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FOOTBALL 2017

Thomas Dale Knights preview

Thomas Dale (9-3) finished
the season with a second round
playoff lost to Colonial Forge, 42-
21. The Knights lost record-setting
quarterback Matt Lawton, defensive
star Shundarius Carter (scored 26
points on defense, 17 sacks), two-way
standout Max Oxendine (Fork Union)
and A.J. Lazaro (West Virginia
Wesleyan).
Dale returns a good number
of players in 2017 – eight starters
on defense and seven on offense
not short on college talent – Chris
Tyree, Devonte Chandler, Talvis
Robinson, Michael Bailey and Dusan
Stjepanovic are just a few of the
Knights that will ascend to the next
level; all have Division I offers.
Head coach Kevin Tucker said
that safety and quarterback are
probably the biggest concerns on the
roster, but a tough senior, will be the
team’s signal caller, while several
players are competing for the final HALFBACK CHRIS TYREE, WHO HAS BIG-TIME OFFERS FROM PENN STATE AND FLORIDA STATE, WILL LEAD THE
spot in the secondary. DEFENSIVE BACKS UNIT WITH MICHAEL BAILEY.
The Knights open with Cosby
on Aug. 25 at Ed Karpus Field in player to watch. Tucker likened “ripped”). Freshman Bryce Carter will battle for playing time here.
Chester before the Battle of Chester the senior to Desmond Frye (6-2, 205) Shane’s little brother, will
on Sept. 1. (Virginia Tech) and Brian Bullock get time on the line along with junior SPECIAL TEAMS:
(Lackawanna), but said James is more Malik Purvis (6-2, 250), a strong and On a team that’s sent three
QUARTERBACK: physical. He will also mix in at safety powerful defensive tackle. kickers to college: Plato Eliades
Senior John Pierce (5-9, 200) and linebacker. Jamarcus Wilson (5- (Bridgewater), Austin Feeser
started one game against Varina last 7, 160) is shifty, in Tucker’s words, LINEBACKERS: (Hampden-Sydney), and Anthony
season, a game the Knights won 22- he can fly. Bailey (6-3, 180) is a Now a senior, Chandler made his Prevost (Hampton), Tucker said that
13. Tucker said the two-sport star defensive back who help create some “debut” as a sophomore linebacker, Garrett Graves, could become the
(lacrosse) is tough as nails and has a mismatches. filling in for Sam Stark two seasons fourth. He averaged 48 yards per punt
heart of gold. “He’s someone that you ago. Last year he amassed 145 attempt in a recent scrimmage and he
would go to battle with everyday,” OFFENSIVE LINE: tackles and seven sacks. Tucker can kick field goals from 45-50 yards
Tucker said. “He’s not afraid to fail; Guard Robinson (6-2, 290) is at said that Chandler is strongly out with consistency.
he’s going to battle.” Tucker added guard and is committed to the Navy. considering committing to Army or
that Pierce has the “attitude of a He’s a hard-working and aggressive Navy. Treashawn Smith was an All-
linebacker.” guard who loves pull blocking and Conference offensive tackle at 260
sweeps. He’ll lead the line along with pounds two seasons ago. Now he’s the
RUNNING BACKS: fellow senior Shane Carter (6-0, 275), team’s starting middle linebacker at
Many things have been written who’s been a 2nd team Conference a trim 210 pounds. He’ll wear No.11, Matoaca and Thomas
about Tyree, who runs a 4.47-record 3 honoree the past two seasons. He the number of Malcolm Piggott, who
40-yard dash. and has big-time offers holds an offer from Virginia Union. passed away in an accident in 2007 Dale football previews
from Penn State and Florida State. Carter and Robinson have taken three – only two players have won that were by Josh Mathews.
Thomas Dale started him out at wide sophomore starters under their wing number since then – C.J. Reavis and
receiver, then he rushed for 717 yards to help get them ready for the rigors Max Oxendine. He’s got an offer from
in seven games before he broke his of a varsity season. Virginia Union as well. Previews for L. C. Bird
collarbone. The sophomore will be
electric for Thomas Dale. Senior DEFENSIVE LINE: DEFENSIVE BACKS: and Meadowbrook
Elijah Burns, has transitioned well Senior Stjepanovic (offer from l Bailey and Tyree will lead the
from linebacker to running back. Delaware State) is the unquestioned unit. A two-year starter and Bailey football programs will
Tucker said Burns had a “heck of an leader of the defensive line with has three offers – Army, Navy and appear in the August 30
offseason” and has been a “pleasant nine sacks last year. Tucker showed Delaware State. Tucker said that
surprise” on the offensive side of the excitement about Richard D’Abreu, Bailey is a quiet leader who uses issue.
ball for the Knights. who wears No. 44, Tucker’s old his actions to lead his teammates.
number. At 6-1 and 220, his coach Senior Brent Williams, teamleader in
WIDE RECEIVERS: said that the junior looks like an interceptions, will play some safety
Gynai James (6-2, 200) is a action figure with his physique (he’s and corner. Burns, Wilson and others

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