2008 Liberty District Preview
It is safe to say that the Liberty District title race will once again come down to the Stone Bridge vs Madison game late in October.
Photo By: Gameday Magazine
Last year, the Bulldogs raced to their first state championship, and their 3rd consecutive Liberty District championship.
Photo By: Jan Johnson / Gameday Magazine
Liberty District
Stone Bridge: 10-0
Madison: 7-3
Marshall: 6-4
Woodson: 5-5
Langley: 5-5
McLean: 4-6
South Lakes: 2-8
Thomas Jefferson: 1-9
STONE BRIDGE BULLDOGS:
What's next:
Head coach Mickey Thompson has done a lot in only a few years at the helm of the Bulldogs. After a state title last year, more of the same should be expected. All-Gameday quarterback Patrick Thompson returns and his 30-touchdown mark of last season should improve with even more knowledge of the offense. To help Thompson, the wide receivers may be even better.
Mark it on the Calendar:
(9/5) vs. Robinson - Last year, Robinson hit Stone Bridge with its only loss on their way to the Bulldogs' state championship. Expect Stone Bridge to come back this year with a vengeance.
The Up and Comers:
Some people believe that Stone Bridge lost its starting running back from last year, but in the words of coach Thompson, "we had him all along." Had senior Daniel Allen not been hurt in the team's second scrimmage, he would have more than likely been the Bulldogs starting running back. Now back in the lineup and healthy, Allen will carry the load.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
The talent of the senior class is undeniable. Patrick Thompson, lineman David Wang and
defensive lineman Zach Thompson and Brian Slay are just a few of the top-tier talent. But the talent level could be suspect beyond the talent core of seniors and depth could play an issue near the end of the season.
Record Prediction: 10-0
From the Coaches Mouth:
"We will try to improve the passing game and try to win the district."
MADISON WARHAWKS:
What's next:
For nine years head coach Gordon Leib has trusted the double wing formation and this year will be no different. With a collection of skilled running backs, Leib could place up to three in the formation at any time.
Senior Taylor Mead and juniors Will Cybulski and Kevin Sampson are just a few of the playmakers that could see the ball this year behind senior quarterback Will Clarkson. The one difference for Madison will be the lack of size up front, but the Warhawks will be counting one a quick, aggressive, senior-heavy team this year.
Mark it on the Calendar:
(10/31) at Marshall - Madison's hope for a home playoff berth may hinge on the matchup with Marshall and like in the past years, this rivalry will hold with it key playoff implications.
The Up and Comers:
The fourth running back in the lineup for Leib will be Mike McCool. The lanky 6-foot-1 back has the ability to break the big run and has a very deceptive slashing running style. When he got a few opportunities to play last year, he was one of the best running backs on the team, Leib said.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
The double wing formation will have the Warhawks focused on the run, but with a plethora of talented skills players, Madison will also have the capabilities to take to the air. But those skill players will need time to operate the plays and a lack of size and experience on the offensive line could weigh heavily into the Warhawks' playoff hopes.
Record Prediction: 7-3
From the Coaches Mouth:
"We are going to be small and aggressive. I hope that's a winning combination."
MARSHALL STATESMAN
What's next:
On both sides of the ball Marshall will build its team around a small number of returning starters. On offense, third-year starting quarterback Harold Sweet will return to a team with openings at nearly every position. Sweet will have to count on his strong intangibles to lead a team lacking in playmakers. As for defense, lineman Andrew Embree and James Peoples will be the focus.
Mark it on the Calendar:
(10/31) vs. Madison - Just like the last two years, the Liberty District looks like it will be a race for second place. Marshall vs. Madison will be another big game this year to close out the season.
The Up and Comers:
Defensive back Jamie Cleer suffered a season ending injury last year, but this year he will be healthy and returning to the lineup. He has the experience to make some plays.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
The three-year starter at quarterback will be a huge lift to the team, but the lack of any standouts at the skill positions will hurt Marshall's chances.
Record Prediction: 6-4
From the Coaches Mouth:
"I expect to get better every week...hopefully grow up fast and stay competitive."
WOODSON CAVALIERS:
What's next:
Most of the teams in the Liberty District have question marks on the line this year, and Woodson is no different. Yet with fullback Jake Sweeney, slot back Sam Burt and wide receivers Max Waizenegger and Eugene Kim all returning, head coach Trey Taylor won't be able to worry as much about his line. Taylor, however, has a battle on his hands as to who will lead the offense. Gabe Thomas is the incumbent starter, but Connor Reilly, a transfer from Tennessee, will also compete for time. Defensively, Taylor returns all his starters at linebacker and defensive back.
Mark it on the Calendar:
(10/24) at Langley - If Woodson hopes to make the playoffs this year or in the future, it will have to get over the Langley-Madison-Marshall hump. Langley will be the first of those roadblocks when the teams face off this year.
The Up and Comers:
When Jake Sweeney was injured last year, fill-in running back James Johnson performed admirably. While that was Johnson's main role last year, a full summer in the weight room should make Johnson a force in Taylor's backfield this year.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Weizenegger was moved to wide receiver last season and the Cavaliers' passing touchdown total jumped from one to 14. Expect that trend to continue as the skill players continue to get involved in the offense, especially with the depth at each position. Taylor will struggle to get, "the line up to speed," with only two returning starters and one senior on either line.
