The Blue Devil Report from Fork Union Military Academy's Athletic Department is your source for weekly updates on the Fork Union Blue Devils. Here's the latest from @FUMAathletics.
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Contents:
- A Long Journey: Fork Union Product Caden Prieskorn goes from Walk-On to Peach Bowl MVP
- FUMA Athletics Recap
- Feature Stories: Track & Field, PG Basketball, Wrestling and Swimming & Diving, Middle School Basketball
- Up Next in FUMA Athletics
- Jaden Johnson Named EPL's Session II Most Outstanding Player
A Long Journey: Fork Union product Caden Prieskorn goes from walk-on to Peach Bowl MVP
January 19, 2024 | by Scrimmage Play
Bowl game MVP honors in the highest reaches of college football are usually reserved for quarterbacks, running backs and the occasional wide receiver.
A tight end winning one is much more rare, but that’s exactly where former Fork Union postgraduate football standout Caden Prieskorn found himself in the aftermath of the Peach Bowl – the most valuable player in a New Year’s Six Bowl after a 10-catch, 136-yard, two-touchdown performance for Ole Miss in a 38-25 win over Penn State.
“It’s a dream come true – it’s not easy to win 11 games in college football,” Prieskorn told ESPN shortly after the Rebels beat Penn State. “To come in here and win a New Year’s Six Bowl is amazing.”
If you want to know how much the college football experience has changed drastically in the last few years, Caden Prieskorn’s journey is a good place to start. Prieskorn played high school football in a run-heavy offense at Orchard Lake-St. Mary’s in Michigan, through the 6-foot-6 Prieskorn threw for 200 yards and a game-winning touchdown in a state championship victory. After graduation, he went to Fork Union for his postgraduate year and was slated to play both quarterback and safety for the Blue Devils’ postgraduate team.
“We were like let’s be a swing player and play some other positions and then he got hurt,” said John Shuman, Fork Union’s Major Gifts Officer and former Fork Union postgraduate football coach. “After he came back, one day during practice we were short on players and we threw him at tight end and he caught everything. He had a pretty good year with us, everything was solid.”
Prieskorn was an under-the-radar recruit prior to coming to Fork Union and played well early before that injury cut short his postgraduate season. With an assist from FUMA teammate Harold Nash, Jr. who was walking on at Memphis, Prieskorn caught the eye of the coaching staff for former Memphis coach Mike Norvell – now the head coach at Florida State. Fork Union has a lot of players who take that kind of leap of faith each year for postgraduate football, coming from a long way aways to take a shot.
“The four months is about getting your mind caught up with your talent,” Shuman said. “Once you get homesickness out of you and get some mental toughness, the sky’s the limit. It’s about playing with their mind, heart and talent and getting that going. We love kids that are from far away places.”
He headed to Memphis as a walk-on with a planned shift to tight end. After a redshirt year, he first saw the field under an entirely new coaching staff in 2020, appearing in four games. The next year he made more strides and appeared in all 12 games for the Tigers as a redshirt sophomore. But his breakout season came as a redshirt junior in 2022 when he was a semifinalist for the John Mackey award – an honor for the nation’s top tight end – catching 48 balls for 602 yards and seven touchdowns. He was also a nominee for the Burlsworth trophy, awarded to the nation’s top player that started his career as a walk-on.
“We were impressed when he hit the scene last year at Memphis, he started coming on there,” Shuman said. “I went to the AFCA convention (American Football Coaches Association) and I saw the Memphis coach and I was like, wow, he’s really coming on and he was like ‘well, Caden just hit the portal.”
As is the case with many players in today’s college football world, Prieskorn entered the transfer portal after that season, his transformation from walk-on to highly-coveted star nearly complete as he was tagged as a four-star tight end in the portal.
He eventually delivered on that in Lane Kiffin’s high-powered offense at Ole Miss, but he made a strong impression well before he caught a football for Ole Miss.
“Prieskorn has fit in really well. Players put him on the leadership council committee already after not being here very long says a lot,” Kiffin told the Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal during the preseason. “ … He’s extremely mature. And so, we’re excited about him.”
That maturity is no surprise, Prieskorn is married to Cali Prieskorn and has a two-year old son Mac and is one of the older players on the Ole Miss roster.
It took some time to acclimate to the Southeastern Conference. He had had to shake off an early injury and process the death of his father in October, an emotionally challenging journey for Prieskorn who had witnessed his father battle colon cancer for two years prior to his passing.
“He’s just loving that I can come out here and do what I do,” Prieskorn said on ESPN of his father’s passing after the Peach Bowl win.
