Jeremy Pruitt teaches chemistry in the classroom and, as football coach, seems to have found the right formula at Armstrong High.

The upward-bound Wildcats are looking forward to 2023 after defeat- ing Atlee (first time in 14 years) and making a strong showing in the Class 2 playoffs a year ago.

“We feel like we have a great opportunity for a winning season – over .500,” said Coach Pruitt, the former Virginia State linebacker now in his third season coaching in the East End.

Approximately 65 boys have come out for the team this season (meaning there will be a JV squad), and there is quality to go with quantity.

Eight starters on offense and seven on defense return from last season. The participation has soared in recent seasons, in part because of what Coach Pruitt calls “The Pipeline.”

“Our staff has been out there working the middle schools, recruiting,” Coach Pruitt said.

Quality starts with Anthony Allen Jr., No. 1 on the roster, and gifted as a dual-threat passer/runner.

As a junior, the 6-foot-2, 190-pound Allen passes for 1,900 yards and 25 touchdowns while also running for about 400 yards and another four TDs.

To go with that, he’s also a starting safety on defense and carries a 4.5 GPA.

“Anthony is rangy and athletic,” Coach Pruitt said.

Other Wildcats of note include A.J. Byrd, a game-breaking receiver, defensive back and kick returner. As a junior he had seven interceptions and six TDs on kickoff returns.

Another speedster on offense and defense is Jah’Kei Chavis.

There’s plenty of beef, too, with 6-foot-3, 320-pound Lequan Jones and 6-foot-3, 247-pound Marvin Banks.

Pruitt and Athletic Director Glenn Anderson have adjusted the schedule in recent years to provide the Wildcats with a more level playing field.

Gone are heavyweights Varina, Highland Springs, Patrick Henry and Hanover, replaced by smaller schools with similar enrollments to Armstrong.

The Wildcats aren’t that far off what it takes to excel in Class 2. Last year’s squad made the region playoffs and lost by only, 14-8, to Caroline in overtime.

A lot of grinding work year-round, goes into building a football program. Coach Pruitt wouldn’t have it any other way.

“It’s a lot of work, but I love the game,” he said. “It’s a passion.”