ODAC College Football Capsules

BRIDGEWATER

Coach: Mike Clark (18th year)

Last season: 6–4 (3–3 ODAC)

Key players: Sr. QB Carlos Gonzalez, Sr. OL JaRon Moody, Sr. OL Shawn Otte, Jr. OL Kyle Keister, Sr. DL Joel Francis, Sr. DL Danny Grogg, Sr, LB Todd Harris, Jr. CB Orlando Bryant

Outlook: QB Gonzalez threw for 1,788 yards and 15 TDs last fall and will operate behind a strong, experienced line. Harris (47 tackles) and Grogg (40) lead the defense.

CATHOLIC

Coach: Dave Dunn (seventh year)

Last season: 5–5 (1–5 ODAC)

Key players: Sr. WR Alonzo Cooke, Sr. QB Greg Cordivari Jr. RB Mike Pitsenberger, Jr. OL Michael O’Shea, Sr. DT Vinny Cortese, Jr. LB Conor Stueckler, Sr. DB Ryan Klein

Outlook: As usual, the Cardinals will air it out. Cordivari threw for 3,282 yards and 25 TDs in 2011. Stueckler (95 tackles) leads a defense that must improve.

EMORY & HENRY

Coach: Don Montgomery (eighth year)

Last season: 5–5 (2–4 ODAC)

Key players: : Sr. LB Devan Sproles, Sr. DE Duke Terry, Sr. S Tyler Houk, Jr. QB Kyle Boden, Sr. RB Adam Pugh, Sr. WR Corey Ware, Sr. OL Josh Settlemyre Outlook: Sproles, the reigning ODAC defensive player of the year, made 107 tackles and six interceptions in 2011 and leads a formidable unit. Boden passed for 2569 yards and 21 TDs a year ago.

HAMPDEN–SYDNEY

Coach: Marty Favret (13th year)

Last season: 8–3 (5–1 ODAC)

Key players: Sr. RB Evan King, Jr. TE Mike Goad, Jr. OL Will Ferrell, Jr. CB Zach Morgan, Sr. LB Kenny Fryman, Sr. LB Alex Price, Sr. DL Aaron Arant

Outlook: There’s plenty of talent on hand as the Tigers try to become the first repeat ODAC champion since Bridgewater (2001–05). University of Tennessee transfer Nash Nance takes over at QB and will work behind all-ODC OL Ferrell. Fryman (102 tackles) and Morgan (seven interceptions) are all-ODAC defenders.

RANDOLPH–MACON

Coach: Pedro Arruza (ninth year)

Last season: 8–2 (4–2 ODAC)

Key players: So. QB Zac Naccarato, Sr. RB Drake Sanders, Jr. WR Christian Cook, Sr. OL Byron Overstreet, Jr. LB Abel Simpson, Jr. S Andrew Leonard, Sr. K/P Josh Storm

Outlook: The Yellow Jackets’ offense will have a look familiar to area fans. QB Naccarato (Riverbend) was named ODAC rookie of the year (2,105 yards, 14 TDs passing, six rushing). RB Sanders (Massaponax) ran for 711 yds with six TDs, and WR Luke Sellers (Courtland) and TE Dan Crouch (Riverbend) are receiving targets. LB Simpson (50 tackles) and CB Harrison (49) are defensive leaders, and K Storm is a weapon.

SHENANDOAH

Coach: Paul Barnes (11th year)

Last season: 6–4 (5–2 USA South)

Key players: Sr. RB Carl Joseph, Sr. WR Qiydaar Murphy, Sr. OL Jacob Brent, Sr. OL Chris Lewis, Jr. LB Josh Rogers, Jr. S Byron Mitchell, Sr. DE Nick Erdman

Outlook: In their first year in the ODAC, the Hornets will be young on offense. RB Joseph (720 yards) and WR Murphy (58 catches) are rare veterans. LB Rogers is the top returning tackler with 87, and Mitchell had four interceptions.

WASHINGTON & LEE

Coach: Scott Abell (first year)

Last season: 8–2 (5–1 ODAC)

Key players: Sr. S Jake Pelton, Sr. LB Jesse Jenkins, Sr. DE Greg Barton, Sr. RB Brett Murray, Sr. RB Luke Heinsohn, Jr. TE Alex Evans, Jr. OL Connor Hollenbeck

Outlook: Former offensive coordinator Abell was promoted to replace longtime head coach Frank Miriello, who retired. Abell orchestrated Division III’s No. 4 rushing attack in 2011 (332 yards per game). Heinsohn ran for 900 yards and 13 TDs, Murray 867 and 12. Preseason All-America Jake Pelton (76 tackles) leads the defense.

—Steve DeShazo

Permalink: http://news.fredericksburg.com/sports/2012/08/29/odac-college-football-capsules/