Announcement
From the GAZETTE, By Albert Grindle, Staff Writer
Dual-quarterback systems have worked on the college level and Ohio State plans to have one of its own this fall. That said, why not Buckeye High, too? That’s what second-year coach Billy Burke is contemplating, and it might be the key to his squad’s season.
With everyone and their brother trying to stop alleverything tailback Cory Reisner, the play of junior Mike Kelly (5-11, 162) and sophomore Austin Friel (6-1, 166) in the defending Patriot Athletic Con-ference Stars Division champions’ new zone spread offense will be crucial.
“We have a junior who is not the greatest passer in the world, but he’s elusive, and we have a sophomore who can be a prototypical quarterback,” Burke said. “They have skill sets where we need both of them.” While the offense may seem predictable depending on which signal caller is in the game, Burke feels that won’t be an issue considering both are solid wide receivers as well.
“They both may be in the game, but you may not know who’s going to be under center,” Burke said. “You need two guys who have to be ready because they’re going to be part of the running game.” Of course, having a running back like Reisner, who statistically could work his way into the all-time top 10 running backs in Medina County, doesn’t hurt in the least. The 5-foot-11, 166-pound senior was on an entirely different level in conference play, averaging a you-gottabe- kidding 176.6 yards rushing and 2.6 TDs in seven PAC games, including hitting the 250-yard barrier twice and scoring five times once.
“Cory Reisner is pretty special anyway, so it was in our best interest to design an offense to utilize his skills,” Burke said. The X-factor once again will be junior running back Shawn Cordes and his sprinter’s speed. The 5-9, 150-pounder has been plagued by injuries over the past two seasons, but Burke said doctor’s have cleared him to play.
Rounding out the skill positions will be Darren Boulton, Caleb Nelson and Andy Young at the wideout spots. Matt Shaw is slated to play tight end. The first push has been a recent strength in Bucks Country and Kelton Keller (6-4, 240), Zac Callihan (6-1, 184), Cody Carrow (5-10, 234), Cody Muhek (6-1, 237) and Tyler Erb (6-5, 232), from left to right, will aim to make sure the reputation of tougher-than-beef-jerky hosses stays intact. “What we have, essentially, are kids who have worked hard and they’re big kids and they all can move,” Burke said. “The kids care to get better, which is a blessing.”
Ryan McCormick will take his shot at kicking extra points and field goals. Soccer player Rick Smetana will handle the kickoff responsibilities, with Kelly punting. The potential bugaboo Burke faces this season is depth on the lines. All five starters on the O-line will man the D-line in the Bucks’ 50 shade system, and while there will be times inexperienced players can give the starters a blow, Burke is “definitely” concerned.
“We’re just going to deal with it, actually,” he said. Shaw, Chris Boutton, Callihan and Zach Maxworthy will make up a veteran linebacking core that should help the Bucks improve a defense that ranked sixth in the county a year ago. Numbers will be the theme in the secondary. AllPAC cornerback Kelly is back locking down opposing wideouts. Nelson and Boulton will also play in the defensive backfield.
The safety position will be a four-man rotation of Reisner, McCormick, Young and Jake Boettner. All in all, depth is a problem in York Township, but Burke believes his team has as good a shot as anyone to take the Stars Division once again and get to the playoffs for the first time since 2005. “I think at this point in the year, we’re better than we were last year,” Burke said. “I’m confident in that respect. Everyone else is getting better, too, but I feel good about us.” Grindle may be reached at agrindle@ohio.net or 330.721.4043
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By Brad Bournival, Staff Writer Buckeye’s football team walked into Gene Clark Stadium in its season opener a year ago with a ton of confidence under first-year coach Billy Burke. Then the Bucks got spanked 387 by Cloverleaf. Though the outcome might not have changed, Burke thinks the team learned a valuable lesson that day. “There’s a saying that there are six plays that determine the outcome of the game,” Burke said. “Our first day this year, we watched the game film and I pointed out our mistakes. I don’t know that it would have changed the game, but it would have been a closer game had we just done our jobs. “The kids learned how important it is to contain on a play. Sometimes going to make the play isn’t always good. It’s doing your job and doing it correctly that gets results.” The Medina County matchup returns tonight with vastly improved teams on both sides ready to open the 2008 season in what should be a much closer contest. “Our kids look at it is an intracounty rival that used to be a big, big rival,” Cloverleaf coach Kevin Gault said. “They know these kids. They want to play hard. They’re excited to get Buckeye back on the schedule.” The Colts own a 20-6 mark against their cross-town foes and haven’t lost since 1991, but aren’t viewing the reigning Patriot Athletic Conference champion as a pushover by any stretch. “I think the most important thing is turnovers will be crucial,” Gault said. “Any time you turn the ball over, bad things happen. There were a couple times in scrimmages where we had drive-stopping penalties or miscues. If you give Buckeye the opportunity to score, with the kids they have, it can be scary.” |
Gregor done before he starts
BUCKEYE (6-4): Linebacker/tight end Tucker Gregor tore his anterior cruciate ligament and is out for the season. Zach Maxworthy will fill his spot on defense with Matt Shaw taking over offensively. “He’s a team captain and team leader,” Burke said. “It’s not fun to lose someone like that.” … Running back Shawn Cordes is completely recovered from a broken foot. … Edwin Steingass Field is sporting a new scoreboard and goal posts. … Buckeye has lost its last four non-league games. … The Bucks need three more wins to get to career victory No. 300. They are 297-223-13 overall. TW: Cloverleaf (6-4). NW: at Highland (6-4) at Field.
