VHSL Preseason Football Teams

BigE

Elite Member
Joined
Feb 10, 2009
Posts
11,981
Likes
13,182
Virginia Class AAA Rankings

1 Phoebus 0-0 NR @ Gloucester vs
The back-to-back defending Division Five state champions are in position to make it three straight and four of the last five thanks in large part to a defense that features BCS commits defensive end Daquan Romero (North Carolina) and linebacker Caleb Taylor (Virginia) and returning starters Tyree Lee, Tevin McGougan, Justin Lyles and Breon Key among others. A somewhat unproven offense will need consistent play from quarterback Eric Enderson and Lee at running back, but wide receiver targets Romond DeLoatch, Rodriguez Jones and Romero give the Phantoms as many weapons in the passing game as they've had in several seasons.

2 Lake Braddock 0-0 NR vs Langley vs
The defending Northern Region Division Six champions and state runners up has Virginia's top playmaker triggering their attack as quarterback Michael Nebrich (UConn) accounted for over 4,500 yards of offense and 46 touchdowns last season and he's got a top notch receiving corps in Robinson transfer Matt Zanellato, Ranner Quigley and Chris Williams, a potential big time playmaker. On the defensive side, all-state level defensive end Emmanuel Adetunji and defensive back Jake Holmes will have to hold down the fort until some youngsters grow up, but the Bruins can outscore any team in the state until such time.

3 Stone Bridge 0-0 NR @ Westfield vs
The defending Division Five Northern Region champions are in a prime position to capture their fourth straight regional title and advance back to the title game for a rematch with Phoebus which would mark the fourth postseason match up in as many seasons. The Bulldogs will be among the most balanced teams in the state as running back Marcus Harris and wide receiver Spenser Rositano bring playmaking abilities to the offensive side of the ball with defensive end Rob Burns and linebacker Kyle Gouveia leading the way for the defensive unit.

4 Hermitage 0-0 NR @ Lee-Davis vs
The Panthers three-year postseason streak, which has included a regional championship in 2007 and regional title game appearance last year, should continue this season as the squad returns one of the top defensive units in the state (8.8 points per game) led by linebacker Curtis Grant (Rivals100 #8) and defensive end Diamonte Bailey (Virginia) joined by several other probable scholarship prospects. The offense will be nearly as dangerous with the return of the 2009 Colonial District Offensive Player of the Year in quarterback Brendon Riddick.

5 Oscar Smith 0-0 NR @ Pickerington Central (OH) vs
The three-time defending Division Six Eastern Region champions have a team that not only can make it four in the row for the Tigers but also bring home the school's second state championship in three years led by a defense paced by Division I prospects Raysean Richardson at linebacker and cornerbacks Jaston George and Indian River transfer Mylon Blueford. Though the team's vaunted passing attack may not be quite as prolific as in recent seasons, wideout Quinta Funderburke, a BCS recruit, and junior running back J.C. Coleman give the team a lot of big play potential.

6 Colonial Forge 0-0 NR vs Forest Park vs
Suffering only two losses last season, one in five overtimes and the other on the last play of the game, the Eagles were not far from perfect last season and with stars Blake Frohnapfel (quarterback), Tyler Wilson (running back), Tim Scott (wide receiver) and Eric Frohnapfel (tight end) returning to the state's highest-scoring offense from 2009 (41.8 per game), the Northwest Region school can score with anyone. If the defense can take a stride or two forward from the 19.9 points per game they surrendered last year, a state title victory could be in sight.

7 Lloyd C Bird 0-0 NR vs Matoaca vs
An eight-year playoff streak seems likely to continue this year as the Skyhawks return a wealth of talent back to a defense that allowed only 9.8 points per game last season including BCS prospect Anthony Harris at defensive back, Torrie Pettis in the trenches and linebackers James Santiago and Deon Clarke. And the offense won't hurt for talent as well with Lionel Williams returning at tailback along with JJ Jones at tight end and Harris under center so they may duplicate their nearly 28 point per game scoring clip from last season.

8 Ocean Lakes 0-0 NR @ Princess Anne vs
Though the Dolphins have not lost a regular season game in two seasons, they missed the playoffs last year after a VHSL ruling forced a forfeiture of six games last season so look for the Beach District power to play with a chip on their shoulders this season as this will be one purpose-driven group led by BCS prospects Lafonte Thourogood at quarterback and Reggie Owens at cornerback while several other scholarship-level prospects litter the roster including seniors tackle Chaz Lowery, center Josh Mann, and junior defensive end Eli Harold.

9 Westfield 0-0 NR vs Stone Bridge vs
The Bulldogs 6-5 mark last year extended their playoff appearance streak to eight consecutive seasons but proved to be their worst won-loss record during that span. However, four of those losses were by a combined nine points so with just a break or two here or there, the squad could have finished 9-2. With Phillip Callas (guard), Mark Robic (center) and Mitch Castleberry (tight end) returning to the trenches to block for junior running back Kendall Anderson, the team's offensive productivity could significantly increase and put the program right back into the thick of the state title hunt.

