Lafayette football eager for another title shot

By John Harvey

HarveySports757@yahoo.com

Deacon Smith leads the linebackers through a drill.

WILLIAMSBURG – Lafayette High’s football team was one win away from reaching the state tournament for the sixth time last fall following a 34-28 overtime loss to James Monroe in the Class 3A regional finals.

Eight months later, the Rams took the field again for their first practice with a goal of getting another shot at high school’s ultimate prize.

The sense of urgency was evident as players went through their agility drills that will prepare them for the rigors of the Bay Rivers District season. Coach Andy Linn’s team returns eight starters on both sides of the ball, including the entire offensive line.

Lafayette's offensive line takes a break.

Coleman Goad, Anthony Thorn, Charlie Woollum and Ian McManus are among the holdovers on an offensive line that paved the way for a record-setting running attack by Jahlil Green in 2013.

Lafayette had nearly 60 varsity players at practice on Thursday held behind the old James Blair Middle School site, many of which have been regular participants in the Rams offseason program.

The first practice focused on defense, as players looked to start sharpening their skills prior to the season opener against Brunswick Senior High on Aug. 29 at Sanford B. Wanner Stadium.

QB Brendan McGInty (center) is a three-year starter.

Linebackers Deacon Smith, Liam Walter and Brendan McGinty were among the players that really stood out. They were the first players to step up for drills and completed the flawlessly.

Brendan Villanueva-Pernell, Derrick Harris and John Douglass looked sharp in drills and ready to lead this year’s team.

Click here for photos of Thursday's first practice

Contact me at HarveySports757@yahoo.com or @HarveySports757 on Twitter.