Junior Vinny Mihota is primed to make his third season on the Massaponax (Fredericksburg, VA) varsity football squad his best.

“This year I’m a lot stronger and bigger,” said the 6’4″, 250-pound defensive end/offensive tackle.  “I’ve got my 40 time down.  I am running a real good pro agility.  My last time was in the 4.3s.  I’m a lot quicker and more effective.  I can read the offensive line a lot better, instead of looking in the backfield.  I’m more of a student of the game.”

After reaching the regional playoffs each of the past three seasons, including an appearance in the 2009 Group AAA Division 5 state semifinals, Massaponax is once again expected to be one of the top teams in the Commonwealth District.  Mihota, who earned second-team all-district honors last season for his play on defense, will be one of the team’s top players.

“We expect to be held to high expectations.  I think our team is really going to see those expectations,” said Mihota, who was credited with 12 tackles for loss and six quarterback hurries in 2011.  “Everyone on the team is starting to gel, to come together earlier than [the previous two years].  Coach (Eric Ludden) holds us to high expectations.”

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