2013 Blue Ridge District football preview capsule

ALLEGHANY

Coach: Gary Burdette (first season)

Last season: 3-7, 0-5 (did not make playoffs)

Returning offensive starters: 6

Returning defensive starters: 6

Players to watch: QB-DB Nick Ferrell (6-2, 180, sr.), RB-LB Christian Carter (6-1, 210, jr.), RB-DB Daniel Unroe (5-9, 180, sr.), OL-DL Levi Peters (6-0, 225, jr.), WR-DB Trent Rust (6-2, 180, sr.), WR-DB Kendall Kessinger (5-8, 155, sr.), OL-DL Judson Wylie (6-0, 220, sr.), RB-DB Val Johnson (5-8, 160, sr.), WR-DB Derek Tremblay (6-2, 190, soph.), TE-LB Lacy Arritt (5-10, 175, sr.).

2012 summary: The Mountaineers were 3-0 against Group A schools but they lost all seven of their games against Group AA opponents, surrendering 277 points in those defeats. Alleghany had some offense, scoring 38, 40, 32 and 28 points in four of its losses. Leading receivers Tanner Seay and Ethan Nicely graduated, while head coach Jack Baker stepped down after 10 seasons to take over at Rustburg.

Outlook: Alleghany might veer slightly away from Baker's full-fledged spread offense in favor of a pro-style attack under Burdette, who was an assistant coach last year. Dale Sprague, an ex-head coach at two colleges, is the defensive coordinator. Ferrell returns after passing for 1,659 yards and 10 TDs. Rust and Kessinger combined for 55 catches. Unroe ran for 680 yards and 11 TDs, but Carter came on strong late and he has the size to run inside. Johnson, a resident of Covington Boys Home, could be a new weapon on the outside. The Rustburg game should be interesting as Baker's son, Jonathon, still plays for the Mountaineers. A solid early start is very likely, but a playoff berth appears doubtful.

LORD BOTETOURT

Coach: Jamie Harless (second season)

Record at Lord Botetourt: 6-5

Last season: 6-5, 3-2 (lost in Region III Division 4 first round)

Returning offensive starters: 5

Returning defensive starters: 4

Players to watch: RB-LB Chris Thompson (6-0, 210, sr.), FB-DL Daniel Rader (5-10, 240, sr.), RB-S Austin Oyler (6-0, 180, jr.), OT-DL Nathan Thacker (6-2, 255, jr.), QB-DB Nick Webb (6-4, 180, sr.), OT-DL Brandon Winger (6-1, 245, sr.), WR-CB Spencer Davis (5-10, 160, sr.), OG-DL Matt Hall (5-10, 220, sr.), RB-S Bradley Lythgoe (5-11, 165, soph.), TE-LB Jacob Rivenbark (6-4, 200, sr.).

2012 summary: The Cavaliers defeated county rival James River, swept Hidden Valley and Cave Spring back-to-back on the road and were the only Blue Ridge team to knock off Rockbridge County. The result was the program's first playoff berth since 2008. The offense struggled at times, with regular-season shutout losses to Salem and Blacksburg, and a 23-0 playoff loss to William Byrd.

Outlook: Lord Botetourt is looking for more in 2013. The Cavaliers figure to be the top challenger to Northside in the Blue Ridge and a contender in the Group 3A West Section. And why not? Thompson returns after gaining 1,610 yards on 314 carries counting the playoff game. He should get some rest as Oyler and Lythgoe can run. Webb will start at quarterback and is one of a number of seniors who either left the program last year or are playing for the first time. Webb brings good size and athleticism. Botetourt passed just 71 times in 11 games last year. That number might not spike up, but the efficiency should improve. The program is making strides in Harless' second year. Botetourt could win its first postseason game since 1984.

NORTHSIDE

Coach: Burt Torrence (eighth season)

Record at Northside: 48-33

Last season: 7-5, 4-1 (lost in Region III Division 3 semifinal)

Returning offensive starters: 4

Returning defensive starters: 9

Players to watch: OT-NG DeAnthony Muse (6-1, 286, sr.), OT-DT Chance Hall (6-5, 298, jr.), QB-CB Dominic Dunnaville (5-9, 174, sr.), WR-FS Harold Buckner (6-3, 184, sr.), WR-LB Ezra Waddey (5-8, 195, sr.), RB-LB Tyrek Roberts (5-8, 214, jr.), OG-DE Dylan Moran (6-2, 230, sr.), WR-CB Eric Johnson (5-9, 190, sr.), WR-SS Austin Fisher (5-9, 157, jr.), OG-LB Jacob Plaster (5-10, 220, jr.).

