BEACH DISTRICT PREVIEW

Salem had won 24 straight district games, but said farewell to two of the best players in the region. All world running back Kevin Whaley is at the University of Minnesota. Defensive star Lyndell Gibson is a Hokie. Head Coach Robert Jackson told us they're not lowering any standards and are working hard to get back to the playoffs. That might be a stretch considering they only return 5 starters.
I was at the second half of the Green Run game against Tallwood. They have set the stage for a great season. Of course, their story is amazing. It wasn't long ago they had lost 51 straight games. Shawn Wilson took over the coaching duties last year and led them to the playoffs. They're expecting to win and WIlson told our Brian Smith, "There's a fine line between cocky and confident... we're trying to keep it mellow." They lost QB Rahmel Glover to graduation but from what I saw of his replacement Jaraud Simmons, they shoud have no worries.
After 22 years on the Peninsula, Tommy Reamon has taken his coaching skills southside. He's in his first year at Landstown and won his first game as the Eagles took down Salem. I asked Reamon what still gets him excited about coaching. He said, " i love watching the game played the way it's supposed to be played." Love the "old school" attitude. In a district with plenty of speed, expect his team to try to be physical. He's got a top notch running back to make that kind of thing happen. RB Sterlin Phifer has already given a verbal committment to Boston College.
Bayside High will have a say in the final verdict at the Beach. The Marlins were 7-4 last year and made the playoffs. Of course, they did had one of the best quarterbacks in the nation in E.J. Manuel. He's gone now. Bayside will count on a trio of running backs. And, the pressure will be on the new quarterback Jaquan Glover.
Ocean Lakes is coming of a 8-3 playoff season but have lost the heart of their offense. Kellam was 5-5 last year but has enough to challenge. Either of them could make the playoffs again. But, in the end, the rebirth of the program at Green Run should be the biggest story at the Beach.