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Appomattox questions!?

DinwiddieProud

DinwiddieProud

VaPreps All State
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Dec 9, 2013
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Was their run through the playoffs the result of a well implemented plan to build a successful program? And if so, is it safe to assume there will be a top tier program for years to come? Or did they have a really talented group of kids come together by fate?

It is my understanding from my good friend ClarkeFan, that they were just phenomenally fast. Speed is to be taken advantage, not made. So are they losing many of these speedsters to graduation or is the core of this team underclassmen?

I guess the short question is will they be as special this upcoming season as they were in winning the championship?
 
They will be loaded again next year. JV was very good as well. I have heard that their is a drop in talent at the middle school, but I cannot confirm that.
 
Appomattox has been "knocking on the door" for several years. This year they kicked the door down. The Principal down there told me they should be better next season than this one.
 
Itll b hard to replace Page. Ill believe it when i see it. What do they lose on defense? Thats the big question for me.
 
I wanted to watch the championship game video. You used to be able to view the NFHS videos for free after a few weeks. I guess no longer? Does anyone know of a link to this game?

Admittedly, I know very little about this team, but I want to know more. I hope they ARE as good this year as last. I'll make the trip to see them on our open date if they are at home that week.
 
Appo will be strong next year too! Will be better than last season? Well...we have to wait and see. JV only loss 1 game last year so we do have talent coming up. Somebody said in earlier post that the talent trickles at middle school. I have been to a few games and I have to agree. I say Appo should have 2 more strong years, but Coach Smith is a great coach so who knows what he can do when they get to him? Smith has middle schoolers in the weight room every year. They ride the activity bus over.

We only loss 1 O Lineman (matthan drew), the rest are Juniors with 1 sophomore (3 started in 2014 as Sophomores) . OLine will be strong for years to come. JV has a lot of promise at OL as well. We are going to lose Marquise Morgan whom is a great blocking TE, but Raiders have someone to cover that next season that played OL (Center) this year.

Buster Henderson will be missed at WR, but we do have a lot of talent that can be used at WR, but there will never be another Buster. All of our RBs are Juniors. Phillip Fleshman will probably be the best RB in the state next season.

QB, Matt Page will be a hard position to fill, he was developed from 9th Grade (camps and playing QB at JV). We have Matts backup Javon Scruggs (Sophomore that plays Safety on D) that shows promise. He has WR/CB Devon Graves (Sophomore) who has experience at QB during middle school years. He will be probably looked at to compete for the position. Graves is the fastest kid on our team and will give Scruggs competition. I have heard RB phillip fleshman will be used in a few packages as well. 7 on 7s and qb camps should help coach smith gauge who is going to take over next year.

Also, this year, we had the luxury of having players play one side of the ball in most positions. I dont see that happening as much next season. If he uses Graves or Scuggs at QB, Im pretty sure Coach Smith wont let them play on D as much. Going to be interesting to watch. He did let Page play CB and QB 2 years ago before AC joint sprain, when Page came back, he only let him play CB due to physicality concerns.

I dont see anyone taking All State Deven Dews spot at Safety, that is going to be a concern as well unless he puts a Kelso brother back there. We do have 2 kids at JV Ryan Jackson/ Omar Bailey that will help out tremendously. They may be somebody that can slip back there at safety as well.

CB will be a concern as well. We will lose CB/WR Deshawn Thomas as well. He probably has the best hands on the team and the most underrated player on the Raiders in my opinion. He made many crucial stops for Raiders at CB. If he uses Graves at QB, then there will be a hole to fill on strong side CB (thats if he only wants him to play one side of ball).

I hope this helps....
 
AdvocateOfMany434 said:
Buster Henderson will be missed at WR, but we do have a lot of talent that can be used at WR, but there will never be another Buster. All of our RBs are Juniors. Phillip Fleshman will probably be the best RB in the state next season.
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I would suspect that some people from Graham will want to have a talk with you about Jamorya Cousin.
 
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VaPrepsRod said:
I would suspect that some people from Graham will want to have a talk with you about Jamorya Cousin.
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I'll say that Cousin will probably have better stats than Philip just on design of system alone. Not to say that he isn't a dynamic player because we all know that he is, just saying that it is really hard to say who is the "best" when it comes to sports. After all, adjectives are relative to the person using them. Most people would say that Michael Jordan is the best NBA player of all-time but I would disagree.
 
When a 2A team has guys playing only one way it really helps. I have seen teams take skill position players and wear them out on defense, then when they get ball back, it's hinders the offense.
 
VolNation85 said:
I'll say that Cousin will probably have better stats than Philip just on design of system alone. Not to say that he isn't a dynamic player because we all know that he is, just saying that it is really hard to say who is the "best" when it comes to sports. After all, adjectives are relative to the person using them. Most people would say that Michael Jordan is the best NBA player of all-time but I would disagree.
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That's how message boards stay in business ;)
 
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DinwiddieProud said:
I wanted to watch the championship game video. You used to be able to view the NFHS videos for free after a few weeks. I guess no longer? Does anyone know of a link to this game?

