Edison sophomore Stephon Robertson entered preseason practice in August just hoping to make a contribution. A starting spot was not guaranteed, but with just two starters back on defense there was definitely hope.
“But I really saw myself as just another piece coming in to help out,” Robertson said. “Maybe I underestimated myself.”
Three months later, Robertson epitomizes an Edison defense that has come of age in recent weeks. He leads the Eagles with 79 tackles, has intercepted three passes and was a key part of Edison’s surprising 31-17 victory over Stone Bridge last week in the Division 5 Northern Region championship game.
“At the beginning of the season Stephon would have trouble making simple reads,” said Edison senior lineman James Pratt, one of the two returning starters from last season’s region runner-up squad along with defensive back Chuck Jackson. “Look at him now. He’s one of our best players. And he wasn’t the only one. I’m proud of all of those new guys. They’ve [exceeded] expectations.”
Robertson was still a second-string player even into Edison’s second scrimmage of the preseason. But he told Eagles coach Vaughn Lewis he was willing to play anywhere. That attitude got him into the lineup, where he has improved game-by-game. Robertson forced a fumble against Stone Bridge, broke up a pass and notched a sack. He also scored two touchdowns on offense and led Edison with 38 rushing yards.
“We really struggled in that first game against Lee,” said Lewis, who noted his defense allowed 311 rushing yards to the Lancers yet still won, 27-22. “So the improvement from that night to now has been tremendous. Part of it was inexperience. But they had the desire to learn and improve every week.”
Robertson and the Eagles (10-2) now prepare for Saturday’s Group AAA Division 5 state semifinal game at Central Region champion Deep Run (12-0). The Wildcats outlasted Matoaca, 41-38, on a field goal in overtime last Friday, erasing a 35-7 halftime deficit.
All in the Family
» Edison sophomore LB Stephon Robertson is continuing the family football lineage. Older brother Jeffron, 21, is a 2003 Edison graduate who helped the Eagles to the region semifinals in 2002. Oldest brother Jeff, 24, played high school football in Greenwood, S.C. and briefly at Clemson before graduating ROTC. He is now a second lieutenant in the Army.
» At RB, Robertson has 45 carries for 214 yards and six TDs. He also has two sacks and a fumble recovery at LB.
» Edison DBs Chuck Jackson and Drew Baldwin have combined for nine INTs. DL James Pratt has a team-high three sacks.
