TCIS football preview

Traditional power Norfolk Academy is the favorite to once again win the TCIS. After getting off to a 4-2 start, the Bulldogs stumbled towards the end of last season when they lost their final three games, one of them a crushing loss to Nansemond Suffolk Academy which cost the Bulldogs a share of the title.
Norfolk Academy will have the benefit of 11 returning statrters and strong group of junior players expected to help the Bulldogs, although depth could be an issue towards seasons' end.
The top challenger to the Bulldogs comes in the form of N-S-A. The defending co-league champions return 17 starters and feature a flip-flop in the offensive backfield as Will Crenshaw moves from starting quarterback to running back, while Hunt Odom moves from running back into the starting QB spot. The defense remains a solid fixture, although just like Norfolk Academy, depth could be an issue for the Saints later in the season.
Some stories of note for the Crusaders of Bishop Sullivan Catholic. First off, a new bench boss in the form of Rick Cox, who comes over from Deep Creek, where he was assistant football coach including a pair of state runner-up appearances.
Secondly, the Crusaders will play their first home game under the lights for the first time since moving to Virginia Beach over two decades ago.
Expect much more intensity, enthusiasm and a winning spirit with Cox's arrival at Catholic.
The buzz around Greenbrier Christian surrounds the arrival of one of Hampton Roads' top quarterback talents- Brian Robinson- who transferred from Salem. He could make a difference for the Gators and the TCIS title picture, especially after tossing four touchdowns in a playoff win last year against Western Branch. The Gators finished 7-4 last season and could be even better this season.
The newest member of the TCIS fraternity are the Ambassadors of Norfolk Christian, coming off a 5-5 campaign in 2007 and in their first season of league play after three years as an independent school. Esau McCaulley takes over as head coach and the team has plenty of core and experienced players to help navigate them thru the rough waters of a conference season.
Speaking of navigating, Hampton Roads Academy have plenty of offensive talent to help them bounce back after last year's 4-5 season. The Navigators will need to score early and often to offset an inexperienced defense.
Even though the league title race will be wide open, the championship could be decided in an October 11 matchup between Norfolk Academy and N-S-A. We shall see, because just like every other district or conference title chase, expect the unexpected. That should be the case in the TCIS in 2008.