Day 5: The Park View Patriots
Park View's Kenny Smith returns this fall for his senior season after spending most of his junior year on the sidelines with a knee injury. His impact could be huge for Park View....
Photo By: Derek LeComte / Gameday Magazine
STERLING, VA - Few programs have the tradition that Park View High School does in football. The Patriots have been the most successful program in Loudoun County for decades, and they are looking to keep that tradition going in 2008.
Head Coach Andy Hill enters his fourth season at the helm, and every year the doubters have questioned whether or not he would be able to continue the playoff seasons, and every year he proves them wrong.
This year is no different as Hill must replace All Gameday quarterback C.J Leizer, and All Gameday lineman Thomas Mulabah on defense. Both players were the emotional heartbeat of Hill's first three Patriot teams that combined to win 24 of 29 games, visit the playoffs three times, and win two district championships.
In order for Park View to return to the second season this fall, they must get some help from several new faces on the roster. As the Patriots prepare for their first scrimmage, here are the five main questions they must answer before the season.
Who Will Run Hill's Spread Offensive Attack?
Right now, that remains up in the air, although junior Sawyer Hackett and Brandon Lee are both getting plenty of reps behind center with the first team. Hackett appears to have a more accurate arm, but Lee is an athletic dual threat quarterback that could give Hill some nice wrinkles in his play calling on offense. This battle will be interesting to watch, but keep in mind that Hill knows quarterbacks. He had the intestinal fortitude to select a sophomore to play quarterback for him three years ago, and while some questioned the move, it worked out very well for the Patriots. Hacket and Lee will need to show Hill they can manage the game, and not beat the team by making mistakes. The player who does that the best will be the guy Patriot fans see as the starter against Herndon.
Can Kenny Smith Match Thomas Mulabah's Production On Defense?
While Park View's Kenny Smith appears to have the same physical gifts that Mulabah had, if not more, Smith must prove he's ready for the spotlight this fall. At 6'7, 285lbs, Smith is a monster, and should be impossible to block. However, because of injury last year, we have yet to see how he plays every snap. If his motor is the same as Mulabah's was, Smith will post some scary numbers on defense.
How Will Hill Utilize His Speed On Offense?
The Patriots return some big time athleticism on offense with last year's Dulles District leading receiver Tommy Sedeski. Sedeski benefited greatly from a quarterback who could get him the ball, but that could be more difficult if Park View's new signal callers struggle. Tailback Brandon Absher will see more carries in the backfield, and Darius Beal should emerge as a future star with his speed. Hill will have to find a way to get the ball downfield, and yet gradually work his new quarterback into his aggressive play calling. How this unit meshes together is really one of the big keys to the Patriot's success this season.
How Will The Late Coaching Changes Affect The Staff Chemistry?
Hill was forced to replace two outstanding coaches this off-season with the departure of defensive coordinator Mick Mullins and offensive line coach Danny McGrath. McGrath's departure came late in the summer, which is never an easy thing to deal with as a head coach. Hill filled the positions with two capable guys in Thomas LaRocco and Dwight Vick. LaRocco has coached with Hill for years and will fill in for Mullins on defense, while Vick, a former NFL lineman takes over McGrath coaching the offensive line. Hill is a guy that knows how to manage his staff and get the most out of his players, and these changes should be very easy to adapt to.
What Happens To The Team's Confidence If They Falter Early?
The Patriots open the season against a tough Herndon team that came on late last season, and then follow that game up with a home opener against the always talented Jefferson High School from West Virginia. Park View really needs some confidence early, especially for their new starters. If they can grab some momentum in their non-district schedule, they will be a team to be dealt with in the Dulles Distirct.
What Is The Most Likely Record The Patriots Will Finish With?
It is so hard to predict a team's success when the quarterback position is unsettled, but I'm a believer in Hill as a coach. He knows the game and his kids always play hard for him. This year will be no different. I think any team that figures this is the year they will give the Patriots a smack down on the gridiron could be sadly mistaken. Park View will be talented enough to beat teams like Broad Run, Heritage, and Briar Woods, and yet inexperienced enough to lose games against upstart programs like Dominion, Potomac Falls, and Loudoun County. It's anyone's guess, but if I had to put a steak dinner on it, I would bet 7-3 and most of those losses will come early in the season.
