Training Camp Tour: Loudoun County Raiders
The Loudoun County Raiders were one game away from winning a share of the Dulles District championship last season, but fell just short in the final week of the season. The Raiders had some impressive and unexpected wins last season, and that has many people wondering if they can do it again in 2006. With a new defensive coaching staff and outstanding commitment in the offseason workouts, the Raiders may just be the team to watch out for this fall. We take a look at the Raider's upcoming season by answering 5 key questions.
Can the Raiders replace the production of their 2005 graduated backfield?
If you asked any coach last season about the Raider's offense, they all said the same thing. The Raiders were tough to defend with All Gameday runners Billy Sweeney and Danny Slack. Sweeney and Slack rushed for over 1,000 yards between the two of them, and at times, dominated the tempo of the game. This season, the Raiders are looking for someone to fill their shoes. All indications are that senior Jon Jameson is the guy. Jameson is a tough runner and should pick up where Sweeney and Slack left off. Look for speedster Richard Townes to also get a chance to break some games open with his big play ability. Townes and Jameson may not equal what County had a year ago, but they will come close, and that could be good enough.
What impact will the Raider's new defensive coaches have on Gameday?
Former Potomac Falls head coach Casey Childs and his top assistant Cary Vipond are now roaming the sidelines for the Raiders. Childs is known as a coach that can gameplan effectively against any offense. Vipond is energetic and should keep the defensive unit playing with intensity all season long. These two coaches will help the Raiders play better defense from game one on. Look for County to cause problems for opposing teams with their attacking style of play.
Is this the year County rebounds from the Heritage split of 2001?
Loudoun County was hurt badly when Heritage opened in 2001. The Pride took a good portion of the athletes that were being groomed to take the County program back to glory in the last few years. With decreased numbers, head coach Pat McManus did an outstanding job of keeping the outlook positive while his newly formed cross town rival enjoyed the success he was supposed have. With the continued growth in the county and some much needed time, the program at Loudoun County is on the way back. For the first time in four years, the Raiders will have a freshman class of at least 40 players on the field. Look for the next couple of years to be good for head coach Pat McManus and his staff, as the Raiders finally will get similar numbers on the field like they used to have.
Will the Raiders get enough production out of their quarterback position to win?
Senior Kevin Patterson is the early favorite to be the guy behind center for the Raiders this fall. Patterson is very inexperienced having only thrown a few passes as a varsity quarterback. If Patterson can't get it done, junior Kelly Reimers will be the guy to step in. Reimers is a mobile quarterback who could generate some excitement running the ball as well as throwing.
Can Loudoun County come out of their non-district play with a winning record?
The Raiders play a tough non-district schedule again this season as they face West Virginia foe Musselman in their first game, and then return home to host defending National District champ and rival Loudoun Valley. Briar Woods and Warren County follow before Loudoun County gets into district play in October. If the Raiders can win 2 of their first 4 games, look for this team to gain the confidence it needs to compete for another Dulles District title.
Key Game:
Loudoun County faces Park View on the 3rd of November, one week before the end of the season. This game could have championship storylines if both teams take care of business in the beginning of district play. The Raiders have the Patriots at home and then must travel to Heritage the following week.
Extra Point:
The Raiders only play 4 home games this season, which is odd since most teams play at least 5 or 6 home games. This will be a huge test for this young squad which will be forced to learn how to win on the road this season if they are to win a district championship.
2005 Loudoun County Schedule
Sept 1st @ Musselman
Sept 8th vs Loudoun Valley
Sept 15th @ Briar Woods
Sept 21st @ Warren County
Oct 6th vs Freedom
Oct 13th vs Dominion
Oct 20th @ Potomac Falls
Oct 28th @ Broad Run (Sat)
Nov 3rd vs Park View
Nov 10th @ Heritage