Admittedly, I know very little about this team, but I want to know more. I hope they ARE as good this year as last. I'll make the trip to see them on our open date if they are at home that week.
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I was looking at the News & Advance All area team and there were obviously a lot of Raiders on the squad. I was curious what they returned so I checked Maxpreps to see how many Srs they lose. I don't follow 2A football, but it looks like they only lose 11 out of 47 on the roster. Obviously losing the leader in Matt Page at QB is a huge hit, but I really think their coach is top notch. I think he's building a program there that is about more than just good talented players. I would expect some more good playoff runs for this team.
 
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Ryan, and others; along these same lines, I trust you have followed the thread on 4a about the proposed "Developmental Plan"? It's kind of rehashing what has been discussed many times, but it does go to the fact that "programs", and especially weightlifting, are year round.
 
When teams aren't in weightroom, it shows on field. I feel bad for some of the school we play cause the counties are so spead out. Nelson County especially. They will never amount to a top notch program unless them kids start lifting. I was told by a coach there that they have maybe 5 that stay in weightroom all year. Coaches need to do everything they can to protect their players and it starts with getting stronger. Chatham is another school i queation if the weightroom program is sufficient.
 
DinwiddieProud said:
Ryan, and others; along these same lines, I trust you have followed the thread on 4a about the proposed "Developmental Plan"? It's kind of rehashing what has been discussed many times, but it does go to the fact that "programs", and especially weightlifting, are year round.
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Gonna check it out...
 
Advocate, typically here in Central Virginia, the ability for the kids to have continuous access to the weight room/program is not as difficult as SWVA. But, there is still just as much divergence in the quality of the "programs" here as there is out your way. Some coaches and schools embrace the concept of a strong, year around program, others are lackadaisical in their approach.

We were talking on the 4a forum about Franklin County recently, and about the spread out geography being such a handicap for them. As you said, Nelson, for sure. And many others. Sometimes, there just is no answer or fix.

I agree with you about feeling bad about some of the opponents. We have all seen those tremendous mis-matches that are scary to witness. A couple of years ago at a scrimmage in Virginia Beach, I watched the Ocean Lakes team come in from the busses. They were in form-fitting tee shirts. Unbelievable! They all looked like body builders, which in essence they were. And to imagine them playing some of their regular season district opponents! Scary.


Hey Ryan, I think you would enjoy some of the other threads. Especially this time of year. When football is in it's hiatus, many of the threads are original in scope, and broad in subject matter. There is time and space to get to know one another. And time to carry on a little good natured teasing and joking. Especially over on the 4a thread.

I hope you will join us!?
 
Appomattox will be strong next year they return a lot and their jv QB was pretty darn good. The defense should pick up where they left off. I expect them to be much of the same team if not better next year. 1st game against Buckingham as always will tell a whole lot.
 
BCKnights said:
Appomattox will be strong next year they return a lot and their jv QB was pretty darn good. The defense should pick up where they left off. I expect them to be much of the same team if not better next year. 1st game against Buckingham as always will tell a whole lot.
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Read my post a few comments up about my concerns of Appo next year. JV qb will not be qb of future. He not a bad kid but he has some issues that he needs to work on. They cut him from basketball team this year and he would have been top 2 players on JV squad. That should tell ya something and give u an idea of what in talking about. QB will be a big concern, Page will be a big hole to fill and i know things are not clear for Smith at this moment concerning that position. 7 on 7s and the will of kids going to qb canps should be a gauge of what he will do this upcoming season. Will we be better? I cant say that. I know we will be tough and have a team just as good this upcoming season.
 
AdvocateOfMany434 said:
Read my post a few comments up about my concerns of Appo next year. JV qb will not be qb of future. He not a bad kid but he has some issues that he needs to work on. They cut him from basketball team this year and he would have been top 2 players on JV squad. That should tell ya something and give u an idea of what in talking about. QB will be a big concern, Page will be a big hole to fill and i know things are not clear for Smith at this moment concerning that position. 7 on 7s and the will of kids going to qb canps should be a gauge of what he will do this upcoming season. Will we be better? I cant say that. I know we will be tough and have a team just as good this upcoming season.
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What are Page's college plans? Is anyone looking?
 
Clarke, how about kids at your school? Do you have many that have received interest from recruiters? Getting to the state game usually gets the kids a little more attention than is typical.
 
ClarkeFan83 said:
What are Page's college plans? Is anyone looking?
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Many of our players have been geeting looks. Our TE Marquise Morgan has VSU, carson Newman already offer him full rides. He has visited Charleston U(along with all state Safety Deven Dews). I hear uva wise want buster henderson and marquise morgan as well.

Buster, Dews, and marquise have all been visited by JMU, liberty U (i think VMI) and they want them to come on as a "preferred walk on" in hopes of a scholarship. I think VMI wants SAT scores in mid 1000s. Busta wants JMU bad, but they not reaching out like they was in beginning.

