Volume 10, Issue 1

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NEW BEGINNINGS Covenant, STAB, WFS soccer look to build in 2018

COLLEGE UPDATE Walters set to captiain Mary Washington volleyball

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CLICK CLACK Our annual football preview for 2018

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COLLINS GONE WRONG A brush with an iconic song

VOL 10 . ISSUE 1 :: AUGUST 22, 2018

x’s and o’s

vol 10. issue 1 :: August 22, 2018

Putting in the work

The 2018 Football Preview pAge 7

S TA F F Bart Isley, Creative Director Bob Isley, Infrastructure Director Ryan Yemen, Creative Editor O N T H E COV E R Left to right: Chris Washington, Rick Weaver, Brandon Smith, Marquan Jones, Will Stupalsky M I S S I O N S TAT E M E N T Local sports are the lifeblood of every community in America, and we’re here to reach beyond the basics and give compelling accounts about Central Virginia athletes to our readers.

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PREGAME

In Memoriam

Orange County graduate Darius Minor returns a kick during the Hornets’ October 27, 2017 meeting with Monticello. Minor fought back from a knee injury in 2016 that kept him out of his junior year to put together a remarkable senior season in 2017 at wide receiver and corner back. Tragically, Minor collapsed and died on July 24 during a workout at the University of Maine. The school will be holding a moment of silence before its season opener with New Hampshire on August 30. ✖ (Photo by Ashley Thornton)

03 :: @scrimmageplay

We’ve hit double digits...

Celebrating 10 years of Prep Sports coverage in Central Virginia.

47 20 QUESTIONS FOR FALL SPORTS

11 THE ALL-SP END OF YEAR TEAMS

05 chAngE on ThE vollEybAll courT

26 gET ThAT scholArship

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VOL 4 . ISSUE 1 :: SEPT. 2012

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vol 5 . issue 2 :: august 26, 2013

Alter Egos

The Unsung Offense always gets the love.

Defense gets the job done.

PAGE 27

The best football players in the area have a super hero ‘problem’ page 7

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VOL 8. ISSUE 1 :: AUGUST 24, 2016

Let. It. Rain.

The 2016 Football Preview PAGE 7

THE CENTRAL VIRGINIA SPORTS AUTHORITY

VOL 9. ISSUE 1 :: AUGUST 22, 2017

Where there’s smoke The 2017 Football Preview PAGE 07

the central virginia sports authority

vol 10. issue 1 :: August 22, 2018

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First Quarter

Turning the page

Private school boys soccer looks to take steps forward

By Bart Isley

T

Gullio DiGorgis and the Eagles look to improve upon a strong 2017 campaign. (Ashley Thornton)

{ GETTING THOSE W’S } Win totals from the 2017 boys soccer programs in Central Virginia

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05 :: @scrimmageplay

K AR A EL DER

WO OD BERRY

COV ENAN T

STAB

6

o borrow heavily from the alternative rock song Closing Time by Semisonic from the late 1990s, every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.

Covenant, St. Anne’s-Belfield and Woodshould be particularly hungry after a 6-7-2 berry Forest’s boys soccer teams’ seasons all record last year left them at 13th in the state, ended in different ways last year, but all three just one spot outside the state tournament squads’ 2017 ends could lead to some fruitful field. This year, they’ll have to overcome the new beginnings in 2018. graduation eight players including All-Prep A year ago, Covenant’s boys soccer team League standouts Andy Wood and Michael got a huge win in the state quarterfinals, Babbott as well as Carter Gregg. That leaves holding off the Steward School for a 2-1 victory STAB with a young but talented group. to advance to the final four where they fell in The Saints’ youth will put a heavy load on blowout fashion to North Cross. Longtime fixsenior Joe Heaphy in the midfield and junior Gitures like three year starter Mark Brumbaugh, anni Maltese as a center mid or right back. Nigel Ave Maria University’s Alex Wilcox and keeper McLaughlin returns at striker as a freshman a Jacob Murrie graduated, but Covenant has a year after tying for the team lead in scoring as an lot of reasons to be excited about this season. eighth grader. The Saints will add some help in For starters, senior Robert Wood is back the form of freshman Leo Edelson on offense, and the defensive center midfielder will make sophomore Ethan DeLaurier as a keeper and life tough on opposing teams looking to senior Michael McGraw as a midfielder. STAB advance into the offensive zone. Juniors Gullio should improve drastically as the year goes on as DiGorgis and Michael Seelman return as outthat young talent develops. side backs, giving Covenant a strong defensive Woodberry Forest went 11-4-3 last season and backbone to build around. If you can’t defend, advanced to the state quarterfinals where they soccer can become a frustrating enterprise fell 4-3 in double overtime against eventual state quickly, but DiGorgis and Seelman should champion Cape Henry. The Tigers lost a wave of pair nicely with Patrick Clancy, a Monticello midfielders as well as forward Chuksi Emuwa transfer who should give the defense another and defender Gray Hathaway. They’ll turn now to reliable presence. Having that group in front of seniors Walker Antonio and Dylan Walmsley as goalie Will Maupin, a tall junior athlete playing well as junior Jack Sloan on defense with assissoccer for the first time should allow the inextance from reigning All-Prep keeper Zach Woods. perienced goaltender to settle in nicely.

Add in sophomore Charlie Ferrari and the Tigers Up top, Soren Scott returns as an offensivehave the makings of a strong defensive unit that minded midfielder. If Scott can create opportuni- should keep them in games. Max Richter returns at ties for striker Josiah McCaskill, a Grace Christian forward and Max Weaver will patrol the midfield. transfer who scored more than 25 goals last The Tigers should be hungry too knowing just how season, it’ll help out the offense a lot. close they were to advancing to the final four and Covenant got off to an excellent start in its potentially winning a title. scrimmage with St. Anne’s-Belfield, notching That’s the definition of a new beginning three goals against the Saints, and considercoming from another beginning’s end. ✖ ing STAB could also benefit from the way last year ended and be staring down a strong 2018, that’s a particularly good sign. The Saints For more boys soccer coverage head

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over to our website at: www.scrimmageplay.com.

College Update

We’ve gone digital But you can have it in print too!

Former Fluco shining at Mary Washington

By Bart Isley When Mary Washington starts hunting for a Capital Athletic Conference championship when they open the season August 31, Fluvanna County alum Leslie Walters is a big reason why the Eagles are in position for a big 2018.

Walters, who earned second team All-CAC honors as a middle last year, enters this campaign as one of the Eagles’ captains. She’ll combine with a talented group of returners including first team All-CAC picks Peyton Dunow and Savannah Powers on the outside for a formidable front line that will benefit from the return of 2017 CAC newcomer of the year Wren Berry the team’s setter.

Walters herself won the league’s newcomer of the year as a freshman, capping a season where she recorded a career-high 310 kills including a 21-kill effort against Marymount.

As a sophomore, she emerged as a blocker, more than doubling her freshman year output from 34 blocks to 83 total stuffs. She also notched 76 digs and 37 aces as a sophomore, contributing in nearly every aspect of the game for a squad that went 31-4 and advanced to the NCAA quarterfinals.

As a junior, Walters earned her second straight second team All-CAC nod on a team

that fell 3-2 in the CAC tournament championship to Christopher Newport, going 19-10 on the year. Walters was third on the team with 247 kills and second on the team with a .245 hitting average and 0.57 blocks per game.

Walters notched 247 total kills, 87 digs and 57 blocks. She had a particularly big outing against Virginia Wesleyan with 10 kills and 14 digs.

Walters arrived at Mary Washington after earning All-Scrimmage Play honors as part of a decorated high school career where she broke school records for blocks in a game and was a major presence in the middle and on the service line for the Flucos. She was a part of a 28-2 squad as a senior in 2014, leading the team in blocks while earning all-state second team honors while the Flucos won the Jefferson District title. She paired perfectly with Maddy Kline on that squad and also played with Hannah Miller before that, who went on to become a two-time All-American for Christopher Newport.

Now she’s helping power another team packed with talent at Mary Washington, and things are setting up for a special senior year for the former Fluco. ✖

BELOW » Fluvanna almunus and Mary Washington captain Leslie Walters enters her senior year at UMW looking to capitalize in the CAC along with a loaded roster. (UMW Sports Information)

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2018

FOOTBALL PREVIEW STORIES BY BARY ISLEY AND RYAN YEMEN | PORTRAITS BY JOHN BERRY

07 :: @scrimmageplay

Click - Clack THE WEIGHT ROOM. IT HAS BECOME THE EPICENTER OF WHERE PROGRAMS ARE BUILT. EVERY TRAINING CAMP COACHES ACROSS THE AREA TALK ABOUT THE DIFFERENCE OFFSEASON TRAINING MAKES. A FULL YEAR OF IT MAKES A DIFFERENCE AND EVERY COACH SEES IT IN CAMP. SENIORS THAT HAVE EMBRACED YEARS OF TIME IN THE WEIGHT ROOM SIMPLY LOOK DIFFERENT AND PLAY DIFFERENT THAN THEIR UNDERCLASSMEN COUNTERPARTS. THE DECORATED, DYNAMIC CLASS OF 2018 LEFT A SERIOUS VOID ACROSS THE AREA FOR THE CLASS OF 2019 TO SHOWCASE THEIR OWN HARD WORK.

