Oscar Smith is coming off the most successful season in the program’s history.
Only it hasn’t felt that way during preseason. None of the Tigers are looking back fondly after a 24-21 loss to Westfield in the Group AAA Division 6 state semifinals.
Images of the final score on the scoreboard — lifted from YouTube — are all over the team locker room and are saved on players’ and coaches’ cell phones as a reminder.
“When I think of football,” linebacker Jerod Askew said, “that’s the first thing I see right there, that loss.”
Fourteen starters return from that squad, among them star quarterback Phillip Sims, the menacing linebacker tandem of Perry Jones and Askew, and speedy receiver Tim Smith. The talented roster and bitter memories make the Tigers heavy favorites to stay on top of the Southeastern District. Oscar Smith has won at least a share of the Southeastern District title for the past four seasons.
And the offseason murder of running back Lonnie Andrews, a 1,000-yard rusher as a senior last year, added to Oscar Smith’s sense of purpose.
“We’re going to go out there and play hard in his memory,” coach Richard Morgan said.
Elsewhere in the Southeastern, things are more muddled. Star quarterbacks left Great Bridge and Western Branch, and the coaching carousel left newcomers at Deep Creek, Hickory, King’s Fork and Lakeland. Grassfield, meanwhile, enters its second season of play.
A look at each team in predicted order of finish:
1. OSCAR SMITH TIGERS
Last season 13-1 overall, 9-0 district; lost to Westfield in the Group AAA Division 6 state semifinals
Coach Richard Morgan, 61-10 in six seasons at Oscar Smith; 76-21 in nine seasons overall
Plays at Tiger Stadium at Beard-DeLong-Easley Field, 1994 Tiger Drive, Chesapeake
Key players FB/LB Jerod Askew, 6-1, 230, sr.; TE/LB Tim Brock, 6-0, 200, soph.; WR/LB Josh Broyles, 5-9, 180, sr.; G/DT Lakuan Darden, 6-1, 220, sr.; WR/LB Brandon Davis, 5-10, 180, jr.; RB/DB Jaston George, 5-10, 175, soph.; DE/G Jarmara Gray, 6-1, 250, sr.; T/DT Evan Hailes, 6-2, 315, jr.; T/DT Dontrell Holmes, 6-2, 275, soph.; RB/LB Perry Jones, 5-9, 190, sr.; WR/DB Matias Parker, 5-9, 175, sr.; RB/LB Raysean Richardson, 6-1, 190, soph.; RB/SS Terrion Simmons, 5-10, 180, jr.; QB Phillip Sims, 6-2, 215, jr.; WR/FS Tim Smith, 6-1, 185, sr.; C/DE Charles Soule, 6-1, 230, sr.; G/DE Corey Steward, 5-11, 245, jr.; K Ryan Trotman, 6-6, 190, jr.; TE/LB Daniel Vaughn, 6-2, 235, sr.
Offensive outlook Sims, who threw for 1,898 regular-season yards and a state tournament-record 470 yards in the loss to Westfield, is one of six returning offensive starters. Smith (16 receptions) is back, and with a trio of Division I WRs — Kerry Boykins, Todd Harrelson and Jamal Wilson — now gone he figures to own the spotlight. At running back, Jones is the starter, and his bruising play at linebacker should translate into gritty yards on offense. “He’s strong, he’s tough, he’s fast,” Morgan said. George, the Tigers’ leading junior varsity running back last season, will spell Jones, and Askew will play fullback on occasion.
Defensive outlook Eight starters return from a defense that was South Hampton Roads’ stingiest. Reigning district Defensive Player of the Year and Virginia commit Jones (school-record 140 tackles) and Askew (120 tackles) are as formidable as any linebacker duo in the state. Also back are fellow All-Tidewater players Gray (16 sacks) and Hailes, along with Smith at free safety. Morgan concedes that matching last year’s statistics — he says his starters gave up just 17 points all season — is a tough task, adding “but we feel like we should be as good as we were last year.”
Bottom line Order the trophy.
