Wednesday, May 6, 2015

Virginia Chargers remain undefeated as they start their playoff run

BLUEMONT, VA- The Virginia Chargers (6-0) remain undefeated as they posted another shutout at the hands of the Mid-Atlantic Raiders 39-0 at Stanton Field in Washington D.C. on April 25th.


The Chargers remain tied for first place in the Southern Division of the Atlantic Football Association with the Virginia Vengeance (7-0) in spring minor league football.


The Chargers will host the Germantown Gladiators (2-4-1) of the AFA Northern Division  this Saturday at their home stadium, Wolverine Stadium at Woodgrove High School , Purcellville VA. 7:00PM. 


A first place showdown with the Virginia Vengeance is setting up as the Vengeance will make the trip from Virginia Beach to Purcellville on May 23.


The strong start can be attributed to both coaching and production on the field.


"We feel very fortunate to have such a strong coaching staff with Donnie Rowland, Troy Wilt, Scott Dinant, Didymus Tate, and Dusty Hogbin," Owner and Head Coach Louis Simmons Sr. said. "Without their time and dedication we wouldn't be as strong in all areas as we are."


The Chargers have recorded 4 shutouts  Photo by Janette Cox
 The Chargers defense has posted four shutouts in six games yielding only 32 points in their six victories.


"First year defensive coordinator John Scott has completely turned our defense around this season." Simmons said.


Scott, a 2002 Handley Judge, is in his ninth season and was a standout back when the Winchester Tigers were playing at Feltner Stadium in Berryville and has been a rock with the Chargers.


"Our biggest contributors to the success of the Defense Line have been Kevin Owens (Briar Woods HS), AJ Orlebar (Appalachain State), Daniel Orlebar (Appalachain Sate), and Franklin Martin (JMU)," Simmons said. "Our linebacker help from Nick Ross (Chattanooga), Duriel Thomas (Herndon HS), and Tavan Mair (Sherando HS) have been key. Sherman Thomas, Larry Lucas (Woodbridge HS), Dwayne Fodderell (Fauquier HS) Paulo Barco (Heritage HS), and Gerel Nesbitt (Forest Park HS) have all been leaders in the defensive back core to shore up the pass defense."

Michael Roberts running strong.  Photo by James Murphy

The Chargers offense has been equally impressive scoring 149 points in six games averaging 25
points per game.


Offensively our running game with Michael Roberts (Manassas Park HS) has been strong the season," Simmons said.  "But we have suffered some injuries with Deric Dudinski (Park View) and Tony Twigg (James Wood). Receiving core wise Kenneth Griffin (Handley HS) and Dale Taylor (Heritage HS) Richard Myers (Handley HS) and TE Billy Butterfield (Heritage HS) are key players in the passing game. Our offensive line is one our biggest strengths with Louis Simmons Jr. ( Clarke County HS) Lamont Moore ( Shenandoah Univ.) Jeremy Payne (Handley HS) Ryan Swanger (Strasburg HS) and Tyler Heflin (Jefferson HS) who all give our quarterback Brandon Hyler (Jefferson HS) a solid front."


Special teams have played consistently adding to a successful all around team effort.

"Our Special Teams kicker Alhaji Kanu is having an outstanding season and is still looking forward to get to the next level." Simmons said.


The Chargers are hoping to use the fact that many local players from previous area schools are on the team and an undefeated season will help them to increase attendance at home games.

"We have had some great supportive sponsors this season Double D Towing, HIGH TECH Powder Coating, and Purcellville Orthopedic Physical Therapy." Simmons said.

Sherman Thomas CB/ Special Teams  Photo by James Murphy
The Chargers are also very active in giving back to the community through out the season and in the off season the coaches and players give back to the community with Toy for Tots game in December each year, assist with a fundraiser with South Hagerstown High School football program and multiple year football programs as coaches and holding clinics.

The teams official website is The Virginia Charger Official Website








2 comments:

  1. Teams website is www.thevachargers.org not .com

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks for the correction, I fixed it.

    ReplyDelete