The York Falcons Fly In At #17 In The Poll
Last year the Falcons just missed the playoffs, but this year is a whole new story. With Ben Edwards at quarterback for the start of the 2009 campaign, the Falcons should not miss a beat from where they left off last year...
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Denard Ashby, a transfer from Woodside, runs through the bags during York's practice on Wednesday. Ashby looks to be a key factor for the Falcons on the ground this year..
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Some say Andrew Watts, wearing the #73 black jersey, is the best linebacker in the Bay Rivers District. With a 3.8 GPA and a nose for the ball, it's no wonder why some Ivy League schools have been looking at him...
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Head Coach: Doug Pereira (3rd Season)
2008 Record: 6-4
In 2008 the Falcons finished 4th in the district with a record of 6-4. Coach Pereira has high hopes for his young team for the 2009 season. In the middle of July, members of the York Falcons team returned to the Mickey Matthews Football Camp at James Madison University for the 2nd year. Coach Pereira and his team had huge success in the 7-on-7 passing tournament. The final record for the Falcons was 11 wins and 2 losses. Look for that clicking of the offense to transfer over to the regular season.
Key Game
Between cross town rivals, every year, will be the Tabb Tigers who they will face on the 18th of September. On October 9th the Falcons travel down to square off against the Poquoson Islanders. Then the 5 miles that separate York and the Grafton Clippers will have their show down on the last game of the regular season on November 13th.
2009 Schedule
9/4 Greenville 7:30pm*
9/18 at Tabb 7:30pm
9/25 Jamestown 7:30pm
10/2 New Kent 7:30pm
10/9 at Poquoson 7:30pm
10/16 Smithfield 7:30pm
10/23 at Warhill 7:30pm
10/30 Lafayette 7:30pm
11/6 at Bruton 7:30pm
11/13 Grafton 7:30pm
Offense- Spread offense
Quarterbacks - Ben Edwards (6'0" 185lbs), a senior, had to step into the quarterbacking role last year after his older brother went down with an injury. There is no secret once that happened what Mr. Edwards did for the Falcons. With already plenty of Colleges looking at him for his speed and ability watch out for this young man on the field, huge play maker and the vocal leader. Backing up Edwards is a promising talent in sophomore Alex Johnston (5'11" 160lbs) with an improving arm and vision look for him to be a be part of the Falcons success in the future.
Running backs - With such a prolific passing game plan, the running backs will need to step up once called upon. The Falcons will look to a sophomore in Jake Norman (5'9" 170lbs) who has great vision and hits the hole and runs up field. Denard Ashby (5'7" 185lbs) a junior transfer from Woodside High School will give coach and his Falcons a lift for the running game.
Wide Receivers - Several standouts at this position for Mr. Edwards to target, in two juniors Tre Thomas (6'0" 190lbs) great moves and slot receiver Maurice Lewis (6'2" 170lbs) both with great speed and hands. Senior wide out Charles Rogerson (6'0" 180lbs) terrific hands, watch for Mr. Rogerson to have a stand out year. With the height and speed of the wide outs, it gives the impression of the Falcons being a high powered spread offense and down field attacks.
Tight End - Brad Myers (6'0" 180lbs) solid kid with great potential for down field attacks and blocking for the back field on run plays.
Offensive Line - Returning four seniors to the O-line starting with the Falcons best linemen; Josh Phillips (6'1" 210 lbs) at tackle, guard El Freeman (6'2" 225lbs), center Chet Boutelle (6'1" 215lbs) other tackle Ryan Olsen (6'3" 210lbs) and the only underclass men sophomore Haden Crockett (6'3" 265lbs). If these young men can stay healthy look for Edwards to have a big year passing and running. A concern for the O-line is that there are not many back-ups if one of these starters goes down due to injury.
Defense- 4-3
Defensive Line - No linemen going both ways will help preserve energy and strength. Three seniors will hold down most of the D-line; defensive end Mike Garcia (5'11" 175lbs), along side of him tackle Billy Maimas (6'2" 225lbs) other defensive tackle Dominic Cicolini (6'0" 250) and junior Ryan Cash (5'11" 175lbs) as the other DE. Coach Pereira's concern for the D-line will be the size of the guys.
Linebackers -Senior middle linebacker Andrew Watt (6'0" 195lbs) should make a solid run for the defensive player of the year for the Bay Rivers District. Strong side outside LB Mike Dayton (6'0" 175lbs) and sophomore weak side LB Chris Hacker (5'8" 160lbs) will use his speed to make plays.
Secondary - Number one defensive back Ben Edwards will be the lock down corner, along with Tre Thomas. Strong safety Charles Rogerson and sophomore Jimmy Evens (5'8" 175lbs) will be the rover.
Special Teams - Junior kicker Jonny Howell, who has a strong leg and the range to make field goals from the mid 30 yard mark. Punting duties will belong to Ben Edwards. The return game will be between Mr. Thomas and Edwards.
