by Stephen M. Lewis
DigitalSports Richmond
slewis@sbgnet.com
(804) 240-2191
If you stay around long enough, you’ll get to see everything.
Patrick Henry coach Ray Long didn’t want to see this, as young and inexperienced a team he’s coached in his 28 years as the head man in Ashland.
“We’ve got a lot of youth, we’ve got a lot of inexperience,” said Long, as his Patriots faced preseason top 10 Highland Springs in a customary scrimmage earlier this season. “It was tough when we went over to Highland Springs. They really whopped us hard. But hopefully it’s a wake-up call.
“Hopefully we improve, that’s what I’m looking for. You have a young team, you look for improvement.”
Long’s pantry isn’t bare. Brandon Wong returns, he’ll play running back, receiver and linebacker. He’s a senior, a welcome site for Long.
So is Hayden Dyer, one of the best kickers in the area. Carter Neal (injured shoulder, may be ready for opener), a running back and linebacker, and Clay Schools (WR) are also seniors.
The offensive line has experience with Justin Manuel and Michael Woodburn, and will protect first-year starter Jay Waller at QB, a junior.
Look out for D’Vonte Derricott, a sophomore running back and linebacker who is also a talented basketball player.
“We’ve got a lot of young men coming from the JV team,” Long said, “and they have to get used to the transition and the speed of football.
“Highland Springs showed ’em really fast.”
ALL ABOUT PATRICK HENRY
Key players: Brandon Wong, Sr., RB/WR/DB; D’Vonte Derricott, So., RB/LB; Hayden Dyer, Sr., K; Clay Schools, Sr., WR; Carter Neal, Sr., RB/LB
Key losses: Adrian Cavanaugh, LB/RB (Will start for JMU at middle linebacker against Maryland, according to Long); Brandon Cash, QB
Big game: at Hanover, Sept. 11, 7 p.m. This is becoming the rivalry in Hanover county.
Outlook: Patience Patriots fans. This young team needs time to mature, but may be dangerous at season’s end.
CAN’T-MISS VIDEO
Stephen Lewis’ take on the Patriots
Coach Ray Long interview
MUST-SEE LINKS
2009 Schedule
2008 Schedule/Results
Team Page
Back to 2009 Football Camp Tour
Processing your request, Please wait....
