Amherst put together a terrific season

in 2006, losing just once in the regular season and running their way through

the playoffs in exciting fashion. Their region III championship win over Salem

was one of the top games of the year and the Lancers hope to pick up where they

left off last season. Although they lose several players from last year's team,

Amherst is again a favorite in the Seminole and has many believing that they

could make it back to back state titles.

Coach Scott Abell (pictured - left) tells

VirginiaPreps.com that the Amherst offense will be more balanced in 2007 than in

past years, but that the trademark team speed will still be on display. Senior Peter

Rose returns to quarterback the Lancers and he provides a strong running

presence to the position along with a solid arm. A new name to watch on offense

is sophomore running back Josh Braxton who was timed at 4.4 in the 40

this summer at the James Madison University football camp.

Defensively, the Lancers were one of the

state's best, allowing just 5.7 points per game in the regular season. This

year's group should once again be quick and will be led by Derrick McCoy and Sonny

Richardson at linebacker and Rose, Moore and senior Ashton Paige in

the secondary. Another name to watch on defense is Anthony Rose,

Peter's younger brother who will be starting at outside linebacker and only a

sophomore.

1. Amherst County: The defending state division 4 champions can come into 2007 with high expectations, as they return many of the stars from last year's team. Quarterback Peter Rose and wide receiver Derrick McCoy could be one of the top combinations in Virginia this year. The speed of the defense will be their biggest asset, with seniors Ashton Paige, Sonny Richardson and Jon Moore providing experience for the Lancers.

2. Powhatan: The Indians are one of the most consistent programs in division 4 over the past several seasons and have had no trouble in the Southside District over that same time frame. After last year's state semifinal appearance, this group will be hungry to take it back to the championship game. Running back Taron Hampton is a terrific weapon on offense and will be the focal point of the Indian attack. The defense should be one of the stingiest in division 4 with linebackers Eric Watts, Tahliek Taliaferro and Emmet Brown leading the way.

3. Courtland: The Cougars finished 2006 as the region I runner-up following a loss to Powhatan in the region final. After an unbeaten campaign in the Battlefield last year, they will be looking to do more of the same in 2007 and have the offensive and defensive talent to do just that. Junior fullback Tajh Pendleton is back along with Aaron Harper and quarterback Luke Sellers in what should be an exciting backfield. Ryan Sutherland will move from defensive line to linebacker and should follow up his all-state performance last season with another strong showing this year.

4. Sherando: The Warriors are a veteran laden team led by a junior quarterback, Ross Metheney, who has started for two seasons already. Joey Christine is one of the best lineman in AA football. The Warriors should compete with Handley for the Northwestern title and may find the region II playoffs a bit less strenuous with the move of the Valley District to region III.

5. Salem: The Spartans exited the playoffs in one of the most exciting games of 2006 as they fell to Amherst in the region III title game. With one of the most disciplined and well-prepared teams in the state, Salem is always a threat to make a deep playoff run. Jonathan Clemo and Evan Fischer are among the returning offensive contributors and the defensive line featuring George George and Patrick Pollifrone will be a solid group.

6. Tabb: The Tigers have been on the rise since Matt Lawson took over as head coach and with a cast of returning starters, 2007 could be the year that they break through in the Bay Rivers. Running back Corey Legister should benefit from an offensive line that returns four starters and the defense returns 8 starters and is a quick group that should be able to contain most opposing offenses.

7. Smithfield: The Packers have stepped into the region I scene over the past two seasons with two straight playoff appearances. Virginia Tech commit Dyrell Roberts is the offensive star at the tailback position and should have plenty of help with an experienced line opening up holes. Dustin Hornsby and Antonio Atkinson should lead the Smithfield defense as they try to win the Bay Rivers title and return to the playoffs.

8. Rockbridge County: The Wildcats were a division 3 championship finalist last season and, despite losing some key ingredients from that team, could be a team to watch in region III. Jeff Early is expected to do big things this year and juniors Stephen Strowbridge and Dylan Walsh are looking to ensure that Rockbridge picks up where they left off in 2006.

9. Blacksburg: The Bruins should improve from last season's 7-3 record and probably should benefit from the River Ridge District move to region IV, where the division 4 playoffs should be more up for grabs. With an offense that features QB Trey Gresh, RB Latrell Keys, and WRs Tyler Holmes and Greg Keys, this could be a high-scoring offense.

The Blue Streaks have become a perennial power in the Valley, region II (now region III) and the state. Tailback Alex Owah returns and could be the best running back in Virginia. He will key the Harrisonburg offense, while senior linebacker Ronnell Brandon will be the defensive leader.

Honorable Mention: Bassett, Spotswood, James Wood, Heritage (Lynchburg), William Byrd, Jefferson Forest, Broad

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