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The Wicomico football preview presented by Gene's Limousine Service.
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Facts: Class 2A East; Wicomico County
Last Year: 10-1 overall, 5-0 Bayside South
Last Playoff Appearance: 2007, Class 2A East region semifinalist
Highest State Poll Ranking: 14, Week 10, 2007
Coach: Dave Nettles, 5th season (33-11)
Offense: Wing-T
Defense: 5-3
Returning Starters: Offense 4, Defense 4
Players To Watch: Andrew Johnson (Jr., TE/DE, 6-2, 210), Tramal Sherwood (Sr., RB/LB, 5-9, 190), Walter Wright (Sr., RB/LB, 5-9, 190), JoJo Duah (Sr., FB/LB, 5-11, 190), Donnie Dutton (Jr., ATH., 5-9, 165), Will Trower (Sr., WR/DB, 5-9, 175), Davon Gale (Sr., WR/DB, 6-2, 173), Morris James (Jr., RB/DB, 5-10, 165), Patrick Smith (Jr., QB/RB 6-0, 175), Ricky Hoffman (Jr., QB, 6-1, 160), James Brisco (Jr., OL/DL, 5-11, 280).
Breakdown: Dave Nettles starts his fifth year at the helm but has been with the school for the last 15 so he understands when a rebuilding year is ahead of him. But Nettles doesn’t like the word, “rebuilding” and he said it’s nothing new to the program.
“We graduated 19 seniors last year and 22 the year before that,” said Nettles, whose team went 10-1 in 2007. “We are young but I don’t believe in that. The kids have been in the system and they have seen those go on to great things before them. They know it’s their time now and we’re all looking forward to what is possible.”
The biggest challenge for Wicomico will be the void left by two-year starting quarterback Wayne Warren (Rutgers). Juniors Patrick Smith and Ricky Hoffman will battle for the starting spot along with several athletes.
“We still have the ability to produce the same football excellence we have come to expect and it starts with the quarterback,” said Nettles, whose team runs a wing-T offense. “We have some good ones. It’s going to be exciting when the kids get back on the field.”
A senior-laden backfield includes Tramal Sherwood, Walter Wright and JoJo Duah. Will Trower and Davon Gale will headline the receiving corps.
Wi-Hi’s 5-3 defense blanked three opponents last season and held eight teams to single-digit scoring. The defensive line will be led by junior Andrew Johnson, who doubles at tight end. Junior James Brisco will also be in the mix on both lines.
Tower and junior Morris James will start in the secondary.
“With the same hard work from coaches and players, I see no reason why we should not be able to win some football games, if not all of them,” Nettles said.
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