Friday, August 17, 2007
**Friday Night Lights**
High school football season is here! Just got back from a scrimmage between powerhouse DeMatha and perennial state championship contender Westfield. Solid crowd on hand for a practice game ... a match-up that featured two of the top high school players in the country -- Westfield senior QB Mike Glennon and DeMatha senior WR Kenny Tate. These are two guys that are early favorites for making HAKEM'S DREAM TEAM ... stay tuned for more on this in the upcoming weeks!
Glennon committed to play at N.C. State while Tate has yet to make a decision -- a decision pretty much every top college program in the country is hanging on. It's really not what school's are interested, it's more like what school isn't ... personally, I'd like to see him go to Ohio State while my slow-pitch-softball hero, Tennessee alumnus Dan Hellie would like to see him suit up for the Volunteers.
I asked Tate who the front runner is, and with a smirk on his face he told me, "right now, DeMatha." The suspense continues...
With a 6'4", 215lb frame, Tate is a man among boys -- phenomenal speed, great hands -- but DeMatha's Head Coach Bill McGregor is more impressed with his attitude. McGregor, who is entering his 26th season with the Stags told me, "he's such a humble kid." As a fan of high school football, that's always so good to hear because humility is really what makes Tate a super-star in my book!
Glennon, brother of Virginia Tech QB Sean Glennon, stands 6'6" and weighs 200lbs ... yeah, even Mike would agree he needs to put on some more weight, but he has plenty of time to get bigger. After seeing him for the first time tonight, I can honestly say all the hype is worth it. This kid is a quality quarterback ... very smooth in the pocket, throws a perfect ball, great at play action and he can pick up yards on the ground when needed. Of course his height is what gives him a huge advantage. Westfield's Head Coach Tom Verbanic told me that one reason Mike chose to play for the Wolfpack at N.C. State is because he's really comfortable with their style of offense -- the same-type offense that Westfield utilizes. That's a bonus! Mike told me the biggest reason he chose N.C State over Virginia Tech is because he wants to step out of the shadow of being Sean's little brother and make a name for himself. Sean led Westfield to a state championship in '03 as a senior. Mike would certaintly like to do the same!
The regular season is upon us, I know I'm ready...and hey if you know of any good high school football stories, please shoot me a line hakem.dermish@nbcuni.com
Everyday counts ... one night matters! -From "Friday Night Lights"
Glennon committed to play at N.C. State while Tate has yet to make a decision -- a decision pretty much every top college program in the country is hanging on. It's really not what school's are interested, it's more like what school isn't ... personally, I'd like to see him go to Ohio State while my slow-pitch-softball hero, Tennessee alumnus Dan Hellie would like to see him suit up for the Volunteers.
I asked Tate who the front runner is, and with a smirk on his face he told me, "right now, DeMatha." The suspense continues...
With a 6'4", 215lb frame, Tate is a man among boys -- phenomenal speed, great hands -- but DeMatha's Head Coach Bill McGregor is more impressed with his attitude. McGregor, who is entering his 26th season with the Stags told me, "he's such a humble kid." As a fan of high school football, that's always so good to hear because humility is really what makes Tate a super-star in my book!
Glennon, brother of Virginia Tech QB Sean Glennon, stands 6'6" and weighs 200lbs ... yeah, even Mike would agree he needs to put on some more weight, but he has plenty of time to get bigger. After seeing him for the first time tonight, I can honestly say all the hype is worth it. This kid is a quality quarterback ... very smooth in the pocket, throws a perfect ball, great at play action and he can pick up yards on the ground when needed. Of course his height is what gives him a huge advantage. Westfield's Head Coach Tom Verbanic told me that one reason Mike chose to play for the Wolfpack at N.C. State is because he's really comfortable with their style of offense -- the same-type offense that Westfield utilizes. That's a bonus! Mike told me the biggest reason he chose N.C State over Virginia Tech is because he wants to step out of the shadow of being Sean's little brother and make a name for himself. Sean led Westfield to a state championship in '03 as a senior. Mike would certaintly like to do the same!
The regular season is upon us, I know I'm ready...and hey if you know of any good high school football stories, please shoot me a line hakem.dermish@nbcuni.com
Everyday counts ... one night matters! -From "Friday Night Lights"
Posted at 7:35 PM by Hakem Dermish
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