Dinwiddie's turn?

[DinwiddieProud]

After royally screwing up with my alphabetically challenging list of schools, I think it's the General's turn for the east.

I feel like they will be a strong team, but how strong? Heading up to Fredericksburg to open the season against an always strong James Monroe. JM's speed last year was almost the Generals undoing. Every time you looked up the defensive backs were chasing them down. What is that kids name, their QB I think? Felton? What a rocket.

The next game is against what has become the General's nemesis, the Hanover Hawks. And the game will be in Hanover. That's two tall hurdles right out of the starting gate.

After Caroline, the tough Central District slate begins.

So, what will the end result be? 0-10, 10-0, or somewhere in-between?

 

[gen4ever]

Finally. I think they go deep but how deep I don't know. I heard of good things coming out of spring 7 on 7. Like everyone says 7 on 7 don't mean a lot but it has a lot to do with chemistry. The offense will be solid led by Qb Bryce Witt. He has a ton of talent around him starting with the online Scott and Wilkerson should open some big holes for Sturdivant and Cooper. Then you have 2 D1 players on the outside in Pope and Freeland. I heard they also added a 6'4 receiver also. Can you confirm that DP? If so wow good luck defending all these guys.

On defense we got 1 year older and wiser. If we are going to compete for a title it will be won here. I know we have a lot returning so I have all the confidence they will get it done. The homer in me say 10-0.

 

[mike salem]

After royally screwing up with my alphabetically challenging list of schools, I think it's the General's turn for the east.

I feel like they will be a strong team, but how strong? Heading up to Fredericksburg to open the season against an always strong James Monroe. JM's speed last year was almost the Generals undoing. Every time you looked up the defensive backs were chasing them down. What is that kids name, their QB I think? Felton? What a rocket.

The next game is against what has become the General's nemesis, the Hanover Hawks. And the game will be in Hanover. That's two tall hurdles right out of the starting gate.

After Caroline, the tough Central District slate begins.

So, what will the end result be? 0-10, 10-0, or somewhere in-between?

I'm going to go with 0-10, no jk. From everything I'm hearing this could be Dinwiddie's year. This team may be the best that they've had other than '13. Salem & Dinwiddie will meet in '17 during the regular season, but if things work like some think they may get an earlier matchup. To answer your question simply, they'll be in the mix for sure!

 

[shauntclair]

Finally. I think they go deep but how deep I don't know. I heard of good things coming out of spring 7 on 7. Like everyone says 7 on 7 don't mean a lot but it has a lot to do with chemistry. The offense will be solid led by Qb Bryce Witt. He has a ton of talent around him starting with the online Scott and Wilkerson should open some big holes for Sturdivant and Cooper. Then you have 2 D1 players on the outside in Pope and Freeland. I heard they also added a 6'4 receiver also. Can you confirm that DP? If so wow good luck defending all these guys.

On defense we got 1 year older and wiser. If we are going to compete for a title it will be won here. I know we have a lot returning so I have all the confidence they will get it done. The homer in me say 10-0.

Always pick with the program. The Generals play a good schedule. They'll be in the playoffs and be a formidable opponent for anyone. Who they put on the field doesn't matter.

 

[DinwiddieProud]

A lot of uncertainties, as is true with every team this time of year.

My two biggest concerns are typical. Can the offensive line give Bryce Witt and the offense time to take advantage of the talent? And, can the linebackers seal the holes that the opposing O line tries to open between the tackles?

Turning the plays back inside has to improve on defense, also.

At this time, I see the talent on par with 2013. If the offense can rack up the points as fast and furious as the talent indicates they can, and force the opposition to play from behind, playing in December is a possibility.

I already mentioned JM and Hanover, but there are other perennial playoff teams that will have a lot to say about the hopes of the Generals. No one can be overlooked, but you have to mention these historically tough matchups for Dinwiddie. Thomas Dale, Hopewell, and Matoaca, are just three of them. Petersburg has an old proven coach back at the helm. And the Crimson Wave always has speed on offense. Meadowbrook will be improved for sure. They always find some of the biggest linemen in the district. Prince George is going to put it together one year, and this year could be the one. With a tremendous number of kids participating in the football program, (JV and Varsity), it's just a matter of time before it all jells. Colonial Heights had their best season in recent memory, and have a lot to build on.