IN THE FIRST WEEKS OF THIS FALL WE WILL QUICKLY FIND OUT WHO HAS PUT IN THE WORK, AND WHO HAS ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT. IN THE WEEKS THAT FOLLOW, WE WILL FIND OUT WHAT HAPPENS WHEN TALENT MEETS HARD WORK. WITH THE WAY YEAR-ROUND TRAINING HAS BECOME A PART OF FOOTBALL, THE QUESTION IS QUITE REAL WHEN IT COMES TO THE REGULAR SEASON — IS IT WON OR LOST BEFORE THAT FIRST GAME IN AUGUST? IF HISTORY IS A LESSON, IT SURE DOES NOT HURT TO COME IN BULKED UP.

www.scrimmageplay.com :: 08

ALBEMARLE

PATRIOTS

JEFFERSON DISTRICT, 2017 RECORD: 5-6 8/24 8/31 9/14 9/21 9/28 10/5 10/12 10/19 10/26 11/1

@ vs. vs. vs. @ vs. @ vs. vs. @

Mountain View Colonial Forge Patrick Henry-Roanoke Louisa County Monticello Orange Charlottesville Fluvanna Powhatan Western Albemarle

WHO’S GONE: J’QUAN ANDERSON (QB), NA’IL ARNOLD (DB), KRIS ANDERSON (DB), JA’KELL JOHNSON (OL).

WHO’S BACK: DAQUANDRE TAYLOR (QB, PICTURED BELOW), MARQUAN JONES (DB), ERIC TAYLOR (LB), JOHN BARBER (LB) WHO’S NEW: MAHKI WASHINGTON (RB), MYLES WARD (WR)

BUCKINGHAM COUNTY

KNIGHTS

JAMES RIVER DISTRICT, 2017 RECORD: 5-5 8/24 9/2 9/7 9/14 9/21 9/28 10/12 10/19 10/26 11/2

@ @ vs. @ vs. @ vs. @ vs. @

Appomattox Chatham Amelia Central Lunenburg Nottoway Goochland Cumberland Bluestone Randolph-Henry Prince Edward

WHO’S GONE: DANIEL BRICKHILL (QB/LB), BRYCEN NEWBY (OL/DL) WHO’S BACK: WALTER EDWARDS (RB/LB, PICTURED BELOW), COLE EDMONSTON (OL/ DL), THOMAS TEST (OL/DL), GARRETT HAFLEY (OL/DL), GERRY TONEY (QB/DB), QT STANTON (RB/LB), XAVIER COPELAND (WR/DB) WHO’S NEW: JAYLIN JACKSON (WR/DB), DASHAWN BARTEE (WR/DB)

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Patriots look for new spark There isn’t one that’s transcendent yet, but Albemarle football has a pack of playmakers on offense and several tackling machines on defense ready to push the Patriots forward as they chase a fourth-straight playoff appearance.

Last season, despite a number of standouts on the roster, it became clear that the Patriots were leaning largely on the spectacular J’Quan Anderson to make a play with his arm or his legs in critical situations. It wasn’t a bad choice behind a solid offensive line, the tactic just ran out of gas in the first against Harrisonburg on the road on a soggy field This year’s edition of the Patriots will instead likely find its identity first on defense where John Barber and Eric Taylor, who had more than 100 tackles as a junior, patrol the middle of the defense at linebacker. Having players who can read, react and make stops firmly planted in those spots make for a tremendous defensive foundation, and a large group of talented players surround that duo including Donovan Berry at outside linebacker.

While the graduation of Na’il Arnold and Kris Anderson will impact the secondary, Marquan Jones and Shemar Powell return. Jones is a bright talent who breaks on the ball well and can move around the defense and help support against the run too. Up front is a bit of a work

in progress, with the graduation of space-eater Hunter Fillingame leaving a big hole on the defensive line. Edge rusher Jake Rhomback showed some serious flashes in early scrimmage work.

On offense, they’ll turn to a group of standouts to make plays with senior DaQuandre Taylor at quarterback, junior Mahki Washington at tailback and STAB transfer Myles Ward at receiver. Taylor started the year at quarterback last year in an effort to move Anderson around within the offense, but shortly after the season got underway, Taylor was the one moving around, scoring from quarterback, wideout and running back last season. If the Patriots can get Washington going, that’ll help Taylor settle in. Washington is the complete package athletically at running back with size, aggressiveness and speed. He’ll go to work behind a rebuilt offensive line that will feel the early impact of Jorvin Maupin and Ja’kell Johnson graduating. There’s good size up front though with seniors Matthew Reese, Nolan Clatterbuck and Ryan Brandl along with Greg Robertson.

As usual, Albemarle plays some tough Class 5 schools early before getting into the Jefferson District grind. If they can get off to a good start against those opponents, they should find themselves in playoff position come November. ✖

Knights embrace Wilkerson era To say that athletic director Russ Gowin is having an impact is putting it mildly. Under his watch, Buckingham County is embracing it roots. Why? Because it works. So with Seth Wilkerson, a long time assistant to former coach Craig Gill taking over, all of the sudden, the assistants that led this team to great regular seasons from 2009 through 2015 is back.

Numbers are up at Buckingham and momentum is building. This is a team that went through a serious youth movement in in the last two years, won four of of its last five and just missed out of the playoffs in 2016. There’s a nostalgia back with the Knights that should have the rest of the James River District’s attention.

While he was dinged up for parts of 2017, Gerry Toney made Buckingham look like a different squad when he was on the field. The quarterback paired with running back Walter Edwards — who has quietly built a strong resume — gives the Knights the kind of rushing tandem that this program has had most years. With QT Stanton back at running back too, they have depth.

The Knights have the blockers with Cole Edmondston, Garrett Hafley and Thomas Test all back in the fold and all a year stronger and experienced. That will help a long

ways to replace standout Brycen Newby. At receiver Xavier Copeland returns and he’ll get help from Jaylin Jackson and Dashawn Bartee. The Knights have the ability to spread the ball around or smash things up the middle, something we saw plenty of years prior with longtime coach Mike Edwards calling plays.

Much of the same names will have to play on both sides of the ball. On the line, Demonte Glover, is joined by Edmondston, Hafley and Test giving the defense strength where you’d want it most. Stanton will lead the linebacking corps and behind him he has athletes in the secondary. Toney and Edwards are the stalwarts depsite both being underclassmen and Bartee and Jackson will be important new faces also playing at defensive back.

Playing six road games will tough, but at the same time, the Knights’ four home games will have a different attendance and atmosphere. With this coaching staff shakeup turned reunion tour, the Knights have a community behind them and swagger that wasn’t quite there in the previous two years. Some of that was rebuilding after a huge graduating class in 2016.

Some of that is an athletic director understanding what makes Buckingham get hyped. ✖

CHARLOTTESVILLE FOOTBALL

CENTRAL VIRGINIA PRESEASON POWER POLL presented by

scrımmageplay NO. 1 LOUISA COUNTY (7) 55 NO. 2 ALBEMARLE (1) 40 NO. 3 CHARLOTTESVILLE 31 NO. 4 BLUE RIDGE 22 NO. 5 WOODBERRY FOREST 22 NO. 6 GOOCHLAND 20 NO. 7 MONTICELLO 17 FIRST PLACE VOTES IN PARANTHESES ALSO RECEIVING VOTES: ORANGE COUNTY, WESTERN ALBEMARLE, BUCKINGHAM COUNTY, FLUVANNA COUNTY

Marquan jones

albemarle, sr

ALBEMARLE’S MARQUAN JONES WAS THE YOUNG APPRENTICE LAST YEAR, PLAYING IN THE SECONDARY ALONGSIDE NA’IL ARNOLD AND KRIS ANDERSON, MAKING PLAYS BEYOND HIS YEARS BUT WITHOUT THAT SENIOR TANDEM’S NOTORIETY. At the same time, the savvy, versatile athlete was a big reason why Albemarle’s secondary gave a lot of opposing quarterbacks — in a year where the Jefferson District had a lot of established stars at quarterback --fits. Along with Shemar Powell, he’ll look to recreate some of last year’s chemistry and effectiveness this year as a senior.

After earning a Blue-Gray All-American Bowl invitation in the offseason, Jones is starting to realize his full potential. At 5-foot-9 and 178 pounds, Jones breaks on the ball well, he’s physical and he can guard players that hold a size advantage over him. He’s also particularly effective at coming into the box and helping stuff the run.

