Gameday Power Poll #10 - Edison
After accumulating nearly 300 tackles in his sophomore and junior seasons, Edison's Stephon Robertson has gained the reputation as being one of the most feared defensive players in the entire area...
Photo By: Gameday Magazine
#10 EDISON
Over the past decade, Edison football has come to slowly evolve into a Division 5 powerhouse. Winning their district six times over the past eight years, while also advancing to the region title game for four consecutive years during that time, including an appearance in the state title game in 2006, it's clear this program has arrived. It's no surprise then that for this upcoming year, head coach Vaughn Lewis is again loaded with plenty of talent to make a run to go all the way.
Quarterback
Remember Barber? Well he's back again this year. Levi Barber that is. Younger brother to all-Gameday dual-threat quarterback Ben Barber, he's of the same exact mold as older brother Ben, but may have a better arm. Unlike Ben, Levi has been playing the quarterback position all his life, so the downfield threat will once again be in play for Edison this year. Not to mention Levi has similar athletic abilities as Ben, which is what worries defensive coordinators the most.
Running back
One name fans should start remembering right now is Angus Harper. He may be a little raw talent-wise, but his overall athleticism and speed make him one of the most dangerous threats in the Northern Region. Just a junior, he missed the majority of last year due to a dislocated elbow, but he should be a treat to watch this upcoming fall.
Wide receiver
Every year, coach Lewis is able to develop dangerous downfield threats, and that's the case again this year. Highlighting this year's receiving corps will be Corey Washington, who's one of the fastest players opposing defenses will see all year. Right behind him are Eric Fontenette, Kyle Spencer and Christian Washington, all of whom possess great speed and athleticism.
Offensive line
While the Eagles are already equipped with talented players at the skill positions, they're even better along the offensive line. The entire line returns intact, not to mention they're a year wiser and stronger. Headlining this group is Penn State-commit Frank Figueroa, and joining him are standouts Mehdi Charfi and Kenny Clessas. Together, they should again make this offense one that is feared across the region.
Defensive line
One thing characteristic about Edison is that they're real tough and real fast. The defensive line fully embodies that sentiment with Josh Blair and Josh Page. They may lack in overall size, but they sure know how to hit and get to the ballcarrier. Blair and Page were standouts from a year ago, and should be even more effective this year.
Linebacker
Two words sum up this position: Stephon Robertson. Probably the most feared player in the entire Northern Virginia area, Robertson can be the player make a defense go from good to great. He has great vision, speed, strength, and oh, did we mention he's as tough as nails? Along with Kyle Spencer, not much will be getting by this group.
Secondary
Every year coach Lewis stacks his best athletes at these positions, and that again is the case for 2008. He'll be using Washington again as his featured cornerback, who tied a VHSL record last year with four interceptions in one game. Donnell Epps, Christian Washington, and Mark Crisack will round out the rest of the secondary, all of whom are extremely athletic.
Key Game
9/5 at West Springfield- The Edison defense will truly be put to the test in this one as they face one of the most lethal offenses in the state. But if the Eagles are able to pull off the upset, then this puts them on the map for a potential undefeated season.
Schedule
Aug. 28 vs. Lee
Sept. 5 at West Springfield
Sept. 12 vs. South County
Sept. 19 at Mount Vernon
Sept. 26 vs. Wakefield
Oct. 3 at Yorktown
Oct. 10 vs. Stuart
Oct. 17 at Falls Church
Oct. 24 vs. Washington-Lee
Oct. 31 at Chantilly
Extra Point
Head coach Vaughn Lewis is the second-longest tenured coach in the Northern Region, as he's been at the helm of Edison for 22 years. That's second only to Yorktown's Bruce Hanson, who not surprisingly, has historically been Edison's biggest district rival.
