Quantico football preview

Given the nomadic nature of life for military families, turnover is quite often a constant for Quantico, which ended a two-year victory drought by posting a 2-6 record last season.
This season, with the Warriors seeking to build on the momentum of a couple of wins (as well as a few close losses), it might seem the turnover would be less of a factor, considering Quantico sees five returning starters on offense and defense. But this number becomes less significant when one realizes the Warriors will have just two returning starters playing the same positions they played last season.
Not immune to turnover was the head coaching ranks, as former head coach Ken Woodie moves into an assistant role this season, and former assistant John Hubert, a long-time coach and former athletic director at the school, takes over. Hubert says he does not believe the transition will affect the team adversely because Woodie and offensive coordinator Mike Feldman both return this season.
“Ken is a real motivator and a teacher. I would be crazy not to rely on his 35 years of football experience,” Hubert said. “He is a master at making giant slayers out of the kids. We have a proud tradition here at Quantico and the fact that the three of us (Hubert, Woodie, and Feldman) return means that while we have a thin roster with respect to experience, the coaches work well together and know how to teach the game.”
Another factor Hubert hopes the Warriors can benefit from is the solid support of the Quantico “football family.”
“These kids are used to getting up early and doing what they need to do. They work very hard,” Hubert said. “So while we have to teach a lot of fundamentals, and every player has to play on both sides of the ball and learn to play many positions, the families support what we do and the family nature of our program is important to not only the football program, but to the entire school.”
Hubert said Quantico’s record might have been better last season if a “break or two” had gone its way. Still, winning a few games gave those returning players some confidence for this season. The Warriors are likely to use a multitude of looks on both offense and defense as the coaches work together to “do their magic,” Hubert said.
The transient nature of football at Quantico means players must be versatile and play a multitude of positions. An example of this is junior quarterback Chase King, who Hubert says could see some time at halfback and tailback.
“All you need to know is that last year’s center is this year’s quarterback, and you pretty much see how things are at Quantico. But Chase is talented enough to be used anywhere,” Hubert said.
A highlight of the Warriors schedule, according to Hubert, is their September 11 game with Pope John Paul the Great.
“Last year we traveled four hours by bus to play one game, so playing a team with their talent in our area is very exciting,” Hubert said. “I would love for it to become an annual tradition for both schools. I think it will be an interesting game to watch. But my guess is that eventually they will get larger and probably outgrow us. Still, it is very exciting to be able to play them,” Hubert said.