No matter where Albemarle puts him, Jones can have an impact. Look for him to take centerstage from the jump in 2018. ✖

11 :: @scrimmageplay

Knights gear up behind old reliable Undoubtedly, Charlottesville football is going to miss Sam Neale, who appeared born to run the option last year. They’re going to miss Tre Durrett and Rakeem Davis running the ball, Larry Henderson, Trejon Bryant and Trevon Jackson clearing the way.

But one fact remains.

Sabias Folley is still going to be coming down hill this year, bringing power and just a little touch of nastiness to every defender who tries to get in his path. The 245-pound power back who has amassed two-straight 1,000-yard seasons, returns to the Black Knights’ triple option and he’ll have a big impact each week on how opposing defenses try and stop Charlottesville. Folley’s mere presence should open things up for the other potential rushing threats including Isaiah Washington, a powerful force in his own right, speed demon Quincy Edwards and Taveyon Brown, who will all likely factor into the critical slot role that has seen a parade of productive backs over the last few years.

Washington, just a junior, could be the next breakout go-to player in the slot — he plays with rare confidence and toughness.

Daimon Washington will trigger the attack, stepping into the quarterback spot after contrib-

uting as a free safety in prior years. He’ll give the Black Knights a jolt of speed and could be particularly dangerous on run-pass options and rollouts.

While the line undergoes a revamp, senior Jaheim Tyler, junior Tijay Richardson and junior Wyatt Collier are athletic and technically sound.

On defense, Isaiah and Daimon Washington should help anchor the secondary and Edwards has the potential to be special at cornerback. Folley, Sayveon Anderson, Marcus Targonski, Ben Yates and Lamont Bullard should have an impact at linebacker, with Folley potentially contributing on defense for the first time in his career. Up front, there will be a lot of changes just like on offense but James Leonard at the nose and Jaren Jordan at defensive end could pair with Jaleom Adams-Mallory to form an impact group.

Last season the Black Knights were rolling at 5-1 before a brutal loss to Albemarle on a last second field goal in mid-October upset their rhythm.

Still, the Black Knights have to feel like, with everything they have back, including Folley, the expectations bar has been raised a notch. Two straight seven-win seasons is an indication you should be considered one of the best and ready to compete each year. Charlottesville aims to do just that. ✖

Flucos look to Morris for direction When a new head coach takes over a football program, people get excited about the system they’re bringing or their track record.

It’s the thrill of the unknown. But Michael Morris’ best quality may be that he’s a known quantity in Fluvanna and that he has built his staff with some faces that are familiar to the Flucos. Morris brought on Joel Gray and Mike Sheridan, the current and former baseball coaches, with Sheridan coming up from junior varsity while Gray returns to Fluvanna football after serving as Goochland’s offensive coordinator. Mix in Mitchell Pace too and Morris has built a group that knows the school, the athletes and the program and the continuity should start to pay off.

On offense Fluvanna will switch to an adapted version of the vaunted wing-T that Goochland runs with Gray throwing in some wrinkles of his own. The Flucos are sorting out four different options at quarterback including Justin Sullivan and Kobe Edmonds but have more proven presences as ball-carriers in the ultra quick Prophett Harris and big backs like Nate Smith, Dahris Tinsley and Daori Green, all of whom are capable of picking up yards between the tackles. Add in the versatile 6-foot-2, 220-pound Joey VanDyke

who can play wideout or tight end while providing top notch blocking on the edge and the Flucos have a lot of skill pieces. They’ve also got a line that’s been developing over the last few years and should enjoy the fruits of the Wing-T switch with 6-foot-6, 310pound Walt Stribling, a second team All-Jefferson District pick, leading the way with seniors Matt Waller and Ahmad Opie joining junior center Alden Custer and Trevor Wade.

Harris was a first team All-Jefferson District selection as a defensive back after snagging four interceptions last year and he’ll help anchor a secondary that includes safety Colby Martin and corner Austin Craig. Wade showed a knack for disruption in an early scrimmage for the Flucos at defensive tackle while Van Dyke and Caleb Stoltz should also be a factor at defensive end. At linebacker, Smith, Malachi Hill and Nathan Mentor give the Flucos athleticism and experience with the two juniors pairing up with Smith.

The energy is particularly good around the program, but the climb is steep. Fluvanna hasn’t had a winning season since 2001 and hasn’t won more than two games since 2010 when they went 4-6. But they may have found the right leaders at the right time. ✖

CHARLOTTESVILLE

BLACK KNIGHTS JEFFERSON DISTRICT, 2017 RECORD: 7-4 8/24 8/31 9/7 9/14 9/21 9/28 10/5 10/12 10/26 11/1

vs. @ @ @ vs. vs. @ vs. vs. @

E.C. Glass James Monroe Harrisonburg Western Albemarle Orange County Powhatan Fluvanna County Albemarle Louisa County Monticello

WHO’S GONE: SAM NEALE (QB), RAKEEM DAVIS (RB/DB), LARRY HENDERSON (OL), TRE DURRETT (RB/DB), TREJON BRYANT (OL/DL) WHO’S BACK: SABIAS FOLLEY (RB/LB, PICTURED BELOW), ISAIAH WASHINGTON (RB/DB), DAIMON WASHINGTON (QB/DB), JAREN JORDAN (DE) WHO’S NEW: LAMONT BULLARD (RB/LB)

FLUVANNA COUNTY

FLYIN’ FLUCOS JEFFERSON DISTRICT, 2017 RECORD: 1-9 8/24 8/31 9/14 9/21 9/28 10/5 10/12 10/19 10/26 11/2

@ vs. @ vs. @ vs. vs. @ vs. @

Bluestone Spotsylvania Madison County Monticello Orange County Charlottesville Powhatan Albemarle Western Albemarle Louisa County

WHO’S GONE: DREW HAMSHAR (LB), JUSTIN LAMB (OL) WHO’S BACK: PROPHETT HARRIS (RB/DB PICTURED BELOW), JOEY VAN DYKE, (TE/DE), WALT STRIBLING (OL), NATE SMITH (RB/LB) WHO’S NEW: KOBE EDMONDS (QB), TREVOR WADE (OL/DL)

www.scrimmageplay.com :: 12

GOOCHLAND

BULLDOGS JAMES RIVER DISTRICT, 2017 RECORD: 12-1 8/24 8/31 9/7 9/14 9/21 10/5 10/12 10/19 10/26 11/2

vs. vs. vs. @ vs. @ vs. @ vs. @

Thomas Jefferson Fork Union Central Lunenberg Nottoway Buckingham County Cumberland Bluestone Randolph Henry Prince Edward Amelia County

WHO’S GONE: RICKY MAYFIELD (LB), JOHN KING (DL), JASPER CARTER (RB), ETHAN KOPCZYNSKI (OL), COLE NUCKOLS (RB/DB) WHO’S BACK: SAM BROOKS (LB, PICTURED BELOW), DEVIN MCCRAY (QB/DB), PERRY SNEAD JOHNSON (WR/RB/DB), TYLER MAY (OL), CONNOR DUNCAN (OL) WHO’S NEW: CJ TOWLES (DB)

LOUISA COUNTY

LIONS

JEFFERSON DISTRICT, 2017 RECORD: 14-1 8/24 8/31 9/7 9/21 9/28 10/5 10/12 10/19 10/26 11/2

@ vs. vs. @ vs. @ @ vs. @ vs.

Courtland Chancellor King George Albemarle Western Albemarle Powhatan Monticello Orange County Charlottesville Fluvanna County

WHO’S GONE: MALIK BELL (QB), JOB WHALEN (RB/LB), TONY THURSTON (OL/DL), RAQUAN JONES (RB/LB) WHO’S BACK: JARETT HUNTER (RB/DB PICTURED BELOW), BRANDON SMITH (WR/LB), ROBBIE GUINN (OL/DL), AUSTIN SIMS (LB), LOGAN YANCEY (OL/DL) WHO’S NEW: ROBERT ALLINDER (QB)

13 :: @scrimmageplay

Bulldogs load up for another run After a second straight perfect regular season, the Bulldogs once again played deep into November before falling in the third round of the playoffs to Poquoson. Serious changes abound at Goochland with former coach Joe Fowler taking on Athletic Director duties and handing over the program to longtime assistant and former Atlee assistant Alex Fruth. While things might feel different here and there, expectations and results won’t change.

With the return of Devin McCray, the Bulldogs have a dynamic athlete at quarterback. While Goochland will stick with its traditional Wing-T look, the program is working in different wrinkles and opening up the passing game for McCray. The Bulldogs are without Jasper Carter to be a sledge hammer but with Perry Snead-Johnson, Jonathan White and Quincy Snead, they have a solid set of playmakers that can make things happen in open space. But it’s the core of Connor Duncan, Tyler May, Justin Hawk, Ethan Ford and Jacob Massey on the offensive line that will make this offense tick. This is an experienced, tight-knit group that should open plenty of doors for McCray and company to exploit.

