Western Albemarle Football Season Preview

The Warriors’ 2024 football season looks to be a challenge, but a lot of things are happening on both the player roster and the coaching staff. The team is young, only five players having seen varsity action. But with a roster of 30 juniors, there is a lot of potential to work with as the team developes through the season.

Several players have college aspirations, and a few have already received early offers or early interest from colleges. Senior team captain Alex Lake, playing linebacker and tight end, has received offers from Southern Virginia and Averett as well as Florida State Coastal. Senior offensive lineman Sani Reed, at 6’3” and 250 lbs, also has an offer from Florida State Coastal and interest from William and Mary as well as UVA. Alyx McWilliams, a junior lineman, has received early interest from a couple of Ivy League schools. Other players to look out for this year include Gray Heilman playing quarterback and captain for varsity, and Sam Bloxsom, a 6’1” freshmen playing quarterback for the JV team. Senior Drew Azzato brings speed to the varsity team as a wide receiver and defensive back.

On the coaching side, there are several new and talented coaches, all having college experience. Mike Erickson will be the defensive coordinator and comes to Western with experience at Yale. DeAndre Bryant will be the JV defensive coordinator. He played at Charlottesville High School as well as UVA. Scott Jacobson, who has been at WAHS for 15 years, with college experience at the University of Utah, will be the JV head coach. Cole Harvey will be the offensive and defensive line coach. He played at Frostburg State in Maryland. Finally, Miles Ward will coach the wide receivers and defensive back. He played at St Anne’s Belfield in Charlottesville and UVA-Wise.

Head Coach Seth Wilson, now in his second year at Western, talked about the positive culture in the team and is excited about the expanded coaching staff. He obviously wants to win games, but his goal as coach is to use football to empower the young men to pursue their passions with honor, integrity and excellence. He wants to make Crozet proud of the team and wants the community to come out on Friday nights to be entertained and watch some football.

The team travels to Spotswood on September 6 and to Wilson Memorial on the 20th. Come out and watch Western take on Louisa at home Friday, September 27.