Patrick aims to let actions do talking on field

By Brian Eller -- beller@nvdaily.com

FRONT ROYAL -- Josiah Patrick knows there's going to be some trash talking tonight.

With his team hosting cross-town rival Warren County, and the Hawks' playoff hopes at stake, Patrick expects nothing less. But as the leader of Skyline, the junior quarterback also knows not to fall into the trap of running his mouth. He knows his teammates can't afford to fall into that same trap, or it might cost them.

"We try not to run our mouths on the field," Patrick said, "even though those guys are probably going to try and get into our heads during the game. We just have to think about winning."

That statement tells you all you need to know about Patrick, the 6-foot, first-year starter, who just a few months ago was given the reins of the Skyline offense and asked to lead the Hawks on the field. It's been a season of growth and maturation for the Hawks, who have seen their fair share of high and low points.

But it's been a season of development and accomplishment, too. With a win tonight, the Hawks will be in position to claim a spot in the district playoffs. They'll need some outside help, however. Dominion must lose in order for the Hawks to have a shot, but the Skyline faithful remain just that.

None more so than Patrick, who is coming off arguably his best performance last week in a heart-breaking loss to Sherando. In that game, Patrick threw for 220 yards and two touchdowns, eclipsing the 700-yard mark for the season.

"He's throwing the ball with some good velocity, he's making good decisions and he's understanding what our kids can do -- which helps," Skyline coach Heath Gilbert said. "He's done a really nice job, too, when we've had protection breakdowns where he can buy some time for himself. He's progressed, definitely."

But while his mechanics have improved throughout the season, it's his increase in confidence that has Patrick hopeful for the future. Before the season started, Patrick admitted he was a little timid in the pocket, and was really worried about making the "big mistake."

Now, his confidence is soaring. After completing just 25 passes through his first six games, Patrick has thrown for 22 completions in his last three contests, raising his completion percentage to 51 percent on the year.

"As the season's gone on, the coaches have done a great job of coaching me into better situations and putting me in good spots," Patrick said. "Our offensive line has done a great job blocking, and the receivers are making plays. Last week, I think I had more confidence throwing the ball. I wasn't too worried about making mistakes, and the receivers made plays all over the place."

The guy making the most plays recently for the Hawks' passing game isn't even a wide receiver. Running back Cliff Woodard has emerged as a threat in the Hawks' passing game, hauling in a team-high 21 passes this season. Woodard, who has rushed for more than 1,200 yards and 12 touchdowns on the year, has been a constant staple in the running game, but with his ability to catch passes out of the backfield, he has been the perfect complement to Patrick in the passing game and a formidable threat for the Skyline offense.

Just don't expect any trash talking from either of them if it happens tonight.

"He's been great," Patrick said. "He's so fast. I don't know if there's much more you want when you can give it to the guy on a screen and he can take it to the house every time. It's pretty awesome."