Gameday Magazine

(Gameday Recap Provided By Titan Insider)

The Dominion Titans dominated the Washington-Lee Generals, in Arlington Thursday night, 27-7 in the season opener for both teams. Dominion's offense was led by Freshman Wingback DeAndre Reaves with 180 yards on 24 carries and 2 touchdowns. Tommy Kowalick added field goals of 30 and 28 yards, and Todd Lancaster scored from 25 yards out on an interception return, to cap the scoring on the night. The Titans ran a tight ball control offense all evening.

The Titan defense simply smothered the General offense all night, holding them to a total of negative 4 yards. The defense was led by Ben Dickerson (2 sacks, 2 pass deflections), Victor Williams (6 solo tackles), and Jonathan Owen (2 INT's). Once again the Titan linebacker corps was impressive, continuously stuffing the run and putting pressure on the General's Quarterback, leading to 3 interceptions.

The Washington & Lee added a late score in this contest, on a 95 yard kick-off return by Mustapha Jammeh.

The Titans have a bye next week and will then host Millbrook on September 14 in their home opener. The Generals travel to Chantilly for a match-up against the Chargers, the 2006 Division 6 runner-up.

Posted by Tom Whipple - Gameday Magazine Senior Editor at 12:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

This story was written by Jessica Lloyd - Gameday Magazine Columnist

WESTFIELD, VA - Bulldog Head Coach Tom Verbanic made one thing very clear to his team in the locker room before Thursday night's game against South County: that it would be the last first game for every senior on the team. Whether driven by that fact alone, or just being pumped for the beginning of the season, the Bulldogs exploded in the first quarter and kept the pressure on the entire game, defeating the Stallions 45-6.

Senior Johnny Pickett returned the opening kickoff, running it halfway up the field in response to the roaring Westfield crowd. A few plays later, senior Brian Kennedy scored to put the Bulldogs up 7-0. After an interception by Westfield senior Kyle Goffredo, Mike Glennon found Johnny Pickett to put the Bulldogs up by two scores.

Glennon then connected with teammate David Kruchko for the 3rd score of the game, and on the next drive, Pickett intercepted a pass and returned it to the South County 18 yard line. Kruchko and Glennon hooked up again before the half to increase the Westfield lead 28-0. Westfield's David Skahn kicked a 42 yard field goal right before half to make the score 31-0.

The Stallions scored in the 3rd quarter but the Bulldogs proved to be too much to handle in the season opener for South County. Glennon added a rushing touchdown to cap off an outstanding night.

With the win, Westfield improves to 1-0 while the South County Stallions fall to 0-1.....

Posted by TCC Sports Staff at 03:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

This Story Was Written By: Jon Roser - Gameday Magazine Columnist

LANGLEY, VA - The Chantilly Charger football team continued their success in the Northern Region by cruising over the Langley Saxons with a 35-13 win. The resurged Chargers are coming off a win in the Northern Region Finals and are just three seasons removed from a winless record. Coach Mike Lalli

Charger running back Torrian Pace scored the first touchdown of the game with a one yard scamper halfway through the 1st quarter. After a Saxon punt Pace upped the Charger lead with another one yard touchdown run that put the score at 14-0 in favor of the Chargers.

The Saxon special teams unit answered with a blocked punt that led to a 38 yard touchdown pass from quarterback Danny Pritchett to fullback Chris Sievers. The score carried the momentum for the Saxons into half time. However, that would be the Saxons only score until late in the 4th quarter when Sievers dashed into the end zone for a one yard touchdown.

Running back Bugsy Urrutia added to the Charger lead with a six yard touchdown run in the third quarter which brought the score to 21-7.

Pace sealed the Charger victory with two 4th quarter touchdown runs, one coming off an interception by the Charger defense with only a minute and a half left to play. Pace accounted for 150 yards out of the Charger 346 total rushing yards.

Even though the Saxons lost, they still had a better passing game then the Chargers. Quarterback Austin Decker only had 24 passing yards to two receivers. The Charger win should take some weight off of Lalli's shoulders, who said in an interview with Gameday TV he was concerned with his team's schedule.

"Yes I am very concerned with my schedule," Lalli said. "It is difficult; we have Langley to open up with. We also have Annandale in game 3 then Edison in game 10."

Edison is coming off a trip to the state finals like the Chargers.

The Chargers finished the game with 370 total offensive yards and one interception.

Posted by Jon Roser - Gameday Magazine Columnist at 01:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

HEDGESVILLE, WV - Having the honor of opening the football season schedule for the Dulles District teams, Briar Woods looked sharp and performed as if they had played several games already in route to a 28-13 win. The Falcons got the scoring started early when Falcon quarterback Alex Munro hit Tim King for a 9 yard touchdown pass in the first quarter. The Falcons then took advantage of a Hedgesville defense that was sleeping on the extra point conversion and converted a two point play to make the score 8-0.

Hedgesville answered the Falcon score with a touchdown run from Tyler McCain on the 1 yard line to bring the score to 8-7. Briar Woods and Hedgesville exchanged blows for most of the remainder of the 2nd quarter until Tim King snagged another Munro touchdown pass, this time from 33 yards out to make the score 15-7 right before the half.

Hedgesville would eventually score again in the 3rd quarter after Jordan Burnett grabbed a touchdown catch, but they failed to convert the 2 point conversion play and the Falcons held onto a 15-13 lead. On the ensuing drive, Briar Woods gave the ball to the speedy Devon Barber and he proceeded to race to the end-zone, putting the Falcons up 22-13 after the extra point conversion. Billy McDonald added a 38 yard touchdown scamper to increase the Falcon lead to 28-13 and Briar Woods left their season opener with a solid victory. After the game, head coach Charlie Pierce was more than excited about his team's performance.

"I'm really happy with the guys. The key was being able to run the ball and stopping the run on defense, and we did that," Pierce said. "The win is a good start, but we have to take things one game at a time and make sure we are ready every week."

With the win, the Falcons improved to 1-0 on the season and will play on the road next week against Millbrook. Hedgesville dropped to 0-1 with the loss.

News and Notes:
Friday's game between Briar Woods and Hedgesville marked the start of the 2007 broadcast season for TCC Sports and the Gameday Radio Network. This fall, the Gameday Radio Network will carry an estimated 80 games and will bring unprecedented coverage of local football games to the online listener...All games will be streamed live and then posted for on-demand listening. We encourage you to tune in and enjoy high school football on the Gameday Radio Network 24/7....

If you would like to send a comment to the Gameday Radio broadcast team, you can do so by e-mail at GamedayMagazine@aol.com....We would love to hear from you!

Story Contribution By Derek Lecomte:

Posted by Andy Hayes - Publisher & Senior Editor at 12:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The Heritage football staff wanted to establish a program would honor the hard work that the football players put in during the off-season. The new program is called the 'IRON LION" and it is an annual award that presented in August every year. The award was determined by a series of events including off-season attendance, agility performance(40 yard dash, broad jump, vertical jump) and core lifts (bench, squat, power clean and deadlift). The competition occurred the last week of summer workouts, July 30 - Aug 6.

The Heritage staff is proud to say the first annual "Iron Lion" recipient is senior Bryan McCarthy. Bryan has come a long way in the last few years. As a freshman, he did not see much playing time on the field and now is a returning starter and expected to be a huge part of our offense and defense. Bryan rarely misses a workout and many of the younger kids look up to him for that. His work ethic is not matched by many people. Not only is it not matched on the field but off the field as well as he brings a 4.0+ gpa into his senior year. Bryan is a kid that you love to coach. We as a staff could not more proud to have Bryan as the first annual winner of the "Iron Lion". Bryan received the iron lion trophy during picture day in a team presentation. A plaque will also be a permanent fixture in the weight room with the annual recipient added to the plaque each year.

Top 3 results of Iron Lion
1. Bryan McCarthy 45 pts
2. David McCarthy 44 pts (sophomore) and younger brother of Bryan
3. Chas Barcelona 43 pts (first member of 1500 lb. club)

Bryan McCarthy's individual results:
Bench - 240 40 time - 4.55 sec.
Squat - 355 Broad Jump - 27"
Clean - 220 Vert Jump - 8'4"
Deadlift - 405 Attendance - 92%

Posted by Andy Hayes - Publisher & Senior Editor at 11:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

FAIRFAX, VA - Before last year, Robinson had absolutely dominated the past decade. Winning five district titles, a region championship, and a state title, the Rams had accumulated a record of 55-6 and had established themselves as a dynasty in the Northern Region. Yet last year that dominance we were so used to seeing from Robinson wasn't there. With a 6-4 record, Robinson was forced to sit out the playoffs for the first time since the 1998 season. Just as odd as it is to see the Yankees not playing in October, it was every bit as strange not to see Robinson competing in the playoffs.

With that in mind, expect head coach Mark Bendorf to put this team back on the right track for 2007. Robinson doesn't lose very often, so don't get used to it. From the seniors on down to the freshmen, this is a collection of players that knows how to win. The seniors on this team were freshmen back when Robinson advanced all the way to the state championship game, and there's nothing that they would love more than to put this program back on top.

What is Robinson's strength in 2007?
Looking at Robinson's front four, it has to be the defense. Derek Qadir, Thomas Schaefer, and Logan Perryman all return for Robinson and they've got the credentials to dominate the line of the scrimmage. They are all well over 225 pounds and over 6-foot-2, which is enough to make their presence fully known. Unfortunately, the linebackers and secondary are all complete newcomers to the defense which could present a problem. Yet seeing as most Concorde teams will feature a run-oriented attack, the advantage is in Robinson's favor.

How bad did graduation affect Robinson?
Graduation has hit Robinson real hard. Aside from losing their linebackers and secondary to graduation, the Rams also lose their entire offensive line, receiving core, and top three running backs. Yet with Robinson, graduating players is never as big a problem as it's made out to be. Bendorf has so much depth and talent to work with, that he can continually churn out successful teams. This year, Bendorf is using a stable of six different backs and he has six tackles fighting for playing time. Other coaches would dream of having numbers like that, but for Robinson, it's a luxury they take full advantage of.

Who will step up for the Rams on offense now that their top three running backs are gone?
Considering Bendorf doesn't just feature one back in his offense, there are a whole host of backs who could step out into the spotlight. As mentioned above, six different backs are being rotated in, so finding one clear-cut back that is better than the rest might be hard to find. Yet the two players who should receive a majority of the carries are Alex Murray and Peter Ferrara. Ferrara is a quick and shifty back who loves to bounce it to the outside, while Murray already has a year of experience under his belt. Also aiding the offense will be quarterback Tim Meier. Starting all ten games his sophomore year, Meier should get the Robinson passing game back this year.

Key Match Up
Taking one look at Robinson's schedule is enough to make any coach shudder. With non-district games against Stone Bridge and DC-power Anacostia, it's clear that Bendorf is out to get his team battle-ready for the Concorde District. The game that Bendorf will most likely want his troops ready for is against Westfield. Bendorf recognizes that Westfield is the clear favorite in the district and he'll definitely want his team fully prepared when he takes on the Bulldogs. With the Westfield game being their first district game of the year, they have a chance to make a statement to the region with a win here.

Extra Point
It's been 17 years since Robinson last missed the playoffs in consecutive years. Robinson will likely make the expanded eight team playoffs, but a stat like that speaks volumes about the strength of this program. So for Robinson to again post a record of 6-4 or worse, it would have to be seen as a disappointment. They are a team right now that is on a mission looking to prove that they are still a force to be reckoned with.

