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BHS prepares for third trip to regional semis
Even after a second-straight 10-0 regular season, Battlefield still needs one more win to break a two-year curse.
"If you asked us last year, we had no idea," said head coach Mark Cox, who has been with the team since its 2004 inception. "Each year, we looked at it like it's not possible to go 10-0."
Last year's feat was truly unprecedented, though the team amassed a 9-1 regular season record in 2007.
The 2007 post-season provided the home-field advantage for the Bobcats in the regional playoffs, though it mattered little as Woodbridge defeated BHS.
That same story played out in 2008 with one extra regular season win. It was another first round bye, another regular season Cedar Run District championship and another home-field heartbreaker in the regional semis, this time to Osbourn.
This year, Battlefield managed to plow ahead with a core group of returning seniors like quarterback Bo Revell, and wide receivers Blaine Mason and James Robinson.
The breakout star of the 2009 season, however, is running back Nagee Jackson.
In his first year with the Bobcats, the junior 190-pounder amassed more than 1,000 yards. In the clutch, Cox could count on Jackson to steadfastly handle the ball with a workhorse, gets-stronger-as-he-goes style similar to the Bobcats' former all-star running back, Adrian Ingram.
Cox said that during the pre-season, Jackson appeared to be more suited to be an outside linebacker.
Jackson proved what he could do on the other side of the ball during the first game of the season against Lake Taylor, when he picked up 92 yards and a touchdown while splitting time with other backs.
"Nagee was a nice surprise," said Cox.
The coach insisted, however, that his team did not have "just one workhorse."
Robinson, Mason and junior back Bobo Beathard could all routinely be counted on to produce offensive numbers for Revell and Cox alike.
"We don't have just one threat any more," said Cox.
Mason was tasked as the secondary play-caller on defense like quarterback Revell did on offense. Basically, Cox gave the two seniors more freedom to dictate how the show would go on the field and it paid dividends with smart play selections.
"He's able to get out of bad situations and put us in better ones now," said Cox of Revell.
As a whole, the quarterback and receiving duo of Robinson and Mason are "a real tight unit," he added.
Robinson actually benefited in his role as a No. 2 receiver because, according to Cox, other teams focused on Mason so much that Robinson found himself consistently either open or in one-on-one situations.
With a 6-foot-6 quarterback passing to a 6-foot-4 receiver, Battlefield could create mismatches against shorter secondaries through the air.
"He's just lately been catching everything that's thrown at him," said Cox.
In order to break the regional semi-final curse, Battlefield will have to get by Franklin County this Friday night at home in Haymarket. (Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.)
Cox already knows not to underestimate the No. 8 seed as the Eagles took out third-ranked Colonial Forge, 37-35, last week on a last-second field goal.
"They're big. They have a wide receiver ... that made unbelievable catches in the game to let them win," said Cox. "They give up a lot of points but it's going to be a tough game."
Battlefield "always wants to create turnovers," he said, but added, "the biggest thing is not [giving] up big plays."
A win would grant Battlefield the team has wanted so bad for the last three seasons. It would also give them the hope that they may be able to score a redemption victory over second-ranked and 2007 foe Woodbridge in the regional championship.
Cox grinned when asked if Battlefield is routing for the undefeated Vikings to win their regional semi-final match and he refocused his message on the task at hand.
"Franklin County could be the best team we've played all year... and we've got to be ready," said the coach.
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