Gameday Power Poll #5 - Battlefield
One of the better quarterbacks in the area is Battlefield's Bo Revell. After splitting time as a sophomore last year, he is primed for a big year in 2008...
Photo By: Derek LeComte
#5 BATTLEFIELD
In just their third year of existence, head coach Mark Cox took this program and team to another level in 2007. Going 9-1 and winning the Cedar Run District title, the Bobcats were the surprise story of the year in the Northwest Region. Despite a first round playoff exit, nothing can take away from Battlefield's sudden rise to prominence in the area. With the majority of their team back for 2008, this is a team who could even threaten for a state title.
Quarterback:
Fully healed from a knee injury, look for quarterback Bo Revell to completely take over the Northwest Region. Already being projected as a big-time college prospect, Revell should be primed to have a breakout year in 2008. Already showing flashes of brilliance as a sophomore, his upcoming junior year could really be the time when Revell leaves his mark on this area.
Running back
What makes Battlefield such a dynamic and dangerous offense is the return of Adrian Ingram. Being one of the better backs in the district, Ingram became the sparkplug for the Bobcat offense last year. Yet with Revell fully healed, and with Ingram being a year wiser and stronger, he could really elevate this offense into something special.
Wide Receiver
One place where graduation did hit this team hard is with the loss of Erik Patterson at receiver. Patterson was the backbone of the Battlefield program since its inception, but not to worry, Battlefield returns the rest of its receiving core. Headlining the group will be Cooper Bull, followed by Blaine Mason, Matt Plum and Chris Richmond. All four are handed, but more importantly battle-tested.
Offensive Line
The reason we're so high on Battlefield is because of their line play. They bring back four starters, namely Xavier Stringfeld and Jimmy Long, and this group should be able to push other units around, much like they did last year. True, they lost Joe Breighaut and Austin Toole, but this is a group that should be even better than last year.
Defensive Line
What's very unique to Battlefield is that coach Cox plays the majority of his players both ways. A rarity for Division 6 schools, Cox wants the best players he can get on the field at all times. With that being said, he's in good hands by putting Stringfeld, Long and the rest of his big offensive line on defense.
Linebacker
It's oftentimes believed that linebackers are the heart of any defense, and if that is in fact true, Battlefield's defense will be tough to beat. They return just about everyone, including three-year starter Vincent Drazl, Corey Turner and Ingram. They all factored in heavily to a defense that limited opposing offenses to 10 points or fewer five times last year, but should be even better this year.
Secondary
Like we said earlier, coach Cox doesn't mind playing his players both ways. He'll be having Bull, Mason, Plum, and Richmond all working double-shifts in order to keep in check a region known for its speed.
Key Game
Oct. 24 vs. Fauquier- Last year's game against Fauquier was an instant classic as they came back from 20 points down to win in overtime. Just like last year, the winner of this game will be in the driver's seat to win the Cedar Run.
Schedule
Aug. 28 at Potomac
Sept. 5 BYE
Sept. 12 at Gar-Field
Sept. 18 vs. Hylton
Sept. 26 vs. Stonewall Jackson
Oct. 3 at Osbourn Park
Oct. 10 vs. Liberty
Oct. 17 at Osbourn
Oct. 24 vs. Fauquier
Oct. 31 at Culpeper
Nov. 7 vs. Loudoun Valley
