Dominion Titans
LAST POST: August 25, 20082008 Dulles District Preview
PARK VIEW PATRIOTS
Outlook:
As Park View prepares for life after Thomas Mulabah, Patriots coach Andy Hill will have to mull over exactly how he will replace the defensive tackle that earned 2007 Dulles District and Region II Player of the Year honors. It's now up to Isaiah Bushrod and Bobby Cockerille to fill his vacant trench. Fortunately, both saw significant time during the second half of the 2007 season. Rising sophomore Kyle Jefferies could also break into the starting line-up at defensive end.
Perhaps the most dangerous weapon of Park View's junior class is Tommy Sedeski, a first-team All-District receiver in 2007. Senior Kenny Smith is a powerful blocking tight end with value at the college level and will return starting experience. Junior wide out Drew Mason also grabbed critical reps last year.
The secondary is where the Patriots likely will return the most combined snaps, as three season-long starters from last year's squad will lead this unit and the defense as a whole. Josh Jones, Marcus Freeman, and Absher will anchor the bunch, while rising juniors Nathan Santana and Dennis April are also in the mix.
This figures to be a rebuilding year for Park View, but with Hill's squads you never know--especially when considering they went 10-2 after graduating star running back Deric Dudinski. Either way, the difference between five and nine wins for this team will be whether or not the young offensive line, which returns just one starter, can quickly come together as a unit.
Stars on the Rise:
On the flipside, youth characterizes the linebacking corps. Senior linebacker Jake Ridings is the only senior in the group, while junior Michael Devaney, and sophomores Garrett Dalton, Nick Braddock and Eric Palma should receive major time on the field. Hill assures that "all of these players have had a diligent off-season and should play a significant role in our defensive scheme this fall."
Strengths and Weaknesses:
By using a two-pronged rushing attack of Brandon Absher and junior Daryus Beale in the backfield, coach Hill will be using a formula that's proven to wear down opponents. The question mark, however, is discovering whether or not those two will be able to find any running room. An inexperienced offensive line is front of them, and they'll be the key to Absher and Beale's success.
Key Game:
11/7 vs. Broad Run: This game has now evolved into the best rivalry there is in all of Loudoun. Despite Park View graduating so much talent, this game will still command the attention of all those in Loudoun.
Coach Quote:
"Our goal for 2008 is the same as it is every season: We want to win the Dulles District and compete for a Region and State Championship."
DOMINION TITANS
Outlook:
Dominion's offseason has been defined by change, but after going 2-8 last year, hopefully it's change for the better. It all started when coach Mike Dougherty left for Stonewall Jackson in Manassas, but his replacement is a popular one in Karl Buckwalter.
Buckwalter is famous in Northern Virginia for taking dormant programs and turning them into title contenders. Back in the mid-90's, Buckwalter took over a McLean program that had gone 1-29 in its three previous years, but it took him just three years to win a region title and have a #1 ranking in the Washington Post. Buckwalter then decided to start from scratch as he took over a brand new program in Colonial Forge. Three years later, surprise, surprise, Buckwalter has Colonial Forge playing for the region championship.
So can Buckwalter again work his magic? That remains to be seen. As of now, nearly all specific player personnel decisions are completely up in the air heading into training camp. Buckwalter will be running his offense out of I-Formation and split-back sets which are predicated on motion, the ability to go out of the shotgun, and the utility of four-wide formations. Tossing it is rarely off-limits; "It's backyard football as far as the quarterback is concerned ... We'll throw on first down, we'll throw on fourth down. It's going to be one of those offenses."
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Buckwalter has a penchant for developing running backs. When with McLean, he had one of the best running backs in the country by his side in Duane Epperson. While that was over 10 years ago, the reincarnation of Epperson is in De'Andre Reaves. Buckwalter can't tell us enough about how excited he is to work with Reaves, as he reminds him a lot of Epperson. While the run game will be a point of emphasis, a key weakness would be the passing game. In order for the run to work, Buckwalter needs the passing game to work too. Right now, that department is a bit of an uncertainty.
Stars on the Rise:
De'Andre Reeves might be a sophomore, yet Buckwalter raves that he's "beyond his years in athletic ability" and "sometimes ... a man amongst boys". While Reaves is already a well-known name thanks to a big freshmen season last year, look out for Derek Ebe. He has been tagged "the fastest kid in the school bar-none", and the coaching staff seeks to utilize this.
