Georgetown Prep Ready for Battle
BY ADAM CHASEN
BETHESDA, MD - After a 7-3 campaign in 2009, the Georgetown Prep Little Hoyas return a talented group that should finish with an even stronger showing in 2010. Entering his fourteenth season as Head Coach, Dan Paro, has as talented group of players as he has had in several years. With over twenty players returning with varsity playing time last season, Paro will have numerous leaders to count on to guide the squad.
Senior Bobby Rutland, will take over the quarterback duties for the Hoyas as Jack Schryber graduated, and his combination of vision, accuracy, and athleticism, should provide Prep with an extra weapon in the backfield. Rutland started at defensive back in 2009 and was a leader on the defense; he will now be called upon to lead the entire team. Rutland has shown that he is equally adept at making plays with both his arm and his legs to provide an added dimension to the Prep attack.
But don't be confused, Paro believes in playing fundamentally sound and running the football first and foremost. Everything will start with the offensive line, where not only is there talent but size as well. Junior Michael Boland, a two-sport star in basketball and football, is already being recruited by big time college programs for both sports and will man the right tackle position on offense and provide an intimidating presence on the defensive line. Boland has grown and gotten himself into tremendous shape this offseason, working with trainer Blake Kaplan early in the morning before many high schoolers are waking up. The rest of the offensive and defensive lines are deep and talented, with several seniors including Captain Scott Mergner to create holes on offense and wreak havoc defensively.
Senior captain Bobby Gribbin will be the primary running back for the third consecutive year. What Gribbin lacks in size, he undoubtedly makes up for with quickness and heart. In fact, there may be no back in the entire area that has the lateral quickness and balance that Gribbin possesses. I hate to compare him to a Cowboy great as a diehard Redskins fan, especially just before Cowboy week here in D.C., but the young man has reminded me time and time again of Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith. The ability to avoid tacklers with lateral quickness and hide behind blockers is uncanny at times. Gribbin should get strong consideration for end of year honors and has already committed to play lacrosse next year at Penn State.
Playing in the MIAA conference is challenge enough, but Prep continues to schedule strong out of conference opponents from the WCAC, IAC, and other tough teams in the region. Starting with independent, Fort Union Military Academy, Prep will face some of the region's best each and every week. The defense lost some strong players from last season including Paul Phillips and Robert Posnewski, but with so many key players returning, I expect the run defense to be solid as always under Paro. The overall athleticism of the team is even stronger this year than last in my opinion, which will be most evident in the defensive backfield. This unit could be a real strength, and will need to be against strong passing teams such as Gridiron Classic rival Gonzaga.
The Gameday Broadcast Network will be live streaming the Prep vs. Fork Union game at GamedayMD.com Friday, beginning at 4:30 PM and will have the game saved on the website for later listening as well.
I had a chance to speak with Coach Dan Paro and a trio of talented juniors J.T. Strickland, Tyler Fairbanks, and Michael Boland and here is what they had to say:
