football_10

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COLONIALS

CENTRAL DISTRICT

COLONIAL HEIGHTS

2010 Colonial Heights High School football team T2

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COLONIALS

COLONIAL HEIGHTS CENTRAL DISTRICT

Colonials trying to avoid new depth issues

BY NEIL FULLER SPORTS WRITER

T

COLONIAL HEIGHTS

yler Drewes is no longer a Colonial.

And depth — a familiar foe — continues to be the team’s obvious weakness.

Yet Colonial Heights has several reasons to believe it can build off the improvements it experienced on the field last season.

The Colonials open their 2010 season with four consecutive home dates, highlighted with an Oct. 2 matchup against Central District rival Dinwiddie. In fact, the team plays six of its first seven games at Colonial Heights.

Perhaps the best news: Derek Mears enters the season as an experienced quarterback. And coach Bert Krupp is ready to ask Mears to step up as his offensive leader.

“We didn’t ask Derek to do a whole lot last year,” Krupp said of his steady, Joe Flacco-like junior. “We’re going to ask him to do a lot more as a playmaker this time around. ... Right now, we’re a better team with Derek as our quarterback. That play

time he received last year is invaluable. He saw a lot of under-fire action. We’re hoping that plays off this year.

“Derek did a lot of things right as a young quarterback.

Now, with his experience, he’s ready to lead. Hopefully, that plays out during our games.”

Mears is one of four offensive starters returning for Colonial Heights.

A beefed-up offensive line is expected to help Mears as he steps up his role for the Colonials.

“We have a veteran line coming back. Most of these kids have been playing for three years,” Krupp said. “Right now, the offensive line is fairly solid — if they can stay healthy and get into the shape that allows the guys to play all four quarters.”

The line will feature Jesse Vaughan, Kyle Floyd and Matt Mumford.

With both Drewes and the explosive Brandon Brown no longer available, Colonial Heights will need to find an offensive playmaker. Krupp, however, is

fine with slow, steady drives.

Nothing wrong with picking up three-to-four yards per carry.

“Everybody likes to remember long touchdown runs, but some of the most impressive runs are

those tough 3-yard gains,” Krupp said. “It saves us from having to punt. Tyler was the kind of player who we could hand the ball off to 25 times a Please see COLONIALS, Page 4

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COLONIALS

COLONIAL HEIGHTS

CENTRAL DISTRICT

KEY RETURNERS: Seniors Matt Mumford OL/DL, Mark Negron Boyle RB/DB. Junior Derek Mears, QB. OTHER RETRUNING PLAYERS: Jesse Vaughan (OL), Kyle Floyd (OL), Robert Johnson (WR), Daniel Giardini (LB), Brendan Hood (OL), Mack Krupp (LB).

Key losses: Brandon Brown, Tyler Drewes.

2010 schedule (all games at 7:00 p.m., unless noted)

Name: Bert Krupp, third year Age: 51 Family: Wife Allison; Sons Kyle, Dylan both playing at Christopher Newport University; Mackenzie plays at Colonial Heights

Top newcomers: Austin Emerson, Mario Smith, Trevor Schoot, Zach Sink, Hayden Zinn, D’Ante Hicks, Jason Robertson, James Williams.

Team strengths: Senior dominated offensive line with a returning quarterback. Front seven on defense should be solid.

Team weaknesses: Need to find an explosive playmaker. Depth, and eight players may be two-way starters.

COLONIAL HEIGHTS Continued from Page 3

game. Those kind of players are becoming hard to find.”

Wide receiver Robert Johnson is expected to help provide a spark on offense and provide a Mears with a go-to target.

The Colonials won two of their first three games in 2009 and finished at 4-6 overall. They also knocked off two Central District rivals: Prince George and Hopewell. Colonial Heights concluded the season by claiming a 13-7 victory at Hopewell.

College: University of Virginia

Friday, Sept. 3 THOMAS JEFFERSON

7:30

Friday, Sept. 17

PARK VIEW (SOUTH HILL)

7:30

Friday, Sept. 22

ARMSTRONG

7:30

Friday, Oct. 1

DINWIDDIE

7:30

Friday, Oct. 8

at Prince George

7:30

Friday, Oct.15

MATOACA

7:30

Friday, Oct.22

MEADOWBROOK

Friday, Oct.29

at Thomas Dale

7:00

Friday, Nov. 5

PETERSBURG

7:30

Friday, Nov. 12

at Hopewell

7:30

7:30

Greatest moment in coaching last season: “Last second victories over Prince George and Hopewell. It was goo to see the excitement and joy on our kids faces.” — Bert Krupp

Big games: Before entering Central District play, the Colonials have three winable games to help develop confidence and allow the young players to grow before entering Central District play. After that, the final seven games, Colonial Heights will look to improve upon the 2-5 district record of last season.

With Jefferson, Park View and Armstrong-Kennedy slated as the first three opponents this season, a four-game winning streak does not seem unreasonable.

The Colonials will need to improve upon their 13.1 points-per-game average from last year — another goal that appears to be within reach with an experienced offensive line to protect a now-experienced Mears.

