A sign of an excellent program, one that has reached dynasty levels, is an 11-1 season being considered an off year. That’s exactly what L.C. Bird did last year, falling short of its fourth consecutive 5A state championship as they fell to Hermitage in second round.
The Skyhawks have a consistently strong defense, and last year they set a school record, posting seven defensive shutdowns and allowing just 46 points all season. That broke the previous mark held by the 2001 team that gave up 100 points.
Rayshard Ashby (6-0, 220, Virginia Tech commit) and Isaiah Moore (6-3, 215, North Carolina State commit) will return not only to headline, the defense, but to make headlines as there may not be a better 1-2 combination in the state, especially at the same position.
In addition to Ashby and Moore, L.C. Bird had many talented defensive athletes and a few of them have moved onto the next level. One of the biggest recruits in the 804 in recent history, cornerback Jalen Elliott is headed to Notre Dame. Linebacker/defensive back Kumonde Hines will play at Texas State, while another defensive back, Kier Townsend, is headed to UVA Wise. On offense, Elliott played quarterback, while Townsend and Hines were wideouts. Running back J.B. Wright will join Townsend at UVA Wise.
While the losses include a few key contributors, it won’t be a rebuild, but a reload; as the Skyhawks have one of the best developmental systems around, with enough numbers to field multiple junior varsity teams. That allows them to find and develop what’s been an army of talent at the varsity level.
All in all, L.C. Bird’s team this year projects to have similar success to last year with a very strong defense and a traditionally strong run game.
“A strong defensive core returns, and as good as last year’s defense was, we have the potential to be better,” said L.C. Bird coach David Bedwell. “But potential is always a scary word. This unit will carry our team until our QB situation sorts itself out.”
COACH
Name: David Bedwell
Record last year: 11-1
Classification: 5A South, Conference 12
Quarterback: Senior Marcus Banks (6-0, 170) and junior Jaden Payoute (6-2, 170) could split time at quarterback, but currently are locked in a tight battle to see who wins the starting role. Both are learning the role rapidly in camp and practice, but will need to hit the ground running when the season begins.
Running Back: Old Dominion University commit Shedrick McCall will be L.C. Bird’s primary running back, and he may be lined up for a monster senior season before he heads to the 757. McCall isn’t your typical L.C. Bird running back of the past few seasons – not that there’s anything wrong with very fast, smaller backs –but he’s big (6-2, 240), and he gives the Skyhawks a power running game. He has a host of players behind him that could see time including, Rakei Pope, Devonte Wright, and Corbin Donaldson. As usual for the Skyhawks, running backs shouldn’t be a problem.
Wide Receiver: Two seniors will likely get the majority of starts at wideout. Devonte Wright (5-9, 160) and Dionte Hunt (6-0, 190) are expected to lead the unit. Junior Talon White (6-3, 185) provides a larger target and has a very projectable frame. Bedwell projects all three could play college football at smaller schools. Isaiah Moore (6-3, 215), a North Carolina State commit at linebacker, could see time at wide receiver or a tight end. Sophomore Hakeem Beamon (6-4, 220), who made a splash this summer by snagging an offer to North Carolina, will see time at tight end and possibly also elsewhere on the offensive line.
Offensive Line: Four returning players will anchor the offensive line for a team that’s known for its quality at the position. Gavin Brennan (6-3, 240) holds an offer from UVA Wise and will play tackle. Another senior, Marshall Hicks (6-0, 235), returns. Two underclassmen started last season and also return: junior Jaden Davis (6-2, 255) and C.J. Lynch (6-2, 265). The fifth starting position on the line will be determined in practices and scrimmages leading up to the season’s kick-off.
Defensive Line: This unit will be anchored by senior Quashean Armstrong (5-10, 240). Armstrong is quick and athletic for his size, and made a living in the backfield last season. Junior Damontre Blowe (6-0, 185), played linebacker last year and put up solid numbers as a reserve playing in the second half when the Skyhawks were up big. Beamon will play both ways and see some time at defensive end, where the young standout may end up if he ascends to the college ranks.
Linebackers: In addition to the 1-2 punch that Ashby (6-0, 225) and Moore provide, the two will team up for what should be another year of excellence manning the defense. Emanuel “Manny” Conway (6-0, 220) comes over from Richmond Christian as another Division I level player on the Skyhawks’ defense.
Defensive Back: Senior Johquin “Pinky” Wiley (6-0, 175) returns for a second season of football to lead the unit. Wiley is a basketball standout who holds three offers as a point guard, but was a not-so-surprising quality addition to the defensive backfield last season. With good athleticism and most importantly, good feet, he locked up his side of the field. Juniors Javon LaPierre (5-10, 165) and Lamar Davis (6-0, 170) are in line to start, and transfer from Matoaca Xavier Addison will also likely start. Addison, a sophomore, can play safety and come up in the box as a linebacker.
Special Teams: Shane Albin graduated last season, but Keaton Riley returns for the Skyhawks. Riley has been one of the most accurate kickers in the area over the past two seasons and should be again in 2016.
Player to Watch: Shedrick McCall, running back
Playing behind J.B. Wright last year, McCall wasn’t exactly what opposing teams (who were usually down big) wanted to see in the second half. A big, downhill runner, Bedwell said that McCall has the potential to be the school’s first 2,000-yard rusher since Yahkee Johnson, who’s currently on the roster at Hampton. As the second running back, he produced 900 yards and 16 touchdowns, averaging 10.5 yards per carry.
