Pats, Mustangs set to lock up

Albemarle certainly hasn’t forgotten the number because the Patriots’ coaching staff hasn’t let them, requiring 48 pushups before every practice and weightlifting session this summer — one for every point the eventual Group 3 state champion Monticello squad scored on Albemarle in 2007.
Message received.
“We’re not going to do 48 pushups ever again —not even close,” said Albemarle linebacker Kendall Ravenell.
Still, Albemarle faces a tall task against the Mustangs, who return a bevy of talent, including the entire secondary and quarterback Michael Graham. With the Patriots primed to improve on last season’s
5-5 record, expect fireworks at Albemarle High Friday night.
Monticello handily defeated the Patriots last season, blowing open a close game with a strong second half en route to a 48-20 victory in the 2007 season opener.
Albemarle could try to test the Monticello secondary early with the Patriots’ vertical speed combination at wide receiver, Zach Vrhovac and Jordan Hill. The tandem should create mismatch problems throughout the season, particularly with opposing safeties having to keep an eye on quarterback Jeremy Robinson, who can eat up big chunks of yards with his feet too.
Monticello is up to the task. The secondary is led by returning starters Khiry Washington, Hines Banks and Marvin Mills. Also back is Nolan Thornton, and Damian Whindleton is a promising newcomer.
“We all can’t wait to play,” said Washington, who had an interception against Albemarle last year. “We keep hearing about their three good players — Jordan Hill, Zach Vhrovac and Jeremy Robinson. It’s going to be a good game.”
Monticello’s key to the game is simple.
“We’ve just got to stop the big plays – that’s all we’re worried about,” said Mills, a senior defensive back, who had three interceptions last season.
Albemarle’s defense will have its hands full too, even with the graduation of Daniel Lieb and Takeem Hedgeman. Graham, one of three co-captains along with Mills and Jace Brady, appears ready to take on an even more significant role for the Mustangs. Banks, a versatile 6-foot, 175-pounder, will use his speed on both sides of the ball — he is also slated to start at tailback.
It is a rivalry game unlike any other.
“It’s a big game – they want to beat us since we beat them last year,” Banks said. “And we want to beat them for bragging rights.”
The feeling is mutual — Albemarle’s players claimed the game was having an impact on their sleeping patterns as early as Monday night.
“I love playing Monticello first, it’s going to be a real special game. Everybody is ready and everybody is having trouble sleeping already — we’re all looking forward to it.”
So are Central Virginia football fans.