Colonial Heights has seven defensive starters returning. Linebackers Daniel Giardini and Mack Krupp are expected to be key contributors.

As far as the district race, Krupp sees a talented group.

“All you have to do is look at the (NCAA) Division I commitments out of this dis-

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2009 record: 2-5 Central District, 4-6 Overall

COACH

KEY RETURNERS

T4

The Schedule

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trict,” he said. “Dinwiddie has two; Petersburg has one; Meadowbrook has the kid going to Richmond; and Thomas Dale is coming off a (VHSL Group AAA Division 6) championship. Until someone beats Thomas Dale, they’re still the champs.

“Thomas Dale will be young, but they’ll still be good. I see Dinwiddie as the favorite. They were good last year and arguably have one of the best teams in the state this time. I also think Matoaca will be very good. People shouldn’t forget about Matoaca.”

Now in his third season as the Colonials’ head coach, Krupp has his program creeping closer and closer to joining such discussions.

CENTRAL DISTRICT

GENERALS

DINWIDDIE

Generals Unity Council to promote team

BY THOMAS C. DOZIER SPORTS EDITOR

T

DINWIDDIE

he Dinwiddie High School football team has two of the best players in the area returning in Chris Hall and Corey Marshall — for their senior season.

In fact, the pair is so good they have both secured NCAA Division 1 scholarships to play at Virginia Tech.

So naturally, they will be the catalyst to the Generals attempt to capture another dream season, as in 2008. The talented pair are eerily similar to the senior duo of Adam Morgan (VMI) and Bradley Johnson (Maryland) of 2008 that captured a Central District and Central Region title and earned a berth in the Group AAA Division 5 championship game.

But if you think that it takes two to tango, well, think again.

The key to this year’s edition,

according to Dinwiddie sixthyear coach Billy Mills, will be teamwork.

“In evaluating the whole season [last year] we decided we needed to make a major change in the program,” Mills said. “It was to play as a team. That 2008 team was a cohesive unit because they had played together since they were kids. They were already a tight bunch when we got them. So [this year] all the players are going to learn both sides of the ball and all the coaches are going to be involved.

“Also, there will be no offensive goals, no defensive goals and no special team goals like we have done in the past. It will only be team goals.”

Thus, the consensus theme for Dinwiddie this season is “we are going to be a team.”

And what better way to develop a team than through the Unity Council. Each year, the Generals, Please see DINWIDDIE, Page 6

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GENERALS

CENTRAL DISTRICT

DINWIDDIE

T6

DINWIDDIE Continued from Page 5

through an extensive merit program named the Unity Council, and this year’s group have put team as their No. 1 priority.

The Unity Council is made up of eight seniors that include Hall, Marshall, Darec Brooks, Brandon Taylor, Joseph Taylor, Denny Vaughan, Tavares Johnson and Andre Thweatt.

“The Unity Council main job will be to give encouragement and focus on being a team,” Brandon Taylor said. “It is kind of our duty to bring the team together and make it one big happy family to get through the season. And if we do our jobs and get behind the players, it will only help the other players excel.”

The other changes for this year squad are three-fold — eliminating mistakes, making every player versatile to rotate in on the other side of the ball and a running game that is not afraid to resort to, or highlight, the run game.

Hall, a 6-5, 225-pound quarterback, is responsible for making numerous decision, thus, he is in a position to make the most mistakes, he said cutting back on them will come from experience.

“Last year was my first year as the full-time quarterback,” the two-sport athlete said.

“Everything we do is more with the reads, and every practice we have makes me better. We go through every type of play imaginable. I have learned where you should go, what you should do and where a player is supposed to be, to the

point where you can count on it.

“I feel certain from experience and the help of the sideline, the right call will be made.”

Hall finished with a bang in the Group AAA Central Region playoffs. He was 22 for 35 for 357 yards and two TDs in the Central Region first-round game. In the final tally, Hall ended the season with 2,679 yards and 24 TDs. He also added two rushing TDs in the final game.

Even better numbers appear on the horizon.

A perfect example of the player versatility angle will be on the offensive line where three defensive line stalwarts – Marshall, Vaughan and Diante Monroe – will see their fair share of minutes on the offensive line. Some will play for long periods of times, other will be rotated in-and-out in spurts.

Marshall, a three-year starter, had 112 tackles last season (72 solo), six sacks, two forced fumbles, interception, two blocked kicks, five pass deflections and six quarterback hurries.

Vaughan, a two-year starter, is the top returning offensive lineman and Monroe, another two-year starter, had 63 tackles (36 solo) last year and six sacks.

The running game, which has usually consisted of one back and a lot of quarterback runs will be spread over four primary players this season. Thweatt, a three-year starter, emerged at the top of heap after a successful first scrimmage against Ocean Lakes and Bethel. He will be followed by sophomore Darius Johnson and freshman Sadarius Williams, who also had above an average performance in the first scrimmage of the season.

Of course, don’t be surprised to see Hall pull

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the ball down often and head up field.

