropractic.com

BUY HERE! PAY HERE!

AUTO CENTER

Large Selection of Cars, Trucks & SUVs Small Deposit will hold your vehicle Down Payments from $400 to $3,000

No Credit Check – We Finance! (540) 622-2667 • Visit our Website: www.autocentercars.com

The Northern Virginia Daily

PITTSBURGH STEELERS

WASHINGTON REDSKINS

The Northern Virginia Daily

WASHINGTON REDSKINS

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

The Northern Virginia Daily

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

BALTIMORE RAVENS

The Northern Virginia Daily

BALTIMORE RAVENS

FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2017

The Northern Virginia Daily

FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2017

The Northern Virginia Daily

FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2017

THOMAS FAMILY DENTISTRY, PC â&#x20AC;&#x153;High-Quality Dentistry in the Valleyâ&#x20AC;?

Digital X-ray (90% less radiation!) â&#x20AC;˘ Intra-Oral Cameras Providing all phases of dentistry Cleaning & Periodontics â&#x20AC;˘ Extractions â&#x20AC;˘ Orthodontics/Invisalign â&#x20AC;˘ Partials Dentures â&#x20AC;˘ Implants â&#x20AC;˘ Root Canals â&#x20AC;˘ Crowns & Bridges

NEW PATIENTS WELCOME! WELLS FARGO PATIENT FINANCING!

540-465-3980 33820 Old Valley Pike â&#x20AC;˘ Suite 1 â&#x20AC;˘ Strasburg, VA 22657 Hours: Monday - Thursday 7am - 5pm â&#x20AC;˘ Friday: 7am - 1pm