by Stephen M. Lewis
DigitalSports Richmond
slewis@digitalsports.com
BLACKSTONE – If you are from Dinwiddie, you may know a little bit about hunting.
That’s what the Generals did last season, devouring their prey to the tune of a 9-2 record, their best in what seems like a month of Sundays.
Now entering Billy Mills‘ fourth year at the helm, Dinwiddie is on the Central District and Division 5 hit list, and Mills wants to make sure his troops are aware that 2007 is just that.
“I think our kids have come back hungry,” Mills said after the first workout Tuesday at Fort Pickett in Blackstone. “I was a little concerned about that after last year. But after the way we finished, that’s been a theme of ours all year. We didn’t finish.”
The Generals fell to Meadowbrook 41-0 in the regular-season finale, and then lost to Patrick Henry 25-19 in the region semifinals. It is a sour taste Dinwiddie is eager to wash out.
And believe it or not, redemption may start on the defensive end.
The Generals racked up points like they were playing Madden NFL on rookie mode in 2007, pouring in 34 or more points in eight of their nine victories.
But early in camp, it is the defense that is causing the most problems, led by Maryland commit Bradley Johnson.
“Our defense is really stout. I’m really pleased with how they are coming along,” Mills said. “It’s making our guys perfect what they are doing a little bit more.”
A new addition to the defense is top-notch quarterback Adam Morgan, who will play free safety for the Generals. He hasn’t suited up on the defensive side of the ball since his freshman season.
He’s been too busy racking up thousands of yards through the air. He’ll try to stop other teams from doing so this season.
“It’s just a lot of reads. A lot of coverages and stuff I’ve got to learn,” Morgan said. “It’s my first time playing so everything’s just kind of new to me. This year is just a step up. I’ve got to study film on both sides of the ball. Just do extra work, put in time.”
Also look out for Jason Ampy at linebacker. He’s a thumper.
Speaking of thump, that’s what Dinwiddie’s offense is built for, putting the game out of reach when the other team is down.
Morgan will lead the way with a talented band of receivers. Though all-DigitalSports pick Dequan Coles is at The Citadel, Jerrell White, Sam Haskins and Quintaze Jackson will pick up the slack.
White and Haskins have received numerous scholarship offers.
The offensive line that will give Mills’ dynamic offense time to work is a very strong unit, led by Nick Watts.
“We lost a lot of our defensive players, but we also have a lot coming back from JV,” Johnson said of his defensive mates. “They’ve just stepped up and done a great job getting after it. Everybody does their own job. It’s fun.”
2007 record: 6-1 Central District, 9-2 Overall
2008 schedule
2007 result
(all games at 7:30 p.m.,
unless noted)
Aug. 29, at Clover Hill W, 34-27
Sept.
5, at Greensville W, 34-27
Sept. 19, vs. Nottoway W, 28-8
Sept. 26, vs. Matoaca W, 49-21
Oct. 3, at Colonial Heights
W, 54-0
Oct. 10, at T. Dale W, 41-6
Oct.
17, vs. Petersburg W, 47-13
Oct. 24, vs. Prince George W, 42-20
Oct. 31, at Hopewell W, 42-28
Nov. 7, vs. Meadowbrook L, 0-41
Big game: Meadowbrook. The Generals may have a similar opportunity to claim the district title, with revenge on their mind in the last game on the season.
Key players: Adam Morgan, QB/FS, Sr.; Bradley Johnson, LB/RB, Sr.; Sam Haskins, WR, Sr.; Jerrell White, WR, Sr.; Nick Watts, OL, Sr.; David Abbey, OL, Sr.; Quintaze Jackson, WR, Jr.; Jason Ampy, LB, Jr.
Key loss: Dequan Coles, WR (The Citadel)
Did you know?: This is the third time in a row Dinwiddie’s varsity and JV players have stayed a week at Fort Pickett in Blackstone. The players and coaches stay overnight the whole week. You can tell the camraderie is building rapidly.
The skinny: Defense. If this side of the ball can keep up its preseason performance, Dinwiddie will be in the region title hunt. The Generals are easily a Top 10 team.
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