HS Game Time Blog

Is it me or does Oscar Smith in recent years get better and better as each season passes? Head Coach Richard Morgan has in place a solid program in a district that used to be dominated by Deep Creek and Western Branch. The Tigers' main hurdle has been trying to get out of the East Region alive the past three seasons. They've been snake-bit by the Beach each year.

In 2004 and 2005 Landstown dashed their dreams; last year it was Salem's turn, so could this finally be the year they kick in the door open to get to the state finals and win it all?

Morgan has got the weapons to do it with. 16 starters return, 11 of which are seniors. Leading a very talented receiving corps is senior wide reciever, Kerry Boykins, who makes incredible catches look routine.

Gone is Dexter Merritt at quarterback, but the guy who took his place running the offense when he got injured is one to keep an eye on for the next three years: sophomore, Phillip Sims. Their defense is solid, led by linebackers Perry Jones and Jerod Askew.

How weird will it be not having Western Branch's Lew Johnston not patroling the sidelines? After 22 years, Lew hung it up, but he left his longtime assistant Scott Johnson with plenty to work with. Remember, the Bruins shared the district title with the Tigers before losing to them in the Division 6 regional semi's. Quarterback, Kevin Newsome will lead the way at quarterback.

This is definitely the district of quarterbacks, because there's Great Bridge High's, Casey Turner who's looking to shatter the South Hampton Roads passing record of 5,739 yards once held by former Bruin, Ryan Pond.

David Cox's, Deep Creek Hornets has some building to do with just 4 starters returning.

Despite going 5-5 a year ago, be careful of Indian River, who could give the others some troubles during the season.

As for King's Fork, Lakeland, Nansemond River and the new Grassfield Grizzlies, they'll be looking up at the others this season.

Posted by Brian Smith at 6:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)