With the graduation of lineman John King, linebacker Ricky Mayfield and safety Cole Nuckols,

Goochland will look to new leadership on the defensive side of the ball. The good news is that linebacker Sam Brooks returns after a monster showing in 2017. With senior Justin Woodson also back at linebacker the Bulldogs are strong in the middle of the field. Kindrick Braxton also figures to be a contributor. Massey and Jamal Carter are back on the defensive line. Goochland is set up nicely in the secondary between McCray and Snead-Johnson. The Bulldogs have a pair of freshmen that have impressed early between De’Andre Robinson on the line and CJ Towles at cornerback. The Bulldogs gave up more than 10 points just three times last year and figure to be mean once again to opposing offenses.

Goochland gets three straight home games to start and set up another run at a James River District title. The Bulldogs will be the team to beat again in the JRD and with Central Lunenburg, Nottoway and Buckingham to start that slate. That means October could be a month to get healthy, experiment and set up another solid playoff run. Trading Fruth for Fowler at the top might make this program look different upfront, but everything about it seems and feels like more of the same. That’s not what the other teams in the James River District want to hear. Not at all. ✖

Lions tackle retooling under Patrick Louisa County was already one of the area’s most decorated, respected and in some cases feared programs in Central Virginia. But the Lions’ incredible run to the state title game in 2017 further the Lions’ status as the Jefferson District’s top program.

But don’t expect the 2018 edition of the Lions to rest on their laurels. With a new head coach in promoted assistant Will Patrick taking over for Mark Fischer and a ton of new faces in key spots, Louisa has a lot to prove this year and they’re hungry after last year ended with the state title game loss.

One reason to think they’ll be ready to meet that challenge is the return of Brandon Smith. On a defense with a ton of impact players last season, Smith was the backbone, a sideline-to-sideline monster of a middle linebacker that piled up more than 100 tackles with range and closing speed made him a coveted target for every football program in the country.

With Smith lining up alongside budding star Austin Sims and potential breakout candidate Aaron Aponte, this is again probably the area’s most formidable linebacking corps. With Jarett Hunter back potentially patrolling the back end of the defense

and undersized but fierce Robbie Guinn back at nose guard, the Lions have potential playmakers at all levels on defense. Early indications are they’ll be faster on that side of the ball, which is a terrifying possibility with state defensive player of the year Tony Thurston and Devin McGhee-Jackson graduating.

On offense, there are a ton of holes to fill, particularly with quarterback/force of nature Malik Bell, Job Whalen and Raquan Jones moving on as well as Thurston, Collin Carpenter and Dustin Matney vacating spots on the offensive line. Up front, center Logan Yancey returns and gives the Lions a solid building block in the trenches while Guinn returns after a tremendous junior year as a guard. Who handles the skill spots is more of a work in progress, but Hunter was tremendous in relief of Bell last year and should be a big factor no matter how the Lions decide to use him.

Robert Allinder, a transfer quarterback from Florida, could be in the mix and that could free up Hunter.

But as usual, the offense’s identity will come in the ground game.

Louisa certainly has something to prove in 2018, and they’re going to be working hard to make sure that this team is remembered in Louisa lore too. ✖

Brandon Smith

Louisa County, sr

LOUISA COUNTY’S BRANDON SMITH DOESN’T WAIT. HE DOESN’T JUST PLAY A ROLE. HE HUNTS. IF YOU’ VE GOT THE BALL, HE’S GOING TO FIND YOU AND MAKE YOU PAY. The 6-foot-5, 215-pound senior is one of the most instinctive linebackers in the area’s history and he backs that up with extensive film study and hard work in the weight room. He has tested himself across the country, bringing all the measurables any college program -- including his chosen destination of Penn State --want and a ferocity few can match.

Last year he registered 119 tackles, 18 of them for a loss at middle linebacker for the state runner-up Lions. Staying away from him proved futile as he ran down plays from the backside or singlehandedly stuffed the run after shaking off a block.

This year, Smith will play with a largely new supporting cast. There may be a lot of question marks for the Lions, but one thing is for sure — Smith is going to hunt. ✖

www.scrimmageplay.com :: 14

M A D I S O N CO U N T Y

MOUNTAINEERS BULL RUN DISTRICT, 2017 RECORD: 2-8

8/24 8/31 9/14 9/21 9/28 10/5 10/12 10/19 10/26 11/1

vs. @ vs. vs. @ @ vs. @ @ vs.

Luray East Rockingham Fluvanna County William Monroe Rappahannock Nelson County Central Woodstock Clarke County Strasburg George Mason

WHO’S GONE: JAKE PRICE (OL/DL), JAMAR TURNER (RB/LB) WHO’S BACK: ELIJAH LEWIS (QB, PICTURED BELOW), DALTON DODSON (RB/LB), MATT LEWIS (RB/DB), WILLIAM GRAVES (OL/DL), BRIAN METZ (OL/LB) WHO’S NEW: JACOB SACRE (OL/DL), MATTHEW PETERSON (OL/DL)

MONTICELLO

MUSTANGS

JEFFERSON DISTRICT, 2017 RECORD: 8-3 8/24 9/7 9/14 9/21 9/28 10/5 10/12 10/19 10/26 11/1

vs. @ vs. @ vs. @ vs. @ @ vs.

William Monroe Turner Ashby Spotswood Fluvanna County Albemarle Western Albemarle Louisa County Powhatan Orange County Charlottesville

WHO’S GONE: KEVIN JARRELL (QB/DB), JERRICK AYERS (RB), GARRETT PORTERFIELD (LB), DANNY TALBERT (OL/LB), AUSTIN HAVERSTROM (WR/DB), ELLIOT CURRY (OL) WHO’S BACK: TRENTON JOHNSON (QB, PICTURED BELOW), BEN DRAKE (WR/DB), TRENT LLOYD (OL), DEVONTA HARGROVE (WR/DB), WHO’S NEW: MALACHI FIELDS (QB/DB), CHASE EMMERT (QB/DB)

15 :: @scrimmageplay

Mountaineers develop all around First year coach Chandler Rhoads was handed quite the task, taking over a program that lost its entire offense and defense from the year before.

The Mountaineers were wet behind the ears at nearly every single position. And while that presented challenges in 2017, with so many players back in the fold, 2018 should present a lot more opportunity for wins for Madison.

In what is a stark change from last year, the retooling process this time around means finding production out of the void that running back and linebacker Jamar Turner and two-way lineman Jake Price left after graduation. Outside of that, the Mountaineers are a year stronger and wiser everywhere else.

Madison will lean heavily again this year on Elijah Lewis. A senior, Lewis brings athleticism to the quarterback position and should be much more comfortable in his second year in Rhoads’ system.

Joining him in the backfield is running back Matt Lewis and fullback Dalton Dodson, both of them seniors. With William Graves and Brian Metz back on the offensive line, Madison is hopeful that a pair of fresh faces can chip in substantially between Jacob Sacre and Matthew Peterson to round out

the unit. Madison will be running the same run-first read offense Rhoads installed last year.

Defensively, the Mountaineers should be stronger after surrendering 30 or more points in seven games. With most of the team a year stronger because of offseason conditioning, this should be a also largely improved group. Graves, Sacre and Peterson will lead the charge upfront on the defensive line. With Elijah Lewis, Metz, and Dodson all back at linebacker, this group should be the strength of the defense, particularly because of their experinece.

Matt Lewis returns in the secondary to lead a unit that will looking for playmakers but Madison hasn’t had issues in the past finding young contributors at the skill positions.

With three of four games at home to start the season, the Mountaineers will look to get off to a hot start. Madison fell in its last four games of the year in 2017 and will need to avoid that kind of skid in Bull Run District play for this team to get back to its 2016 playoff form. The Mountaineers need to develop playmakers to help out Elijah Lewis but with so much returning from last year, there’s no reason this team can’t dramatically improve upon its 2-8 showing the previous fall. ✖

Mustangs undergo true overhaul Perhaps no single player mattered more to a program over the last few years than Kevin Jarrell did to Monticello. And the person most aware of that is Mustangs coach Jeff Lloyd. With the lifeblood of this offense now at William and Mary, Monticello will be searching for a new idenity in 2018.

The Mustangs have a quarterback battle between newcomers Malachi Fields and Chase Emmert. While Trenton Johnson is also an option, the Mustangs would prefer to keep him at receiver after he had a breakout campaign last year. The receiving corps also returns senior Ben Drake while graduating another strong talent in Austin Haverstrom. With running back Jerrick Ayers also graduating, Benson Hawker takes over as the lead back with Devonta Hargrove and Cole Ramsey also helping to spread the carries around.

Monticello has Alex Plencer-Roney, Cardale Emmery and Trent Lloyd back on the offensive line to make the transition taking place in the backfield a little easier.

Look for the addition of Tayshaun Minor and Kumiko Turner to help fill the loss of Elliot Curry and Danny Talbert. Don’t be surprised to see Monticello shuffle around Emmery, Fields and Johnson until it finds the right chemistry there. With a strong receiving corps

and experience on the offensive line, it should only take but so long to figure it out. This is a team that scored 41 or more points in eight of its 11 contests last year and while there’s a lot of production to be replaced, Lloyd’s offensive system has never been shy to find the scoreboard.

