Blogs: Minuteman By Steven

The Minuteman by Steven
About: Steven is a senior at Park View High School where he is on the golf and lacrosse teams. Give this Patriot a minute and he will give you the latest on Park View Athletics.

(Oct. 17, 2008) – I gotta admit, this Homecoming weekend left a bad taste in my mouth, and no I’m not talking about that awful green punch that was served at the dance. Park View let another one slip away as the visiting Potomac Falls Panthers defeated the Patriots 28-20 in a game where a key play or two meant the difference between a win and a loss. To make matters worse, when the Homecoming queen was crowned the girls who lost did not create a massive catfight. Instead they hugged and cried and hugged and cried some more. I could have just stayed at home and watched the Lifetime Channel.

Anyways, the Patriots will now most likely have to win out the rest of their games this season in order to advance to the postseason.

Some believed that Friday’s game would be a blowout. After all, the Panthers were coming in with an undefeated record and a pretty stacked offense that has been virtually unstoppable up to this point. Yet, the Patriots never got too far down and were within striking distance the whole game. In a way, this game was a microcosm of the whole season so far and as we head toward the final few games of the season let’s take a look at what Coach Hill’s squad has done so far.

Receivers: Yeah, okay. When looking at a team you always start with the QB but I’m a big play kinda guy and I love seeing the ball gunned downfield. For the Patriots, WRs Josh Jones and Drew Mason have had great seasons despite the fact that they are two different kinds of wideouts. Jones is quick, nimble and able to get open downfield and Mason fares better in short and medium yardage situations where he racks up yardage after the catch. Combine these two different players with Tommy Sedeski, one of the most talented receivers in the area, and you would expect many big plays and a large number of touchdowns, right?

Quarterback: Junior Brandon Lee has taken nearly every snap this season and is improving on the job. Last year’s team featured a great passer, CJ Leizear, and Lee has struggled to be the same type of QB. However, when the pocket is collapsing or no one is open, Lee is more athletic and can make something out of nothing. In short, Coach Hill now has a Donovan McNabb instead of a Peyton Manning.

Running Game: In the offense of Andy Hill passing seems to rule. However, Brandon Absher and Darius Beale have been able to open up the offense and gain yardage on the ground. With a small line and talented receivers the running game may not show up on paper as spectacular but blocking and receptions from the RBs are vital to the success of the Patriots.

Defense: Where to begin…Not a single part of the defense has proved spectacular or lackluster, yet it seems in every game, for just a few minutes, the defense has a letdown – even if they have played well to that point. The biggest concern is probably the passing defense, as the secondary gives up a long ball or two every game, which can prove tough in the close games that we have been in. Despite that fact, as a whole, the “D” Unit holds up well most of the time and expect the Patriots to shut down run-heavy teams like Dominion.

Upcoming games:

Briar Woods-a Division 3 team that is coached by View’s old coach. If the D can stop RB J.T. Bailey, expect a Patriot win. Prediction: Park View win.

Dominion-every year the cross-town rival packs their stadium expecting a big upset win. Deandre (no last name needed … OK, Reaves!) is almost the whole team and shutting him down is key. Prediction: Park View win.

Heritage-Ross Madison is one of the best players in the district. He punished opposing teams and over coverage of him opens the offense up for Coach Driskill’s squad. This will be a tough game for the Patriots and Heritage will be looking to make the playoffs after last season’s near miss. Prediction: Very close game which will be determined by turnovers. Toss-up.

Broad Run-No prediction … hey, I have to go to school with these Patriots!

The rush to make the playoffs is in full swing. Park View will probably have to win out to make the post-season and with Sherando’s loss to Handley it appears the winner of the Potomac Falls-Broad Run game will clinch the first seed in regional play. Boy, do we have some good football ahead.