by Stephen M. Lewis
DigitalSports Richmond
slewis@sbgnet.com
(804) 240-2191
Injuries are never a good thing in a 10-week football season.
But the positive out of last year’s accidents for Matoaca? Plenty of players got playing time.
Yeah, some big-time seniors left big holes.
DT B.J. Morton is at Duquense. TE Mike Goad went a few miles north to the University of Richmond.
But coach Pat Manuel‘s cupboard is far from bare, especially defensively.
The Warriors looked extremely aggressive in drills and 7-on-7 action in a recent practice, led by middle linebacker Melvin Trotter, a thumper to say the least.
All of the first-teamers are itching to get to full contact.
“We have a lot of players coming back with a lot of experience,” Trotter said. “A lot of players are going to get to the ball and know what to do.”
Offenses will find a tough time to find out what to do.
Matoaca will boast a big defensive line to protect some talented and quick linebackers.
If passes do get off, an experienced secondary that includes Jermaine Edwards at safety and cornerback Steele Driskill (five interceptions in 2008) will be there.
The question could be offense.
Talent abounds there as well, but Manuel hasn’t had to worry about a signal caller in a long while.
He’ll find out very quickly if Driskill, who tore it up on the JV level behind center, can step into the role that Jesse Haney and Dustin Clark fit so well.
Matoaca starts with Northwest Region power C.D. Hylton, hosts L.C. Bird and travels to Manchester the first three Fridays in September. A big test for Driskill on both sides of the ball, who started at CB in Matoaca’s 5-5 season in 2008.
“We’re taking it step by step,” Driskill said. “We’ve got a tough schedule this year, but I think we can be tough.”
ALL ABOUT MATOACA
Key players: Steele Driskill, QB/CB, Sr., 6-0, 205; Jermaine Edwards, S/WR, Sr., 5-9, 160; Melvin Trotter, MLB/RB; Stephen Cheeks, RB/LB, Sr., 6-0, 190; Donte Thorne, LB, 5-10, 190
Key losses: B.J. Morton, DT (Duquense); Mike Goad, TE (University of Richmond)
Fast fact: Cheeks injured his leg in a car accident and looks to be available once Matoaca gets into district play Friday, October 2 versus Prince George.
Big games: The Central District docket. With tough opponents early and breaking in a new quarterback, the best way for Matoaca to get back to the playoffs is to take care of its district.
Outlook: Don’t be surprised if Matoaca is back challenging for a district title.
CAN’T-MISS VIDEO
Stephen Lewis’ take on the Warriors
QB Steele Driskill interview
MLB/RB Melvin Trotter interview
MUST-SEE LINKS
2009 Schedule
2008 Results
Back to 2009 Football Camp Tour
Team Page
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