Key Game:
(10/24) at Park View: These two are friendly neighbors both residing right next to each other in Sterling. Yet forget the politeness, because if Dominion can win this game, they could very well end the season above .500.
Coach Quote:
"The offense is totally different and the defense is going to be totally different. There are kids playing positions where this year, they could end up playing someplace else. So it's going to be one of those things figuring out where the pieces fit, because that's the biggest thing, and doing an evaluation to find out which cream rises to the top."
HERITAGE PRIDE:
Outlook:
7-3 isn't bad, but Heritage wants to climb another bar on its ladder and reach the district's elite in 2008. Wes Driskill's team marches into training camp with a powerful offensive line and a crafty, quick senior quarterback. They'll return three starters on offense and five on defense, which isn't a plethora of experience but not necessarily an issue. With a stacked junior class, Heritage is likely to get over that three-loss hump sometime over the next two seasons.
Where this team will be strong is on the side of the ball. Aaron McMichael, Thomas Ewing, Ewell Johnson, Josh Laboon and senior Gavin Hunt figure to make up a very solid defensive line. Then there's Damon McCarthy and Russell East, who should make an even bigger impact on the defense while at linebacker.
On offense, the Pride return running back Ross Madison, but look out for wide receivers Scott Pratz and PJ McPhaul. The quarterback position is one of intrigue as there will be a duel between senior Zack Gordon and sophomore Brian Rhody for playing time. Each brings something different to the table, but only one of them holds the key to this team's success.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Both the offensive and defensive lines are the strength of this team, and Driskill will be the first person to tell you. McMichael, Laboon, Johnson, Hunt, and Ewing are all big, experienced and ready to take this program to the next level.
The biggest weakness is that there's been no emergence of a star athlete. Though it's certainly possible that this could occur during the regular season, Heritage really needs to have that one special player to take them over the top.
Stars on the Rise:
Sophomore quarterback Brian Rhody has already gained loads of confidence from his coach, and looms large in the mix to start this season. If he doesn't get the job this year, expect to hear plenty more from him down the road.
Key Game:
(10/3) vs. Broad Run: If Heritage can pull the upset here, then they'll be in the driver's seat for a potential Dulles District title.
Coach Quote:
"We have a good senior class, but not a lot of them. We have about 18 or 19 seniors, and we have good junior class in terms of depth. And we've also had a lot of people get significant playing time though they weren't particularly starters. I think our offense is really starting to take off after a year of running the no-huddle. Our defense will once again be solid because coach Burke does a great job with them."
BRIAR WOODS FALCONS:
Outlook:
With 18 of 22 starters returning and its first freshman class to be on the verge of graduation, Briar Woods is no longer the little brother of the Dulles District. They proved that last year when they advanced to the postseason in only their second full season as a varsity program. Head coach Charlie Pierce has built this program up from scratch, and he's on the verge of building a local power.
The offensive line is an obvious strength of this team as they return four starters, namely Aaron Kakol, Jamie Caldwell and Nick Hastings. It'll be their main job to ease in the transition of newly inserted quarterback Austin Frattali. He'll be taking over Alex Munro's vacated spot in the lineup, and filling that spot will be no easy task.
On defense, Briar Woods is loaded with athleticism at the skill positions. Bryan Mahoney leads a secondary that includes Jeremy Gray, Gavin Scherer and Brett Lefebvre. Yet their biggest plus as a unit will be with their defensive line. Many of the Falcons' offensive linemen will go both ways, but their biggest standout is likely Austin DeMoss.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Line play is what makes up the heart of this team. Pierce feels that "they will get off the ball, control their gap and be relentless to the ball." Also watch out for the linebackers on this team too. They return all three starters in Andrew Davidson, Jake Ashton and JT Bailey.
One obvious weakness, or area of concern, is finding out whether Frattali can successfully take over this offense. In the past, Munro has served as the chief commander of this offense, and now that he's gone, a big question mark looms ahead for Briar Woods.
Stars on the Rise:
One player to keep an eye on whom many don't know about is Kenny Owens. Real quick and versatile, he can make an instant upgrade to this team on defense.
Key Game:
(9/26) at Broad Run: This game might be the most significant in all of the Dulles District. Both teams return a plethora of talent, and the winner will have a great shot at being crowned district champs.
Coach Quote:
"We will be experienced with this being our first freshmen class that will be graduating. Expectations are high ... Winning the Dulles District and going deeper this year in the playoffs is on our radar."
