A thing of beauty: Judges are excited about playing on new turf field

By Tommy Keeler Jr. -- tkeeler@nvdaily.com

Handley senior Jeremiah Wilson gets instructions from assistant coach Jim Gaynor on Wednesday during Handley's first practice. Dennis Grundman/Daily Handley's football team practices on their new synthetic turf field at the Handley Bowl on Wednesday morning in Winchester. It was the Judges' first football practice of the year. Dennis Grundman/Daily

WINCHESTER -- The brightness of the white yard-lines and the green synthetic turf stood out in the bright morning sun, as workers continued construction around the Handley Bowl on Wednesday morning. However, nothing stood out quite like Handley senior quarterback Geremi Long's smile as he talked about the new field.

"Just look at it," Long said pointing to the new turf field. "A beautiful field in front of a beautiful school. It just makes me even more proud to go to school here."

The Judges had their first practice on the new turf Wednesday morning, and there was plenty of excitement as they took the field. The Judges used to practice on the field down below the Handley Bowl, but now they will get to practice on the same field they play on.

Handley senior running back/defensive back Jeremiah Wilson said it didn't take long to get used to the field and he's looking forward to playing on it.

"It feels a lot different," Wilson said. "It's easier to make cuts. It will make me a little bit faster, which will allow me to help the team even more."

Work began on the turf field as soon as football season ended last year and is part of the school's renovation that has been going on for several years. The Judges were supposed to host a scrimmage next Saturday against Potomac Falls, but the game will be moved to a different location as workers finish up the area surrounding the field. Handley's home opener is on Sept. 12 against Briar Woods.

Handley coach Tony Rayburn said he likes the new field and thinks it will be good for the players.

"I just noticed how soft it is," Rayburn said. "It's much easier on your knees and your hips."

Many of the Judges have played on this type of surface before as Handley scrimmaged Kettle Run last year at Liberty High School, which also has a turf field.

The Judges have plenty of reasons to be enthusiastic about the season. Last year Handley won the Northwestern District title and finished with a 10-2 record. The Judges lost in the Region II, Division 3 final to Monticello.

Handley returns a strong core from last year's team, including Wilson, who led the area with 1,400 yards rushing, and Leonard Grant, who had a team-high 113 tackles.

Wilson, who has already verbally committed to play at the University of Maryland, said he's excited about his senior year.

"In the offseason I've been working on my defense a lot, since that's where I'm going to play in college," he said. "I just want to do what I can to help the team out and I want to be a good leader."

Grant wasn't able to practice until the afternoon session, due to not having his Virginia High School League physical completed. The senior, who stood on the sidelines and watched during the morning practice, said he couldn't wait to get back out on the field.

"I can't wait to lay down the boom," Grant said. "All summer one thing keeps going through my mind 'here comes the boom.'"

With so many returning players the Judges will be considered the favorites to win the Northwestern District again. Long said the Judges are fueled by their loss in the Region II final and they hope to take things even further this year.

Practicing on the Judges' brand new field on Wednesday, Long couldn't help but think about what it will be like walking down the steps and onto the turf field for their first home game.

"We're really looking forward to the first home game," Long said with a bright smile. "I can't even put it into words."