Posted by Derek Lecomte at 11:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Projected Finish:
1. Broad Run (10-0)
2. Park View (9-1)
3. Potomac Falls (7-3)
4. Briar Woods (6-4)
5. Heritage (5-5)
6. Dominion (3-7)
7. Loudoun County (2-8)
8. Freedom (2-8)

Broad Run

Season Outlook: In his second year as headman, Michael Burnett is ready to bring a district title back to Broad Run for the first time since 1991. First-team All-District quarterback Cole Shain returns as play-caller behind an experienced group of beef on the line. Chris Jessop will battle for snaps and could line up at numerous positions because of his playmaking ability. The trio of Tommy Meier, Ryan Diviney, and Adrian Fleming at receiver should provide targets all over the field. With the loss of running backs Clayton Abel and Zach Austin as well as standout wide receiver Adrian Mines, the Spartans need a playmaker to emerge and spark a potentially dangerous attack. A young defense a year ago, the Spartans bring back talent and depth- especially at the linebacker position. With the return of Dustin Locasio and Kenny McAdow in the middle and Sam Sadie, Jake Muth, and Billy Rocca on the outside, the defense figures to be stout against both the run and the pass. All-District defensive lineman George Black will put heat on opposing quarterbacks and give offenses problems all season long. Sixteen seasons without a district championship is far too long for the Spartan Nation. The boys from Broad Run High are hungry and ready to make a name for themselves not only in the area, but also throughout the state.

Key Game: (11/9) vs. Park View. After Park View ended Broad Run's season in dramatic fashion, the Spartans are ready to prove they're the team to beat in the Dulles District. The last game of the regular season could set up a showdown for the Dulles District Championship and a ticket to the postseason.

Stars on the Rise: Chris Jessop showed potential last year late in the season and could do big things for the Spartan offense this year. Whether it's behind center or split out wide, Coach Burnett will find ways to get the ball in Jessop's hands, allowing him to make plays with his feet as well as his arm.

Strengths and Weaknesses: Hard work and experience will prove the difference for the Spartans late in games, but who will step up and make the big plays when needed?

Quote from coach: "Big team, little me"

Park View

Season Outlook: After tearing through the Dulles District, the Park View Patriots ended their season in heart breaking fashion with a last second loss to the Louisa Lions. The post-Dudinski era is full of questions, but don't expect anything less from the Patriots in the 2007/2008 season. Despite losing big names such as Dudinski and Barns, Park View is returning a handful of starters from last year's squad that are hungrier than ever to make a push deep into the postseason. Look for C.J. Leizear to distribute the ball to receivers Ryan Pick, Danny Foley, and tight end Kenny Smith. On the ground Eric Johnston and Thomas Mulabah will share touches. A combination of size and speed, this duo will give opposing defenses fits. Four starters return on the offensive line to solidify an already explosive offense. All State defensive lineman Thomas Mulabah returns as a force in the middle and should be even better in his senior campaign. Linebackers Eric Johnston, Nash Cook, David Revsbeck, and Derrick Davenport will provide big pieces for a defense that lost a lot of star power from a year ago. Despite huge losses to graduation, the Park View Patriots will once again be right in the mix for the Dulles District Championship. With a core of hard workers coming back the Patriots have the experience and weapons to do big things. IF the offense can get rolling early, watch for the Patriots to have a season similar to their last. It's Leizear's time to shine and the Patriots will ride his leadership and playmaking ability to success in the 2007/2008 season.

Key Game: (10/12) vs. Potomac Falls. The Patriots travel to Potomac Falls High School in an early district match up that will set the tone for the remainder of the season. A win gives the Patriots hope to repeat as district champs. A loss has Park View playing to survive with four district games remaining.

Stars on the Rise: Junior tight end Kenny Smith will be a force in the Patriot passing attack, as he has tools to wreak havoc in the Dulles District for the next two seasons.

Strengths and Weaknesses: Offensive options and experience behind center will have the Patriots putting up big numbers. Will new faces on defense mesh and make enough plays to give the offense a chance?

Quote from Coach: "If they embrace an enthusiastic and resilient attitude, they will become great players and our season will go well."

Potomac Falls

Season Outlook: Last year, which was thought to be a rebuilding season, turned out to be a coming out party for first year Coach Woodlief and the Potomac Falls Panthers. The Panthers ended their season 7-3 (4-1 in the district), but were not in position to win the district championship in the final game of the season. An earlier loss to the Park View Patriots dashed any hopes at the post season. Now in his second year, Coach Woodlief has players believing in his system, which could lead to even bigger things in 2007. Returning at quarterback, Greg Woodlief will lead the way for the Panther offense in his junior campaign. Woodlief will look for receiver Chad McMichael to stretch the field and make big plays in the passing game. Justin Farrell will carry the load in the backfield to give the Panthers a balanced attack. Defensively, the Panthers excelled last year and should continue their dominance with the return of two-year starter Ryan Mehalic. Mehalic, a linebacker, will be a leader in the huddle and a force in the center of the field. Replacing Dulles District Defensive Player of the Year Blaise Ruffin will be a challenge, but look for new faces to jump right in and prove difference makers. With plenty of talent returning and experience gained from a year ago, the Panthers should again succeed in the Dulles District. The defense should again be a tough bunch that challenges offenses every Friday night. If the offense can make plays and give their defense time to rest, the Panthers could make a run at the district title.

Key Game: (9/28) vs. Heritage. The Panthers travel to Leesburg to play the Pride in their first district game of the year. Heritage struggled late last year but has the athletes to give anyone a game. This game will test the Panther defense and set the tone for the rest of the way.

Stars on the Rise: Junior quarterback Greg Woodlief will be a year better and should emerge as a top play caller in the district. With a year under his belt, Woodlief has the experience to do big things for the Panther offense.

Strengths and Weaknesses: Good athletes and a tough defensive scheme will give offenses trouble all year. However, the offense may still struggle to put points on the board.

Quote from Coach: "The players have bought into what we are trying to do and that is the first step to success."

Briar Woods

Season Outlook: The Falcons soar into the season full of enthusiasm after the promising commencement of their varsity program in 2006. Now in their second year, Briar Woods is expecting nothing less than a championship. With a strong nucleus of players returning, the Falcons will definitely shake things up in the Dulles District. Big-time quarterback Alex Monroe is back with his two favorite targets, Tim King and Devon Barber, and is ready to put up big numbers. King has the size and athletic ability to go up and take away any ball. His presence will also be felt on the defensive side of that ball at free safety. Barber, a speedy wide out and return man, can break a game open any time he touches the ball. He will also be a shutdown corner to help solidify the defense. J.T. Bailey will see the majority of touches in the backfield and is a solid second option in an already explosive attack.

Key Game: (9/28) vs. Broad Run. The first ever district game for the Falcons against a talented Spartan squad. Is Briar Woods ready for the Dulles District?

Stars on the Rise: Despite an air raid of an offensive attack, rising junior J.T. Bailey has a chance to break out as a force on the ground. The Falcons will use the pass to set up the run. Watch for Bailey to make the most of his opportunities.

Strengths and Weaknesses: Talent and speed in key offensive and defensive positions will be a strongpoint for a young Falcons team. A tough district schedule might give the Falcons a tougher time than expected.

Heritage

Season Outlook: After sharing the district title in 2005 Heritage slipped up in 2006, finishing in the bottom half of the district standings. Turnovers and a lack of strong leadership caused a promising team to spiral downward. After ending the season with a decisive win over crosstown rival Loudoun County, the Pride are ready to return to their winning ways in '07. Returning at quarterback, senior Kyle Nelson will lead the way on offensive. Ross Madison will be asked to handle the load on the ground and needs to be productive to take some heat off of Nelson. Darius Tibbs and Curtis Rustin should provide Nelson with options down the field. Linebackers Nick Cadwell and Russel East will anchor the center of the field while down lineman Bryan McCarthy and Chas Barcelona stuff the run. With big time players like Zak Burkhard and Bobby Edmonds gone to graduation, the Pride will look for new faces to step up and do big things. If Heritage can give Nelson protection, allowing him to step up in the pocket and deliver to his receivers downfield, the offense should be tough to stop. The run game will be more consistent and the defense will keep Heritage competitive through a tough district schedule.

Key Game: (9/19) vs. Potomac Falls. The Pride play host to the Panthers of Potomac Falls in the first district contest of the year for both teams. Heritage needs a big win to gain momentum and stay in the hunt for a district championship.

Stars on the Rise: Ross Madison will be the man in the backfield for Heritage in 2007. With a revamped offensive line, Madison will have time to pick his way through opposing defenses on his way to a big season.

Strengths and Weakness: Improvements on the offensive line will give Heritage a more productive running attack and will allow Nelson time to find his receivers. With no proven playmakers on either side of the ball, who will step up in big games?

Quote from Coach: "We feel that our leadership and strength and conditioning improvement has brought our team together in the off season and that needs to transfer to the field."

Dominion

Season Outlook: The Dominion Titans took a step in the right direction last year with big district wins over Loudoun County and Heritage. The Titans will build from their success last year and strive to take the Dulles District crown. With many starters returning for the 2007 season, the Titans are looking to be even better. The defense should be the strong point for Dominion with seven starters returning. With the schools biggest graduating class since its opening, the Titans are expecting big things. At quarterback there is a two-person battle between Jon Owens and Geoff Mcowatt. Todd Lancaster, Victor Williams, Chad Ward, and Henry Lobo are all competing for touches in the backfield. Receivers Ben Dickerson, Casave Easterling, and Aaron Good will give the eventual quarterback options down the field. Seven starters return on the defensive side of the ball and will be a force to deal with. Onwuka, an All District selection at defensive tackle, will play a big part in stopping the run. Victor Williams and Todd Lancaster will be back in the secondary to eliminate big plays through the air. Rank Simons, Chad Ward, Marcus Waller, Josh Beaver, and Anthony Bartolotti will all see time at linebacker. With the lack of depth at many positions, it will be crucial for the Titans to remain healthy and competitive. The Titans could achieve a lot of success if they stay healthy. With a small taste of victory in the district, Dominion wants more than ever to make a statement.

Key Game: (10/19) vs. Heritage. Last year Dominion went to Heritage and beat them on their homecoming weekend. Heritage will be out for revenge, but Dominion's defense will have something to prove.

Stars on the Rise: Wide Receiver Aaron Good has the chance to play a big role in the Titan offense. He should provide big target and suitable option for the potential quarterback.

Strengths and Weaknesses: The defense is tough and experienced, but who will emerge as the quarterback and leader in the offensive huddle?

Loudoun County

Season Outlook: After ending last season without a victory the Loudoun County Raiders have made a coaching change and are ready to return to their winning ways. Despite a young team the Raiders will challenge the district with a mix of older leaders and skilled underclassmen. Look for the Raiders to turn things around in the 2007/2008 season and start building a strong program for years to come. Senior quarterback Kelly Reimers will have to master the new offense and lead the troops if Loudoun County wants to become a serious contender. Mike Howard will carry the ball for the Raiders with big shoes to fill. With the loss of Jon Jameson the Raiders will count on Howard to be a success on the ground. Joe Bushrod and Jack Lewis will be two targets for Reimers through the air. Seniors Eric Kolodziej and Soban Ansari will be the leaders on defense. Returning defensive backs Tim Mclister and Joe Bushrod will bring experience and toughness. Linebacker Chase Williams should be big in the center of the field and Teddy Orrison will disrupt the quarterback off the end. Defensive tackle James Sullivan should also be solid on the line. The Raiders can only improve from a year ago. With a new coach and a fresh start the Raiders should be rearing to go. They will have to deal with a new system and a different style of play. Depending on how bad the team really wants to turn things around will show early in the season. The Raiders will gain experience as the season progresses and should have the ship sailing in the right direction.

