Class 4 Top Ten - #4 Lake Taylor

Throughout the month of August, VirginiaPreps.com will begin previewing the upcoming 2017 High School Football season. As part of our comprehensive coverage, we will be counting down the Top Ten rankings for each classification.

What to Know: Coach Hank Sawyer has molded the Titans into a powerhouse, compiling a record of 170-45 overall with three regional titles and two State Championships as he heads into his 19th year at the helm of the Norfolk program. Lake Taylor was hit hard by graduation with 1st Team All-State performers Darnell Ewell (Notre Dame), Diamonte Tucker-Dorsey (James Madison), Roman Bond (Hampton University) and Rashard Russell (Norfolk State) all moving on to the next level. Yet, the Titans have had just one losing season under Sawyer and won 23 of their past 30 playoff games since 2008.

Even if Lake Taylor doesn't put up lofty numbers through the air this year, the quarterback position appears to be solidified for the near and foreseeable future with junior Javon Harvey and 6'1" freshman Jeff Foster. One thing that never changes is their success running the football out of the twin-veer. Senior Deon Smith (827Yds. 11TD's) returns, becoming only the second running back in Sawyer's 19 seasons to be a three-year starter at the position; the other being Keith Jones. Sophomore Dominique Beale will complement him.

Where the Titans may be at their best is on the offensive line with four starters returning in senior center Troy Davis, junior tackles Denzel Ewell and Jayshaun Brown-Houston, and junior guard Tavion Copeland (9TFL, 4 sacks on defense). Seniors Malachi Houchins - who has an offer from Morgan State - and Korey Foster as well as juniors Lavotnie Hawkins and Corey Holloway give them a more than serviceable group of targets at the receiver and tight end spots.

For years, Lake Taylor's defenses have become known for being fast and physical, flying to the football and arriving in a bad mood. That approach and philosophy won't change with Copeland, Hawkins, Harvey, Davis and senior inside linebacker Jalen Burton back as mainstays. So too are a couple of proven faces in the secondary in juniors Donnovan Bishop and Derek Freeman, both of whom possess next-level qualities.

It's another tough schedule for the Titans with a pair of Class 6 school off the bat in Western Branch and Freedom-Woodbridge, plus a visit from Class 3 contender Phoebus in late September. The bad news for those that have to play Lake Taylor in 2018 is that they could bring back up to nine starters on defense next year, including promising linebackers in Holloway, junior Kiewuan Reed and sophomore Ikeem Wright.

#5 - Dominion Titans - Read More Here

#6 - Blacksburg Bruins - Read More Here

#7 - King's Fork Bulldogs - Read More Here

#8 - Monacan Chiefs - Read More Here

#9 - Louisa Lions - Read More Here

#10 - Sherando Warriors - Read More Here

Final 4A Rankings for 2016:

#1 - Salem (13-1)

#2 - Dinwiddie (14-1)

#3 - Lafayette (13-1)

#4 - Dominion (10-3)

#5 - Woodgrove (12-1)

#6 - Lake Taylor (11-2)

#7 - Eastern View (12-1)

#8 - William Byrd (10-3)

#9 - Chancellor (9-3)

#10 - Amherst County (9-3)

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