On the other side of the ball, the Mustangs saw Garrett Porterfield explode in 2017 at linebacker and will need to find his replacement and replace Talbert who was reliably consistent in all his time with the program. Tre Chapman and Hargrove are back at linebacker to help make that transition go smoothly. They have Minor and Turner on the defensive line in front of them and then an experienced secondary behind them. With Drake, Fields, Ramsey and Emmert, Monticello has nice depth at defensive back.

With Albemarle, Western and Louisa all slated in a row at the end of September and beginning of October, the Mustangs know good and well where their season will pivot. Replicating last year’s 8-3 campaign will be tough but Monticello has too much back and too many strong newcomers not to compete at a high level in a Jefferson District that is nothing short of balanced and wide open. ✖

Governors look to take step two Nelson County football took a huge step forward last year. Wins aren’t everything and three wins isn’t a ton of them, but considering the Governors only won three games in the previous four years total, this mattered. Nelson’s move to an independent schedule boosted the program, allowing it to build some momentum particularly after wins over Craig and Bath early in the year that put it at 2-1 or better for the first time in a decade.

With that said, there’s work to be done this year.

Devante Ellis-Rose led the area in receiving last year and his graduation leaves a big hole to fill. Nelson also lost a huge part of its offensive line with Chuck Tibbs, David Sheridan, Isaiah Wood and Robert Watson graduating. That means the offense will undergo a revamp of sorts.

It has a familiar face to build around those as Brice Wilson returns a year after starting at quarterback.

Wilson may move around some as he has potential at wideout and tall sophomore George Brown has shown flashes of a serious natural talent with his legs and on the deep ball. If Brown develops quickly, Wilson’s savvy and reliable hands could be a huge help in replacing the void left by Ellis-Rose. If Wilson needs to stay at quarterback, that’s not a bad option either — he threw for

1,631 yards and 21 touchdowns last season.

The offensive line returns center James Johnson and should get a boost from junior Alcindor Barnett, who checks in at 6-foot-4 and 350 pounds, and they’ll be clearing the way for Felix Rodriguez and Brandon Jamerson on the ground. Tight end Damien Jacques, a basketball standout at 6-foot-4, could emerge as an impact player in any number of roles as a blocker, pass catcher or defender.

Wilson is a capable defensive back while Johnson gives the Governors an anchor at middle linebacker while Rodriguez should also be a factor at outside backer. Jamel Rose could also be a factor as a wideout and defensive back. As a sophomore, he gives Nelson a potential foundational piece in the secondary for years. Jacques has shown potential and been productive at times as an edge player who can pressure opposing quarterbacks.

Measuring progress by wins isn’t the only way to check the temperature of the program when you’re undergoing as massive of a rebuild as Hicks has undertaken at Nelson. Regardless of the record, there is a lot of positive energy around what Nelson is doing and there are a lot of opportunities for more progress this year. ✖

Hornets to lean on ground game When you have junior Jaylen Alexander back in the backfield you’re not halfway to a good team but you aren’t far off. Throw in a receiving weapon like Chris Washington and a pack of returning linebackers though and you’re getting really close.

Orange County is that close as the Hornets are becoming a program that can compete year in and year out again in the Jefferson District. Jesse Lohr has helped put the Hornets on a sustainable, healthy path producing three solid seasons in a row, making playoffs for the third-straight year. They’re going to be intent on making sure that stays the expectation.

Alexander will be a big part of keeping that rolling as he piled up 1,514 yards and 16 touchdowns last year at a whopping 6.6 yards per carry. That kind of reliability and productivity changes the way an offense works and he shouldn’t lose much of a beat in 2018 with junior returners Colby McGhee and Justyn Staples paving the way up front. Washington was also an explosive force last season with 716 yards receiving and seven touchdowns. He’ll instantly give new starting quarterback Walker Johnson a reliable target. Johnson, a junior, takes over for three year starter Kenyon Carter who transferred. It’ll help Johnson too to have

senior tight end Kyrie Carter back in the fold after he missed last year with a knee injury. Two young but talented options should also emerge as pass-catching threats in freshman J.J. McDonald and sophomore Dougy Newsome.

The Hornets should be in pretty good shape defensively too with linebackers Carter, Jeremiah Lewis and Noah Carey giving them a formidable group to build the front seven around. Alexander and Washington will be a big part of what Orange does in the secondary and Newsome and McDonald could factor in there as well with the graduation of Darius Minor and Ty Warren. Replacing productive defensive end Wilhelm Lutterodt won’t be an easy task and depth may end up being a concern early on up front, but Orange is already hard at work on shoring up that group.

There’s no question that Orange County’s football team lost a lot to graduation the last two seasons and they’re dealing with the awful news about Minor passing away shortly after arriving at Maine. But make no mistake, the Hornets have been steady under Lohr, and with this group in place, odds are good they’re going to take another step forward this season. ✖

NELSON COUNTY

GOVERNORS INDEPENDENT, 2017 RECORD: 3-7 8/24 8/31 9/7 9/14 9/21 9/28 10/5 10/12 10/26 11/2

vs. @ @ @ vs. @ vs. vs. vs. vs.

Bath County Page County Craig County George Mason Parry McCluer Covington Madison County Massanutten Military Strasburg Rappahannock

WHO’S GONE: DEVANTE ELLIS-ROSE (WR/ DB), CHUCK TIBBS (OL), DAVID SHERIDAN (OL) WHO’S BACK: BRICE WILSON (QB/DB, PICTURED BELOW), JAMES JOHNSON (OL), FELIX RODRIGUEZ (RB) WHO’S NEW: GEORGE BROWN (QB), ALCINDOR BARNETT (OL)

ORANGE COUNTY

HORNETS

JEFFERSON DISTRICT, 2017 RECORD: 5-6 8/31 9/7 9/14 9/21 9/28 10/5 10/12 10/19 10/26 11/2

vs. vs. @ @ vs. @ vs. @ vs. @

Culpeper County Eastern View Spotsylvania Charlottesville Fluvanna County Albemarle Western Albemarle Louisa County Monticello Powhatan

WHO’S GONE: DARIUS MINOR (WR/DB/K), WILHELM LUTTERODT (DL), KENYON CARTER (QB) WHO’S BACK: JAYLEN ALEXANDER (RB/ DB, PICTURED BELOW), CHRIS WASHINGTON (WR/DB), COLBY MCGHEE (OL), JUSTYN STAPLES (OL) WHO’S NEW: KYRIE CARTER (TE/LB)

www.scrimmageplay.com :: 16

Chris washington

orange sr

ORANGE COUNTY’S CHRIS WASHINGTON HAS BEEN, SOMEHOW, OVERSHADOWED BY OTHER PLAYMAKERS HIS ENTIRE CAREER WITH THE HORNETS. TEAMS SEEM TO FORGET ABOUT THE SHIFTY 5-FOOT-7, 160-POUND WASHINGTON. Two years ago they were focused on DeAngelo Hunt and Tre Smith. Last year it was Jaylen Alexander and Darius Minor. But Washington was always there, always making teams pay. He piled up 290 yards as a sophomore and then as a junior he snagged 716 yards as part of a potent offense. This year, he’ll likely get more attention with Ty Warren and Minor not lining up at wideout. But with defenses still locked in on stopping Alexander, Washington could find himself in a lot of man-to-man coverage which could be a major headache for the opposition. Forgetting about Washington is costly. He only needs that one explosive step to cause serious damage. ✖

17 :: @scrimmageplay

Warriors get older, load up on D Western Albemarle looks a little different this year.

Tall Luke Tenuta isn’t roaming the trenches, he’s off at Virginia Tech now. Instead, the Warriors’ linemen are closer to the size of their skill players. Western is finally out of its youth movement too. After a couple of years of being particularly young, the Warriors are loaded with seniors.

What does that mean? A complete flip from last year’s 2-8 campaign isn’t off the table, especially since coach Ed Redmond seems to finally have the kind of defense he’s been intent on building since arriving in Crozet six years ago.

With 10 seniors starting on defense led by Aidan Saunders and Tai Atuai at middle linebacker, Western should have the ability to go toe-to-toe with any offense that lines up against it. Saunders and Atuai are heady, smart players who seem to be in the right place at the right time all the time and rangy, athletic Jack Lesseman joins them to anchor the linebacking corps along with Garrett Livermon on the outside.

With Jack Weyher and Wyatt Hull at corner and Everett McConville at free safety, the Warriors are athletic and experienced in the secondary too.

They’ll turn to defensive tackles Joey Bowen, Sayer Brown and Jacob Rusina up front along with

Bronson Brown and Clay Nowlin at defensive end.

The Warriors aren’t big up front, but like the rest of the defense, they’re fast and athletic.