Key Game: (8/31) vs. Musselman. The first game for the Loudoun County Raiders and first year coach Todd Hill should preview the rest of the season. The game will show Coach Hill where the Raiders are as a team and the direction they need to move to.

Stars on the Rise: Chase Williams and Teddy Orrison are two young players that will showcase their abilities on the defensive side of the ball for the Raiders.

Strengths and Weaknesses: New start and enthusiasm should keep the Raiders in games. Inexperience could make things difficult early.

Quote from Coach: "If we improve our skill level then our overall team productivity will increase, which will hopefully result in wins."

Freedom

Season Outlook: In their first varsity season, the Freedom Eagles finished 4-6 and contended in eight of their ten games. Freedom lost 19 seniors to graduation and will look to replace versatile running back Ron Hill. With a full Dulles District schedule ahead of them, the Eagles are looking forward to making a name for their selves. Silverlock is a powerful back that should play a big part in the Eagles offensive success. Luke Bratton is the leading candidate for the quarterback position after coming up from junior varsity. T.J. Mizell is a bruising fullback as well as a defensive lineman and linebacker. Ron Cambell should be the main option through the air. Jeremy Farah is a leader on defense and a big hitter at linebacker. Tayloe, Beckam, Jackson, and Murry will play down in the trenches. The defense is focusing on stopping the run with the front seven and shutting down the big play with Silverlock and Assadi locking down the other team's top players. The Eagles are excited for the upcoming season and cannot wait for their shot at the Dulles District. In order for them to be successful, they need to get rolling early and build confidence heading into district play. With a potent offense and a determined defense, the Eagles have a shot to make things real interesting.

Key Game: (8/31) vs. Broadway. The first game of the season for the Freedom Eagles will show who can carry the load. Good competition will show coach who is ready for the tough district schedule in front of them and who is not.

Stars on the Rise: Only a junior, T.J. Mizell might be the toughest runner in the district. Mizell plays both sides of the ball and is a load to tackle or block.

Strengths and Weaknesses: With a full Dulles District schedule ahead, the Eagles will be excited to play tough competition. However, this might be too much for a young Eagle team.

Posted by Adam Luhmann - Gameday Magazine Columnist at 02:53 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

1. Mike Glennon, Pro-style Quarterback, 4 Stars
Rivals250, Rivals.com pro-style quarterback (5), Virginia Top 30 (5)
Westfield
Ht: 6-foot-6
Wt: 194 lbs.
Forty: 4.9 secs.

Glennon is a towering 6-foot-6 prospect with all the tools needed to succeed at the next level. His strong arm and accuracy may be his best asset, but his height is what has attracted recruiters from across the nation. At 194 pounds, Glennon might be a bit lanky, but he is extremely coordinated for his height. His status has skyrocketed since hitting the combine circuit and he is currently ranked as the fifth-best pro-style quarterback in the nation. Glennon, whose older brother Sean is the starting quarterback at Virginia Tech, was recently selected to compete in the prestigious Elite 11 quarterback camp. Glennon has committed to NC State after receiving offers from fourteen different schools.

2. James Bennett, Offensive tackle, 3 stars
Rivals.com offensive tackles (47), Virginia Top 30 (18)
West Potomac
Ht: 6-foot-8
Wt: 270 lbs.
Forty: 4.9 secs.

Standing at 6-foot-8 and 270-pounds, Bennett is hard to miss. For college coaches, it is Bennett's play that makes him stand out even more. Bennett dominates the line of scrimmage and has not given up a sack during his two years as a starter at West Potomac. Athleticism is Bennett's key attribute and he has indicated that he would like to be involved in a wide-open offense rather than evolve into 350-pound bookend tackle in a pro-style offense. Bennett is keeping his options open at this point, but West Virginia, Michigan, Virginia Tech, Virginia, and Penn State are among those pursuing Bennett the strongest.

3. Ben Barber, Wide Receiver, 3 stars
Rivals.com Wide Receivers (97), Virginia Top 30 (25)
Edison
Ht: 5-foot-10
Wt: 200 lbs.
Forty: 4.5 secs.

No one made a bigger splash onto the recruiting scene last year than Barber. In leading his team to a Northern Region title and state championship appearance, he instantly grabbed the attention from college coaches everywhere. With his playmaker status, soft hands, and 4.5 speed, Barber has become an attractive prospect for coaches. Not only is Barber a big-play receiver, but he makes those big plays in big games. In the region and state championship games, Barber combined for 241 yards on 18 receptions. His relative lack of height may have scared off some schools, but he currently holds offers from Virginia, Virginia Tech, and Maryland.

4. Jeron Gouveia, Athlete
Virginia Top 30 (27)
Stone Bridge
Ht: 6-foot-2
Wt: 180 lbs.
Forty: 4.6 secs.

As a three-year starter for powerhouse Stone Bridge, Gouveia made quite a name for himself as a hard hitting safety. Last year, he was able to make an even bigger statement when he found success running and catching the ball. What makes him so successful--regardless of where he is on the field-- is that Gouveia possesses a natural feel for the game. His aggressiveness makes that readily apparent, and his stats back it up. Maryland, Virginia, Penn State, and Notre Dame were all after Gouveia's services. Though, after Virginia Tech offered, he committed just hours later. Tech plans to use Gouveia as a safety in their attacking style of defense, which fits him perfectly.

5. Darryl Hamilton, Cornerback
Centreville
Ht: 5-foot-8
Wt: 178 lbs.
Forty: 4.6 secs.

Despite standing only 5-foot-8, Hamilton might have more raw athleticism out of any prospect on this list. Being a four-year starter at cornerback for Centreville, it is quite obvious Hamilton has the football skills to go along with his athletic prowess. Aside from being a shut-down cornerback, Hamilton showed he is the complete package by managing to lead his team with 120 tackles last year despite playing in the secondary. Notre Dame, Syracuse, and a majority of the ACC schools have started to recruit Hamilton, but Virginia has been the only one to offer. NC State and North Carolina rate Hamilton high and are likely to offer, but don't expect a commitment until the year is over.

6. Josh Wells, Running back
West Potomac
Ht: 5-foot-8
Wt: 175 lbs.
Forty: 4.4 secs

Wells has landed on a lot of coach's radar screens, but has traveled in stealth mode to get there. He initially made a name for himself when he rushed for over 1,600 yards in only eight games en-route to a co-district championship. Yet it was not until every major school on the East Coast was looking at tape of teammate and top prospect James Bennett that Wells immediately caught the eyes of coaches. What they noticed was a lightning-quick running back that hit the hole with precision and was deadly in the open field. After turning in a 4.39 forty time at the Penn State combine, Wells left an even more deep-seated impression. Virginia Tech, Virginia, Clemson, and Michigan State are currently in the hunt for Wells.

7. Thomas Mulabah, Defensive tackle
Virginia Top 30 (29)
Park View
Ht: 6-foot-0
Wt: 278 lbs.
Forty: 4.9 secs.

As a defensive tackle, Mulabah is extremely explosive and agile. He may not be the tallest prospect at his position, but his strength and speed are deadly. Mulabah maxes out at an incredible 700 pounds in the squat and he explodes off of the line of scrimmage. Those two factors have coaches drooling over the Park View prospect. Registering an unheralded 46 tackles for loss and 12 sacks, Mulabah is every bit the playmaker as he is a run-stopper. Virginia Tech and Maryland are recruiting Mulabah the strongest, but he currently holds no scholarship offers. How well he performs in front of the Virginia Tech and Maryland coaching staffs during their camps will determine whether or not Mulabah receives a scholarship.

8. Scott Williams, Wide receiver
West Springfield
Ht: 6-foot-3
Wt: 185 lbs.

Williams is a receiver comparable to Randy Moss or Terrell Owens, except he has an attitude that would make Mother Theresa jealous. Like NFL stars Moss and Owens, the 6-foot-3 Williams provides an excellent target for any quarterback. His hands might as well be magnetic, because there are not too many balls this wide receiver misses. Williams might lack the speed of fellow top prospect Ben Barber, but Williams runs precise routes and can catch nearly anything thrown his way. His 54 catches for 983 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns are evidence of that. Virginia, West Virginia, Marshall, and Temple are all currently recruiting Williams.

9. Harry Kehs, Tight end
Madison
Ht: 6-foot-3
Wt: 239 lbs.
Forty: 4.9

Rounding out the set of linemen in the Elite 10 is Kehs. Yes, despite being listed as a tight end, Kehs is really more of a lineman. In fact, several coaches have discussed the possibility of bulking up Kehs and using him as a lineman at the next level. Playing the role of a blocking tight end, Kehs does a great job of doing just that: blocking. Coaches like his one-on-one ability that has attracted the likes of Virginia Tech, Virginia, and Penn State, with his lone offer coming from Air Force.

10. Andrew Morgan, Inside linebacker
Centreville
Ht: 6-foot-0
Wt: 230 lbs.
Forty: 4.7 secs

Morgan is as tough as they come in this business, and that is why so many coaches love watching him compete. He is the prototypical blue-collar athlete who will grind out the tough yards at fullback and knock someone back at linebacker. Though Morgan can eat up carries and shoulder the rushing load at fullback, he's being recruited mainly as a linebacker. Speed and agility might be weak points, but his high football IQ and smash-mouth style of play still makes Morgan a force to be reckoned with on the field. He is currently receiving interest from Tennessee, Virginia Tech, Virginia, and West Virginia.

Honorable Mention:

Donnell Carpenter (Centreville, Safety) - A player with a ton of raw athleticism, there is tremendous upside with this Centreville prospect. With all the necessary tools already in place, a solid performance on the football field in 2007 could deliver a scholarship.

Drew Baldwin (Edison, Wide receiver) - This speedy wide-out is just as dangerous as teammate Ben Barber. Has soft hands and great route-running ability, not to mention a tremendous work ethic. With a successful 2007 season, his stock should skyrocket.

Will Wilson (Langley, Offensive line) - Massive lineman that already holds offers from Navy, Army, and Air Force. Has been a mainstay on Langley's line for all four years of high school.

Josh Vallejos (West Springfield, Wide Receiver) - After being chosen as Peter Lalich's wide receiver at the Elite 11 camp in California, Vallejos was the one wowing coaches with his precise route-running ability and soft hands. Currently receives interest from Arizona, UTEP, New Mexico, and New Mexico St.

Brian Kennedy (Westfield, Running back) - Despite being only 5-foot-7, Kennedy is quite durable. Height may limit Kennedy, but he should receive a considerable amount of interest.

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STEPHENS CITY, VA - TCC Sports is excited to announce that Sherando High School Football will air live each week on the Gameday Radio Network online at www.GamedayMagazine.com. The Warriors are fresh off a 10-0 regular season a year ago and are the defending Northwest District champions.

Sherando will feature two of the best players in the state, and quite possibly the country, with junior quarterback Ross Metheny and senior lineman Joey Christine. Both players were All-Gameday a year ago and figure to give the Warrior fans plenty of highlights in 2007.

