A Message From the Coach….

I hope all of the Blue Devils Fans are as excited about this upcoming season as I am.  The players and coaching staff have put in a lot of work over the summer and during “two-a-days” and I think this team has great potential.  We will dress 7 seniors for this year’s campaign: Luke Thornsbrough, Cody Longest, Derek Davis, Cameron Cottingham, Michael Grant, Jon Rogers, and Danny Golden.  Their spirit and leadership have been great during this pre-season.

Our first opponent will be St. Thomas More.  We have not had much success against them for the past two years.  In 2007 we lost 20-0, and in 2008 we were embarrassed 43-0.  We hope the results this year will be different.  The Sabers went to the 3A playoffs last season and were highly successful.  They are led by returning center/linebacker, #55 Mathew Strauser.  They are traditionally very big, very fast, and well coached.

The Blue Devils football program has an opportunity to make improvements this season.  Our players have dedicated themselves to the weight room and it is finally starting to show.  We are bigger and stronger and ready to compete.  In 2007 we had two athletes in our 1000 pound club.  In 2008 we had 8 members.  This year we have 17 members.  Last season we were able to win our last 4 games and we hope that momentum will carry over to the start of this season.  The Strength of the team appears to be an experienced offensive line.  Derek Davis, Cody Longest, and Luke Thornsbrough are three returning senior starters.  Juniors Branden Smith and Dakota Patton return for their 3rd year on the varsity and Sophomore Josh Kessler and newcomer Danny Golden round out the offensive line.  Patton has been moved to tight end this season.  In the backfield we have sophomores Reed Collins and Adam Baker; juniors Ross Darby and Matt LeCleir. Returning for his third season as a starting quarterback is Michael Grant. Krystian Ingram, Tyler Russell, Justin Cauley, and Sam Shoaf, are also competing to play in the backfield.  Junior Kyle Lamm returns for his third season at split end.

Defensively, the Blue Devils will be more experienced as well.  Newcomers to the defense include corners Hunter Peterson and Chase Whorrall and defensive tackle Danny Golden.  Freshman Morgan Supergan will also be in the rotation.  Eight defensive starters return from last year’s squad.  Soccer standout Ian Park will again take over the kicking duties. 

For the first time in three years we will have experienced players playing on Friday nights.  We will also have to count on some very talented sophomores to step in to important positions.  The team’s attitude has been great and their work ethic is good.  The coaching staff is excited to put our kids to the test on Friday nights…Come check us out!