Dinwiddie 2023

[VolNation85_rivals]

@BleedingNavy and @DinwiddieProud first let me say congratulations to you guys, the players, coaches, and community! Heck of a season!

Now to my post...I noticed that Dinwiddie was pretty senior heavy this year, more so on defense than offense. Based on who started the State championship game, I believe every on offense graduates besides 2, 5, 6, 53, and 54 and everyone on defense graduates besides 18, 20, 42, and 45. What's the realistic expectation from the 2023 team? Do you think Dalton will have to play significant time on defense?

Just know what I know about Coach Mills and the Dinwiddie program, I would expect them to be very competitive and be one of the top 3 teams in Region B again. But it can be difficult to replace so many starters as well. Just curious on your thoughts.

 

[DinwiddieProud]

The Dinwiddie community thanks you for you comments. We are all proud, but humbled. And a bit sad. For one team to win in a championship game, another has to lose. And that team is made up of kids with family and friends, just like ours. So, I’m sad for them.

It’s a bit early to know at this time, but I like to have faith in what is often said about programs led by coaches like Billy Mills. They don’t rebuild, but just reload. My feelings are that we will be ok on the offensive side of the ball. With Daulton, Tucker, and Wiggins back, I think that assures us of having significant offensive firepower.

As you noted, there are a lot of senior starters moving on. But, that is the case most every year. Perhaps the best thing about this Dinwiddie team was that it wasn’t dependent on one or two superstars. Of course we had a few players that were regularly named as having great games, but the outcome of games didn’t depend on one or two players having great or poor games. So hopefully, the holes will be filled and we can find success again next year.

I‘ll add this, the 10 years since we won the championship in 2013 proves how difficult it is to win it all. Even with a good solid program like Coach Mill’s has built, nothing is easy or guaranteed. So nothing is taken for granted. Come January 3, it will be back to work.

 

[71ShadesofNavy]

Our defense was senior heavy specifically our defensive backs; however, this is fairly normal for us. Due to their experience and leadership losing Mankin, McBride, Parsons and Drumgoole will sting; however, the cupboard is not bare. Returning starters and very capable backups who have been waiting in wings should provide the support we need to be fairly solid on defense. I am not worried about the offense at all. Way too many weapons left and we very deep on the o line. My main concern is the loss of left tackle C. Jackson. He did not give up a sack all season.

King George, Varina, and Hanover, lost their starting quarterback and best running back. Dinwiddie did not. I do not want to sound like I am boasting, but 85% of our offensive production returns and there are two or three hidden gems who faired very well when utilized against sound defenses. You can never judge the Generals by our JV. Prior to the season I knew our defense was sound, but I thought our offense led by a 14/15 year old QB would take time to gel. Well it jelled in game one. I believe our defense will need to work to top that, but by game 4 we will be fine.

Our Middle School team had 60 players and won every game. Six of those players could see playing time next year and the o line is massive. Winning the title again should bring out more athletes. Mills lives by the challenge and he never gets complacent. We will be in the mix in 2023.

Oops forgot one question. No I don't think Dalton will play defense.

 

[General172011]

@BleedingNavy and @DinwiddieProud first let me say congratulations to you guys, the players, coaches, and community! Heck of a season!

Now to my post...I noticed that Dinwiddie was pretty senior heavy this year, more so on defense than offense. Based on who started the State championship game, I believe every on offense graduates besides 2, 5, 6, 53, and 54 and everyone on defense graduates besides 18, 20, 42, and 45. What's the realistic expectation from the 2023 team? Do you think Dalton will have to play significant time on defense?

Just know what I know about Coach Mills and the Dinwiddie program, I would expect them to be very competitive and be one of the top 3 teams in Region B again. But it can be difficult to replace so many starters as well. Just curious on your thoughts.

I wouldn’t look to deep into it in 2013 we basically graduated 16-17 starters and were 2 plays away from 10-0. In 2016 we graduated about 14 and finished 10-0 again. My point being we are not going to make an excuse we will find a way & come August there will be 22 starters who Coach Mills & Coach Davis are comfortable with

 

[71ShadesofNavy]

I wouldn’t look to deep into it in 2013 we basically graduated 16-17 starters and were 2 plays away from 10-0. In 2016 we graduated about 14 and finished 10-0 again. My point being we are not going to make an excuse we will find a way & come August there will be 22 starters who Coach Mills & Coach Davis are comfortable with

BINGO!

 

[71ShadesofNavy]

VaPreps posters please let me clear up something. I am not a Dinwiddie graduate, nor do I even live in the County. I can spit on it, but I live just over the line. When I moved to the area I fell in love with the place and it's people. I worked in the County for over 20 years and my wife is still employed with the school system. I have followed the team since 1989 and up until the pandemic rarely missed a game. Like so many of us we try to give back to the kids and place we love. Navy Nation is not the team it's the community. Yes, I know the history, stats and just about everything my pea brain can comprehend, but there is a poster on here who paved the way for us to even discuss this State Championship. He knows the program from the inside out. You know him as @General172011, but I fondly call him "big man"! When I looked up from the sidelines and saw #17 setting in the front row along with other former players I couldn't help but appreciate him for his leadership and devotion to the program. The GOAT Adam Morgan was also there to watch Harry break his record. You ask if Dinwiddie will contend. Take a look at #17's comments above. The belief and buy in is still there after 12 years. Now that my friends is why Navy Nation will always be relevant!

 

[DinwiddieProud]

Well said sir.

I am excited to see more and more of the former players becoming involved with rooting on their newest teammates each week.

I encourage all of you coaches and football support staff to find a way to bring your past players back into the fold. It serves two very important purposes. First, at the appropriate time, the past and current players get to know each other, and the past players can provide advice and mentorship. And secondly, many times after their playing time is done at the high school level, there is a void, that left unforfilled, can open the way for poor decisions. Coming back and being around what for most kids, was a huge part of their young lives, renews purpose and meaning. And acceptance.

So folks, foster this with your own teams. Being “all about the kids” doesn’t stop after graduation.

 

[DinwiddieProud]

Our defense was senior heavy specifically our defensive backs; however, this is fairly normal for us. Due to their experience and leadership losing Mankin, McBride, Parsons and Drumgoole will sting; however, the cupboard is not bare. Returning starters and very capable backups who have been waiting in wings should provide the support we need to be fairly solid on defense. I am not worried about the offense at all. Way too many weapons left and we very deep on the o line. My main concern is the loss of left tackle C. Jackson. He did not give up a sack all season.

King George, Varina, and Hanover, lost their starting quarterback and best running back. Dinwiddie did not. I do not want to sound like I am boasting, but 85% of our offensive production returns and there are two or three hidden gems who faired very well when utilized against sound defenses. You can never judge the Generals by our JV. Prior to the season I knew our defense was sound, but I thought our offense led by a 14/15 year old QB would take time to gel. Well it jelled in game one. I believe our defense will need to work to top that, but by game 4 we will be fine.

Our Middle School team had 60 players and won every game. Six of those players could see playing time next year and the o line is massive. Winning the title again should bring out more athletes. Mills lives by the challenge and he never gets complacent. We will be in the mix in 2023.

Oops forgot one question. No I don't think Dalton will play defense.

You know something BN, you are a pretty smart fellow for someone who took all those blows to the head in your leather helmet era.