2. INDIAN RIVER BRAVES
Last season: 8-5 overall, 6-3 district; lost to Phoebus in the Eastern Region Division 5 final
Coach: Cadillac Harris, 38-28 in six seasons at Indian River; 107-82 in 18 seasons overall
Plays at: Indian River Stadium, 1969 Braves Trail, Chesapeake
Key players: TE/SS Antonio Brown, 6-3, 205, sr.; T/DT Matthew Davis, 6-2, 245, sr.; G/DT Devin Garnes, 6-0, 270, jr.; QB/FS Frankie Hamrock, 6-2, 180, sr.; RB/FS VanDyke Jones, 5-11, 180, sr.; WR/QB/DB Dravon Poittilo, 6-3, 200, sr.; T/DE Ryan Rowe, 6-2, 210, jr.; FB/LB Trevon Scales, 5-10, 195, sr.; C/DT Jairus Spain, 6-4, 305, sr.; WR/DE DeAndre White, 6-5, 215, sr.; FB/LB Malcolm Young, 5-10, 180, sr.
Offensive outlook: There are plenty of changes, especially at the skill positions. Gone is the running back tandem of Quinton Mike and Dominic Bethea, who totaled more than 1,700 yards before graduating. The versatile Jones, who carried only sparingly last season, is expected to be the go-to back, and he’ll move around to keep defenses guessing. The receiving corps is led by holdovers Brown (26 catches), White (17 catches) and Poittilo (nine catches), and at quarterback Hamrock is slated to be the starter despite never playing varsity football before. Harris plucked him out of gym class. “He’s been a student of the game and willing to work,” Harris said. Expect Poittilo to get some time at QB, too.
Defensive outlook: Some key cogs graduated after last season, including All-Tidewater DE Terrence Pugh (13 sacks). But there are plenty of pluses. The line, highlighted by Davis, Garnes and Spain, looks stout; the secondary is quick and athletic with Brown, Jones, Poittilo; and Scales and Young give the Braves an experienced set of linebackers. This unit “does have some new faces,” Harris said. “But I think we’ll play well on defense. We’ll be aggressive, and I think they’ll keep us right in the middle of things.”
Bottom line: The Braves — despite a green QB — look ready to prove that last year’s surprise playoff run to the Eastern Region Division 5 championship game was no fluke.
3. WESTERN BRANCH BRUINS
Last season: 10-2 overall, 8-1 district; lost to Salem in the Eastern Region Division 6 semifinals
Coach: Scott Johnson, 10-2 in one season at Western Branch
Plays at: Art Brandriff Stadium, 1968 Bruin Place, Chesapeake
Key players: QB/WR/DB Michael Brown, 5-9, 165, sr.; K/WR/DB Donald Chattin, 5-10, 175, sr.; G/DL Stephen Dellinger, 6-2, 220, sr.; LB Kiman Edwards, 6-0, 205, sr.; OL/DL Lucas Johnson, 5-11, 200, sr.; RB Travis Paige, 5-7, 165, sr.; RB/LB Carl Parson, 5-8, 175, sr.; RB/LB Roy Powell, 5-9, 195, sr.; WR/DB Javanti Sparrow, 6-1, 190, sr.; WR Darren Roberts, 5-8, 160, sr.; OL Darnel Rodgers, 6-3, 350, sr.
Offensive outlook: There are some glaring departures, chiefly star QB Kevin Newsome, who transferred to Hargrave Military Academy after accounting for more than 1,300 total yards last season. Also gone are center D.J. Skinner, who was first-team All-Tidewater as a junior last year but now is academically ineligible; and leading rusher Hykeem Brodie (1,281 yards, 14 TDs), who graduated. With a new QB — Brown and newcomers Damarta Johnson and Larry Wilson are competing for the job — the Bruins will get the ball to playmaker Sparrow (20 receptions) in a variety of ways. Paige (452 rushing yards) returns to the backfield, and Dellinger and Rodgers anchor the line. “We’re going to try to spread the wealth around and use our athletes,” Johnson said.
Defensive outlook: The Bruins traditionally have one of South Hampton Roads’ top defenses, but this unit has nine new starters. Johnson, an assistant for 27 years before taking over as Western Branch’s head coach, can’t remember ever having that many newcomers. Still, there’s experience because some players who saw significant playing time return, most notably at linebacker with Edwards, Parson and Powell. Dellinger also returns on the line. The speedy Sparrow anchors a solid secondary that includes the athletic Brown.
Bottom line: The loss of Newsome, a huge blow, and a host of newcomers on defense are enough to make even a Bruins diehard uneasy.
