Oscar Smith is our pick to cover another finger with a championship ring this season.
Photo by Dan Trevino
14-1
Head coach: Richard Morgan
Team previewLast year's Division 6 champion has a wealth of talent returning and should be among the nation's top teams. The Tigers checked in at
No. 20 in the 2012 Preseason Xcellent 25.
Dashawn Blow will take over at quarterback, with
DeShawn McClease seeing most of the carries. Expect
Zack Jones to be a factor at receiver and in the secondary. Newcomer
Andrew Brown could be dominant on the defensive line. Oscar Smith also leads the list of
Virginia's Top 10 most consistent programs.
2. Phoebus (Hampton)2011 finish: 13-2
Head coach: Stan Sexton
Team previewOne of the most consistent programs in the state, if not the country, Phoebus will once again be good in 2012. Running back
Tony Pittman, who proved himself last year, returns for his senior season and will run behind a big offensive line that includes guard
Walter Brantley. The defensive line will be a strength of the team. It features
Harry Lewis,
Kevin Lyles and
Mark Wilson. Phoebus ranked No. 1 in the June, 2011 list of
Virginia's Top 10 football dynasties.
3. Hermitage (Richmond)2011 finish: 12-1
Head coach: Patrick Kane
Team previewHermitage raced to a 12-0 start last season before losing narrowly to Centreville, 10-9. Lately, it seems the team just reloads, as it has graduated a slew of key players over the last two years but has only lost twice in that time span. Running back
Derrick Green is primed for a superb senior season; he'll be the starting point for the offense. Defensive back
Brian Brown heads the defense. Hermitage will need to replace one player from the list of
Virginia Class of 2012 Division 1 signees.
4. Bayside (Virginia Beach)2011 finish: 9-3
Head coach: Darnell Moore
Team previewWith running back
Taquan Mizzell and athlete
Quin Blanding, Bayside has two of the more explosive offensive weapons in the country. Blanding also stars in the secondary, alongside sophomore
Jamez Brickhouse, who could see time on offense as well. Quarterback
Deion Stitt is a four-year starter, a rare commodity that could pay big dividends for Bayside come playoff time. Look for Bayside players on the list of
2011 Virginia All-District Football Teams.
5. Salem2011 finish: 11-2
Head coach: Robert Jackson
Team previewThe Eastern Region is once again loaded this season, as Salem will be among the state's best. Quarterback
Bucky Hodges will guide an offense that scored 34 points against eventual state champion Oscar Smith. He'll have a number of returning wide receivers at his disposal.
Andrew Motu'apuaka, who along with Hodges is committed to Virginia Tech, is back at linebacker while young brother
Army Motu'apuaka, a sophomore, could see time on the defensive line. You will find Salem listed twice on the
Virginia state football champions for the past 10 years list.
