Training Camp Day 5: Stone Bridge Bulldogs
(ASHBURN,VA) - After falling just short of their first state championship a year ago, the Stone Bridge Bulldogs enter the 2006 season with a hunger and the determination to finish the job this year. Stone Bridge has some of the best talent in the state returning on offense, but the Bulldogs will need to find some new faces to fill some of the voids caused by graduation. With players like quarterback Terence Glenn, lineman Andrew Nuss, and safety Jeron Gouviea, Stone Bridge is in good shape for a second straight championship run.
Head coach Mickey Thompson is excited about this season. "I like the fact that we are playing for championships every year. That makes it fun. We don't want to get ahead of ourselves so our first goal is to win our district, then we'll do our best to make another run at the regional and state championships," Thompson said.
Look for Stone Bridge to be the best team in the Liberty District and also the Northern Region in Division 5 Group AAA football this fall. The question will be, can the Bulldogs get back to the title game and play their best game of the season? We will get a good feel for this team by the 3rd week of the season after Stone Bridge has played West Springfield, Oakton, and Loudoun Valley in consecutive weeks. We take a further look at this team by answering 5 key questions.
How Hungry Are The Players To Win the State Title This Year?
This group of players have been hyped up all over the state of Virginia. Several players like Glenn, Nuss, and Gouveia have been talked about nationally as some of the best in the country. When the press coverage floods into a program like it has this past offseason for Stone Bridge, there is always a chance that egos will get too big. The Bulldogs will need great leadership from their seniors this fall if they are to even have a chance to win another district title, much less a state title. This will be a key factor in the outcome of the season.
What Impact Will Running Back Devon "Ylou" Brown have on the Bulldog Offense?
The running back position was a big question mark after the graduation of Shamar Knight Justice. It won't be any longer with Brown's transfer from Bishop O'Connell High School this summer. Brown has several ACC schools recruiting him after he ran for 1,425 yards last season. Look for his speed and athletic ability to make this offense nearly unstoppable this fall. He could be the player that puts the Bulldogs over the top and on the way to the state title.
How will the addition of Defensive Coach Wayne Todd Affect the Bulldogs Defense?
Todd rejoined the Stone Bridge defensive staff this summer after just coaching baseball at Loudoun Valley in the past few years. He is a fiery coach with good knowledge of the X's and O's. His addition to the staff should help Stone Bridge be much more sound on defense, especially against the pass. Look for Todd's impact to be seen with second year safety Jeron Gouveia. Gouveia is a playmaker and should greatly benefit from having Todd as his secondary coach. This was a key move for head coach Mickey Thompson.
Can The Bulldogs Be 3-0 after their tough non-district schedule?
Stone Bridge has three tough opponents to open the season. West Springfield comes to town on September 8th, Oakton September 15th, and the Bulldogs travel to Loudoun Valley on September 21st. Look for Stone Bridge to play well in the first two games, but keep your eye on the Valley game. The Vikings have given Stone Bridge all they can handle in the past few years, and this year's game should be a classic, and could go either way. Thompson will have his boys ready for this new and heated rivalry.
Can the Bulldogs Get To The Title Game If They Don't Have Home Field Advantage?
Last season, Stone Bridge played every postseason game at their home field except for the State Championship. Bulldog Stadium has been good to the Bulldogs in years past, and the postseason road games haven't. Stone Bridge does have several players returning who shouldn't be intimidated by playing one of the state's best teams on the road. It is very likely that Stone Bridge could meet Hampton again if they advance to the title game in 2006. Hampton is led by the #1 player in Virginia, Tyrod Taylor. The Bulldogs outplayed Taylor and the Crabbers a year ago, but they turned the ball over several times near the Crabber goaline. The closer Stone Bridge can keep that game to home, the better. Bulldog fans I'm sure will be keeping their fingers crossed that weather doesn't play a factor in moving the game to the Beach area like it did a year ago.
Key Game:
When Langley comes to town in early October, the Bulldogs will be in the middle of their district schedule. Langley is projected to be one of the tougher teams in the Liberty District this fall. Stone Bridge can't have any slip-ups if it is to win the district and host the playoffs at home again this season.
Extra Point:
There will be several Thompson's roaming the sidelines this fall at Stone Bridge. Coach Thompson's twin sons Patrick and Zach will be sophomores on the Varsity squad, and have a solid chance to contribute on offense and defense. If this season does end in a state championship, it will be a very special one for Coach Mickey Thompson to share that with his two sons.
2006 Stone Bridge Schedule:
Sept 8 West Springfield
Sept 15 Oakton
Sept 21 @ Loudoun Valley
Sept 29 @ Jefferson
Oct 6 Langley
Oct 13 @ Madison
Oct 20 Mclean
Oct 27 Woodson
Nov 3 @ Marshall
Nov 10 @ South Lakes
All Games Are At 7:30pm