Having the Warriors join the Gameday Radio Network will allow Gameday's reach to extend to the Winchester market, and according to TCC Sports owner Andy Hayes, this was a perfect time for all parties involved.

"Sherando is set after a tremendous season a year ago to go on a run for the next few years, so featuring them on our network just adds to the exciting content we have lined up," Hayes said." "In addition, the fan base at Sherando is notorious for being as passionate and as crazy about their football as anyone in the state, which I am personally excited about witnessing this year."

In addition to every game this season being broadcast online on the Gameday Radio Network, TCC Sports will also produce a weekly 30-minute show with Sherando head football coach Bill Hall. Hall will appear each week on "The Warrior Zone" to discuss the last week's game, and break down the upcoming opponents.

Sherando becomes the 5th high school football program this fall to join the Gameday Radio Network lineup with more anticipated in the coming days. For more information on Sherando football on the Gameday Radio Network, please call 571-233-8696....

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FAIRFAX, VA - For the football program at Fairfax High, making the transition from the Liberty District into the Concorde hasn't been easy. As a program, they've taken some bumps and bruises along the way while getting some flat-out bad luck. But who can blame them? Going up against five programs that have all won a state title in the past ten years is no walk in the park, so as a result Fairfax's record has taken a beating the past two years. Their overall record since joining the Concorde two years ago is a paltry 2-18 and 0-12 in the district.

But throw out all those records and misfortunes this program has had out the window. There's a new man in charge and he's looking to change everything about this program. His name is Chris Haddock and he's already gotten this program on the right track without even playing a game.

What exactly does Haddock bring to this program?
Haddock is the type of coach that knows how to win. He won a state title with Chantilly in 1996 and he's been coaching in the Concorde ever since he got out of college. Everything significant that has happened in this district, Haddock has been through. He's almost like a Concorde District historian. He knows what can cause a team to lose and what exactly is needed to win. So the first thing Haddock did when he took over this program is raid the halls for talent. From P.E. class to AP Statistics, he spoke to everyone he could to try and convince them to be a part of his program. He now has over 120 kids from grades 10-12 while he has a freshmen team comprised of 70 kids. With numbers like those, he has already put himself on even ground with the traditional powers.

Who will stand out this year for the Rebels?
Luckily for Haddock, two of his biggest playmakers return in seniors Peter Miller and CJ Robertson at running back. They both might be a little undersized, but they sure can fly. When they're in the open field, look out because that's when they can be the most dangerous. Haddock will be asking both of standout running backs to go both ways in order to maximize their talents. Also look for Mike Kim and Iogi Lewis to factor into the offense quite a bit as well.

Will this be the year Fairfax can finally win a Concorde District game?
The odds are stacked against them, but they certainly can manage one win. They nearly shocked the world last year when they were leading Robinson by a touchdown in the second quarter. So it's certainly not out of the realm to think that they can't manage to pull off an upset. If there was a time and a place to get their first win however, it would be on October 5th when Herndon comes into town on Fairfax's homecoming.

Can Fairfax be the next Chantilly?
There is no reason why not. Fairfax in the 90's was one of the more prominent programs in the region before falling off, so the talent and potential is certainly there, it's just a matter of making it all work. With Haddock getting 70 freshmen to come out, he's already laid the foundation and accomplished step #1. Now it's about continuing to get the best athletes to be a part of the program and getting them to buy into Haddock's winning philosophy. If he can do that now with this freshmen group, you can guarantee Haddock will have this program back on the map in a couple of years.

Key Match Up
Every school has that one big rival they hate to lose to and for Fairfax, that team is Woodson. Yet it just so happens that they play their rival on the opening week of the season, so the game is even bigger. If Fairfax can send Woodson home with a loss, they'll be starting off the Haddock era on the right foot. Winning a big rivalry game like this one can give teams all sorts of momentum, and that couldn't be truer in this case. The Rebels could possibly be looking at a .500 record with an opening day win against Woodson.

Extra Point
Fairfax ended last year on quite a sour note. They were shut out for the final five games of the year, and that's something that doesn't sit too well with Haddock. So for this year, he's made it well known that he will have his squad ready to compete on any given Friday night. He wants to erase the losing mentality where his team is seen as inferior to the other Concorde powers. And if his team is overmatched, he'll still have them playing for the full 48 minutes. Changing the landscape of Fairfax football is what Haddock is hoping to accomplish, and he's already gotten off to great start.

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Over the last decade, the Edison Eagles have been a force in the Northern Region. Yet prior to last season, they haven't been able to get over that one final hurdle and win a region title. The Eagles have had great players, numerous district titles, but for whatever reason they couldn't win the ever-so important region championship.

But that was before 2006, the year that the Eagles sent shockwaves throughout Northern Virginia. It all started with an upset of second-seeded Yorktown on the road, setting them up for another shot at the ever-so elusive region title. Up against the juggernaut that is the Stone Bridge football program, the Eagles came into Ashburn and stole the show. They limited the high-flying Stone Bridge offense to 17 points--well below their 42.4 average--while posting 31 points on a stingy Bulldog defense. Yet Edison didn't stop there. They put on a clinic down in Henrico County after beating Deep Run 20-3, which put them only one game away from capturing a state title.

Despite falling to Phoebus in the state championship game, it was still quite clear that this program had arrived. Turning the corner from contender to favorite, all eyes are on Edison in 2007 and with so many key players returning, this comes as no surprise.

Just how good is Edison?
Very, very, good. Their top two receivers Ben Barber and Drew Baldwin return as well as running back Kevin Carter. Barber is one of the most electrifying players in the state as he can change the whole momentum of a game. When defenses try to shut down Barber with a double-team from the safety, it only opens up the door for Baldwin and Carter to shine. This is a team that is so multi-dimensional that they can beat you from anywhere on the field.

So we know the offense can play, but what about the defense?
This is what worries head coach Vaughn Lewis the most. He loses nearly all of his defensive line, namely Jamil Robinson and James Pratt as well as linebackers Mihail Maksic and Chuck Jackson. A lot of holes need to be filled on the defense, but luckily for Lewis is that he has linebacker Stephon Robertson. Robertson led the state last year in tackles with 157 as a sophomore. Robertson is not only one of the best defensive players in the state, but as just a junior, he is already regarded as a leader. These kinds of players are a rare breed, so this is certainly a player that can take this defense a long way.

Who will replace Shawn Lloyd at quarterback?
The person whose responsibility it is to replace nearly 3,000 yards of offense and 25 touchdowns is senior Branden Suggs. He's progressed real well so far, and that's what is vital for Edison to succeed. Lloyd the centerpiece to last year's offense as he could successfully deliver the ball to Barber or Baldwin on demand. In order to repeat the success last year's offense had, Suggs will need to do his best Shawn Lloyd impression on the football field.

What is holding Edison back from repeating as National District and Northern Region Division 5 champs?
While a lot of important players on the defense have graduated as well as their star quarterback, the biggest gaping hole on this team in the offensive line. The entire offensive line graduated, so that is a huge concern. Lewis is confident in several of his linemen, but getting all of them to play on the same page may take some time. This could come back to haunt them against some of the bigger teams in the region.

Key Match Up
On November 2nd, Northern Region fans will get a treat. Division 6 champ Chantilly will travel out to Alexandria to face the Division 5 champ Eagles. Both squads return a lot of talent, so when these two meet, it will not only be a showcase event, but a lot could be at stake.

Extra Point
Of the four Northern Region Division 5 playoff teams last year, they all lost a large majority of their starters--except for Edison. The Eagles have a great opportunity to repeat as region champs, something that hasn't happened since 1998 when West Potomac accomplished the feat with a 42-8 victory over Park View.

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ASHBURN, VA - Less than 3 miles separate Broad Run and Stone Bridge High School, but in the past 7 years, the success of each football program has been even further apart. But that could be changing. The Spartans were eager to prove they could match Stone Bridge's athleticism and toughness. While the Bulldogs made a few more big plays on offense, the Spartans showed the home crowd that they are close to turning the corner to compete every year for district championships, and possibly much more.

It was evident early that this scrimmage was a much bigger deal to the kids at Broad Run than at Stone Bridge, and rightly so. The Spartans are hungry to prove they belong in the same class with their cross town rival, despite playing on the Group AA level while Stone Bridge plays up at the Group AAA level.

In what looks like a pattern that will stick during the regular season, senior Cole Shain and junior Chris Jessop split time and reps at quarterback. Jessop threw a nice 35 yard touchdown strike, while Shain looked sharp moving the team down the field with several crisp passes. Head coach Michael Burnett was optimistic about his team after watching them perform against the Bulldogs tonight.

"I thought we played physical tonight. Stone Bridge is one of the best teams in the state, and we were physical with them tonight," Burnett said. "We have a long way to go, but we did some good things tonight."

The Bulldogs looked explosive on offense with senior Jeron Gouveia busting a long touchdown run early in the scrimmage. Gouveia and teammates Daniel Allen and Kareem Alexander will be dynamic this season. Allen and Alexander looked like mirror images of the graduated Devon Brown, who rushed for 29 touchdowns a year ago.

Stone Bridge looked big and strong in the trenches and their running game had success against both Broad Run and Falls Church. The Bulldogs will need to continue to evaluate their quarterback position as none of the players competing for the starting job separated themself from the others.

Overall, the scrimmage featuring Ashburn's two largest high schools was long overdue. Hopefully we will see a time in the near future when Broad Run and Stone Bridge play each other every year once again. For now, we will just have to settle for a preseason scrimmage, but the good news is, both teams looked like they will have very successful seasons in 2007.

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CENTREVILLE, VA - When you want to look for the best talent in the Northern Region, go to Centreville. They've produced a whopping 11 Division I players in the past five years and that's not even counting the numerous players who are playing at the Division I-AA level. Yet unfortunately for Centreville, they've been unable to convert that talent into success recently. They haven't made the playoffs in two years and it's been six years since they last won a playoff game.

But don't confuse those statistics with how good Centreville really is. This is one of the most respected programs in the Northern Region, and for good reason. Aside from their ability to produce top-notch talent, they are still the only program to have ever won three straight region titles. Not to mention their winning percentage over the past ten years is an astronomical .770. Needless to say, regardless of the Wildcats recent playoff mishaps, this is a feared team.

How will the resignation of Mike Skinner affect Centreville?
In terms of winning, it won't affect them at all. But in terms of appearance, they'll look completely different. For starters, defensive coordinator Gerry Pannoni is now the head coach while Skinner took his place as the defensive coordinator. Pannoni did a complete overhaul of the offense where he is now instituting a midline option as opposed to running the no-huddle single-wing offense. What we see from Centreville this year will be completely different than in years past.

Who benefits the most from the midline option?
In reality, everyone will benefit from this offense. But the one guy who has to be licking his chops is Andrew Morgan. Morgan is as tough as they come and what he does best is run through defenses like a truck. The midline option will give him that opportunity as he should get plenty of carries through the middle. The more carries Morgan gets, then the better off this offense is.

How will the defense fare with Skinner in charge?
Very well. Skinner at the time of his resignation last year had the highest winning percentage among active coaches. He didn't win so many games by accident either. Skinner knows how to coach and asking him to only focus only on the defense is a huge bonus for that side of the ball. He has top-prospect Darryl Hamilton to work with in the secondary along with Donnell Carpenter and Brett Miller at linebacker. And if there's something the past ten years can teach us about Skinner, it's that he works extremely well when given the talent.

