by Stephen M. Lewis
DigitalSports Richmond
slewis@sbgnet.com
(804) 240-2191
Coach Marshall Parker didn’t know what to expect from Hopewell’s first scrimmage against Monacan.
He came out very pleased.
The Blue Devils executed well, especially offensively, led by junior quarterback Jalen Reeves.
He slashed and dashed on designed runs and scrambles, and threw accurate passes to his plentiful receivers.
Of course, he made a bad throw or decision here or there, as other teammates did, but for a first scrimmage, you couldn’t get much of a better performance from a junior-laden team.
“He’s a leader,” Parker said of Reeves. “He’s taken this team under his wing.”
Devonte Ennis can get it done at running back.
Reeves has nice targets, including Dinwiddie transfer Chris Collins, who nabbed two interceptions in the scrimmage on defense, one while at cornerback, another at safety.
The leader of the defense and team as a whole is Keith Winfield, a super quick lineman that caused havoc defensively and threw some key blocks to spring Reeves.
“He’s a tremendous kid,” said Parker of Winfield. “He won’t leave the field unless I make him.”
Chris Holloway is another lineman on both sides to look out for. Mike Mason is a hitter at linebacker and brings experience.
Parker has a bunch of other JV graduates that are eager to turn their lower-level success to varsity wins.
ALL ABOUT HOPEWELL
Key players: Jalen Reeves, Jr., QB; Keith Winfield, Sr., OL/DL; Mike Mason, Sr., LB/RB; Devonte Ennis, Jr., RB; Chris Collins, Sr., DB/WR
Key losses: Adam Wagner, QB; Rashad Tims, RB/DB; Calvin Ruiz, ATH
Say it ain’t so: This may be Parker’s last year as coach. He’s been AD at Hopewell for three years while coaching, which is not usually allowed for long.
Big game: at Petersburg, Oct. 16, 7 p.m. If Hopewell wants a shot in Division 5 and a tough Central District, a win over Petersburg is a must.
Outlook: This team may be a year away. But Parker certainly has to be pleased that his Blue Devils are playing well very early. Division 5 is always wide open.
CAN’T-MISS VIDEO
Highlights from Monacan scrimmage
MUST-SEE LINKS
2009 Schedule
2008 Results
Back to 2009 Football Camp Tour
Team Page
Processing your request, Please wait....
