Chargers look to rebound with quick learners

Isle of Wight Academy’s varsity football team will be represented by a mixture of veteran upperclassmen and developing youths as the Chargers seek to bounce back from a down year in 2023.

IWA’s 2023 squad defeated Arcadia High School in a benefit game, but the contest did not count toward the Chargers’ regular season record, making their only 2023 victory on record a 29-0 homecoming triumph over Middlesex High School. IWA finished the season 1-8 overall.

The Chargers have lost some experience along the line of scrimmage but will feature some key returners overall this year.

As of this writing on Thursday, Aug. 22, IWA’s regular season schedule was populated by only eight games, with open dates on Friday, Oct. 4, and Friday, Oct. 18.

Chargers Head Coach Dale Chapman, who is also IWA’s athletic director, acknowledged that some of his team’s longtime rivals have switched over to eight-man football leagues, but he is committed to maintaining a program that competes at the 11-on-11 level.

“I have been the coach at IWA for 32 years,” he said. “As long as I am the coach, we will not go to eight-man.”

Key to remaining in 11-man football is the consistent development of young athletes who can contribute on the varsity gridiron.

“Our 2024 team has a good mix of veteran players and new young players,” Chapman said. “Our success will come from how quickly our young guys pick up our offense and defense and develop.”

The coach briefly highlighted a few players he expects to help lead the Chargers this year on both sides of the ball.

He praised senior running back and linebacker Jack Baker for having great field vision and being a hard runner, as well as being a great tackler who has a nose for the football.

“He has put on some pounds and strength in the offseason,” Chapman said.

The coach also lauded senior tight end and defensive end Grayson Brock for having a natural ability to find the ball on defense, and he described Brock as a veteran with a high motor.

Jason Chapman returns for his senior season. He will play free safety and will once again represent IWA at the quarterback position.

“Chapman has been the play-caller for three years,” Coach Chapman said. “He has worked on his passing game in the offseason and put on some strength in the weight room.”

The coach also extolled Chapman for having great tackling skills and for being a hard hitter on defense.

Junior running back and linebacker Trent Harrison drew praise from Coach Chapman for his speed and strength.

“He is a force when he gets the ball,” the coach said, noting Harrison is a tough runner with good instincts. “On defense he is a hard hitter and good in pass coverage.”

Addressing the Chargers’ 2024 schedule, Coach Chapman said, “Every game we play this year is impactful. Obviously Atlantic Shores and Nansemond-Suffolk will be the measuring stick for the success of our season.”

Isle of Wight Academy was set to open its season Friday, Aug. 23, on the road against Atlantic Shores Christian School.

On Friday, Aug. 30, the Chargers’ home opener will feature a showdown with Nansemond-Suffolk Academy. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

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Isle of Wight Academy Chargers Schedule

Head Coach

Dale Chapman

Aug. 23: Atlantic Shores Christian – away – 7 p.m.

Aug. 30: Nansemond-Suffolk – at home – 7 p.m.

Sept. 6: Roanoke Catholic – away – 7 p.m.

Sept. 13: Fredericksburg Christian – at home – 7 p.m.

Sept. 20: St. Anne’s-Belfield – at home – 7 p.m.

Sept. 27: Washington – away – 7 p.m.

Oct. 4: Open date

Oct. 11: Nandua – at home – 7 p.m.

Oct. 18: Open date

Oct. 25: Hargrave Military – at home – 7 p.m.

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