So, as you can see, it will take a lot of hard work, tremendous focus, and great leadership to get through this schedule at 10-0. Like my buddies above, I'm going to let my heart speak and say 10-0.

Ok Bleeding Navy, let's hear your take.

 

[SpartanOfYore]

A lot of uncertainties, as is true with every team this time of year.

My two biggest concerns are typical. Can the offensive line give Bryce Witt and the offense time to take advantage of the talent? And, can the linebackers seal the holes that the opposing O line tries to open between the tackles?

Turning the plays back inside has to improve on defense, also.

At this time, I see the talent on par with 2013. If the offense can rack up the points as fast and furious as the talent indicates they can, and force the opposition to play from behind, playing in December is a possibility.

I already mentioned JM and Hanover, but there are other perennial playoff teams that will have a lot to say about the hopes of the Generals. No one can be overlooked, but you have to mention these historically tough matchups for Dinwiddie. Thomas Dale, Hopewell, and Matoaca, are just three of them. Petersburg has an old proven coach back at the helm. And the Crimson Wave always has speed on offense. Meadowbrook will be improved for sure. They always find some of the biggest linemen in the district. Prince George is going to put it together one year, and this year could be the one. With a tremendous number of kids participating in the football program, (JV and Varsity), it's just a matter of time before it all jells. Colonial Heights had their best season in recent memory, and have a lot to build on.

So, as you can see, it will take a lot of hard work, tremendous focus, and great leadership to get through this schedule at 10-0. Like my buddies above, I'm going to let my heart speak and say 10-0.

Ok Bleeding Navy, let's hear your take.

If the talent is on par with 2013, then everybody else is in trouble.

Going by what you guys say and the available resources, I'll venture that the Generals will at least be among the final four in 4A East, and most likely go further. Probably amongst the too-early top six in the state for 4A.

A few General questions for you insiders:

What was Dinwiddie's football program like historically - from the 60's on up to '99, when the VHSL-Reference record begins? In looking at the playoff record, it seems as if the early '80's were a bit of a heyday.

Which schools are Dinwiddie's biggest, bitterest rivals, in football or across all sports?

I have an image of Dinwiddie (the town, not the school) as being a little suburbany, but mostly rural, and the county overall as being very rural. Is my image close to correct?

This is getting me worked up to go down there already! Only a little over 28 months to go.

 

[BleedingNavy]

Before I address the team let me answer SpartanofYores question. Dinwiddie is very rural. Only the northern portion that borders Petersburg remotely resembles an urban area. Most of the businesses are long standing with local ownership. Yes, we have some chain type businesses, but suprisingly no Wal-Mart. Since I know the Roanoke Valley well I would compare it to Franklin County.

The Generals will be very good offensively; however, out of fairness and sensibility I will not compare them to the 2013 team.

Witt has gotten better every year and with numerous talented receivers, three good rb's and an improved line the offense should put up a ton of points. Popes strong hands, precise routes and ability to shed defenders reminds me of a small version of NFL great Tony Gonzales. Freeland will stretch defenses and command over the top coverage. This is what makes the offense tick. By forcing teams to play predominantly pass defense, the running backs should have huge running lanes and exploit oppossing defenses. I may be totally wrong on this, but if we struggle on the line and are forced to play "NPO" (No Protection Offense) we will struggle. Just a common weaknesses of the misdirection/spread. The 2013 team did not have this problem and the playbook was unlimited.

Defensively, is where I believe we will improve tremendously. Several key players were injured and as a team we tackled poorly. The linebackers will surely be better and with Pope holding down the middle it should be tougher to run on the Generals. The defensive backfield should be stout and although a bit small the d-line is extremely quick.

Special teams will be sound, but we do have to replace our punter. Coach may go back to rugby style punting this season. Long snapper Cody Mills is very good, the placekicker moves up from the jv and is solid. The return teams should be phenominal.

Looks like the Generals have to replace a few coaches, but that happens every year. Coach Mills runs a very disciplined program and has proved he is one of the brightest minds in the game. A deep run in the playoffs could be in the cards, but i dont foresee Lake Taylor, Courtland, Hanover, Chancellor and others handing the Generals anything. Time will tell.

