Charleston Gazette
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August 20, 2007 |
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Prep
notebook: Two-QB formula for SC? · Black Eagles ponder options
with Spurlock |
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By Rick Ryan |
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For now, expect to see Deion
Spurlock lining up for the majority of snaps at quarterback for South
Charleston. But don’t take your eyes off No.
14 for the Black Eagles. Because now you see him under center, now you don’t. SC coach John Messinger
raves about the development of junior Marcel Brown, who will split time with
the shifty Spurlock at quarterback this season. Just how much playing time
Brown earns will depend on a couple things — how well Brown continues to
play, and just how opponents try to defend Spurlock. “We would like to see that 50-50,’’
Messinger said of the divided duties, “but we’re
probably not going to. I’ll tell you what’s going to determine it — it’s what
we see when we scout teams, and what we think we can do against people. We
could see Deion out in the slot or as a receiver or get him in at running
back. If it’s going to get some points on the board for us, that’s what we’re
going to do. “Our [offensive] coaches, Jason
Redman and Donnie Mays, are exceptionally good at breaking down films and
getting ready for the next opponent. We’re able to manage to find some weak
spots and exploit them. The thing is, in this conference, there are not too
many weak spots.’’ Last year, Spurlock split time as
a runner and receiver and scored 17 touchdowns for the Eagles, several on
long plays. But with a dearth of experience at QB, Messinger
and his staff looked to Spurlock to spark the squad from that position. Throwing mostly on option plays,
Spurlock went 2-of-8 last season for 52 yards with one TD and two
interceptions. Spurlock said operating from a
no-huddle spread formation — and looking to Redman on the sideline for play
calls — made his education almost a snap. “Running the no-huddle makes it a
lot easier,’’ he said, “because everybody has to read and know the plays. The
only thing different this year is that I know what everybody’s doing. At
times it does get hard, but when you have a talented team like we do, it
makes everything seem easy.’’ Ailing Arthur Poca was counting on speedy sophomore Caleb Arthur to provide
more of those big plays he broke off in 2006. But the Dots may be waiting for a
while. Arthur, who played at 170 pounds
last year, has added about 25 pounds and has been slowed by a variety of
ailments, according to coach Bob Lemley. “He’s hurt,’’ Lemley
said. “There are two, three things wrong with him — his foot, his heel’s been
bothering him. “He hasn’t been able to run like
he needs to run to get in shape. We hope he’ll get in shape later on in the
year. If he’s stronger and he can take it, it might work out during the end
because he’ll lose weight during the season.’’ As a freshman last year, Arthur
broke loose for four long-distance TDs of 40-plus yards on runs or receptions
and was also a dangerous kick returner. Good
to be the King One
key indicator for Nitro this season will be the play of its line. The
Wildcats return just two offensive linemen and no defensive linemen from last
year’s Class AAA playoff quarterfinal team. However,
coach Scott Tinsley has something going in his favor in senior Brandon King,
who will man spots on the O-line and at linebacker on defense. The
6-foot-3, 260-pound King, who can shift to any of four positions on the
offensive line, has drawn raves from Tinsley for his reliability. “We
don’t do anything normal with him,’’ Tinsley said. “He’s a guard some weeks
and a tackle some weeks. Center is the only place he doesn’t play. “He’s
one of the names people need to remember. He’s an underrated kid who’s one of
the best linemen in the state. He was pretty darned good last year, and he’s
had a great summer.’’ Quick quotes · SC’s
Messinger credits the man he replaced, Vernon
Redman, for reviving the program. The Eagles went 6-34 in Redman’s first four
years, but he laid the foundation and SC seeks its third straight playoff
spot. “He set the bar high,’’ Messinger said.
“People don’t appreciate what Vernon brought this program. He took his lumps
for a number of years, but inevitably he was going to turn that football team
around.’’ · George
Washington coach Steve Edwards Jr. on trick plays: “When one hits big, it’s a
special feeling. You look like a genius. But if it doesn’t, you look like a
jokester. Everybody’s on you then, even your own staff. They say, ‘Why don’t
we just run it in there? Why do we outcoach ourselves?’’’ To contact assistant sports editor
Rick Ryan, use e-mail or call 348-5175. |