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Skyhawks looking for more; 8-3 record ‘down’ year

by Stephen M. Lewis
DigitalSports Richmond

Any time an 8-3 record in high-school football is looked at as a “down” year, you know your program is held in high esteem.

But with the lofty goals comes lofty pressure.

L.C. Bird coach David Bedwell would want it no other way.

“We have high expectations, just like we do every year,” Bedwell said Monday after the first session of practice. “We have a lot of kids back from last year. We have a tradition here at Bird that started way before I got here. Our kids want to live up to that. And I think our kids want to be successful. That’s how we approach every year and this year is going to be no different.

“Hopefully we can improve on last year’s 8-3 season. We want to get back to where we were, playing for a regional championship and knocking on the door to the state tournament.”

L.C. Bird coach David Bedwell, 8/13/07

Coach David Bedwell looks forward to the 2007 season.

In
seven seasons at the Chesterfield school, Bedwell has led the Skyhawks
to five region final appearances, all in the tough Division 6.

In
2001 and last year were the only times the Skyhawks failed to square
off for region supremacy. Highland Springs upended Bird 18-7 in the
region semifinals in 2006.

“We always tell our kids that,” Bedwell said. “We want them to know the tradition that’s here.”

Counting a Division 5 region title and state final appearance with Henrico in 1999, Bedwell has roamed a playoff sideline for eight straight seasons.

Key returnees like Josh Castlebury and Kendrick McClary look to keep that streak going.

Bedwell has strapped the saddle on Castlebury as he moves from fullback to tailback.

McClary, also a basketball player, is a talented pass catcher from his tight end spot and can block like a lineman to help the Skyhawks’ smash-mouth tactics.

Five of the Skyhawks’ six linemen return, including Andrew Belcher.

They’ll try to give time to a bunch of talented athletes on the outside and in the backfield, including Donovan Jefferson, a wide receiver.

If the name looks familiar, it is.

Kendrick McClary is an all-region candidate at tight end in 2007.

Jefferson stood out for Thomas Dale before hitching his talent to the Skyhawks.

His younger brother, Donte Jefferson, is competing for the starting quarterback job. He started for the Knights’ JV team a year ago.

That’s not the end of the talented skill players as Stephen (pronounced Steph-an) Lee will look to make things happen on offense in a myriad of positions.

“He played varsity as a freshman last season and actually played some defensive end, believe it or not, and some defensive back,” Bedwell said of the 150-pounder when wet. ” He can make a lot of things happen. He’s as tough as they come.”

Castlebury is also a standout linebacker. Donovan Jefferson will play some cornerback as well as kick returner.

Nick Taylor is a standout on the defensive line.

Bedwell has a lot of first-year players, a lot of skill players that need to find homes, but also a lot of tough players.

“We just have a lot of kids who love football,” Bedwell said.

Donovan Jefferson will try to point the Skyhawks back to the Central Region, Division 6 final.

“We don’t always have the most talented kids who are going to Division I programs. But they are tough kids. I think tough kids can win football games.”

2006 record: 6-1 Dominion, 8-3

Key players: Josh Castlebury, RB/LB, Sr.; Kendrick McClary, TE, Sr.; Andrew Belcher, OT, Sr.; Eddie Palko, OL, Sr.; Nick Taylor, DL, Sr.; Stephen Lee, ATH, So.

Newcomers to watch: Donovan Jefferson, WR/CB/KR, Sr.; Donte Jefferson, QB, Jr.

Key losses: Four-year starting QB Jonathan Hughes, RB Dominic Taylor, OL Stephen Lewis and DE Akeem Sorden graduated. LB Brett Diamond transferred to Matoaca.

Fast fact: Bird has graduated 37 or more seniors in each of Bedwell’s seven years. That’s a big reason for its success. Bird has about 30 seniors this season.

Schedule:
Aug. 30 – at Meadowbrook, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 7 – vs. Thomas Dale, 7:30
Sept. 14 – at Clover Hill, 7:30
Sept. 21 – vs. Manchester, 7:30
Sept. 28 – at Huguenot, 4:45
Oct. 5 – vs. Midlothian, 7:30
Oct. 12 – vs. James River, 7:30
Oct. 19 – at Monacan, 7:30
Oct. 26 – at Cosby, 7:30
Nov. 2 – vs. George Wythe, 7:30

Key game: I would say Meadowbrook, but Bedwell wants to win the district the most, not go undefeated. That’s his playoff ticket. So Huguenot it is. The Falcons took down Bird 14-13 last season and almost took away their district championship.