 

[DinwiddieProud]

If the talent is on par with 2013, then everybody else is in trouble.

Going by what you guys say and the available resources, I'll venture that the Generals will at least be among the final four in 4A East, and most likely go further. Probably amongst the too-early top six in the state for 4A.

A few General questions for you insiders:

What was Dinwiddie's football program like historically - from the 60's on up to '99, when the VHSL-Reference record begins? In looking at the playoff record, it seems as if the early '80's were a bit of a heyday.

Which schools are Dinwiddie's biggest, bitterest rivals, in football or across all sports?

I have an image of Dinwiddie (the town, not the school) as being a little suburbany, but mostly rural, and the county overall as being very rural. Is my image close to correct?

This is getting me worked up to go down there already! Only a little over 28 months to go.

Well, there is no town of Dinwiddie. The area that constitutes the Dinwiddie Courthouse Building and the county administrative complex is generally referred to as "Dinwiddie Courthouse", and to a lesser extent, the village of Dinwiddie. The area contains a dozen or so businesses. Other than the fact that the governmental complex is located there, I don't know that I would say that the Courthouse area is the hub of the county.

The northern part of the county has by far the most business commerce. That part of the county contains the airport, which is fairly vibrant. Walmart has a huge distribution center not far from there, as does Amazon. There are many other businesses in the region that have brought in jobs and a good tax base. The fact that I85 and US 460 come together in this area has led to a fair amount of commercial growth.

The rest of the county, with a few of exceptions is basically rural. Farming and timber is still the rule across much of the rest of the area. Sure, there are a few subdivisions scattered around, but there are no huge residential developments like you see over in Chesterfield.

As far as the football records prior to 2000, nothing impressive. The Generals did play for the State Championship in 2000, but the fortunes went south for a few years after that. As Coach Mills and his staff began to build up the program from around 2006, success followed.

Who are the biggest and bitterest rivalries? That always seems to be evolving. After the Coach Mills era began, Meadowbrook was a nemesis for years. I don't think there are too many Christmas cards exchanged with Matoaca fans. Hopewell is always an exciting matchup, especially with all the success the Blue Devils have had in recent years. Prince George, Petersburg, and Colonial Heights are games that are played with a bit of an attitude because the are essentially "our closest neighbors".

If I had to name one team that probably is at the top of everyone's current list, it would be Hanover. Losing to them twice last season has really been a burr under everybodies saddle. Lake Taylor too, of course, but there is a bit more begrudoned respect between our programs these days.

One that will always stick in my craw is Phoebus. We have played them three times in playoff situations, and lost all three times. We may never be get a chance for revenge, so I will probably grow old waiting to get even.

This post is getting way to lengthy, so I'll end here.

 

[mike salem]

Well, there is no town of Dinwiddie. The area that constitutes the Dinwiddie Courthouse Building and the county administrative complex is generally referred to as "Dinwiddie Courthouse", and to a lesser extent, the village of Dinwiddie. The area contains a dozen or so businesses. Other than the fact that the governmental complex is located there, I don't know that I would say that the Courthouse area is the hub of the county.

The northern part of the county has by far the most business commerce. That part of the county contains the airport, which is fairly vibrant. Walmart has a huge distribution center not far from there, as does Amazon. There are many other businesses in the region that have brought in jobs and a good tax base. The fact that I85 and US 460 come together in this area has led to a fair amount of commercial growth.

The rest of the county, with a few of exceptions is basically rural. Farming and timber is still the rule across much of the rest of the area. Sure, there are a few subdivisions scattered around, but there are no huge residential developments like you see over in Chesterfield.

As far as the football records prior to 2000, nothing impressive. The Generals did play for the State Championship in 2000, but the fortunes went south for a few years after that. As Coach Mills and his staff began to build up the program from around 2006, success followed.

Who are the biggest and bitterest rivalries? That always seems to be evolving. After the Coach Mills era began, Meadowbrook was a nemesis for years. I don't think there are too many Christmas cards exchanged with Matoaca fans. Hopewell is always an exciting matchup, especially with all the success the Blue Devils have had in recent years. Prince George, Petersburg, and Colonial Heights are games that are played with a bit of an attitude because the are essentially "our closest neighbors".

