Rebels taking aim at another playoff berth

GLENHAYES, W.Va. -- One season ago, the Tolsia Rebels were a bit of an unknown quantity.

Fresh off the school's first state championship berth, head coach Drew Waller faced the task of replacing nearly everyone. Twelve months, six wins and the school's third consecutive playoff berth later; the Rebels find themselves in different circumstances.

Waller lauded his team's effort through the grind of two-a-days.

"Well, the kids have a great attitude this year," Waller said. "They've worked extremely hard. We've got a lot of positions open so I think that's one thing that kind of helps a little bit."

Tolsia features a three-pronged backfield that includes seniors Travis Stamper, Jimbo Smith and sophomore Virgil Salmons. Stamper returns as the team's leading rusher at tailback, while Smith will be at the wingback position. Salmons is one of the more heralded sophomores in the state.

Senior Brady Wellman will provide added depth to the backfield.

Although there is experience in the backfield, Stamper said the onus of the team's success will rely on its younger players, as well as team speed.

"We have a bunch of freshman that are going to have to step up a little bit because we're young," Stamper said. "We're a little bit smaller, so we'll have to rely more on our speed and try to get things done quickly."

Senior quarterback Derrick Robertson impressed Rebel faithful a year ago by throwing for nearly 600 yards and seven touchdowns in an offense that traditionally isn't known for its aerial prowess.

The shift to a more balanced offensive attack should continue, as Robertson's top target from a year ago returns. Senior Tyler Parsons will occupy the split end position. Parsons hauled in 11 passes for 190 yards and three touchdowns in 2007.

"Just like last year, we'd like to have a balanced attack," Parsons said. "I hope we run a little more than pass to get things done. We're older and we have a little more experience so maybe that senior leadership will help carry us."

Senior Jeremy Chapman anchors the offensive line at center. He will be flanked by guards Hardin Spaulding (6-foot-2, 266 pounds) and Travis Davis. The tackle position features returning starters Elliott Marcum (6-0, 285) and Cody Rose.

"I think we've come a long way," Marcum said. "We have a lot more people who are dedicated this year. We were all in a bunch last year because we didn't. If we stay together as a team, I think we can go pretty far."

Defensively, the Rebels return seven starters from a group that allowed an average of 21 points per game.

Spaulding and sophomore Sammy Mosley will start at defensive end, while Marcum and Davis are the tackles. The linebackers include returning starters Virgil Salmons and Travis Stamper. Wellman will fill the other outside spot. Michael Stevens and Graham Ayers are also in the mix.

The Rebels return both cornerbacks in Parsons and Jimbo Smith. At press time, the strong and free safety positions were being filled interchangeably by Samuel DeLong, Greg Williamson and Eric Parsley.

Virgil Salmons will handle the placekicking duties once again. David Ellis will handle the punting duties.

The Herald-Dispatch

2008 Tolsia Rebels