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Splendora features new iron man look
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| Freshman Jake Sweat will replace the departed Drew Purdy, above, at quarterback. |
By CARMEN COLUNGA
After loosing a ton of talent from 2007, the Wildcats no longer have the luxury of specializing at positions. Instead, standout athletes will be forced to play on both sides of the ball this season.
Mike Whelihan, the Wildcats’ only returning defensive lineman, is expected to produce a solid season. Along with fellow seniors Andy Hart and Lance Holifield, the three returnees will anchor the offensive line.
After a successful season last year at linebacker, senior Will Swearingen will also become one of Splendora’s iron men, as he will see time at fullback as well.
Last season’s District 22-3A Newcomer of the Year, Jonathon Minchew, a strong safety, and senior Bryan Wade, a senior cornerback, will be key to the defense’s success and will also be expected to contribute offensively.
At quarterback, the Wildcats will put Jake Sweat under center. The 6-foot-1, 160-pound freshman has already found his groove in practice and has already made a strong impact.
“Sweat has started to warm up to his position and taken up more of a leadership role on our team, controlling our offense, correcting the huddle and making adjustments on the field,” head coach Chris Nelson said. “Each day, he's gaining more confidence, and I think he is going to be exactly what we're looking for.”
Backing up Sweat will be junior Travis Scherer, who will also see time at cornerback when not taking snaps.
Although the quarterback position does not seem to be as imperative in Splendora’s run-heavy attack, it will be vital this season with a slight tweak in Nelson’s game plan.
“In the last two years, we've had the ability to run the football even if they had 11 kids at the line,” Nelson said. “That may not be the case this year, so to get them off the line of scrimmage, we're going to have to be able to throw. We know that's something we have to do this year.”
Mike Whelihan, the Wildcats’ only returning defensive lineman, is expected to produce a solid season. Along with fellow seniors Andy Hart and Lance Holifield, the three returnees will anchor the offensive line.
After a successful season last year at linebacker, senior Will Swearingen will also become one of Splendora’s iron men, as he will see time at fullback as well.
Last season’s District 22-3A Newcomer of the Year, Jonathon Minchew, a strong safety, and senior Bryan Wade, a senior cornerback, will be key to the defense’s success and will also be expected to contribute offensively.
At quarterback, the Wildcats will put Jake Sweat under center. The 6-foot-1, 160-pound freshman has already found his groove in practice and has already made a strong impact.
“Sweat has started to warm up to his position and taken up more of a leadership role on our team, controlling our offense, correcting the huddle and making adjustments on the field,” head coach Chris Nelson said. “Each day, he's gaining more confidence, and I think he is going to be exactly what we're looking for.”
Backing up Sweat will be junior Travis Scherer, who will also see time at cornerback when not taking snaps.
Although the quarterback position does not seem to be as imperative in Splendora’s run-heavy attack, it will be vital this season with a slight tweak in Nelson’s game plan.
“In the last two years, we've had the ability to run the football even if they had 11 kids at the line,” Nelson said. “That may not be the case this year, so to get them off the line of scrimmage, we're going to have to be able to throw. We know that's something we have to do this year.”
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