Despite the loss of three-year starter Quintaze Jackson (Louisburg), Mills said the receiving corps is as deep as it has ever been. Trey Gardner, who has offers from Miami of Ohio and Delaware, heads the group. The 6-6, 210pounder, caught 41 passes for 697 yards and five touchdowns in 2009.

Also, on the receiving corps ladder is Drakar Harvell, who has been excelling every since his two interceptions his freshman year in the state championship game against Phoebus.

The “pure playmaker” had 37 receptions last year for 644 yards and 10 touchdowns.

About the only question marks remaining are lack of depth and an unproven kicking game, but according to Mills, both those areas are showing signs of improvement in the presseason.

“I think one of our strengths will be experience,” Mills said. “We return many reserve and starters from last year’s team, so there shouldn’t be too many wide eyes at the beginning.

“We have a strong receiving corps and three to four good running backs. Our offensive line could resemble the 2008 crew by season’s end and the defense from top to bottom is the best that we have put on the field since I have been here.”

The Generals, which had six home games last season, get some roadwork early on with the first two games at Poquoson (Sept. 3) and at Varina (Sept. 10). By the first day of fall, it should be obvious if Dinwiddie will be making its fourth straight post-season appearance.

PLAYER TO WATCH

PLAYER TO WATCH

TEAM CAPSULE

KEY RETURNERS: Seniors Chris Hall QB/SS, Corey Marshall DE/OL, Trey Gardner WR, Darec Brooks SS/ RBm Andre Thweatt RB/LB, Tavares Johnson DB/WR, Brandon Taylor DB, Junior Diante Monroe DL/OL, Senior Robert Tanner DL, Sophomore Darius Johnson, RB/LB, Senior Denny Vaughan OL/DL, Junior Taquan Kates OL/DL, Senior Cordell Gibbs WR/DB. OTHER RETURNING PLAYERS: Seniors Bruce Tucker LB.WR, Joseph Taylor SS. KEY LOSSES: Quintaze Jackson, Ryan Tav-

enar, Jason Ampy, Brian Belangia.

PROMISSING NEWCOMERS: Promising Newcomers: Freshman Rashaad Goodwin WR/LB, Junior Brian Finney WB/DB, Sophomore Darius Hawkins WR, Sophomore Ronald Cunningham OL, Freshman Sadarius Williams RB/LB. TEAM STRENGTHS: Experience, strong receiving corps and three good running backs.

The Schedule

2009 record: 4-3 Central District, 6-5 Overall (lost in the Name: Billy Mills, sixth first round of Group AAA Central Region playoffs to Hanover) year Years: Entering 20th season coaching, five years at Dinwiddie; four years at Rockbridge County and one year at North Laurel (Kentucky).

Family: wife Debbie, Ca-

2010 schedule Sept. 3 Sept. 10 Sept. 17 Oct. 1 Oct. 8 Oct. 15 Oct. 22 Oct. 29 Nov. 5 Nov. 12

at Poquoson at Varina Greensville Co. Colonial Heights at Meadowbrook at Thomas Dale Petersburg at Hopewell Matoaca Prince George

naan (12), Cody (10)

COREY MARSHALL

CHRIS HALL

It’s not too soon to start

INVESTING FOR COLLEGE.

TEAM WEAKNESSES: Kicking game and depth.

COACH

Age: 42

CENTRAL DISTRICT

GENERALS DINWIDDIE 7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:00 p.m 7:00 p.m 7:30 p.m 7:00 p.m 7:00 p.m 7:30 p.m

Big games: A three game stretch in early October against Meadowbrook, Thomas Dale and Petersburg will determine College: Emory and Henwhether the Generals can earn its fourth straight Group AAA Central Region playoff berth. ry

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2010 Dinwiddie High School football team

T8

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BLUE DEVILS HOPEWELL The Schedule

BY COURT WILLS SPORTS WRITER

O

HOPEWELL

ver the summer, the team chemistry built team confidence for the Hopewell football program.

Because of three things: the heart, the focus and desire to win more games and come together.

“We are very excited for the chance to be a good football team. These players are very hungry, excited and focused,” said new Hopewell football coach Ricky Irby. “We are tired of losing. I think the guys have really bought into our summer conditioning program.”

While addressing the panel last spring, Irby addressed three goals he had for the upcoming seasons.

“I want to get more players into college, I want to win games and I want to build character, doesn’t matter in which order,” Irby said. “Our motto and what we wear on the back of our shirts, “hard work beats talent only if talent doesn’t work hard.”

Having been an assistant under Marshall Parker for the past 10 years, who won a state championship for Hopewell and is one of the most highly regarded coaches in the Central Region, Irby has learned quite a few things.

“I look up to Marshall always have and will.

He’s been a mentor for me and one of the big things he taught me is to let your assistants

coach, let them do their jobs,” Irby said.

“Offensively, he is the greatest offensive coach I’ve ever seen especially when we went 10 years in a row to the playoffs.”

Another key that has worked well is that both the JV and varsity teams practice together and over the past two years, the experience has paid it forward.

The JV players from the past two years are now experienced and ready to prove it out on the field.

