Salem has plenty of receivers and backs returning. Can the Spartans find enough interior linemen? That's where they got beat yesterday-- up front. Hate to see the same thing happen again next year.
What about next year?
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This year, Salem definitely exceeded expectations by a game or two, depending on who you ask. If they can put together a competent line (given the history there, good chance), figure out the LB situation, and Chaney can show year-to-year improvement, all the pieces will be there for a 15 game season.
They should have a very solid team next year but will need some young players to step up.
The defense will return nine players that started multiple games this year. Four in the secondary, one linebacker and four defensive linemen. The development of Sophomores Williams, Martindale and Collins on the DL will be a big factor in how far the team is able to go. Carson Williams has some nice ability at linebacker and with a little bit more weight added would probably be the leading candidate to replace Pinello at LB. Cameron Leftwich had a huge year at fullback but he is also a very good defensive player and would be most likely to slot into Sutphin's position. They also have a couple of young linebackers that I really like but have quite a bit of size to put on. They will have four defensive backs that will be third-year starters to rely on and if they take as big of a step up as they did this past year again they will have a chance to be special. I still contend that all four of them have a chance to player major college football in the future if they continue to improve.
The offense will return two offensive linemen that started most of the season but they will lose WR Ferris, TE Pinello and RB Persinger. They will return four out of their top five receivers and Zavione Wood at RB who will be taking on a larger role after being the second running back these last two seasons. Cameron Leftwich will return at fullback after a breakthrough Sophomore year. They will also return both QBs Hunter Chaney and Chauncey Logan and that will be an interesting battle. The offensive line, similar to this year, will be the most difficult unit to address but they have some young guys with potential that need to take a big step forward. Keep in eye out for Freshmen Landon Miles on the OL (and possibly DL)... I really like his athletic ability and feet and he has a top-notch pedigree. Starting DTs Williams and Martindale might be two of the best OL on the team but I don't think they want them going full-time both ways, if possible. Two other names to keep it eye out for are Freshmen Jamien Lingenfelter and Landen Goins. Both are big-time athletes that are electric with the ball in their hands.
They will also add in a freshmen class that was one of the best 8th grade teams at Andrew Lewis in a long time, including one of the fastest middle school athletes in country. There are a few guys in that group that might have a shot to play varsity next year, which is extremely rare at Salem.
The defense will return nine players that started multiple games this year. Four in the secondary, one linebacker and four defensive linemen. The development of Sophomores Williams, Martindale and Collins on the DL will be a big factor in how far the team is able to go. Carson Williams has some nice ability at linebacker and with a little bit more weight added would probably be the leading candidate to replace Pinello at LB. Cameron Leftwich had a huge year at fullback but he is also a very good defensive player and would be most likely to slot into Sutphin's position. They also have a couple of young linebackers that I really like but have quite a bit of size to put on. They will have four defensive backs that will be third-year starters to rely on and if they take as big of a step up as they did this past year again they will have a chance to be special. I still contend that all four of them have a chance to player major college football in the future if they continue to improve.
The offense will return two offensive linemen that started most of the season but they will lose WR Ferris, TE Pinello and RB Persinger. They will return four out of their top five receivers and Zavione Wood at RB who will be taking on a larger role after being the second running back these last two seasons. Cameron Leftwich will return at fullback after a breakthrough Sophomore year. They will also return both QBs Hunter Chaney and Chauncey Logan and that will be an interesting battle. The offensive line, similar to this year, will be the most difficult unit to address but they have some young guys with potential that need to take a big step forward. Keep in eye out for Freshmen Landon Miles on the OL (and possibly DL)... I really like his athletic ability and feet and he has a top-notch pedigree. Starting DTs Williams and Martindale might be two of the best OL on the team but I don't think they want them going full-time both ways, if possible. Two other names to keep it eye out for are Freshmen Jamien Lingenfelter and Landen Goins. Both are big-time athletes that are electric with the ball in their hands.
They will also add in a freshmen class that was one of the best 8th grade teams at Andrew Lewis in a long time, including one of the fastest middle school athletes in country. There are a few guys in that group that might have a shot to play varsity next year, which is extremely rare at Salem.
This kid will be a stud! Bubba! Not sure whether he'll get his shot at RB or DB first but he's legit at both. Big time tackler for young guy, great vision as a RB. Not as big as Zavione Wood at the same age but same demeanor and toughness on field. Salem should be favorite to win 4D and state title next year.
I could honestly see him being the number two tailback behind Wood if he puts on some weight. He is also a talented receiver and I could see them use him some in the slot on the motion jet sweeps and some quick throws... I'm sure he will be a kickoff returner and potentially punt returner as well.
With the four three-year starters returning at DB it will be harder for him to see the field on defense but I could see him moving up to the number three corner and that would put him one injury away from playing. Obviously all of this depends on how he works this off-season.
What about Kyjuan Waller at DE? He missed the Glass and Tuscarora games with an injury. Isn’t he an underclassman?
I am really looking forward to seeing what that group from Lewis will do in the years ahead. I’ve been hearing about them for three years now. It’s all about potential with middle schoolers, and from what all I have heard, this group is off the charts in potential.
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At this point, on paper and strictly based on who could be returning, I agree that Region D looks as if it will be Salem’s to lose. However, I understand that Tuscarora will return most of their team, including just about all of the key contributors. That’s a little depressing for this Spartan fan to think about on a dreary morning. And of course, neither Dinwiddie nor Lake Taylor nor any of the other few top contenders are going to go away.
Yes, Waller will be a senior. I was talking more about the development of the sophomores because they all were just in their first year starting and even playing varsity, where as Waller has been a major contributor for two years now.