If I had to name one team that probably is at the top of everyone's current list, it would be Hanover. Losing to them twice last season has really been a burr under everybodies saddle. Lake Taylor too, of course, but there is a bit more begrudoned respect between our programs these days.

One that will always stick in my craw is Phoebus. We have played them three times in playoff situations, and lost all three times. We may never be get a chance for revenge, so I will probably grow old waiting to get even.

This post is getting way to lengthy, so I'll end here.

Is Thomas Dale a rival? It's a team you play every year and they hold a winning record against the Generals. I would think that would qualify them as a rival. If Dinwiddie is like Salem it's rivalry week every game. Everybody wants to beat you and there is a big bullseye on your back.

 

[DinwiddieProud]

Is Thomas Dale a rival? It's a team you play every year and they hold a winning record against the Generals. I would think that would qualify them as a rival. If Dinwiddie is like Salem it's rivalry week every game. Everybody wants to beat you and there is a big bullseye on your back.

Yeah Mike, I overlooked the Knights. For sure, they as big a rivalry as any game of the season. They are always a hard nosed team with a "run it down your throat" philosophy. It's war in the trenches every time we meet them.

With the success the Generals have had in recent years, all of the Central District teams target their games with Dinwiddie as critical to the success of their season. When you add the fact that for many, many years, Dinwiddie was one of the area's whipping boy's, it really gets under everybody's skin when we beat them. I swear we were the team that everybody wanted to schedule for their homecoming game, to assure a win that night.

Just a couple of foot notes: six of the seven Central District teams were in the playoffs last season. And, the Central District has 3a through 6a teams, but Dinwiddie is the only 4a member.

 

[SpartanOfYore]

Well, there is no town of Dinwiddie. The area that constitutes the Dinwiddie Courthouse Building and the county administrative complex is generally referred to as "Dinwiddie Courthouse", and to a lesser extent, the village of Dinwiddie. The area contains a dozen or so businesses. Other than the fact that the governmental complex is located there, I don't know that I would say that the Courthouse area is the hub of the county.

The northern part of the county has by far the most business commerce. That part of the county contains the airport, which is fairly vibrant. Walmart has a huge distribution center not far from there, as does Amazon. There are many other businesses in the region that have brought in jobs and a good tax base. The fact that I85 and US 460 come together in this area has led to a fair amount of commercial growth.

The rest of the county, with a few of exceptions is basically rural. Farming and timber is still the rule across much of the rest of the area. Sure, there are a few subdivisions scattered around, but there are no huge residential developments like you see over in Chesterfield.

As far as the football records prior to 2000, nothing impressive. The Generals did play for the State Championship in 2000, but the fortunes went south for a few years after that. As Coach Mills and his staff began to build up the program from around 2006, success followed.

Who are the biggest and bitterest rivalries? That always seems to be evolving. After the Coach Mills era began, Meadowbrook was a nemesis for years. I don't think there are too many Christmas cards exchanged with Matoaca fans. Hopewell is always an exciting matchup, especially with all the success the Blue Devils have had in recent years. Prince George, Petersburg, and Colonial Heights are games that are played with a bit of an attitude because the are essentially "our closest neighbors".

If I had to name one team that probably is at the top of everyone's current list, it would be Hanover. Losing to them twice last season has really been a burr under everybodies saddle. Lake Taylor too, of course, but there is a bit more begrudoned respect between our programs these days.

One that will always stick in my craw is Phoebus. We have played them three times in playoff situations, and lost all three times. We may never be get a chance for revenge, so I will probably grow old waiting to get even.

This post is getting way to lengthy, so I'll end here.

Salem AD Chris King is a Prince George guy.

 

[BleedingNavy]

Just saw that Tye Freeland was rated the number 5 receiver and 14th overall at the Nike Camp in Charlotte this past weekend. He just received another offer from Temple and WVU may be taking a peak. Pope received great feedback, but i havent seen his class of 2018 ratings. Just received an offer from Clemson. This wide receiver tandom could be nasty. DB's beware. Lol...

