Benedictine

Coach: Dan Rolfe
2007 record: 4-5
Offense: Two pillars of veteran experience anchor the young offensive line, with G John Beres (5-6, 195, Sr.) and T Luke Murphy (6-0, 205, Sr.) being two of just three returning players on offense. RB Brian Walls (6-1, 183, Sr.) is the other, but the Cadets have strong depth at the position to give him rest when needed.
Defense: VIS 2nd-team all-state S Will Swoope (5-7, 195, Sr.) is the headliner on a group that includes four returning players. The linebackers are an undersized but speedy group that include Darren Wilkins (5-11, 192, Sr.)
Outlook: The young players will need to step up, and quickly, for the Cadets to be successful. The team must also find a steady hand at quarterback, where Greg Petrohovich and Darien Brothers both hope to get the nod this season.

Blessed Sacrament Huguenot

Coach: Mike Henderson
2007 record: 4-2 VCC, 6-5
Offense: RB Deon Watts (5-11, 185, Jr.) transfers in from perennial powerhouse Powhatan, but he's not alone at the position, as five other backs are all expected to see time. A solid offensive line takes a hit early as G Glenn Newlin (5-11, 187, Sr.) misses time because of injury, but when he returns alongside T Chris Sill (6-2, 263, Sr.), expect big things from the Knights' offense.
Defense: Depth up front will be this team's strength. Sill and Russ Leboff (6-2, 215, Sr.) are the run stoppers up front, though they can also rush the passer. Look for this feisty unit to stay on the attack, backed up by CB Kendall Trainum (6-1, 179, Jr.).
Outlook: When the Knights are on, opposing teams have a lot of weapons to watch out for. But the margin for error is slim, and questions will arise about the team's size. Watts should develop into a playmaker in a potent offense.

Caroline

Coach: Robert Jenkins
2007 record: 4-1 Battlefield, 8-3
Offense: Returns standout dual threat QB Jamar Samuel (5-11, 175), who will be looking for WR Quinton Broaddus (5-11, 165). Gerome Azemar (5-11, 175) takes over for star Jabrel Mines at RB. G Darius Washington (6-4, 300) and Prentiss Twiggs (6-2, 240) anchor the offensive line.
Defense: Broaddus also plays at corner, Twiggs works on the defensive line.
Outlook: Coming off a playoff season, Caroline will contend for the Battlefield District title. Put up 32 points on King William in the season opener at home.

Central Virginia Homeschool

Coach: Dave Hollis
2007 record: 7-4
Offense: Although seven starters departed, seven players who saw significant playing time serve as the foundation. The QB is Nathan Hollis (5-9, 160, Sr.). Jared Simmons (5-11, 190, Jr.) has experience at RB, and Minell McClure ((5-9, 165, Jr.) returns at WR. Devin Griffin (6-4, 250, T) is the only senior on the line. Three sophomores start.
Defense: Quickness is the hallmark of an untested group. Hollis, McClure and Simmons are joined at LB by Josh Barner (5-10, 235, Jr.). Griffin doubles as a DE. Joe Bowman (6-1, 295, Jr.) is a load at nose guard. Daniel Ryan (5-10, 165) and Josh Gilliland (6-1, 161) are seniors in the secondary.
Outlook: The Disciples won seven games in their initial season and opened the second with a victory over Carlisle last week. They play a strong schedule in and out of state. The solid corps of returnees should mean another successful season.

Collegiate

Coach: Mark Palyo
2007 record: 3-1 Prep League, 5-4
Offense: QB Jake McGee (6-5, 195, Jr.) returns under senior center Andrew Walker (6-0, 185, Sr.), one of four new faces on the offensive line. G David Dwyer (6-1, 225, Sr.) is the only starter with experience. RB Hunter Broome (6-1, 196, Sr.) is joined by Teddy Gorrell (5-11, 180, Sr.) in what is expected to be a more consistent attack. WR Stephen Stites (6-3, 180, Sr.) is a returning starter, paired with junior Trei Kelley (6-0, 168).
Defense: Dwyer and Michael van Reekum (5-11, 200, Sr.) are the tackles. Broome is a returning starter at linebacker, joined by Patrick Corrigan (6-1, 188, Sr.) and Clayton Wickham (6-1, 185, Jr.). Stites returns at corner, paired with Gorrell. McGee and Alex Newsome (5-9, 160, Jr.) are the safeties on what should be an improved squad.
Outlook: Cougars lost only to Fork Union in conference play and shared the Prep League title. McGee was the most prolific passer in the Metro area last year, throwing for 1,958 yards and 15 touchdowns in just eight games. His season was cut short by a broken collarbone - the same injury that kept him from playing as a freshman. Van Reekum led the defense with 13.5 sacks and 9 tackles for loss.

