Woodland looks to answer quarterback question
Posted on Thursday, August 28, 2008
ANTHONY REYES Northwest Arkansas Times The Woodland Junior High offense works through a few plays during practice Wednesday at the school in Fayetteville.
Woodland fell just short of winning a Northwest Arkansas Conference title last season.
This year's unit will look to improve its lot as freshmen after ending last season with a disappointing 4-6 record as eighth graders. Woodland's ninth graders went 8-2 last season and despite the eighth graders disheartening 2007, Cowboy coach Bobby Crockett will again have high expectations for this year.
"We're just trying to emphasize coming to practice every day, working hard and getting better," Crockett said. "This is probably the best junior high conference in the state and this year's no different. There's about three or four teams that are exceptional and we know it's going to be another tough season."
The biggest question mark so far is who will lead the offense.
"We're still not proven and a little unsure of what we do well," Crockett said. "We'll know more in the next few weeks what we can do. I know we should have a solid running game and our passing game will be dependent on who plays quarterback and what they're able to do."
Three quarterbacks are currently bidding for the job but Crockett said two ninth graders, Matt McEver and Tyler Tuck, have the edge over eighth grader Austin Allen.
"We really don't know yet and right now I haven't set a timetable for naming a starter," Crockett said. "We've been practicing against ourselves and it's just impossible to really name a starter until they've had some game experience. They may look good in practice but not play the same way in a game. Right now, we're going to work all three of them and continue to evaluate. I'd say the ninth graders are ahead just because of experience."
Crockett said it was a tossup so far. He said he will know more after the season opener Sept. 4 against crosstown rival Ramay.
"Matt's a smart kid who gets outside the pocket and throws the ball a little better," Crockett said. "Tyler's a taller kid who sits in the pocket and throws it well."
Crockett said that sturdy running game will be fueled by Ferico Baymon, who will start at running back. He will be spelled by Michael Mahler and Justin Stafford.
Kampbell Walker has earned the starting job at X receiver. Dominic Noto and Nick Armstrong will also spend time at wideout.
"Kampbell's a big, physical kid with good hands," Crockett said.
Reid Holmes, Mark Hollenbeck and Neil Watson will vie for time at the Y outside receiver. Stafford, Bobby Stinson and Nathan Varady will share snaps at one slot receiver position. Tuck and Landon Summers will split the chores at the other slot receiver.
Hayden McCracken will start at right tackle and Ben Dubois will join him on the right side at guard. Billy McEver will take over the snapping task at center and Tyler Tipton will start at left guard. Aaron Andrews and Tim Cavell will split time at left tackle.
Crockett lauded the selflessness of Andrews, Cavell and Dubois. Dubois typically plays fullback and Andrews and Cavell were receivers. All three volunteered to assist on the offensive line.
"We've got a shortage of linemen this year," Crockett said. "Those guys made the sacrifice for the sake of our football team to step up and help us there. Those are the kinds of kids you like to have every year."
Many players will also be playing on both sides of the ball. Fayetteville High has overhauled its defense three times in the past three years but Woodland will remain in the 3-5 for this season.
"Our defense is getting better each day," Crockett said. "Coach Beau Patrick has done a fine job with our defense. We really emphasize running to the football, flying around and being solid tacklers. I can see us getting better at that each day."
Stinson will start at nose tackle. Cavell and Tipton will man the two defensive end spots.
Walker transitions from bandit to Mike linebacker this season.
"We're looking for him to do some good things from this new position," Crockett said. "He's one of our bigger, more physical kids so we moved him inside."
Dubois will man Sam linebacker and Mahler has earned the starting gig at Will linebacker. Baymon and Andrews will share the bandit position. Hollenbeck has been working at rover.
Tuck, McEver, Noto and Austin Bramwell will rotate at the two cornerback slots.
"They've all done some good things at cor ner," Crockett said. "There aren't any real front-runners yet and we're just going to see how that battle plays out."
Holmes and Stafford are working at free safety.
"We haven't played anyone yet so it's really hard to tell what this defense is going to be good at," Crockett said. "This time of the year is the worst for players and coaches because practice gets old and they're ready to hit someone else. We've been preparing for a little bit of everything so far."
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