High school football preview 2011 | Southeastern District

Oscar Smith coach Richard Morgan chuckles when he hears people say the Tigers are “down” or that people are expecting a “fall off” this season.

“People want to write us off, but we still have plenty of horses in the stable,” Morgan said. “I love to hear about people doubting us.” Oscar Smith has dominated the district, winning at least a share of the last seven titles. The Tigers are currently riding a 37-game district winning streak, and since 2007 Oscar Smith is 49-1 against Eastern Region teams. The lone loss last season against Bayside in the region championship game. Morgan lost some key players, but welcomes players from a junior varsity team that has won 22 straight games and allowed just three touchdowns last year.

“People can keep on doubting us if they want to,” Morgan said.

A look at the Southeastern District, in predicted order of finish:

1. OSCAR SMITH TIGERS

Last season 11-2 overall, 9-0 district

Coach Richard Morgan, 100-13 in nine seasons at Oscar Smith; 114-24 in 12 seasons overall

Impact players G/DT Trey Billups, 6-0, 240, sr.; RB J.C. Coleman, 5-8, 185, sr.; WR Sequan Gooding, 6-1, 200, sr.; LB Rhakeem Stallings, 6-1, 210, sr.; QB J.J. Williamson, 5-10, 180, sr.

On the field The biggest question last season was could Williamson replace All-American Phillips Sims at quarterback. Williamson answered by throwing for 3,244 yards to set a school and Southeastern District regular-season records. What will he do for an encore? Morgan hopes he will lead the Tigers to a state championship. Morgan says this team is the fastest and deepest team he’s fielded since 2008 when the Tigers won the Group AAA Division 6 state title. Eight starters return from last season, including Coleman, who last season rushed for 1,402 yards and 21 TDs. Other key players are Gooding and Stallings. The Tigers also have several newcomers in Zack Jones, Jeff Woods and Kaniya Anderson. Jones, the younger brother of Virginia RB Perry Jones, will have an immediate impact at defensive back and wide receiver. Woods, a Deep Creek transfer, was all-district at defensive back. And Anderson, a Lake Taylor transfer, will give the Tigers another weapon on offense and defense.

Bottom line Oscar Smith is once again the team to beat.

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2. GREAT BRIDGE WILDCATS

Last season 10-2 overall, 8-1 district

Coach Pete Gale, 37-18 in five seasons

Impact players QB Brian Beard, 5-10, 210, sr.; RB/DB Adriell Mayes, 5-11, 190, sr.; OL/DL Connor O’Shea, 6-5, 315, jr.; OL/DL Aaron Whitehurst, 5-11, 260, sr.; C Tony Williams, 6-3, 295, sr.

On the field Gale never shies away from predicting big things. But this season, he truly believes this could be his best team. “I’m not just blowing smoke but this is the most complete team that I’ve had.” It begins with his enormous line, which averages 288 pounds. Williams, Whitehurst, O’Shea, Garrett Watts and Andrew Henline are solid and physical. Offensively, the Wildcats will be led by Mayes, whom Gale believes can run for more than 2,000 yards. “He can run for as many yards as we want him to,” Gale said. The leader of the offense is Beard, who replaces Brad Hudson at QB. “He’s the glue that keeps us together,” Gale said. Defensively, Great Bridge has several players who play big roles. Gale will look to DB Vincent Bolden, DB Darrien Frazier, LB Angel Santa and DB Lavoise Alexander. If all goes well, Gale says, “the worst that I can possibly see us going in the district is 9-1.”

Bottom line Wildcats have been outscored 242-50 by Oscar Smith during Gale’s tenure, but Gale thinks this could be the year.

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3. GRASSFIELD GRIZZLIES

Last season 8-3 overall, 7-2 district

Coach Martin Asprey, 24-20 in four seasons at Grassfield

Impact players TE/LB Drew Burns, 6-4, 220, sr.; FB/DE Austin Johnson, 6-0, 240, sr.; TE/LB Avery Thompson, 6-3, 210, sr.; WR/DB Dominique Torres, 5-11, 165, sr.; OT/DT Mark Warack, 6-4, 270, sr.

