by Seneca Contomanolis
DigitalSports Richmond
scontomanolis@digitalsports.com
Monacan wet their appetite last season.
For the first time since 2000 the Chiefs reached the postseason with a 6-5 record.
“We snuck in,” said Monacan coach Danny Parsons of his team’s Division 5 playoff appearance. “We gained experience and confidence. We got a little taste in our mouth and we are hungry to play in the playoffs again.”
Setting the table for the Chiefs will be quarterback Mike Williams. The junior played on varsity last season and started in the first round loss to Hanover.
“He is in charge of the offense,” Parsons said. “He is an athletic quarterback with a good arm. He is going to have to make good decisions.”
Good decisions will include throwing crisp passes to wide receiver Gabe Guglielmo and handing the ball off cleanly to J.C. Wiggins.
Guglielmo (Sr.) is the go-to guy on a receiving unit that is young but very athletic.
Wiggins, a senior, joins Williams in the backfield after performing well as the starter last season. He will also return kickoffs for the special teams.
“Wiggins is prime to have a good year but it really is going to depend on how our offensive line comes around,” Parsons said.
Monacan lost most of their offensive line from last season including left tackle Justin Gilbert, who is now playing at Maryland.
Senior Tilgham Goldsborough steps in as the leader of the line on both sides of the ball.
“I’m really impressed with our line and how hard they are working,” Goldsborough said. “I expect a lot out of them especially our defensive line where we have a lot of people returning.”
The defense also brings back their entire secondary led by two three-year starters.
Senior Garrett Patterson, a second-team all-Central Region selection who has committed to play at Duke, will hold down the free safety position. Tevin Harden will be at defensive back.
“It helps to have guys who have been back there,” Parsons said.
The linebackers will also be a strength of the team with Logan Staib and Ladontis Holland flying around.
2007 record: 6-2 Dominion District, 6-5 Overall
2008 schedule 2007 result
(all games at 7:30 p.m., unless noted. Click team for their preview!)
Aug 22 – at Hopewell, 6 p.m. (scrimmage)
Aug. 28 – J.R. Tucker, 6 (scrimmage)
Sept. 5 – at Mills Godwin L, 24-23
Sept. 12 – George Wythe W, 17-0
Sept. 19 – Prince George L, 21-6
Sept 26 – Cosby W, 17-14
Oct. 3 – Clover Hill W, 14-12
Oct. 10 – Huguenot W, 27-20
Oct. 17 – at L.C. Bird L, 22-7
Oct. 24 – at Midlothian W, 14-0
Oct. 31 – James River L, 20-0
Nov. 7 – at Manchester W, 14-10
Big games: Last four. The Chiefs will play five straight home games before closing the season with three out of their last four on the road. L.C. Bird, James River and Manchester are all quality opponents.
Key players: J.C. Wiggins, RB, Sr.; Garrett Patterson, FS/WR, Sr.; Tevin Harden, DB, Sr.; Mike Williams, QB, Jr.; Gabe Guglielmo, WR., Sr.; Logan Staib, MLB/QB, Sr.; Tilghman Goldsborough, OL/DL, Sr.
Key losses: Jordan Snyder, QB; Justin Gilbert, LT (Maryland); Kenny Anderson, LB
The skinny: The Division 5 playoffs are usually wide open. This year should be no exception so don’t be surprised if Monacan is in the mix towards the end of the year.
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