Page has been told he is only 6'1, 165 and too small. Liberty U wand him as a preferred walk on. Matt has been contacted by Gilford College, Averette, VSU, Newport News Apprentice School, Bluefield, SVU, and some colleges up in maryland, NC, Washington DC. Spoke to matt today where he is leaning. He looking at A.S. pretty hard. He worried about playing behind a 6A qb from Ocean Lakes (15-0 state champion) and said he may not see field for 2 years.

Not gonna name anyone, but SAT and grade pt averages are hindering several of our players.
 
Clarke fan I can help you out! Matt Dang DB/RB has Catholic,Mount Union and a couple more looking at him. Julius Grant OL/DL has heard from Hampton Sydney ,Shenandoah. Jordon Turner QB/DB is going to play baseball in College .Choosing between UVA Wise and others. Sophomore Bryan Wallace OL/DL is already hearing from Va Tech especially after the Union game according to the Winchester Star. Feel free to add more if you have heard about anything else.
 
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AdvocateOfMany434 said:
Read my post a few comments up about my concerns of Appo next year. JV qb will not be qb of future. He not a bad kid but he has some issues that he needs to work on. They cut him from basketball team this year and he would have been top 2 players on JV squad. That should tell ya something and give u an idea of what in talking about. QB will be a big concern, Page will be a big hole to fill and i know things are not clear for Smith at this moment concerning that position. 7 on 7s and the will of kids going to qb canps should be a gauge of what he will do this upcoming season. Will we be better? I cant say that. I know we will be tough and have a team just as good this upcoming season.
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Appos been good for awhile. I'm sure they'll be good again next year. They show as a good program. But highly unlikely they'll be as good as last year, at least from a historical perspective.
 
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Blue Gold and Orange said:
Clarke fan I can help you out! Matt Dang DB/RB has Catholic,Mount Union and a couple more looking at him. Julius Grant OL/DL has heard from Hampton Sydney ,Shenandoah. Jordon Turner QB/DB is going to play baseball in College .Choosing between UVA Wise and others. Sophomore Bryan Wallace OL/DL is already hearing from Va Tech especially after the Union game according to the Winchester Star. Feel free to add more if you have heard about anything else.
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Isn't Mount Union one of the perrenial powerhouse D3 teams that usually plays for the National Championship? That's an impressive recruitment.

We have a kid playing football at UVA Wise. It has been a tremendously successful experience for that young man. Tell Jordon Turner that he couldn't go wrong choosing this school, regardless of athletics.
 
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shauntclair said:
Appos been good for awhile. I'm sure they'll be good again next year. They show as a good program. But highly unlikely they'll be as good as last year, at least from a historical perspective.
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I can see us being AS GOOD, i wouldnt say better. Just too many observations i see that will be a factor i expressed above.
 
shauntclair said:
Appos been good for awhile. I'm sure they'll be good again next year. They show as a good program. But highly unlikely they'll be as good as last year, at least from a historical perspective.
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If there is one unit that will be better is the OLineman. We only lost 1 Senior. We lost TE Marquise Morgan, but they will slide Drew Mann over and he has started on OLinman as Center since freshman yr.
 
Blue Gold and Orange said:
Clarke fan I can help you out! Matt Dang DB/RB has Catholic,Mount Union and a couple more looking at him. Julius Grant OL/DL has heard from Hampton Sydney ,Shenandoah. Jordon Turner QB/DB is going to play baseball in College .Choosing between UVA Wise and others. Sophomore Bryan Wallace OL/DL is already hearing from Va Tech especially after the Union game according to the Winchester Star. Feel free to add more if you have heard about anything else.
Click to expand...
Thanks! Know if anyone is being looked at by Shepherd? My daughter got her undergraduate there, she was also in the Marching Band, so we went to all the home football games. I still try to get to a couple of games a year there now, best D2 football team around these parts!
 
DinwiddieProud said:
Isn't Mount Union one of the perrenial powerhouse D3 teams that usually plays for the National Championship? That's an impressive recruitment.

We have a kid playing football at UVA Wise. It has been a tremendously successful experience for that young man. Tell Jordon Turner that he couldn't go wrong choosing this school, regardless of athletics.
Click to expand...

ClarkeFan83 said:
Thanks! Know if anyone is being looked at by Shepherd? My daughter got her undergraduate there, she was also in the Marching Band, so we went to all the home football games. I still try to get to a couple of games a year there now, best D2 football team around these parts!
Click to expand...
 
Mount Union is the 12 time National Champion at the D3 level. Clarke County sent a baseball player to Wise last year and everything I have heard is positive.
Shepherd is a dominant D2 team that is less than 30 miles away from the Winchester/Frederick County area but they only have 2 local kids on their roster. Coach McCarty on the other hand for baseball has six local kids.
 
ClarkeFan83 said:
Thanks! Know if anyone is being looked at by Shepherd? My daughter got her undergraduate there, she was also in the Marching Band, so we went to all the home football games. I still try to get to a couple of games a year there now, best D2 football team around these parts!
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Shepherd is winning team. Can't deny that. They tried to recruit my son and we visited. We both came away saying "no way" but he was also recruited by FBS and FCS schools. Not even on the same planet in comparison and in every way. Even if I had to pay, he wouldn't have gone there.
 
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