Entering his second year as the Benedictine head football coach, Greg Lilly knows the job doesn’t get any easier. As usual, his team plays an inherently tough schedule and has several early season tests that could set the tone for the remainder of the year.

  “Our schedule this year is brutal,” Lilly said. “Goochland, FUMA, Collegiate, and LCA (Liberty Christian Academy) all made the playoffs last year.”
  And if that wasn’t enough, this season’s slate features other playoff caliber teams that will challenge Lilly’s young Cadets. 

  “Woodberry Forest was the top private school in the state of Virginia and Poly Prep was the number one private school in New York. Atlee and Bishop Ireton both missed the playoffs by a game,” Lilly said. “Flint Hill played in the VISAA state championship two years ago.  St. Chris is much improved and is a huge rivalry game.”

  This year’s Benedictine team will rely on the passing arm of junior quarterback David Geary. “He’s our team leader, a very competitive young man who refuses to be outworked on the field, in the weight room, and in the classroom,” Lilly said.  “David is a 4.0 student and a leader in the Cadet Corps.  He is a strong, accurate thrower with good pocket presence.”

  The Cadets will also depend on the solid running and pass catching skills of Kendall Squire, a double threat coming out of the backfield.

  Senior linebacker Nick Valentine will anchor the Cadets defense, and junior standout Nigel Williams will provide the muscle on the defensive line.

  Other players to keep an eye on are John Mosier at offensive tackle, Ben McSweeney at free safety and Charley Meyer at wide receiver and outside linebacker.

  “We will be young but talented — Inexperienced but athletic,” Lilly said. “I think we have the potential to have a great passing game led by Geary but we need to continue to improve up front and protect the passer.”

  Lilly feels his team’s production will not lack in intensity or effort. “This year’s team has prepared well in the off season and has practiced very hard during August.”

  The squad kicks off its 2010 campaign against neighborhood rival Goochland, a game that is quickly becoming a county tradition.

  “Coach Fowler does a great job over there, and we always look forward to playing them,” Lilly said. “Playing Goochland early helps to prepare us for the remainder of the schedule.”

  He knows the Bulldogs always come prepared for the first game and that’s a positive for his young squad. “It is fun but challenging preparing for and competing with Goochland because you know Coach Fowler will have his players well trained and well prepared,” Lilly said.

  The coach said it’s also a good place to get a healthy dose of the high school football experience for his team. “The Friday Night atmosphere at Goochland is outstanding and is always a great place for your season opener.”
  The teams square off at Goochland High School this Friday at 7:30 p.m.