Gameday Power Poll #1- Stone Bridge
The Stone Bridge Bulldogs enter the season with high expectations, but some uncertainty as well with an injury to Patrick Thompson at quarterback. Look for the Bulldogs to in the state title hunt though late in the season...
Photo By: Jan Johnson / Gameday Magazine
#1 STONE BRIDGE BULLDOGS
For the past several years, Stone Bridge found themselves knocking on the door looking for a state title only to be turned away. In 2007, however, the Bulldogs beat down the door that had so rudely shunned them in prior years as they found themselves with their first ever state title. The championship hardware also was the first of its kind for any Division 5 team from the Northern Region since 1990. Now in 2008, Stone Bridge finds themselves with much of the same cast as they had last year, yet this time they'll be back for a second-helping of championship hardware.
Quarterback:
Last year, this was a position of intrigue. There had been no clear replacement for departed quarterback Terrance Glenn and head coach Mickey Thompson had opened up the competition to several vying candidates. The eventual winner was Patrick Thompson and the results couldn't have been better. Throwing for 2,337 yards and 30 touchdowns in 15 games, Thompson suddenly elevated himself to elite status in the area. Now that the signal caller is back for 2008, expect those numbers to grow even more as this is certainly a position of strength for Stone Bridge.
Running back:
This seems to always be an area of strength for Thompson's Bulldogs. Using a single-wing attack, there's always several backs getting involved in the mix that are seemingly guaranteed to have big numbers. Last year, Kareem Alexander and Jeron Gouveia highlighted things for the Bulldogs, but this year, it should be senior Daniel Allen grabbing all the headlines. Injured earlier in the year, no one really had a chance to see Allen at his true potential, but all you need to know is that he can flat out play. Look for Allen to not only have a big year, but to turn some heads in doing so.
Wide Receivers:
Coach Thompson has to deal with the loss of Matt Irwin and all-Gameday receiver Ryan Moody, but he brings back a more than capable arsenal for the 2008 season. Highlighting this position will be seniors Michael Prince and John Bladel, who both received valuable playing time last year. Look for Bladel and Prince to be making plays all over the field, but they will also see help from Nate Ingersoll, Nic Sheehan, and Spencer Rositano. This passing attack will also feature one of the better tight ends in the area with Zach Thompson. Brian Slay and Daniel Chrost will also rotate in for time at the tight end position, helping to bolster a very strong position for Stone Bridge.
Offensive Line:
Along with returning a whole host of skill players, maybe more impressive is the amount of lineman the Bulldogs return. Among them are Virginia Tech-commit David Wang, as well as seniors Danny Parrotte and Dexter Strong. One big question mark, however, is at the center position which is one coach Thompson puts a very strong emphasis on. Despite the gap at center, this is a very capable group of players and one that Thompson expects to be a strength, something opposing defenses shouldn't be too thrilled to hear.
Defensive Line:
Not only will this defensive line be one of the best in the area, but they should be one of the best in the state. Two of their defensive line products, Brian Slay and Zack Thompson, have already verbally committed to play for N.C. State and Wake Forest respectively. The third member of their unit, Jimmy Bradford, isn't too shabby either. Although playing in the shadow of his counterparts of Slay and Thompson, coach Thompson believes Bradford to be a sure-fire Division I-A prospect if not for his height. Together, the combination of Slay, Thompson, and Bradford should prove to be unstoppable. Coach Thompson is even tossing around the possibility of using a four-man front in order to utilize Wang, who is currently on the offensive line, but is listed as one of the top defensive line prospects in the state.
Linebackers:
Leading this group will be Wake Forest-bound Mike Olson. A player with extraordinary instincts on the field, he was the linchpin of last year's dominating defense. With Olson gaining a solid 20 pounds, he should be even more of a dangerous player. Surrounding Olson will be seniors Travis Hannam, Andrew Ansell, Wesley Baker and Bladel. Combined with the defensive front of the Bulldogs, this should be one tough unit to run on.
Secondary:
Prince and Allen will be expected to perform double-duty and patrol the secondary while also being counted on to perform offensively. With their athleticism and agility, they should do a more than fine job in performing their job. To compliment Allen and Prince, look for sophomore Marcus Harris and junior Andre Best to get the job done. Both are young, but have great potential.
Special Teams:
Stone Bridge was fortunate enough last year to have a powerful kicker in Ronnie Shaban. Yet now that he has graduated, that opens up the door for his younger brother, Abdul, to step in. Abdul has been said to have an even more powerful leg than his brother, and that can mean only good things for the Bulldog faithful.
Key Game
(8/29) vs. #4 West Springfield: Last year, this game was an absolute shootout as a 42 point third quarter for Stone Bridge ultimately undid the Spartans. West Springfield then went on to capture the Patriot District crown and advance to the Division 6 Northern Region championship game. Just like Stone Bridge, they have much of their lineup back from last year making this game all the more intriguing.
Schedule
Aug. 29 vs. West Springfield
Sept. 5 vs. Robinson
Sept. 12 at Marshall
Sept. 18 at Loudoun Valley
Sept. 26 vs. McLean
Oct. 3 at South Lakes
Oct. 10 vs. Langley
Oct. 17 at Madison
Oct. 24at Thomas Jefferson
Oct. 31 vs. Woodson
Extra Point
Since the 2002 season, Stone Bridge has won their respective region four times. In that time frame, the Bulldogs have compiled a record of 70-9 while also winning five district championships.
