Lake Taylor is 20-1 in Eastern District play the last three years, with a 12-game winning streak intact.
The Titans’ dominance is likely to continue this fall, and a second consecutive unbeaten run in the district is well within reach.
Why?
Hank Sawyer’s team boasts eight returning starters from a defense that was No. 2 in South Hampton Roads in fewest yards allowed and yielded an average of eight points per game.
On offense, Lake Taylor has seven starters back. Veteran blockers such as Russell Ferrer and Fred Hill will make the transition easier for new starting quarterback Jarred Battle and primary ball-carrier Boogie McCray.
Another big plus the Titans have over the rest of the district is depth.
“We have six running backs and a bunch of fast receivers and defensive backs, too,” said all-state linebacker Mike Privott, the reigning Eastern District Defensive Player of the Year.
Sawyer’s seven district coaching counterparts made Lake Taylor a unanimous preseason title favorite.
“They’ve won the last three titles (actually shared one with Maury) and are still loaded with athletes,” said Granby’s Curt Brown, who joins Maury’s John Quinerly as the district’s new head coaches.
As for the race for second place, it’s wide open. On paper, Maury, Norcom and Churchland might have an edge on the rest of the pack.
A look at each team in predicted order of finish:
1. LAKE TAYLOR TITANS
Last season: 10-1 overall, 7-0 district, lost to Indian River in Division 5 playoff opener
Coach: Hank Sawyer, 67-29 in nine seasons at Lake Taylor
Plays at: Titan Stadium, 1384 Kempsville Road, Norfolk
Key players: WR/SS Trevor Adams, 6-0, 190, sr.; QB Jarred Battle, 6-2, 195, sr.; RB/SS Lamont Britt, 5-10, 175, jr.; DT Antoin Brown, 5-9, 230, sr.; OL/DL Russell Ferrer, 6-0, 260, sr.; OT/DT Fred Hill, 6-2, 235, jr.; RB/LB Boogie McCray, 6-2, 205, sr.; DB Danny Paiva, 5-9, 170, jr.; LB Mike Privott, 6-0, 225, sr.; DB Joe Salone, 5-10, 180, sr.; OL/DL Eric Sykes, 6-0, 225, jr.; LB/TE Tony Wiggins, 5-11, 225, sr.; LB Travis Williams, 6-3, 195, jr.; K/P Jay Zardee, 5-9, 175, sr.
Offensive outlook: Strong-armed Battle directs what should be a balanced twin-veer attack, featuring inside and outside ground threat McCray. Ferrer, Hill and Sykes are line mainstays. Dependable Adams heads the receiving corps.
Defensive outlook: Hard-hitting linebackers Privott and Willams head a veteran contingent of eight returning starters from last year’s No. 2 total defense in South Hampton Roads. This bunch boasts exceptional speed at linebacker and in the secondary
Bottom line: Last year’s Beasts of the East could be even more dominant this time around.
2. MAURY COMMODORES
Last season: 6-5 overall, 5-2 district, lost to Salem in Division 6 playoff opener
Coach: John Quinerly, first season
Plays at: Powhatan Field on the Old Dominion University campus, Norfolk
Key players: OG/LB Brandon Doman, 5-10, 235, sr.; OT/DT Eric Evans, 6-0, 265, sr.; RB/DB Ruben Hale, 5-9, 175, sr.; OT/DT Mark Halik, 6-4, 305, sr.; P Orion Hall, 5-9, 210, jr.; LB/RB Charles Humphrey, 6-0, 190, sr.; S/WR Dorian Jackson, 6-3, 185, sr.; S/QB Keenan Lambert, 6-0, 175, jr.; CB/WR Kreighton Lambert, 5-9, 150, sr.; SS/WR Laroy Reynolds, 6-2, 210, sr.; LB/QB Darrell Waters, 6-4, 218, jr.; CB/RB Deonte Wright, 5-7, 175, sr.
Offensive outlook: The Lamberts, brothers of former Maury quarterback Kam Chancellor, hope to rejuvenate the attack to the way it was in Kam’s era. Humphrey looms as the primary running force.
Defensive outlook: Quinerly, a former Maury running back, expects the athleticism of the likes of Reynolds ,who has committed to Virginia, and Halik to make this group excel. “Their speed and aggressiveness will set the tone for us.”
