Woodbridge High School Football Preview: Focus on Team First

After two perfect winning seasons and a devastating loss in the state playoffs, expectations for Woodbridge Senior High School's varsity football team remain high as the team heads into the 2010-2011 season. Head coach Kevin Smith said the team now plays with the philosophy and motto of "finish strong."

"The team wants to make sure that if they have the playoff opportunity this year that they will finish what they started," said Smith.

Last year, the Vikings had one thing standing between them and playoffs: red-hot cross-town team Osbourn Park. The Yellow Jackets won the game, and the loss derailed the Vikings' playoff aspirations. But this year, with the mindset of "finish what you started," the Vikings are looking to not only reach the state playoffs but also make a deep run in the playoff tournament.

Many of the team's key players graduated this past June, so Smith has a unique opportunity to reevaluate the team's priorities.

"We have developed a 'we are one' personality this year, so we are not concerned with individual stats or accolades," said Smith.  "We spoke at the beginning of camp that if we take care of business as a team, then the individual accolades will come."

Despite losing their two leading receivers last June, Collin Frazer and Darius Smith, Woodbridge does not lack talent or depth on either side of the ball. Sophomore Jaylen Avent is set to be the focal point on offense as the team also works new quarterback Corey Taylor into the fold.

Taylor backed up All-Cardinal District quarterback Frank Buckley the past two seasons, but now a senior, Taylor is finally ready for his starting opportunity. Taylor will have plenty of talent and protection on the field as returning All-Cardinal District offensive linemen Jordan Hairston, second team All-Cardinal lineman Mike Leathers -- and a six-foot, six-inch transfer from Alabama, Matt Gray -- are set to be the men protecting Corey Taylor.

"We are not really sure what to expect this season," said Smith of the team's prospect this season. "We, the staff, are very happy with the weight room and conditioning attendance this off season and the results of the 110 test we gave the players the first day of practice."

With sights set on Mt. Vernon High School for the first scrimmage of the preseason on Aug. 20, Woodbridge is poised for another good season. Smith has been pleased with the practices as well as the off-season conditioning program.

"When you only play a 10-game schedule, they are all important.  It is not like basketball or baseball, for instance, where you can play sub-par during the regular season and get hot and make the postseason," said Smith. "You have to be ready every Friday night."