By Matthew Hatfield

Correspondent

Football practice is under way all across the Hampton Roads area, but the King’s Fork Bulldogs got an early jump on things by returning to Old Dominion University’s Team Camp for a second straight year from July 16-18.

King’s Fork’s players and coaches soaked up three hours per day in the heat, getting some work in and valuable teaching to returnees from last year as well as several new faces.

“I think it’s a benefit in a lot of ways. Getting the guys together, in pads and helmets, getting a little thud, it really helps, especially some of the younger guys,” commented King’s Fork coach Joe Jones.

“When Dave Waddell came over to be our defensive coordinator, he’s the one that told me about it and urged us to go. It’s nice to go against other teams because now you’re not going against the same guys all the time, and it’s great for camaraderie, too.”

During the camp, the Bulldogs were without the main cog in their offensive attack, rising senior running back Deshaun Wethington. In three seasons, Wethington has rushed over 4,200 yards and will be aiming to leave his mark as one of the best around.

“I believe he’s in the argument as one of the top backs in the state,” Jones said.

Newcomer Darran Butts, a sophomore, looks to offer support in the running game at slot-back along with a pair of seniors, Kevin Cotton and Mike Pearson.

Returning at quarterback will be senior Ryan Kluck, last year’s starter. They are encouraged about his progress.

“Ryan has been around me for eight years now, coming to youth camps with me ever since he was in fourth or fifth grade,” Jones noted. “He’s matured and we feel better about that position than last year because it was a big question mark.”

There are sizable holes to fill up front. King’s Fork lost four out of five starting offensive linemen from the 2014 squad. Cullen Marshall, who started at left guard, is back and shifts to center for his senior year.

“The core offensive linemen have had a good off-season in the weight room,” Jones added. “We’re also going to be a little bigger up front than we were in the past.”

Defensively, there will be plenty of continuity on the line with Marshall, Travius Cheeks, Austin Williams and Josh Bush. All four started a year ago.

“Our strength on defense will definitely be the guys up front,” admitted Jones.

Behind them, senior Notorious Brown is a three-year starter at linebacker and a “team leader [who] plays bigger and physical” than his 5-foot-9-inch, 190-pound frame.

With some significant graduation departures at the linebacker and secondary levels in Kane Miskel (ODU), TyQuan Weston, Akil Freeman and Duke Santora, the Bulldogs are looking to develop playmakers.

One who solidified his spot is senior defensive back Quadarius Boyd, one of the few full-time two-way players on the team. Jones indicated that they could potentially start two sophomores, Quincy Gregg and Bryan Walker, as well as a freshman in Chris Shearin in the secondary.

After missing the playoffs in each of the first eight years of the program’s existence, King’s Fork has posted a 26-11 record over the last three seasons. They will be seeking their fourth straight playoff trip in 2015.

“The ship’s going in the right direction. The guys have bought into it, believe in us and have faith in what we’re doing,” Jones said.

“Our goal every year is to raise the bar and it is this year. As I told our guys this year, it’s harder than it was the year before since we finished 10-3 and had our first 10-win season. We want these guys to take enough pride in what they’re doing and how hard they’re working that they don’t want to be the team that drops the ball or lowers the bar.”