Jamestown boys continue to roll
A postseason appearance in 2016 would mark four years in a row for the Tabb Tigers
by John Harvey, recruit757
Team: Tabb (York County, VA)
Classification/Conference – 3A/27
– 4-7 (first round playoff loss to Phoebus, 39-0)
Head Coach – Matt Lawson
Mascot – Tigers (Orange, Black)
With a streak of three straight playoff appearances for Tabb High’s football team, you’d think there’d be plenty to smile about for coach Matt Lawson’s team.
But after the Tigers’ season ended with its first losing season in three years, Lawson and his staff are looking for improvement.
“We expect to be better disciplined this year therefore being more consistent in our play both offensively and defensively,” Lawson said.
Offensively, Tabb returns several key components from last year’s squad that averaged 251 yards and 17 points a game.
Quarterback Will Marks will take over the full-time role after splitting time at the position in 2015. The 6-foot, 185-pound senior threw for season after splitting time with two other players. He also rushed for 21 yards and a pair of scores.
Lawson has been impressed with his quarterback’s football IQ and said “he performs well under pressure.”
Joining Marks in the backfield is a dynamic duo that can beat you in many ways.
Rodney Haggins will assume the featured tailback role after rotating with several players last season. The 5-foot-8, 180-pound has great vision and can really make things happen in the open field.
Last season, Haggins rushed for nearly 600 yards and five touchdowns. He also was a threat in the passing game with eight receptions for 51 yards.
Carter Wood (5-7, 180) returns as the featured short-yardage back for Tabb. The junior fullback is an effective straight-ahead runner after racking up year.
“We are excited to see how well our backfield can perform with three of four returning,” Lawson said. “We are looking forward to the opportunity that our deep backfield will get throughout the year.”
Zach Wusk (6-1, 185) is also expected to be in the mix offensively as a receiver and runner. The junior wingback is a great blocker that also has great hands. Last season he had nine receptions for 88 yards.
Seth Hagood (6-1, 175) and Zach Coldsnow (6-2, 190) should also factor in the passing game for the Tigers. Hagood has great speed on the outside and will be the team’s primary deep threat. Coldsnow had three catches for season and the sophomore is a devastating blocker in the run game.
Tabb averaged season. Lawson believes if they can improve that total, it will only help their passing game.
“We will be able to throw the ball better with Will Marks’ ability to make throws under pressure and the ability of our receivers to catch the ball,” Lawson said.
That productivity all depends on the play up front. Lawson said the group, which includes four seniors, must come to play every night.
Jake Roberts (5-10, 205) will anchor the point of attack from his offensive guard position. Alex Wright (5-9, 190) is a versatile guard that is a force in the misdirection plays. Will Horan (6-3, 220) is a physical force on the outside that loves to punish opposing defenders. Junior Jeff Seiders (5-11, 215) is a sure-handed performer at center.
“We are looking for much improvement in our offensive line,” Lawson said. “We will be young here with not much experience and will be expecting daily improvement.”
Defensively, Tabb is looking for similar production up front on a defense that yielded nearly 300 yards and season.
“We are returning a lot up front,” Lawson said. “We are looking to improve on our inconsistent play from a year ago.”
Seniors Alex Wright (5-8, 215) and Ricardo Gray (5-8, 195) must put pressure on the quarterback from their defensive end positions. Wright is a gifted pass-rusher that plays best with his hand in the dirt. Gray is quick off the ball and isn’t afraid to play physical.
Seiders returns at nose guard and should be a steady force up the middle in the run game.
The linebacking corps is also projected to be a team strength, with several playmakers in Lawson’s 3-4 scheme.
Roberts is a formidable force inside and “can fill the hole” against anyone in the district. Coldsnow will also play inside, but can also make plays from sideline-to-sideline.
Wusk is a versatile performer on the outside for the Tigers that can defend both the run and the pass. Sophomore Jacob Baylor (5-9, 175) has a nose for the football and isn’t afraid to make plays behind the line of scrimmage.
The secondary is a bit of an unknown as Lawson and his stuff must replace three of four starters from a year ago.
Chase Yncey (5-10, 175) will headline the secondary at strong safety. The senior can really pack a punch and will more than likely flourish as a run-stopper inside the box.
Elijah Mitchell (5-10, 160) is a sophomore free safety that can really protect the back end in the passing game.
Latrelle Smith (5-11, 175) and Haggins will patrol the corners for the Tigers. Smith, a sophomore, has great instincts and is considered the team’s top man-to-man defender. Haggins is very quick and will defend the short-side of the field.
Tabb will be tested early as they will play four of their first six games on the road, including the season opener Thursday, Sept. 1 at perennial playoff contender Hopewell.
“We are looking for a return to the playoff and getting past the first round,” Lawson said.
– John Harvey
Contact John Harvey at [email protected] or via Twitter at @RevCitySports.
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