“There is competition on the field in every position. There is so much depth and competition that it will make my job a little bit harder,” Irby said about the 45 players he will have come the first game of the season. “I think that we can really make a run but we are taking one game at a time. We want to go 1-0 10 times. We know what it takes to get to the playoffs in Division 5, we’ve done it before.”

But by far the two biggest improvements have been the summer conditioning program that has been revamped by Irby’s staff and the participation between coach and player.

“I think the players have bought into our summer program. We took a good look at what we could do to make it easier for us and the players and it really was just something simple as changing the time from 8 in the morning to 9:30,” Irby said. “But I also went to our juniors and seniors and asked what we can do to have more participation amongst the players and they liked the new time plus

the 7 on 7 tournaments that we went to which I think really built team chemistry and confidence.”

Irby is looking for this hard work to pay off as well as good leadership by Jalen Reeves and Michael Smith who have been with the program from the beginning.

“Jalen I have been so impressed with his work ethic, he comes ready everyday. He’s not just a quarterback but someone who you can put in the backfield and at wide receiver. Plus we have his back-up Quantae Gholson who in the last two years led the JV program to a 15-3 record so we want to get him the proper time too,” Irby said.

“Plus we have Michael Smith and Lamar Perry who are getting some good looks from colleges and are playmakers for us.”

On the defensive side, the Blue Devils will be led by solid and longtime coach Herman Henderson.

“Things will not change much on defense, we plan on being aggressive. Coach Herman has said since Day 1 these guys have been doing a great job, flying all around on defense,” Irby said.

TEAM CAPSULE KEY RETURNERS: Lamar Perry, OLB, FB, Jr.; Jalen Reeves, QB, Sr., First Team All-District Utility Player; Mike Smith, WR/CB, Sr.; Chris Holloway, DT, Sr., Second Team All-District DT; Greg Jackson, LB, Sr.; Jervon McKiver, WR, Sr.; Howard Warren, OL, So.; DeQuante Taylor, WR, Jr.

CENTRAL DISTRICT

Blue Devils plan for stellar season

2009 record: 1-6 Central District, 2-8 Overall 2010 schedule Sept. 10 at Cosby 7:30 PM Sept. 17 LEE-DAVIS 7:30 PM Sept. 24 at Brunswick 7:30 PM Oct. 1 MEADOWBROOK 7:30 PM Oct. 8 at Thomas Dale 7:30 PM Oct. 15 PETERSBURG 7:30 PM Oct. 22 at Matoaca 7:30 PM Oct. 29 at Dinwiddie 7:30 PM Nov. 5 at Prince George 7:30 PM Nov. 12 COLONIAL HEIGHTS 7:30 PM

OTHER RETURNING PLAYERS: Chase Dovel, TE/DE; Gary Vaughan, C; Delmar Johnson, G; Salim Wortham, CB; Markus Adams, LB; Jules Wise, WR; Cory Driggins, WR; Fuequon Claiborne, LB PROMISSING NEWCOMERS: Dashon Bowen, RB; Darius Priest, CB; Odane McFarland, SS

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T9

2010 Hopewell High School football team

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2010 Matoaca High School football team

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CENTRAL DISTRICT

WARRIORS

T12

MATOACA

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Warriors prepare for season of hard knocks

BY COURT WILLS SPORTS WRITER CHESTERFIELD or Pat Manuel, now the longest standing coach in the Central District at Matoaca, there is great tradition.

Over the past 17 years, the Warriors coach has implemented a strong sense of pride and responsibility.

That pride and responsibility now falls on the upper classmen as Matoaca hopes to carry on its tradition of winning.

Having made a strong run toward the end of last season, the Warriors want to get ahead of the curve early.

However, it will be tough at first because of the loss of starting quarterback Michael Birdsong who injured his knee at basketball camp.

“The biggest thing is overcoming the injury to our quarterback Michael Birdsong. But we’ve got some young kids right out the gate that look promising that haven’t started yet,” Manuel said.

With fierce competition chomping at

F

the bit with L.C. Bird, Manchester and C.D. Hylton, Matoaca wants to take these non-district games serious so they can be ready come district season.

Even if the Warriors may take their lumps early, like Manuel ays it is all about being prepared come the first week of the regular season.

“In Division 6, you must win the right seven in order to go to the playoffs. The first three don’t have as much bearing but you still want to face the best competition possible,” Manuel said.

Despite the loss of Birdsong, two of the biggest weapons Matoaca has is experience and depth on the offensive and defensive line.

The Warriors return four starters on offense in junior HB DeQuan Turner, junior WR Tevin Johnson, senior C Jon Pond and senior OT Ronnie Ranson.

On defense, Matoaca brings back seven starters in senior DE Blake Roulo, senior DT Bruce Baskerville, senior LB Cole Williams, junior CB A.J. Moore, junior S Jaquante King, senior P Gaige Parolisi and junior CB Tevin Johnson.

“We have a veteran line in DeQuan

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DEQUAN TURNER

Turner who put on a real big strong show toward the end of last season.

We’ve got some veteran ball control that will give some defenses trouble,” Manuel said. “Most of our seniors are our defensive and offensive lineman so it is very much a blue collar approach.”

