The Salem SunDevils had quite a run in 2011. The newly minted Beach District Champions were a two-point conversion away from topping the eventual Division 6 State Champion Oscar Smith Tigers in the Eastern Region Final last November. You can bet that the returners still feel the sting of that close loss, and use it for motivation to be even better in 2012.
By most accounts, 2011 was a year of resurgence for the Nansemond River Warriors. They practically alternated wins and losses last year, finishing the season with an upset over crosstown rival Lakeland, who was headed to the playoffs for the first time as Group AAA school. NRHS had their best record since 2002, and that gives them hopes for this year.
Booker T. Washington has almost always had speed to burn. This year is no exception. While the 2012 Bookers might be young and inexperienced, they’re hoping that speed will make the difference.
Tallwood coach John Kepple had last year to work the kinks out. This year, he gets to see how the program progresses with the kids. There are a lot of key players returning. Those guys are another year older, and with another year in Kepple’s system, they should be ready to thrive.
King’s Fork Wide Receiver Davon Grayson has certainly impressed this summer. He came out of “virtually nowhere” to a point where he was making camp appearances, running 4.4 forties and grabbing the attention of college coaches around the Mid-Atlantic.
Bayside athlete Quin Blanding got word of a new offer on Monday morning, increasing his scholarship offer total 24, giving him more college interest than any other junior in the region outside of Oscar Smith lineman Andrew Brown.
It was a momentous offseason for Kecoughtan. Head Coach Scott Woodlief stepped down and Alonzo Coley moved over from Phoebus to take the reins. Ex-Phantom Defensive Coordinator Greg Narvid joined Coley, instantly giving new life to Hampton’s East Side rivalry. Kecoughtan was on the cusp of the playoffs last year. Is 2012 their year to make the leap?
Oscar Smith defensive end Andrew Brown has added yet another scholarship offer. His transfer to Oscar Smith puts him in position to make a run at a State Championship with the Tigers, but that’s not what keeps the colleges calling. Brown hit double digit offers while still at Indian River. Now he’s reached 30 offers and there’s no sign of interest slowing up.
The Norview Pilots did it in 2011. Why not Wilson? That’s the question Head Coach Curtis Williams will ask his players over the next few weeks as they prep for the coming season. Wilson opens with a visit to I.C. Norcom. That always gives them plenty to get them motivated.
The Lafayette Rams got off to a blistering start in the 2011 season. The senior laden team ran their record to 8-0 and had the York Falcons on the ropes at Cooley Field in week nine before the Falcons went on a fourth quarter run and pulled out a 36-35 victory. The Rams faltered against Poquoson the following week to close out the season, but finished 8-2 before moving on to the playoffs.