BUCHANAN (WSLS 10 SPORTS) - The 1st & 10 Camp Tour swings back thru northern Botetourt County for a check at another school with a coaching change.
The Knights of James River begin a new era of football in Buchanan.
Recommended Videos
The Knights welcome first-year head coach Jake Phillips. The former Bath County star QB took the Chargers to a trio of state title games. Phillips also played QB at William and Mary and had a stint in the arena league.
In 2003, he was named the National Associated Press Group A Offensive Player of the Year. He had an outstanding career at the College of William and Mary where he received the Winter Warrior Award. This award is given to the player who best exemplifies the qualities of dedication, effort, and achievement both on and off the field.
He graduated from William and Mary in 2009 with a double major in Kinesiology and Business Administration in Process Management and Consulting.
Coach Phillips began his coaching career by returning home to Bath County High School. There he served as the offensive coordinator for two years before moving onto Franklin County High School.
For the last four years he has taught in the area of special education and coached varsity football for the Eagles. His coaching responsibilities have included serving as both an offensive and defensive coordinator.
The 29-year-old is looking to get the program into playoff contention. With four playoff appearances since 2006 but no postseason victories, Phillips is looking to change all that.
Coach Phillips explained, "right now it's just a learning process, learned to do everything kind of a new way. New offense, new defense, but it's not just a simple as that. It's new drills, a new way to go about practice, new kind of practice schedule and everything, so everything is kind of learning and getting a feel for expectations and they're doing a good job. Intensity has been good, enthusiasm's been great, so we're learning every single day."
And the team seems to be buying in to the new way of thinking and playing.
Knights running back Dakota Anderson said, "it's a really amazing, he's changed the stuff around. Our defense is way better, our offense is way better we got more plays then we ever had and we're just going to be good this year."
The Knights open by hosting county rival Lord Botetourt Friday, August 28.