Va Preps Preseason AA Poll

[Nadoball 18]

1 Broad Run

The two-time defending Division 4 State Champions are our preseason #1. The Spartans will be younger than last season's team and Matt Griffis, previously at AAA powerhouse Stone Bridge, takes over the coaching reins from Mike Burnett, who left for new school Tuscarora. Junior quarterback Connor Jessop returns under center after a sterling sophomore campaign, while defensive end Caleb Lindsay could be the name to watch on the defensive side.

2 Amherst

Four straight state championship appearances will book you a high preseason ranking and the Lancers are #2 entering 2010. Coach Cecil Phillips' team returns quarterback Kirby Anderson and will look for breakout seasons in the backfield from Devonte Brown and Demitri Carter. Brown and Damien Carter both return at linebacker for what looks to be a strong Lancer defense.

3 Harrisonburg

The Blue Streaks return last season's AA player of the year in running back Michael Holmes, who ran for over 2,700 yards and 41 touchdowns behind a veteran offensive line. The line will be much younger this season, but 6-5, 310 lb tackle Landon Turner returns and quarterback Jake Johnson should provide a stable presence under center. A quick defensive backfield should be a strength early in the season for Harrisonburg, as well.

4 Powhatan

The Indians are perennial contenders in region I and 2010 represents their last chance to come out of the region before they move to the Jefferson District and region II in 2011. Coach Jim Woodson's team will look to junior running back Landon Bradley to lead their offense this season. The Indian defense should again be a strength, with linebacker Darius Nash, end Dustin Kingery and safety Philip Schoeffel back from 2009.

5 Chancellor

The Chargers return one of the state's most exciting players in dual-threat quarterback Micah Cunningham, who headlines an offense that returns eight starters from 2009. Cunningham accounted for 29 touchdowns and over 2,200 yards for Chancellor last season. At 6-8, 260, Sam Marshall leads the offensive and defensive lines for coach Bob Oliver, who will be looking to replace several key members of last season's defense.

6 Northside

The defending Division 3 state champions will be looking to continue their ascendancy under coach Burt Torrence, but have to replace a number of leaders on both sides of scrimmage. On offense, look for Adam Hardister to take over at quarterback and, with Wardel Penn-Timity and Tyler Fisher on the outside, the Vikings could open up the passing game in 2010. The defensive line returns three starters with Dakota Jackson and Ryan Moran occupying the end positions.

7 Salem

The Spartans look to defend their River Ridge District title and bounce back from a loss in the region IV championship game this fall. Quarterback Adam McGarrell was the first-team River Ridge District quarterback last season and passed for over 1,700 yards and 12 touchdowns. The Salem defense should be good, as well, with ends Jacob Semones and Philip Hughes and linebackers Seth Fisher and Zach Houchin returning.

8 James Monroe

The Yellow Jackets will look to bounce back from a disappointing end to their 2009 season when they missed the playoffs due to an ineligible player. Last season's team on the field looked like a Division 3 contender and coach Rich Serbay should expect more of the same in 2010 with a strong offensive line led by Will Campbell and talented running back Mike Latney coming off of a 1,000 yard season.

9 Christiansburg

The Blue Demons are the defending region IV, division 4 champions and gave Amherst a run for their money in the state semifinal in 2009. Coach Tim Cromer's team has several of its offensive leaders returning, including quarterback Brendan Motley and running backs Greg Lee and Zach Snell, who combined for over 2,000 yards and 18 touchdowns on the ground. The defense must replace two all-state performers, but look for Drew Bibb to make the move from linebacker to defensive end to shore up the line.

10 Robert E Lee

The Leemen look to defend their Southern Valley District championship in 2010 with a dynamic offense and team built on speed and athleticism. Quarterback Devante White returns from a 2009 season where he had over 3,000 yards of offense and 36 touchdowns. Running back Mark Anderson and wideout Terrell Mickens also return, while the defense brings back eight starters as well.

 

 

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Honorable Mentions: Brookville, Goochland, Handley, Liberty (Bedford), Louisa, Richlands

[Jason 299]

Something tells me Richlands will be at the top of that list very soon.