Middlesex Chargers to host Mathews Thursday
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| Seniors on the 2010 Middlesex High varsity football team are, front from left, Chris Chamberlain, Davonne Bryant, Jay Bryant, Ryan Dixson and Jasper Smith; and standing, Jeromy Rich, Kris Baylor, Joseph Banks, Ron Washington, Malcolm Holmes and Avery Bundy. Not pictured is Dylan Perry. (Photo by Larry Chowning) |
The Middlesex High School varsity football team will open its regular 2010 season at 7 p.m. Thursday September 2, against longtime rival Mathews in a non-district game at MHS in Saluda.
The game was originally scheduled for Friday night but hurricane warnings prompted school officials to reschedule the game for Thursday.
Middlesex is coming off a 5-5 season but expectations are high the Chargers will be improved this season. Middlesex lost a dominate offensive line and All-District tailback Dale Smith to graduation, but will return an experienced and quick backfield.
Jeromy Rich, a speedy halfback, was the Most Valuable Performer in the Tidewater District track meet last year. He rushed for 750 yards last season before breaking his hand and missing the last three games of the season.
The talented Raheem Lockley will be the quarterback. Lockley was the Most Valuable Performer in Tidewater District basketball last season. Lockley also will play outside linebacker for the Chargers.
Fullback Kris Baylor is returning and he brings a great deal of punch through the line. Chris Chamberlain is returning at wingback and cornerback, and Ryan Dixson will play free safety and wingback.
Speedster Davonne Bryant returns at cornerback and split end. His brother, Jay Bryant, blew a knee out last season but seems to be recovered and has looked strong in the preseason. He is playing center for the Chargers. Fifth-year MHS coach Heath Cockerham said Jay Bryant has been playing “extremely well” in scrimmages.
“This is the fastest group of players that I’ve coached since I’ve been here,” said Cockerham. “They are not the strongest strength-wise, but they’ve got speed and they are extremely physical. I’ve got a feeling we are going to be hearing from teams that they wished they didn’t have to play Middlesex because we are that physical on the field.”
All-District defensive lineman Malik Henderson returns along with defensive lineman Avery Bundy.
Running back L.J. King has come up from junior varsity and has performed well in scrimmages. “I’m looking forward to seeing what L.J. can do in games,” said Cockerham.
Filling the shoes of last year’s strong and fast offensive line are Stone Shores, Dylan Norwood, Skyler Bolt, John Purcell and Hunter Davis. Norwood, Bolt and Purcell played junior varsity last year, and Shores was the varsity placekicker.
Dylan Perry is the one senior on the team returning who has played regularly at offensive tackle.
MHS has a number of talented wide receivers and defensive backs. Senior Joseph Banks will play free safety and wide receiver. Malcolm Holmes will be returning at free safety and wide receiver, and senior Jasper Smith with play corner and wide receiver. Ron Washington is returning at the cornerback spot and he will see some offensive play at wide receiver.
“We have the tools to make a good team,” said Cockerham. “It just depends on how quickly we gel and evolve on that offensive line.”
The coach said Mathews is always tough when it plays Middlesex. “They consider us rivals, but they graduated some players too,” he said.
The Blue Devils played their first game of the season last week and lost 26-19 to Amelia.
The Chargers will host Northumberland at 7 p.m. on September 10 and will visit Franklin at 7 p.m. on September 24.