BROAD RUN SPARTANS:
Outlook:
This Spartan football squad faces the daunting task of following a great act. After 2007 saw this Broad Run team go 10-0 in the regular season, head coach Michael Burnett's band of returning district champions will try to duplicate the recent success. With a whole host of experienced players returning, this team looks poised not to disappoint.
Chris Jessop was a first-team All-State defensive back, and will add "full time starting quarterback" to his résumé as well. Breon Earl, an All-Region honoree in 2007, will once again play a big role in Broad Run's rushing attack, while also being utilized as a wide receiver. As if that wasn't enough for opponents to handle, they'll also have to deal with standouts TJ Peeler and fullback Kenny McAdow in the backfield as well. Then of course are the wide receivers this team returns. Adrian Flemming and Joey Quigg provide incredible size, speed and athleticism and should be easy targets for Jessop. All-District center Shawn Lewis and 6-4, 280-pound junior Taylor Evans will anchor the offensive line.
On defense, this group is just as stout. Lewis, an All-District defensive end, leads this bunch into battle in the defensive trenches and Will Field will pose as big-time threat from Lewis' opposite side. Second-team All-State inside linebacker Kenny McAdow is the generator of this defense, as Burnett considers him "as good as there is inside." Don't overlook Tyler Johnson, who also looms large in this defense. Mikey Cotton made All-District last season and Burnett feels he's one of the best there is in the area. Needless to say, this a team that is absolutely loaded at every position.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
It's easy to find a strength for this team, but what stands out the most are the skill position players. Earl, Jessop, Flemming, Quigg, Peeler and McAdow are all outstanding talents and they should do a number on the Dulles District.
If there was one concern about this team, it would be along the line. True, they return a lot of talent there as well, but a lot of key players have also graduated.
Stars on the Rise:
Field, a 6-4 defensive end, is not the kind of guy you want surging toward your quarterback with waving arms on third-and-long. Burnett thinks he "should have a break-out season." Wide receiver Flemming has excellent hands and, at 6-4, Randy Moss-like size. This might've had something to do with his seven touchdowns last season, and maybe more this time around.
Key Game:
(9/26) vs. Briar Woods: This will be the Spartans' first real test and perhaps their toughest of the regular season. If the Spartans win here, it's likely smooth sailing from here on out.
Coach Quote:
"We have very high hopes for the 2008 season given our success last season and the core of returning skill players. We graduated some outstanding linemen last season and our ability to replace them effectively will be the key to our success."
LOUDOUN COUNTY RAIDERS:
Outlook:
This is a program that is certainly going in the right direction. After going 0-10 in 2006, new head coach Todd Hill brought this team its first victories in over a year as they went 2-8 in 2007. With increased participation throughout the entire program and a revitalized attitude, this program is one that is buzzing with excitement.
They do, after all, return two of their top players from last year in quarterback Joe Bushrod and tailback Adam Yesuf. While Bushrod's experience was limited last year, he showed to everyone he is the real deal. To help keep Bushrod and Yesuf safe, the Raiders return four starting offensive linemen, which should help the offense grow tremendously. With a whole host of receivers returning, namely tight end Chase Williams, expect this offense to be a lot more potent than last year's version.
On defense, it's the same tune, but a different verse. This unit, just like the offense, returns the majority of its players. Starting with Teddy Orrison and David Kent up front, this is a group that should also be vastly improved from a year ago.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
What will help Loudoun County get better is their line play. They return seven starters from both the offensive and defensive lines, and they'll be the backbone of this team. A concern facing this team, however, is whether they can develop a dangerous wide receiver threat. Once Loudoun County takes care of that need, they'll be all set to take off.
Stars on the Rise:
The best underclassman right now in the Loudoun County program is Chase Williams. As a sophomore last year, he was named to the all-district team, and with a year of seasoning, he could really develop into a dangerous player.
Key Game:
(10/10) vs. Potomac Falls: The opening stretch of Loudoun County's season is just brutal. This is the first break they'll have in their schedule and they need to take full advantage of it.
Coach Quote:
"We feel our team can be competitive this year ... The players have worked hard as a group and have created an atmosphere that is conducive to winning. We should have approximately 80 players in our varsity program this year, and those increased numbers will create competition and depth at each position."