Bottom line: The Commodores will rely on defense and a strong kicking game to stay in the playoff hunt.
3. NORCOM GREYHOUNDS
Last season: 4-6 overall, 3-4 district
Coach: Larry Archie, 7-13 in two seasons at Norcom
Plays at: Joe G. Langston Stadium, 1801 London Boulevard, Portsmouth
Key players: RB Anthony Blount, 5-8, 160, jr.; WR/DB Rashawn Finney, 5-10, 170, sr.; OL/LB Charles Grant 6-2, 255 sr.; WR/DB Demarcus Hoggard, 5-7, 155, soph.; QB Deandre Lamb, 5-9, 155,. jr.; DB/WR Carlos Mills, 5-8, 140, soph.; WR/DB Nashawn Palmer, 6-1, 200, sr.; WR Elton Pugh, 5-6, 155, jr.; LB/WR Monte Robinson, 5-11, 170, jr.; LB/FB Demontray Ryland, 6-0, 225, OL/DL Jermaine St. Ann, 5-10, 240, jr.; DL/TE Michael Terrell, 6-1, 220, sr.
Offensive outlook: If the young offensive line matures quickly, the Greyhounds will finish in the district’s upper echelon. Lamb threw for 1,159 yards as a sophomore and has a gifted target in Finney.
Defensive outlook: Terrell, Robinson and Mills lead a veteran crew that should build on last year’s three shutouts.
Bottom line: Forced to play 24 sophomores and freshmen in 2007, the Greyhounds will prosper from that experience this season.
4. CHURCHLAND TRUCKERS
Last season: 6-4 overall, 4-3 district
Coach: Cedric Cradle, 6-4 in one season at Churchland
Plays at: Strickland Stadium, 4301 Cedar Lane, Portsmouth
Key players: DE/T Dominique Gwynn-Bailey, 6-3, 215, jr.; QB Craig Brooks, 6-2, 175, jr.; WR Cedric Cradle, 5-7, 160, soph.; FB/LB Rodney Jones, 5-10, 250, sr.; DB/WR Travis McClenny, 5-11, 190, sr.; LB/TE Kevon Newsome, 6-3, 215, jr.; OT/DT Ali Scott, 6-4, 300, jr.; RB/DB Brian Smith, 5-11, 180, sr.; RB Desmond Ware 5-10, 180, sr.; DB/WR Kenneth Wright, 5-11, 180, sr.
Offensive outlook: Brooks, who passed for 746 yards and five touchdowns in 2007, is minus the proven supporting cast he had last season. Ware keys the ground attack. Newsome, a transfer from Western Branch, should help at tight end.
Defensive outlook: Some key figures from the unit that was South Hampton Roads’ No. 6 total defense last year are gone, especially at linebacker. Newsome and Jones hope to fill that void. Cradle says speed will be a trademark.
Bottom line: The Truckers figure to hover around .500 again.
5. NORVIEW PILOTS
Last season: 3-7 overall, 3-4 district
Coach: Robert Toran, 13-27 in four seasons at Norview
Plays at: Norview Stadium, 6501 Chesapeake Boulevard, Norfolk
Key players: OL/DL Desmone Andrews, 5-9, 170, sr; OL/DL John Apelu, 6-0, 235, sr.; WR/FS Travis Bryant, 5-11, 155, sr.; QB/LB Daniel Church, 5-10, 175, sr.; LB/TE Trent Coley, 5-10, 190, sr.; WR/CB Marcus Hall, 5-9, 150, sr.; DL/OL Trametrius Jackson, 5-10, 250, sr.; NG/FB Kurtiss Mitchell, 5-9, 185, sr.; LB/QB Kris Morris, 6-0, 200, sr.; RB/SS Stephen Sims, 5-10, 195, jr.; OL/DL Jordan Smith, 6-0, 240, jr.; LB/WR Antonio Wade, 5-9, 175, sr.; OL/DL Todd Wilson, 5-11, 205, sr.;
Offensive outlook: Toran anticipates more balance, with Church throwing and Sims rushing. Limited size up front could be a problem.
Defensive outlook: Better speed and depth should help lower last season’s average yield of 218 yards per game. Linebacker Morris and lineman Jackson are mainstays.
Bottom line: The Pilots need a fast start to improve on ’07.
