West Springfield Spartans Eye Another Stellar Season

00:00:00-Intro 00:04:23-Alexandria City 00:11:39-Woodson 00:20:41- Robinson 00:30:50-West Potomac 00:38:45-Fairfax 00:50:30-West Springfield 00:58:30-South County 01:11:00-Lake Braddock 01:24:00- Future Picks

• 8/29: vs. Hayfield at 7:00 PM

• 9/13: @ South County* at 7:00 PM

• 9/20: @ Oakton at 7:00 PM

• 9/27: vs. Yorktown at 7:00 PM

• 10/4: vs. Alexandria City* at 7:00 PM

• 10/10: @ Robinson* at 7:00 PM

• 10/18: vs. West Potomac* at 7:00 PM

• 10/25: @ Lake Braddock* at 7:00 PM

• 11/2: @ Fairfax* at 1:00 PM

• 11/8: vs. Woodson* at 7:00 PM

“Last season we were pretty good. We only lost to two teams. SOCO 14-9 and we led 9-7 deep in the 4th quarter. And twice to Braddock. In the first game, we led 37-34 deep in the 4th quarter. We rematched in the regional semifinals but were without our best offensive player, Player of the Year RB Mark-Anthony Whyte,” reflects Coach Anthony Parker on a season that saw the Spartans notch back-to-back 8 plus wins campaigns for the first time since 2007 and 2008.

West Springfield’s 9-3 record last year included playoff victories, a testament to their growth and tenacity. The playoff loss to Lake Braddock, where the Spartans struggled after a tough first half and key injuries, only fuels their optimism for this season. “We are very optimistic about this season as we return a number of top players from last year’s 9-3 team,” Parker adds, highlighting the experience and talent that the team brings back to the field.

With seven starters returning on offense and six on defense, the Spartans are poised for another strong showing. Leading the charge is RB Mark-Anthony Whyte, standing at 5’6” and 155 pounds, whose dynamic play earned him Player of the Year honors. Complementing Whyte is WR/DB AC Ross, a versatile athlete at 5’11” and 160 pounds. On the line, two-time 1st team All-Region OL/DL Izaiah Gallagher, at 6’3” and 260 pounds, anchors both offense and defense.

The team’s depth is further evidenced by WR/DB Aaron Turney, LB/RB Brady Davies, and C James Leos. Each of these players brings a blend of experience and skill crucial for both sides of the ball. Emerging talents like OL/DL Ayaan Mirza, QB Brian Walrath, and QB Anthony Bello offer additional strength and strategic flexibility, promising a season rich with tactical plays and robust performances.

West Springfield’s defense, bolstered by key players like Sam Heredia, Michael Domingos, and Jonathan Evans, aims to be a formidable barrier against any opponent. Their cohesion and strategic planning under Parker’s guidance are expected to frustrate and fend off many offensive threats throughout the season.

The West Springfield Spartans are poised for another strong season, led by a promising group of underclassmen on both sides of the ball. Offensively, the team will rely heavily on senior running back Whyte, who was a standout last season with 1,355 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns, averaging an impressive 9.3 yards per carry. Junior  quarterback Walrath will look to build on his 1,557 passing yards and 14 touchdowns from last year, with senior wide receiver Ross, who tallied 196 receiving yards, providing a reliable target downfield. Senior center Leos, along with junior  offensive linemen Gallagher and Mirza, will be crucial in protecting the quarterback and opening lanes for the running game.

As the Spartans gear up, the camaraderie and shared history of the returning players promise not just skill, but a deeply ingrained team spirit. The mixture of seasoned veterans and emerging talents sets a stage for a dynamic and exciting season. Coach Parker's reflections and optimism echo a shared sentiment within the team and their supporters—a belief that this could indeed be a season to remember.

Key Players:

• Mark-Anthony Whyte, RB, 5’6”, 155 lbs

• AC Ross, WR/DB, 5’11”, 160 lbs

• Izaiah Gallagher, OL/DL, 6’3”, 260 lbs

• Aaron Turney, WR/DB, 6’1”, 180 lbs

• Brady Davies, LB/RB, 5’10”, 195 lbs

• James Leos, C, 6’2”, 265 lbs

• Ayaan Mirza, OL/DL

• Brian Walrath, QB, 6’4”, 185 lbs

• Anthony Bello, QB, 6’4”, 210 lbs

• Sam Heredia, WR/DB, 5’10”, 175 lbs

• Michael Domingos, OL/DL, 5’10”, 205 lbs

• Jonathan Evans, DE/TE, 6’4”, 240 lbs