4. GREAT BRIDGE WILDCATS
Last season: 8-3 overall, 7-2 district; lost to Hampton in the Eastern Region Division 5 quarterfinals
Coach: Pete Gale, 12-9 in two seasons at Great Bridge
Plays at: Colon L. Hall Stadium, 441 Battlefield Boulevard, Chesapeake (behind Great Bridge Middle School)
Key players: RB/LB Trey Bray, 6-0, 210, jr.; RB/DB Dominique Davis, 5-10, 180, jr.; WR Logan Heastie, 6-2, 195, sr.; QB Brad Hudson, 6-3, 190, soph.; OL/DL Brian Jordan, 6-4, 220, sr.; RB/DB Marc Meier, 5-11, 185, soph.; WR/DB Carvin Powell, 6-2, 210, sr.; K Aric Speziale, 5-10, 135, jr.; OL/DL Joey Wood, 6-2, 215, soph.
Offensive outlook: QB Casey Turner has graduated, taking with him a host of passing records and 7,667 career regular-season yards. The unenviable task of replacing Turner goes to Hudson, who attempted only nine passes as a backup last season. Hudson, though, has “huge potential,” Gale said, and the receiving corps is brimming with talent. West Virginia commit Heastie (58 catches, 1,067 yards, 15 TDs) is regarded as one of the nation’s top senior wideouts. Powell adds a physical presence outside, and Beach transfers Rudy Raynor (Princess Anne) and Patrick Gibson (Tallwood) add depth. Bray (384 yards, 5.9 per carry) returns to the backfield.
Defensive outlook: For all of their offensive fireworks last season, the Wildcats had their struggles on this side of the ball. But there are some savvy veterans, and an infusion of youth and transfers should spur improvement. If the youngsters “mature quickly we have a chance to be very good,” Gale said. Holdovers Jordan and Wood solidify the line, and Bray, Davis, Meier and Powell are back behind them.
Bottom line: Without Turner, the ’Cats’ plan could be simple — Get the ball to Heastie, get out of the way.
5. KING’S FORK BULLDOGS
Last season: 6-4 overall, 5-4 district
Coach: Joe Jones, first season at King’s Fork after previously coaching at Smithfield
Plays at: Bulldog Stadium, 351 King’s Fork Road, Suffolk
Key players: OL/DL Bryant Bailey, 5-10, 190, sr.; OL Keith Jones, 6-0, 285, sr.; K Allen Kelly, 6-0, 160, sr.; QB Laray Kindred, 5-8, 160, jr.; WR/DB Mike Mason, 5-11, 155, sr.; RB/LB Dominique Patterson, 6-2, 205, jr.; RB/WR/DB Stephen Riddick, 6-1, 170, sr.; OL/DL Logan Sorenson, 6-3, 230, sr.; OL/LB Jeff Super, 5-11, 185, sr.; WR/LB Derek Wright, 6-2, 185, jr.
Offensive outlook: Jones replaces Cecil Phillips, who left for Amherst County after guiding the program in its first four seasons. Jones has installed a spread offense and said he’ll try to use the team’s athletes. Kindred returns at quarterback after throwing for 384 yards last season, and Mason (11 catches) is the top returning receiver. Riddick and Patterson played sparingly in the backfield last season. The line is largely inexperienced, but there’s size, led by Jones.
Defensive outlook: The Bulldogs welcome back a handful of starters who helped hold six opponents to 17 points or less last season. The linebacking corps — Patterson, Wright and Super — is intact, and Mason and Riddick return to highlight an athletic secondary. The line, though, is thin.
Bottom line: The Bulldogs still have bite despite concerns along the line and a new coach.
6. DEEP CREEK HORNETS
Last season: 4-6 overall, 3-6 district
Coach: David Waddell, first season as a head coach after 11 seasons as a Hornets assistant
Plays at: Nathan T. Hardee Stadium, 1955 Deal Drive, Chesapeake (behind Deep Creek Middle School)
Key players: TE/DE Cameron Bertrand, 6-3, 195, sr.; RB/LB Derrick Boone, 5-10, 180, soph.; RB/DB Previn Byrd, 5-10, 170, sr.; RB/S Delshawn Matthews, 6-0, 185, sr.; WR/LB Dominique Walker, 6-0, 190, sr.
