On paper, everything points towards Ponte Vedra defending its District 4-5A title for the upcoming season with the rest of the teams in the district fighting for the runner-up spot. However, try telling that to Westside, Bishop Kenny, Terry Parker and Wolfson.
If the Westside Wolverines (4-6) are going to be in the playoff mix, they will have to have a lot of young guys step up.
The Wolverines multiple set offense took a huge hit last season and must replace quarterback Amari Dubose, who ran for over 1,000 yards last season and is now at the Naval Academy.
“We lost 15 seniors last year, so we need a lot of young guys to step up,” Westside coach Rodney Dubose stated. “We’re bringing in a new quarterback, junior Winston Sweeting, who was the backup last season.”
Other notable offensive players Dubose says to keep an eye on are sophomore tailback Tahveon Nicholson, and senior wide receivers Raekwon Peterson and Dale George.
The offensive line is a work in progress, and going through a transition phase with a lot of young inexperienced guys being relied on.
While the offense needs time to jell, the defense figures to be one of the strongest components of the team behind Nathaniel Myles (Sr., DB), JoJo Collins (Jr., LB), Markel Grant (Jr., LB), Calvin Altman (Jr., LB), Randy Randall (Sr., DB) and Shawnell Hall (So., DB).
The emergence of Parker last season has suddenly made 4-5A a four team race, something Dubose looks forward to.
“Ponte Vedra is the defending district champion and is the favorite, as it should be,” Dubose said. “Terry Parker is very athletic and Bishop Kenny is a well-coached team.”
The non-district schedule should have the Wolverines well prepared again for district play, with games against Class 7A teams Oakleaf (8-2), Lee (7-4) and Fletcher.
The district should be decided with games at Bishop Kenny (Sept. 16), Ponte Vedra (Sept. 30) and at Parker (Oct. 14) and Wolfson (Oct. 21).
“We have a chance to step up and compete for the district title,” Dubose said. “We have the opportunity to do something special here, unlike last year, we just have to finish the job. For us to be successful we have to be physical, aggressive, and take advantage of opportunities.”
Westside Wolverines
Wolverines On The Playoff Prowl
Written by Corey Davis
Photo by jacksonville.com