Is this finally the year?
Why not? The talent is certainly there. On defense, there are several standouts, namely Hamilton, who can change the complexion of a game. Then on offense, there's Morgan who is like a high-school version of Mike Alstott. The offensive and defensive lines have the necessary big horses to contend and the coaching is superb. There isn't any real good excuse as to why the Wildcats can't win the district or region title.

Key Match Up
For one Friday night a year 10,000 people flock to go and see Westfield and Centreville square off against each other. This newly born rivalry is already deep-rooted in hate, pranks, and town bragging rights. For Centreville, no game carries as much importance and after losing to them for five consecutive years, they are more than hungry for a win. With this game being played the last game of the season, the winner of this heated rivalry is also receiving a ton of momentum as they head into the playoffs.

Extra Point
While everyone focuses on Skinner stepping down as head coach, the real attention should be turned to Pannoni. Everywhere he's been, he has managed to win. He first inherited an 0-10 Lee team and won a district title with them a few years later. Then at Woodson, a program with no proud history or tradition, he guided them to their first region title. Now Pannoni inherits a program that is renowned for producing the top talent every year. If history serves us right, we can expect Pannoni do some pretty big things with this program.

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LEESBURG, VA - Coaches often speak of learning how to overcome adversity, how to persevere, and how to get up when you get knocked down. Last year's Loudoun County Raider team knows all about this kind of coach speak after finishing a miserable 0-10. At the conclusion of the season, former head coach Pat McManus stepped down, and athletic director Ken Wright aggressively looked for the type of coach that could revive his tradition rich football program.

In came Todd Hill, a successful former head football coach who was acting athletic director at Handley High School. Hill has been out of coaching for 6 years after some bad knee injuries forced him from the sidelines at Handley to the administrative offices. Just before practice started this August, we noticed that Hill had a little extra hop in his step at our Gameday Media Day. Hill was beaming like a kid who just got his first bike on christmas morning when asked how he felt about his return to coaching.

"I haven't slept a whole lot in the last few weeks because I've been so excited," Hill said.

Hill's first challenge was to change the mindset at Loudoun County after a winless season last fall.

"The first thing we needed to do was teach the kids to believe they could be successful," Hill said. "The second thing we had to do was instill discipline in the kids. They had to make sure they followed the rules and met our expectations. We told them that if they did those two things, good things would happen for them."

So far the enthusiasm and attitude of the football team at Loudoun County has been impressive. The Raiders put the time in the weight room in the off-season with over 45 players showing up for workouts every day. That work ethic has Hill excited about what might transpire this fall on the field.

"We have some kids that are willing to work hard, and they have done a great job to this point," Hill said. "We are ready to put the helmets on and see what we can do this year."

With the start of the 2007 season less than two weeks away, the Raiders are hungry to restore the pride and tradition that their program has enjoyed over the years. Hill however wants to take things slow and do the little things necessary for long term success.

"We are going to be extremely young, but our kids are energetic and hard working," Hill said. "We are trying to take baby steps and set short term goals, and make sure we are working hard. So far it has gone very well."

The Raiders will be more competitive this year and will most likely grab that much needed first win in two years early in the season. However, if the Raiders are going to contend for more, they must answer the following questions.

Can Reimers Carry The Raider Offense?
Senior Kelly Reimers returns at the quarterback position this season after posting some impressive stats a year ago as a junior. Reimers is a good running quarterback but has struggled in the past throwing the football. With Hill's new offensive scheme set to spread the field and feature a passing attack, much of Loudoun County's potential this season will hinge on how well Reimers runs the offense. He will have some much needed help with the addition of Chase Williams moving to the tight end position. Williams, the son of Redskin defensive coordinator Greg Williams, is 6'2, 220lbs, and his speed and athletic ability should provide Reimers with a great target down the field. Reimers will also be helped out by his offensive line, which will average 240lbs.

Who Will Make Plays For This Team?
Every team needs a playmaker or two to step up and win ballgames with a big play here and there. Right now, the Raiders don't appear to have many on offense outside of Williams at the tight end position. Senior D.J Lane could emerge as a deep threat with his size (6'2), but the jury is still out. Lane looked impressive in camp and was clearly the biggest of the Raider receivers. Speed will be the question mark for County as they will need to develop a few of their younger athletes to become playmakers.

Can The Raiders Get Off To A Good Start?
Loudoun County opens with Musselman, WV, which appears to be a winnable game. But after the Applemen come to town, Loudoun County will face Handley, James Wood, Park View, Potomac Falls, Briar Woods, and Broad Run in consecutive weeks. It is very possible that this year's Loudoun County team will be much improved, but their record may not indicate it after the first seven games. A win or two in the first four weeks could be all this team needs to gain the confidence needed to surprise some of the better teams in the Dulles District. The Raiders round out the season with Freedom, Dominion, and Heritage, three teams that Loudoun County should be very capable of beating if they play their best football.

Will The Raiders Have Enough Depth?
When you go 0-10, it can be hard to get kids to come to play. However, Loudoun County should have 75 players on the roster this fall, which is a higher number of kids than in years past. The rising sophomores in the program were very successful last year playing freshman football, and they are the class to keep an eye on. While depth could prove to be an obstacle this fall, it shouldn't be a problem in the coming years. Loudoun County is probably one season away from contending in the Dulles District, but depth won't be the reason they don't contend this year.

Can Hill Teach The Raiders To Win?
The answer to this question is an absolute Yes! Hill is a soft spoken man, but he is demanding. After watching him at practice, it is easy to see why he has been successful. Hill pays attention to the smallest details and his players are starting to catch onto that approach. The difference between winning programs and losing programs is often 4 or 5 plays in each game. Those 4 or 5 plays are usually made or busted based on details and mental mistakes. Hill is teaching the Raiders how to do the little things in practice so they can do bigger things on Friday nights this fall. The philosophy will work and it will show signs of working this season. Hill is definitely the right guy for this job and that will be evident after the season.

Extra Point:
Loudoun County plays Hill's former employer, Handley High School in the second week of the season. Hill will probably tell you that the game is just another game for the Raiders, but don't think for a second that Hill wouldn't love to send shockwaves through the region with a big upset of his former team. The Judges have one of the most explosive players in the state in quarterback J.J. Dorsey, and this game should be a great test to see how competitive the Raiders will be in 2007.

Quotable:"We want to win football games, but in the long term, we want to build the foundation of fundamentally sound good technique, and have kids that are willing to run through a wall for us. If we can do that, the wins will take care of themselves." - Todd Hill

Posted by Andy Hayes - Publisher & Senior Editor at 03:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

HERNDON, VA - Remember that little scrappy kid on the playground who could always tough it out with the big kids? Well, that little scrappy kid is just like Herndon. Placed in the Concorde District where their student population is significantly lower than other competing schools, Herndon has managed to somehow continually remain competitive. They don't care that Westfield has more than 1,000 kids than them or that they are the only school in the Concorde to not win a region title. They have yet to play intimated and every Friday night, they have the potential to win. Yet this program's main downfall is that they've been snake bitten by the district juggernauts. Nearly all of Herndon's losses during the season come at the hands of the district powers, which have led many to believe that Herndon would be crowned district champs in any other district.

With that being said, many prognosticators thought 2006 would be different. Herndon had 43 seniors and a star-studded cast that were among the best in the region. Yet what looked like a promising season resulted in a 6-4 record with no playoffs as longtime head coach Tom Meier resigned after the season to be closer to his family. With 43 graduated seniors and a new head coach, there are now suddenly a lot of question marks facing this program.

How will the loss of head coach Tom Meier affect Herndon?
Not too much. In all of Meier's 17 years of coaching, this program has only had two losing seasons, not to mention he also won 115 games. That kind of success doesn't come over night in the Concorde District. He had successfully built up this program to a point where they are always in a position to win. For the school to hand over the reigns to Meier's understudy Joe Sheaffer was the perfect thing to do. Sheaffer knows this district as good as anybody, but more importantly, he knows what it takes to win in this district. Add to the fact that he's been around the school just as long as Meier and you have yourself as smooth a coaching transition as possible.

With the likes of Zay Lopez, Matt Seeger, and Chris Thompson all gone, who is there to pick up the slack?
Running back Dezmond Seifu. Last year, Seifu split carries with Thompson but this year expect to see him featured extensively in Herndon's offense. He's versatile, but more importantly, he's battle tested. Seifu is one of the few starters on offense returning for Herndon, so expect him to take hold of this team and offense.

How will the Wing-T offense impact Herndon?
This is a great move on coach Sheaffer's behalf. With a traditionally small offensive line, using the Wing-T nullifies the need for size. The offense is run entirely on angle and zone blocking, which takes away the need for having monster linemen that can bully the defense. So while having bigger linemen is great, the Wing-T only necessitates the easy block that all linemen under 200 pounds can make. The faster the Herndon players understand this offense, the better off they'll be.

How can Herndon finally beat the top-tier Concorde teams consistently?
Okay, it might be impossible to ask Herndon to win all of their district games. But in order to win a majority of them, they need to get some momentum. The Hornets always get off to a great start, but in almost every year you can point to one game that shows where this team went on a downward spiral. Last year it was Park View, and the two previous years it was Robinson. Once they lose that initial game, it seems it is very hard for this team to bounce back. If Herndon can pull off an early upset, that might be all that they need to make a dangerous run.

Key Match Up
As mentioned above, momentum seems to be a big thing for this team. So that's why their game at Centreville on September 20th is huge. If they can win on the road versus a tough Centreville squad, that would sure give them plenty of momentum before they face Chantilly the following week. In all fairness, Herndon is outmatched by Chantilly, but with that ever-so important momentum on their side, who knows what could happen.

Extra Point
Herndon has always fell victim to playing in a tough district, but they caught a huge break now that the playoffs have expanded to eight teams. For the coaching staff at Herndon, that's like lifting a silverback gorilla off of their back. They can now all breathe a little easier as the margin for error is much wider. Also, seeing Herndon in the first round of the playoffs is something that no coach wants to see. If there was ever a team capable of pulling off an upset, it would be the Hornets.

Posted by Derek Lecomte at 08:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

CHANTILLY, VA - Over the years, it's been tough to define Westfield. They can run, pass, and oh yeah, they can play extremely well on defense. Yet that's one thing the Westfield coaching staff prides itself on. Take away the running game and they'll burn you with the pass. Try and shut down the pass with a double team? Then they'll beat you with their running game. Saying Westfield is one-dimensional is like saying Barry Bonds tells the truth.

And when taking a look at Westfield this year, they'll be able to beat the opposition in every way, shape, and form. There simply is no weak spot on this team. Last year's junior-laden team went 10-0 in the regular season and came within a few minutes of capturing the Northern Region crown. With all those high-profile juniors returning, Westfield has been crowned as the early favorites to win both the region and district titles. A state title and national ranking isn't far from reality either, which makes this Westfield squad the team to beat in 2007.

What can we expect out of Mike Glennon this year?
A whole lot. Glennon was last year's Concorde District player of the year, but the 6-foot-6 quarterback has accelerated his play significantly since then. Glennon was recruited by nearly every school on the East Coast, and that was because he perfected his throwing motion that utilized every bit of his huge frame. With his stock rising significantly over the off-season, Glennon was invited to compete at the prestigious Elite 11 quarterback camp where he learned from the best in the game. Glennon not only competed at a high level at the camp, but he turned several heads in doing so. Several publications have now ranked Glennon as one of the top-five quarterbacks in the country. A drastically improved Glennon is a scary proposition for a lot of teams, but he should really do a lot of damage this year.

