Preview: Defensive improvements a must for Patriot HS
School: Green Run (Virginia Beach/VA)
Classification/Conference- 6A/Conference 9
: 3-7 (no playoffs)
Head Coach: Justin Conyers
Mascot: Stallions (Kelly Green, Blue)
Green Run will begin a new regime in 2016 under new head coach, Justin Conyers, who replaces longtime coach Jeff McGowan . Conyers was formerly an assistant coach under Lew Johnston at Nansemond-Suffolk Academy. At 26 years old, Conyers is the youngest head coach in Hampton Roads.
The Stallions had a disappointing season a year ago, finishing 3-. Green Run hasn’t finished with double-digits win since the 2008 season. The program has experience just two winning seasons since then. Enter Conyers, who is fresh from a VISAA Division III state championship with NSA in 2015.
The Stallions started last season with a three-game losing streak, including a last-second, one-point loss to First Colonial Conyers, will start junior Khalil Deloatch at quarterback, who will replace last year’s starter, Nathan Harden. One thing the Stallions won’t lack is speed, according to Conyers. Junior wide receiver Dequan Hopkins (6-3, 160) is a “special” athlete, according to Conyers. He’ll replace last season’s top pass catcher, Deveon Austin. Another junior Lamont Thomas (5-6, 149) will start at the other receiver position. Junior Lamonte Perry (5-7, 179) will get the first crack at replacing last year’s leading rusher, Brelynd Cyphers, who rushed for 1,345 yards and -team all-conference selection. Cyphers is now at Elon University leaving a huge void in the Stallions’ backfield. Senior offensive tackle Demetrius Sisney (6-4, 280) will anchor an offensive line that will play a key role in Perry’s production at tailback this season.
Conyers will hope a defense that gave up 30+ points in five games last year can make strides this season. The coach will have to depend on a relatively young bunch that return none of its statistical leaders from last season. Green Run will enter 2016 with nine seniors on either of its starting units. Perry will slide over to the defensive side as well, starting at safety. Senior defensive end Kyree Brown-Zellner (6-1, 225) should provide pressure on the outside. Seniors Julian Etheridge (5-10, 220) and Danial Moore (5-10, 215) will man the linebacker spots. Juniors Kwantay Anderson (6-0, 170) and Dahron Menifee (6-0, 178) will start at defensive back.
The Beach District is expected to be wide open this season with 2015 champ, Ocean Lakes, taking a step back into the field this season. Despite their youth, Conyers expects the Stallions to be right in the thick of things and contend for a Group 5A playoff berth. Last season snapped a streak of two consecutive postseason appearances for Green Run. The Stallions open the 2016 regular season Friday, August 26th at district rival Bayside. A home matchup with Cox, another playoff team from last season, awaits Green Run in week two. The Stallions will have to get off to a much better start than last year’s 0-3 mark.
“My main goal is to bring the first Beach title to Green Run and have our kids be successful in the classroom,” Conyers said of the time of his hiring. “The team will be disciplined, and they will not beat themselves,” the first-year head coach added.
Others to Watch: Javon Parkin ( 6-1, 220, JR, TE), Nolan Dey (6-1, 350, JR, C), Jordan Baggett (6-7, 286), Jalen Parham (5-7, 172, FR, SS). Kenneth Davis Jr (6-1, 250, SO, DL)
– Jamaar Hawkins
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