On offense, the backfield gets an overhaul with the graduation of Derek Domecq, Darren Klein and Robert Sims. Carter Shifflett moves into the starting role at quarterback and he’ll pilot an offense focused on minimizing turnovers, controlling the ball and creating good field position thanks to that stingy, rugged defense.

To that end, Austin Shifflett will carry the load at tailback while Saunders plays fullback and the Warriors incorporate Lesemann more as a tight end, a departure from Western’s almost entirely spread look over the last decade. They’ll also get Weyher, who hauled in 448 yards and four touchdowns as a junior, in the mix to stretch the field. Hull also returns as a pass catching option along with junior Breaker Mendenhall.

Up front, Bowen, Brown, Rusina, Nowlin and Ben Life will combine for seasoned, technically savvy line that should be able to open holes for Shifflett.

In a long career that earned him a spot in New York’s high school hall of fame, Redmond has only coached three teams with losing records, with two of them coming in ‘16 and ‘17. The Warriors have got the defense to make sure it doesn’t happen in ‘18. ✖

Dragons poised for serious progress With 19 of 22 starters back in the fold, few teams are more excited coming into the season than William Monroe. The Dragons had five losses last year that were by one score and that opens up the possibility for a world of improvement in 2018.

The Dragons were truly green on the offensive line last year but with Garrett Shifflett, John Edwards, Bobby Bierlair and Sam Hess all back, things will be different after all saw large gains in the offseason weight program. That should help returning quarterback Alex Kinsey spread the ball around to group that returns everyone from last year except Jordan Gray. With Jaekown Wayne, Kinsey has a true deep threat, while Sal Coyle on the other side give the receiving corps fantastic balance. With Zach Miller and Kaiden Pritchett at running back, Monroe has no shortage of options to work with. The Dragons have the pieces to be more of a spread offense this year so be on the watch for a more air-friendly look than the previous years where it’s been running early and often.

The same story of returning talent and experience is true for this program’s defense too. Beirlair and Hess bring size and strength on the line with

Dave Mack and Tremaine Hawkins joining as welcoming larger roles as well. Monroe has Edwards, Miller and Xzabia Kolpack to lead the linebacking corps. And in the secondary, the Dragons have real depth with Coyle, Kinsey, Wayne and Pritchett. This is a defense that had some struggles early on in the season but improved dramatically after that holding four teams to 20 points or fewer after giving up 35 or more in the first three games of the year.

This isn’t the first time we’ve seen Monroe bring back in a true wave of returning starters and the previous three times its happened (2011, 2014 and 2016) the Dragons have seen the playoffs. Starting out with Monticello and Spotswood is a challenge but one that should show just how improved this team is on both sides of the ball. The Dragons were competitive in their first run through the Northwestern District but will need to turn a handful of those close losses into wins in order to get back to the playoffs as they did two years ago. All the potential is there for this team, it’s just a matter of execution and not simply showing up. Look for Monroe to be a very different squad in 2018 if all goes right and both sides of the line continue to grow. ✖

WESTERN ALBEMARLE

WARRIORS

JEFFERSON DISTRICT, 2017 RECORD: 2-8 8/24 9/7 9/14 9/21 9/28 10/5 10/12 10/19 10/26 11/1

vs. vs. vs. @ @ vs. @ @ @ vs.

Broadway Lord Botetourt Charlottesville Powhatan Louisa County Monticello Orange County Warren County Fluvanna Albemarle

WHO’S GONE: ROBERT SIMS (RB/DB), LUKE TENUTA (OL/DL), DEREK DOMECQ (QB/DB) WHO’S BACK: AIDAN SAUNDERS (LB/RB, PICTURED BELOW), JACK WEYHER (WR/ DB), TAI ATUAI (LB), WYATT HULL (WR/DB), SAYER BROWN (OL/DL) WHO’S NEW: CARTER SHIFFLETT (QB), AUSTIN SHIFFLETT (RB)

MONROE W WILLIAM M GREENE DRAGONS BULL RUN DISTRICT, 2017 RECORD: 2-8 8/24 8/31 9/7 9/14 9/21 10/5 10/12 10/19 10/26 11/2

@ vs. @ vs. @ @ @ vs. vs. @

Monticello Spotswood Fort Defiance Broadway Madison County Heritage-Leesburg Brentsville Skyline Warren County Culpeper

WHO’S GONE: JORDAN GRAY (WR/DB) WHO’S BACK: JAEKWON WAYNE (WR/DB, PICTURED BELOW), ALEX KINSEY (QB/WR), GARRETT SHIFFLETT (OL), BOBBY BIERLAIR (OL/DL), SAM HESS (OL/DL), SAL COYLE (WR/DB), ZACH MILLER (RB/LB), XZABIA KOLPACK (LB), KAIDEN PRITCHETT (RB/LB) WHO’S NEW: DAVE MACK (DL), TREMAINE HAWKINS (OL/DL)

www.scrimmageplay.com :: 18

rick Weaver Covenant, sr COVENANT’S RICK WEAVER DOESN’T GO UNNOTICED. NOT SINCE 2014 WHEN, AS AN EIGHTH GRADER, WEAVER BLOCKED A PUNT EARLY IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF HIS FIRST VARSITY GAME THAT HELPED THE EAGLES PUT AWAY A SEASON-OPENING WIN. While knee injuries have slowed the two-sport star occasionally — he’s a three-time state wrestling champion at heavyweight — Covenant’s 5-foot-10, 265-pound running back is back at full strength set to become the most feared ball-carrier in eight-man football this year. Near the end of his sophomore year, Weaver rushed for 826 yards in just five games after he got healthy. That’s the last time he was completely ready to go during fall but he’s only gotten bigger and stronger since then.

Weaver is used to not going unnoticed, but this year, he’s ready to take it to another level and grind down defenses that will be scrambling to find a suitable answer for his size and strength. ✖

19 :: @scrimmageplay

BLUE RIDGE

Barons look to spit sour taste

BARONS

Call it unfinished business. Call it a redemption tour. Call it whatever you want. Blue Ridge’s season didn’t end the way they wanted it to in 2017.

Coming off a title in 2016, the No. 1-seeded Barons were on track for a repeat until a Christchurch team they’d beat soundly in the regular season upended them in the VISAA state semifinals.

That group starts with Xavier Kane. The dual threat quarterback is one of the area’s best returning starters after throwing for nearly 1,400 yards and 12 touchdowns a year ago. Newcomer Prophecy Kisamore will pair with Iceysis Lewis in the backfield, and Kisamore, an East Rockingham transfer has the potential to be a gamebreaker. Lewis is also an versatile, talented athlete who played some backup quarterback last season including the second half of the state semifinals. Kane will also have weapons to work with and the Barons may look to air it out a little more since Jimmy Wills, the Barons’ offensive coordinator who was elevated to head coach when Tim Thomas retired, is a spread adherent. He and Kane have some talent on the edge to work with in junior Michael Asher, Lewis and Keegan Kozack. Asher, a serious deep threat, averaged nearly 40 yards per catch on 13 grabs last year. They’ve also got athletes Shile

8/31 9/9 9/15 9/22 9/28 10/6 10/13 10/27 11/3

Mthethwa and Maliq Brown that could get into the mix giving the Barons a wealth of receiving options.

Despite losing center Tyler Wills, the Barons bring back an experienced line anchored by Myles Ham and they’ve got a lot of young linemen in the mix.

Defensively, Kane is particularly capable in the secondary if they choose to use him on that side of the ball. The linebackers will be a work in progress, but Marquis Roberts, Lewis and Kozack should factor in at linebacker while Kisamore and Brown will likely play a role as defensive backs. Up front, Ham returns as the anchor on defense too and Andrew Nwaoko is poised to join the squad. He has the potential to be an x-factor.

With a number of teams in Division 2 moving to 8-man football, the Barons’ schedule is going to look a little different than it has the last few years. Gone are Covenant and Virginia Episcopal.

They play the defending D1 champions Flint Hill, add D.C. area’s Bishop O’Connell the week after that and D2 state finalist Norfolk Christian and close with Benedictine. Blue Ridge is going to know a lot about who they are before the playoffs start. But if they can get back to the postseason, that’s where the true test will start. ✖

Eagles spread their wings to 8-man Covenant football made huge strides last year, qualifying for the VISAA Division 2 final four for the first time since 2008. But changes abound this year with the program switching to 8-man football as smaller schools look to address the issue of lower numbers on the roster. The Eagles are in luck though, because what they bring back in 2018 is exactly what anyone would want in 8-man and second year coach Seth Wilson is all too aware of it.

For starters, the Eagles get an asset back they went without last year. Running back and linebacker Rick Weaver was simply a beast as a freshman and sophomore before missing 2017 because of a knee injury. He and quarterback Nic Sanker anchor a backfield that has a real thunder and lightning vibe to it.