Will the same cast of characters stand out for Westfield?
While Westfield's team is nearly identical from last year, there should be some new faces that should step out into the spotlight. Among those new faces is David Kruchco. Kruchco broke his leg only three games into the year, so he wasn't as big a factor into the Bulldogs' offense as most had previously thought. Now healthy, and not to mention he has a near flawless quarterback throwing to him, Kruchco could really stand out in 2007. Also look for Kareem Ebanks to possibly emerge as an impact player for head coach Tom Verbanic.

Does Westfield have a weakness?
Yes, and it's themselves. If they get caught up in the preseason hype and expectations, that could come back to haunt them. Right now they have a bull's-eye the size of Texas on them. Everyone wants a shot to knock off Westfield and their highly publicized prospects. This is a team that needs to play together and act like they are on a mission. Remember that they have to play a grueling Concorde District schedule, and if for one second they start to buy into the fact that they are the rightful heirs to the region crown, they could be in for a big surprise.

How is the defense going to fare for Westfield this year?
Defense is something coach Verbanic takes seriously and his top priority is to have this unit every bit as sharp as last year's defense that allowed an average of only 7.9 points per game. Keep in mind also that those 7.9 points per game were given up after facing some of the region's toughest teams. The entire linebacking core of Brian Kennedy, Mike King, and Cole Campbell all return as well as Tucker Carl and Johnny Pickett in the secondary. The depth at the defensive line positions is enough to make any other head coach start to blush. Across the board, this defense will be extremely tough to score on.

Key Match Up
The biggest obstacle that is blocking Westfield's path to a district and region title is Chantilly. These two programs are the cream of the crop in Division 6 this year and when they square-off in September, the winner will have a much easier path to the district title.

Extra Point
The last star-studded team that Westfield had went all the way to win the state championship in 2003. Eddie Royal and Evan Royster were all significant impact players that year, and so too was Glennon. No, not Mike Glennon, but rather his older brother Sean. Sean, just like Mike, was a highly rated recruit who in his senior year played a major role in helping Westfield win its first state title. Fast-forward four years and it's the same name, and almost identical situation. Can history repeat itself? We'll have to wait and see.

Posted by Derek Lecomte at 06:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

STERLING, VA - Last season, the Dominion Titans maintained a .500 record late into the season before dropping their final two games. Mike Dougherty's team has improved steadily since starting the program 5 years ago, and with an upsurge of experience and depth, this year's squad figures to be Dominion's best ever.

The Titans kicked off their 4th annual "Black & Silver" intra-squad scrimmage game Friday night with a renewed excitement about the 2007 season. After the first week of camp, the Titans must address the following questions before the season opens on August 31st.

Will lack of depth plague Dominion yet again?
Dougherty had yet to field a team of more than 45 players, but this year's squad numbers in the mid-sixties. The coach felt this would factor huge, noting that it "brings competition and...a better product." The Titans were 4-4 at one point last season, but injuries took their toll as Dominion dropped their final two. This increase in depth gives them greater resilience against injuries, and concurrently a team better prepared for the stretch run.

What poses their biggest obstacle?
This one's a close argument between injuries and turnovers, but since I addressed injuries in the last question, let's go with turnovers. The Titans lost the football at many pivotal moments last season, and this needs to change for the Titans to make a splash in the Dulles District. Said Dougherty, "We seem to shoot ourselves in the foot quite a bit and take us out of big games."

Who will they look to for leadership?
Dominion returns eight key seniors on both sides of the ball, giving them ample experience. Defensive lineman Nonye Onwuka (first-team All-District), defensive back Victor Williams (first-team All-District), Todd Lancaster (60-plus carries, 6 TD's), and Casava Easterling (no.1 receiver) head the team from a leadership standpoint.

What's the latest on the quarterback race?
It consists of four quarterbacks at the moment, but is narrowing quickly. Britten Miller replaced Craig Carlson when he went down for the season in '06 and filled in admirably, helping defeat the Heritage Pride on their homecoming. He and Geoff McCowatt, who comes off an ACL injury, are the frontrunners at the moment. Andy Pont and Jon Owens are competing for the role of signal-caller as well. Technically, two jobs are up for grabs, as Dominion will likely implement a two-quarterback system. To describe this system, as Dougherty put it, "one is more of a thrower and one more of a non-thrower- they're both going to run".

What's their greatest strength?
Speed. At the team camp combine, over two-dozen players clocked sub-4.9 times in the forty, and a handful of guys ran under the 4.5 mark. The Titans will utilize their speed by implementing a more spread out and aggressive offense. On defense, the Titans will go with a three-man line, with five linebackers stacking the box, which Dougherty feels with help them fly to the ball.

Scrimmage Notes:
This was the Titan's 4th annual intra-squad "Black vs. Silver" scrimmage, which culminates a long, arduous, 2-a-day practice week each August. The teams are chosen as they would in a backyard football game; The assistant coaches split up to comprise the opposing coaching staffs. After a "Rock-Paper-Scissors" session to determine who gets the 1st pick overall, the "draft" begins. Victor Williams was chosen first overall for Black, followed by Todd Lancaster for Silver. The scrimmage is controlled, with each team staying on offense for a pre-designated amount of plays.

Though they avoided the suffocating 94-degree mid-day heat, evening conditions remained extremely humid. Onwuka did not participate due to dehydration, and others suffered cramping. Still, the team moved quickly and seemed to be in relatively good shape.

According to Dougherty, 30-40 kids showed up to their off-season conditioning program each day; and it shows. Only a week and a half into training camp, the squad seems far from sluggish.

Scrimmage Highlights:
Derek Lewis made an excellent out-stretched interception in the red zone. Brandon Whipple, Britten Miller, and Todd Lancaster seemed to be everywhere on defense. Henry Lobo ran like a freight train- even bowling over his own teammates on the sideline- and would receive my nod as the scrimmage MVP.

Posted by Thomas Emerick - Senior Editor at 09:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

VIENNA, VA - Change is nothing new for Oakton head coach Joe Thompson. He's had to replace superstar Keith Payne from his 2005 state championship team, and now he's looking to replace talented playmaker Ervin Garner who was one of those players who could single-handedly change the outcomes of games. Yet for this year, replacing the likes of Garner as well as standouts Jared Green, Jonathan Kedrock, and Orlando Bryant coach Thompson will have to turn to the fountain of youth. An extremely young lineup composed almost entirely of juniors will be headlining this year's team, but don't second guess them for one bit. These newly inserted juniors are extremely talented and they should keep the Cougars in the hunt for the district and region title.

Who will be replacing Kedrock and Bryant in the backfield?
The short answer for that question is Trey Watts, Nyema Wolo, and Jack Tyler. The real player in that trio however, who could make a real name for himself is Watts. Fast, agile, and athletic, he has all the tools to excel in Thompson's option offense. If there was to be a replacement for Garner's big play ability, then Watts is the main candidate. What's great about him (but bad for the rest of the district) is that he's only a junior. He could really make a great name for himself over the coming years. With that being said, don't count out Wolo and Tyler. The option offense isn't designed for just one back, so expect those two to also make significant contributions.

What's the deal with the quarterback situation?
Expect a two quarterback system. Both Ryan Harris and Chris Coyer were splitting reps in practice and they could very well split snaps come Friday nights. Both are southpaws, and they look solid running the option. Harris might be a little bit more athletic, but Coyer is your prototypical quarterback in that he's taller and more assertive. Whichever quarterback is running the show at whatever point in time, don't expect a drop-off.

How will the passing game fare now that Green and Garner have graduated?
The passing game is an area of concern for Oakton, mainly due to the absence of a primary receiver. There are several prime candidates ready to step up, but as of now, there aren't any receivers of the same caliber as Green or Garner. This may in fact be an offense that will ask its backs to do a lot of the heavy lifting.

How is the defense shaping up?
As most in the Concorde know, having a stout defense is necessary to win. For Oakton, they feature an athletic defense that should take them far. Is this a defense that is at the same level in 2005 when they shut down Percy Harvin? No. But they're good. Led by linebacker Jack Tyler and defensive back Connor Madden, this is one of Oakton's strong points.

Key Match Up
In the Concorde, every district game is a big one, but there's one that sticks out for this team: Chantilly. The Chargers last year traveled to Oakton on their homecoming and shut them out. As luck would have it, they met again in the playoffs. After jumping out to a 14-0 lead, Chantilly came back and won the game to effectively end Oakton's season and their shot at defending their state title. To say that Oakton has a bitter taste in their mouth right now is a bit of an understatement. This is a team that is poised and ready to exact a little revenge.

Extra Point
Oakton has made the playoffs four out of the last five years with two Northern Region titles and a state championship to their credit in that time span. No program in the last five years--Division 5 or 6--has that kind of résumé. So while this team might be young in 2007, keep in mind that they do know how to win.

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ASHBURN, VA- It was a long and strenuous day for the Stone Bridge Bulldogs, who began two-a-day practices amidst the dreadful August heat. Despite the heat, the Bulldogs opened what they hope will be another successful season. Last year the team won the Liberty District title for the second consecutive year. They finished their season 11-1, losing to the Edison Eagles in the Northern Region Division 5 Championship. Stone Bridge enters camp with several positions of interest to keep a close eye on. The Bulldogs lost 3 players to major college football a year ago, and the team's success in 2007 may hinge on how they fill the production lost with the graduation of Devon Brown (Wake Forest), Terence Glenn (Rhode Island), and Andrew Nuss (Notre Dame).

Who will fill the shoes of Glenn and Brown?
These two stars, both of whom went onto play college football, were the key to the high powered single wing attack the Bulldogs showcased last season. The speed of Brown will be hard to replace, but look for players like Daniel Allen and Kareem Alexander to be scoring several touchdowns this fall. Also look for the senior Ryan Moody to put up some solid numbers at receiver. As for replacing standout quarterback Terence Glenn, the decision as to who will replace the talented signal caller is still up in the air. Likely candidates for the job are junior Patrick Thompson and senior Mike Stancik. Stancik has some experience behind center after filling in for Glenn for a few plays last season, but both players are inexperienced and must prove they can run the football as well as they throw it.

What can we expect from two-time All Gameday player Jeron Gouvia?
Standout safety Jeron Gouveia is back to full health after tearing his MCL in the post season last year. The 2006 northern Region defensive player of the year knows he is going to be playing football at Virginia Tech, so he can now focus on his senior season with the Bulldogs. Last year Gouveia had 65 tackles and three interceptions. It won't be a surprise to see Gouveia on both sides of the ball after he scored six touchdowns last year running the football, but he will be most dominating on defense. Gouveia has gained weight in the off-season, and has been well conditioned all summer through speed and agility camps. With his athletic ability and toughness, Gouveia figures to be one of the best players in the state and once again should give Bulldog fans plenty of highlights throughout the year.

Will this be the year?
After a season that was cut shorter then everyone expected, the Bulldogs are ready to win a state championship. Size and depth will not be a problem, but overall team experience may become the obstacle. With tough non-district games against West Springfield, Robinson, and Loudoun Valley, the Bulldogs must get off to a good start to build momentum heading into the Liberty District. While many people expect the Bulldogs to take a step back, they could be mistaken. Thompson's Bulldogs traditionally play well when the odds are against them. It is very possible that the Bulldogs can make this season historic.

