Three James Wood players to compete for Division III schools

WINCHESTER — Three James Wood High School football players signed letters of intent Wednesday in a ceremony at the school to continue their careers for Division III programs.

Sam Adkins, who played running back and safety for the Colonels this past season, will next compete at Bridgewater College. The Eagles captured the ODAC title and won 10 straight games before falling to Delaware Valley in the opening round of the NCAA playoffs.

Adkins rushed for a team-high 1,115 yards and 15 touchdowns this past season. He also had 60 tackles and intercepted a team-high four passes.

Adkins plans to play safety at Bridgewater. He will major in Sociology.

William Crowder, who played wide receiver and defensive back for the Colonels, won't stray far from home as he will next attend Shenandoah University. The Hornets finished 6-4 last season, with a 4-4 mark in the ODAC.

Crowder caught 29 passes for 349 yards and a touchdowns last season. He also rushed for 240 yards (9.2 per carry) and five scores. Crowder had 21 tackles and two interceptions on defense.

Crowder plans to play receiver for the Hornets. He will major in Sports Management. An all-state sprinter, Crowder also plans to run track & field at SU.

Jackson Turner, who played linebacker and fullback for the Colonels, is headed to Endicott College in Beverly, Mass. The Gulls went 9-2 last season, including a 52-10 victory over Dean in the New England Bowl.

Turner led the Colonels with 99 tackles last season. He had two sacks, four tackles for losses, and an interception. In limited carries, he rushed for 76 yards and two scores.

He plans to play linebacker for Endicott. He will major in Sports Psychology and Forensic Psychology.

The three seniors helped James Wood to a 6-4 record last fall, the Colonels' first winning season since 2010.