Goochland

Coach: Joe Fowler
2007 record: 5-0 James River, 11-1
Offense: Missing will be All-State halfback D.J. Coles and others who made Bulldogs a Group A contender. Tyler Carter returns at quarterback with a fleet of running backs. "Any one of six could be carrying," said Fowler. Linemen hopefuls include Will Dinsmore, Austin Jordan (223), Kyle Tormey, Lee McLaughlin and C.J. Glover.
Defense: Linemen Donnell Blackwell (212) and J.D. Epps (295) return to a unit missing eight of last year's regulars. M.J. Cox earned All-District honors as defensive back. Ivan Mattox, Willie Ezell, John Nash and B.J. Clark form linebacking unit. "Speed is abundant," says Fowler.
Outlook: Despite heavy losses, Fowler lists 'Dogs as District favorite. It won't be quite the same, though. On question of Division I prospects, he writes "I wish."

King William

Coach: Zach Just
2007 record : 4-1 Tidewater, 7-5
Offense : The Cavaliers have to replace four starters. QB Lewis Redman (6-0, 170, So.) returns after a successful freshman year. KW was 1-5 when Redman was inserted as the starter and won six straight games. Jarmar Carter (5-10, 170) steps into the RB spot left vacant by Clinton Hill. Carter and tackle Justin Shields (6-2, 270) are the only senior starters.
Defense : Eight starters return on defense led by Vir ginia Tech commitment Nick Acree (6-6, 305, Jr., T). Seniors Josh Belfield (5-11, 215, LB), Garrett Freeman (5-11, 180, LB), E.J. Green (6-0, 300, DT) and Kory Jackson (5-10, 165, DB) provide experience and leadership.
Outlook : The Cavaliers have a new coach for the first time in 35 years. Former Hanover assistant Zach Just steps in for Roger Brookes (now at Henrico). Just coached for a region champion last year and inherits a region winner. KW will be in the playoff chase again, but it will have to play better than in its season-opening loss to Caroline last week.

Louisa

Coach: Mark Fischer
2007 record: 3-3 Jefferson, 3-7
Offense: Improving squad with a new quarterback, Dillon Hollins (5-10, 174, Jr.) taking over. Sophomore Rayshawn Jackson (5-9, 165) saw starting time at RB last year, as did senior Andre Hunter (5-11, 170). Big tight end Kerry Wynn (6-5, 218, Sr.) returns to help out an offensive line featuring three returning starters: guards Charlie Elkins (6-1, 250, Sr.) and Caleb Franklin (6-0, 264, Jr.), and tackle Josh Giusto (6-5, 237, Jr.).
Defense: Returns eight starters on an aggressive team with good speed. Ends Kyle Seay (5-11, 215, Sr.) and Elkins are both returning. Freshman Andre Meeley (6-0, 200) and sophomore Chris Colvin (5-10, 178) are introduced into the five linebacker scheme alongside Kendell Davidson (6-0, 190, Sr.), Kevin Whitmer (6-0, 185, Sr.) and Kerry Wynn (6-5, 218, Sr.). Hunter and C.J. Lambert (6-1, 185) are the corners.
Outlook: Struggling to be competitive in a tough district. Louisa dropped to an 0-7 start last season, just a year removed from its 2006 championship attempt in the Group AA, Div. 4 title game. The good news is they ended last year on a three game winning run and hope to have the personnel to pick up where they left off.

