First-and-Ten Football Notebook: Blue Lions want to move up SCOL standings
Lead Summary
By
Stephen Forsha-sforsha@gmail.com
The sixth team on the Highland County Press First-and-Ten football tour was the Washington Blue Lions, as I had the opportunity to visit with them on Wednesday, spending nearly two hours with them watching practice, along with talking with head coach Corey Dye and a couple senior captains.
The first thing that stood out when watching their practice is their individual drills. I love watching practices where the players and coaches are working on different techniques and plays that can eventually lead to points or a turnover during a game.
One of the drills that I enjoyed watching was all the goal line work the players put in and how they run it until they got the plays how they wanted them to be perfected in just a few short weeks.
I'll go into more detail about individual players and what the Blue Lions want to accomplish this season in the annual preview edition, which is released later this month, but what I sensed from this team is they have something to prove to not only the rest of the South Central Ohio League, but to themselves as they are replacing many of the skill positions on the team from last season, as the '11 team played many seniors, seniors who were some of the better athletes in the school.
The Blue Lions (5-5, 4-2 in '11) last made the playoffs during the 2010 season, and it's no secret making the playoffs is not only one of their goals in 2012, but a goal of every team in the state … and if it isn't, then it should be.
Again, like the other teams I've watched this preseason, the Blue Lions have the aforementioned duty of replacing starters from last season, and even though new faces must step up and take over vital spots at running back and quarterback, I think Washington is in good hands and has some potential … but more on that later. Though they are replacing players from last year, those who are taking those spots have high potential as well.
Washington opens the season when they face the Wilmington Hurricane at Wilmington College.
3 Quick Thoughts on Washington
1. Like I stated earlier, the Blue Lions want to return to the playoffs, and with the competitive schedule they have this season (non-league games include Wilmington, Circleville and Adena, along with a Week 8 game with Clinton-Massie), the Blue Lions will earn that spot if they do make it to the playoffs this season.
2. It's hard to believe head coach Corey Dye is entering his fourth season at the helm of the Blue Lions … when I was in high school, he was entering his first season as an assistant coach.
3. Though the Blue Lions lost a high majority of their running game from last season with Riley Shaw and Jerome Pettiford graduating, the arrival of senior Zach Zurface, formerly of Clinton-Massie, to the Blue Lion backfield helps fill some of the void left by the graduating seniors.
Two Must-See Games
Week 8 (Oct. 12) at Clinton-Massie — Though this game is later in the season, it could possibly have a mark on the outcome of the league. Usually when these two teams face one another, they are close in the standings, though last season the Falcons dominated the game.
Week 10 (Oct. 26) vs. Miami Trace — For the past two seasons, the Blue Lions have had the upper hand in this Fayette County rivalry, and this season, both teams could be evenly matched when they face each other. But let's be honest, when these two teams play, the overall records have little meaning once the game starts. Could be one of the better SCOL games of the season.
Who to Watch
- Zach Zurface, running back, senior
The senior transfer from Clinton-Massie was a part of a running back trio where each back rushed for over 1,000 yards apiece. Unofficially during his junior season, Zurface rushed for 1,017 yards (6.6 ypc) and 11 touchdowns in shared time with the two other backs who rushed for 1,000 yards.
- Josh Williams, quarterback, junior
Williams had two starts last season for the Blue Lions at quarterback. Williams is a three-sport athlete and is described as smart kid with a nice arm.
- Skylar Johnson, quarterback/wide receiver, senior
Another player on the Blue Lion roster who is able to play multiple positions on the football field. Coach Dye said Johnson can throw and catch the football well, and he's very athletic.
Player Quote
"I love the game. I love being around my teammates and I love hitting people … all the time we put in is worth it to me." — Washington senior Tyler Riley on why he puts in all the time and practice to play football.
Coach Quote
"We had a good showing in the weight room this winter. The kids know how important getting in the weight room is for them to get bigger, faster and stronger. They know that by doing that, it will make them a better player. When they become better players, that makes our team better." — Corey Dye, Washington head coach, on how the offseason was for the Blue Lions.
Final Thoughts
This year will be very interesting for the Blue Lions for the simple fact they did lose a lot of valuable players from last season. They do have speed this season to help off-set those players lost, and have some returning linemen that will really help with their offensive attack. I'm looking forward to seeing the Blue Lions this season, as they have the ability to compete in the SCOL as many of the teams in the league are replacing the same type of players they are. It will be interesting to watch in '12.
