Colonial Heights FB Preview

Numbers are low as usual, but Thomas is optimistic

by Stephen M. Lewis
DigitalSports Richmond

John Thomas is a realist.

Maybe too much of one before the start of preseason football practice.

Losing so much talent the past couple of years to graduation, he didn’t have any idea what kind of squad he would have this season.

“We lost a lot off of the team last year,” Thomas said. “Going into this year, to be frank, we weren’t very optimistic. We’ve had some kids step up. So I think we will be a little better than we thought.”

The offensive line is the strong point.

Aaron Easter is returning for his third year as a starter at guard.

Dylan Krupp is at the other guard, and Zach Murdoch will handle the snapping. Krupp and Murdoch are two-year starters.

“They’re our three experienced players,” Thomas said. “They have decent size. They have good experienced and are good players. Our size … we’re better than we’ve been. But obviously we’re inexperienced and have low numbers. Depth is always a problem.”

The Colonials have 30 players on the roster, which will probably be half of most any other roster in the Central District, except for Hopewell.

For instance, Meadowbrook plans to keep 58 players on the varsity.

Numbers aside, the Colonials have a talented backfield.

Colonial Heights coach John Thomas, 8/16/07

Thomas is glad some of his younger players have stepped to the forefront.

Thomas likes what he sees from running back Brandon Snead, and quarterbacks Garrett Garner and Brandon Brown.

Snead, a senior, was ineligible last year. Garner, a senior, is being pushed by Brown, a sophomore.

“I like the competition,” Thomas said. “They’re both good, hard-working kids. [Brown] is going to be a good one before he gets out of here. He has good athleticism and a great arm.”

Most of Thomas’ offense will lineup on defense as well for coordinator Bert Krupp, Dylan’s father. Krupp has been Thomas’ coordinator since 1983.

“This is a young team. Who knows what will happen,” Thomas said. “We always want to have a winning season.”

2006 season: 2-5 Central District, 2-8

Key players: Aaron Easter, OL/DL, Sr.; Dylan Krupp, OL/DL, Jr.; Zach Murdoch, OL/DL, So.; Brandon Snead, RB/LB, Sr.; Brandon Brown, QB/WR/DB, So.; Garrett Garner, QB/DB, Sr.

Newcomers to watch: Jarvis Rooks, OL/RB/DL, Sr.; Javontae Taft, RB/DB, Jr.

Key losses: Nathan Anger, QB/DB; Erik Loftis, TE/LB; Kyle Krupp, OL/DL; Dustin Barnes, OL/DL

Schedule:
Aug. 31 – Thomas Jefferson, 7:30
Sept. 14 – at Park View, 7:30
Sept. 21 – Armstrong, 7:30
Sept. 28 – Prince George, 7:30
Oct. 5 – at Dinwiddie, 7:30
Oct. 12 – Hopewell, 7:30
Oct. 19 – at Thomas Dale, 7:30
Oct. 26 – Meadowbrook, 7:30
Nov. 2 – at Petersburg, 7:30
Nov. 9 – Matoaca, 7:30