by Stephen M. Lewis
DigitalSports Richmond
slewis@sbgnet.com
(804) 240-2191
In this age of T.O., Chad Ochocinco and self-promoters, Bruce Carroll isn’t having it nowhere near Prince George.
Carroll is the new coach of Prince George football, and as many times as it is written or said, it is true.
There’s no I in team.
“I’m not going to get into individuals,” Carroll said after being asked about standout Royals in camp. “We talked about the family thing, and the unity thing being something we were going to build this program on. We have 53 guys out here and every one of them has a vital role and are doing their job.
“Clearly, we have some guys we are going to lean to as leaders, but every kid we’ve got here is valuable.”
To hammer the point home, Carroll had a week-long overnight camp in which the players stayed in the fieldhouse, Remember The Titans-style.
Players believe it worked.
“It helped us come together more as a team,” Larry Harrington said, a junior that will be a leader in the trenches. “When you have to sleep with someone you learn a lot about them.”
The Royals have been on the cusp of .500 or better seasons the past few years under coach Mark Tomlin, finishing 4-6 in 2007 and 2008.
Carroll, who led Windsor High’s football team for the past eight years, hopes to be able to get them over the hump in a competitive district.
“We’re trying to get the kids to make being competitive a way of life,” Carroll said. “Clearly, the goal is to win every time you go out. We feel that that starts back in the weight room and the kids have brought it back out to the practice field.
“We’re going to go out each week with one goal, and that’s to win.”
ALL ABOUT PRINCE GEORGE
Key players: Kiydaar Baucom, Sr., OLB/RB, 5-11, 190; Lawrence Taylor, Jr., QB, 5-11, 180; Joseph Pervall, So., LB/OL, 5-9, 175; Mitra Cook, Sr., RB/S, 5-11, 175; Larry Harrington, Jr., DE/OT, 5-11, 229; Chris Taylor, Sr., 6-1, 195, DE/WR
Key losses: Deontay Quarles, RB; Jon Labrake, OL/DL; Laroyce Lewis, RB; Tyler Johnson, TE
Big game: vs. Clover Hill, Sept. 11, 7:30 p.m. There’s nothing like an opening-season win for a brand-new coach. If Royals can get one, it can only help the transition.
Outlook: I caught the tail end of Prince George’s practice, so I don’t have much of a take. But the way coach Carroll sounded made me want to suit up.
MUST-SEE LINKS
2009 Schedule
2008 Schedule/Results
Back to 2009 Football Camp Tour
Team Page
CAN’T-MISS VIDEO
Coach Bruce Carroll interview
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