Training Camp Day 14: Edison Eagles
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.
