Gameday Power Poll #7 - Westfield
Westfield may have lost 17 starters, but they do return three offensive linemen, namely All-Gameday and All-State guard Tyler Barfield...
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#7 WESTFIELD
Everything went, well, perfect for Westfield in 2007. Finishing with an unblemished 15-0 record, the Bulldogs took home the Division 6 state title while also finishing #1 in Gameday's final Power Poll. While also finding themselves nationally ranked in several publications, the road to duplicate that success will be much tougher this year. They graduate 17 starters, namely all-Gameday quarterback Mike Glennon, who was dubbed as being one of the top quarterbacks in the nation last year. Yet what Westfield does return is great coaching. Every year, head coach Tom Verbanic has this program contending for a title and we expect that to again be the case this year.
Quarterback
As noted earlier, the loss of Glennon will undoubtedly hurt this team. As a two-time all-Gameday selection, he became not only the best quarterback in this area, but one of the best in the country. It's hard to replace a talent such as Glennon, but Westfield may have struck gold again with Danny Fenyak. At 6-foot-3, Fenyak has the build to become a dominant passer and his arm is already starting to develop into a dangerous threat. If he can master the offense as Glennon did his junior year, this team will once again be a contender.
Running back
As if losing Glennon wasn't enough trouble, Westfield loses Steven Tabot and Brian Kennedy, both of whom were all-Gameday performers. Surprisingly, this will not be Verbanic's biggest question mark, as he boasts another highly touted junior in Dillon Doty. Despite being small in stature, Doty has outstanding speed, and coupled with having a great line, he could very well find just as much success running the ball as did Tabot and Kennedy.
Wide Receiver
Here is a big concern for Westfield. Gone is all-Gameday's Johnny Pickett as well as all-district players David Kruchko and Randy Johns. What was a triple-threat has now turned into a big question mark. Verbanic said competition for starting spots is wide open at this position, although Gary Turner could become a top receiver this fall.
Offensive line
For those who believe offensive lines make or break an offense, then expect Westfield to put up 30 points a game. They have arguably the top offensive line in this area, as they return all-Gameday and all-state Tyler Barfield, as well as Tyler Delph and Jacob Ryder. Out of the five starters who return for Westfield, three of them are on the offensive line. So despite the graduation losses at the skill positions, this line gives us the greatest reason to believe Westfield will still have a potent offense.
Defensive line
We could see a real rarity here at Westfield. After losing his entire defensive line, Verbanic is entertaining the possibility of having his offensive lineman go both ways. With Barfield, Delph and Ryder being the clear class of this team, it's no wonder why Verbanic wouldn't have them pull double-duty.
Linebackers
Here again is where Verbanic could be hurting this season. He lost Kennedy, Gameday's AAA Player of the Year, to graduation, as well as leading tackler Mike King. Those two were the glue which held Westfield's stingy defense together, and without them, it's unsure as to how this unit will respond. Look for Ben Casper, though, to be the one to take over this group and possibly the defense. Verbanic prides himself on defense, so you can bet he'll do whatever it takes to get this group running on all cylinders.
Secondary
While graduation stung just about every position for Westfield, they do return Evan Winfrey, their best cornerback from last year. Athletic with great range, Winfrey could be the next big playmaker for the Westfield defense and when considering how graduation affected this defense, they'll greatly need someone to step up. Look for Winfrey to be the one who leads that charge.
Key Game
Sept. 18 at Chantilly- What a rivalry this game has turned into. Not only does this matchup pit together two neighborhood rivals, but they're among the best in the area. The winner here will likely go on to be the top contender for the mighty Concorde District crown.
Schedule
Aug. 29 at South County
Sept. 5 vs. Lee
Sept. 12 vs. Hayfield
Sept. 18 at Chantilly
Sept. 26 vs. Robinson
Oct. 3 vs. Woodson
Oct. 10 at Fairfax
Oct. 18 at Herndon
Oct. 24 vs. Oakton
Oct. 31 vs. Centreville
Extra Point
In the program's short history, Westfield has gone an astounding 79-15 with five district championships, two region championships, and two state titles while also producing 50 first-team all-district players.