Record Prediction: 5-5
From the Coaches Mouth:
"You really got to step up against the Madison's and the Langley's to have that record and make a playoff run here in November."
LANGLY SAXONS:
What's next:
The one sure thing about the Saxons is that head coach John Howerton's offense will feature a heavy dose of the run behind a big offensive line. Quarterback Danny Pritchett returns for his senior year and another year running the offense. The Saxons also return multiple skill players. Derek Eklund and David Helmer return 700 yards a piece to the backfield. With two capable backs, Langley will have the option to use multiple backfield sets. Chris Sievers will add another athlete at the tight end position. Along with Sievers, Garrett Moore and Scott Jones are all three-year starters on the line.
Mark it on the Calendar:
(10/31) vs. McLean - Langley has won the majority of the match ups with McLean, but with first-year head coach Jim Patrick leading McLean, there is a new flavor to the cross-town rivalry.
The Up and Comers:
With Pritchett becoming more comfortable in his ability to make plays, there is a search for playmakers on the outside. Sievers is a big playmaking tight end. At 6-foot-2, 220 pounds, the senior led the team in receptions last year. "He can run, he can block and he can catch," Howerton said.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
The running game and line play will be the strength for Langley, as it has for the past five years. The question marks for this team are finding key replacements for Mike Sarson and Will Wilson on defense.
Record Prediction: 5-5
From the Coach's Mouth:
"It's looking bright, but you have to wait till you get there."
MCLEAN HIGHLANDERS:
What's next:
First year head coach Jim Patrick has a lot on his plate at McLean. Taking over a school that hasn't had much success in the past, Patrick will be relying on an experienced defense. Linebacker C.J. Rogers and defensive end Michael Shipley will be the playmakers on defense. But with only a few returnees from last year's team, the biggest question mark is on the line.
Mark it on the Calendar:
(10/31) at Langley - Patrick has already been told by the McLean faithful that a 1-9 record, but a victory against Langley, is a good season. Yet it's been almost ten years since McLean pulled off a victory in the rivalry, but you can bet Patrick will be gunning to buck that trend.
The Up and Comers:
Riley Beiro, an all-Region baseball player, may have only played in four games last year, but he's their best skill player. The unknown commodity has great athleticism and speed, but his vision is a quality that is invaluable. He is very instinctive with the ball and will also be the last line of defense for the Highlanders, as he'll have a home on the defense too.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
There is a new excitement in the air at McLean with the arrival of Patrick and that excitement has reached the players as well. But experience is at a minimum for the Highlanders and history is not on their side.
Record Prediction: 4-6
From the Coaches Mouth:
"You've got energy and now you have to build on it. That will be the challenge of the season."
SOUTH LAKES SEAHAWKS:
What's next:
South Lakes has a lot of positions that are wide open, including quarterback, wide receiver, linebacker and defensive back and will have to fill those openings to be successful. The one thing going for South Lakes is Quintin Fortes, a talented defensive end and tight end with the ability to make plays.
Mark it on the Calendar:
(10/31) vs. Thomas Jefferson - It's the last week of the season and these two teams could be fighting to stay out of the bottom of the Liberty District and the final Division 5 playoff spot.
The Up and Comers:
Running back Brandon Price will be taking over the workload for the Seahawks and with a strong summer workout, the Reston faithful should expect big things.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Fortes has the ability to play at the next level and will more than likely receive offers following a successful season. Sophomore offensive lineman Kevin Ball will be a stalwart on the line, but there are just too many question marks for the Seahawks.
Record Prediction: 2-8
From the Coaches Mouth:
"We will be better at offensive line and defensive line, much better at running back since they had an off-season in the weight room. Big question marks at quarterback and wide receiver."
THOMAS JEFFERSON COLONIALS:
What's next:
Head coach Tim Puvogel returns at the helm of a Colonial team that has usually been a bottom feeder in the Liberty District and Northern Region. Along the sidelines is second-year offensive coordinator Mike Auerbach, who will have a few weapons to work with. Wide receiver Evan Burch will be the go-to-guy on offense, but will get help from tailback Josh Yoon. First team all-district safety Mike Howard and middle linebacker Jarel Cohen, who led the district in tackles, return for another year as the leaders of the defense.
Mark it on the Calendar:
(10/10) vs. Marshall - The Colonials host Marshall this year in their homecoming game, and while it may not be an opportunity for Thomas Jefferson to climb up the standings, it will be an important game for the morale of the team.
The Up and Comers:
On a small team, the key for the Colonials will be the big man in the middle. Matt Becker fills that role at 6-foot-5, 265 pounds. The big tackle will be the lynchpin of the offensive line and will be expected play on offense.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
There are a handful kids on the Thomas Jefferson team that run a 4.6 or 4.7 in the 40-yard dash, giving the Colonials a nice balance of speed throughout the lineup. The biggest problem, though, will come with the slightly slower portion of the team. The offensive line and the linebackers have the greatest room for improvement and must get better for the Colonials to climb up the Liberty District ladder.
Record Prediction: 1-9.
From the Coaches Mouth:
"We are going to surprise some people. Traditionally, our program has not responded as well as we could have or should have...we will be more competitive in the Liberty District than we have in the past."