Key Games:
Stone Bridge travels to Robinson on September 7th for a colossal battle. The winner of this contest should emerge with tremendous confidence. In the final weeks of the season, Madison will travel to Stone Bridge for what could be the deciding game as to who wins the Liberty District. The Bulldogs have knocked the Warhawks out of the playoffs the past two seasons, so tensions will be high for this game.

Extra Point:
On August 17th, the Bulldogs will scrimmage the Broad Run Spartans. It will be the first time that Stone Bridge will compete against the Spartans in two years, even though the schools are less than 3 miles apart.

Posted by Shannon Shepherd at 01:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

STERLING, VA - TCC Sports is excited to announce the addition of the Broad Run Spartans to the Gameday Radio Network lineup this fall. Spartan Football will be heard live online at www.GamedayMagazine.com each week during the season. In addition, TCC Sports will also produce a weekly 30 minute radio show with head coach Michael Burnett called "The Spartan Report".

Ashburn natives Bob Vlasic, John Murphy, and Gary Evans have joined the broadcast staff at TCC Sports to deliver Spartan athletics on the Gameday Radio Network this year. Broad Run enters the 2007 season with high hopes and a renewed excitement about its football program. Burnett led Broad Run to a 5-5 record a year ago and the Spartans have the most talent returning in the Dulles District.

Broad Run was named the 2007 Group AA Athletic Program of the year by Gameday Magazine and figure to be one of the best again this year. With a passionate fan base and exciting outlook for the 2007/2008 season, having the Spartans on the Gameday Radio Network is exciting for TCC Sports owner Andy Hayes.

"Broad Run is one of the most steady and consistent athletic programs in the state, and having them as one of our feature programs on the Gameday Radio Network is a no-brainer," Hayes said. "After glancing at the stats from last year's broadcasts, Broad Run games were some of the most listened to streams on our network, and we expect even more excitement with this announcement."

Broad Run opens the season at home against Wakefield which will be the first live worldwide broadcast of Spartan football online at GamedayMagazine.com.

For more information on the upcoming broadcast schedule for Broad Run Football, please contact TCC Sports at 571-233-8696.

Posted by TCC Sports Staff at 11:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

STERLING, VA - For the second consecutive year, the Liberty Eagles football program will again be heard worldwide on the Gameday Radio Network online at www.GamedayMagazine.com. The Eagles, who were 9-1 last year, were the first football program to air all of their games with TCC Sports last fall. Liberty moves into the Cedar Run District and makes the jump to Group AAA competition this season.

Play by play announcer Charlie Goode will once again join color commentator Miller Bennington for the call each week of the Eagles on the Gameday Radio Network. Joining Goode and Bennington this season will be Charlie's son Derek Goode, the new owner of the Gameday Magazine franchise in Prince William and Fauquier Counties.

The Eagles return several outstanding players from last year's 9-1 team that barely missed the playoffs. Among those that should be exciting to watch is junior Corey Lillard and All Gameday cornerback Sam Ball-Whitfield.

The relationship between Liberty High School and TCC Sports began in the spring of 2006 when Eagles head football coach Tommy Buzzo and TCC Sports owner Andy Hayes met at a combine hosted by TCC Sports. Making sure the Eagles continue to run out front in all TCC Sports ventures remains a high priority for Hayes and Buzzo.

"Coach Buzzo's passion for giving his kids and the Eagle fans the best experience possible is the main reason why we continue to work closely together," Hayes said. "I fully expect the relationship between Liberty and TCC Sports to continue to get stronger and stronger in the coming years as we bring unprecedented coverage the Eagles' fans."

Buzzo also expressed his excitement when reached by phone.

"When you are trying to build a winner on the football field, it helps to have a partner like TCC Sports to give the program outstanding media coverage," Buzzo said. "We are on the cutting edge with technology and I'm excited that our fans will once again have a great opportunity to follow our team's success all year long on the Gameday Radio Network."

In addition to the live and on-demand radio streams of the Liberty Football games, TCC Sports will also feature several TV segments with the Eagles on its Verizon Fios Cable "GamedayTV".

Liberty opens with Fauquier on August 31st, 2007, a game that will be broadcast live worldwide online at GamedayMagazine.com and also aired on AM 1200 WAGE as the TCC Sports Game of the Week.

For more information on the upcoming broadcast schedule for Liberty Football, please contact TCC Sports at 571-233-8696.

Posted by TCC Sports Staff at 10:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

CHANTILLY, VA - There wasn't anyone who could have predicted the success the Chantilly Chargers had last year. After all, they had just come off a 4-6 year and an abysmal 0-10 season the year before. Add to that they were playing in the ultra-tough Concorde District, and many had labeled this program as just an afterthought. Yet second year head coach Mike Lalli pulled off one of the greatest turnarounds ever witnessed this side of I-95 as he guided them to the Northern Region title and a date with Osbourn in the state championship game. Despite falling to Osbourn in the state championship, it was quite apparent that this program has finally arrived, but they are just starting to reach their full potential as a program.

Yet as most coaches around the region know by now, a new season means new faces as many players from last years squad graduate, and that is the case with Chantilly. Three-year starters Nate Worek, Danny Sims, Zach Hally, and Austin Morris are all gone, and that is the biggest concern facing the Chargers right now.

Who is in line to replace playmakers Zach Hally and Austin Morris on defense?
Look for Ryan Robertson to solidify himself in the secondary, a piece of territory that Morris used to dominate. As for Hally, he will be extremely tough to replace. No single player can probably replicate the big play ability that he provided. Rather, look for a collection of players to stabilize the defensive front. Among that collection of players are linemen Will Christopher and Tyler Gilley. The linebacking corps should play a more a prominent role in the defense with Mike Quigg and Isaac Sine both returning.

Just how good is quarterback Austin Decker?
He is the real deal. He may not be as fast or agile as Worek, but he really has a great sense of the option offense and his arm is superb. Don't expect him to carry the entire offense like Worek could, but he most certainly can lead this offense. He has that Chantilly character to him in that he might not be the best college prospect out there, but he plays like he is. Aside from Westfield quarterback Mike Glennon, Decker is easily the next best quarterback in the Concorde.

What should we expect from the running back duo of Antonio Cross and Torrian Pace?
A lot. With Chantilly's option offense, it specifically caters to these two backs. Last year, these two combined for over 2,000 yards rushing and with a year of experience under their belt, they should be deadly. They're deadly in the sense that these two are punishing downhill runners that prefer to run through you rather than around you. Together, they can wear down opposing defenses four yards at a time, and that formula is one for success.

Can Chantilly successfully defend their Northern Region title?
Yes, but it won't be easy. Last year they were the hunters, now they are the hunted. That alone will make it tough for them every time they take the field as their opposition will bring their 'A' game when they take the field. On paper, the talent is there for Chantilly to repeat and get another shot at the state title, but there is no automatic pass in the Northern Region and Concorde District. They will need to work just as hard--if not harder--than last year and keep that same underdog mentality as well.

Key Match Up
Coach Lalli sure doesn't like cupcakes and that's easy to tell by just taking one look at his 2007 schedule. Aside from scheduling Patriot District champ Annandale, National District and Northern Region Division 5 champion Edison, he also has to pass through the gauntlet that is the Concorde District. While the Edison match-up is attractive as it pits the two Northern Region champs against each other, the one that carries the most importance is Westfield. If Chantilly can get by Westfield, they will have a much easier path to the district title and home field advantage throughout the regional playoffs.

Extra Point
Every year, Lalli has this program getting better and better. In two short years he's taken an 0-10 program to a team that came within four quarters of capturing a state title. Yet judging by history it would be natural to assume the Chargers won't win back-to-back region titles as no team this decade has done so. Centreville won three in a row from 1998 through 2000 and Annandale won two in a row in 1993 and '94, but over the past 15 years those were the only programs to repeat.

Posted by Derek Lecomte at 01:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

ASHBURN, VA - Two years ago, the Broad Run Spartans finished at the bottom of the Dulles District with a record of 1-9. A year later the Spartans stormed onto the scene finishing one win short of a district championship. Now in his second year, Head Coach Michael Burnett has the Spartans working together toward the Dulles District title. The last time the Spartans won a district title in football was in 1991, but for the first time in years, the talk around town is that this year's Broad Run squad is the early favorite to topple Park View and reclaim its football tradition.

The Spartans lost playmakers such as Adrian Mines, Clayton Abel, and Matt Smith to graduation, and filling their shoes will be difficult. What Broad Run lacks in flash and overall depth at the skill positions, they make up with size and desire. A senior class that experienced that 1-9 season two years back are hungrier than ever to bring the maroon and gold to the top. As Broad Run opens camp, there are several pressing questions that must be answered before the Spartan faithful get too excited

Who will win the quarterback job?
It appears at this point that senior Cole Shain and junior Chris Jessop could both see significant time behind center this fall. The competition for the starting spot will be intense in training camp. Shain, an All Gameday quarterback in 2006, manages the game like a veteran and proved last year he has the tools to win games. Jessop is an exceptional athlete and has a strong arm. His ability to run and throw could create problems for opposing defenses. Either way, Broad Run has a good problem here. Having two solid options at quarterback will mean good things for Broad Run as the competition will surely make the Spartans more effective. Look for this storyline to be there all year long.

Who could potentially break out and have a big year in 2007?
Only a sophomore, Adrian Flemming will step right in at wide receiver to help replace Mines. Flemming has the size, speed, and natural ability to make big plays in Burnett's pass oriented offense. Sophomore Joey Quigg has the speed to spread the field and should compliment Flemming on the other side of the field. Look for Quigg to be dangerous as a kick returner as well. Junior Greg Snow is scrappy and will make his presence felt on the defensive side of the ball. Snow is a playmaker and has a nose for the football.

With Abel gone who will step in at tailback?
Senior Sam Saidi is the biggest and strongest of the tailbacks competing for time. Saidi saw limited time as a junior, but could become a household name this season. Billy Rocca, also a senior, had a big game against West Virginia's state runner up Martinsburg last year and will get some time in the backfield as well Quigg will also get some carries because of his blazing speed and big play ability.

What will be Broad Run's Strength on Offense and Defense?
A tough off-season really benefited an already talented front five. The Spartans return four starters from last year's squad. Returning at tackle is All Gameday senior Brian Morrison. Jake Muth, George Black, Matt Escano, Sean Lewis, and Eric Zimmet also return to give the Spartans plenty of depth in the trenches. On defense, the Spartans will be led by a strong experienced group of linebackers. Dustin Locasio and Kenny McAdow return as the inside linebackers while Sam Saidi, Billy Rocca, Dustin Craig, Jake Muth and Mikey Cotton will battle it out for the two outside spots. The Spartans have plenty of depth and experience returning on defense and the Spartans will be tough to score against this season.

Can the Spartans Learn To Win The Championship?
Talks of a potential championship are spreading, and this year's team expects nothing less than a Dulles District Title. The Spartans have talent across the board and should contest for the crown on November 9th when they play host to Park View High School. If the Spartans avoid the mistakes and take care of business against teams they should beat, Broad Run looks to be a tad better than the Patriots on paper.