On the field The Grizzlies may have one of the best group of linebackers in the area with Thompson, who committed to Maryland, and Burns. Warack anchors the lines. Others who will contribute include DE Michael Garrett and DB Jonathan Franklin. Offensively, the Grizzlies will be young, including at quarterback where Tyler Clark has been a fixture. He’s now at Old Dominion. Franklin must also step up at running back. Grassfield also has a great kicker and punter in Ryan Woodcock. “We’re very excited about the program,” said Asprey, whose teams have been to the playoffs the past three seasons and compiled a 24-10 record. “I don’t think anybody had expectations for where we’re at right now. We know we have a target on us now.”

Bottom line Talented once again but winning the district title is the goal. That could be tough this season.

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4. WESTERN BRANCH BRUINS

Last season 2-8 overall, 2-7 district

Coach Scott Johnson, 24-19 in four seasons

Impact players RB/LB Josh Marriner, 5-10, 175, jr.; WR/DB Willie Ponder, 6-1, 170, sr.; OL/DT Breon Taylor, 5-10, 265, sr.; OT/DT Jordan Veal, 6-4, 290, sr.; WR/DB Justin Wellons, 6-1, 165, sr.

On the field The Bruins return many experienced players who saw significant playing time last season. Offensively, the Bruins are led by Marriner, a dynamic runner who combines speed and play-making ability. They also have two great receivers in Ponder and Wellons – both have speed, reliable hands and run great routes. Defensively, the Bruins have above average speed. Veal and Taylor lead the offensive and defensive lines. “(We have) experienced players at most positions and that should give us a veteran approach to the game,” Johnson said. “A veteran offense should be able to put points on the scoreboard. We have very good team speed, especially on the defensive side of the ball.”

Bottom line The Bruins were 6-14 the last two seasons but things will turn around this season.

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5. HICKORY HAWKS 

Last season 6-4 overall, 5-4 district

Coach Jupiter Wilson, first season

Impact players OL/DL Troy Butler, 6-3, 290, sr.; WR/S Andrew Donafrio, 5-11, 170, jr.; OL/DL Scott Fahey, 5-11, 270, sr.; FB/LB Zachary Niece, 5-9, 230, jr.; FB/LB Conley Smith, 6-0, 230, sr.

On the field Since arriving at Hickory, Wilson has preached that he’s trying to change the mindset at the school. “I want us as a team to be able to put expectations high,” he said. The Hawks will run a pro-style offense with multiple sets, predominately out of the I formation. Leading the way is Smith, a tough, hard-nosed runner who loves to run over would-be tacklers. Wilson, a former lineman at North Carolina, says the offense will be led by the line. Defensively, the Hawks will be tough at linebacker, led by Smith, Niece and Mason Melee. “We were 6-4 last year and we lost by two points to Deep Creek and led Grassfield 21-0. So you’re talking about a team that could have been 8-2,” Wilson said. “I really see us winning seven, eight or even nine games.”

Bottom line The Hawks will be competitive in the upper half of the district but winning seven or more games could be a stretch.

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6. KING'S FORK BULLDOGS

Last season 3-7 overall, 3-6 district

Coach Joe Jones, 10-20 in three seasons at King’s Fork

Impact players C/DL Ethan Banks, 6-0, 235, sr.; RB/DB Charles Clark, 6-0, 180, jr.; WR/DB Garrison Coates, 6-0, 165, sr.; WR/DB Davon Grayson, 6-0, 170, jr.; LB TC Livingston, 6-3, 175, jr.

On the field Jones said he’s more excited about this year’s team than he has been of any team he’s had had at King’s Fork. One reason is Clark, who already has offers from Virginia and Virginia Tech as a junior. He’s a playmaker who opposing teams must account for. Jones also has three reliable QBs who can run his option offense. Senior Matt Hommell is the frontrunner, but also watch for talented sophomore Uriah Adams. Defensively, the Bulldogs will run a 4-3 scheme with eight starters returning. Jones thinks this season could be the start of something special at King’s Fork. “It’s a unique opportunity for the guys to start that tradition and become the first team to get into the playoffs,” he said. “We’ve only had one winning season and that was before I got here. So they’re setting their goals high.”

Bottom line King’s Fork will fall in the middle of the pack, but the Bulldogs are a year away from making the playoffs.

