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

Wow, Highland Springs lost WR Harry Lee Daniel (Richmond), QB Matthew Hurdle (Kent State), DL Antoine Hopkins (Virginia Tech), TE Rod Wheeler (Virginia), CB Marcus Burley (Delaware) and RB J.J. Spates (Chowan).

The Springers even had to replace most of their coaching staff, including head man Scott Burton (Richmond).

Not to worry, as Loren Johnson steps in to run a still loaded Springer ship as the destination goal has not changed despite the departures.

"We're excited about everything that's going on," Johnson said Saturday. "Young men are flying around and playing good football. It's just an exciting time for the Springers."

The defending Capital District champions would love to repeat and get yet another shot at an elusive Central Region, Division 6 championship.

To get there, defense will be the key as the Springers are stacked at every level of defense.

Start at linebacker, a senior-laden spot led by Carl Smith, a 6-1, 200-pound powerful tackler. Mike Callis, Joe Tillar and Jaron Banks are a few other LBs to look out for.

Hopkins is gone from the defensive line, but his younger brother Derrick "Skip" Hopkins is in his third year of varsity and is only a junior.

Rashad Winston is right beside him to form the most ridiculous defensive tackle-tandem in the area. Dennis Washington will provide pass rush from the outside.

The defensive backfield is stout as well, led by safeties Clinton Patterson and Delante Rowe, both seniors.

There are many talented cornerbacks on the team as well, including junior J.J. Saunders. Lorenzo Haden is a wild-card on defense, he'll play everywhere from linebacker backwards.

"I expect for us to shut down a lot of people," Patterson said. "Hold them to at least seven points."

If the defense can hold up to that statement, the offense doesn't need to do much to help HS pile up victories.

Look for a powerful running game to take course this season, paced by Montrell Garrison, a junior. Hopkins will double up to lead the line, with seniors Alvin Hill and Ray Milleker.

They'll give time for Weston and Clarence Hill to get open down field.

The only question mark offensively is at QB. It looks as though JaQuan Burchette and Wayne Pugh will see time.

Burchette provides a bonafide powerful run threat, while Pugh's tendecy is as a passer.

Regardless, if the offense can keep turnovers down, score some points and give this stellar defensive unit some rest, the Springers should be just fine.

"We've just got to keep our blocking up," said Weston, "and quarterbacks get the ball to the receivers and running backs, and they're going to do what they do when they get the ball."

Said Johnson, a former Virginia Tech star: "The adjustment's gone well. The biggest thing is that I've got a good wife and some fun boys that love football. Everything's worked out well."

2007 record: 6-0 Capital District, 10-1 Overall

2008 season                                       2007 result
(all games at 7:30 p.m., unless noted. Click team for their preview!)                    
Sept. 5 – Woodbridge                            W, 45-20
Sept. 12 – at Douglas Freeman                W, 33-0
Sept. 19 – Mills Godwin                           W, 62-14
Sept 26 – Hanover                                 W, 13-7
Oct. 3 – Henrico                                    W, 51-6
Oct. 10 – at Armstrong                           W, 46-8
Oct. 17 – at Atlee                                  W, 61-10
Oct. 24 – at Lee-Davis                            W, 39-7
Oct. 31 – Huguenot                               W, 39-0
Nov. 7 – at Varina                                  W, 40-24

Big games: Varina. There's no way to pick another game. Both crosstown rivals have undergone coaching changes and have plenty of talent remaining. It could be, as usual, for the Capital District title.

Key players: Carl Smith, LB, Sr.; Melquan Weston, WR, Sr.; Derrick Hopkins, DT/OT, Jr.; Rashad Winston, DT, Jr.; Clinton Patterson, SS, Sr.; Delante Rowe, FS, Sr.; J.J. Saunders, CB, Jr.; JaQuan Burchette, QB/SS, Jr.; Alvin Hill, OL, Sr.

Key losses: Harry Lee Daniel, WR (Richmond); Antoine Hopkins, DT (Va. Tech); Marcus Burley, CB (Delaware); Matthew Hurdle, QB (Kent State); Rod Wheeler, TE (Virginia); J.J. Spates (Chowan); Devan Hill, WR

Top newcomers: Coaches - Loren Johnson and Noland Burchette, both former Virginia Tech studs, have joined the Springers. Burchette is a former Springer star and older brother of JaQuan Burchette.

Fast fact: Johnson projects about 30 seniors playing for him this season, most of who were on last year's 10-0 squad before falling to eventual region champion Hermitage. That's a large number for the right class when looking to win championships.

The skinny: Highland Springs has been at the doorstep waiting to ring the doorbell for a date with the hottest girl in school, the state Group AAA semifinals. But they've been unable to get her to answer. Will this be the season?