Replacing Ricky Slade (as seen on UltimateRecruit.com)

The first thing one notices is the energy. Juanya Braxton has barrels to burn, keeping his compact physique on the move. If it’s not the energy, one can’t help but notice the smile. Braxton can light up a room with his 100-watt grin, which is outshined only by the Hylton back’s self-confidence.

(Video at: http://www.ultimaterecruit.com/nova-football/clash-spotlight-mvp-hylton-rb-juanya-braxton-video/)

“You’re ready to write about me?,” asks the Bulldog to a reporter, midway through Sunday’s “Clash of the Titans” camp. While the question sounded overly confident, it became evident by day’s end that the answer would be yes, as Braxton was announced as the Northern Virginia 
regional running back MVP of the Clash.

The junior’s self-confidence will come in handy, especially as Hylton coach Tony Lilly and his staff try to reconfigure their team after the loss of several key seniors, including All-American running back Ricky Slade. Addressing the situation on Sunday, defensive coordinator John Harris, asked about the 2018 forecast for the Bulldogs, quipped, “well, first we have to make up 2,000 yards.”

Braxton acts ready for the responsibility. “I can’t wait to accept the challenge,” said the 5-8, 170-pound runner over the phone on Tuesday. “I’m training every day, and sometimes I’ll train, go to school, train, go to work, come back and work out some more.”

The rusher’s personality and work ethic are most evident in the weight room, where Hylton’s 6 AM lifting sessions are a crucial component of the strength program. “His energy builds the team up,” says quarterback Keyshawn Copeland, “especially that early in the morning. He’s real hype and loud!”

And self-aware. With Slade gathering almost every running back carry for the Region 6A finalists, it was hard for the younger backs to get experience. In need of advice, Braxton went straight to the source.

“He (Slade) showed me a lot of things, especially with agility and explosiveness,” said Braxton, who also worked on his speed and claims a 4.58 40-yard time. “He taught me how to not only make a move at the right time, but to make sure it’s the RIGHT move,” he added with emphasis on the concept that not every move will work in a given situation. He made the most of their one season together. “When I realized how good he is, I spent as much time with him as possible.”

Now, Braxton, who also plays outside linebacker and cornerback on the defense, hopes to put his new skills to good use. Sunday’s display was just a start. “I want to show the coaches that I can replicate what Ricky did.”

And in August, he’ll get his chance.

Neiser Brothers Lead Colgan High O-Line

One of the bigger surprises in Northern Virginia prep football last year was the initial success of its newest varsity team, from Charles Colgan High in Manassas. Under coach Steve Baudendistel, the Sharks finished their rookie campaign in the Cardinal District with a 3-7 record, and while the record wasn’t totally unexpected, the offensive firepower of the Colgan offense was. The Sharks averaged almost 31 points per game in 2017, including two outbursts of 55-plus in wins against Osbourn Park (61) and Gar-Field (56).

While the maturation of junior Justin Kapp (1,345 yards, 14 TD’s in 2017) at quarterback is a main factor in the Sharks’ ability to move the ball and score, two of the biggest reasons for Colgan’s success on offense can be found on the right side of their O-line. It is here that the Neiser brothers, George and John, hold down the fort as they keep Kapp protected and able to make his throwing progressions.

Both brothers are sophomores, and as 11^th grade, and a new season, looms in the horizon, their work in the trenches is drawing raves from coaches at the next level. John, at six feet and 205 pounds, is the smaller of the pair, and plays right tackle. John spoke of the chemistry with the two brothers and teammates at last Sunday’s Clash of the Titans, held at Highland Springs.

“It certainly helps having him next to me,” said John, who is able to spot his brother at right guard, if needed. “We have been playing together since Pee-Wee football about five or six years ago, and it’s good to know what the person next to me is thinking and what he will do next.”

Coming on to a first-year varsity team made the bond all the more crucial.

“Hylton and Forest Park are in our area, but by eighth grade, we knew where we would be going,” added John, speaking of Colgan, which is located on Dumfries Road, and opened its doors in August 2016. “It was a challenge starting a team from the ground up.”

But the Sharks melded together quickly. With Kapp, the transfer from DeMatha (MD), at the helm, Justin Bell at running back, and receivers Blake Edwards, Joshua Mumphrey and six-foot-four Kaeleb Carter catching passes, the junior varsity led off the first season with an 8-1 record against district competition, putting the expectations at a high level as varsity play began last fall. Still, in retrospect, John thought they would be better.

“I expected us to be 5-5 and maybe make the playoffs,” and with a year of varsity experience under their belts, John feels that a post-season run is in the cards for 2018.

