He never played on the same football teams with them as kids. But Centreville quarterback Van Chew grew up watching older cousins Daniel and Derek Bailey as they moved up the ranks through Pop Warner football to star for the Wildcats and, eventually, earn scholarships to Syracuse University.
Chew has followed in their footsteps. After a year at wide receiver last season the 5-foot-11 senior has become the leader of a Centreville offense again lighting up scoreboards all over Northern Virginia. His play has raised the possibility Chew could join the Baileybrothers at Syracuse, where Chew took an official visit two weeks ago and which has offered him a scholarship.
“We were always close growing up. But they were a little older and we never got the chance to play on the same team,” said Chew, whose coach, Mike Skinner, said he has also drawn interest from Virginia. “It would be great for our family because they could all come see us play in one spot.”
Before any of that happens, Chew is intent on returning Centreville (3-0) to the top of the loaded Concorde District. With speedster RB Brandon Davis and WR Brandon Williams he has plenty of weapons to make that happen. Centreville is averaging 38.3 points per game and its newly aggressive defense has held three opponents to a combined 13 points. Of course, after tonight’s game against West Potomac, the Wildcats begin the heart of their schedule with a showdown at rival Westfield.
“It’s been a smooth transition. I’ve played quarterback my whole life so I felt ready to take over and we’ve been playing even better than I thought,” Chew said. “But we want to keep this going and we can’t really afford to sleep on anyone right now. So I’ll worry about Westfield next week.”
Syracuse connection
» Centreville QB Van Chew is considering a scholarship offer from Syracuse, which already has three former Wildcats on the roster in DBs Daniel and Derek Bailey and LB Andrew Lewis.
» Chew has completed 18 of 28 passes for 300 yards and five TDs . He also has 110 rushing yards and three rushing TDs.
» After its game against West Potomac tonight, Centreville faces Concorde District rivals Westfield, Robinson and Oakton the following three weeks. The Wildcats are 1-7 against that trio the last three years.
