Before they can put on a show for their parents, fans, and fellow students under the bright lights of Friday night, the Dinwiddie Generals football team must first put in some long hours in the scorching summer heat in order to prepare. That preparation hit it’s peak last week when the Generals made their annual week long pre-season visit to Fort Pickett for camp.
Players and coaches arrived at Fort Pickett on Sunday evening and spent the next 6 days getting ready for this season before returning home on Saturday. The trip away from home allows the players the opportunity to concentrate on football while they also learn to work together as a team.
Dinwiddie head coach Billy Mills couldn’t put enough stress on the impact the team’s trip to Fort Pickett has on his team every year. “It’s one of the most important things we do, right up there with what we do in our offseason training. We wouldn’t have the success we’ve had if we didn’t do it every year.”
Following 4 days of intense practice the Generals made the trip out to Virginia Beach to take on a talented Ocean Lakes team in a scrimmage. The matchup was a great way for the Generals to see where they are as a team and what they need to spend more time working on. Ocean Lakes finished last season 12-1 while reaching the Division 6 Eastern Regional Final, losing only to eventual Division 6 State Champion Oscar Smith High School, so the Generals knew they would get a challenge from one of Virginia’s best teams.
“We still have some things to work out,” said Mills, “Overall I was pleased with how we played, especially on defense. Right now our defense is ahead of our offense.”
The defense figures to be strong for the Generals with senior LB Jason Ampy and junior DE Corey Marshall leading the way. Other returning starters include senior DE Brian Belangia and junior LB Andre Thweatt.
The Dinwiddie offense looked good at times and moved the football, but couldn’t finish drives with touchdowns. “We did some nice things on offense, but just didn’t get points,” said Mills.
New Generals QB Chris Hall was impressive at times displaying his ability to make plays both with his arm and his feet. Talented WR Quintaze Jackson returns this season to give Dinwiddie another big-time playmaker on offense. The offensive group returns only 2 starters, Jackson and RG Ryan Tavener, but that doesn’t mean there is a lack of talent. Several young players like 6-foot-5 junior WR Trey Gardner and sophomore WR Drakar Harvell showed the ability to make plays against a stingy Ocean Lakes defense.
Now that camp has wrapped up the Generals get back to work Monday on a regular practice schedule in preparation for the season. They will also have another scrimmage this Thursday August 27th at L.C. Bird High School. The scrimmage will include L.C. Bird, Hermitage and Dinwiddie. Starting time is 5 pm.
The season opens at home for the Generals in less than two weeks when Poquoson travels to Dinwiddie on Friday September 4th. A week later, the Generals will host Varina in a game many area high school football fans are excited to see.
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