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It's a numbers game
Go ahead, approach an area football coach and ask him about the Oakton Cougars. A number between 16 and 18 will likely be thrown out. Oakton returns 17 of its 22 starters from last year's 5-5 team, but 17 isn't the number the Cougars wish to focus on.A cohesive Cougar group has developed its own numerical slogan for this season: "15 as 1." Fifteen games played one at a time, a motto sure to make any football coach proud.
And one of those coaches, Oakton's Joe Thompson, couldn't have a better standard-bearer and leader for his defense this season than senior middle linebacker Jack Tyler, who recorded 113 tackles a year ago and has started since his sophomore year.
“We have 15 games this season – if you count playoff games and the state championship game,” Tyler said. “We can't look over any game.”
Thompson credited Tyler's success to his preparation, mental ability and overall dedication to athletics. In addition to his time spent on the football field, Tyler also swims in the summer, plays lacrosse in the spring and recently gave up a beloved career in basketball.
While Tyler will spearhead one of the Concorde District's top defenses, Thompson has three young but talented offensive lineman in juniors Austin Mayhugh, Jonathan Hart and Sam Strauss, and a veteran offensive backfield for them to protect. Senior quarterbacks Chris Coyer and Ryan Harris are both strong-armed and athletic, while classmates Trey Watts and Jonathan Meadows will again provide the Cougars with a solid running game.
“I don't think we're a one-dimensional team,” Thompson said, “and the nice thing about this team is that they have great chemistry. They're worried about succeeding as a unit.”
And almost on cue, with Vienna's Outback Bowl scheduled to kick off the season, Tyler's not ready to look past Oakton's rival from the other side of Chain Bridge Road.
“Fifteen as one ... you can't look past any games, so that's the one that's circled right now,” Tyler said. “We have to come out strong against Madison. I think we have the team to do it; we just have to execute.”
Likely battling Oakton for the top spot in the Concorde should be Westfield and Chantilly.
After a 15-0 season that ended with a Virginia AAA Div. 6 state title, Westfield lost 48 seniors and 18 starters. All-State offensive lineman Tyler Barfield returns, along with linemates Tyler Delph and Jacob Ryder. Quarterback Danny Fenyak and running back Dillon Doty will finally get their chances at two skill positions.
“It's hard to replace a lot of those kids, but we have a lot guys that have been working hard,” said Westfield coach Tom Verbanic. “We have a group of kids who've been waiting in the wings and now it's their time.”
Chantilly coach Mike Lalli returns perhaps the Northern Region's top running back in Torrian Pace. The Chargers will need to fill a void at quarterback, but Lalli's team also will sport one of the area's top lineman in senior Isaac Sine.
Robinson returns plenty of talent at the skill positions, namely quarterback Timmy Meier and running back Alex Murray. Keep an eye on 6-foot-4, 240-pound defensive end Jordan Stanton.
At Herndon, junior quarterback Zack Ozycz has the tools to become a standout signal caller; last season provided the 6-foot-4, 190-pounder with valuable experience.
Despite a 2-8 record last fall, Chris Haddock's Fairfax Rebels are ready to compete. Up front, 6-foot-5, 300-pound senior Josh Patterson has plenty of size.
Coach Gerry Panoni's Centreville Wildcats will run behind massive Virginia-recruit Luke Bowanko. In addition to a perennially tough defense, wide receiver Calder Street and tight end Zack Glatter should garner attention.
Madison coach Gordon Leib has relied on the double-wing formation for years and look for more of the same this fall. Senior Taylor Mead and juniors Will Cybulski and Kevin Sampson should be a few of Leib's playmakers.
At Marshall, coach J.T. Biddison will look to senior quarterback Harold Sweet, a 6-foot-4, 180-pounder who has started for the past two years. The Statesmen also return key linemen in seniors Collin Newcomb and James Peoples.
Coach John Howerton's Langley Saxons are strong up front with third-year center Scott Jones anchoring the line. Senior tight end Chris Sievers will provide the main receiving threat for quarterback Danny Pritchett.
Madison, Marshall and Langley should contend for the Liberty District, but it's likely that Stone Bridge -- although quarterback Patrick Thompson ruptured a tendon in the ring finger of his throwing hand and may miss up to six weeks at the position – could repeat last year's Virginia AAA Div. 5 state title.
“If Stone Bridge doesn't win every game,” Howerton stated, “ ... something's wrong.”
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