In late October, he had a pair of catches for 63 yards against Alabama to get into the offensive mix for the Rebels. The rest of year, his role continued to expand in the Rebels’ offense, culminating in the 10-catch, 136-yard explosion against Penn State as he took advantage of a big moment on a big stage.
Prieskorn has already announced his plan to return to Ole Miss next year, even though he created some NFL buzz with that Peach Bowl performance. That’s no surprise, as he has continually bet on himself from the moment he took the postgraduate year at FUMA to walking on at Memphis and then to diving into the SEC pool through the portal.
“Enjoy football,” Prieskorn told RebelGrove.com. “Enjoy everything that comes with it. None of this will last forever and you have to enjoy it while it’s here. You never know what will happen tomorrow.”
Prieskorn has been tested, time and time again, at FUMA, at Memphis, at Ole Miss and personally. He’s stronger for it, and it shows each and every time Prieskorn steps on the field.
Scores from the past:
Friday, January 12
- Junior Prep Basketball at Collegiate School • L, 13-58
- Prep Basketball at Collegiate School • L, 38-67
Saturday, January 13
- Prep Basketball at Randolph-Macon Academy • W, 56-55
- PG Basketball vs. Perkiomen • W, 73-51
Sunday, January 14
- PG Basketball vs. Vermont Academy • L, 59-84
Wednesday, January 17
- Prep Basketball at St. Anne's Belfield School • L, 45-76
- Junior Prep Basketball at St. Anne's Belfield School • L, 29-83
Thursday, January 18
- Middle School Basketball vs. The Keswick School • L, 27-38
Friday, January 19
- Junior Prep Basketball vs. Woodberry Forest School • L, 33-57
- Prep Basketball vs. Woodberry Forest School • L, 58-84
Saturday, January 20
- PG Basketball vs. Massanutten Military Academy • W, 72-62
- Wrestling at Fluvanna County HS Duals • No Team Score
- Track & Field vs. Fred Hardy Invitational • Fourth
Sunday, January 21
- PG Basketball vs. Mount Zion Prep Academy • W, 82-77
Monday, January 22
- Middle School Basketball vs. Buckingham County • L, 26-32
Tuesday, January 23
- Junior Prep Basketball at St. Christopher's School • L, 22-68
- Swimming & Diving vs. Fork Union Invitational • 3-0
- Prep Basketball at St. Christopher's School • L, 44-72
Wednesday, January 24
- Wrestling vs. Grace Christian School & Fishburne Military • W, 2-0
Thursday, January 25
- Junior Prep Basketball vs. North Cross • L, 32-56
- Middle School Basketball at Saint Anne's Belfield • W, 38-26
- Prep Basketball vs. North Cross • L, 57-66
Fork Union Places 4th at the 15th Edition of the Fred Hardy Indoor Track Invitational
Saturday, January 20, 2024
FORK UNION, VA – The Fork Union Military Academy indoor track and field program placed fourth overall at the 15th edition of the Fred Hardy Indoor Track Invitational and the 35th edition of the meet formerly known as the Fork Union Invitational this past Saturday at the Estes Athletic Center.
Fork Union scored 33 points to place fourth behind third-place opponent Louisa (36), runner-up Charlottesville (38), and champion Fluvanna County (48).
"It was a great day for Harry Momolu," said head coach Winston Brown. "He beat a National class hurdler with a massive personal best 7.55 to move into the National top 30. He really willed himself to the win in the last three hurdles. Luke Boucher-Zazzaro gave our team a lesson in how to compete. Though, he was not having his best day, the junior clawed his way into the final as the last qualifier and moved to third overall in the 55-meter, that's great competing. Malachi Walsh qualified for the State meet in the 1600-meter. Our team captain Jonie Ansah has continued to put together a great season with a second-place throw of 47 feet. Aidan Koffa had a great day in the long jump and ran two great relay legs. Our middle schooler Kaydan Whiteside was tremendous in the 500-meter. We are getting better in so many ways. Our biggest jump will come when everybody believes we can do it."
The Blue Devils collected 11 top-10 performances, including six trips to the podium. Senior Harry Momolu highlighted the day when he qualified for the 55-meter hurdles with a 7.82 performance in the preliminaries. The Blackwood, New Jersey native was named champion with a personal best of 7.55 and defeated a national qualifier by 0.01 to rank eighth in the State and 27th in the Nation.
In addition to Momolu, Luke Boucher-Zazzaro had an impressive performance in the 55-meter dash. The West Hartford, Connecticut native was the last competitor to qualify for the finals and registered a 6.70 time to place third overall.
