By Chris Sokoloski

csokoloski@gtowntimes.com

Georgetown High School's Korey Ward is headed to The Apprentice School in Newport News, Va., to play football and learn how to build ships.

"This is a great opportunity for me," Ward said. "It gives me a chance to do something with my life."

Ward follows in the footsteps of teammate Leonard Leak, who signed with the school at the end of April.

"He's going to be another tough young man to replace," Georgetown coach Bradley Adams said. "He was a young man that was very versatile for us. He was able to play the tackle position at times and also play the tight end position and fullback position and wideout."

Ward played in six games as a senior. He averaged 19.4 yards per reception and caught two touchdowns on offense and forced one fumble on defense.

He said it took years of hard work to get to this point.

"It takes a lot of dedication and hard work," Ward said. "I couldn't have done without the help of everybody. I want to thank coach Adams and everybody who's helped me get this far."

Ward was also a member of the Bulldogs baseball, but prefers playing football.

"It's a tradition in my family," he said

His dad, Mike, is Georgetown High's co-athletic director, strength and conditioning teacher and assistant football coach.

Apprentice School students can study different aspects of shipbuilding such as sheet metal, welding, rigging, pipefitting or heating and air conditioning. Ward wants to study electrical engineering.

The Division III Builders went 2-8 last season and hired a new head coach, Paul Hoffman, in January.

Ward is the fourth Bulldogs' football player to sign a college scholarship since February.

"It's something we're trying to build on every year," Adams said. "Our focus is on character and academics. Those are the two most important things before the football."