Training Camp Tour Day 7: Oakton Cougars
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.
