As football kickoff inches closer around the country, MaxPreps forecasts the top five teams in the state of Virginia for the 2009 season.
Phillip Sims is back to lead Chesapeake's Oscar Smith.
Dan Rosenstein
Oscar Smith is clearly the class of Virginia, and without question, one of the country’s most impressive teams. They boast two of South Hampton’s top three recruits, according to Larry Rubama: quarterback Phillip Sims and defensive tackle Evan Hailes. The defending state champs will see an interesting out-of-state opponent, Venice (Fla.), but will be the heavy favorite to win that showdown, just as they are the pick to win a third straight Division 6 title.
2. Westfield
One of Virginia’s most consistent programs, Westfield has won two state titles this decade, including an undefeated state championship season in 2003. The Bulldogs’ 2008 season was ended in the playoffs by rival Chantilly, a team that Westfield had beaten handily earlier in the year. Quarterback Danny Fenyak returns for head coach Tom Verdanic, who will look for new skill players to emerge. The Bulldogs have a brutal schedule, featuring Stone Bridge, Oakton, and Chantilly.
3. Phoebus
The Phantoms will be working in a new quarterback, running back and head coach in 2009. However, they have great talent coming back, and because so many of the team’s wins were blowouts last year, their returners have some experience. Quarterback Paul Morant is 2-0 as a starter, and will call the signals for new head coach Stan Sexton. He threw six touchdowns and no interceptions last year. A solid receiving group and talented young line players will make Phoebus a major player in AAA once again.
4. Ocean Lakes
The Dolphins had quite a run in 2008, winning their first 12 games before losing a 28-21 contest at the hands of Oscar Smith. In 2009, Ocean Lakes features one of the country’s premier athletes, LSU verbal Justin Hunter. Hunter is versatile on the football field, accounting for 13 total touchdowns last year. Several other All-Tidewater players return for a team that will be a threat in Division 6.{VIDEO_4174790e-f6f6-48f4-8604-a0a2de9e2373,floatRightWithBar}
5. Osbourn
With a 3-4 record in mid-October, prospects for the rest of Osbourn’s season did not look bright. However, the Eagles went on to win six straight games - beating the likes of Battlefield, Woodbridge and Varina - before falling to Oscar Smith in the state finals. Quarterback Tom Keith will once again line up behind center. His brother, Tim, helps make up an explosive receiving unit that includes Rodney Whitehead, Anthony Meek and Josiah Bookwalter. If the defense can hold, Osbourn’s offense should overwhelm opponents.