10 Osbourn Park 0-0 NR @ Stafford vs
Eleven of the Yellow Jackets thirteen opponents failed to score more than 14 points against a stingy defense that allowed only 10.3 points per contest in making a run to the Northwest Region Division Six title game and with defensive lineman Mark Branca and linebacker Anthony Valenti returning, the group figures to be tough to penetrate again this season. Offensively, Dominique Terrell is as scary as they come and he's joined by running backs Gary Jackson, Chris Mason and offensive lineman Kevin Marley giving the Jackets a potent punch.
 
Virginia Class AA Rankings

1 Broad Run
The two-time defending Division 4 State Champions are our preseason #1. The Spartans will be younger than last season's team and Matt Griffis, previously at AAA powerhouse Stone Bridge, takes over the coaching reins from Mike Burnett, who left for new school Tuscarora. Junior quarterback Connor Jessop returns under center after a sterling sophomore campaign, while defensive end Caleb Lindsay could be the name to watch on the defensive side.

2 Amherst
Four straight state championship appearances will book you a high preseason ranking and the Lancers are #2 entering 2010. Coach Cecil Phillips' team returns quarterback Kirby Anderson and will look for breakout seasons in the backfield from Devonte Brown and Demitri Carter. Brown and Damien Carter both return at linebacker for what looks to be a strong Lancer defense.

3 Harrisonburg
The Blue Streaks return last season's AA player of the year in running back Michael Holmes, who ran for over 2,700 yards and 41 touchdowns behind a veteran offensive line. The line will be much younger this season, but 6-5, 310 lb tackle Landon Turner returns and quarterback Jake Johnson should provide a stable presence under center. A quick defensive backfield should be a strength early in the season for Harrisonburg, as well.

4 Powhatan
The Indians are perennial contenders in region I and 2010 represents their last chance to come out of the region before they move to the Jefferson District and region II in 2011. Coach Jim Woodson's team will look to junior running back Landon Bradley to lead their offense this season. The Indian defense should again be a strength, with linebacker Darius Nash, end Dustin Kingery and safety Philip Schoeffel back from 2009.

5 Chancellor
The Chargers return one of the state's most exciting players in dual-threat quarterback Micah Cunningham, who headlines an offense that returns eight starters from 2009. Cunningham accounted for 29 touchdowns and over 2,200 yards for Chancellor last season. At 6-8, 260, Sam Marshall leads the offensive and defensive lines for coach Bob Oliver, who will be looking to replace several key members of last season's defense.

6 Northside
The defending Division 3 state champions will be looking to continue their ascendancy under coach Burt Torrence, but have to replace a number of leaders on both sides of scrimmage. On offense, look for Adam Hardister to take over at quarterback and, with Wardel Penn-Timity and Tyler Fisher on the outside, the Vikings could open up the passing game in 2010. The defensive line returns three starters with Dakota Jackson and Ryan Moran occupying the end positions.

7 Salem
The Spartans look to defend their River Ridge District title and bounce back from a loss in the region IV championship game this fall. Quarterback Adam McGarrell was the first-team River Ridge District quarterback last season and passed for over 1,700 yards and 12 touchdowns. The Salem defense should be good, as well, with ends Jacob Semones and Philip Hughes and linebackers Seth Fisher and Zach Houchin returning.

8 James Monroe
The Yellow Jackets will look to bounce back from a disappointing end to their 2009 season when they missed the playoffs due to an ineligible player. Last season's team on the field looked like a Division 3 contender and coach Rich Serbay should expect more of the same in 2010 with a strong offensive line led by Will Campbell and talented running back Mike Latney coming off of a 1,000 yard season.

9 Christiansburg
The Blue Demons are the defending region IV, division 4 champions and gave Amherst a run for their money in the state semifinal in 2009. Coach Tim Cromer's team has several of its offensive leaders returning, including quarterback Brendan Motley and running backs Greg Lee and Zach Snell, who combined for over 2,000 yards and 18 touchdowns on the ground. The defense must replace two all-state performers, but look for Drew Bibb to make the move from linebacker to defensive end to shore up the line.

10 Robert E Lee
The Leemen look to defend their Southern Valley District championship in 2010 with a dynamic offense and team built on speed and athleticism. Quarterback Devante White returns from a 2009 season where he had over 3,000 yards of offense and 36 touchdowns. Running back Mark Anderson and wideout Terrell Mickens also return, while the defense brings back eight starters as well.
 
BigE said:
Virginia Class AA Rankings

4 Powhatan
The Indians are perennial contenders in region I and 2010 represents their last chance to come out of the region before they move to the Jefferson District and region II in 2011. Coach Jim Woodson's team will look to junior running back Landon Bradley to lead their offense this season. The Indian defense should again be a strength, with linebacker Darius Nash, end Dustin Kingery and safety Philip Schoeffel back from 2009.

The Powhatan Indians will be without running back Landon Bradley due to grades and he will transfer to Fork Union. It's a shame because Landon could have set all kinds of school records with his 2 years left. Now, Sophomore Ray Brown will be starting and he has picked up all kinds of strength during the summer and looks good running the ball. Kurt Taylor looks to be the replacement of starting quartback Shawn Minor who graduated last year. Lets hope for a great season for the Indians!
 
Back
Top