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Head Coach : Tater

Benson, 5^th season

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2007 : 4-7

(lost regional first round)

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2008 : 3-8

(lost regional first round)

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2009 : 2-8

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: The

Cavaliers had a difficult 2009 season with injuries hurting them on the

offensive line and in the backfield, but they will be looking to turn things

around this season and get back to the playoffs as they did each from 2006 to

2008.  Last season's squad struggled on offense, scoring more than 20 points

just once - in their season opener against county rival James River.

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Mack Reynolds, sr, 6-3, 290, OL/DL

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Evan Bourne, jr, 5-9, 185, RB

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Derell Stone, soph, 6-2, 195, RB (Pictured)

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Will Cline, soph, 5-8, 170, QB

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Matt Moats, sr, 6-7, 250, TE

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Andrew Williams, soph, 6-2, 225, TE/DE

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Jacob Martin, sr, 6-0, 190, LB

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Thomas Kennedy, soph, 6-0, 210, OL/LB

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Outlook : The

Cavaliers have made the playoffs in three of the past four seasons, but have not

finished with a winning record since 2000.  Last year's group was hurt by

injuries, but should be improved this season with a number of underclassmen

receiving playing time in 2009.  Coach Benson says his team is still young and

"needs to gain momentum early in the season before district play."

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Lord Botetourt's offense returns all of its skill position players and coach

Benson expects his team to be able to run a good balance of offensive sets. 

Running backs Evan Bourne and Derell Stone both showed excellent promise last

season and should only improve in 2010.  Quarterback Will Cline started six

games as a freshman and returns under center this season.  The offensive line

returns big senior Mack Reynolds ans sophomore Thomas Kennedy, but needs to get

some experience playing together in order for the offense to make improvements.

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The strength of the Cavalier defense could be the defensive line where Reynolds

and Michael Jones are expected to excel this season.  Sophomore Andrew Williams

could also be a key component at defensive end.  Coach Benson will be looking to

a young group of linebackers and defensive backs to gain experience early in the

season in order for the Cavalier defense to be a force.

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Lord Botetourt will have a pretty good idea of where they stand early in the

season with trips to Salem and Hidden Valley immediately following their

highly-charged season opener against James River.  They also face Rustburg and

Blacksburg at home before hitting Blue Ridge District play in October.  In the

district, they'll travel to Staunton River and William Byrd and host Alleghany

and Northside.  5-5 was good enough to make the playoffs in region III, division

4 last season, so the Cavaliers have to turn at least three games around to have

a chance to get back to the postseason, most likely.