Hampshire Football Preview
With a difficult schedule and a very young team, Hampshire managed to go 4-6 last season. Coach Grace is hoping that his team will gain success from last season's experience. The Trojans return 18 players that started at some point last season. Hampshire's off-season conditioning program has been a success with 50 plus kids working out daily. Look for Hampshire's experience and work ethic to allow the Trojans to be very competitive in 2006.
Quarterback
Senior Jeremy Shackleford started a few games last season; he will be the frontrunner for the quarterback position. Zach Hott is a talented player who will also get a look at quarterback in camp. Coach Grace expects one of these players to step up and be the leader of his offense.
Wide Receiver
The wide receiver position is wide open and needs to be filled during training camp. Richard Shanholtz returns with the most experience from last season. Finding receivers that will help stretch the defense out will be a priority in training camp.
Running Back
The Trojans are very deep at running back this season, as the running backs go so will the 2006 football team. The halfback position will be played by Rome Johnson and Justin Rhodes. Johnson is a returning starter who ran for 555 yards and 5 touchdowns in eight games. While filling in for the injured Rome Johnson, Rhodes ran for an impressive 180 yards and 2 touchdowns against Hedgesville. Expect both players to be productive for the Trojans at halfback. Replacing Danny Nicholson at fullback will be difficult this season. Look for Issac Corbin, Mike Newman, JR Shook and Matt Davis to compete for the fullback position in camp. The wingback spot will be filled by Kevin Lee and Bryan Carter. Lee returns as a starter, while Carter saw some action there last season. The Trojan backfield will consist of very physical players who play from whistle to whistle.
Tight End
Coach Grace is fortunate to have three very gifted players at tight end this season. Orie Pancione, Todd Denmark and Justin Keeler will all contribute at tight end for Hampshire this season.
Offensive Line
Hampshire has three starters returning to the offensive line this season. Tyler Lambert, Tommy Kline and Nathan Hevener will be asked to lead the Trojan line this season. Look for Cody Moreland, Bo Boyer and John Nicholson to also provide quality depth along the line. Getting a good push from the line will be critical to Hampshire's success on Offense this year.
Defensive Line
Senior Todd Denmark will lead the line from his defensive end position. Denmark will be a 4 year starter and will be a force on the line once again this season. Other players helping Denmark to control the defensive line will be Tyler Lambert, Tommy Kline, Nathan Hevener and Orie Pancione.
Linebackers
Standout Linebacker JR Shook will be a dominant player in the middle once again for the Trojans this season. Shook is a hard nosed player who led the team in tackles with 120 solo and assisted tackles. Kevin Lee also returns as outside linebacker this season. Lee possesses great speed and strength which allows him to both cover a receiver and make a big hit on a running back. Playing beside Shook and Lee will be either Issac Corbin, Bo Boyer, Matt Davis, Mike Ireland or Bryan Carter. If these players can add to the play of JR Shook and Kevin Lee, the Hampshire defense will be very tough to run against.
Secondary
Last year's entire secondary returns for the 2006 season. Jeremy Shackleford, Rome Johnson and Richard Shanholtz will have had a years experience to help showcase their talent. Justin Rose could also be a major factor in the secondary for the Trojans.
Special Teams
JR Shook returns to his punting duties this season. Shook does an outstanding job in changing field position for the Trojans. Look for Orie Pancione and Tyler Lambert to do the kicking for Hampshire.
Key Game:
Game #1 versus Jefferson is always a challenge for the Trojans. The Keyser and Frankfort football games are usually for town bragging rights.
Extra Points:
Hampshire has 6 athletes playing for them from the West Virginia School for Deaf and Blind. Coach Grace is excited about their contribution to Hampshire Football.
Schedule
Aug. 25 Jefferson
Sep. 1 Elkins
Sep. 8 @ James Wood
Sep.15 Frankfort
Sep. 22 Open
Sep. 29 @ Keyser
Oct. 6 @ Preston
Oct. 13 Fort Hill
Oct. 20 @ Musselman
Oct. 27 @ Hedgesville
Nov. 3 Freedom
