SEASON OUTLOOK
Zack Jones is committed to Virginia and will star at wide receiver this season.
Photo by Dan Trevino
Byrnes. With a young secondary, Byrnes’ explosive passing attack will be a challenge to Oscar Smith. It struggled last year in its opener against Gilman, which had similarly dynamic offensive weapons. Byrnes also usually plays some of its best football against out-of-state opponents (its 2009 game against St. Thomas Aquinas notwithstanding).
Question mark: What kind of quarterback play will Oscar Smith receive? Blow has performed well in spring and early on this summer, but has big shoes to fill to match the production that the Tigers are accustomed to receiving at the position.
Oscar Smith is the frontrunner for another 6A title.
Photo by Dan Trevino
The Tidewater area is deep with both outstanding players and teams. Phoebus, a powerhouse in Division 5, will be strong once again. Bayside and Salem will challenge Smith locally in Division 6.
Overall outlook: Oscar Smith is a very good all-around team entering the season. The development of its quarterback and its secondary could determine if it becomes a great team. It is the favorite to capture another Division 6 title. A victory against Byrnes would be a huge national statement. The matchup provides a rare opportunity to see a top Virginia team match up against a nationally elite team from another state.
Coach quote: “In the backfield, Deshawn is back. He started four or five games when J.C. was hurt. It’s almost like we have our starting tailback back. We expect huge numbers out of him.”
- Head coach Rich Morgan
