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[Jeff Cunningham]

Lake Taylor head coach Hank Sawyer (red shorts and ball cap) wants a district title for his Titans in 2007. Photo by Jeff Cunningham/HRVarsity

HRVarsity Two-a-Days: Lake Taylor

2006: 9-2 (6-1, 2nd in Eastern District).
Coach: Hank Sawyer, 9th year.
School Colors: Red and White.
School Phone: 892-3200.
Web Site: http://www.nps.k12.va.us/schools/lths/
Last Year in Playoffs: 2006
Fun Fact: Senior quarterback Lenny Paiva is drawing interest from Clemson, UNC, NC State, Pittsburgh, Penn State.
Key Game: Oct. 5, @ Maury; The Commodores kept the Titans off the scoreboard last season, and this matchup could once again determine the Eastern District champion.

Schedule:
* denotes district game
Aug. 30 -- @ Indian River, 7:00
Sept. 7 -- vs. Denbigh, 7:00
Sept. 14 -- @ Hylton, C.D., 7:30
Sept. 21 -- vs. Booker T. Washington*, 7:00
Sept. 28 -- @ Churchland*, 7:00
Oct. 5 -- @ Maury*, 7:00
Oct. 12 -- vs. Wilson*, 7:00
Oct. 19 -- vs. I.C. Norcom*, 7:00
Oct. 26 -- vs. Granby*, 7:00
Nov. 2 -- @ Norview*, 7:00

2006 Results:
* denotes district game
** denotes playoff game
Lake Taylor 46, Lakeland 0
Lake Taylor 14, Heritage 7
Lake Taylor 72, Wilson 0 *
Maury 13, Lake Taylor 0 *
Lake Taylor 42, Granby 14 *
Lake Taylor 35, Norcom 0 *
Lake Taylor 29, Indian River 12
Lake Taylor 20, Booker T. 14 *
Lake Taylor 46, Churchland 3 *
Lake Taylor 21, Norview 0 *
Phoebus 24, Lake Taylor 0 **

OFFENSE:
Quarterback Lenny Paiva is the definition of versatility -- the kind of guy Sawyer can use in multiple slots and formations depending on what the team needs and what the situation calls for. The 6-foot-2 senior will get a bulk of the offensive snaps at quarterback, but Sawyer says he's also capable of playing every offensive skill position on the field, and he's also the team's kicker, punter and return man. Jeremy Simmons is a proven commodity at running back, and the trio of Terry Wiggins, Michael Jackson and Marcus Deans give Paiva a trio of options at wide receiver. But expect the offensive philosophy -- and opposing defenses -- to key in on Paiva. Whenever Paiva isn't lined up behind center, the Titans have a reliable second option in Jarred Battle, who Sawyer says has a real good arm.

DEFENSE:
The Titans gave up a paltry eight points a game last season, recording four shutouts against Lakeland, Wilson, Norcom and Norview. Even when Lake Taylor lost to Eastern District champion Maury, the Titans only gave up 13 points. A big reason for that -- and a reason for optimism this year -- is defensive end Travis Williams, who had 19 sacks in 2006. Simmons will also feature in Sawyer's 3-4 scheme, alongside Mike Privott. Speed, athleticism and solid, fundamental tackling are the name of the game for the Titan's defense.

OUTLOOK:
Sawyer is quick to talk about his team's regular-season success -- the Titans went 9-1 in the regular season last year, outscoring their opponents 325-87 -- but he's even quicker to point out his lack of postseason success. Lake Taylor lost to eventual Division 5 state champion Phoebus last year, and Hampton the year before that. The Titans have made the playoffs five of the last eight years under Sawyer, but he wants to see some postseason success this year. Sawyer has three goals this season: win the district championship, get into the playoffs and win in the playoffs. If the defense domniates like it did a year ago and Paiva can lead the offense to some points, that very well could happen.

JEFF CUNNINGHAM