by Stephen M. Lewis
DigitalSports Richmond
slewis@digitalsports.com

It has not taken long for new head coach Jason Meade and his coaching staff to put their thumb print on Lee-Davis football.

Everything is new.

New offense. New defense. New uniforms. New positions for old players. And most of all, new expectations.

"Our feel for this year is that we hope to win some games," senior offensive tackle Jake Brent said. "We hope to win a lot this year. It's my senior year so ... "

And seniors usually lead the way to success, and Lee-Davis will be no different.

Brent, Will Burton, Dustin Robbins, Matt Marlowe, David Fetter and Brad Jones will all have a big hand in whatever record L-D registers.

But there are juniors all around them that will be impact players if the Confederates are to be successful in basically a brand-new Capital District.

Junior running back Tucker Walton looks to be the next top back in a line of L-D greats. He has the ability and line to chalk up some big numbers.

It looks like he'll receive handoffs from two quarterbacks. One of course is Burton, the incumbent under center.

But he's in a battle for the starting spot with junior Phil Gardner, who has been extremely impressive in camp as well. Both should see time this season regardless of who starts against Hermitage in the September 5 opener.

The Confederate defense is junior-laden as well.

Will Connerley, an all-district pick at wide receiver, may still see some balls on offense, but will see more at his free safety position. He's joined in a talented backfield by junior Brandon Angus.

Tyler Craig - yes a junior - leads a stout defensive line, protecting LBs like junior John Alexander.

"We've got 11 strong men right now starting," Alexander said. "We just need to fly to the ball more and work on our pass coverage."

To cover Lee-Davis this season, have your roster handy. A lot of players will get significant minutes, according to Meade.

Everyone feels a part of the mission to rebuild Lee-Davis into a yearly district title contender in short order.

"After three days, a lot of excitment and kids running around and picking up everything we've given them," said associate head coach and offensive coordinator Charlie Crittenden, who also came over from Highland Springs with Meade. "I'm really pleased with the way things are going.

"We've been rocking the blue and orange since about March, and it feels great. We certainly miss a few of the fellas at Highland Springs. I love those guys and wish them all the best. But we're definitely excited to be here and glad to have some guys for Highland Springs with us to make it more home here."


2007 record: 1-6 Capital District, 2-8 Overall

2008 schedule                                     2007 result
(all games at 7:30 p.m., unless noted)
Aug. 22 – at Douglas Freeman, 7 p.m. (scrimmage)
Aug. 28 – Deep Run, 6 (scrimmage)
Sept. 5 – Hermitage                                L, 20-44
Sept. 12 – at James River                         L, 13-31
Sept. 19 – Patrick Henry                           L, 0-21
Sept. 26 – Armstrong                              W, 21-0
Oct. 3 – at Varina                                    L, 7-41
Oct. 10 – Manchester                              L, 16-17
Oct. 17 – Henrico                                   L, 13-19
Oct. 24 – Highland Springs                       L, 7-39
Oct. 31 – Hanover                                  L, 14-24
Nov. 7 – at Atlee                                  W, 36-11

Big games: October. L-D will face all of the Capital District contenders in this month, including Highland Springs and Hanover in back-to-back weeks. Both of those teams figure to start the season in the DigitalSports/Fox 35 Top 10.

Key players: Tucker Walton, RB, Jr.; Will Connerley, FS/WR, Jr.; Jake Brent, OT, Sr.; Brad Jones, OT, Sr.; Will Burton, QB, Sr.; Tyler Craig, DL, Jr.; John Alexander, LB, Jr.; David Fetter, RB, Sr.; Dustin Robbins, TE, Sr.; Phil Gardner, QB, Jr.

Key losses: Nick Craig, DL; Lamonn Lewis, LB/RB

Top newcomers: Once Jason Meade made the transition to Lee-Davis, he brought as much of Highland Springs as he could with him. Crittenden, Chris Martinez (QB coach) and even former Springer star Wyatt Hicks joined the staff.

The skinny: With four coaching changes in the Capital District, things are wide open. The Confederates certainly have a shot to dwell in the top of the district. Their tough scrimmage schedule and nondistrict docket should prepare them for the all-important district games.