cnc78

Not Just Root but Perkins and Lowery as well. These three will be in key leadership roles.

I know him as well, not best buddies or anything, hate to ask but what the heck is going on up there?

What? Kind of shocked if a morals issue.

Williamsburg lost record setting QB Ryan Moses, All State receiver Dusty Brown, and defensive leader Jeremy Collins to graduation...does that mean the Jackets tank is empty? The Jackets definitely have to do some building but there is a nice foundation there. Coach Herron returns several key players from last year's district runner up, and if the pieces fall into place it could be a very good year. The foundation starts with what could be the best offensive line in a few years. Cody Perkins and Andrew Root will anchor at tackles and both should have banner years. Look for these two to be beasts this fall. Devin Jones at center is smallish but quick.Although the guard positions may be a tad unsettled there is lots of potential from Chris Wright and Coty Croley. In spite of losing Brown the receivers will be solid. CeeJay Jones brings a years experience, and JP Payne has all star potential. The question is who will get them the ball. Look for Ethan Powers, who has a very live arm, to get the first shot, but don't be surprised to see Chris Lowery get snaps as well. Lowery will be the Jackets version of the utility guy as he will line up everywhere and is dangerous with his speed. A pleasant surpirse at F has been Kevin Hoffman who is very athletic. Look for Travis Thomas to back him up. On the defensive side of the ball look for major improvement. Root should be the leader from the Mike LB slot. He has the same nose for the ball his older brother had, and is extremely intellegent. Perkins will probably play off the edge and can wreak havoc with his pass rush. Hoffman will contribute with his athleticism at OLB. The DBS will also be better and look for several personnel combos there. Brent Martin along with several others should contribute. The key as always will be injuries. The Burg could win the district or finish last contingent upon this factor. One thing I know is Coach Herron and his staff will have this group ready to play.

Maybe it was also a great pitching performance and not just a bad loss.

Maybe not but I would love to see him on the mound against this Cards team instead of Barton or Perkins.

After blanking Bell County last Friday night on a 2 hit shutout, Andrew Root shuts down Middlesboro with a 10 -2 complete game victory. Has Williamsburg found an ace heading towards district tournament play?

Middlesboro loses to Williamsburg tonight behind the strong pitching performance of Andrew Root, 10-2. Root has beaten Bell Co. ( 2 hit shut out) and now Middlesboro after coming back from a hip injury. He seems to be picking up steam.

After watching this young man for the past 4 years I am thrilled he is going to be playing at the next level. Congratulations Ryan!

Congrats to a fine young man!

Having read throught this thread I can only say it has to be an individual case by case decision. I saw my first college football game at age 9 and I made up my mind then and there I wanted to play college ball. I had offers from some 1aa schools, some D2s and NAIA schools. Had the opportunity to travel a bit and visit and settled for a small (2,000) student school in tennessee with a very good academic reputation and a fantastic football program. I ended up with pretty much a full scholarship. I had the joy of continuing to play a game I dearly loved and getting a very good education. I wouldn't trade the life lessons learned from the experience of playing college football for anything. I may be nuts but if God said to me hey You can trade in 5 years of your life for one more season of playing I believe I would take Him up on the offer. I realize that at 50 looking back some of the best times of my life were spent playing ball in college. I have been blessed by also having a son play collegiately, and another hopefully on the way to doing so. My advice to anyone with the opportunity would be take it, and don't have regrets later in life.