by Stephen M. Lewis
DigitalSports Richmond
slewis@sbgnet.com
(804) 240-2191
L.C. Bird hasn’t lost the Dominion District in eight years.
The Skyhawks have the tools to continue the streak, and a few things that coach David Bedwell hasn’t quite had in his 10-year tenure at the Chesterfield school.
Anthony Harris steps in to the quarterback spot. You may know him more for his rebounding and hustle on the basketball floor.
Now he’s the general for Bedwell.
“I’ve never had a kid athletically, do the things that he can do,” Bedwell said of Harris, who will combine his legs and arm to lead Bird’s offense.
Harris will have plenty of help in the backfield, including FB Andrew Faison and RB Stephen Lee.
But there’s a freshman challenging for time, Lionel Williams, brother of former Bird basketball star Ru White.
Bedwell says Williams may start both ways as a freshman, something he’s never had happen.
“But Stephen Lee’s not giving up easily,” Bedwell said. “He played everything for me last year.”
Brandon Williams and Ken Pankey are a few receivers who will catch balls.
Bird’s offensive line, which returns four starters, will be paced by Allen Spurlock, a 300-pounder.
“We’re averaging over 250 pounds,” Spurlock said. “So we’ve got some size and are ready to get at ’em.”
Defense equals speed. Bedwell wants black helmets on the ball pronto.
That’s Xavier Myles‘ forte. The first-team all-Dominion District pick is back at defensive end.
Harris will see time both ways, as will Williams, Faison and Lee.
“A lot of our defensive players are coming back, but we still have a long way to go,” Myles said. “We’ve got a lot of work to do, but I think we should be fine on the defensive front.”
ALL ABOUT L.C. BIRD
Key players: Xavier Myles, Sr., DE, 5-10, 180; Anthony Harris, Jr., QB/DB, 6-2; Stephen Lee, Sr., RB/DB; Andrew Faison, Sr., LB/FB, 5-11, 205; Allen Spurlock, Sr., OL, 5-11, 300; Brandon Williams, Sr., WR/DE, 6-2, 180
Key losses: Jaymon Roberson, DL; Jerry Brown, RB; Dontae Jefferson, ATH
Fast fact: Bedwell is 86-19 in his nine years as Bird coach, including the playoffs. His winning percentage is .819, .876 in the regular season (78-11).
Big games: at Cosby, Oct. 9, 7:30 p.m. & at Manchester, Nov. 6, 7:30 p.m. Bird’s has to visit its two biggest district challengers.
Outlook: When you win eight straight district titles you are doing something right. Bedwell will add to, but won’t change the formula.
CAN’T-MISS VIDEO
Stephen Lewis’ take on the Skyhawks
QB/DB Anthony Harris interview
FB/LB Andrew Faison interview
OL Allen Spurlock interview
WR/DE Brandon Williams interview
DE Xavier Myles interview
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