PRZVA Team Preview: West Springfield Spartans

<!-- 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> 9-3 (Fell to Lake Braddock in the Region C Class 6 Semi-Finals)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The West Springfield Spartans have traditionally been one of the top high school football teams in Northern Virginia for the past decade. Head Coach Anthony Parker has consistently fielded a playoff worthy squad. The expectations are the same over in Spartan country, and with the returning talent at their disposal I can understand why. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Key-Returnees:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='1362821' first='Mark-Anthony' last='Whyte'], [player_tooltip player_id='1297629' first='Brian' last='Walrath'], [player_tooltip player_id='1362829' first='AC' last='Ross'], [player_tooltip player_id='1362837' first='Aaron' last='Turney'], [player_tooltip player_id='1297930' first='Brady' last='Davies'], [player_tooltip player_id='1362839' first='Izaiah' last='Gallagher'], [player_tooltip player_id='1297738' first='Ayaan' last='Mirza'], James Leos, Sam Heredia, Evan Oakley, Michael Domingos</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1362821"],"_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-66b29158b900c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">We start with the reigning Patriot District player of the year in running back [player_tooltip player_id='1362821' first='Mark-Anthony' last='Whyte']. Coming of a monster season [player_tooltip player_id='1362821' first='Mark-Anthony' last='Whyte'] has a chance for an encore in 2024. The young man has breakaway speed and has run a sub 4.4 40, and a 10.8 in the 100 meter dash. Only 5'6 but plays like he is 6'6, Whyte has been the bell cow for the Spartans the past two seasons. Averaging over 9 yards per carry he rushed for 16 touchdowns in 2023.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Spartans offense should be dynamic once again, with one of the fastest kids in the state leading the way!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/ihaveakluenow/status/1727900486387237268","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/ihaveakluenow/status/1727900486387237268 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1297629"],"_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-66b29158b9071"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The top ranked quarterback in the class of 2026 is [player_tooltip player_id='1297629' first='Brian' last='Walrath'], he really came into his own last fall. Walrath has a cannon and can step into the pocket to deliver a strike, regardless of who is bearing down on him. Standing at 6'3 and 180 lbs. Walrath earned 2nd team All Patriot District honors as a sophomore. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>You will remember his name for the next two seasons, he looks like a FCS or higher level prospect already. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="[player_tooltip player_id='1297629' first='Brian' last='Walrath'] HUDL">[player_tooltip player_id='1297629' first='Brian' last='Walrath'] HUDL</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1362829"],"_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-66b29158b90b3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Second team All Patriot District selection as a junior [player_tooltip player_id='1362829' first='AC' last='Ross'] is back healthy for a big senior campaign. Defensively he is a ballhawk at corner nabbing 2 interceptions to go along with 32 tackles and 6 pass break ups last fall. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Offensively I would expect him to have more of a role at receiver as Walrath loves to throw the deep ball and this kid can fly. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/ACRoss2025/status/1726311882720530457","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/ACRoss2025/status/1726311882720530457 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1362837"],"_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-66b29158b90ef"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Speaking of ballhawks safety [player_tooltip player_id='1362837' first='Aaron' last='Turney'] is back looking to continue the momentum he carried as a junior where he picked off three passes. Turney covers a lot of ground at strong safety for the Spartans it seems they line him up against the opposing teams top wideout often throughout each game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Really believe Turney will play division 2 ball or higher at the next level, the young man has earned the opportunities. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="[player_tooltip player_id='1362837' first='Aaron' last='Turney'] HUDL">[player_tooltip player_id='1362837' first='Aaron' last='Turney'] HUDL</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1297930"],"_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-66b29158b9128"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">All Patriot District as a sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1297930' first='Brady' last='Davies'] is back at linebacker for the Spartans. Racking up 59 solo tackles last fall, Davies is all over the field. Whether it is in coverage or against the run Davies shows his range and skill set. One of the better linebackers I have seen in space the ground he covers is very impressive. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He too makes plays on offense at running back and had 7 total touchdowns in 2023. When the Spartans are not gashing you with [player_tooltip player_id='1362821' first='Mark-Anthony' last='Whyte'] they can hit you with this young man, get him in space and he will burn you.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/BradyDavies4/status/1723396336760852770","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/BradyDavies4/status/1723396336760852770 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1362839"],"_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-66b29158b9161"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">One of the most overlooked prospects in the class of 2025 is two time All-District defensive lineman [player_tooltip player_id='1362839' first='Izaiah' last='Gallagher']. Racking up 8 sacks with 70 tackles as a junior, Gallagher is a force along the stout defensive line for the Spartans. 6'3 and 260 lbs. he recently picked up his first offer from Amherst College and is bound for more. A 3.8 GPA I could see him playing FCS level ball in 2025, he will not be ignored heading into his final season at West Springfield.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/IzaiahGallagher/status/1815429933771935850","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/IzaiahGallagher/status/1815429933771935850 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1297738"],"_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-66b29158b9199"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">6'2 and 250 lbs. guard [player_tooltip player_id='1297738' first='Ayaan' last='Mirza'] looks like the real deal on the Spartans offensive line. Starting as a sophomore Mirza was one of the leaders upfront that propelled Whyte to over 1,300 rushing yards. He is big and fast running very well for his size you typically see him pulling on a lot of big run plays for West Springfield and with good reason. Mirza is one of the top ranked lineman for his class and with a good junior season is set to have his stock soar.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/Ayaan_Mirza57/status/1727765332599636001","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/Ayaan_Mirza57/status/1727765332599636001 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Key-Newcomers:</strong> Micah Dargan-Coley, Jevon Austin, [player_tooltip player_id='1681871' first='Kaden' last='White'], Gavin Price, [player_tooltip player_id='1363673' first='Nathan' last='Fournier']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1363673"],"_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-66b3919100af9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Soon to be sophomore running back [player_tooltip player_id='1363673' first='Nathan' last='Fournier'] was one of the new kids that Coach Parker is very high on. Leading their freshman team with 502 yards on the ground, I could see him having an impact for the Spartans right away. Whether it be at running back to spell Whyte or on special teams, I think you will see Fournier on the field soon.</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>“We are excited about our returning players we know we have a tough schedule and tough district but we look forward to the challenge..“</em> Head Coach Anthony Parker</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Season Outlook:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Spartans have no doubts about pursuing a State Championship once again in 2024 and Coach Parker is correct they have a tough schedule. West Springfield has a challenging opening matchup with Hayfield coming to town then a trip to Lorton to face arch rival South County in week 2. Both are must see games and will go a long way in potential playoff positioning for all three squads. West Springfield has the talent to once again be among the best schools in the region for 2024, can they get to the state title game? </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->