RUSHING ATTACK
Improving this area was priority No. 1 in the offseason. The Black-Hawks switched to the spread offense last season, but they had no idea their running game would take such a dip. They're hoping a renewed commitment to running pays off.
Watch out for: RB Mike Ford (5-10, 190 Jr.) was a second-team all-Cedar Run District choice for Woodbridge last year.
PASSING ATTACK
The Black-Hawks have been spoiled the past four years with Brian Hudson and Gary Pisall at QB. Zach Deutel should continue the strong play. He has all the tools to direct Brooke Point's spread offense.
Watch out for: WR Alex Figueroa (6-2, 210, Jr.) is tall, fast, and strong.
OFFENSIVE LINE
This unit isn't particularly big. But that shouldn't be a hindrance in the spread. Run blocking was an issue last season, but the coaching staff believe it's been addressed.
Watch out for: RT Jon Burgess (6-3, 240 Sr.) has improved greatly since last season, coaches said.
DEFENSIVE LINE
This area is the strongest part of the defense. Figueroa doesn't start, but will be on the field at DE often. DE Josh Perdue is strong rushing off the edge, while the DTs are much improved.
Watch out for: DT Je'Quan Williams (6-3, 220, Sr.) dedicated himself to getting better in the offseason.
LINEBACKERS
A question mark. Ford will help, but there isn't any returning experience here. The Black-Hawks may feel the loss of Alex Goodman, who now plays for William & Mary. Dominique Railey and Stevie Hudson are tough, but undersized. Figueroa will play some here, too.
Watch out for: LB Ford (5-10, 190 Jr.) will be asked to do a lot in his first year in the program.
DEFENSIVE BACKS
The Black-Hawks don't have much size here and that could be a problem against the Commonwealth District's bigger WRs.
Watch out for: S Akil Abdulbarr (5-7, 145, Jr.) is undersized, but very tough.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Berry believes he has the best K in the state in Josh West. West has committed to William & Mary to play soccer.
Watch out for: KR Terance Parker (5-8, 145, So.) has the speed to break long returns.
The Black-Hawks won their first playoff game since 1996 when they defeated William Fleming last year.
It may be asking a lot for them to repeat that performance. They lost 17 starters from a year ago.
Berry has built a consistent program, and this year's team has plenty of talent.
But its youth could cause the Black-Hawks to take a small step back in a tough district. A middle-of-the-pack finish would put them on track for greater success next year.
