Season Preview: Quantico Warriors

Hugh Rist
Published: August 27, 2008

Something old, something new, and even something borrowed are elements that Quantico coach Ken Woodie hopes will lead to great success for the Warriors, who enter the 2008 season with winless records in each of the past two seasons.

But the familiar element is Woodie himself, who last served as head coach at Quantico in 2005, and led the Warriors to an 8-2 mark en route to a playoff berth.

Woodie, who had a 40-40 ledger as head coach at Quantico from 1998-2005, decided to return after former head coach John Pierce took an assistant position at King George.

Another familiar ingredient is something that doesn’t happen often at Quantico. Woodie has two players remaining from his 2005 playoff team and both figure to play key roles this season for the Warriors.

One is senior quarterback Brenton Roberts and another is senior guard and linebacker Chris McNair.

“Both of these guys are familiar with how I coach and I will look to them to provide leadership and help teach some of our younger guys how to play football,” Woodie said. “For some of our players, this is their first exposure to football, so we need strong leadership from these (returning) players. What we want to instill in all the players is there is honor in playing football, that you do your best for 60 minutes, and that you never lose a game, you just run out of time.”

Quantico’s borrowed feature is actually someone familiar as well. Mike Feldman, a former head coach at Osbourn Park who still teaches there, returns to Woodie’s staff as offensive coordinator.

Quantico, with its small roster, must take advantage of its versatility and the enthusiasm of its players to be successful.

“Most of our kids will start on the field and probably never leave it. (They will) just move to wherever they need to go on offense, defense, or special teams,” Woodie said. “But because these young men come from military families, they have an incredible work ethic and that attitude is terrific.”

The Warriors will need contributions from several newcomers, Woodie said. One of these is Chase King, who is a transfer from North Carolina, Woodie said.

Besides quarterback, King should also see time at nose guard, center, and defensive line, according to Woodie.

Another newcomer is senior offensive lineman Steve Smith, who played for Quantico two years ago, but took last season off.

One of the main targets for Roberts this season figures to be junior wideout/kick returner Nick Clark, whom Woodie calls “a solid little player.”

Clark should also see time at defensive end. Junior Masaki Omuru from Japan will lead the Warriors’ special teams as the kicker and will also play at defensive end.

Team info
2007 record: 0-9
Offensive look: Wing-T
Defensive look: 5-3
Returning starters: 5 (offense); 5 (defense)
Last playoff appearance: 2005
Overall record last five years: 14-25
Speed merchant: QB Brenton Roberts (5-7, 140, sr.), who Woodie calls “a real playmaker.” Woodie says the athleticism of Roberts as well as his experience will be major factors in the success of Quantico’s offense.
Powerhouse performer: Coach Ken Woodie cited OG/LB Chris McNair (5-11, 170, sr.) who is “a very hard hitter” and WR/DE Nick Clark (5-8, 150, jr.), who has “done a lot of weight training over the summer” for this honor. “Both of these guys are extremely hard workers who have gotten stronger going into this season,” Woodie said.
Blue collar special: Ricky Dreuery (5-9, 150, sr.), who played running back last year but may play on the line this season. He should play linebacker on defense. “Ricky is one of those kids who will play anywhere he is needed. He may not want to play on the line, but will if that is what is best for the team. He has a great attitude and work ethic,” Woodie said.
Other key returners: K/DE Masaki Omuru (6-0, 160, jr.)
Promising newcomers: OL Steve Smith (6-0, 200, sr.); C/NG/QB Chase King (5-9, 165, so.)

Head coach
Ken Woodie
Age: 49
Year as Quantico’s head coach: 9th
Overall Record at Quantico: 40-40
Coaching background: Assistant head coach, Buena Vista Regional H.S. (N.J.) 1984-85; assistant coach, Bishop Ireton H.S., 1985-86, assistant coach, Edison H.S., 1986-87, assistant coach, King George H.S., 1988-90; assistant coach, Spotsylvania H.S., 1991-96, assistant coach, Chancellor H.S., 1997; head coach, Quantico, 1998-2005.
Teaches: Physical education
Family: Wife Robin, daughters Danielle and Melissa
SCHEDULE
(all games at 7:00 p.m. unless noted)
Aug. 29 Massanutten
Sept. 5 Carlisle School
Sept. 12 Hampton Roads Academy
Sept. 26 at Word of Life
Oct. 3 Kenston Forest (6:30 p.m.)
Oct. 11 at Fairfax Kings (2 p.m.)
Oct. 17 at Southampton (7:30 p.m.)
Oct. 24 Chincoteague