Powell Valley’s Mitchell Shines On VHSCA West All-Star Football Squad

HAMPTON, Va. – Nothing was easy about all-star week for Virginia’s elite prep football players.

In addition to dealing with the usual 95-degree peninsula heat and two-a-day practice sessions, the all-stars were forced to breathe in persistent smoke from a massive fire at nearby Great Dismal Swamp.

Cedric Mitchell didn’t complain, though. For the Powell Valley graduate and all-state defensive back, the intensive summer school session offered a primer on what he can expect the next four years.

The annual Virginia High School Coaches Association All-Star football game was still underway at press time late Friday night at Darling Stadium.

“High school football was fun and I have a lot of great memories, but now I’m ready to take things to the next level,” Mitchell said.

Mitchell will soon make the long journey to San Diego to play at Grossmont Junior College.

Offensive coordinator Dewey Lusk and secondary coach DuShawn Austin from the University of Virginia’s College at Wise informed Mitchell about the school located around one hour from the Mexican border.

Austin played college football for Cal State Fullerton.

“One of my teammates at Powell Valley [receiver Terrell Turner] has been at Grossmont the past few months,” Mitchell said. “I talk to Terrell every day and he loves the environment.

“Grossmont is a good program that just moved to a higher level of junior college football. I plan to stay for two years, then transfer to another school.”

For many athletes, the all-star exam offers a final opportunity to prove a point to college recruiters, skeptical fans and rival opponents.

Mitchell researched the talent-rich series, which has featured marquee quarterbacks such as Ronald Curry, Michael Vick and Tyrod Taylor. 

“I know about that history and how so many guys from the [National Football] League were in my place here years ago,’’ Mitchell said. “I tried to approach the whole week as a chance to get better, have fun, meet new people and just play my best.’’

The media spotlight centered on Maury’s Vinston Painter, a 6-foot-5, 310-pound Virginia Tech recruit who can reportedly bench press 415 pounds. Painter plays the coveted left offensive tackle spot.

“I’m from a small Group A school and a lot of these guys are from really big Group AAA schools,’ Mitchell said. “I’m proud to represent my hometown and district.

“It’s interesting to see how serious people take football down here. People from my area of the state take a lot of pride in their football too, and it means a lot to them to see a player from Southwest Virginia play in this game.”

Ironically, Mitchell and Ethan Stewart from J.I. Burton emerged as the two quarterbacks for the West all-star team after another quarterback was unable to make the trip.

“That turned out real cool,” Mitchell said. “It was kind of weird at first being on the same team with Ethan since we played against each other in high school, but we got along just fine and tried to help each other in practice.

“The whole week has been different. I’m used to my receivers back home, so I’ve had to adjust. There’s just a lot more speed and size at this level.”

It’s all part of the maturing process for Mitchell, who led Powell Valley to the Division 2 regional title game as a senior.

“I already miss high school football,” Mitchell said. “ I think about it every day and watch game film. It’s just time to move on.”

Powell Valley receiver Delmas Lawson, who is headed for Virginia Wise, was among eight other Southwest Virginia athletes who competed for the West team Friday. That group included Virginia High defensive back Daniel Woods, who has signed to play at Concord University.

Notes: Josh Spurlock of Powell Valley, who was named defensive most-valuable player for the West in the 2007 all-star football game, was a factor at defensive end for Virginia-Wise as a freshman. The dynamic Taylor, who starred at Hampton High School, was tabbed as offensive MVP for the East. … In a rarity, a player from Southwest Virginia was selected for Wednesday’s VHSCA girls soccer game. Graham’s Beth Mercke, an all-region and all-state pick, will attend Georgetown College on a soccer scholarship. The East girls dropped the West in a 1-0 penalty-kick shootout, while the East boys won 3-0. … One of the major topics among coaches this week has been the likely move to five divisions for high schools across Virginia beginning in the 2010 school year.
“That would shake everything up,” VHS athletic director Barry Reed said. …
The most sentimental moment of the week came after Thursday’s baseball game when West MVP Justin Bagbey dedicated his performance to Halifax County teammate Tyler Hunt, who was killed in a car accident this past April. …
For Southwest Virginia baseball player of the year Cody Bentley of J.J. Kelly, the highlight was lining a run-scoring single off Clemson-bound Will Lamb from York. ...
Former Grundy and Emory & Henry football standout Tommy Crigger was recently tabbed as the new head football coach at Twin Valley High School.

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