Richmond Speed 2003 Preview
David Chappell
Thursday April 3, 2003
So, why such a significant personnel turnover from a 2002 squad that, after all, won twelve games and made the playoffs? Notable is that after a 7-0 start, the 2002 Speed were merely a .500 team over their remaining ten games. With virtually the same talent in place from the 2001 American Conference champions of the previous year, the chemistry that carried over from that squad seemed to inexplicably dissipate over the course of the 2002 campaign. That fact was not lost on Speed Head Coach Richard Davis as he prepared for the upcoming 2003 season. According to Davis, last year’s Richmond team “got off kilter” and perhaps complacency and “social issues” that cropped with some players contributed to the disappointing finish in 2002. At the same time, Davis was unequivocal as to who was responsible for last year’s team not living up to expectations. “The head coach was at fault, and place the blame on my shoulders,” Davis explained. Changes were thus inevitable across the board, and were very visible when training camp opened on March 18th.
Training camp 2003 featured many new young players, along with a number of returning Speed veterans from previous campaigns. According to Davis, because of the influx of newcomers, this made for a camp that featured far more teaching and repetitions than his previous camps. And unlike previous camps under Davis, this year’s camp regiment featured morning and night “two a days,” that typically ran for a total of about five and a half hours per day. Davis was quick to praise Speed veterans for their work with the newcomers, and their assurances to the new players that the monotony and repetitions that were a necessary feature of camp would not mirror what practices would be like during the season. Camp essentially culminated this past Saturday with the Speed traveling to Fayetteville, NC for a successful scrimmage with the defending Atlantic Division Champion Cape Fear Wildcats. Davis explained that this scrimmage was utilized as his final barometer to determine the team’s final roster spots, with particular emphasis placed on evaluating the quarterback and kicking slots, two vital positions that have to be filled with new players due to departed veterans from last season. As Richmond has now reduced its roster in conformity with the mandatory league limit of twenty-one players, let’s take an overview of the 2003 Richmond Speed by position:
QUARTERBACK
The departure of Bob Bees has left a huge void to be filled in this all-important position. Early on, it appeared that 2002 af2 total offense leader Sherard Poteete might assume Bees’ position. However, a short time into training camp, the Bossier City veteran opted to leave camp and return home. Poteete’s departure left the Speed with only two other quarterbacks in camp, Roy Johnson, Bees’ late season 2002 backup, and rookie Joel Gordon from Waynesboro, Virginia.
Gordon, a 6’3, 195 pound rookie from Shepard College had an outstanding training camp, and after a solid showing in the Cape Fear scrimmage, has been named the Speed’s starting quarterback. According to Davis, Gordon “is the whole bag of groceries.” Gordon was initially noticed by the Speed’s coaching staff at the East Coast Bowl All-Star Football Game in Petersburg, Virginia on November 30, 2002. That game was a showcase for Division II and Division III college football players in the Mid-Atlantic states. Gordon also had a workout with the AFL’s Indiana Firebirds, and Davis relates that Firebird’s head coach Mike Dailey was very impressed by the youngster. Davis states that Gordon has a powerful arm, can run well, but at the same time is technically sound with “no wasted motion.” Perhaps as much as anything, the Speed’s staff has marveled at Gordon’s presence and poise, and his ability to keep his focus downfield when rushed or taking hits. These traits and characteristics are similar in many ways to Gordon’s predecessor, Bob Bees, and these similarities have not been lost on the Speed’s veterans, who have been referring to Gordon as “Junior.”
Backing up Gordon will be Roy Johnson, who also served as the Speed’s backup quarterback during the second half of the 2002 season. Johnson has prior starting quarterback experience in the af2, and is a threat for opposing defenses both throwing and running the ball. Johnson was effectively utilized in goal line situations some last season by the Speed, where his running prowess makes him particularly dangerous.
