Published: 12:05 AM, Fri Aug 06, 2010
Season preview: Village Christian
A quick look at the Village Christian Knights football team.
Head coach: Richard Fumarola
2009 record: 0-10
2009 summary: In its first year at the varsity level, Village Christian was, well, leveled. The Knights were outscored, 466-31. With only four seniors, the ultra-green team was overmatched on both sides of the ball. As expected, last year was all about growing pains.
On Offense
After running almost exclusively out of "I" last season, Fumarola plans to get more creative this season. Village Christian will employ a Wing-T offense this season. Full of play-action and different formations to run the ball out of, this offense appealed to Fumarola right away. After struggling to move the ball all last season, Village Christian needs to score points to have any shot at stringing wins together.
On Defense
Defensively, Village Christian is sticking with a 4-3 base defense. Again, it'll be a tall task for the young group. Against more complex offenses, they were rolled over every week last year. The Knights surrendered more than 40 points in eight of their 10 games. Don't expect a drastic turnaround but a full offseason of teaching assignments should help the unit.
Players to Watch
Daniel Epps
Height: 6-0
Weight: 151
Class: Senior
About Epps: After attending several camps this summer, Epps will commandeer the Knights offense at quarterback. On a team full of underclassmen, Epps is expected to take on a key leadership role. With some new, big-bodied linemen joining the team this fall, Epps should have more time to throw.
Chris Bentley
Height: 5-10
Weight: 185
Class: Junior
About Bentley: A hockey player his entire life, Bentley will play football for the first time this season. Bentley is a regular in the weight room and could serve as the centerpiece of Village Christian's offense. Said Fumarola, "Great speed, great balance. If he's as tough as he seems to be, he's going to big for us."
Dylan Sparks
Height: 5-8
Weight: 170
Class: Junior
About Sparks: One of Village Christian's returning contributors from a year ago, Sparks will see his share of carries at running back. As the season wore on, Sparks improved in 2009. Quick in open space, he'll be a key piece in helping the Knights keep up with more experienced opponents.
Shane Blanks
Height: 6-1
Weight: 210
Class: Junior
About Blanks: Anchoring the Village Christian defense is the linebacker Blanks, who Fumarola describes as a "good old country tough boy." For his size, Blanks can move laterally very well and chase down ballcarriers. It sure wasn't easy for the Knights' defense last year, but Blanks does offer the team continuity.
Aaron Israel
Height: 5-11
Weight: 165
Class: Junior
About Israel: When Village Christian goes air, the wide receiver Israel will be the target. Epps and Israel worked on routes during the summer, which should allow Fumarola to open up the playbook a little more in Year Two. Considering defenses will be stacking the line, Israel could have opportunities to go deep.
Schedule
Aug. 27 - Harrells Christian: A daunting first game. Last year, a loaded Harrells team crushed Village Christian, 72-0.
Sept. 3 - at High Point Christian
Sept. 10 - Camden (S.C.) Military Academy
Sept. 17 - at Fayetteville Christian: Fumarola would like to build a friendly rivalry with the crosstown private school.
Sept. 24 - at North Raleigh Christian
Oct. 1 - at Westminister Rock Hill (S.C.);
Oct. 8 - Asheville School (5:30 p.m.)
Oct. 15 - at Raleigh Titans
Oct. 22 - at SouthLake Christian
Oct. 29 - Wake Christian: Eventually, Village Christian should join the Big East Independent Football Conference where they'd see Wake Christian regularly.
Earl Vaughan's Take: When you're building from the ground up, don't expect success overnight. That was the lesson learned by Richard Fumarola at Village Christian last year, and it is likely to be more of the same this season. Don't take that to mean Fumarola and his players aren't doing all they can, it's just that when you start from zero, you have a lot higher to climb than nearly all the teams you play.