Two of the biggest weapons that Manuel is looking forward is JaQuante King, a 5-9 HB/LB who can play both sides of the ball and incoming freshman Khalil Coleman, a 5-10 HB/LB, who is fast and fierce.

“Those three backs can go the distance for us. I think we will be in pretty good shape,” Manuel said.

As the upcoming season approaches, Manuel likes the team chemistry between players and coaches.

“This is the most excited I’ve been about our team chemistry. They work together and are focused on the task at hand,” Manuel said. “The Central District is one of the if not toughest districts in the state. It’s a playoff game every Friday night, there are no cake walks.”

JAQUANTE KING

TEAM CAPSULE Key Returner’s: DeQuan Turner, RB, Jr.; Tevin Johnson, WR, Jr.; Jon Pond, C, Sr.; Ronnie Ranson, OT, Sr.; Blake Roulo, DE, Sr.; Bruce Baskerville, DT, Sr.; Cole Williams, LB, Sr.; A.J. Moore, CB, Jr.; Jaquante King, S, Jr.; Gaige Parolisi, P, Sr. Other returning members: A.J. Moore, QB, Jr.; Jaquante King, HB, Jr.; Khalil Coleman, HB, Fr.; Kevin Gambea, TE, Jr.; Bruce Baskerville, OG, Sr.; Keshawn Gilliam, OG, Jr.; Matthew Fultz, OT, Sr.; Dell Ramsey, K, Sr.; Michael Harris, DE, Sr.; Ronnie Robinson, DT, Sr.; Ervin Ramos, LB, Sr.; Jehrad Gholson, LB, Jr.; Deon Turner, S, Jr. Key Losses: Seven offensive starters, Five defensive starters Team Strengths: Young skill with an experienced line of players on offensive line and defense should be improved.

2010 Petersburgh High School football team

Wave rushes in

BY COURT WILLS SPORTS WRITER

F

PETERSBURG

or third-year head coach Mike Scott, he wants his Petersburg football team to produce.

Now is the time.

Over the past three years, Scott and his staff has groomed and coached these young men for this year.

The experience, the size, the dedication and the maturity is theirs for the taking.

With the team leader being the University of Virginia quarterback committee Kevin Green, Scott knows that is where the biggest advantage lies.

All this Crimson Wave football team

has to do is go out and produce.

“Coming into the season, these returning players understand that they have to work extra hard to fight through adversity. I am very fortunate to have a Kevin Green on my team,” Scott said. “The things that he does are not something you can teach. He understands that when we or him get into tough situations that he will find that way to get out of it and make a play.”

From a team that experienced many adverse situations last season to losing players for weeks at a time, one thing the Crimson Wave didn’t do was quit.

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T13

CRIMSON WAVE PETERSBURG The Schedule

CENTRAL DISTRICT

KEY RETURNERS

COACH

KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Kevin Green, QB, Sr., 2,199 passing yards; Keith Johnson, WR, Sr., 45 receptions, 903 yards, 12 TDS, Damond McGlaughlin, WR/LB, Sr., 635 yards; Demonte Gregory, RB/ WR, Sr., 830 yards of total offense Other returning members: Carlos Turner, Dekari Walker, Elvin Briggs, Devondre Pollard, Shawn Mason, Ray Procise KEY LOSSES: Quinton Spain, Eric Magruder. Woodrow Young, Joshua Allen, Anthony Johnson.

TOP NEWCOMERS: Marion Harris, Ahmod Pair, Kwaneef Robinson, Jordan Benjamin, Derek Jackson, Quadrick Barnes and Quadree Walker

PETERSBURG Continued from Page 13

to give experience to players that will now be key players this year a chance to shine especially in the likes of wide receivers.

Not only will the Crimson Wave have Green’s leadership, knowledge for the game and the ability to scramble at quarterback, the senior will have five weapons to utilize.

“When I look at Kevin on the field, you can see his will to win. I know that if I call a play and it doesn’t work he will make a play,” Scott said. “If they spread him right, he’ll go left and know exactly who the ball will go to, that is just God given talent.”

With Keith Johnson, a senior, who caught 45 passes for 903 yards for 12 touchdowns; with Damond McGlaughlin, a senior, who caught for 635 yards; with Demonte Gregory, a senior who had 830 total yards in offense as running back and wide receiver, with Carlos Turner T14

Name: Mike Scott, third year Age: 35 Family: Wife Jamilah Scott; children Creona Scott, Meziah Scott and Xavier Scott.

College: Hargrave Military Academy and East Tennessee State University (1994-99).

LAST SEASON HIGHLIGHT Greatest moment in coaching last season: At Clover Hill watching Kevin Green score th game-winning PAT to put Petersburg in the Central Region Championship for the first time in 30 years

Big games: The Crimson Wave open the season a week to two weeks before the rest of the Central District teams. The tough stretch will come on the road in the month of October against Thomas Dale (Oct. 1) and Matoaca (Oct 8). These two road games might decided the teams playoff chances.

and Dekari Walker.

