Spring and Conroy Have Valley Ready
Since 1990, Loudoun Valley hasn't won a district championship. But that's about to change as the Vikings are closing in on the National district championship after compiling impressive district and non-district victories against Group AAA competition. The Vikings have the typical setup for success, a solid running game, and a great defense. If you ask Coach Bruce Sheppard about how they're getting it done, he'll point you to an area that often gets overlooked; the offensive line.
The Vikings are fortunate to have one of the area's most physical and athletic offensive lines. Center Josh Spring and guard Patrick Conroy anchor that line and their play has helped the Vikings produce big numbers on the ground in 2005. Spring stands 6'1 and Conroy is 6'3, and according to offensive line coach Bruce Pugh, both guys are playing at a high level.
"Josh and Patrick are both really physical and smart football players. They work extremely hard and they are getting the job done for us in the trenches," said Pugh.
Both Spring and Conroy gained valuable experience last year on the varsity level as sophomores for the Vikings. That experience has carried over into this season and with the playoffs approaching, both players are excited about the possibilities.
"It would be great to bring the first playoff game home after winning the district title. We know we can do it and we are excited about where we are. It would be great for our school," said Spring.
Both Spring and Conroy were wearing diapers at the time Valley last won a district title, so to say something big has been accomplished this season is understatement. The Vikings were picked to finish no higher than 5th in the National district by the so-called experts at the beginning of the season, and that hasn't left the minds of many of the players.
"There were a lot of people who doubted that we could win on this level. We never doubted ourselves and it's shown in our play each week. If we can bring a district title back to Purcellville and go far in the playoffs, we can prove them all wrong," said Conroy.
With the stellar play of Spring and Conroy and the rest of the offensive line, senior running back Tommy Schonder is having a career year. At the time of print, Schonder had over 1,000 yards and was averaging 6.7 yards per carry. He also had scored 12 touchdowns. Head Coach Bruce Sheppard is proud of Schonder and also very proud of his offensive lineman.
"This is the best offensive line we've had here since I became head coach. They are tough, physical, and they all are very athletic," said Sheppard.
While Sheppard is quick to give praise to each of his offensive lineman, he is also quick to point out that Spring and Conroy are becoming big time players.
"Josh is an extremely strong player. He has a 500lb squat and he's just a junior. He's been blessed with great feet and he's getting more and more confident out there. Patrick also has really come on for us. Not only has he really been a steady force at guard, he has also helped us tremendously at linebacker. He's a big time prospect and I expect him to get better and better. I've been very happy with both Josh and Patrick and how they've progressed in our program," said Sheppard.
Conroy is Valley's only true iron man. He plays defense, offense, and also contributes on most special team units. When asked if he preferred offense or defense, Conroy didn't hesitate with an answer.
"I think defense is more fun but wherever the team needs me I'll play. I like playing linebacker because it's more fun to hit people and there's more flexibility to make things happen," Conroy said.
Both players are only juniors and their coaches believe their best football is yet to come. Spring and Conroy have their sights on playing college football. Conroy is visiting UVA later this winter and could also look into playing for an Ivy League school. Spring is interested in Virginia Tech, William & Mary, and Frostburg St.
With the playoffs around the corner and a full season yet to go, Spring and Conroy are quickly becoming two of the best football players in Northern Virginia, and that has the Viking coaching staff looking forward to the future.
