Throughout the month of August, VirginiaPreps.com will begin previewing the upcoming 2019 High School Football season. As part of our comprehensive coverage, we will be counting down the Top Ten Rankings for each classification.
#10 - GW-Danville Eagles
What to Know: While it was the high-flying offense that generated the headlines for the GW-Danville in 2017 when they averaged 52.8 points per game, their defense showed marked improvement last year in holding foes to 11.9PPG while still averaging more than five touchdowns a contest on the offensive side of the ball. Even though leaders in twins Carl and Carlos Poole have departed from that squad that finished 8-3 overall as they moved on to Old Dominion University, there's still plenty of talent to work with for seventh-year Head Coach Nick Anderson.
Expectations remain with the weaponry back on offense, headlined by senior running back Wesley Graves (5-10, 220) and senior receiver Shawn Watlington (6-1, 201), two of the most productive players in the entire state their respective positions. Over the past two seasons, Graves has rushed for 2433 yards and 35 touchdowns on 276 carries, while Watlington has made 69 catches for 1592 yards and 16 touchdowns. Additionally, Graves can line up at linebacker and do damage, and Watlington - who is sitting on offers from the likes of Howard, UMASS & William & Mary - was a 1st Team All-Region punt returner.
When defenses key in on Watlington and Graves, then junior tailback Willie Edmonds (5-10, 175), who ran for 875 yards and 12TD's a season ago, can strike. New starting quarterback Shacobe Hariston (6-0, 195), a junior that previously played wide receiver, presents some athletic traits behind center that the Eagles hope to take advantage of a great deal. Not only is he dangerous on the run, but his arm is adequate enough to keep the Eagles functioning when they go to the air.
Time to operate should be there for Hairston as well with an offensive line in front of him that boasts considerable experience. Paving the way are a trio of seniors in left tackle Jayden Worsham (6-3, 276), Tyler McDuffie (6-8, 370) and center Tylee Myers (5-10, 290), a 2nd Team All-Region selection. A total of 19 linemen dot the roster, so they're hopeful to stay fresh in the trenches through the rigors of a 10-game regular season and playoff stretch.
Sophomore linebacker Ahmad 'Worm' Poole (5-10, 230) projects to be a breakout name on a defense searching for a marquee face with the graduation of the Poole's as well two other 2nd Team All-Region performers in Quenton Elam and Bryson Akers. Carlos Poole accounted for six of GW's 16.5 sacks last year. Anderson knows it's important they generate a pass rush, plus come up with more takeaways than they did in 2018 when they intercepted just seven passes. Others to keep an eye on include senior LB Deadrian Towler (6-0, 202), senior DE Juwan Spratt (6-4, 237) and senior DB Teavon Walden (5-10, 150).
Right off the bat, GW-Danville travels to Dinwiddie, a perennial Class 4 title contender. That game will have them ready for anyone they face in the Piedmont District. Other challenges include a home game with Jefferson Forest, which beat them last year, before a bye week, as well as an October home date with E.C. Glass and November home tilt against Magna Vista. If the defense matches its output from a year ago and the offense doesn't miss a beat with Hairston taking over at QB, the Eagles ought to feel confident about advancing in the playoffs after last year's early postseason exit in a loss to Pulaski County.
Final Class 4 Rankings for 2018:
#1 - Woodgrove (11-2)
#2 - Lake Taylor (13-2)
#3 - Eastern View (13-1)
#4 - Blacksburg (13-1)
#5 - Lafayette (11-1)
#6 - Louisa (11-1)
#7 - Sherando (10-2)
#8 - Dinwiddie (11-2)
#9 - E.C. Glass (11-2)
#10 - Monacan (9-3)
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