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7. INDIAN RIVER BRAVES

Last season 5-5 overall, 5-4 district

Coach Cadillac Harris, 50-47 in nine seasons at Indian River; 119-101 in 21 seasons overall

Impact players OL/DL Andrew Brown, 6-4, 290, soph.; TE/DL Roderick Holder, 6-2, 220, sr.; FB/LB TaQuon Jackson, 6-2, 225, sr.; K/P Heath Saunders, 5-10, 165, sr.; RB/S JaQue Sawyer, 5-8, 165, jr.

On the field One season after going winless, Harris turned the Braves around and narrowly missed the Division 5 playoffs last year. This season, Harris thinks the Braves will be in postseason. “I think our team has the potential to make the playoffs and contend for the state championship,” he said. “I like our intensity, integrity and commitment to improve every day.” Defensively, Indian River plays a 4-3 defense led by Brown and Holder. Both are relentless pass rushers and run stoppers. Harris also has linebackers Jackson and Eric Lawson. Offensively, the Braves will be led by QB Juwan Alvarado, who also plays wide receiver and defensive back. And you can’t forget about Saunders, who is one of the best high school kickers in the country. “He always helps keep us playing on a short field,” Harris said. “He reduces the length that we have to go and puts us in scoring position.” Overall, Harris is encouraged by his team’s chances this season. “I like the chemistry of our team,” he said. “It’s a good blend of youth and experience.”

Bottom line The playoffs may be difficult because of the tough competition in the district.

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8. DEEP CREEK HORNETS  

Last season 5-5 overall, 5-4 district

Coach David Waddell, 12-18 in three seasons

Impact players RB/LB Kerris Adams, 5-8, 195, sr.; OT/DT Matt Milner, 6-3, 275, jr.; OG/DT Trey Mills, 6-3, 260, sr.; WR/DB Melvin Smith, 6-1, 165, sr.; RB/DB Felix Toxey, 5-8, 165, sr.

On the field The Hornets lost several key players from last season’s 5-5 team but Waddell thinks they improve on that record if the new players can step in. He feels Adams will be the perfect power back in the Hornets’ Veer offense. Waddell also likes Milner and Mills up front. And Toxey and Smith give the Hornets good coverage guys with speed.

Bottom line The Hornets have a tough schedule with Norcom as their only non-district foe. Repeating last season’s record will be difficult but not impossible.

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9. LAKELAND CAVALIERS

Last season 0-10 overall, 0-9 district

Coach Glenwood Ferebee, 9-21 in three seasons

Impact players S Antonio Jefferson, 6-0, 170, jr.; RB Raekwon Johnson, 5-8, 205, jr.; WR/DB Anaquan Peterson, 5-9, 150, sr.; QB Zach Super, 5-11, 165, jr.; LB Demonte Tillery, 6-0, 185, jr.

On the field The old cliché of taking one game at a time is the only way coach Ferebee can look at this year. Last season, the Cavaliers faced a difficult start after two-way starter Tyquan Lewis was killed just a day before practice began. The Cavaliers ended up winless. This season, Ferebee is encouraged that things will get better. “I expect us to be better than we were last year; can’t get any worse,” he said. He returns several players who were contributors and graduated only five players. The Cavaliers will rely on speed, including from Peterson, who is one of the top hurdlers/sprinters in the state. “I think we’re going to surprise a lot of people,” Ferebee said.

Bottom line The Cavaliers can only go up.

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10. NANSEMOND RIVER WARRIORS

Last season 1-9 overall, 1-8 district

Coach Tracey Parker, 5-35 in four seasons at Nansemond River; 38-63 in 12 seasons overall

Impact players OL/DL Corey Barnes, 6-3, 275, sr.; RB/CB Lamont Brown, 5-9, 175, sr.; TE/DE Willie Gillus, 6-3, 225, sr.; WR/CB Stevon Simms, 5-9, 160, jr.; WR/CB Carl Williams, 5-10, 175, sr.

On the field The Warriors have several talented players but the key is depth. Alexander Kase will be the quarterback. If he gets time and stays upright, he could be dangerous with four quality receivers in Simms, Williams, Corinth Cross and Frentrell Bratcher. They also will have to rely on Brown and fullback Gary Brooks to give them balance on offense.

Bottom line Improving on last season’s record is the goal.

Larry Rubama, (757) 446-2273 or larry.rubama@pilotonline.com