Momolu and Boucher-Zazzaro were also a part of the 4x200 relay team that placed second overall. Aidan Koffa and Isaiah Kittrell completed the quartet.
Senior Jonie Ansah threw 47-feet to place second in the shot put.
Eighth-grader Kaydan Whiteside led the way for Fork Union in the middle school events. The Ashville, North Carolina native won the 55-meter with a time of 7.14 and the 500-meter with a time of 1:17.19.
The Blue Devils return to action Saturday, January 27 when they travel to the Bulldog Invitational in Lynchburg.
Fork Union Picks Up Two Conference Wins at Combine Academy Tournament
Sunday, January 21, 2024
LINCOLN, NC – The Fork Union Military Academy Postgraduate basketball team picked up two conference wins at the Combine Academy Tournament this past weekend. The Blue Devils defeated Mount Zion Academy, 82-77, and Massanutten Military Academy, 72-62.
The two wins improved Fork Union to 21-3 on the season and 4-0 in the Elite Prep League.
"It was a good trip to North Carolina for our team winning two big EPL games," said head coach Bob Williams. "I was very happy with our defense and toughness. I think we got the rust off from the Holiday Break. Mount Zion has seven to eight legit Division I prospects on their team, including three high level guards and six players over 6'10. We basically start four guards, so it was an amazing performance by our guys. I am so proud of them. They are a special group."
Against Massanutten, DeSean Goode led four Blue Devils in double figures with a 19-point performance. Jaden Johnson followed with 18 points, while Carter Wesson added 14 points and David Burnett added 12 points.
Against Mount Zion, Michael Wilson led three Blue Devils in double figures with a 23-point performance. Wesson and Johnson followed with 22 points and 19 points, respectively.
The two wins put Fork Union on top of the Elite Prep League leader board with two conference games left prior to the EPL Tournament. The squad returns to action Saturday, January 27 when they face Golden State Prep at the Hargrave Military Circuit at 12:30 p.m.
Fork Union Collect Solid Performances in Two Invites This Week
Thursday, January 25, 2024
FORK UNION, VA – The Fork Union Military Academy swimming and diving program hosted the Fork Union Invitational Tuesday evening at the Estes Aquatic Center. The Blue Devils defeated Louisa County, 106-35, Monticello, 75-69, and Fluvanna County, 110-14, while falling to Woodberry Forest, 101-54.
"We have had a great week of competition," said head coach Jon Larson. "After having to reschedule the Fork Union Invitational, it was great to host a local competitive meet here at the Aquatic Center. Following Tuesday's meet, we traveled to Trinity Episcopal and recorded some of FUMA's best performances in seven years. Highlighting the day were first-time State qualifiers Nico Brown in the 500 freestyle, and George Gurney in the 50 freestyle. Also making State qualifying times was Mason Alston in the 200 freestyle and 100 freestyle. We hit an extremely high percentage of life-time best swims and that is encouraging heading into the championship part of the season."
At the Fork Union Invitational, the Blue Devils recorded 13 top-five performances, including one gold medal and four silver medals. Senior John Cottey took the gold in the 50 freestyle with a time of 26.15 and placed second in the 100 freestyle with a time of 58.78. Senior Jaxon Brooks-Powell recorded a pair of silver medal performances with a time of 2:09.06 in the 200 freestyle and 4:37.09 in the 400 freestyle.
Cottey and Brooks-Powell were also on the 400 freestyle relay along with Mason Alston and Nico Brown that placed second with a time of 4:13.96.
In addition to the two seniors, Brown recorded a solid day, placing third in the 200 IM with a time of 2:41.01 and fourth in the 400 freestyle with a time of 5:01.13.
Official results from the Trinity Episcopal Invitational have yet to be posted.
The Blue Devils will return to action Saturday, January 27 when they host their second invitational of the season at 2 p.m. on Senior Day.
Montes Leads Fork Union at Fluvanna Duals and Tri-Meet
Wednesday, January 24, 2024
FORK UNION, VA – Freshman Ronan Montes of Fork Union Military Academy's wrestling program led the Blue Devils at the Fluvanna Duals this past Saturday and Fork Union's Tri-Match this past Wednesday.
"Ronan Montes has been a true workhorse for us," said head coach Alton Terry. "As a freshman, he's taken on the role of captain exceptionally well. His dedication and leadership are invaluable to the team."
