Eastern District Football Preview

Maury took a huge hit when several of their top players graduated, including James Butts on defense and Dyrri McCain on offense. Although Butts, McCain and several other graduates will be missed, don't expect any tears on the Maury sidelines this fall.

The offensive unit returns seven starters including quarterback Lorenzo Branche, Ricky Nichols will lead the running game and Laroy Reynolds tops a strong group of wide receivers while the offensive line could be Maury's strong suit, led by a pair of talented big men, Vinston Painter at tackle and Travis Blanche at guard.

The defense will be a sore spot for Commodore opponents this season led by lineman Jamal Giddens. The only concern Maury will have this season is who they will face in the playoffs as they move up to Division Six.

We'll get a good idea on how good Maury will be at the very beginning, their first game is August 31st in a rematch against Phoebus at Todd Stadium. Another key game will occur October 5th against Lake Taylor at Powhatan Field.

As far as Lake Taylor is concerned, how well their offense plays will determine how far the Titans can go. Coach Hank Sawyer will have two quaretrbacks at his dispersal, Lenny Paiva and Jarred Battle. The receiving unit will be led by Churchland transfer Marcus Deans, while the running attack will be paced by senior Jeremie Simmons, while a big concern lies on a young offensive line.

The Titans defense return eight starters from a unit which was tops in South Hampton Roads in total defense. Linebacker Michael Privott was the leading tackler last season and Travis Williams led the team in quarterback sacks.

And now, the rest of the Eastern District where the rest will be fighting just to have a winning season.

After a dismal 2-8 campaign in 2006, Granby should bounce back in 2007. Expect improvements in the offense, especially in the front line and backfield, while the Comet defense could surprise some teams especially down the stretch of the regular season.

Norview features the district's top returning rusher Marquez Fields and an emerging defensive corps. Fresh off a 5-5 record last season, the Pilots should make noise especially against district opponents.

Churchland is one of two district teams with new sideline leaders. Cedric Cradle takes over as head coach after Martin Asprey bolted to Grassfield in Chesapeake. The Truckers will look to RB Tyrone Forrester and QB Craig Brooks to lead the offense while the defense returns a strong line and secondary.

Norcom will have to overcome inexperience in the backfield, their receivers could be key to their recovery from last year's 3-7 mark. The Greyhound defense looks to improve as well.

Booker T. Washington also has a new head coach this fall, Ron Bolton makes his Bookers debut as he inherits a offense struggling for consistency and an underrated defense which allowed just under 17 points a game last season.

Wilson Presidents have not won a game since 2004, three long years, including last year's dismal 0-10 campaign. The offense scored only 23 total points while the defense allowed close to 300 yards a game. The perfect remedy for Wilson, a win for starters followed by consistency, which could be hard to come by for the Presidents.

In the final analysis, the finishing order this year in the Eastern District should play out like this:: 1. Maury, 2. Lake Taylor, 3. Granby, 4. Norview, 5. Churchland, 6. Norcom, 7. Booker T. Washington, 8. Wilson. The Commodores should be a factor in the Division Six playoffs while the Titans could make some noise in Division Five.