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SPORTS

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FOOTBALL 2017

Matoaca Warriors preview

Matoaca is entering year successful 2017 campaign. Walker (6-5,
three of the D.L. Johnson era. The “Our players love each other and 300) will play
Warriors returned to the playoffs in get along,” said Johnson. “We’ve nose guard.
2015, but took a step back in 2016, seen bonding, hanging out, and the Dozier and
finishing 5-5. Johnson gave a honest true definition of football, family, and Ryan Walker
assessment of his team’s performance. faith.” Aaron’s brother
“After looking at the film, we will rotate at the
were amazed that we finished 5-5,” QUARTERBACK: other defensive
said Johnson. “We were horrible on Senior Dante’ Sanders (6-1, tackle.
third-down conversions, we didn’t 165) will be at the helm for Matoaca
run the ball well, and our pass-to- despite an overall lack of experience,
completion ratio wasn’t good.” having not played since his freshman
The Warriors were a young team season. Johnson gave him a vote of
last year, and those sophomores are confidence, saying that he’s a “lefty
now juniors with more experience that’s full of fast twitch muscle” and
under their belts. Gone are the that he was looking to do exciting
dynamic duo of quarterback Justin things this year. WIDE RECEIVER JARROD MOSBY
Ford and wide receiver Terrence
Whitfield (Massanutten Prep for RUNNING BACKS: OFFENSIVE LINE: LINEBACKERS:
basketball). Defensive standout and Right now there are three Senior Hunter Simmons (5- This unit is highlighted by junior
Tre’von Stewart is at Louisburg. athletes in contention for carries. 10, 200) returns to play center. Manny Hickman, who is perhaps the
Johnson is optimistic about his Sophomore Ricarlos Taylor (5-7, 165) Sophomore tackle Nathan Dozier (6- team’s best college football prospect. At
third year in the football program. has returned to the Matoaca district 4, 260) has a load of potential. Ryan
He says that the team has established and is getting a long look in camp. Walker (6-5, 270), Gage
norms and came to camp with leaders Kyle Williams (6-0, 200) will again Luck (6-0, 200) and
in place, electing them before the see time at back. Junior Aaron Jones Demonte Wynn (6-0,
end of last school year. They will be (6-0, 220) is a bigger back who will 290) round out a unit
Jonathan Coleman, Manny Hickman, provide a change of pace. that Johnson called “the
and Kyle Williams. Those captains most improved” on the
embody the four core values of the WIDE RECEIVERS: team.
program: “Demonstrate respect,” Senior Jarrod Mosby (6-4, 190)
“Give maximum effort,” “Team will be a playmaker for Matoaca. With DEFENSIVE LINE:
before me,” and “Ignite your moral a projectable body and outstanding Senior defensive
compass.” jump ball ability, his upside is through tackle Austin Hicks (6-4,
Johnson says the team has a the roof. Jalen Bailey (6-3, 175) and 210) is big, strong and
newfound synergy this year, and, he tight end Justin Providence (6-3, 175) athletic. He’s transformed
will look to that along with a talented will be on a unit with good size; no his body in the offseason. LINEBACKER MANNY HICKMAN
roster to propel Matoaca to a more players are less than six feet tall. He’s drawn interest from
D1 Campbell University. Senior Aaron 6-4 and 220, he’s lost close to 60 pounds
and added muscle back to his frame. “In
all aspects, he’s a grown man in a young
man’s body,” said Johnson. Wrestling state
champ Markus Taborn returns at middle
linebacker. Aaron Jones will play at wheel
linebacker. Kyle Williams, Elijah Dennis-
Thomas (6-2,204 - Hudl) and Issac Mosby
(5-9,215 - Hudl) may end up forming a
rotation for the other linebacker spot.

DEFENSIVE BACKS:
Comeback Deonte Talley (6-2, 165)
is an All-Region track athlete. Jonathan
Coleman (6-2, 190) will play safety.
Mikhael Warith-Muhammad (5-8,165 -
Hudl) and Travonte Williams (5-10, 175)
will battle with others for playing time in
the secondary.
SPECIAL TEAMS:
Freshman Jacob Coleman (6-1, 170)
will kick. His brother, Jonathan
Coleman, will punt.

10 AUGUST 23, 2017 news@villagenewsonline.com