PREVIOUS ARTICLES
:: McCowat To Play D-2 Baseball For AIC - June 14, 2008:: Taylor, McCowat Power Titans Past Heritage - May 19, 2008
:: Brocke, Spartans Close Out Season, Titans 8-1 - May 16, 2008
:: Spring, Pelto Help Panthers Pound Titans 12-4 - May 07, 2008
:: Kline Outduels McCowat, In 5-2 Panther Victory - May 06, 2008
:: Taylor Launches Titans Back Into Dulles Race - May 03, 2008
:: Kerby Stymies Titans; Tosses 3-0 Shut-Out - May 02, 2008
:: McCowat Pitches Titans To 8-1 Win - April 26, 2008
:: Bartolotti Helps Titans Defeat Freedom, 7-1 - April 23, 2008
:: Spartan Bats Come Alive Against Dominion, 12-1 - April 19, 2008
:: Knight, McCowat Help Titans Slam Raiders, 14-1 - April 17, 2008
:: Peters Too Much for Titans; Pride Win 4-2 - April 16, 2008
:: Falcon Softballers Fall to Dominion 10-5 - April 02, 2008
:: Taylor Goes Distance in Titan Win Over Falcons - April 02, 2008
:: Smucker, Bartolotti Power Titans In 9-5 Win - March 29, 2008
:: Behr Bears Down On Stuart-Titans Win 10-4 - March 27, 2008
:: Taylor, Titans Complete Sweep Of Gar-Field, 2-1 - March 26, 2008
:: McCowat Fans 20; Blanks Gar-Field 7-0 - March 18, 2008
:: Dominion Falls to Stonewall Jackson 13-3 - March 16, 2008
:: Dominion Hits King George Hard 10-2 - March 15, 2008
:: Lady Raiders Overwhelm Dominion, 86-49 - February 05, 2008
:: Breaking News: Titan's Dougherty To Step Down - December 06, 2007
:: Gameday Notebook - Week 12 (Loudoun) - November 14, 2007
:: Panthers Survive Late Comeback - Down Titans - November 12, 2007
:: Gameday Notebook - Week 11 (Loudoun) - November 07, 2007
:: Raiders Roll To 2 In A Row - Down Titans 14-3 - November 03, 2007
:: Gameday Notebook - Week 10 (Loudoun) - November 01, 2007
:: Leizear's 6TD's Power Patriots To 49-21 Win - October 30, 2007
:: Pride Blast Titans on Homecoming - 42-28 - October 21, 2007
:: Spartans Roll Over Titans - Remain Undefeated - October 13, 2007
:: Munro, Falcons, Dominate Titans On The Road - October 06, 2007
:: Dominion, Reaves Power Past Freedom 35-7 - September 29, 2007
:: Dominion Falls In Clash Of Titans, 40-20 - September 21, 2007
:: Titans Washed Away By Millbrook 34-22 - September 15, 2007
:: Titans Dominate Washington & Lee in Opener - August 31, 2007
:: Training Camp Day 8: Dominion Titans - August 10, 2007
:: Dominion Football Has Two Assistant Jobs Open - July 09, 2007
:: Baseball Titans Spell Victory, "T-A-Y-L-O-R!" - May 16, 2007
:: Gameday Baseball Power Poll - May 11th, 2007 - May 11, 2007
:: Taylor Made - Titans Sweep Raiders - May 11, 2007
:: Titan Football Players Sign With Frostburg - April 27, 2007
:: Dominion's Mousavi Has Come A Long Way - April 16, 2007
:: Taylor's 3 RBI's Help Titans Win In Opener 12-3 - March 13, 2007
:: Andrews Strives for Success - November 06, 2006
:: Titans Crash Heritage's Homecoming, Win 14-7 - October 28, 2006
:: Dominion's Chatman Young Is Mr. Consistant! - September 25, 2006
:: Heritage Rolls: 25-12, 25-14 in District Opener - September 06, 2006
:: Camp Preview Day 8: The Dominion Titans - August 22, 2006
:: Park View Softball ends season on a high note - May 17, 2006
:: Beach, Delahaba help Spartans win 19th straight - May 13, 2006
:: Estrella, Rohde help Pride Roll 19-1 Over Titans - May 13, 2006
:: Dominion's Berg An All Around Student Athlete - May 09, 2006
:: Park View defeats Dominion to improve to 6-1 - March 31, 2006
:: MacLean Develops His Strength and Toughness - March 15, 2006
:: Remember These Titans - February 05, 2006
:: Frutell Does It All For Titans - January 10, 2006
:: Titans Roll In Gymnastics Meet - December 01, 2005
:: Dorn Pulls the Way for the Titans - October 31, 2005
:: Leading the Titans, as well as the state of Virginia - October 31, 2005