By every account but the win-loss record, last season was a successful one at Jamestown. The Eagles made it to the Division 4 playoffs for the first time in their existence. They managed only four wins, but their performance was good enough to get them into the playoffs. This year they have a new coach, but the expectations are rising higher.
2011 was the start of the Alonzo Ricks regime at Churchland. The Truckers had a down year last year, but are looking to bounce back. There’s a lot of young talent at the Portsmouth school. Will it be enough to drive a path through the Eastern District?
Last year, the Lakeland Cavaliers seemingly came out of nowhere. They’re not going to surprise anyone in 2012. The Cavs were 0-10 in 2010. Last year, they sprinted to a 7-3 regular season record and a playoff appearance despite losing some key players along the way. This year, they’re another year older, they’re healthier, and Head Coach Glenwood Ferebee has the team believing that they can win it all.
Take key seniors away from an 0-10 team and what do you have? Answer: a lot of young guys playing their hearts out. The Denbigh Patriots come off a season where they were 0-10. They’re playing in a super competitive district and have few proven weapons at their disposal. How’s it going to play out?
The Western Branch Bruins are a heritage program that had fallen on hard times. When Athletic Director Mark Didawick stepped in to turn the tide, his selection of Greg Gibson couldn’t have been better. Gibson came to the area from California. In one season, he turned around the Norview football program, taking them from a winless 2010 to a 2011 season that almost saw them make the playoffs. Big things are expected from Western Branch in 2012. The cupboards are certainly full with talent.
Congratulations to this week’s Freedom Ford Player of the Week, Anthony Scott of Green Run. In the fan voting, Scott narrowly edged Ocean Lakes quarterback Corwin Cutler. All of the nominees had astounding weeks, but Scott took the prize by carrying his team to victory over Princess Anne.
Warwick Head Coach Juan Jackson has his squad ready again. This year’s Raiders may not be as big, but they’re just as athletic and Coach Jackson feels like they’re smarter this year. Warwick has had the good fortune of making it to the playoffs five years running. In the last two years, the Raiders have had to face Phoebus in the first round of the playoffs and they’ve fallen. This week, they get a chance to avenge those losses when they face the Phantoms in their opening game.
There’s still time to vote for the Freedom Ford Player of the Week on recruit757. For the next eleven weeks, fans will select the Freedom Ford Player of the Week for the region. Go to recruit757 on Facebook now to register your vote.
Both teams came in with a lot to prove. Both teams were well coached. Oscar Smith had the home crowd. Ultimately, experience at quarterback made the difference.
Tonight, it’s the only game in town. There’s no college football. No other high school games. Once again, the Oscar Smith Tigers play on national television, and this time it’s on the big network: ESPN. This is no ESPNU game. You can see it on the big screen, in hi-def. What you’ll miss though, might be the biggest opportunity yet to root on the hometown Tigers against another nationally ranked opponent who comes in determined to embarrass Oscar Smith.
