Gameday Power Poll #2 - Woodbridge
Rocket Williams Will Give Woodbridge A Chance To Get Back In The Title Game In December....
Photo By: Gameday Magazine
#2 WOODBRIDGE VIKINGS
Last year, Woodbridge came into the state championship game as the quintessential Cinderella. With just a 6-4 record and the number four seed out of the Northwest Region, the Vikings found themselves going on an extraordinary run that carried them all the way to the state title game. As was the case again for Woodbridge, they were going in as heavy underdogs but up until the middle of the third quarter, had seemed poised to upend nationally ranked Westfield. Their bid ultimately fell short, but with 17 of 22 starters back, Woodbridge now finds themselves as the top threat to win the Division 6 state title.
Quarterback:
Of the five starters Woodbridge graduated, one of them happened to be leader and star quarterback Jake Myer. But not to worry, waiting in the wings is Frank Buckley, who might be even better than Myer. At 6-foot-5, he has tremendous potential and has impressed head coach Keith King tremendously during the offseason. So much so, that King plans on opening up his offense a lot more and let Buckley take them to the next level.
Running back:
For this department, all that is needed are two words: DeAntwan Williams. What left can be said about the man they dub "the Rocket"? His legacy is already cemented in as one of the better backs to ever come out of this area, as his numbers are off the charts. Already with over 5,000 career rushing yards, Williams could even be aiming at the state rushing record of 7,536. Last year he ran for over 2,200 yards, so it's not too far out of the question. With an experienced and talented line in front of him, there is no telling just how well Williams will do this year. This offseason, Williams was offered by nearly every school on the East Coast as he is also Gameday's number one ranked prospect.
Wide receiver:
Woodbridge has so much depth at this position, it seems like they're almost cheating. They are eight deep at receiver, and while returning starters Demetrius Quarels, Collin Frazier and Kelvin Lewis will likely see the most attention, there are five other players who could easily take their spot.
Offensive Line:
This is arguably the best offensive line in the Northwest Region, and the fact that the Rocket will be running behind them is a scary thought. They're anchored by Gameday's #11 ranked prospect Jay Weatherington, who now holds four offers. Then there's Austin Brown, who might be smaller than Weatherington, but is equal in skill. While having talent at the skill positions helps, this is the group that has carried Woodbridge in the past and will again in 2008.
Defensive Line:
Coach King doesn't like to roll the dice with his defense and therefore be asking both Weatherington and Brown to go both ways. He has five other defensive lineman that he'll rotate in, namely Justin Hairston, but it's his main priority to have this group equipped with the best talent on hand.
Linebackers:
Here is where the defense will be anchored down. The Vikings return all three starting linebackers, Darryl Hayley, Matt Wilson and Trey Garvey, and all three of them have one thing in common: they're super athletic. They fly to the ball, hit with tremendous force and are flat-out tough.
Secondary:
While the linebacking unit appears to be the strength of the defense, don't underestimate the secondary. In a district like the Cardinal where speed reigns supreme, it's imperative to have a group of qualified defensive backs, and Woodbridge has exactly that. With Quarels, Frazier, Lewis, Keyon Wade and Darnell Whitfield serving as the last line of defense, the Woodbridge defense appears to be in very safe hands.
Key Game
9/5 vs. Highland Springs:
This is a matchup that should get the whole state's interest. Highland Springs is annually one of the best teams to come out of the Central Region as they've become a state championship contender. Last year, they got the better of Woodbridge, but the Vikings will be willing to not only exact revenge but send a message to the rest of the state that they are for real.
Schedule
Aug. 29 vs. Riverbend
Sept. 5 at Highland Springs
Sept. 12 vs. Loudoun Valley
Sept. 18 at Osbourn
Sept. 26 at Franklin County
Oct. 3 BYE
Oct. 10 vs. Potomac
Oct. 17 at Forest Park
Oct. 24 vs. Hylton
Oct. 31 vs. Freedom-Woodbridge
Nov. 7 at Gar-Field
Extra Point
Woodbridge has now made the playoffs four straight years, compiling a record of 28-12 while reaching the region championship game twice in that span.
