Season preview: Hylton Bulldogs

By Robert Daski

Published: August 27, 2008

Hylton got humbled last season. For the first time since the program fielded its first varsity team in 1992, the Bulldogs had a losing season, finishing 3-7.

The streak of 15 straight non-losing seasons had come to an abrupt end. 

“Last year’s team got shocked a little bit when we didn’t do well,” Hylton coach Lou Sorrentino said. “It was hard on them because we hadn’t been in that position before to deal with adversity. We didn’t handle it real well.”

Players are eager to return to the postseason and are using last year as a source of motivation.

“Hopefully if you learn from last year, you learn things aren’t handed to you and about team chemistry and sticking together and fighting through the hard times,” Sorrentino said. “If we do that, we can be district champs and that’s our goal.”

A 28-26 loss to Cardinal District foe and Group AAA Division 5 state finalist Potomac gives the Bulldogs reason to believe they can be a threat.

“There’s a thin line between the top of this district and the bottom,” Sorrentino said. “Then you got teams from Forest Park and Freedom that are going to be much better. It’s a real tough district.

“So I like our guys and we’re going to throw our hat in the ring just like everybody else and battle and we’ll see how that plays out.”
How well quarterbacks Jabari Dukes and Joel Himan progress will be a storyline to follow.

Dukes spent last year on the junior varsity squad. Himan played four games last year, throwing for 313 yards and two touchdowns before a leg injury sidelined him for the year. Himan also suffered arm soreness playing for Hylton’s baseball team.

“I think they’re both going to play,” Sorrentino said. “I think they both have a chance to be pretty good. I like our quarterback situation.”
Hylton’s running back situation is not bad either.

Seniors Bill Nyantaki (85 carries, 365 yards, 4.3 yards per carry in 2007), Staphon Heaton (66 carries, 258 yards, 3.9 ypg, four touchdowns), Khyree Blake (62 carries, 329 yards, 5.3 ypg, four touchdowns) and Reggie Douglas (seven carries, 54 yards) look to share carries.

Seniors Ron Neverson and Britt Burton return to anchor the offensive line.

The defense, though, will try and improve as the season goes on. Senior defensive back Jamar Hylton and lineman Iatezaz Tariq lead the unit.

Linebackers Rex Willis and Christian Harris and cornerbacks Iric Harris and Dominique Miller are other playmakers Sorrentino is high on.

“They’re going to be good,” Sorrentino said. “The question is how soon on the varsity level.”

Team info
2007 record: 3-7
Offensive look: Multiple set
Defensive look: 4-4, multiple set
Returning starters: 6 (offense); 3 (defense)
Last playoff appearance: 2005
Overall record last five years:
45-14
Speed merchants: Senior RB Bill Nyantaki (5-6, 170) runs a 4.5 40-yard dash and benches more than 300 pounds. Senior RB Dayne Mullins (5-10, 180) is the Cardinal District 100-meter dash champion.
Powerhouse performers: Senior offensive linemen Britt Burton (6-4, 350) and Ron Neverson (6-3, 305) bench more than 300 pounds and both will be counted on to anchor the offensive line as Hylton looks to take advantage of its strong running game.
Blue collar specials: Senior RB Khyree Blake (5-9, 175), junior QB Jabari Dukes (6-1, 175) and senior QB Joel Himan (5-10, 185) are hard-working athletes who look to step up and lead the Hylton offense.
Other key returners:  RB Reggie Douglas (5-8, 180, sr.); RB Staphon Heaton (5-9, 180, sr.); S/OLB Jamar Hilton (6-0, 190, sr.); DE Briama Pekanyande (6-2, 240, sr.); FB/LB Iatezaz Tariq (6-1, 235, sr.); WR/DB Kevin Wheeler (6-1, 175, sr.); WR/DB Travis Marion (6-2, 170, jr.)
Promising newcomers: LB Rex Willis (5-10, 185, jr.); LB Christian Harris (5-8, 190, so.); CB Iric Harris (5-10, 160 so.); CB Dominique Miller (5-10, 155, so.)

Head coach
Lou Sorrentino
Age: 48
Year as Hylton’s head coach: 7th
Overall Record at Hylton: 58-15
Coaching background: Assistant coach, Stafford H.S. 1982-87; assistant coach George Mason H.S. 1988-89; head coach George Mason H.S. 1990-91; head coach Culpeper H.S. 1992-01
Teaches: U.S. History
Family: Wife Nancy, daughter Toni, son Joe

SCHEDULE
(all games at 7:30 p.m.)
Sept. 5 Stonewall Jackson
Sept. 12 at Lake Taylor
Sept. 19 at Battlefield
Sept. 26 at Forest Park
Oct. 3 Culpeper
Oct. 10 at Gar-Field
Oct. 17 Freedom
Oct. 24 at Woodbridge
Oct. 31 Potomac
Nov. 7 Forest Park