With Jonas Sanker back at receiver after a breakout year as a freshmen, the Eagles have a bonafide weapon in the passing game that teams have to truly respect instead of just loading up the box. That trio alone should provide Covenant with a lot of variety to spread the ball around the field as they shift away from a run heavy offense from last year. It will be up to Riley Willits to lead the offensive line after Covenant saw linemen Cole Harvey, Coleman Riegle and

David Szatkowski graduated last year. Staying healthy on the line is key, even if fewer are required this year.

Defensively, the Eagles have the same horses doing the heavy lifting. Nic Sanker brings great athleticism as a pure pass rusher and Weaver will be a force to contend with in the middle of the field. In Willits, the Eagles have another big cog to bottle things up front. Meanwhile, Jonas Sanker, Chaz Harvey and Wes Arrington will hold down the fort in the secondary.

Luke Sorensen is a welcome addition to the secondary as well, giving this team the skill position players to play solid in coverage while the defensive front pins its ears back to try and get in the backfield and set up the opportunity for turnovers.

The Eagles will get to play longtime rival St. Anne’s-Belfield and then Greenbrier Christian twice this year setting up a rivalry atmosphere to its first 8-man schedule with the two schools providing the opening and end to their regular season slate. With all that Covenant has back at the skill positions, things set up quite nicely in this inaugural campaign. That provides an opportunity for this program to try and build on the success it had last year and be an exciting team to watch on both sides of the ball. ✖

INDEPENDENT, 2017 RECORD: 7-3 @ vs. vs. @ vs. vs. @ @ @

Nansemond-Suffolk Hargrave Flint Hill Bishop O’Connell North Cross Norfolk Christian Randolph Macon Fishburne Benedictine

WHO’S GONE: CAMERON CARR (DB/WR), JUAN MARECO (DE/TE), TYLER WILLS (OL/ DL) WHO’S BACK: XAVIER KANE (QB/DB), MICHAEL ASHER (WR), MYLES HAM (OL/DL), ICEYSIS LEWIS (WR/LB) WHO’S NEW: PROPHECY KISAMORE (RB/DB), SIHLE MTHETHWA (WR/DB), MALIQ BROWN (WR/QB/DB)

COVENANT

EAGLES

VIRGINIA INDEPENDENT, 2017 RECORD: 8-2 8/31 9/8 9/21 9/28 10/6 10/13 10/19 10/26

@ vs. @ vs. vs. @ vs. @

St. Anne’s-Belfield Greenbrier Christrian Brunswick Academy Hampton Roads Academy Kenston Forest Virginia Episcopal St. Anne’s-Belfield Greenbrier Christian

WHO’S GONE: JOHN HUEMME (QB/DB), COLE HARVEY (OL/DL), DONOVAN JACKSON (RB/ LB), DAVID SZATKOWSKI (OL/DL) WHO’S BACK: JONAS SANKER (QB/WR/DB, PICTURED BELOW), RICK WEAVER (RB/ LB), NIC SANKER (QB/DE), RILEY WILLITS (OL/DL), WES ARRINGTON (WR/DB), CHAZ HARVEY (WR/DB) WHO’S NEW: LUKE SORENSEN (WR/DB)

www.scrimmageplay.com :: 20

FORK UNION

BLUE DEVILS PREP LEAGUE 2017 RECORD: 3-7 8/31 9/8 9/14 9/21 9/28 10/6 10/13 10/19 10/27 11/2

@ @ @ vs. vs. @ @ @ vs. vs.

Goochland Bullis Benedictine St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes Norfolk Academy St. Christopher’s Trinity Episcopal Collegiate Bishop O’Connell Woodberry Forest

WHO’S GONE: IOSEFA PUA’AULI (RB/LB), R.C. WALBROOK (RB), LUKE WILSON (QB), HAYDEN MILES (WR/DB), LOGAN JUSTICE (WR/DB) WHO’S BACK: LARRY ELDER (WR/DB, PICTURED BELOW), WILLIAM HENRY (OL/ DL), CAMERON HILL (OL/DL) WHO’S NEW: CALEB MOSS (WR/DL), KENYON CARTER (QB/RB/WR)

ST. ANNE ’S -BELFIELD

SAINTS

VIRGINIA INDEPDENT, 2017 RECORD: 4-5 8/17 8/31 9/7 9/14 9/21 10/4 10/12 10/19 10/26

@ vs. @ vs. @ @ vs. @ vs.

Faith Christian Covenant Kenston Forest Virginia Episcopal Hampton Roads Greenbrier Christian Brunswick Academy Covenant Kenston Forest

WHO’S GONE: CHRISTIAN SMITH (OL/DL), GABE SANOK (OL/DL), MYLES WARD (WR) WHO’S BACK: WILL EDELSON (OL/DL, PICTURED BELOW),THOMAS HARRY (QB/ DB), GABE DECKER (RB/LB), JOE AMBROSI (LB/RB), AMANI WOODS (RB/DB) WHO’S NEW: ELIJAH JOHNSON (TE), ISAYAH JOHNSON (WR)

21 :: @scrimmageplay

Blue Devils poised for a bump up Fork Union made progress in 2017, but with three losses by seven or more points, the Blue Devils had the type of season where they could have competed for a VISAA Division 1 playoff spots had things gone just a little bit differently. Those are the bounces.

With an offensive and defensive line that is much bigger and comes in with more experience than last year, FUMA has an opportunity to greatly improve in 2018. Throw in some key returning skill position players and the Blue Devils’ task gets easier.

It starts in the trenches. With Cameron Hill, Ryan Dynski and William Henry all back, this unit will be the core that drives this team. Additions in Miles Brickhouse and Stockwell Sullivan give both sides of the line depth and lengthy Caleb Moss projects to be a strong pass rusher.

Offensively, the Blue Devils add Orange County transfer Kenyon Carter, but he isn’t a lock to play at quarterback and could fit more of an H-back role.

Carter is competing with Drue Hackenberg and Ian McGlamery at quarterback but his athleticism might be needed else where. Larry Elder and Will Stupalsky anchor an experienced and shifty receiving corps.

Finding a rushing game will be key in camp as both of last year’s leading rushers, Iosefa Puaauli and

R.C. Wallbrook have moved on. With the Blue Devils most adept in the passing attack before the season begins, this could be a team that airs the ball out a good deal while things get ironed out at running back.

With that strong line up front on defense, this unit should be much improved as the line of scrimmage proved to be an issue at times last year. The reverse should be true in ‘18. Look for Steve Smith to anchor the linebacking corps. With both Elder and Stupalsky in the secondary, the Blue Devils have experience and talent to lean on there making this arguably the most balanced defense third year coach Mike Hooper has been able to field.

Throw in a solid special teams unit led by Stupalsky and winning close games becomes easier too.

Fork Union plays a tough schedule with three straight games on the road to start out. If the Blue Devils shine on the offensive and defensive line, that could put them in position heading into Prep League play where they’ll search for their first title since 2012. This team was close to being a playoff contender last year. The right pieces are there for them to do so this year. This is not a team crossing its fingers to go .500. ✖

Saints embark on new endeavor It’s pretty simple really. St. Anne’s-Belfield will still play a lot of STAB-style football. The action on the Saints’ bread and butter off tackle play will just take place one lineman closer, the field will be a little skinnier and every play there will be six less total players on the field.

After a transition year of half 8-man schedule and half 11-man schedule, St. Anne’s-Belfield is all in on 8-man, playing a role in convincing a number of other similarly-sized private schools to make the switch with them and start the Virginia Independent School Football league.

The Saints also have some pretty solid players to work with in those adjusted 8-man schemes including a pack of experienced linemen. Senior Will Edelson, a a 6-foot-8, 255-pound two-way starter in the trenches gives STAB an automatic foundation up front on both sides of the line. He’ll get some help from 6-foot-4 Seppi Kober, 6-2, 270-pound Luke Antesberger at center and 6-foot-4 Chase Holden at tackle. If that group, which will have to shake off the graduation of Christian Smith and Gabe Sanok, can open seams in the ground game, STAB has a stable of running backs returning that are capable of being productive. There’s 190-pound

sophomore big back Gabe Decker, speedy sophomore Amani Woods and 245-pound fullback Joe Ambrosi leading the way. That trio alone should give Thomas Harry, an experienced senior hand at quarterback who has been the starter in the past, all the confidence he needs. Defenses will have to step up against the run which could open things up for a young, developing receiving corps that includes basketball talent Nic Reese. The Saints will employ a heavy dose of option and play action to take advantage of that line and Harry’s athleticism. The Saints will also look to develop newcomers like Elijah and Isaiah Johnson.

Defensively, Ambrosi will be a key piece of the puzzle at middle linebacker while Woods resembles a lockdown corner. Edelson’s presence up front will be something opposing teams will have to scheme around and Ambrosi and the other linebackers like Decker and Douglas Brooks are capable of taking advantage of the space Edelson creates. Lacrosse standout Gunni Horridge should be a factor on both sides of the ball too.