Offensive outlook: Waddell replaced longtime coach David Cox and has installed a multiple-formation offense in place of the age-old wing-T. That move might have purple-clad fans wondering if these are their fathers’ Hornets. They’re not. At QB, sophomore newcomers Kameron Stewart and Shawn Porter are vying to replace Fred Credle, who graduated after throwing for 912 yards last season. No running back on the roster has rushed for more than 29 total yards, and Bertrand is the top returning pass-catcher, with three receptions. Some newcomers will be counted on to play key roles up front.
Defensive outlook: This unit struggled late last season, giving up 20-plus points in six of the final seven games. There were some key losses, most notably versatile All-Tidewater selection Devin Arrington, but Waddell said the Hornets “will be more athletic and faster than the past few years.” Walker is a physical presence at linebacker, and he’s joined by fellow returning starter Boone and a bookend in Bertrand.
Bottom line: The offense looks like a work-in-progress, and that’s not good in this brutish district.
7. LAKELAND CAVALIERS
Last season: 3-7 overall, 3-6 district
Coach: Glenwood Ferebee, first season as a head coach after stints at Princess Anne, Salem, Norcom, Green Run and Booker T. Washington as an assistant
Plays at: Cavalier Park, 214 Kenyon Road, Suffolk
Key players: WR/DB Jaquan Demiel, 5-10, 160, soph.; OL/DL Devonte Duke, 5-10, 160, jr.; WR/DB Asaad Graham, 5-11, 170, sr.; OL/DT Justin Kee, 6-4, 280, sr.; QB/RB/LB Cedric Johnson, 6-0, 195, jr.; WR/DB Tyrese Shepard, 6-2, 180, sr.; OL/DL Craig Woodus, 6-5, 295, jr.; WR/LB Donovan Wright, 6-1, 180, jr.
Offensive outlook: Ferebee will employ a spread offense that has the Cavaliers throwing much more than in the past: “A lot of shifting and motion to create match-ups.” Neil McKoy, a running back last year, has the inside track at QB and gives the Cavs “an athlete who throws a pretty good ball and speed,” Ferebee said. Johnson (420 yards) returns to the backfield after leading the team in rushing last season. Wright (13 catches) gives the Cavaliers a reliable target; he’s joined by two transfers from King’s Fork in Dontarius Boone and Tyrese Shepard. The line has size and experience, led by Dukes, Kee and Woodus.
Defensive outlook: The Cavaliers’ defense was a district doormat last season, giving up an average of nearly 200 yards rushing per game. So Ferebee said conditioning and limiting the big play have been emphasized. “We have the athletes to compete with most of the teams in the district,” he added. “We just have to play a full four quarters.” At linebacker, Johnson “runs 100 mph every play,” Ferebee said, adding he expects Kee to bolster the line after missing nine games last season because of a knee injury.
Bottom line: Ferebee’s enthusiasm — as well as his fast-paced offense – could finally make the Cavaliers more than an afterthought in Suffolk.
8. NANSEMOND RIVER WARRIORS
Last season: 1-9 overall, 1-8 district
Coach: Tracey Parker, 1-9 in one season at Nansemond River; 34-37 in nine seasons overall
Plays at: Arrowhead Stadium, 3301 Nansemond Parkway, Suffolk
Key players: OL/DL Vicquan Arrington, 6-0, 260, sr.; OL/DL Steve Beard, 6-7, 300, sr.; TE/LB Connor Czanlanski, 6-1, 210, sr.; OL/DL Dustin Harrell, 6-3, 275, jr.; OL/DL Devin Lewis, 6-2, 290, sr.; OL/DL Johnny Pitt, 6-3, 250, sr.; QB/S Steve Skinner, 6-1, 185, sr.; OL/DL Michael Towner, 6-0, 260, jr.
Offensive outlook: Parker expects the Warriors to be better during the second go-round with his offense after the team managed an average of less than 200 yards per game last season. Skinner, who takes over full-time at QB after playing in a few games last year, plays behind an experienced and sizeable offensive line that features returning starters Arrington, Beard, Harrell, Lewis and Pitt. The questions are at the other skill positions after a host of graduations. Some players up from the junior varsity — including freshman RB Lamont Brown — are expected to have key roles.