 

[shauntclair]

Just saw that Tye Freeland was rated the number 5 receiver and 14th overall at the Nike Camp in Charlotte this past weekend. He just received another offer from Temple and WVU may be taking a peak. Pope received great feedback, but i havent seen his class of 2018 ratings. Just received an offer from Clemson. This wide receiver tandom could be nasty. DB's beware. Lol...

LT had incredible receivers last year also but the QB failed severely in the final. No disrespect to Salem. The Spartans stopped the run and dared them to pass. They failed.

Does Dinwiddie have a QB that can get this talented core the ball? Do they have an OLine that can protect him? Do they have a RB that can keep the pressure off him. Do they have a Sadarius Williams? NOT on that score. They won't be the 2013 Dinwiddie. Without Williams, Dinwiddie does not win that year and probably doesn't even make the final, despite an exceptional defense.

But this is 2016 and the program is solid. It's most often not how good you are but how good is the team you're playing. Many 4A East teams will be less talented than last season. Could be a General season. GL to them.

 

[BleedingNavy]

LT had incredible receivers last year also but the QB failed severely in the final. No disrespect to Salem. The Spartans stopped the run and dared them to pass. They failed.

Does Dinwiddie have a QB that can get this talented core the ball? Do they have an OLine that can protect him? Do they have a RB that can keep the pressure off him. Do they have a Sadarius Williams? NOT on that score. They won't be the 2013 Dinwiddie. Without Williams, Dinwiddie does not win that year and probably doesn't even make the final, despite an exceptional defense.

But this is 2016 and the program is solid. It's most often not how good you are but how good is the team you're playing. Many 4A East teams will be less talented than last season. Could be a General season. GL to them.

Obviously you didnt read my previous post. I covered and acknowledged all of your concerns regarding the 2016 team and I would not compare the two. Are they similar? Yes, but the 2016 addition has yet to prove it on the field.

Witt can sling it and he has gotten better every year. In two seasons he has thrown for 3,612 yards with 39 td's. We have two experienced running backs and one upstart who could eventually be better than Williams.

You incessantly remind everyone that Dinwiddie 2013 was a one man show (Williams #1); however, once again it demonstrates how you can watch one game on video or live and make a totally ridiculous statement. Yes, Williams was a key player rushing for over 2,193 yards (146 a game), but Kearney passed for more than 2,244 yards (154 a game and 31 td's) and rushed for 641. The team rushed for 4,237 and 7 players rushed for more than 150 yards on the season. Several others rushed for 90 plus. Heck, Kearney ran for a 85 yard td against Lake Taylor on the first play from scrimmage to set the tone.

Just for an added touch Kearney had 11 passing td's and 4 rushing touchdowns in the playoffs. Williams had 7 rushing touchdowns. The rest of the team had 8 rushing td's. Lets see thats 23 td's for the nobodys (77%) vs. 7 td's Williams (23%).

I should not fail to mention one of the stingiest and playmaking defenses in the past ten years. 41 forced turnovers, sixty sacks, 3 playoff shutouts and and a nasty 5.6 ppg.

Wow, i guess you are darn genius Forrest Gump. Dinwiddie wouldnt have been worth a crap without Williams.

 

[shauntclair]

Obviously you didnt read my previous post. I covered and acknowledged all of your concerns regarding the 2016 team and I would not compare the two. Are they similar? Yes, but the 2016 addition has yet to prove it on the field.

Witt can sling it and he has gotten better every year. In two seasons he has thrown for 3,612 yards with 39 td's. We have two experienced running backs and one upstart who could eventually be better than Williams.

You incessantly remind everyone that Dinwiddie 2013 was a one man show (Williams #1); however, once again it demonstrates how you can watch one game on video or live and make a totally ridiculous statement. Yes, Williams was a key player rushing for over 2,193 yards (146 a game), but Kearney passed for more than 2,244 yards (154 a game and 31 td's) and rushed for 641. The team rushed for 4,237 and 7 players rushed for more than 150 yards on the season. Several others rushed for 90 plus. Heck, Kearney ran for a 85 yard td against Lake Taylor on the first play from scrimmage to set the tone.

Just for an added touch Kearney had 11 passing td's and 4 rushing touchdowns in the playoffs. Williams had 7 rushing touchdowns. The rest of the team had 8 rushing td's. Lets see thats 23 td's for the nobodys (77%) vs. 7 td's Williams (23%).

