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FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Published: September 02, 2008
By Jim Ridolphi
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First year Lee-Davis head football coach Jason Meade is not looking for miracles from his young team in the upcoming season. However, he does expect consistency and hard work. In that expectation he has not been disappointed.
  “The kids have been great,” Meade said. “They’ve done everything we’ve asked and camp has gone great so far.”

  The former Highland Springs defensive coordinator knows building a winning program takes time, but at the same time he is looking for improvement from the Confederates squad this year.

  “Our goal is to make this team competitive in every game,” Meade said. “We hope to be in every game when the fourth quarter comes around.”

  Meade will achieve that task with a few key starters from last year and a host of younger players. It is a combination that Meade thinks will open a new era of Lee-Davis football.

  Cornerback Brandon Angus will anchor a defense that is familiar. “It’s the same defense they’ve been running for the past four years, so they’re acquainted with the system,” Meade said.

  On the offensive line, Lee-Davis will depend on two veterans to open the holes and protect the quarterback. “The O-line has jelled really well,” Meade said. “We have two veteran senior tackles in Jake Brent and Brad Jones.” The inside slots will go to younger guys who are competing for the guard and tackle positions.

  The Confederates have depth at the running back position, but Tucker Walton will get the starting nod when Lee-Davis hosts Hermitage Sept. 5. “Tucker’s a downhill runner with some speed who’s going to come after you,” Meade said. “There’s not a lot of wiggle in Tucker.”

  Caleb Wyatt and Kyle Worley will also see extensive playing time. “Kyle Worley is the best blocker we have coming out of the backfield,” Meade said. “Kyle gets on you and sucks you up and does a real nice job in pass protection and run blocking.”

  Dustin Robbins will take over tight end duties. “He’s probably our best receiver, and he’s picking up on the run schemes well,” the coach said.

  Two familiar faces will start on the outside receiving positions. T.J. Harvey and T.J. Smith. Justin Becker will fill the third slot with Kenny Morris close behind on the chart.

  This year’s preseason camp has also featured a lively quarterback competition between last year’s starter, Will Burton and junior Phillip Gardner.

  Meade said the pair would get equal playing time in the team’s two scrimmages. By the season’s first Friday, the coach will have a clear number of plays in his mind for each quarterback, but both will play.

  “It’s a good situation,” Meade said. “We’ve got two good ones and they put pressure on each other. One has a good practice one day and the other will come back with a good practice the next,” he added. “They’re competing for the starting slot, but they know the second guy is going to play.”

  The defensive line is anchored by Kenny Jones and Tyler Craig joined by newcomer Trey Long.

  Middle linebacker David Fetter returns for his senior year at middle linebacker. “He’s our defensive leader,” Meade said.

  At other linebacker positions, Curtis Walton, John Alexander, Hunter Aliff, Chase and Brandon are competing for starting positions.

  Meade considers the defensive backfield the backbone of his defense. Will Connerley returns at safety joined by cornerbacks Tyler Moody and.
Chad Muller also returns serving as utility defensive back. “Chad Muller is guy that can play them all,” Meade said.

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