FEATURE 2023 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Continued from Page 19

On the field, the Eagles will look a lot more experienced this season than last, with a group of juniors and seniors ready to lead the charge, headlined by Boston Collegecommit Kemori Dixon. The rising senior Dixon will look to lead the Eagles’ defense alongside fellow seniors Darell Mabin (DB/RB), Josh Pritchett (DB, WR), and Elijah Bridges (DB/RB).

In the trenches, the Eagles seemed poised to have two rising stars in sophomores, Chris Law and Tahjei Rasheed. Under center, junior Nehemiah Campbell will again lead GW.

George Washington will start their 2023 campaign at home against Dinwiddie. Along with continuing their longstanding rivalry with EC Glass, the Eagles will also have some fresh matchups against Staunton River and the new Mecklenburg County High School.

Gretna Hawks

“Ain’t no big thing, but it’s growing.” For years, that slogan adorned the entrance into the Town of Gretna and for many years, it could have represented the Gretna Hawks’ win totals on the field. But a little over 20 years ago, the tide began to turn. Coaches like Robert Prunty and players such as Vic Hall and Horace Hubbard put the Hawks on a winning track and now the program is associated with winning, collecting multiple state championships and playoff wins along the way.

Led now by third-year head coach Shaun Miller, Gretna will look to get back on the north side of .500 after finishing 5-6 last season. They open the season on the road against Jefferson Forest, who Miller says is “well coached.”

On offense the Hawks will be led by senior QB Melvin Wooden, who racked up nearly 1,600 yards of total offense last year with 17 touchdowns. Joining him will be senior WR Ryder Brooks and junior RB Zamarreon Younger. The defense will be anchored by senior defensive back K’Mari Chatten.

Tunstall Trojans

Following a 0-10 season, first year head coach Kirkland Brown will have his work cut out for him as he takes the reins of the Tunstall Trojans storied program, but he is looking forward to the challenge. “Honestly, all games are important to us,” Brown stated. “I know that’s cliche to say, but it is true.” The Trojans will be led on the field by running back/linebacker Bricen Pool, wide receiver/ defensive back Ryan Yancey, running back/linebacker Ryan Jones, tight end/defensive back Nash Glasscock, as well as Curtis Ingram who works the trenches on the offensive and defensive lines.

The Trojans will kick the season off against their longtime cross-county rival, the Dan River Wildcats. While every game is important, Coach Brown is anticipating that matchup. “I am looking forward to the first game of the year against Dan River so that we can set the tone for the year,” said Brown.

Tunstall’s regular season will come to a close with a home game on November 3 against the George Washington High School Eagles.