The Great Bridge Wildcats have been a hugely successful program under Head Coach Pete Gale. They’ve reached the playoffs consistently, playing smart and disciplined football. Expectations are high again this year, with the introduction of a new quarterback, but the setback of losing an All-State lineman means the Wildcats have to press on, in the face of adversity.
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The Greenbrier Christian Gators got an easy start last week when they trounced upstart Alliance Christian, 48-0. The opening game is a contrast to most of their schedule where GCA plays up against larger schools. Coach Donnie Simpson insists that the Gators need that challenge to be ready for the playoffs.
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The Bay Rivers District can be tough for a new coach to tackle. There are spread offenses like York and Grafton. There are traditional teams like Poquoson and Tabb. Smithfield football is ready for an identity change, and Clark Harrell is just the man to do it.
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Heritage Football got a kick start last year when Hampton Assistant Coach George Massenburg took on the head coaching job. The Hurricanes had a state champion team back in 2000, but haven’t seen success lately. Massenburg is out to change that, but change takes time.
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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.
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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?
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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.
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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?
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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.
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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.
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