WIDE RECEIVER/DEFENSIVE BACK
Returning to the Speed again this year is its all-time leading receiver, Jeff Townsley. Davis plans to utilize Townsley in this position this year rather than his former Offensive Specialist role, in hopes to free up the Speed’s other premier wideout, Damon “Redd” Thompson. Of his perennial star Townsley, Davis calls him “a big tall body, extremely athletic and very intelligent.”
Newcomer Dashane Dennis will be an exciting addition to the Speed’s roster to watch, particularly on defense. At 5’10, 175 pounds out of Delaware State, Dennis has impressed everyone in camp with his quickness, and outstanding closing speed. Dennis also performed extremely well in Saturday’s scrimmage at Cape Fear. According to Davis, “Dashane is on a collision course for stardom.”
Newcomer Troy Wright, 6’5, 199 pounds from West Chester College, figures to contribute at this position as well.
OFFENSIVE SPECIALIST
Damon “Redd” Thompson had the best training camp of any of the Speed, according to Davis. At 5’11, 185 pounds out of Virginia State University, Thompson showed flashes of brilliance after joining Richmond towards the middle of last season. This looks to be Thompson’s season to shine and as Davis says, he will “carry the mail” for the Speed on offense. As Thompson has now gotten fully acclimated to the indoor game, Davis predicts “Redd will destroy people this year.”
WIDE RECEIVER/LINEBACKER
2001 and 2002 af2 Ironman of the Year Kevin Harvey returns for another season with the Speed, after weathering a difficult off-season of personal trials. The team is looking for another big year on the carpet for the former Temple star. According to Davis, over Harvey’s three years with the Speed, Kevin has been on the field a remarkable 92 percent of the time. In an effort to limit his coverage responsibilities and to maximize his effectiveness while being on the field for likely a similar amount of time this year, Davis plans to move Harvey to this position from his previous wide receiver/defensive back position.
Marc Bacote, a 6’4, 215 pound rookie from James Madison University, will add depth.
FULLBACK/LINEBACKER
The Speed are strong and experienced at this position. Returning to the Speed this year is 2002 All-af2 selection Rodney “The Sledgehammer” Sledge. Last year Sledge led the Speed in tackles for loss, sacks and forced fumbles. The compact 5’9, 265 pounder from Maryland figures to be a force again this year for Richmond.
Richmond also returns solid veteran Chris Field to this position. At 6’3, 250 pounds, Field provides big doses of toughness and tenacity to the ball club.
Rookie Kevin Coles, at 6’2, 268 pounds from Virginia State University, provides added depth at this position.
OFFENSIVE LINEMEN/DEFENSIVE LINEMEN
Returning star Lawrence “The Law” Lewis returns for another season in Richmond, and will be an important cog in this unit. The Virginia Tech product, with AFL experience, will provide the Speed a high level of talent on the lines, along with important veteran leadership.
An exciting acquisition for the 2003 Richmond Speed is former NFL pass rushing end, 6’4, 300 pound, Jobei Gachette from Bowie State. Having had previous stints with NFL teams such as the Oakland Raiders and the San Francisco 49ers, Gachette is in Richmond according to Davis to hit the quarterback on defense and protect the quarterback on offense. Davis explained, “We were very lucky to get Jobei. He should have a massive impact on the team and the outcome of ballgames.”
Huge Terry Dixon from West Virginia University is another new face on the lines that figures to make an immediate positive impact for the 2003 Richmond Speed. Standing 6’3 and weighing 340 pounds, Dixon made an immediate and lasting impression in this year’s training camp. Commenting on Dixon, Davis says, “On paper, he is as good as we’ve ever had. He has the ability to dominate.”
Yet another newcomer that will likely play an important role in this year’s line play for Richmond is rookie Jelani Patterson. From Emory and Henry College at 6’3, 255 pounds, Patterson consistently impressed the Speed’s coaching staff during training camp and the team feels he has outstanding potential.
Returning to the Speed in 2003 to contribute to these units are veterans Chris Feggins and Al Ford. Jason Jewel, a starter during his time in Richmond during the 2002 season, is expected to rejoin the team next week and figures to be an impact player again this year.
