by Stephen M. Lewis
DigitalSports Richmond
slewis@digitalsports.com
George Wythe had a scrimmage with King & Queen and Thomas Jefferson Friday evening at TJ.
The crowd was not overwhelming, but a Wythe football squad hadn’t drawn a similar turnout in recent memory.
One coach said Wythe’s 2007 homecoming didn’t even draw as many spectators. Their is a buzz around Crutchfield Street.
“The team is looking good,” George Wythe’s all-district receiver and kick returner Dennis Odom said, determination scribbled all over his face. “One thing I know, this year is going to be a little different. We’re going to win some games this year.”
A strength for the Bulldogs should be their size up front. They are huge along both lines, offensive and defensively, led by Pernell Dixon.
They have big-play capability from Odom and senior receiver Derek Young.
But the biggest key may be the coaching staff. If they had any eligibility left, Wythe would be a region favorite.
Former Highland Springs star and Clemson player Tony Willis leads the linemen.
Chad Blackstock (Richmond; defensive coordinator) of Position Specifics has worked with the Bulldogs since this summer.
Then a slew of Virginia State alums, Kevin Coles, Kevin Jones, John Harris and Kenny Painter are also leading the way.
It was reported that former John Marshall star and Virginia Union coach Arrington Jones will be the head coach, but that is not official.
That position has not been filled, though Friday it seemed like Jones is taking the role as the leader of the team. Regardless of who gets the whistle, the players are excited about the season.
“Hard work. Hard work,” Young said. “You work hard you get rewarded.”
Added Dixon: “We’ve been working out all offseason. Just being with each other on two-a-days, executing and getting things right. It all showed on the field.”
2007 record: 0-8 Dominion District, 0-10
Overall
2008 schedule
2007
result
(all games at 7:30
p.m., unless noted)
Aug. 21 – Armstrong, 4 p.m. (scrimmage)
Sept. 5 – at Petersburg
L, 14-42
Sept. 12 – at Monacan
L, 0-17
Sept. 19 – at Midlothian
L, 8-21
Sept. 26 – at James River
L, 6-34
Oct. 3 – at Atlee
L, 26-29
Oct. 10 – at Cosby
L, 6-43
Oct. 17 – at Manchester
L, 8-45
Oct. 24 – at Huguenot
L, 0-37
Oct. 31 – L.C. Bird
L, 6-33
Nov. 7 – at Clover Hill L, 6-43
Big games: All. The Bulldogs are very eager to show that they have turned their program around. So every game is as big as the other as they search to get a victory, something they were unable to do last season.
Key players: Dennis Odom, WR/DB/KR, Jr.; Derek Young, WR/OLB, Sr.; Pernell Dixon, OL/DL, Sr.
Key losses: Jamel Wilford, WR
The skinny: The Bulldogs have been working out all summer, something that was not as consistent in years past. The guys look in much better shape and though no head coach has been named, things are a lot more organized. The Bulldogs should play much better this season.
GALLERY!
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