Training Camp Tour: Seneca Valley Screamin' Eagles
Photo by: Lee Purnell / GamedayMD.com
BY ADAM CHASEN:
GERMANTOWN, MD - Led by 7th year Head Coach Fred Kim, Seneca Valley football enters 2010 with the same goal every season, win a state championship. Few schools in the state can truly say that a successful season is measured by a ring and a ring only. Coach Kim knows very well what the feeling of winning that coveted state title is all about, as both a player and assistant coach, for his alma mater, but since taking over the head role for the program in 2004, the twelve time state champions, (Maryland state record) have not been able to reach their ultimate goal.
The 2009 season, saw a young but talented Screamin' Eagle team, start off in a deep hole, dropping both of their first two games. Seneca roared back winning five straight, only to see the season end in heartbreak, dropping two of its final three games to eventual playoff teams in Whitman and Quince Orchard. The good news for Coach Kim and his staff is that his younger, inexperienced team, is now loaded and senior laden.
Returning star nose guard/fullback, Bernard Wolley, (Gameday 2010 Male Athlete of the Year Award Finalist,) was the most disruptive defensive force in the county last season, and should anchor what is expected to be a fine defense led by its line. Also returning is senior quarterback Max Nicholson, a returning captain and strong armed signal caller. Surrounding Nicholson on offense there will be no shortage of talent returning with experience as well. Senior running back Ed Cunningham has the talent to be among the county's leading rushers, and junior receiver Trey Cunningham returns on the perimeter as the team's leading pass catcher. In addition to these dynamic skill players left over from last year's squad, senior transfer Cyrus Britt, (Sherwood) could add an explosive weapon to the Seneca backfield.
Britt, still recovering from offseason injury, and back Ed Cunningham, will look for fullback Bernard Wolley and an offensive line unit returning five key players to get the Screamin' Eagles not only to the playoffs in 2010, but into state title contention. A tough 3A division seems to be as deep as any year in recent memory, but Seneca is a team capable of breaking through.
Camp Observations:
Defensive Scheme Play: With so much attention paid to Bernard Wolley and the rest of the defensive line, the Seneca linebackers very well may be the key to the team defense. Avoiding the urge to rush upfield and allow the offensive play to develop, with the proper reads, is the way the Seneca defense is designed and will need to be executed to have ultimate success.
O-Line Play: The offensive line, still not quite at full strength, with have to play with intensity, and an inner swagger, to really allow the super talented skill position players to excel. Talent is plentiful among this group and there is more than enough size to get the job done. If the unit plays with as much intensity as their coaching staff shows during practice, county teams should be worried.
Coaching Detail: From starting unit team drills, to position groups, and down to full special teams work, the Seneca coaching staff is top notch. The attention to detail and communication from coaches to players and even from coaches to coaches is as good as anywhere in the county. This group will get the most out of its player's year in and year out.
Prior to Training Camp Practice Coach Kim and Senior Bernard Wolley Spoke with Gameday and here is What They Had to Say:
