Season preview: Freedom Eagles

By Robert Daski

Published: August 27, 2008

The wins that Freedom picked up over 2007 playoff teams Brooke Point and Gar-Field last year were comforting.

But there was no need for the Eagles to celebrate as if they won a state title.

“We didn’t tear down the goalposts after we won those games,” Freedom coach John Robinette said. “We were going out there expecting to win.”

The objective is to add to that win total this year and a high number of varsity players will try to make that possible. Robinette says 23 seniors have roster spots, so leadership and having stronger athletes will not be a problem.

“We don’t have to play a bunch of sophomores and juniors,” Robinette said. “A kid coming in as a freshman is physically different than a senior.

“Last year we got over the hump where we were physically matching up with teams. This year we’ve got to work from the shoulders up and get better at what we do.”

Returning players include quarterbacks Lamar Howard and Keith Johnson. Howard threw for 463 yards last year, Johnson 554.

Robinette is leaning toward choosing Johnson as his starter, but has not said who will start. Johnson is taking snaps with the first-team offense.

“Both are getting better,” Robinette said. “They’re doing a good job.”

Senior running back Deon Jones (123 carries, 488 yards in 2007) returns, as does slot receiver Raghib Tyler. Tyler caught 17 passes last year for 137 yards and a touchdown.

Jones and Tyler look to continue their production in a system that Robinette and coaching assistants Darryl Overton and Greg Johnson attempted to simplify in the offseason following a year where the players had a lot to learn.

“The approach was we’re going to throw everything we can at them instead of one method of let’s keep it simple, give them the base stuff and that’s it,” Robinette said. “I went the other way. Let’s throw it all at them and see what sticks and what doesn’t. What’s too much for
them?

“We brought it down to a reasonable thing with what we were successful at, what works for our kids. We came up with a pretty good offense.”

Robinette hopes it works during a season of games against Brooke Point, Gar-Field, Group AA Division 4 state champion Amherst and Cardinal District foes Potomac and Woodbridge, two teams that appeared in the Group AAA Division 5 and Division 6 finals, respectively.

“We like the idea of playing that schedule,” Robinette said. “If you want to be the best, play the best. It certainly is that way in the Cardinal District. Every team out there is pretty good.

“I tell the kids physically we had the offseason where we can match up with people.”

Team info
2007 record: 2-8
Offensive look: Multiple set
Defensive look: 4-4
Returning starters: 7 (offense); 6 (defense)
Last playoff appearance: None
Overall record last five years: 4-26 (school has only fielded a varsity team since 2005)
Speed merchant: Senior RB Deon Jones (5-8, 170) comes off a year where he ran for 488 yards. His lone 100-yard performance came against Gar-Field in October.
Powerhouse performer: Senior OL/DL Corey Carter (6-3, 275). He will be counted on for his leadership and raising the enthusiasm of the younger players. “He’s done a great job leading the group and being vocal,” coach John Robinette said. “He has really come in this year ready to go.”
Blue collar special: Senior center Joel Francis (6-1, 230). He returns to anchor the offensive line and is showing a willingness to take charge. “He’s the boss in there,” Robinette said. “He makes all the calls.”
Other key returners: WR/DB Trask Haley (5-11, 150, sr.); QB Lamar Howard (5-10, 170, sr.); OL/DL Durrell Hurt (6-0, 225, sr.); QB Keith Johnson (6-0, 180, sr.); OL/DL Daniel Thompson (6-1, 250, sr.); RB/LB Raghib Tyler (5-8, 160, sr.).
n Promising newcomers: WR Davon Wise (5-7, 160, sr.); OL/DL Omar Hildago (5-7, 290, so.); RB Lee Taylor (5-6, 150, so.).
Head coach
John Robinette
Age: 36
Year as Freedom’s head coach: 2nd
Overall Record: 2-8
Coaching background: Head coach, Hyde School, 2001-2003; assistant coach, Freedom H.S., 2004-2006
Teaches: U.S. History
Family: Wife Jennifer; son, Hayden,
daughter, Allison.

SCHEDULE
(all games at 7:30 p.m. unless noted)
Sept. 5 Mountain View
Sept. 12 Brooke Point
Sept. 19 at Stonewall Jackson
Sept. 26 Amherst
Oct. 3 at Gar-Field
Oct. 10 at Forest Park
Oct. 17 at Hylton
Oct. 24 Gar-Field
Oct. 31 at Woodbridge
Nov. 7 Potomac