6. BOOKER T. WASHINGTON BOOKERS
Last season: 5-5 overall, 4-3 district
Coach: Ron Bolton, 5-5 in one season at Booker T. Washington
Plays at: Booker T. Washington Stadium, 1111 Park Avenue, Norfolk
Key players: K/WR Deonte Banks, 5-10, 175, sr.; RB Deonte Edwards, 5-8, 170, jr.; OL/DL Jerry Hughes, 6-4, 240, sr.; DB/WR Robbie Norfleet, 5-9, 170, sr.; OL/DL Joseph Thompson, 6-3, 215, sr.; RB/LB Eric Tyson, 5-10, 185, sr.; DB/WR Tyler Wellons, 5-8, 176, sr.; OL/DL Jerrell Williams, 6-0, 250, sr.
Offensive outlook: The effect of graduation that created holes at running back and receiver is heightened by the unexpected absence of quarterback Desmond Lee, who has been a no-show this preseason. Lee was South Hampton Roads’ No. 6 passer, with 1,192 yards, last season and was viewed in the offseason as potentially one of the area’s top returning quarterbacks. Sophomores Dominique Marsh and Vincent Smith are vying for his spot, and Tyson and Edwards head the running back candidates.
Defensive outlook: The secondary should be a strength with Norfleet and Wellons. Linebacker is a huge question mark.
Bottom line: Inexperience will necessitate patience from Bookers fans.
7. GRANBY COMETS
Last season: 2-8 overall, 2-5 district
Coach: Curt Brown, first season as Granby’s head coach after previously coaching at Princess Anne
Plays at: Powhatan Field on the Old Dominion University campus, Norfolk
Key players: WR/DB Jammal Acree, 5-10, 170, sr.; LB/RB Telvion Clark, 6-1, 215, sr.; RB/DB Robert Copeland, 5-10, 185, sr.; WR/DB Felton Fontenette, 6-0, 180, sr.; RB/LB Rashaan Grady, 5-11, 190, soph.; G/NT Jamari Hawkins, 6-3, 265, sr.; OT/DE Ronnell Holloway, 6-5, 315, jr.; RB/DB Dashawn Hopkins, 5-8, 155, jr.; OT/DE Kenneth McElroy, 6-0, 215, soph.; OT/DE Chris McLaughlin, 6-3, 220, sr.; FB/LB Alex Rhodes, 5-11, 221, jr.; QB/LB Deondre Smith, 6-0, 190, jr.; RB/LB Kevin Taylor, 5-9, 175, sr.; Dayzonte Williams, 5-8, 170, sr.
Offensive outlook: The Comets hope to be more productive passing after averaging 41 yards per game through the air in 2007. That would ease the burden on returning leading rusher Williams.
Defensive outlook: Clark, who has committed to Virginia Tech, returns at outside linebacker, where he notched 153 tackles and eight sacks on a unit that was eighth in South Hampton Roads in total defense last season. Acree and Fontenette add to the veteran presence.
Bottom line: A more productive offense is a must for the Comets to better their 2007 finish.
8. WILSON PRESIDENTS
Last season: 1-9 overall, 0-7 district
Coach: Carlton Thomas, 1-19 in two seasons at Wilson
Plays at: Wilson Stadium, 1401 Elmhurst Lane, Portsmouth
Key players: C/LB Marquis Bynum, 5-9, 210, sr.; OL/DL Shelton Deloatch, 6-2, 270, sr.; QB/DB Armonte Hart, 5-11, 180, sr.; OL/DL Anthony Lee, 6-2, 260, sr.; WR/DB Kenneth Morgan, 6-0, 170, sr.; RB/DB Michael Strobel, 5-9, 179, sr.; RB/LB Jamel Watkins, 5-9, 190, jr.; OL/DL Adrian Wilson, 6-3, 350, sr.; K Vic Wooley, 5-11, 160, sr.
Offensive outlook: An improved running game is essential to complement the passing of Hart, who should improve on his 597 yards of last year.
Defensive outlook: Thomas hopes Deloatch and his line mates can improve on last year’s 186-yard average rushing yield. Bottom line: More consistency on offense would spell relief for what has been an overworked defense.
Mike Keech, 757-446-2366 or mike.keech@pilotonline.com
Delicious
Digg
Reddit
Facebook
Google
Yahoo
