by Stephen M. Lewis
DigitalSports Richmond
slewis@sbgnet.com
(804) 240-2191
One of the nice guys in football, Midlothian coach Dave Cooper, looks to have a mean football team in the trenches.
Looking forward to 2009, he had a promising offense led by a powerful line and the athletic and versatile Josiah Shelton.
But because of a family move, Shelton is at John Marshall this season, leaving Cooper and the Trojans without their dynamic playmaker.
Still, coming off two straight 2-8 seasons, Midlothian has all the protection and blocking anyone could want.
Virginia Tech commit Matt Arkema (6-4, 295) is at guard and Danny Klein (6-6, 275) is at tackle, providing perhaps the best left side of the offensive line in the area.
Cooper’s just looking for someone who wants to make the plays behind them.
“We’re pretty big left to right,” Klein said. “We’ve got some nice
young guys coming down from JV. We’re trying to pick it up this year.”
Junior quarterback Jimmy Whitten is high on Cooper’s list.
He’ll have a slew of capable receivers to find in seniors Charles Poindexter and Robert Jones, and junior Ryan Hamner.
Defensively, Arkema and Klein are key on the defensive line.
Patrick Minnick looks good at outside linebacker, while Chad Harpool is providing the thumping from inside linebacker.
“We’re looking to step up our defense,” Harpool said. “We’ve switched to a 5-2 defense. I like the outlook.”
Look out for another weapon the Trojans have in kicker Alex Powers, who has a booming leg and is coming off of a second-team all-Dominion District selection.
ALL ABOUT MIDLOTHIAN
Key players: Matt Arkema, OG/DT, Sr.; Danny Klein, OT/DE, Sr.; Patrick Minnick, OLB/TE, 6-1, 212, Sr.; Chad Harpool, ILB/FB, 5-10, 210, Sr.; Jimmy Whitten, QB, Jr.; Ryan Hamner, WR, Jr.; Alex Powers, K, Sr.
Key losses: Josiah Shelton, ATH (transferred to John Marshall); Callen Larus, C; Jimmy Krahe, DB
Big game: vs. James River, Sept. 18, 7:30 p.m.
Outlook: The Trojans are in the toughest district in the region. Getting in the second tier of teams will be a successful season.
CAN’T-MISS VIDEO
Stephen Lewis’ take on the Trojans
OL/DL Matt Arkema interview
OL/DL Danny Kline interview
LB/TE Patrick Minnick interview
FB/ILB Chad Harpool interview
MUST-SEE LINKS
2009 Schedule
2008 Schedule/Results
Back to 2009 Football Camp Tour
Team Page
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