Massive rookie Josh Moon, 6’6, 325 pounds from West Virginia Tech, provides tremendous size and will vie for playing time.
DEFENSIVE SPECIALIST
The Speed are rich in talent at this position, with two outstanding players returning who played in parts of the 2002 campaign.
Darrell “Nip” Henderson had “the camp of his life,” according to Davis. Henderson, at 6’1, 175 pounds from Gardner-Webb College, joined the Speed towards the end of last season and was more and more impressive as the year wound down. Based on his performance in camp, the Speed expect even better things from “Nip” in 2003.
Richard Holland from VMI rejoins the Speed in 2003, after having been released from the team during the middle of last season. Prior to his release, Holland was having a fabulous rookie year on the field. Since rejoining the team this year, Davis has praised Holland’s attitude as being exemplary. Every indication points to a big year for Richard Holland in 2003.
KICKER
Perhaps the most difficult task that the team has been faced with during the off-season has been attempting to find a replacement for the accurate and dependable kicker Geoff Groshelle. Groshelle’s shoes have indeed been big ones to fill. The Speed hope to have the services of Jeff Falkowsky as their kicker for the upcoming season. Falkowsky originally dueled Groshelle for the team’s kicking position some time back, and has continued to keep in contact with the team. Falkowsky’s status with Richmond will be determined mid week after he visits with the AFL’s Buffalo Destroyers. Should Falkowsky not be available to Richmond, the team has contingency plans in place to secure another kicker for the season opener on Saturday night, according to Coach Davis.
COACHES
Joining head coach Richard Davis on the Speed’s 2003 staff is Billy Jarvis, who Davis has named as assistant head coach. Jarvis will continue to coach the Speed’s linemen. Steve Criswell also returns to the Speed’s coaching staff for another year. Davis’ younger brother, Chad Davis, has rejoined the coaching staff this season. Other new additions to Richmond’s 2003 staff are J.C. Harmon and Brian Edmonds. The head coach has been particularly impressed with Edmonds, who has made a smooth transition from the playing field to the sideline.
While naturally focusing his attention on the Richmond Speed, Davis did take time to talk a bit about the af2 in general. Davis said that “on paper” the af2’s American South division looks the strongest, fielding the traditional powers of Macon, Birmingham, Tennessee Valley and Florida. Davis was quick to point out that he believes Richmond’s division, the American Atlantic, is often overlooked by those around the league. Davis said that he feels defending Atlantic Division champion Cape Fear will be strong again, and that Charleston could be on the upswing with new Head Coach Rik Richards leading the way. Davis says Greensboro has the look of an “all star team” with a number of good players returning, along with talent they have assembled from the now defunct Roanoke and Carolina franchises. And “there is no more heated rivalry in the league than Norfolk and Richmond,” according to Davis.
OUTLOOK
Make no mistake, the 2003 edition of the Richmond Speed will be a far different bunch from any of its predecessors. Team speed has been significantly upgraded, and this team looks to be faster and more athletic than prior squads. If the many newcomers to the roster rise to their potential, and the returning veterans play at a similar level to previous years, the 2003 Richmond Speed will be a formidable team this season to say the least.
Davis is enthusiastic about this new team, particularly their overall attitude and willingness to be coached and to learn. Reflecting on the fast approaching 2003 season and comparing it with the difficulties that arose during the end of last season, Davis commented, “I’m glad we’re starting again. I’m a teacher, and not a hall monitor. I’m re-energized and having fun.” This should be quite an interesting team to follow during the 2003 af2 season—stay tuned.
David Chappell is a native of Richmond, Virginia. He has closely followed local sports in Richmond and vicinity for over thirty years, and Arena Football 2 since its inception. David currently writes extensively for a website that he co-founded which documents professional wrestling in Virginia and surrounding areas from 1974-1986. A former elected prosecutor, David is currently a practicing attorney in a large downtown Richmond law firm.
