Publication:
THE
Published: 08/24/2001
Page: 1B
Byline: RICK RYAN
Every year since J.R. House
left in 1998, people quiz Nitro coach Robert "Little" Burdette and
offensive coordinator Scott Tinsley about what sort of offense the Wildcats
will run. Every year, they give the same answer.
"People ask us that all the time," Burdette said. "We just run
our offense. We only have one offense. It's a system that -
when J.R. was here - we ran the passing more than we ever have or ever
will. But we still throw the ball more than other people."
Directing Nitro's shotgun attack this season will be junior quarterback Derek Midkiff, who has grown to 5-11 and 177 pounds. He threw for
610 yards and five TDs last year while sharing duties
with the departed Jason Ward.
"Derek's gotten a lot stronger," Burdette said. "He's grown a
little bit and he's throwing a better deep ball now. He had three long TDs in our scrimmage against
Midkiff's top target should be senior Jon Lowe (6-1,
178), who caught three TDs in the scrimmage against
"He's a big receiver," Burdette said. "A real playmaker.
He should be our go-to guy."
Herbert Hoover, the Wildcats' opening opponent tonight, also figures to light
up the scoreboard this year, owing to the return of several skill
position players.
Back for the Huskies are their top two rushers from a year ago, Wesley Lane
(604 yards, five TDs) and Seth Moales
(426 yards, five TDs), as well as both quarterbacks -
Jamie Prowse and Sam Calvert.
Calvert is expected to move to wideout this season
and become one of Prowse's favorite receivers.