by Stephen M. Lewis
DigitalSports Richmond
slewis@sbgnet.com
(804) 240-2191
Lift weights, eat right, stay focused, et cetera, et cetera.
But if a team doesn’t believe it can compete every Friday night, it won’t matter.
That’s been the case in Colonial Heights for a while, since their 7-3 postseason run back in 2005.
Depth is always a concern, as most of the Central District schools have twice as many players to choose from. But the Colonials aren’t looking at any numbers but wins this season.
“We’re looking pretty good. We’re going to win some games this season,” senior OL/DL Mark Negron-Boyle said, as the Colonials finished 2-8 in 2008, 0-7 in the Central District. “We just need to work together as a family and a group. Last year we weren’t connected like we should be.”
Colonial Heights connected two wins together to start the season – over Thomas Jefferson and Park View of Sterling – but lost eight straight, a few by scores closer than many would expect.
They have a chance to start in a similar situation this season.
Many are back from the team, including all-district pick Tyler Drewes. He turned in a superb season at running back and safety, nabbing six interceptions.
“I’m just going to keep doing what I’m doing,” said Drewes. “Keep working hard and try to make my teammates better along the way.”
If the experienced line led by Boyle, Mark Munford and TE Greg Tyler can open up holes for Drewes and back Trevor Pilout, it’ll make things easier on athletic QB Brandon Brown, his second year as a starter.
Coach Bert Krupp believes the offense is ahead of the defense at this point, a difference from last year for a point-starving team.
Drewes will lead the unit with Pilout at safety as well. But look out for Travis Holzner at linebacker and the linemen playing both ways in the trenches.
“We’re going to be more physical, more experienced and more tough,” Drewes said.
ALL ABOUT COLONIAL HEIGHTS
Key players:
Tyler Drewes, 6-0, 180, FS/HB, Sr.; Trevor Pilout, SS/HB, Sr.; Brandon Brown, QB, Sr.; Travis Holzner, LB, Sr.; Greg Tyler, DE/TE, Sr.
Key losses: Dylan Krupp, MLB/C; Brandon Edwards, WR/DB; Ronnie Goyne, Athlete
Fast fact: Last season was Drewes first year playing football as a high-school student.
Big games: Non-district schedule. Thomas Jefferson, Park View (Sterling) and Armstrong are first on the docket.
Outlook: Three wins to start the season can give the Colonials a better outlook going into a ridiculous district.
CAN’T-MISS VIDEO
Stephen Lewis’ take on the Colonials
Coach Bert Krupp interview
RB/FS Tyler Drewes interview
OL/DL Mark Negron-Boyle interview
OL/DL Matt Munford interview
MUST-SEE LINKS
2009 Schedule
2008 Results
Back to 2009 Football Camp Tour
Team Page
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