2012 summary: The Vikings started and ended the season with blowout losses to a pair of Seminole District powerhouses, Amherst County and Brookville. In between, Northside lost 21-20 to Pulaski County in overtime, 16-14 to Salem and 7-3 to Rockbridge County. The latter loss left the Vikings and Wildcats tied atop the Blue Ridge standings. Regardless, it was the program's fifth straight trip to the playoffs.

Outlook: Northside returns top talent on both sides of the ball, making the Vikings the preseason No. 1 team in Timesland. Roberts, a transfer from Salem who ran for 237 yards and had four QB sacks last year, probably will start at tailback. Muse, who has committed to Richmond, has gained 50 pounds from last year. Hall, who has multiple major college offers, joins Muse to give Northside two premier linemen. Dunnaville returns at QB looking for consistency. He led Northside in passing with 1,083 yards and in rushing with 806. Buckner is a big-play target with 28 catches for 649 yards and six TDs. Northside is loaded but the schedule has its challenges, including the opener against Amherst. This team could go a long way.

ROCKBRIDGE COUNTY

Coach: Jason White (ninth season)

Record at Rockbridge County: 46-44

Last season: 9-3, 4-1 (lost in Region III Division 3 final)

Returning offensive starters: 5

Returning defensive starters: 9

Players to watch: TE-LB Adam Doll-Hennis (6-1, 228, sr.), OT-DT Austin Clark (6-6, 273, jr.), QB-LB Trey Merchant (6-0, 197, sr.), OL-DT Richie Tomlin (6-2, 295, sr.). RB-CB Omar White (5-9, 168, sr.), RB-FS Cheyenne Pooley (5-10, 178, sr.), WR-CB Will Friedman (5-10, 156, sr.), DE Zach Reese (6-1, 267, sr.), LB John Colliton (6-0, 204, jr.), DE Grayson Coleman (6-2, 179, sr.).

2012 summary: The Wildcats tied Northside for the Blue Ridge title, then threw a scare into eventual Division 3 state champion Brookville in the region final. Rockbridge's only regular-season losses were to Amherst County and Lord Botetourt. Senior QB Porter Abell was named Timesland offensive player of the year after running and passing for a combined 2,783 yards and 34 TDs in 12 games.

Outlook: Rockbridge County has a big task on its hands in replacing Abell, who signed with Richmond. While the Wildcats have experienced athletes, Abell was in control of every aspect of the offense last year. Merchant can throw when he has time, and he is a physical runner when he breaks the pocket. Pooley and White split time at running back last year. Receivers Cameron Wood and Tyler Swisher also started last year. Clark is a force both way in the line. He already has numerous offers from major colleges. Doll-Hennis has led the Wildcats in tackles for the past two seasons and has an offer from VMI. Rockbridge is one of several Blue Ridge teams with plenty of question marks. A berth in the Group 3A West field would be a success.

STAUNTON RIVER

Coach: Chuck Poston (fourth season)

Record at Staunton River: 19-14

Last season: 4-6, 2-3 (did not make playoffs)

Returning offensive starters: 4

Returning defensive starters: 4

Players to watch: TB-DB Deshawn Martin (5-9, 186, sr.), FB-DB Ramir Hunt (6-0, 178, sr.), WB-DB Marcus Brown (5-8, 150, sr.), OL-DL Sam Goode (5-11, 275, sr.), OG-DL Austen Kearns (5-10, 174, sr.); RB-LB Jakob Divers (5-10, 171, soph.), TE-LB Dylan Campbell (6-1, 194, sr.), TE-LB Damian Doolittle (6-0, 178, sr.), RB-LB Jordan Mattox (5-9, 149, sr.), C-DL John Sheets (6-1, 187, soph.).

2012 summary: The Golden Eagles had a rough 2-6 start, but they birdied the last two holes with Blue Ridge District wins over William Byrd and Alleghany. The only loss that was close was 38-30 to Jefferson Forest in the season opener. The offense produced just 31 points in the other five losses combined. RB Chris Tyree continued the program's recent trend of producing a 1,000-yard rusher.

