Meadowbrook, under the direction of Bill Bowles, had long been a consistent winner and contender, bringing home a state championship in 2006. After several successful years under Troy Taylor, former Amelia coach Adam Tiller took the reins in 2015. The result was another 5A South playoff berth that ended at the hands of top-seeded team and eventual state champs Highland Springs.
The Monarchs were 2-4 six games into the season. After a tough loss to Hopewell, emotions were boiling. That could have been the point where the wheels came off, but Meadowbrook made a 3-1 rally to finish the regular season 3-1.
“We came together as a team,” Tiller said. “Ever since then, we’ve been a team. The offseason was tremendous, we had guys coming out twice a week in the spring starting at 5:30 in the morning. We have focus. We lacked those things at the beginning of last year.”
The Monarchs are looking carry over that positive momentum into 2016.
Departed are several key players including Jace Miller and wide out Jacquez Meadows. Both are enrolled at Norfolk State and will attempt to walk on to the team. Standout linebacker and Division I recruit Matthew Hodges transferred to Bishop Sullivan, while lineman Adonte Braxton (Virginia State) and Christopher Artis (Chowan) are playing at the next level.
With a typically tough schedule, the Monarchs begin the year with an absolute gauntlet. They’ll host L.C. Bird, travel to Hermitage, and play host to Highland Springs. This season, Meadowbrook is more confident about the stretch of opponents.
“I think we committed eight or nine turnovers in those three games,” Tiller recounted. “That’s not something you can do against veteran players and coaches and we learned the hard way.”
Senior quarterback Cam Bullock, thrust into the starting role late last season due to injuries, returns to start for Meadowbrook. He’ll have a laundry list of weapons at his disposal, including returnee running back Jordyn Hunter and wideout Jordan Jeter, who recently snagged an offer from UVA Wise.
The defense will be filled with athletes and headlined by safety Jesson McCray, who battled through injuries early in the season to make plays down the stretch for the navy and gold.
Coach:
Name: Adam Tiller
Last year’s record: 5-6
Years in coaching: 5
Years at school: 2
College: Randolph-Macon
Quarterback:
According tohis coach, Cameron Bullock (5-10, 160) has had a very good summer of practice and camps. While adjusting to the starting job, he helped defeat Prince George before falling to premium opponents Dinwiddie and Highland Springs. Despite inexperience, he showed poise, committing just three turnovers. Good athleticism and a nose for the playbook this offseason could serve the baseball player turned signal caller well.
Running Backs:
Hunter, a senior, is the most experienced back in the bunch that could see time for the Monarchs. He was a capable second option to Miller and amassed 300 yards and four touchdowns in reserve duty. Sophomore K.J. McNeil (5-10, 195) is a thick bodied athlete with a “knack for football,” according to Tiller who had enough confidence in him as a freshman to give him carries last postseason. Frankie Worsham (5-8, 200) is a bigger back with a strong lower body, and he played linebacker last season.
Wide Receivers:
Jordan Jeter was Meadowbrook’s leading receiver in 2015. At 6-1, 190 pounds, he possesses good hands and runs routes well enough to get open. An area of opportunity for him is working on his speed, and this offseason he dropped his 40 time significantly. “He’s a good possession receiver, but we want him to make more plays,” Tiller said. Dre Giles presents an interesting option on offense. At 6-3, 270, he runs around five seconds in the 40-yard dash. He’ll be a capable blocker as well. Speedy senior Jeremiah Medina can line up anywhere on the field.
Offensive Line:
There are two returning starters on the unit; sophomore Jamal Tuppince (5-9 245) and Mike Smith. Senior Michael Crewe Jr. (5-10, 305) is a big blocker who will play both ways. Logan Carter was a part of the rotation last season, and he returns. Tuppince is an interesting but young college prospect. Strong for his size, he wrestles for Meadowbrook as a heavyweight. At his current rate of progress, he should have the option to play college football. If he grows taller, he could be a more serious college prospect.
Defensive Line:
Crewe Jr. will be one of the run-stoppers clogging the middle. A transfer from Huguenot, could make an impact for the Monarchs in rising sophomore Anthony Gary (6-2, 250). Tiller spoke highly of his intangibles and a great pass rush, but said he’s learning to play the position. Giles, who will play some tight end, will also rotate on the defensive side.
Linebackers:
Helping fill the shoes of Matt Hodges will be junior Brett Hall (6-1, 175). Tiller described him as “flat to the ball and hard-nosed.” Worsham will be in the mix and likely start at linebacker. The younger brother of Adonte, Dontez Braxton, second team All-Conference at corner, will come up and play in the box occasionally at the strong safety position as a hybrid sort of backer on what will be a speedy defensive unit overall.
Defensive Backs:
Jesson McCray (6-1, 180) returns as a leader of the defense, playing the pass and plugging the lanes against the run equally well. He has generated college interest, and he will likely play at the next level. Tireck Jenkins (5-8, 160), who moved in from Pennsylvania, is a quick one who will play corner. Rising sophomore Paul Davis (6-0, 175) impressed as a freshman, and he will look to build on that.
Special Teams:
Medina and Jenkins will be the kick returners. Handling kicking duties will be sophomore Jacob Grabham.
PLAYER TO WATCH:
Wide receiver Jordan Jeter, a blue-collar work ethic player on the field, is also a hard worker off the field. His speed improvement led to him snagging his first of what figures to be multiple offers to play college football. While Meadowbrook has its share of athletes, a big play maker is something the Monarchs have rarely lacked. This is what Jeter can be in 2016. With sure hands, he runs routes well, and he can could produce big numbers off play action and over the middle of the field.