Camp Notes:
Day one in Spartan town was tough and intense. Despite a hot and humid day, it was all business on the football field. It was obvious hard work had been put in during the off-season as the Spartans were bigger and faster than a year ago. Coach Burnett had the boys fired up for day one. The questions is, will the Spartans live up to their own expectations?

Posted by Adam Luhmann - Gameday Magazine Columnist at 12:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

BRAMBLETON, VA - On the opening day of training camp, it was quite apparent the Briar Woods Falcons are not messing around this year. Under no circumstance was there to be any walking, talking, or slacking, at least not on head coach Charlie Pierce's watch. Discipline was the key word of the day, and the coaching staff was there to enforce every bit of the definition.

Yet when considering how the Falcons will be entering their first year in the Dulles district, such a disciplined approach may not be too surprising. This is the real deal for Briar Woods, and after talking to one coach, the whole school community is fired up for this season.

So for the first couple days of camp, the Falcon's sole focus is on the offensive side of the ball. That makes offensive coordinator John Tomlinson a busy man for now, but he knows it is just the beginning process in order to build up a successful team.

"It all looks good until you put somebody in front of them," said Tomlinson. "So the bottom line for us is that we may not be bigger than most people but we just have to execute."

And the one looked upon to execute and make big plays is quarterback Alex Munro. A senior this year, Munro came into the first day of camp standing out as the obvious top player on this team. Quick and agile, Munro looks ready to take over the offense and become a big time player in this district. He displayed a sense of confidence the first day, and that has the coaching staff excited about their quarterback in the early going.

"I'm happy with [Munro]," said Tomlinson. "It's the first day, so we don't set the expectations too high. The focus is to get the young kids up a little bit, but at the same time, making sure the older quarterbacks are still doing the things they need to do. So I'm happy so far with him."

Munro could make his offensive coach even happier as the season wears on if he can successfully lead the Falcons to victory. So to get the ball in the hands of their star quarterback as much as possible, Briar Woods will be running more of a spread offense along with a lot of four wide receiver looks.

"We just have a lot of athletes," said Tomlinson. "Our line is young, so it's just more of a choice to go to a four wide receiver look, because we have four exceptional wide receivers."

As Tomlinson alluded to earlier though, it's tough to rush to any type of judgment on his offense so far until they line up against any type of opposition. But to get a sneak peak of what's to come, Briar Woods has several tough scrimmages lined up against the bigger schools of St. Pauls (MIAA-A Baltimore), Washington-Lee (AAA), and Frederick (4A Maryland).

"We like to play up because it helps us. A lot of people have this philosophy that we hold stuff back, but we're going to run what we run and not think about all that other stuff. When we prepare for our opponents, we just prepare for what they do."

Yet put aside preparation and the scrimmages for now. Tomlinson--just like Pierce--wants his offense run in a complete disciplined manner. That takes priority over anything at this point in the season.

"Without the discipline, it would be chaos," explained Tomlinson. "Everything has to start with discipline. When they come out on this field and warm-up, they get a lot of that work out of the way before practice, so when they step out on the field, they get right into it."

Disciplined or hooligans, there is a lot of excitement brewing out in Brambleton as their next step as a football program is set to begin on August 24th at Hedgesville (WV).

Posted by Derek Lecomte at 12:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

STERLING, VA - The last time the Park View Patriots were on the football field as a team they were playing for a trip to the regional championship. A last second field goal ended their hopes of making a deep push into the playoffs. Eager to make another run at the postseason, the Patriots hit the practice field working as hard as ever to erase the memories from a year ago. Now, without standout running back and defensive back Deric Dudinski, the Patriots are looking to form a new identity, and prove they are still the team to beat in 2007.

The Patriots must replace big names such as Justin Denekas, Corbin Barnes, and James Nolen. However, Park View does bring back the district's most experienced quarterback in C.J. Leizear. Leizear is entering his third year as the signal caller and has grown into a vocal leader on the team. All state defensive tackle Thomas Mulabah will anchor the line in his senior campaign with help from defensive end Kenny Smith. Smith, only a junior, is one of the biggest players in the district this year, and is expected to be a force on both sides of the ball. With experience and strong leadership qualities, Leizear will need to carry the Patriots on his back to win the District Championship. Look for new and old faces to contribute to the Patriots' success in the upcoming season. It won't be one guy this year but instead, a whole unit with one goal, a third consecutive district championship.

How Will the Patriots Perform in 2007?
With a sour taste from last year, the boys from Sterling Park are as hungry as ever. Leizear and the rest of the squad are anxious to prove to people that say they can win without Dudinski. With strong senior leadership and a core of talent returning, there is no reason why the Patriots should not be a force in the Dulles District. Look for the Patriots to walk into Broad Run for the last game of the season ready to battle for the district title. Park View has a chip on their shoulder, and they are ready to prove why they are the two-time defending Dulles District Champions.

Who will step up on Defensive?
Everyone knows about Defensive Tackle Thomas Mulabah after his performance as a junior. 46 tackles for a loss were the best in the state, and Mulabah is primed to dominate in 2007. The secondary is a question mark entering camp, but the linebackers should be strong with returning starter Eric Johnston. David Revsbeck returns to the field after missing his junior year, and will make a name for himself this season.

Who is expected to replace Deric Dudinski at tailback?
Eric Johnston saw limited time as Dudinski's backup last year, and is expected to be the main ball carrier. He has the size and the speed to do big things in the Dulles District. Watch for Thomas Mulabah to also see some touches in the backfield on short yardage situations. The combination of Mulabah's size and Johnston's speed should provide the Patriots will a balanced running attack.

Will the Patriots Claim a Third Straight Dulles District Championship?
With obvious talent returning there is no doubt the Patriots will be tough to beat in 2007. They need to find an offensive identity early, and must give C.J Leizear time to step into the pocket and deliver the ball down the field. If the Patriots can gain confidence early and ride Leizea's leadership, they will be in the mix all year long.

Key Match Up
The Patriots need to take each game one at a time, but everyone knows the Broad Run game is circled on the calendar. A tough match up from a year ago rekindled the Spartan and Patriot rivalry. This game could decide the District Championship if both schools don't look ahead and take care of business early in the year.

Extra Point
In two seasons at Park View High School, Coach Andy Hill has led the Patriots to two consecutive district titles. The pressure is on for Coach Hill to not only win the district, but to advance in the playoffs. The district is continually getting stronger and Park View will have a bullseye on their backs because of their recent success.

Schedule
8/31 Herndon
9/7 Jefferson, WV
9/14 Handley
9/21 Open
9/28 Loudoun County
10/5 Freedom
10/12 Potomac Falls
10/19 *Briar Woods
10/26 Dominion
11/2 Heritage
11/9 Broad Run

Posted by Adam Luhmann - Gameday Magazine Columnist at 11:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

(Bealeton, VA) - 2006 was a year to remember for Liberty Eagle fans everywhere. The team finished the season an impressive 9-1; however, due to the VHSL playoff system were forced to stay at home and watch the AA Division 4 playoffs. The Eagles have moved up to the AAA ranks and are now a Division 5 team in the Cedar Run district. Coach Tommy Buzzo and the rest of the Liberty team are preparing and excited about what 2007 could bring.

Gone form last year's team are All-Gameday performers Devaughn Parson, Chris Hunter, and Andy Smith; all of whom Coach Buzzo will be attempting to replace as the season gets underway. However, the Eagles will be experienced at several key positions as Sam Ball-Whitfield returns in the secondary, as does Corey Lillard to the backfield, and Josh Russell on the offensive and defensive line. This Liberty Eagle team will look to surprise and impress in 2007 as they battle in a new district; defending Division 6 state champion Osbourn High School will welcome the Eagles into the Cedar Run in an early season game. We will know how the Eagles stack up in their new district and if they will be able to compete for the district title by mid-season. Let's answer 5 key questions to take a better look at the Liberty Eagles.

How Will the Eagles Perform in AAA in 2007?
The Liberty Eagles have been preparing for this season for the past 5 years. The team has played a non-district schedule consisting of only AAA teams during that span. Coach Buzzo will have the team prepared to kickoff the season as he has done in years past. Expect the Eagles to rely on the running attack and use the passing game as a nice complement throughout this season. Corey Lillard, who accounted for over 900 all-purpose yards a year ago, will split time with Culpeper transfer Mark Simpson, a three year starter for the Blue Devils. Defensively the Eagles are going to be as tough as anyone in the district. Returning on the defensive side of the ball are 6 starters from the 2006 team and with that experience the Eagles will be tough to run and pass on. The Liberty Eagles will be prepared for the 2007 campaign and will show everyone they belong from the start of the season.

How Will Mark Simpson Contribute to the Eagle Offense?
Mark Simpson comes to the Eagles from Culpeper High School as a three-year starter. Simpson should fit quite nicely into the Eagles offense as the season gets underway. The offensive scheme for Liberty is suited to a multiple back attack, which will give Simpson a chance to show his blocking abilities throughout the year. Expect to see Simpson make an impact and create mismatches for the defense, because if defenders key on Simpson, Corey Lillard will be ready to fill in and surprise teams with his quickness and agility. Liberty has had the fortune of being able to choose who carries the ball over the past few seasons due to the number of running backs in the arsenal, and this year will be no different with the addition of Mark Simpson.

Will the Eagles Non-District Schedule Prepare Them for Competition in the Cedar Run?
Simply put, yes. The Eagles have spent past season's scheduling AAA schools and this year is no different now that the Eagles are in AAA. Both North Stafford and Stafford have well established and successful teams, which will challenge the Eagles early in the season. These games will prepare and solidify personnel for Liberty as they go into district play on September 28th against the defending state champs in Osbourn. The Eagles have a very good chance to enter that contest undefeated at 3-0 should things go right and the team perform in the non-district schedule.

Can the Liberty Defense Step-Up in 2007?
The loss of Devaughn Parson, Chris Hunter, and PJ Cooper will be tough to replace; however expect Defensive Coordinator Mike Potts to find individuals that have the ability and drive to make these key departures less noticeable. Sam Ball-Whitfield will return in the secondary and the ball hawking corner will be looking to improve upon his numbers from 2006. Dustin West will anchor the linebackers in the middle and hopes to follow other great linebackers from seasons past. The defensive line will rely on the experience and determination of both Mark Spence and Josh Russell to lead the younger players and instill the pride that has grown in the Eagle football program over the past 5 seasons.

Key Game: Defending Division 5 state champion Osbourn will travel into Bealeton to play the Eagles on September 28th in a game that could ultimately decide who has the inside track for the Cedar Run title in 2007. This game should be a great one to watch as Liberty will get a real taste for what the Cedar Run is all about, and the Osbourn Eagles will not want to lose to the newcomer in the district.

Extra Point: Liberty Coach Tom Buzzo has garnered a 43-10 record in 5 seasons with the school, and will be looking to lead the Eagles to their 3rd playoff appearance in that span. Under Buzzo the Eagles have created a sense of pride between the guys who have played and the ones that are on the field now. This pride drives all the current players to perform and push themselves harder and harder each and every week to make this team the best it can be.

2007 Liberty Eagle Schedule:
Aug 31 Fauquier
Sept 14 @ North Stafford
Sept 21 Stafford
Sept 28 Osbourn
Oct 5 @ Stonewall Jackson
Oct 12 Battlefield
Oct 19 Osbourn Park
Oct 26 @ Culpeper
Nov 2 Loudoun Valley
Nov 9 @ Fauquier

Posted by Derek Goode - Publisher Gameday Magazine at 09:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)