Martz, Sorrentino put friendship aside

Mark O’Connell, Sports Correspondent
Published: October 2, 2008

Some things never change. Like the less-than-enthusiastic feeling friends get when they have to compete against each other.

Such is the case tonight when Culpeper travels to C.D. Hylton, which is led by eighth-year head coach Lou Sorrentino, whose friendship with Culpeper coach Greg Martz began many years ago.

“It’s our last official meeting,” said Martz with a touch of thankfulness. “We’ve wanted to say so much to each other football-wise but we always have to stop when we remain on each other’s schedule.”

That changes beginning next year when the two teams will no longer play.

Sorrentino coached Culpeper from 1992 through 2001. In 1999, he added Martz to the staff, which was the same year that the Blue Devils went on to claim the Division 5 state championship over Henrico County. Tonight the two set aside their friendship and make way for battle.

The match-up features two teams at decisively different points. Hylton (2-2) looks to continue to improve with an eye toward a district title. Culpeper (0-4) is still looking to find something that consistently works.

Last week in an effort to shake things up, Martz moved John Lezcano from wide receiver to quarterback to free up Nolan Jenkins and Steve Dodson at other spots and with a view toward the future.

“He’s being groomed into a new role,” said Martz. “We’re thinking for the long term and it’s best for everyone. No matter who plays there we have to protect the quarterback.”

That begins with the offensive line, which Martz knows has not been stellar as a unit.

It doesn’t help that Zach Alexander is out for the season, that John Ross Hawkins is listed as doubtful, or that the all-important position at center remains questionable as of Wednesday, when Martz was contemplating whether the starter would be Chris Woodward, Jayson Burkhart or Matt Bennett. Martz said that the offensive line has looked great in practice but that they must have consistency in the games.

Christian Dragoo (WR/DB) and Joe Hoffman (TE/DL) are also out.

Defensively Chris Bush returns at end. Dustin Whisenhunt will see time on both sides of the ball, and Larry Williams and Matt Wince will alternate at rover or monster back.
“We’re trying to free up one more guy to the football with less coverage responsibility,” said Martz.

Adam Mitchell, Jenkins and Dodson will see time at the corners, and Stephanos Wenner and Jenkins will rotate at safety.

Despite Hylton’s history of success, the Bulldogs have not won the district title since 2005, which has created a new role for the team and its players. After a 3-7 campaign a year ago and a lopsided loss to Lake Taylor in the second game of this season, Sorrentino has seen a welcome change.

“Our guys are playing looser now,” he said. “The expectations of our team aren’t as high as they were. It’s been a long time since we’ve been the underdog and that’s kind of fun, but our goal remains the same: to win the league.”

Quarterback Joel Himan threw for 306 yards and two touchdowns in the loss to Battlefield in the only game so far in which the Bulldogs have played on a dry field.

“Battlefield’s defense was stingy against the run,” said Sorrentino, “but we were able to throw the ball well. The weather we’ve played in has limited our speed. We’re trying to get that offensive balance with running and passing the ball.”

Himan will be spelled by back-up Jabari Dukes at times. Both have the benefit of a solid receiving corps, which includes Kevin Wheeler, Dayne Mullins (the team’s leader in receptions), Andre Coleman and Travis Marion.

Contact Mark O’Connell at

TONIGHT’S GAME
Culpeper (0-4)
at Hylton (2-2)
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m.