Defensive outlook: Again, the line is experienced and has some size, and Towner “must anchor the defensive line,” Parker said. Czanlanski returns to lead the linebacking corps, and he’ll have some newcomers up from the junior varsity alongside him. Skinner gives the Warriors experience in the secondary.
Bottom line: The Warriors will be better, but the problem is so will most everybody else.
9. GRASSFIELD GRIZZLIES
Last season: 1-9 overall, 1-8 district
Coach: Martin Asprey, 1-9 in one season at Grassfield; 6-14 in two seasons as a head coach
Plays at: Grassfield Stadium, 2007 Grizzly Trail, Chesapeake
Key players: SS Donte Adams, 6-1, 160, sr.; RB/FS Curtis Campbell, 6-2, 190, sr.; OL/DL David Comey, 5-9, 175, sr.; P/K/LB David Eberhardt, 5-10, 165, sr.; T/DE Cameron Fitch, 6-4, 210, jr.; G/DT Kevin Mahoney, 6-2, 225, sr.; RB/SS Tucker Spruill, 5-10, 170, sr.; WR Benjamin Tyler, 5-8, 175, sr.; WR/CB Jarrett Walker, 5-10, 155, sr.
Offensive outlook: This unit managed just 629 total yards and 44 points in the program’s inaugural season, so there’s plenty of room for improvement. Campbell, who has committed to UNC, gives the Grizzlies speed in the backfield, and he led the team in rushing last season with 155 yards. He’s joined by Spruill, who ran the ball sparingly last season, and Nelson returns to run the team’s pro-I after starting at QB as a freshman. There’s some athleticism on the outside — led by Walker and Tyler — and the line features Comey and Fitch and Mahoney.
Defensive outlook: The Grizzlies weren’t exactly pushovers in their inaugural season — three teams managed to score only three touchdowns or less against them. The same speed on offense — Campbell, Spruill and Walker — will be counted on defensively, and many of the linemen will go both ways. A bevy of seniors are a boost for a fledgling program, but some youth still will be counted on.
Bottom line: The Grizzlies still are looking for their first on-field victory — last year’s win came via a Nansemond River forfeit — but there’s talk that Asprey has the district’s dark horse.
10. HICKORY HAWKS
Last season: 3-7 overall, 2-7 district
Coach: Tim Sitterson, first season as a high school head coach after coaching at Hickory Middle School
Plays at: Hawk Stadium, 1996 Hawk Boulevard, Chesapeake
Key players: TE/DE Zach Addis, 6-2, 225, sr.; OL Ray Daugherty, 6-2, 235, jr.; OL/DL Ryan Fahey, 6-0, 195, sr.; RB/LB Aaron Gosnell, 5-11, 185, sr.; RB/LB Randall Hall, 5-9, 185, sr.; RB/LB Loren Hubbard, 6-3, 210, sr.; RB/DB Larry Johnson, 5-8, 165, jr.; RB/DB C.J. McGriff, 6-1, 195, sr.; OL/DL Bryce Stickle, 6-3, 235, sr.; C/DL Shane Underwood, 6-0, 195, sr.; WR/DB Jeremy Williams, 5-8, 160, sr.; RB/LB Daniel Wright, 5-10, 195, sr.
Offensive outlook: Sitterson comes in after Jeff Beard’s successful run and has scrapped the Hawks’ wing-T for a multiple-set offense that features the spread and I-formations. He’s optimistic that an infusion of players from Hickory Middle — players he coached — will add depth after the Hawks slipped below .500 for the first time since 2002. There’s experience in the backfield with McGriff (450 yards) and Hubbard (298 yards) and along the line with fellow returnees Addis, Daugherty, Fahey, Stickle and Underwood. Juniors Danny Grauer and Billy Neice and sophomore George Godfrey are competing to start at QB.
Defensive outlook: The Hawks were overmatched at times last season, surrendering three or more TDs in seven games last season. Sitterson, though, won’t have to rebuild totally, with some key holdovers returning. The linebackers — Gosnell, Hall, Hubbard and Wright — all return and are seniors, and Sitterson calls Hall and Gosnell “sure tacklers.” The line, highlighted by Addis, Fahey, Stickle and Underwood, also is experienced, and the defensive backfield features the speedy McGriff and Williams.
Bottom line: Let the rebuilding begin.
Jami Frankenberry, (757) 446-2295, jami.frankenberry@pilotonline.com
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