After the regular season, STAB will compete in the first 8-man playoff in state history. With the core they’ve got, they could certainly make some noise in the postseason. ✖

Will Stupalsky

Fork Union, sr

FORK UNION’S WILL STUPALSKY IS FOOTBALL’S ANSWER TO THE SWISS ARMY KNIFE. THERE ISN’T A JOB THAT HASN’T BEEN THROWN HIS WAY AND SOMEHOW HE’S EXCELLED AT EACH AND EVERY ONE. He can clearly kick, because he went 4-for-8 on field goals last year including a 36-yarder. He can play wideout because he hauled in 556 yards and four touchdowns on 40 catches last season. He can play defensive back where had a pick and 17 tackles last year and he can return. It’s almost easier to list the positions that the 5-foot-10, 170-pound senior doesn’t play for Fork Union than the ones he does.

Stupalsky is the kind of player any program would like to have, but he’s pure gold for Fork Union’s prep program, capable of stepping into any role the Blue Devils’ need him for. With a lot of returners back this year and Stupalsky a year older and stronger, Fork Union could see big things from their versatile veteran.

Then again, they’re pretty used to that at this point. ✖

www.scrimmageplay.com :: 22

WOODBERRY FOREST

TIGERS

PREP LEAGUE, 2017 RECORD: 6-3 8/31 9/8 9/15 9/22 10/5 10/19 10/27 11/3 11/10

@ @ @ vs. vs. vs. @ @ vs.

Georgetown Prep Charlotte Latin St. Christopher’s Landon Collegiate Benedictine Trinity Episcopal Fork Union Episcopal

WHO’S GONE: KHALID THOMAS (WR/DB), JAMEEL WILSON (RB), WILL WIDEMAN (QB) WHO’S BACK: BEN LOCKLEAR (QB, PICTURED BELOW), DEQUECE CARTER (WR/DB), KYLE BILODEAU (TE), JOHN HARRIS (DL), LOGAN BOWERS (LB), LUKE HUTCHINSON (DB), BILL CLARK (DL) WHO’S NEW: GRAHAM GODWIN (OL), OSCAR SERVELLON (OL)

Tigers to air it out again on offense First year coach Scott Braswell’s approach to last year might have been perfect for the Class of 2018.

Braswell didn’t try to change too much. In fact, he put a lot of trust in a group of assistants that had been together for a long time as he looked to get to know this program first before shuffling the deck.

After a 6-3 campaign in a year that required a lot of new faces to step up, the Tigers are up against it again with another large graduating class. Offensively, few teams have been more prolific the last five years and with wideout Dequece Carter and Purdue-bound tight end Kyle Bilodeau returning as seniors, this could be Air-Woodberry once again.

At quarterback, sophomore Ben Locklear takes over for Will Wideman who was fantastic last year as the answer for Lindell Stone’s graduation after Stone broke every passing record there is in program history. With Locklear standing at 6-foot-3, Carter and Bilodeau should be easy for him to find. At running back Kalenga Muganda and Rhys Logan will look to replace the shifty Jameel Wilson. The Tigers need to develop their offensive line behind sophomore Graham Godwin who provides a nice anchor at 6-5, 305 pounds along with 6-3, 285-pound fresh-

man Oscar Servellon who will play at center.

On the other side of the ball, the Tigers should be more experienced. Having John Harris and Bill Clark back on the defensive line is huge as both take up plenty of space and are high motor rushers. With Logan Bowers back at linebacker, the Tigers have a heady senior that can be a threat as a rusher or in dangerous in coverage. Then in the secondary, Luke Hutchinson and Taylor Tucker are back for senior seasons. That gives this defense five senior starters to work with which is huge as inexperience was an issue for this unit at times last year.

Woodberry has a tougher schedule this year with the additions of Landon and Georgetown Prep, but that should only hone this team for an opportunity to do what it’s done best the last ten years, compete for Prep League championships. If the defense is steady and the Tigers are able to capitalize offensively with Carter, Bildodeau and Locklear in the air, maybe Braswell’s year two doesn’t look too different at Woodberry from the status quo. That’s a good thing. It’s been over a decade since the Tigers had a losing season so maybe the recipe doesn’t need much changing. ✖

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TEAM SPOTLIGHT GOOCHLAND FOOTBALL With the help of Goochland football staffers and current players, Goochland hosted a July youth football camp. Camps like this help build the sport’s future and get a new generation of athletes excited about football. Well done, Bulldogs! Good luck in 2018!

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Program Profiles: Football Camp Fork Union Basketball School has been around since 1985 and is well established as one of the area’s top basketball camps and this year FUMA piloted a similar program for football, a youth camp similar in mold to the vaunted basketball school but on the gridiron instead of the hardwood.

Young athletes ranging from age 8-15 from around the region came in for this year’s half day, week-long camp, working on their game and expanding their knowledge with coaches like postgraduate head coach John Shuman, prep head coach Mike Hooper and postgraduate offensive coordinator Frank Arritt.

The camp focused on fundamentals and development of young players, getting them excited about playing the sport. The camp also had the added bonus of young athletes working under Jeff Appel, FUMA’s Director of Sport Performance, who taught them the basic fundamentals of strength, conditioning and speed training.

Look for FUMA to expand this offering next year, opening the door for more young players to get top notch tutelage from some of the area’s most experienced football coaches.

Fork Union Military Academy is the leading Christian military boarding school for boys in grades 7 - 12 and PG. www.forkunion.com — 1-800-GO-2-FUMA

Overtime

Motivational tactics Musical taste can jam up pregame preparation

A

nice enough assistant coach who was actually a pretty good social studies teacher came into the Monday team meeting before we played Heritage glaring at all of us who’d been sitting in the trailer beside the field that served as a health classroom during school. I wasn’t sure what he was mad about. We’d gone 6-4 the year before which was probably the most games any team had won in school history. Expectations were pretty ratcheted back since we’d graduated the best running back in school history.

He should’ve just chilled out. But he didn’t. He came in holding a CD, ready to inspire.

That’s admirable, all coaches should approach their profession with his intensity. It’s just that most coaches shouldn’t do what happened next. He asked us to close our eyes and think about what we were about to hear, pressed play on the Sony boombox on top of the filing cabinet and the dulcet tones of Phil Collins’ In the Air Tonight came blasting out.

“This could become a really big event and you’ll say to your children that you played in the first year of it.”

I can feel it coming in the air tonight, oh Lord.

And I’ve been waiting for this moment for all my life, oh Lord He was dropping a song released in 1981 that my dad was pretty into during college on a bunch of turn-of-the-century high school kids who were listening to DMX, Dr. Dre, Snoop, Blink 182 and probably more Backstreet Boys than we’d like to admit.

Well if you told me you were drowning, I would not lend a hand I’ve seen your face before my friend, but I don’t know if you know who I am Not only was it extremely dated, but that track is legitimately as mellow and ethereal as anyone could possibly imagine a football team listening to together in an overcrowded trailer. We were supposed to listen to the words but we were all just thinking about how stupid it sounded in context. Not to mention that, chorus aside, the words are far from inspiring.

It’s not exactly a rah rah, we’re all in this together tune. I mean, the dude is drowning -- or drowning metaphorically? -- and the lyricist is like nah, you get no help from me.

Instead of internalizing this individualist message, my group of friends on the team, mostly offensive linemen, started sort of half cracking up and shielding our eyes from each other in an effort not to completely lose it. The guy made us listen to all 5 minutes and 34 seconds of this monumental experimental pop single and at the end he told us he could feel it. That he could feel a great season coming on, that we were destined for great things. Probably he said that. I can barely remember because I was stifling laughter.

I don’t remember what practice was like that week but I remember them playing that song again during warmups and I know for a fact that we got shelled by a Darryl Blackstock-led Heritage squad that day 53-0. Worst whipping I’ve ever absorbed.

We all piled into that trailer the next Monday again. He stormed in carrying a CD jewel case that we presumed contained the seminal Collins album Face Value and without any warning, chucked it against the whiteboard. Just winged it and yelled something like, no more songs, no more crap, just football, and then walked back out. Someone picked up

26 :: @scrimmageplay

the pieces and found that it was just a random case with a random CD in it. He wasn’t sacrificing Collins’ masterwork at the feet of a bunch of wayward high schoolers.

We did not talk about Phil Collins with him anymore. And we lost 41-22 the next week.

Even when they’re authentic and enthusiastic motivational ploys can fall miserably flat.

Like, 53-0 flat. We didn’t lose because of Phil Collins but we knew he was at least partially to blame. So if you’re a player listening to a coach try something new to motivate you this fall or a coach trying something new, listen to him or her. They’re trying to help.

And if you’re a coach, leave Phil Collins, or any member of Genesis really at home. Trust me. You don’t want to get smacked 53-0 and go 1-9 on the year because you’re going through an experimental pop phase. ✖

Bart Isley,

CRE ATIVE DIRECTOR

back talk »

Got a pregame song better than In the Air Tonight? Email us: bart@scrimmageplay.com

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