by Stephen M. Lewis
DigitalSports Richmond
slewis@sbgnet.com
(804) 240-2191
If football was 7-on-7, Armstrong would probably be a top-10 or 15 team.
But it is 11-on-11 and the Wildcats have terrific skill players but are lacking offensive linemen.
“Skills, we should be pretty competitive. But every day it is a new line,” Armstrong coach Mark Robinson said. “If we can put a line together we can be competitive. We’ve got some players with some skill.”
The receivers are terrific.
Dwayne Burnett returns after in all-district year in 2008. Tyee Williams is also very dangerous.
They’ll receive passes from Xavier Gary, also the basketball team’s point guard who saw time under center last season.
Robinson is also very high on JV-graduate Jatain Williams, another receiver that should give Armstrong’s spread attack a boost.
Defensively, a lot of players will go both ways, so conditioning is key.
Willie Parker and Terrence Diggs pace a talented, experienced linebacking core.
Williams and Gary lead the secondary.
“I’m optimistic,” Robinson said. “With the skill players we have we can create some problems for some teams.”
ALL ABOUT ARMSTRONG
Key players: Tyee Williams, Sr., WR/FS, 6-1, 193; Dwayne Burnett, Sr., WR/DB, 6-2, 180; Xavier Gary, Sr., QB/CB, 6-0, 155; Jatain McClain, Jr., WR, 6-1, 195; Willie Parker, Sr., LB/G, 5-11, 215; Terrence Diggs, Sr., LB
Key losses: Terrell Fowler, LB/RB; Mark Robinson, QB; DeAngelo Wilson, TE/DE
Big games: Non-district schedule. The last time Armstrong reached .500 it got off to a 4-0 start. Thomas Jefferson, John Marshall and Colonial Heights kick off their 2009 docket.
Outlook: Linemen, linemen, linemen. Armstrong needs some beef up front to give its athletes time to work. Getting better line play is key to season.
CAN’T-MISS VIDEO
Stephen Lewis’ take on the Wildcats
QB/CB Xavier Gary interview
WR/FS Tyee Williams interview
WR/DB Dwayne Burnett interview
LB/G Willie Parker interview
MUST-SEE LINKS
2009 Schedule
2008 Schedule/Results
Back to 2009 Football Camp Tour
Team Page
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