The consensus is Petersburg will be loaded and dangerous.

“Keith Johnson is a big playmaker, his ability to understand both the offensive and defensive side of the ball is key. With Damon McGlaughlin, he has size to play multiple positions and is a huge blessing,” Scott said.

“Demonte Gregory is just so explosive and with Dekari Walker when we are in tight situations he will always execute.”

But Scott doesn’t plan on these players just to perform well on offense, he hopes they will use these talents on defense.

When playing Petersburg this season, teams should expect toughness, versatility, tenacity and determination from start to finish.

“Both on offense and defense we will be missing Quinton Spain (West Virginia), he will be hard to replace. I know that we will be extremely young on the line, but we will be bigger and will take what Spain taught them,” Scott said.

Despite a younger line, Scott expects his big

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2009 record: 3-4 Central District, 5-5 Overall 2010 schedule Friday, Aug. 27 at Halifax County 7 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 2 MAURY 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 1 THOMAS DALE 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 8 at Matoaca 7 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 15 at Hopewell 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 22 DINWIDDIE 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 29 PRINCE GEORGE 7 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 5 at Colonial Heights 7 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 12 MEADOWBROOK 7 p.m.

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men, Carlos Turner, Ray Procise, Kevin Green, Elvin Briggs and Devondre Pollard to dominate.

“Ray Procise, DE/LB, is a Division I junior prospect, this is his third year and has a 4.0 GPA. Expect him to control the line of scrimmage and to make plays, he has a ton of experience having gone to a lot of camps where he won MVP at,” Scott said. “Elvin Briggs, DE/ LB, is ready to be our center, he is a third year starter and played beside Quinton so he brings experience, knowledge and strength. Carlos Turner and Kevin Green they just want to be on the field; Keith Johnson leads us in interceptions and Devondre Pollard has been the most productive this off-season.

Similar to last season, Petersburg has set an early goal to make another trip to the playoffs after their great win at Clover Hill in the Division 5 Central Region playoffs.

“These guys are survivors and resilient.

They went to the championship game last year so now they expect that from now on, we just have to stick together,” Scott said.

CENTRAL DISTRICT

ROYALS PRINCE GEORGE

Royals have the keys to make improvements

BY THOMAS C. DOZIER SPORTS EDITOR

T

PRINCE GEORGE

here is no where to go but up for the Prince George High School football team.

The Royals, with many changes in place and a lot of young players in fold, struggled to a 1-9 overall record and recorded no wins in the Central District.

The team will start the season with its second-year coach — Bruce Carroll — a 15-year coaching veteran who came over Windsor and many players who gained valuable playing time last season.

On offense, the Royals will rely heavily on the experience of senior running back Lawrence Taylor and junior wide receiver Keith Jefferson. Taylor, a 5-10, 195-pounder, will return to the running back

position, after a stint as quarterback last year, where he found great success toting the ball after being inserted in the running back role early in his sophomore season.

He will be joined in the backfield by quarterback John Ford. The 5-10, 175-pound sophomore will have four options to throw in wide receivers Jefferson, Cameron Shegog, Albert Williams and Andre Foster.

Tackle Jon Williams (6-7, 305) will anchor a line that includes Travis Borglof at the other tackle, Thomas Miller and Josh Slaugenhoupt at guards and Dominique Walker at center.

“Each player will play a vital role in this young team’s success,” Carroll explained.

Jefferson (CB), Taylor (S), Jon Williams (DE) and Albert Williams (CB) will play on Please see PRINCEGEORGE, Page 16

PATRICK KANE/STAFF PHOTO

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PATRICK KANE/STAFF PHOTO

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PATRICK KANE/STAFF PHOTO

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CENTRAL DISTRICT

ROYALS PRINCE GEORGE 2010 Prince George High School Football Team

TEAM CAPSULES

PRINCE GEORGE

KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Lawrence Taylor, Keith Jefferson, Travis Taylor, Dominique Washington, Joseph Purnell, Conner Stevenson, Caleb Johnson, Anthony Grant, Darius Dawsey.

Continued from Page 15

KEY STARTERS: Offense: Sophomore John Ford, QB; Senior Lawrence Taylor, RB; Junior Keith Jefferson, WR; Senior Albert Williams, WR; Senior Andre Foster, WR; Sophomore Dominique Walker, C; Senior Thomas Miller, G; Junior Josh Slavenhoupt, G; Senior Jon Williams, T; Junior Travis Barglof, T; Junior Travis Taylor, K. Defense: Seniors Dominique Washington, D; Jon Williams, E; Anthony Grant, LB; Albert Williams, DB, Lawrence Taylor, S. Juniors Joseph Purnell, Conner Stevenson, Dequon Chapman, Keith Jefferson, Darius Dawsey.

Sophomore Caleb Johnson.

defense as well. And will be joined by Dominique Washington (DE), Joseph Purnell (DT), Conner Stevenson (LB), Caleb Johnson (LB), Anthony Grant (LB), Dequan Chapman (LB) and Darius Dawsey (S).

“On defense, we have improved size up front,” Carroll said about his defense. “And a year of expe-

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rience for many of the linebackers and secondary.”

