Hedgesville Eagles Preview
The Hedgesville Eagles will look to improve from last years 3-7 season. The Eagles learned from many valuable lessons from last years games. Coach Lopez is a very positive coach who feels very confident in the team he is returning. Last years schedule was simply brutal with all seven teams that the Eagles lost to making the playoffs. This season the Eagles will have 8 players that will be three year starters! Expect the Eagles to play “together” this season and be successful.
Quarterback
Senior Michael Lopez is a two year starter for the Eagles. For his career he has thrown for 2000 yards and has a 42% completion rate. Coach Lopez hopes junior Taylor Hockman or sophomore JR Mayles can take the quarterback duties over to free up Michael Lopez to play wide receiver and quarterback. Regardless of where Michael Lopez plays, he is a dangerous football player.
Running Backs
Tailback Richard Lane will be a three year starter for the Eagles. Last season Lane ran for 957 yards, 10 touchdowns, and also racked up 1396 all-purpose yards. Lane has the quickness and power to bust a big gain at any time. Blocking for Lane this year will be fullback Daniel Kershner. Kershner is an excellent blocker who can also be a very dependable short yardage runner. Z back Kyle Leonard is a very versatile player who can run and catch the football. Coach Lopez is hoping to involve Leonard more in the offense.
Wide Receiver
The Eagles will look to seniors Jesse Simmons and Nick Comer at wide outs this year. Comer is a great possession receiver while Simmons averaged 20 yards a catch last season.
Offensive Line
Two starters from last years team return to anchor the offensive line. Guards Joe Maldonado and Teddy Winters will give the Eagles experience and leadership along the front. The center and tackle positions will need to be determined in training camp. Look for Bryant Snapp, David Smith, Andrew Snyder, Brett Salmiery and Joe Schildt to compete for those spots.
Defensive Line
The defensive line for the Eagles will be new this year after having to replace three starters from last year's team. Coach Lopez will truly miss two-way standout Darren Shade. Look for Jeff Hunley, Bryant Snapp, Joe Maldonado, and Joe Schildt to try and fill the void left by Shade and his teammates.
Linebackers
Opposing running backs be aware of the Hedgesville line backing corps. Seniors Daniel Kershner and Kyle Graham return for their third season starting at inside linebackers. Kershner (6'3 205) is a dominant player with great strength and speed. Kyle Graham (6'0 215) is a very physical backer who will bring a load when he hits you. Coach Lopez feels the defense will go as far as Kershner and Graham will take them. The outside linebacker positions will be filled by either Andrew Shaffer, Zac Clopper, or Bryan McIntyre.
DB
The secondary returns two players in Michael Lopez and Kyle Leonard. Lopez and Leonard combined for 10 interceptions last season. The cornerback positions are in good hands with the ability of Lopez and Leonard. The safety position will be filled in camp with Nic Comer, Josh Welsh, and Jordan Reed competing for the spot.
Special Teams
Nic Comer returns to his punting and kicking duties this season. Dangerous kick returner Richard Lane will be back to improve on last season. Lane totaled 450 yards, averaging 26.5 yards an attempt and scored one touchdown.
Key Game
Week one versus Martinsburg is an intense rivalry. Coach Lopez feels the first three games are crucial in terms of gaining confidence.
Extra Points
Eight players return to have the chance to be three year starters. That experience will make Hedgesville a tough opponent.
Schedule
Aug. 25 @ Martinsburg
Sep. 1 Berkeley Springs
Sep. 8 Potomac Falls
Sep. 15 @ Sherando
Sep. 22 University
Sep. 30 @ Fort Hill
Oct. 6 Open
Oct. 13 @ Musselman
Oct. 20 Jefferson
Oct. 27 Hampshire
Nov. 3 BriarWoods