I should not fail to mention one of the stingiest and playmaking defenses in the past ten years. 41 forced turnovers, sixty sacks, 3 playoff shutouts and and a nasty 5.6 ppg.

Wow, i guess you are darn genius Forrest Gump. Dinwiddie wouldnt have been worth a crap without Williams.

I did say exceptional defense. Certainly, there were other fine players for the Generals in 2013 but without Williams, there's a big difference.

 

[DinwiddieProud]

Salem AD Chris King is a Prince George guy.

Yes sir, I chat with Chris from time to time. Good man, he is.

 

[DinwiddieProud]

Sadarius was certainly an important part of the 2013 team. His contributions can not be understated. But, he was not indispensable. That team was so deep that year that no one or two or three players made the difference.

In fact, Goodwyn probably was a physically stronger back, but he was the leader on the defensive side of the ball, which limited his time on offense.

All parts of the team were so strong that year that no player had to be a superstar for the end product to be a success. This 2013 team was a once in a generation team. The stars lined up just perfect that year. With the hard work and preparation those young men put in, it was just short of being destiny. But every top team prepares like they did. That's why I say the stars lined up. Anything could have gone different and the outcome been different. But it didn't, and they were rewarded with a championship.

 

[Frymank33]

Come play a full capital district gauntlet then brag about those defensive stats.

 

[gen4ever]

Come play a full capital district gauntlet then brag about those defensive stats.

I don't think he was bragging he was just stating facts.

 

[mike salem]

Come play a full capital district gauntlet then brag about those defensive stats.

The '13 Dinwiddie team could have played with anyone in any district and would have looked good and done real well. Their stats may not have been as impressive in a different district, but their win/loss record would likely have been 15-0 regardless of their schedule in Virginia.

 

[BleedingNavy]

Come play a full capital district gauntlet then brag about those defensive stats.

I would agree the capital district is a tough run. I was not bragging about stats. I was responding to the fact that Dinwiddie 2013 was a one man team. Fryeman i know you are a Hanover fan, so lets set the record straight. You guys lead the series with us. No ifs and or buts about it. We shall see you guys in September and hopefully we will walk away smiling this time. You guys sure whipped us twice last year, so I will not assume anything. One heck of a rivalry considering we are over an hour apart.

 

[DinwiddieProud]

I'm with Navy. My hats off to the Hawks. They handled us twice. Once with Clayton, once without. And earned both victories, no question about it.

I too, hope we can return the favor this year.

 

[shauntclair]

I would agree the capital district is a tough run. I was not bragging about stats. I was responding to the fact that Dinwiddie 2013 was a one man team. Fryeman i know you are a Hanover fan, so lets set the record straight. You guys lead the series with us. No ifs and or buts about it. We shall see you guys in September and hopefully we will walk away smiling this time. You guys sure whipped us twice last year, so I will not assume anything. One heck of a rivalry considering we are over an hour apart.

Agree that 2013 Generals were not a one man team. They had players. No doubt. But they are real questions they could have done it without Williams, who played both offense and defense and was head and shoulders above the rest. Watch the videos. Then come back a tell me he was just another solid guy on the team.

 

[hamspear]

The 2013 generals would have won it all with out Williams easily in my opinion. The speed and size around the edge was elite. Williams had his moments of success in the championship game without a doubt, but if the generals were one dimensional the Warriors would have shut that down. It was the ability of the QB and edge players that won the game for the generals. Sherando could have shut down the run, but didn't have the tools to stop the speed and passing . Just my opinion respectfully speaking.

 

[shauntclair]

The 2013 generals would have won it all with out Williams easily in my opinion. The speed and size around the edge was elite. Williams had his moments of success in the championship game without a doubt, but if the generals were one dimensional the Warriors would have shut that down. It was the ability of the QB and edge players that won the game for the generals. Sherando could have shut down the run, but didn't have the tools to stop the speed and passing . Just my opinion respectfully speaking.

Well put and your opinion is always respected. I also agree that the Generals would have probably won but Sharando has a way better chance without Williams and Dinwiddie has less of a chance to get to the final in the first place. Of course, we'll never know. Just IMO.