R.E. LEE: Lee poised to win

STAUNTON
The Leemen of R.E. Lee High are the defending Southern Valley District champions, and a youthful squad with only six senior players.
Veteran Leemen Coach David Tibbs is confident he has another strong team to battle into the postseason.
But Tibbs is guarded about the outlook, even about the Leemen’s first game against Fort Defiance.
“We can’t read our press clippings,’’ said Tibbs of the positive projections for his team.
Despite Fort Defiance’s 1-9 record in 2007, Tibbs anticipates “they are motivated. They think they can beat us.
Our kids know we are capable. But we have to play each game and take care of business..”
Leading the way for the Leemen will be versatile quarterback Dae’Quan Scott, whose speed makes Tibbs say,  “he is a running back playing quarterback.”
Scott can hand off to sophomore running back Terrell Mickens, who wields a combination of speed and power.
If Scott wants to throw, he can choose from a trio of experienced receivers: Adam Tibbs, Malcolm Kier and Chris Williams.
The Leemen’s offensive line is anchored by veteran offensive tackle Zack Sumner. Guard Joe McDonough is shifting to the center spot.
The defense is led by All-District linebacker Dwight Godwin, described as “a leader’’ by Tibbs.
The speedy Mickens is a first-team All-District strong safety. He is joined in the defensive backfield by first-team All-District6 corneraback Re’al Wilmott.
The Leemen’s defensive line is led by two-year starter Zac Thompson and tackle William Veney.
The kicking game returns sophomore placekicker Dustin Burdick and punter Chandis Goff.
Tibbs knows he has a good team heading into today’s opener.
But he wants his players to live by the motto “we fear no one, but we respect everyone.”
Among district opponents, Tibbs believes that Waynesboro will be improved and says it is hard to forget last year’s playoff loss to conference foe Stuarts Draft.
“Rockbridge is my favorite to win the district,’’ Tibbs said. “All of those games will be dogfights.” There will be no nights off.”