George, at 6-4 and 295, is a behemoth of a player, large by high school, and most college, football standards. At the Clash, he repeatedly put ensuing defenders on their backsides as a 1-on-1 pass rush drill was held in the Highland Springs end zone.

It was hard to tell during the drill that the lineman with bushy long blonde hair was working on the weak part of his blocking game, if there is such a thing.

“I was always a good run blocker,” said George, “but last year I wanted to work on my pass protection more. I need to lean forward and stay low, and sometimes I didn’t do that last year.”

Like his sibling, John felt that the Sharks were good last year, but saw it as a stepping stone. “We had to learn how to play together, and there were bumps that we had to work out.”

Fortunately, one of the advantages of playing for a new school and team is the overwhelming majority of underclassmen on every athletic squad. Overall, Colgan was blessed with a good football turnout, starting with roughly 90 players, and counting 75 on their roster. Of that number, only “four or five key contributors” will be lost to graduation, according to George.

As the team progresses, so will the visibility of both brothers. This year was their second at the Clash, and they enjoyed the experience.

“It’s more organized this year,” said George. “It’s running along better and everybody knows what is going on.” He was happy to see a “lot of former teammates, from little league and middle school.

“The competition was much better this year,” added John, “and definitely a lot better.”

There will be other camps in the duo’s future. Virginia is on the list, as is a return to Maryland, Howard and Shenandoah University. In the meantime, they are mostly in the questionnaire phase of their recruiting, with both drawing interest from Rutgers, UNC, Howard, Cincinnati (George) and Wake Forest.

Next season will be a pivotal one for both the players and team. If the Sharks retain the 45 sophomores from last year’s roster, bonded with a full year of varsity ball, a winning record and post-season activity should be in the cards for the Sharks.

Hylton QB K. Copeland Ready to Take Next Step

After a 2017 season that saw the emergence of Hylton’s tall, lanky quarterback, Keyshawn Copeland is ready to step his game up for the Bulldogs, with his arm, and mindset.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QiTiOlAf5pU (Monet Anderson of TimeOut Sports interviews Keyshawn)

“Our biggest challenge is that Ricky’s leaving,” says Copeland, referring to All-American running back Ricky Slade, who will transcend his game with Penn State starting this fall. “People think we’re going to be a mess, but I want to step it up with the leadership, and show that we are all straight business.”

At Sunday’s “Clash of the Titans,” it was Copeland’s toughness that was on display, and his performance was good enough to earn the Bulldog quarterback MVP honors for the camp.

“I felt like I did pretty good,” said the 6-3 junior, “with the food poisoning and all.” Although the malady was a self-diagnosis, it was the flu like symptoms that had Copeland weak and in need of constant hydration on Sunday. In spite of his altered state, Copeland was mentally alert and knew of one adjustment that he needed to make during a passing drill.

“My release is fast, but I need to keep my elbow up,” said Copeland, who started a quarterback/receiver drill with a few bullets which were closer to the target’s shoelaces than bread basket. After making the adjustment, his first pass darted toward his intended reciever and popped the target square in the chest, making a sound that impressed his QB coach for the day – none other than Phillip Sims, current John Marshall High coach and former USA Today high school All-American and University of Alabama and Virginia quarterback.

“You need to throw EVERY pass like that from now on,” yelled Sims, clearly impressed with the speed and accuracy of Copeland’s bullet. Having the encouragement of the former all-time Virginia touchdown and yardage leader made an impression on Copeland.

“It made me think I was doing something right. He was paying attention, and that makes me want to work harder. You realize that someone is always watching you.”

Colleges have already taken notice. Minutes before Tuesday’s phone call, the University of Buffalo texted Copeland with an invitation to their Spring game. He can’t attend, but has been in contact with their QB coach. He has visited Towson State and Richmond (twice) as the Spider quarterback mentor, Coach Aaron Corp, worked with Copeland’s brother, who will be a graduate redshirt senior in 2018.

“I am busy every weekend,” admits Copeland, who has also drawn interest from Temple and the University of Virginia.

Copeland has plenty to look forward to in 2018, but knows that his current squad is a young one. “We lost a lot of seniors, but we have people coming up. These guys aren’t big, but they’re quick. If we can get the time in the weight room, we’ll be alright.”

As a junior, Copeland threw for just over 1600 yards with 23 touchdowns – not bad for the leader of an offense known mostly for its 2,000 yard rusher (Slade). He mentioned Taevon Johnson and Joshua Hunt as two outside receivers who should become his main passing targets in 2018. As far as replacing Slade goes, several backs will surely be in contention. But Juanya Braxton, who won the region running back MVP at the Clash, looks to be a frontrunner.

Perhaps speaking to his health recovery from Sunday, or looking ahead to 2018, Copeland summed up his situation on Tuesday evening. “I’m good now.”