Stephen Forsha is the sports editor of the Highland County Press. He can be reached at sforsha@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @hcpsportseditor.[[In-content Ad]]
The first thing that stood out when watching their practice is their individual drills. I love watching practices where the players and coaches are working on different techniques and plays that can eventually lead to points or a turnover during a game.
One of the drills that I enjoyed watching was all the goal line work the players put in and how they run it until they got the plays how they wanted them to be perfected in just a few short weeks.
I'll go into more detail about individual players and what the Blue Lions want to accomplish this season in the annual preview edition, which is released later this month, but what I sensed from this team is they have something to prove to not only the rest of the South Central Ohio League, but to themselves as they are replacing many of the skill positions on the team from last season, as the '11 team played many seniors, seniors who were some of the better athletes in the school.
The Blue Lions (5-5, 4-2 in '11) last made the playoffs during the 2010 season, and it's no secret making the playoffs is not only one of their goals in 2012, but a goal of every team in the state … and if it isn't, then it should be.
Again, like the other teams I've watched this preseason, the Blue Lions have the aforementioned duty of replacing starters from last season, and even though new faces must step up and take over vital spots at running back and quarterback, I think Washington is in good hands and has some potential … but more on that later. Though they are replacing players from last year, those who are taking those spots have high potential as well.
Washington opens the season when they face the Wilmington Hurricane at Wilmington College.
3 Quick Thoughts on Washington
1. Like I stated earlier, the Blue Lions want to return to the playoffs, and with the competitive schedule they have this season (non-league games include Wilmington, Circleville and Adena, along with a Week 8 game with Clinton-Massie), the Blue Lions will earn that spot if they do make it to the playoffs this season.
2. It's hard to believe head coach Corey Dye is entering his fourth season at the helm of the Blue Lions … when I was in high school, he was entering his first season as an assistant coach.
3. Though the Blue Lions lost a high majority of their running game from last season with Riley Shaw and Jerome Pettiford graduating, the arrival of senior Zach Zurface, formerly of Clinton-Massie, to the Blue Lion backfield helps fill some of the void left by the graduating seniors.
Two Must-See Games
Week 8 (Oct. 12) at Clinton-Massie — Though this game is later in the season, it could possibly have a mark on the outcome of the league. Usually when these two teams face one another, they are close in the standings, though last season the Falcons dominated the game.
Week 10 (Oct. 26) vs. Miami Trace — For the past two seasons, the Blue Lions have had the upper hand in this Fayette County rivalry, and this season, both teams could be evenly matched when they face each other. But let's be honest, when these two teams play, the overall records have little meaning once the game starts. Could be one of the better SCOL games of the season.
Who to Watch
- Zach Zurface, running back, senior
The senior transfer from Clinton-Massie was a part of a running back trio where each back rushed for over 1,000 yards apiece. Unofficially during his junior season, Zurface rushed for 1,017 yards (6.6 ypc) and 11 touchdowns in shared time with the two other backs who rushed for 1,000 yards.
- Josh Williams, quarterback, junior
Williams had two starts last season for the Blue Lions at quarterback. Williams is a three-sport athlete and is described as smart kid with a nice arm.
- Skylar Johnson, quarterback/wide receiver, senior
Another player on the Blue Lion roster who is able to play multiple positions on the football field. Coach Dye said Johnson can throw and catch the football well, and he's very athletic.
Player Quote
"I love the game. I love being around my teammates and I love hitting people … all the time we put in is worth it to me." — Washington senior Tyler Riley on why he puts in all the time and practice to play football.
Coach Quote
"We had a good showing in the weight room this winter. The kids know how important getting in the weight room is for them to get bigger, faster and stronger. They know that by doing that, it will make them a better player. When they become better players, that makes our team better." — Corey Dye, Washington head coach, on how the offseason was for the Blue Lions.
Final Thoughts
This year will be very interesting for the Blue Lions for the simple fact they did lose a lot of valuable players from last season. They do have speed this season to help off-set those players lost, and have some returning linemen that will really help with their offensive attack. I'm looking forward to seeing the Blue Lions this season, as they have the ability to compete in the SCOL as many of the teams in the league are replacing the same type of players they are. It will be interesting to watch in '12.
Stephen Forsha is the sports editor of the Highland County Press. He can be reached at sforsha@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @hcpsportseditor.[[In-content Ad]]