Martinsburg Bulldog Football Preview
The Bulldogs had a great season last year going 9-2 and losing to a very scrappy Hurricane team in the playoffs. Martinsburg will be a talented football team this year with the return of many experienced key players.
Martinsburg has a very difficult schedule this season. Maryland powerhouse Urbana, Dulles District favorite Park View, and Calvin Coolidge High are three very difficult opponents to go along with the very tough local teams.
Quarterbacks
Martinsburg returns two starters at the quarterback position in Dustin Peters and Cameron Shelton. Peters was the starter until his season ending knee injury in week 3. Cameron Shelton replaced the injured Dustin Peters and proved to be very solid in throwing for close to 1,000 yards. Coach Walker is very fortunate to have two quarterbacks as capable as Peters and Shelton. Last season JV quarterback Brett Rogers is also a talented player and is only a sophomore.
Running Backs
The Bulldogs will look to Josh Twyman to continue his dominance on the football field. Twyman is returning from his junior season where he rushed for 1300 yards and was selected first-team All-State. Zack Newhouse also returns and will be called upon to use his hard running style inside the tackle box.
Wide Receivers
With a solid ground game already established, the passing attack could be key to the Bulldogs success this season. Look for Q'Monte Matheney, Xavier Peters, and Taylor Wasson to be the leaders of the receiving core. All three receivers possess great speed and very good hands. Coach Walker feels that the 2006 Bulldog football team has seven plus receivers that can contribute to his teams success.
Tight Ends
Jessie Jean returns to his Tight End position and will play a major role in the Bulldogs offense this season. Jean who is only a junior is a great blocker and moves very well.
Offensive Line
If football is won in the trenches, the Bulldog football team looks to be in good shape. The Bulldogs return three starters in Tyler Dopson, Andy Joiner, and Matt Porter. Dopson is an imposing player at 6'3 265. Brothers William and Michael Nolet both had a great off season in the weight room. The two brothers bench pressed 185lbs twenty two times at the Gameday combine which featured over 250 athletes. Look for John Duke to contribute to the line play as well. Expect the Bulldog football team to get a good push at the line of scrimmage this year.
Defensive Line
The defensive line will be a solid group in 2006 and the most experienced group in the Defense. There are three returning starters in Bryce Hobbs, Jesse Jean, and Matt Porter. Hobbs returns at noseguard where he used his toughness and quickness to create problems last year. Jean and Porter are two way starters and have proven their value to the line. Keep an eye on Michael Hammand this year. He has improved and was very committed to the off season program!
Linebackers
Probably the most inexperienced part of the Bulldog defense this year. But don't confuse inexperience with inability. The Bulldog line backing core has a lot of talented players ready to step up and make plays. Jonathan Seeley is the only returning starter and will anchor the middle of the defense. Derek Walker, Scott Stump, and Jordan Fields will be looked upon to make an impact in 2006.
Secondary
The secondary returns two starters in free safety Zach Newhouse and cornerback Xavier Peters. Newhouse is a very active safety who is a great run supporter. Coach Walker feels there are a lot of talented players that will contribute to the secondary. Jordan Mason, Taylor Wasson, and Marcus Scott will all play a key role in strengthening the secondary.
Special Teams
Cameron Shelton returns as the punter and kicker for the Bulldog football team. Bulldog head coach Dave Walker is a very creative coach who is not afraid to run trick plays. With Shelton's arm strength and mobility, defenses must be aware of the Bulldogs special teams.
Key Game:
Game number one versus Hedgesville is always very intense. Week seven the Bulldogs play Calvin Coolidge High who has the number one rated high school player in the country in Marvin Alston.
Extra Points:
There are some key newcomers to the football team that could play a major role this year. Isaiah Alford, Marcus Scott, and Robert Bishop all have big potential!
Schedule
Aug. 25 Hedgesville
Sep. 1 @ Rockbridge County
Sep. 8 Open
Sep. 15 Urbana
Sep. 21 @ Broad Run
Sep. 29 @ Potomac Falls
Oct. 6 @ Park View
Oct. 13 Calvin Coolidge
Oct. 20 Fort Hill
Oct. 27 Musselman
Nov. 3 @ Jefferson
