James Wood must replace top 5 running backs from last year
August 5, 2011
By Robert Stocks

WINCHESTER- After four straight playoff appearances, James Wood started practice Monday with the ultimate goal of continuing its postseason streak.

For the Colonels to do that, they're going to need to avoid injuries and get production from players moving into starting roles at several key offensive positions.

The Colonels, coming off a 6-5 season, had 44 varsity players (and 32 junior varsity players) at the team's first practice.

James Wood fourth-year coach Mike Bolin said there were 110 kids in the program just two years ago, so numbers are going to be somewhat of a concern for the Colonels.

"Overall, we don't have a lot of depth," Bolin said. "That's going to be our biggest problem. We're one deep in a lot of spots." James Wood averaged 179.5 yards rushing last season but the Colonels must replace their top five running backs from a season ago. Cory Schrock (566 yards), Joel McGreevy (410), Mark Collie (254) and Matt Copley (178) all graduated, and Chris Skinner (270 yards, three touchdowns) chose to skip his senior season to focus on basketball.

With that type of turnover in the backfield, several new players must step into prominent roles.

Seniors Aaron Clark (70 yards) and Chris Ewing have limited experience, and junior Bradley Skillman should be in the mix at halfback along with wide receiver Chad Potter. Senior Mark Bean returns to fullback after injuries forced him to move to fill-in at guard last season.

"Aaron Clark looks great, Chris Ewing looks pretty good and they're both seniors," Bolin said. "Bradley Skillman is a junior and he looks pretty good. We've got some guys there that are competing."

Potter, who ranked second on the team in receptions with 20 catches for a team-high 357 yards and three touchdowns, has also been getting some reps in the backfield. Bolin said Potter will line up in his traditional slot receiver spot most of the time, but his athleticism and play-making ability give the team some added depth in the backfield.

"In high school, you've got to get your best athletes the ball," Bolin said. "That's one way we can get [Chad] the ball more because we don't throw a whole lot. He's got the ability to do it. That's the thing. We've got quality guys competing there but it's just a matter of who's going to do the best job or whether we do it by committee, like we've done in the past."

For Potter, the running back position is one of two new positions he's adapting to this year.

"This year they're having me run a little bit of running back just in case we have some injuries," said Potter, who had eight carries for 65 yards last season. "They've got me at cornerback instead of safety this year, too.

"I'd love to play running back. It's just more touches. I've got to learn it, though. It's harder than you might think. It's not just get the ball and run. Carrying the ball like a running back and not like a receiver like I'm playing basketball, I've got to make sure I don't fumble."

If Potter, Clark and Ewing cantake care of the ground game, Bolin likes what he's seen from his offensive line that returns senior right guard R.J. Miller and junior left tackle Chris Alaniz. Junior center Aaron Barrett, senior left guard Mike Demaio, junior right tackle Travis Sieber and senior tight end Mel Savarese give the Colonels a mix of three seniors and three juniors up front.

"We've got four guys stepping in that we really expect good things out of," Bolin said. "We'll be bigger and stronger than we've been in the past couple years. All of them bench over 225 [pounds], and I think that's the first time that's ever happened with our line [since Bolin's been with the program].

"They really committed themselves in the offseason to getting bigger and stronger. They're going to move people."

The Colonels also have a physical fullback in Bean, who knows he might have to trade in his No. 34 for No. 60 again this year if the team needs help on the offensive line.

"I just want to try to do whatever I can to help out the team," said Bean, who also starts at inside linebacker. "We lost a lot of seniors last year which doesn't help, but I think our team is going to step up this year. We need to just step up as leaders, all the seniors on the line, and [quarterback] Jake Lewin is going to step up for us this year."

With Loudoun Valley, Musselman (W.Va.), Hedgesville (W.Va.), Fauquier, Warren County and the season opener at home against Heritage on Aug. 26, the Colonels will be tested in their non-district schedule.

"We've got a tougher schedule that's for sure," Bolin said. "We've got six non-district opponents and they're all quality. I think seven of the 10 teams on our schedule were in the playoffs last year. We've got a pretty tough schedule."

Even though the schedule might be tough, the Colonels' ultimate goal is to qualify for the playoffs once again.

"We want to get a home playoff game because we haven't had one in so long," Bean said. "That's one of our main goals. Of course we want to win district, but to host a home playoff game would be the best."

- Contact Robert Stocks at
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.