The good news for the young squad is the team doesn’t start the season until Sept. 10 at Clover Hill. Even better news for the Royals is that season-opener is followed up with four straight home games — Thomas Jefferson on Sept. 17, John Marshall on Sept. 24, Matoaca on Oct. 1 and Colonial Heights (homecoming) on Oct. 8.

If the offseason was any indication, the Royals will be looking

for good things this season.

“We had a good offseason,” Carroll said. “The kids worked hard. And this year we have more weapons in the skilled areas.”

According to Carroll, the team support has been encouraging.

“Our kids have worked hard in the offseason,” Carroll continued. “We have 55 kids in our varisty program and each and every one of them will be vital to building this program.”

THOMAS DALE TEAM CAPSULE INFORMATION Team: Thomas Dale Coach (years coaching): Kevin Tucker, first as Head9th at Thomas Dale

Key Returners: Four returning starters- Demetric Jackson Sr RB and LB Over 1400 Yard Rushing last season and 8 TD’s, Sam Hartman Sr OL and DL Over 20 Pancake Blocks and 3 sacks, Adam White Sr OL- starting C last year and making move to starting Guard, Larenzo Fields Jr RB and DB. Only two way starter returning . Kicker Anthony Pervost Jr. accounted for 52 points scored on Field Goals and Extra Points. Ralapheal Wheat Sr RB and DB and DL 513 all purpose yards 3TD’s, 33 tackles 4 sacks one fumble recover.

Other returning members: Ryan Nolan Sr WR and DB key reserve on both sides of ball last year starting both ways this year, big play ability. Quinton Taylor- Jr QB-DB. Started 1 game vs Petersburg and played extremely well in place of starting QB Demitrius Campbell and helped guide Knights to 1st District win of the season. Tyler Leimberger Sr, starting LB, TE. Adam Ross Sr, starting DL, Tres Humpry Jr, starting C DT. Rakeem King Sr, Starting LB- 36 tackles. Aaron Green So. OLB and TE, played

Promising Newcomers: DJ Reid So. transfer from Woodside va beach. Started as a freshmen and played in Regional championship game vs Oscar Smith Will challenge for starting time at OLB. Desmond Fry WRDB- Will start both ways. Big play ability. Byron Robinson So. Fastest member of the team and big play abilitykey special teams player and back up RB, DB. Three big young linemen that will be key players for us, David Parker Jr, starting OG. PJ Best So, starting NG, Dalton Lee Jr. will start at OT and DT. Team strengths: We have one the fastest teams in recent history and a group of young men that are working extremely hard to keep the tradition alive at TD. They are true students of the game that live in the weight room and love to study game film. They are never satisfied and always willing to work harder. There is no quit in these boys

Good Luck To All Our Local High School Football Teams. We’re Looking Forward To A Great Season.

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Overall Season Outlook: “I hope that the brutal early season schedule will allow our young to team to gel and get better with each week before we start district,” Tucker said. “The Central will be the toughest in the region again with 4 potential playoff teams. Dinwiddie, Meadowbrook, TD and Petersburg. The order of finish is a toss up. We are very young but talented. Meadowbrook is well coached and has a heck of game breaker in Mico Phillips. Dinwiddie has some amazing talent at QB in Chris Hall as well as DE Cory Marshall.

“They always come ready to play. Petersburg is the wildcard, they are very athletic, very big and can win any game if they don’t make to many mistakes. Matoaca will be well coached but the loss of D-1 prospect Michael Birdsong at QB they will have some growing pains but as always will play everyone extremely close.

“Hopewell will be much improved and I would not be surprised if they made the strides necessary to make the D-5 playoffs. PG is young but will be much improved, CH is also young but well coached and will be much improved over last year.”

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Team weaknesses: We are much smaller and very young. Went from an average OL and DL that weighed close to 300 lbs, to average of 265. We only have 5 returning starters, 4 offense and 1 defense

THOMAS DALE

Last year’s record (district, overall): 7-0 12-2 Central District champions, Central Region Champions, State Champions.

big role in filling in for injured old brother Airek Green in State Simi-finals and Finals, will start both ways.

Key Losses: Greg Gallop UVA, Airek Green William and Marry, Spencer Randolph Bloomsburg, Mike Edmonds, Demitrius Campbell and Brian Walker represent UVa-Wise. Michael Dudley will continue his career at Virginia State. Roderick Doggett will play at Averett. Josh Childress will move on to Liberty. Brian Richardson and Brandon Burton will be prepping at Jireh Prep. Devin Epps Va Union. Drake Evans and Ben Saunders.

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To the victor go the spoils

SUSSEX CENTRAL FROM STAFF REPORTS

SUSSEX — The Sussex Central Tigers return a trio of players that give them reasonable hope of adding a fifth VHSL Group A Tri-Rivers District championship since 1993.

Coming off a 10-2 record in 2009, Sussex Central will lean on the talents of Sharheem Taylor, Jacquell Robertson and Craishawn Ellis.

