Today (Wednesday) was a pretty good day of practice. It was the first day with just one practice and we were sharp and crisp in practice. We still have a pretty big week ahead of us, so it was important to have a good practice.
Leonard Wilson and I have both been working hard at quarterback throughout camp. Coach Franco says we are both pretty equal in the way we have played throughout camp. He keeps telling us that both of us have to be ready because both of us will be playing quarterback this season.
It is pretty hard playing quarterback for Tyrone. Brandon Hoover won a state championship and two district titles and Mert (Tyler Mertiff) broke every passing record in Tyrone history.
We’ve got a pretty good running game that is going to help take the pressure off of Leonard and I at quarterback. With Brice (Mertiff), Ben (Gummo) and Brinton (Mingle) all capable of making big plays at running back, it will help take some of the pressure off of the quarterbacks.
Having Tommy Crowl at receiver also helps make things easier for a quarterback. He makes plays. If we throw a ball in the general vicinity, he is going to come down with it. He helps turn bad passes into big plays with his ability to go get the ball.
Another thing that will help is having such a big line that is very experienced. Justin (Clark), Terry (Tate) and Ralph (Van Allman) all started last year and Jake (Houck) and Ron (Emigh) have played well throughout camp. In our scrimmage on Saturday against Penn Cambria and Bishop Carroll, neither Leonard or I were touched when we dropped back to pass the ball. Their pass blocking was great and we should have plenty of time to pass when coach Franco wants to throw the ball.
I am still making adjustments on defense making the switch from linebacker to defensive back. Last year, I filled in for Dan Grazier when he got hurt in the Bellefonte game. The move to defensive back is to help make sure I stay healthy to play quarterback. I love playing linebacker, but this is a team game and I will do what it takes to help make the team better.
Friday against Chestnut Ridge, we are hoping to look sharp. This scrimmage is as close to game conditions as there is. The clock runs, there are referees and we move the chains. Chestnut Ridge is supposed to be pretty good this year. We hope we play well and come out of the scrimmage healthy to get ready for the backyard brawl on August 29.
Compiled by John Harlow
