As part of Loudounextra.com's 2008 football preview, we ask four questions of a key member from each of the Loudoun County high school squads. Today, it's Heritage senior linebacker/tight end Russell East.

As the captain of a defense that's missing some key guys from last season, what is your biggest job during these two-a-days?

I'm trying to assimilate a lot of the new guys into the defense. We've only got a handful of returning players. We've got a lot of guys who played a little bit, but they're not exactly used to some of the things we do. So I'm trying to get them more comfortable. Last year I had a lot of seniors out here with me as the captain, so I didn't have to do very much. Now I'm just trying to make sure everyone out here knows what they're doing.

What are your thoughts on the quarterback battle between Zach Gordon and Brian Rody?

Well, Zach was my eighth-grade quarterback, so I'm comfortable with him in there. When Kyle got hurt last year, he stepped up and was great for us. To me, Zach is more seasoned. Rody has a terrific arm for a sophomore and he's going to be terrific for the next two years. I'm sure he'll get some playing time this year, but Zach to me has the experience to be the starter. But really, it could go either way.

I heard [Jason] Choppy [Burke] suffered a mild heart attack earlier this summer, but he's already back here coaching the defense. How has he looked to you since coming back?

I've been with Choppy for lacrosse and the last two years for football, and he seems to be doing all right. I don't think he can run around and be his absolutely crazy normal self, but he's still loud and vocal and he's still the coach that he's always been. He's a tough guy and he works harder than any coach I've ever seen. But I think he's going easy on the caffeine and maybe taking a few more naps.

You have Broad Run very early in the district schedule in week five. Without looking ahead too much, how do you prepare for that big matchup?

We want to start this season off our full healthy selves and get a big head of steam going into the district schedule. Going into Broad Run, that's going to be a battle. I know a lot of the guys on the team and they're very talented, so it should be a heck of a game. I know we're all looking forward to it after playing a tough game last year and just falling short.