SABRINA SCHAEFFER/ STAFF PHOTO

• TAYLOR: RB-LB (5-9, 220, SR) The first-team all-region linebacker runs like a bowling ball out of the backfield: low to the ground and straight at, and sometimes through, defenders.

Vic Williams holds up the trophy after winning the Virginia Division 6 AAA state finals against Lake Braddock. The Knights captured the Group AAA Division 6 championship at Scott Stadium in Charlottesville.

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• ROBERTSON LB-OG, (6-1, 270, SR) An all-region selection on both sides of the ball, Robertson’s aggressive hitting style will lead the Tigers’ defense while his play at guard will anchor the offensive line.

• ELLIS: C-NT, (6-3, 300, SR) A twoyear starter and all-region selection at center, Jefferson is looking for Ellis to be a “dominating force” on the defensive

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line this fall.

Coach Curtis Jefferson is beginning his 10th season at Sussex Central. He carries an 81-28 record -- including the 2003 state championship -- into 2010.

SUMMARY: Coming off a 10-2 mark last year and an appearance in the Region A championship game, it is the defense which is setting the pace for the Tigers this fall. The defense boasts multiple all-region selections and four-year starters Amar Bailey and Kaysahen Brown in the secondary.

THE SCHEDULE Sept. 10 at Greensville County, 7:30 Sept. 17 Brunswick, 7 Sept. 24 at King William, 7 Oct. 1 Essex, 7 Oct. 8 Nandua, 7 Oct. 15 at Arcadia, 7 Oct. 22 at Windsor, 7 Oct. 29 Charles City, 7 Nov. 5 at Franklin, 7 Nov. 12 Surry County, 7

KNIGHTS THOMAS DALE The Schedule

2009 record: 7-0 Central District, 12-2 Overall

2010 schedule

BY NEIL FULLER SPORTS WRITER

CHESTER Thomas Dale might just be able to outrun the pressure of being the defending VHSL Group AAA Division 6 champion.

Despite being young.

Despite having a new head coach.

Make no mistake: Thomas Dale will have plenty of speed to feature in 2010. Just look at Demetrick Jackson, an offensive hero from the team’s run through the playoffs, who will now be used on defense too.

Jackson rushed for 168 yards and a touchdown as the Knights defeated Lake Braddock 35-21 for their first state championship, the first Division 6 title for any Central Region team.

“Our guys a really hungry.

They’re prepared to be underdogs again,” said Kevin Tucker, who is inherits a powerhouse program from 23-year veteran Vic Williams. “Everybody says we have a target on our back, but we graduated 33 people. Our players need

to take that target and use that as motivation to play the highest level of football we can.”

Williams won 219 games and seven regional championships during his tenure, leaving Tucker with big shoes to fill.

“The transition has been smooth,” Tucker said.

Four offensive starters — and only one defensive starter — return from Thomas Dale’s championship team.

Gone is quarterback Demetrius Campbell. Also lost to graduation: Airek Green; Greg Gallop; Mike Edmunds; Spencer Randolph; Jacob Steines; Drake Evans; Michael Dudley; Roderick Doggitt; and Ben Saunders.

Quinton Taylor will serve as quarterback this season after serving as Campbell’s understudy as a sophomore.

“Quinton has filled in that void,” Tucker said. “That’s been a bonus. Quinton has filled in nicely. He’s still got some learning to do, but improves every day. He’s way ahead of where he was as a sophomore. ... He really is doing an amazing job. He’s still getting his timing down. But he’s done

what he’s needed to do the entire preseason.”

Thomas Dale enters the new season riding an 11-game win streak — and as the top dog in the Central District, Central Region and state ranks.

Expectation remain high for the Knights.

“We have one (starter) of defense and four (starters) on offense coming back. How anyone is picking us No. 1 is something I don’t understand,” Tucker said.

“It is nice, however. It gives us something to work up to. If somebody says your team is No. 1, you have to live up to those expectations. It makes you work harder in practice and go the extra mile.

It makes you push yourself to be the top team in the district.

“I think the kids are going to handle (the pressure) just fine.

Hopefully, the season will go smooth.”

Thomas Dale opens on the road against Manchester on Sept. 11.

Home dates against Varina and L.C. Bird follow before a road trip to Petersburg (Oct. 2) opens Central District play.

Manchester

7:30 p.m.

Sept. 17

VARINA

7:00 p.m.

Sept. 24

L.C. BIRD

7:00 p.m.

Oct. 1

at Petersburg

7:30 p.m.

Oct. 8

HOPEWELL

7:00 p.m.

Oct. 15

at Dinwiddie

7:00 p.m.

Oct. 22

at Prince George

7:30 p.m.

Oct. 29

COLONIAL HEIGHTS

7:00 p.m.

Nov. 5

at Meadowbrook

7:00 p.m.

No. 12

MATOACA

7:00 p.m.

Big games; The first three games — Manchester, Varina and L.C. Bird — much like the previous three seasons haveprovided tough competition for the Knights before they enter Central District play. Like last seson, it only makes the Knights stronger.

CENTRAL DISTRICT

TD to defend district, region, state crowns

Sept. 10

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