New Kent

Coach: Dan Rounds
2007 record: 2-8 Bay Rivers, 2-8
Offense: Sophomore QB T.J. Mason (5-11, 175) runs the renovated offense. Desmond Worelds (6-0, 189, Jr.) and Justin Williams (5-7, 151, Jr.) return at running back. Dominique Hilliard (5-8, 132, Jr.) and Cory Dunn (6-1, 150, So.) step in at receiver. Center Derek Strader (5-11, 190) is a sophomore, but he's flanked by seniors Ryan Mathany (6-0, 220) and Josh McPherson (5-10, 215) at guard, as well as Jacob Banton (6-0, 225) and Kyle Sneed (6-1, 287) at tackle.
Defense: Kirk Pomfrey (5-10, 150, Jr.), Ryan Coles (5-8, 210, So.) and Devin Sharin (5-9, 186, Jr.) are the new linebackers crew. Secondary is made up of four re turning starters. Zach Haza (5-10, 165, Jr.) and Tyler Walters (5-7, 120, Jr.) are the corners. Paul Craig Robinson (6-0, 150, Jr.) and Paul Kerney (6-2, 172, Jr.) are the safeties.
Outlook: Rounds takes over after three years as the defensive coordinator. Former head coach Fred Birchett left to become AD and coach for Lancaster after 20 years at New Kent, taking his trademark double-wing offense with him. Trojans haven't had a winning season in three years.

Powhatan

Coach: Jim Woodson
2007 record: 6-0 Southside, 11-2
Offense: There are a lot of new faces to go along with QB Shawn Minor (5-7, 163, Jr.) who developed tremendously last season. He can run and pass. RBs Shawn Henderson (6-0, 168, Sr.) and Vance Hendren (5-10, 175, Sr.) have speedy, yardage eating shoes to fill now that Taron Hampton has graduated. TE Hunter Gordon (6-2, 224, Sr.) comes into his final season as a state champion in baseball. The brothers Christovich, Derek (6-4, 321, Sr., T) and Colin (6-3, 263, Jr., G), are on the line along with Josh Mills (6-0, 273, Jr., T) and Jay Jackson (6-3, 255, So.).
Defense: The unit is without its expected leader, LB Taleik Taliaferro who was gunned down during the summer. Minor and Henderson make the secondary a strong point. Gordon is the linchpin of the LBs. The O-line switches sides to become the D-line with the Christovichs as the tackles.
Outlook: Woodson is one victory from 200 in his career. The Indians have been one of the best and most consistent programs in Group A and Group AA during his 24 years as head coach, but this may be his toughest season because of the shooting death of Taliaferro. The transfer of Deon Watts to Blessed Sacrament Huguenot was a blow of a different kind. The team is young overall and depth is an issue, but it's Powhatan. The Indians will be there when the playoffs begin.

St. Christopher's

Coach: Paul Padalino
2007 record: 0-4 Prep League, 3-6
Offense: The Saints have six returning starters in their two back, two tight end set. QB John Stillwell (6-6, 245, Sr.) is huge. He threw for 762 yards and five TDs last season. His primary target will be Bart Farinholt (5-11, 175, Sr.). RBs Jackson Freeman (5-11, 235, Sr.) and Kurt Fleming (6-0, 203, Jr.) will get the bulk of the carries. C Studie Hughes (5-10, 212, Sr.) and G Mark Burlee (6-0, 206, Jr.) return on the line. PK Alec Vozenlik is a scoring threat.
Defense: Freeman, a DE, is one of the area's top players to watch. Fleming occupies the other DE spot. LBs Philip Halsey (6-0, 183), Kyle Wittenauer (6-3, 220) and Ted Gottwald (5-9, 190) are veterans as juniors. Farinholt and S Casey Fox (5-10, 176, So.) are back in the secondary.
Outlook: The Saints were 3-2 against their non Prep League opponents but 0-4 against their biggest rivals. They are looking for improvement in that mark with a team that has a solid group of veterans mixing with some up and comers. Expect them to be competitive each week. The offense, one of the more potent in the area just a couple of years ago, needs to pick up the points production pace.

Trinity Episcopal

Coach: Eric Gobble
2007 record: 0-3 ODFC, 5-5
Offense: Junior quarterback Will White returns after passing for more than 2,000 yard as 10th grader. Alex Link provides dependable target at tight end, with Nick Almond and Andrew Sarlo as wideouts. Tackles Jack Miller (231) and Josh Shaw (226) were all-district a year ago. Zach Clasbey (293) is king-sized guard.
Defense: : Linebackers Miller, Johnny Hammond and Josh Holt are solid, third-year regulars. David Salomonsky at tackle and defensive backs Andrew Claytor, Jordan Tarsovich, Kyle Marron and Justin Garton supply more experience and Steffen Mahler is strong punter and place kicker.
Outlook: Titans football has come a long way in just three seasons. Gobble explains: "In our first season our linebackers averaged 141 pounds. This season it's 196."