Camp Preview Day 8: The Dominion Titans
After three years of building and growing as a new football program, the Dominion Titans are looking to have everything culminate this year. The core of last year's 3-7 team returns, with only a few losses to graduation. This season's team is led by senior players, most of who have been on the team since their freshman year. These experienced players, along with a few key returnees from injury last year, look to lead the Titans to their first winning season and maybe a Dulles District title.
Quarterbacks:
Senior captain Craig Carlson takes over the primary duties at quarterback for the first time. However, the team is excited to have Carlson calling the shots, as he adds another dimension to their backfield with his speed. Carlson is the fastest player on the team and his ability to run should put pressure on opposing defenses every week. Look for him to have a breakout year.
Running Backs:
The Titans will rely on a couple of juniors to carry the load in the backfield with Carlson. Todd Lancaster and Charles Ward will both see significant time running the football. Last season, Lancaster's' season ended prematurely due to a broken ankle. Despite not having a ton of experience carrying the football, both players have bright futures and should help the Titans move the chains in the running game this fall.
Wide Receivers:
Senior captain Chris Brent and junior Casava Easterling will be the go-to wide receivers this fall for the Titans after putting together solid seasons a year ago. Dominion should be able to develop a solid passing game with Brent and Easterling this season. Look for some younger players to also emerge and get playing time once the season gets under way.
Tight Ends:
Senior captain Cam Everett enters his final season for the Titans as one of the better tight ends in the Dulles District. Everett's blocking and catching ability were one of the strengths from last year's 3-7 team. Everett recorded 10 catches for 123 yards and a touchdown. Everett should develop into a favorite target of Carlson's this fall.
Offensive Line:
For the first time in 4 years, Dominion will feature an experienced and good sized offensive line. Senior Chatman Young, a four year starter, and senior Zack Gitzen, a two year starter, will provide Dominion with stability and toughness in the trenches. Juniors Drew Blaskoski, Nonye Onwuka, and Hunter Nixon are solid candidates to fill the other line positions.
Defensive Line:
This season, the Titans coaching staff has instituted the 3-5 defensive scheme, meaning they will only have three down lineman as opposed to the traditional four. That group features Brandon MacLean, who recorded 21 tackles and 23 assists a year ago. Nonye Onwuka and Cam Everett will also be starters heading into training camp.
Linebackers:
The Titans have high expectations for their linebackers this fall with the switch to the 3-5 Defense. Seniors Bharat Chandu and Jordan Taylor will anchor the group and will be tough to keep away from opposing running backs. Senior Zack Gitzen is a tough player and will provide leadership on defense for the Titans again this year. Look for Frank Simons to also see significant action on the field, along with several younger players who will enter camp fighting for playing time this fall.
Secondary:
The Titans have a solid secondary and this year's group should be able to slow down any passing offense. Senior Bahir Barekzoy anchors the group, after a breakout season in 2005 when he was named to the All-District second team. Brent, Easterling, and Lancaster are expected to start as well.
Kicker:
Always a key position late in games, junior Tommy Kowalick is expected to get most of the kicking duties this season for the Titans.
Key Game:
The Titans play a tough schedule this season, but no game may be bigger than their first district game against Loudoun County. Last season, the Titan's lone district win came over a Raiders team that beat Park View and Heritage. If the Titans can do it again, they may gain enough momentum over the final few weeks to make a deep playoff run.
Extra Point:
This year's senior class is the first group to play all four years at Dominion. Experience and size shouldn't be a problem for the Titans this season, and that could mean big things for how this team could finish. Look for Dominion to surprise some teams this year.
