First year head coach D.L. Johnson entered his first season with a goal of achieving a .500 record. His team outperformed that goal, finishing the regular season 7-3 and earning a playoff berth in an ultra-competitive 5A South.
While they fell to then three-time defending state champions L.C. Bird in the postseason, the Warriors brought back excitement in the program. They scored three quality victories, defeating Thomas Dale, Dinwiddie and Cosby on a Hail Mary from quarterback Justin Ford to wide out Terrence Whitfield.
“Beating Thomas Dale was a big win for the program,” explained Johnson. “But winning the Cosby game was big, we had some challenges that didn’t allow us to practice that week, and a coach lost his father during the game.”
Departed are all-state special teams duo of kicker Justin Dyke and punter John Gardiner. Along with defensive tackle Shaun Helm (wrestling at Virginia Tech), big tackles in Elijah Rivers (Fork Union) and Charles White (James Madison) and the speedy Anthony Warner (track at Virginia Union).
The new found excitement surrounding the program has caused seven athletes from the Matoaca area that transferred to return home.
That excitement may have a lot to do with one thing: speed. Plugging many holes and moving into new roles are speedy players from a Matoaca JV team that went 9-1 last season.
The Warriors play a fast-paced offense that relies on its speedy skilled players to succeed. They’ll look to continue that exciting brand of football in hopes of bringing Matoaca back to its glory of 11-2 and 11-1 records in the 2005 and 2006 seasons.
Coach
Name: Derrick “DL” Johnson
Last year’s: 7-4
Year in coaching: 19
Years at school: 2
College: Kent State
Quarterback
A breakout player, Justin Ford returns for his senior season with goals of Increasing efficiency. “We’ve been preaching to take what the defense gives you, just move the chains,” Johnson said. With an accurate arm and quality weapons to use, Johnson said he’ll look for Ford to improve on a few mechanical items and using his feet to his advantage.
Running Back
Seniors Jamison Harrison (5-9, 180) and Russell Cohen (5-7, 160) return to lead the backfield. Jeremiah Carter (5-9, 175) will jump into the mix transferring to Matoaca from Richmond Christian. Harrison was perhaps overlooked at the start of the 2015 season, but enjoyed a stellar campaign. According to Johnson, Cohen has taken his already shifty game and made it go faster after working with track coach Charles Bailey on his speed.
Wide Receivers
There may not have been a player that exploded on the scene more than Terrence Whitfield, a stout 6-4, 170 pounder. A basketball standout as well, he used his length to reel in 19 touchdowns in 2015. A transfer from Thomas Jefferson, Melvin Dickson (6-3, 190), may see time opposite Whitfield while Jarrod Mosby (6-4 175) is an athlete with excellent speed on the track.
Offensive Line
While the losses of Rivers and White may be a concern, Johnson feels he has the personnel to potentially not skip a beat. Alex Henderson (5-10, 180) will provide leadership at guard. Freshman KeAndre Jensen won’t be missed on the field at 6-3, 310 pounds and may be the biggest lineman at his age since Washington Redskins tackle Morgan Moses was at Meadowbrook. Junior Hunter Simmons, sophomore Demont Wynn (6-3, 280) and Tyler Marcinkezicious (5-10, 200) round out the unit.
Defensive Line
Two transfers Calvin Williams (6-3, 220, from Richmond Christian) and Issac Mosby (6-3, 220, Amelia) shore up a unit that sustained some losses due to graduation. Cade Driskill (6-0, 220) and Kyle Williams (5-11, 190) will start at defensive end. (Elijah) Dennis-Thomas, a 6-4, 230-pound sophomore will see time in the rotation at end.
Linebackers
Senior Tyler Voorhies (6-2, 230) is the leader of this unit and the entire defense. A sure tackler, he often led the way on defense for the Warriors. Another senior, B.J. Flowers (6-2, 210) will get time here. Sophomore Manny Hickman (6-4, 240) has already caught the eyes of college recruiters and in time, could be a BCS-level prospect. “It’s refreshing to have that type of kid in the program,” said Johnson. “High GPA, great family, yes sir/no sir type of kid.”
Defensive Backs
Sophomore Deontae Talley (6-2, 170) is an interesting newcomer and has gotten looks from the ACC for track and field. Sydney Bailey will likely start at the opposite corner. Hard-nosed senior Zack Cunningham is back at safety after a broken foot put him out for the season at Dinwiddie.
Special Teams
Michael Follis replaces Justin Dyke as Matoaca’s next soccer-playing kicker. Johnathan Coleman will handle the punting duties. With a lot of options for folks to return kicks, Cohen and Dickson will get the first crack at the job.
Player to Watch
Russell Cohen in Johnson’s words, resembles Highland Springs alum and Wake Forest athlete Greg Dortch. Though that is tough praise to live up to, Cohen has some flashes of that brilliance. Cohen didn’t get a lot of playing time until mid-season, but shows good intelligence and dangerous speed. “Mr. Cinco” as he’s called by teammates played AAU football for the Central VA Hurricanes. “Though he’s a little guy,” Johnson said. “He’s versatile and good at what he does.”