The San Antonio, Texas native went undefeated against five schools this past week, pinning all opponents at the 138 weight class. Montes faced Cumberland County, Madison County and Monticello High School at the Fluvanna Duals, prior to hosting Grace Christian School and Fishburne Military in the tri-meet.
At the Fluvanna Duals, Fork Union defeated Cumberland County, 45-24, and fell to Madison County, 51-24, and Monticello, 48-33. In addition to Montes going undefeated, Yannick McLean (150) and Samual Okotoro (285) both picked up three wins. Haggai Dulo (215) and Phillip Johnson (132) both went 2-1 overall.
In the tri-meet, Fork Union tied Grace Christian School, 42-42, while falling to Fishburne Military School, 60-24. In addition to Montes, Ryder Carigan (120), Cadin Busser (126) and Johnson (132) all collected pins against Fishburne.
"We're already focused on the next challenge," added Terry. "The Coach K Classic in Orange is on the horizon, and we'll be hitting the mat again to prepare. It's another opportunity for the team to showcase their skills and continue the positive momentum we've been building."
The Blue Devils will return to action Saturday, January 27 when they travel to Orange County for the Coach K Memorial Tournament at 10 a.m.
Fork Union Defeats Saint Anne's Belfield on the Road
Saturday, January 25, 2024
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA -- The Fork Union Military Academy Middle School basketball program defeated Saint Anne's Belfield, 38-26, Thursday night.
The win clinches the Blue Devils' first win in the initial five-game season.
"During the past couple games, we could tell we were getting closer and understood more of what we needed to do," said head coach Darren Keithley. "Tonight, after the win, the team just started jumping up and down, high-fiving each other with giant smiles. It was exhilarating to get our first victory. The team trusted each other, communicated well, especially, on defense which set the tone and gave us great opportunities. Offensively, our execution and passing led to five players scoring six or more points. It feels amazing to get the win!"
Fork Union established dominance early in the game, heading into halftime with a commanding 24-7 lead. All 11 Blue Devils showcased their skills in the victory against the Saints.
The squad returns to action Monday, January 29 when they host Charlottesville Catholic School at 4:15 p.m.
If you haven't already, please download the Fork Union Athletics Mobile App for all game day information right at your fingertips!
Up Next in FUMA Athletics:
Friday, January 26
- Junior Prep Basketball at Buckingham County • 5:30 PM
- Prep Basketball at Buckingham County • 7:00 PM
Saturday, January 27
- PG Basketball at Golden State Prep (Hargrave Military) • 12:30 PM
- Track & Field at Bulldog Invitational • All Day
- Wrestling at Orange County HS Coach K Memorial Tournament • 10:00 AM
- Swimming & Diving vs. FUMA Swim Invitational • 2:00 PM
Sunday, January 28
- PG Basketball vs. Polaris Prep (Hargrave Military) • 8:30 AM
Monday, January 29
- Middle School Basketball vs. Charlottesville Catholic School • 4:15 PM
Tuesday, January 30
- Wrestling at Collegiate Quad Meet • 4:30 PM
- Junior Prep Basketball vs. Collegiate School • 4:30 PM
- Prep Basketball vs. Collegiate School • 6:00 PM
Wednesday, January 31
- Junior Prep Basketball at Pope John Paul the Great • 4:30 PM
- Middle School Basketball at Keswick School • 4:30 PM
- Prep Basketball at Pope John Paul the Great • 6:00 PM
Jaden Johnson Named EPL's Session II Most Outstanding Player
RICHMOND, VA -- Postgraduate Jaden Johnson of the Fork Union Military Academy Postgraduate basketball program has been named the Elite Prep League Session II Most Outstanding Player and EPL Player of the Week, the league announced Thursday.
The point guard led the Blue Devils to two huge league victories to push Fork Union to first place in the conference, averaging 15 points per game and seven assists per game this season. Against rival Massanutten, Johnson led the way with 16 points, five rebounds and four assists en route to a 72-62 win at Combine Academy's Tournament. The Waldorf, Maryland native also shined bright, going for 19 points, 11 assists and four rebounds in an intense battle against Mount Zion to keep the squad undefeated in league play to close the weekend.
"Jaden is one of the top prep school players in the country," said head coach Bob Williams. "He's an outstanding point guard with DI recruitment. Jaden makes our team go and is a tremendous leader and teammate. He has a great future in college basketball."
Johnson is the son of Johnnie and Dellisha Johnson and graduated from Bishop McNamara High School.
Fork Union returns to action Saturday, January 26 when the Blue Devils face Golden State Prep at the Hargrave Military Circuit. Tip-off is set for 12:30 p.m.