Southeastern District Football Preview

Oscar Smith got over a big hurdle by winning the Division 6 East Region but fell short in the state semifinals to Westfield. Phillip Sims, a junior, returns at quarterback. He passed for nearly 1,900 yards. Jerod Askew and Perry Jones anchor the defense as the Tigers return 14 starters. Indian River wants to prove its Division 5 playoff run of a year was no accident. The Braves lose key components including quarterback, but have enough to possibly do it again. Keep an eye out for receiver, Dravon Poittilo, who according his coach, "Cadillac" Harris has Plaxico Burress-like ability. He should know, since he used to coach the Super Bowl Champion wideout at Green Run.
Western Branch and Great Bridge will have a tougher time this season, since both will be without their high caliber quarterbacks. In the Bruins case, they got a surprise when Kevin Newsome opted out of his senior year to go to Hargrave Military Academy. The Wildcats will have to figure out something to replace Casey Turner's over 7,000 career regular season passing yards with his graduation, but they do have a receiver in Logan Heastie. The rest of District features first year coaches at Deep Creek, Hickory and King's Fork. Grassfield, meantime, will hope to improve in its second season. Their lone bright spot is running back, Curtis Campbell who's commited to play at North Carolina.