November 12, 2011

It's been a football season to remember at William Monroe High School. The Greene Dragons produced a winning season for the first time since 1998, finishing the season 7-4.

After going winless in 2009, captain Zach Duprey has helped turn the program around and been a key piece in guiding the team back to the postseason, as both a player and leader.

"He's been very consistent throughout the three years I've been here," said head coach Mark Sanford. "He's intentional about being a leader, he questions 'how can I be better?'"

"Football is a big thing for me," said Zach. "I take it very seriously so I contribute all I have."

The defensive end/tight end led the team in receptions as a junior and was name to the All-District and Region first teams, and earned All-State Honorable Mention in 2010. He was also a member of the Monroe district championship baseball team in 2011.

Academically, Zach ranks in the top 25% of his senior class and is a regular on the District All-Academic teams.

"A lot of guys don't understand the importance of academics," Zach said about his commitment in the classroom. "I took it very seriously from the start, so I try to help all my friends to get the grasp of that."

"One of the things we say a lot around here is 'character follows you everywhere'," added Coach Sanford. "In his case it follows him into the classroom as well. He strives to do his best academically. He has some pretty specific goals beyond high school.

One of those goals is to play college football. Zach says he's currently weighing his options and has been in contact with a number of Division 1 programs like Old Dominion, VMI and JMU.

William Monroe finished the season 7-4, after losing to Manassas Park in the opening round of playoffs on November 11. It was the first home playoff game for the Greene Dragons in 20 years.

"This season has definitely been special," said Zach prior to Friday's postseason game. "We were kind of rock bottom at one point...you kinda get the hopeless kind of feeling. But with a guy like Coach Sanford, he definitely helped us change the mentality, turn it around. It was definitely good to be a part of."