Outlook: Staunton River switched to the single wing offense in the spring. Former assistant Jeremy Haymore has rejoined the coaching staff to implement the system. Haymore was a Patrick Henry assistant in 2008 when the Patriots tried the scheme. One reason for the change is that the Golden Eagles have some smaller linemen in the program. Also, Staunton River lacks a multi-carry tailback such as Tyree, Jarret Moon or Meech Coles. However, Martin is a premier athlete. He will play tailback after averaging 7.1 yards per carry at QB before suffering an ankle injury. Hunt will be the fullback, while Brown will play wingback and Divers will be the blocking back. Staunton River's schedule is tougher this year. A playoff berth is not likely.

WILLIAM BYRD

Coach: Jeff Highfill (33rd season)

Record at William Byrd: 165-162-3

Last season: 5-7, 2-3 (lost in Region III Division 4 semifinal)

Returning offensive starters: 5

Returning defensive starters: 5

Players to watch: QB-FS Zac Hill (5-10, 172, sr.), RB-DL Simeon Horstmann (5-9, 206, sr.), FB-LB L.J. Williams (5-9, 225, sr.), OG-DL Dylan Fisher (6-0, 209, sr.), WR-DB Hunter Shepherd (6-0, 190, sr.), WR-DB Josh Marcus (6-0, 172, sr.), C-DL Will Spotswood (6-0, 221, jr.), OL-DL Cameron Livingstone (6-0, 182, jr.), OL-DL Baylor Buck (5-11, 206, sr.), WR-DB Marcellus Fletcher (6-0, 154, jr.).

2012 summary: The Terriers were poised for a possible Blue Ridge title until Hill went down with an elbow injury in the second half of an overtime loss to Northside and Byrd added two more losses with the QB out of the lineup. Hill returned and led Byrd to a playoff win over Lord Botetourt before a season-ending loss to state runner-up Heritage. Hill and Horstmann combined for 2,245 rushing yards in 12 games.

Outlook: Byrd has a starting backfield that can hold its own with any in Timesland. Hill's value is apparent, At 172 pounds, he has bench-pressed 290. Horstmann is within range of topping the 4,000-yard rushing mark for his career. Williams set Byrd's all-time lift record in the squat at 500 pounds. He started most of last year. Byrd's three backs are the team's physically strongest players, a common thread in recent years. The Terriers lost most of their linemen. Expect Highfill to vary his offense to keep foes guessing. Marcus is back as a receiving threat after missing 2012 with a back injury. The first two games against Cave Spring and Hidden Valley are huge. Reaching the playoffs appears to be a longshot.

WILLIAM FLEMING

Coach: Bobby Martin (first season)

Last season: 1-9, 1-3 in Western Valley (did not make playoffs)

Returning offensive starters: 6

Returning defensive starters: 4

Players to watch: QB Tyrell Adams (5-11, 185, soph.), OL-LB Michael Gravely (5-11, 235, jr.), RB Jerome Hill (5-4, 140, jr.), OL Isaiah Fletcher (6-2, 315, jr.), OL Jalin Poindexter (6-0, 285, jr.), TE-LB Brandon Holland (5-11, 165, sr.), WR-DB Travon Wade (5-5, 150, jr.), OL-DE Bernadou Fayette (5-11, 230, sr.), OL Michael Johnson (6-4, 335, soph.), WR Jabari Robinson (6-0, 165, sr.).

2012 summary: The Colonels had their third straight rough season, which ended with the departure of head coach Lee Johnson. Facing Timesland's toughest schedule, Fleming lined up against Salem, George Washington, Patrick Henry, Amherst County, and Franklin County twice. The Colonels played GW to a 14-0 game and notched their only home win in the three-year span, 18-17 over Halifax County.

Outlook: William Fleming embarks on a new era as Martin takes over the program after one year as the head man at GW. The Colonels also dropped from Group AAA Division 5 into the new Group 4A ranks, rejoining a Blue Ridge District that they dominated from 2003-06. Adams is back at QB after passing for 1,053 yards as a freshman despite winning the starting job several games into the season. Speedsters Malik Bonds and Diamond Shorter graduated and that is a concern. One source of help could be basketball star Warren Craft, whose name appeared on the roster after the start of practice. Gravely was a Timesland Sizzlin' Sophomore at LB last year and he could have a big year. More than one win? Sure. Playoffs? Doubtful.

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