by Stephen M. Lewis
DigitalSports Richmond
slewis@sbgnet.com
(804) 240-2191
Remember that L.A. Lakers team that had Shaq, Kobe, Karl Malone and Gary Payton about five years ago.
Four Hall of Famers, countless all-star game bids, but no title for them that year.
Downscale to the Central Region and you have a star-studded bunch at Highland Springs.
Key word: bunch.
Coach Loren Johnson is trying to bring them together.
“We’ve been doing things that are going to help us, going to benefit us,” Johnson said after the Deep Run scrimmage. “We’ve been moving around, flying around, doing everything that should help us win games.
“But the most important thing we need to do is focus on us being a team.”
If the Springers can, look out.
The offense is improved tremendously behind QB JaQuan Burchette. In his second year at the helm, his passing has improved tremendously.
Look out for a bunch of skill players that will make an impact, including a packed backfield of J.J. Saunders, Deshawn Holmes, Montrell Garrison and speedy freshman John Thompson.
At wideout, Wyatt Johnson caught two TDs in the Deep Run scrimmage. The line has good size and is paced basically by the defensive line.
Four-year starter Derrick “Skip” Hopkins, a Virginia Tech commit, and Rashad Winston, who recently committed to Richmond, are absolute terrors.
The linebacking core lost a slew of seniors, but is fast and quick.
On the back end, Holmes (Richmond commit) will play safety and some linebacker, and Saunders is arguably the best cornerback in the area, a three-year starter.
The talent is there. If Johnson gets cohesion, it could be one of the best years the Springers have had.
ALL ABOUT HIGHLAND SPRINGS
Key players: Derrick “Skip” Hopkins, Sr., DL; Rashad Winston, Sr., DL; JaQuan Burchette, Sr., QB; J.J. Saunders, Sr., CB/RB; Deshawn Holmes, Sr., LB/S/RB; Wyatt Johnson, Sr., WR; Montrell Garrison, Sr., RB
Key losses: Linebacking core; Clinton Patterson, SS; Melquan Weston, WR (Winston-Salem)
Big game: vs. Varina, Nov. 12, 7 p.m. Game usually decides Capital District.
Outlook: All is there to be a region contender.
CAN’T-MISS VIDEO
Stephen Lewis’ take on the Springers
Coach Loren Johnson interview
Recap/Highlights from Deep Run scrimmage
MUST-SEE LINKS
2009 Schedule
2008 Results
Back to 2009 Football Camp Tour
Team Page
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