Training Camp Tour Day 5: Chantilly Chargers
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.
