Nelson County prepares for Dogwood gauntlet

By Bart Isley

Published: August 26, 2008

Unfortunately for Nelson County, it’s becoming more obvious that the path to a Group A state title runs right through the Governors’ Dogwood District.

With defending champion Gretna returning the Group A player of the year in sophomore quarterback Nick Miller — and a loaded Appomattox squad and talent-laden William Campbell in the mix — there aren’t very many automatic wins on the Governors’ brutal schedule.

But an upset here or there and head coach Tim Crawford’s Nelson squad, one that is as big as any the Governors’ have fielded in years, could find a way to crack the Dogwood’s top three — and that would be an impressive accomplishment in and of itself.

Nelson went 5-5 last season and returns a bevy of talent despite only six seniors dotting the roster. Senior M.J. Wells, a baseball standout, will pilot the Governors’ offense at quarterback. Wells will benefit from the blocking services of fellow seniors Craig Viar and Tyler Price, who will likely play both ways for the Governors. Juniors Bryant Kidwell and Joe Bishop will also pave the way for Wells and are slated to see time on both sides of the ball.

Several running backs will handle the Governors’ ground game load, with Trevor Martin, Trey Barnett, Tim Williams and Dan Vanison all available for carries. Sophomore Quincy Murphy could also see time in the backfield.

Wells will likely look for those running backs and wide receiver Aaron Kidd in the passing game.

If Crawford can find a way to blend all the elements and pull off a few upsets, Nelson could be due for its best season in a few years.

Buckingham ready for early-season challenges

Buckingham County isn’t shying away from the competition. Nobody can accuse the Knights of that.

Buckingham opens with a challenging three-game slate, taking on Group AA opponents Prince Edward and the Jefferson District’s Fluvanna County, in addition to powerful Appomattox from the Dogwood District. When the Knights emerge from those three tests, they should know a good deal about what kind of season they’re bound to put together.

Aaron Orange, who narrowly missed out on a 1,000-yard season with 980 yards as a junior returns at running back for the Knights. The All-James River District honoree checks in at 5-foot-9, 161 pounds and gives Buckingham a reliable threat on offense. He’ll benefit from the return of fullback Denzel Eldridge at fullback and the equally important return of Trevor Jones and Matt Allen along the offensive line. Allen, a 6-foot-1, 224-pound center, earned all-district honors as a junior.

Defensively, All-Region B defensive back D.J. Jones, who is also a basketball standout, returns to roam the secondary. In 2007 Jones picked off eight passes and returned kicks for the Knights. Kevin Jamerson. Who earned all-district recognition as a sophomore returns at linebacker along with Tavon Gregory, another hard-nosed junior.

With defending champion Goochland, a squad that lost in the regional final to eventual champion Gretna, back to defend its title, Buckingham faces an uphill climb. But that early battery of tests should have the Knights ready for the James River.

Experienced Madison aims high in Bull Run

Madison County is bringing everyone back at the skill positions on offense and seven starters on defense — and that should be a recipe for success in the Bull Run District.

The Mountaineers boast a pair of all-district honorees back on offense in junior tight end Dylan Shifflette and junior running back Logan Terrell. Shifflette was an All-Region B selection after hauling in 21 catches for 350 yards for Madison. Terrell, a third-team All-Central Virginia basketball honoree as a sophomore, will again tote the ball for the Mountaineers after rushing for 620 yards and pulling down 179 yards receiving in 2007.

Defensively, two starters return at defensive back in Nick Aylor and Ryan Banks. Banks snagged four interceptions as a junior last season while earning all-district honors.

If Madison’s offensive line can jell quickly and pave the way for Terrell, the Mountaineers should find themselves in the mix for the Bull Run title.