PRZVA Team Preview: Gainesville Cardinals

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>***Use code <strong>frederick30</strong> for 30% off your first billing cycle for all annual subscription</em> <em>options</em>***</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Last Years Result:</strong> 8-3 (Lost to Colonial Forge in the Region B Class 6 Quarterfinals)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Gainesville Cardinals are building a potential powerhouse in Prince William County, entering year four of Varsity football, Coach Bruton has done a tremendous job with his program. Bowing out in the first round of Regions last fall was a positive step for Gainesville. With division 1 starters returning on both sides of the ball, will 2024 lead to a deeper playoff run for the Cardinals?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Key-Returnees:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='1231291' first='Jack' last='Smoot'], [player_tooltip player_id='1583595' first='Evan' last='George'], [player_tooltip player_id='1224928' first='Reed' last='Hobbs'], [player_tooltip player_id='1232942' first='Gunner' last='Swanson'], [player_tooltip player_id='1232116' first='Greg' last='Davidson'], [player_tooltip player_id='1155979' first='Colton' last='Kilmer'], [player_tooltip player_id='1230142' first='Koven' last='Smith'], [player_tooltip player_id='1231361' first='Jeramy' last='Stith'], [player_tooltip player_id='1231592' first='Carrington' last='Knight'], [player_tooltip player_id='853787' first='Adam' last='Rodriguez'], [player_tooltip player_id='1232969' first='JT' last='Walker'], [player_tooltip player_id='1232682' first='Jayden' last='Bell'], [player_tooltip player_id='1232951' first='Aidan' last='Washington'], [player_tooltip player_id='1232062' first='Max' last='Desir'], [player_tooltip player_id='1354423' first='Jaden' last='Watts'], [player_tooltip player_id='1232951' first='Aidan' last='Washington']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1230142"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66a94a5c5bafa"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">After season ending injury put a halt to [player_tooltip player_id='1230142' first='Koven' last='Smith']'s campaign, he has come back healthy and even more motivated. In case you forgot he has 7 Division 1 offers already and was an all-region selection as a sophomore. Having him back in the fold will take pressure off [player_tooltip player_id='1155979' first='Colton' last='Kilmer'] and company and place the pressure directly back on the all the defenses he will be facing. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>An explosive athlete who starts in track for the Cardinals as well, [player_tooltip player_id='1230142' first='Koven' last='Smith'] will be a Power 5 football player when the dust settled. The excitement and added dynamic he should bring back to Gainesville offense is scary.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/koven_smith/status/1808132634683298238","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/koven_smith/status/1808132634683298238 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1155979"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66a94a5c5bb7e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">With Smith getting hurt early last fall it was quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1155979' first='Colton' last='Kilmer'] time to shine and that he did on his way to earning a First Team All District selection. Kilmer in my opinion is an FCS or higher quarterback and has been making his way around many major summer camps. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The talent around Kilmer is top notch from his division 1 running back to his monster offensive line. He will have plenty to work with this season and is poised to lead the Cardinals on a deep playoff run.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1231361"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66a94a5c5bbf5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Defensive End/Tackle [player_tooltip player_id='1231361' first='Jeramy' last='Stith'] was the second member of Gainesville Class of 2025 to go Division 1. Announcing his commitment late in June to the Davidson Wildcats, Stith can play both end or tackle at the next level. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He racked up 9.5 sacks last year and is poised to break that as offenses are going to have game plan around the entire defensive line for the Cardinals. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/jeramy_stith/status/1804213807092310075","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/jeramy_stith/status/1804213807092310075 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1232116"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66a94a5c5bc40"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A three year starter and All region tight end in 2023 [player_tooltip player_id='1232116' first='Greg' last='Davidson'] is to big not too notice. Top ranked for his position group it is time for his kudos as well. Davidson is 6'5 looks like a precise route runner on tape, I cannot understand how he isn't getting more attention from college coaches all over? Really good blocker too, athletic enough to get to the second level, he should be poised for a big senior season. While the Cardinals do have some talented incoming wideouts they did graduate a couple of their top pass catchers. This should lead to Davidson getting more opportunities to prove he is Division 2 or higher prospect.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/gregdavidson42/status/1768064188318883988","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/gregdavidson42/status/1768064188318883988 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1224928"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66a94a5c5bc82"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Its hard to ignore Gainesville 2025 class, but then you go and watch a number of their 2026 kids like [player_tooltip player_id='1224928' first='Reed' last='Hobbs'] and you have to pivot. The highest ranked prospect in the county, Hobbs is the next big thing on the Cardinals offensive line. Already attracting FBS level scouts this past off-season, you can rest assure he will be playing power 5 football in two years. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/ReedHobbs60/status/1814427093792325893","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/ReedHobbs60/status/1814427093792325893 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["853787"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66a94a5c5bcdb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='853787' first='Adam' last='Rodriguez'] has been high on our radar for a couple years now and he made a name for himself last fall. Rodriguez can flat out fly to the football and has good instincts in his coverage ability. A 4.2 GPA plus a year of varsity experience, there are many reasons why he soared up our rankings for the class of 2026. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/adam2rodriguez/status/1722802045604728922","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/adam2rodriguez/status/1722802045604728922 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1231291"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66a94a5c5bd25"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Central Michigan bound [player_tooltip player_id='1231291' first='Jack' last='Smoot'] was one of the highest rated recruits being sought before he announced his commitment to the Chippewas. One of the best lineman in the state he was the first member of Coach Bruton rising seniors to find a Division 1 school and I can assure he will not be the last.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/JackSmoot8/status/1797434927849332857","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/JackSmoot8/status/1797434927849332857 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Key-Newcomers:</strong> Dylan Cherry, [player_tooltip player_id='402766' first='Isiah' last='Dougan'], [player_tooltip player_id='1516063' first='Surat' last='Gill'], Liam Kim, Vincent Hill [player_tooltip player_id='853920' first='Channing' last='Hyde'], [player_tooltip player_id='1354442' first='Logan' last='Burnett'], [player_tooltip player_id='482986' first='Jackson' last='Wrobel'], [player_tooltip player_id='1182201' first='Dino' last='Galiano Jr']. [player_tooltip player_id='1297886' first='David' last='Howe']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["402766"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66a94a5c5bd80"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Typically when my co-worker Cole Laing thinks highly of a prospect he is spot on and that certainly was the case with Dougan. Despite only a handful of starts as a junior, Dougan has really stood out and continued his progression with an offer from Marshall University. With the graduation of Aidan McClaferty and Trevor Moody, more footballs should be in Dougan's direction this fall. Cole broke down his play back in the spring below:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Isiah is a WR you will want to keep an eye on. His height, size, and route running ability stand out on film. He has very good release off the ball against Press, Soft, and Off coverages, utilizing different techniques and very good lateral movement to keep the DBs guessing. He displays a full route tree on short, medium, and deep passing routes with good change of direction at the top of his routes to create separation. He has very good hands with very good adjust to throws and good strength to fight through contact and secure catches in traffic. He is elusive after the catch to create extra yards. Be sure to have Isiah as a player to watch over the next two seasons.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["853920"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66a94a5c5bde4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Watch list kid who really stands out defensively on tape is outside linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='853920' first='Channing' last='Hyde']. The starters at this position for Coach Bruton are pretty set but I think Hyde is pushing for more playing time as a rising junior. He is so darn fast on tape and must be a pain to block with his quickness. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="[player_tooltip player_id='853920' first='Channing' last='Hyde'] HUDL">[player_tooltip player_id='853920' first='Channing' last='Hyde'] HUDL</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["482986"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66a94a5c5be25"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I told you about safety/hybrid linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='482986' first='Jackson' last='Wrobel'] before, Coach Bruton was quick to mention his name when I asked about his 2027 kids, here is an excerpt from what I wrote about him in January:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Gainesville has a whole mess of talent coming back as Coach Bruton continues to build a great tradition over there. Athlete [player_tooltip player_id='482986' first='Jackson' last='Wrobel']l looks like the real deal and hopefully his rehab is going well. He was making a significant impact from his safety position for the Cardinals already before his injury occurred. The kid is 6'2 and 180 lbs. and is not done growing. He displays great range and footwork in his coverage skills while also not afraid to deliver a big hit. All the talent coming back including this young talent, expect Gainesville to be a serious district title contender next fall.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach thoughts on the off-season:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>"The offseason has been great.  The players have added a lot of strength and size.  Recruiting wise we came out of the offseason with 10 rising seniors with the opportunity to play college football next year and 1 rising junior that earned his first D1 offer.  Our offseason numbers have been good at workouts in the summer with about 80-100 players here on a daily basis.  The incoming freshmen also look to be really talented.  We have a lot of good opponents that are talented and well coached.  We will approach it one game at a time and prepare for each opponent, not looking over anyone.  I believe we have 3 or 4 teams on the schedule that made the playoffs last season.” </em>Head Coach Daniel Bruton</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Season Outlook:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After a thorough review I think it is safe to say Gainesville has the makings of a region championship squad. FBS talent in each class, the Cardinals are on track for another winning successful season. It really is remarkable how Coach Bruton and his staff have had the community buy into their program from day 1. I mean there are schools with with nearly twice the amount of students that do not get 80 kids to summer workouts and Gainesville hits that mark daily. Their schedule is tricky with back to back road games to start the year at Potomac Senior and Gar-Field High school. That being said the Cardinals should be heading into their week 6 showdown against Patriot with an unblemished record. While Battlefield and Patriot are expected to be the favorites in the Cedar Run District I would not overlook Coach Bruton's squad if I were you. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->