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| St. Teresa's Ryan Fyke and Zach Jarrett are two key pieces of a deep returning backfield group this season. |
July 26, 2015 3:00 am
St. Teresa coach Tim Brilley is trying not to let his optimism run wild when talking about the Bulldogs' team.
But it isn't easy.
Though
St. Teresa graduated a large senior class that led the Bulldogs to the
playoffs last year, next year's team might be deeper and more talented.
Other
than Jake Handley, St. Teresa's entire backfield returns, including
running back Zach Jarrett. Ryan Fyke, who had to battle for the starting
spot last year, is cemented as starting QB and Jarrett will have help
from change-of-pace back Chris Heim.
The line took a hit
with the loss of junior Clint McCleod for the season because of a torn
labrum, but the Bulldogs' offensive and defensive fronts will still
return five players who played significantly last year.
"We're
jelling together well and we look real good, but that's on paper --
we'll see," Brilley said. "The biggest thing we lost with the seniors
from last year is leadership on and off the field. They were the best
we've had since I've been here.
"But this group has been
doing a great job so far. We have some good guys back and they're mixing
in with some new guys, especially on defense."
The
Bulldogs have had to replace all but one of their linebackers and
defensive backs, but Brilley said those might be the positions St. T has
its most depth.
"We've had to do a lot of teaching there, but it's a good group," Brilley said.
Zach
Hooker, who competed with Fyke for the starting QB job last year, has
been moved to receiver, though he'll remain the backup.
St.
Teresa played in 7-on-7s in Monticello, Springfield Southeast and
Highland along with team camps at end of June and one next week leading
into the dead period.
Laying foundation
Brent Weakly didn't have to study the roster too much to know who's on his roster.
The
Central A&M first-year coach was a Raiders assistant before moving
to Shelbyville and already knew the upperclassmen well. Add in coaching
the sophomore class in basketball, and all that was left to learn were
the freshman faces.
It's made the transition to head coach a bit easier.
"It's
great, I love every second of it," Weakly said. "I'm looking forward to
the challenge. There are some things people don't tell you about, but
it's been great."
A&M has used 7-on-7s in Clinton and
Sullivan to transition to a spread offense Weakly is wanting to
implement. He's also trying to change the culture of a team that's
picked up one win in the last two years.
"I thought they competed well," he said. "We've got to learn how to win, and we're taking small steps right now."
Next up is a 7-on-7 in Clinton, where Weakly wants
to take the next step. He's seen good things out of returning junior
quarterback Keaton Garner but said most positions are still up for
grabs.
"We've got to continue to build and keep
positive," Weakly said. "We completed a few passes, and now we have to
do things the right way so we don't have to huddle up so much."
Wright stuff
St. Teresa won't waste any time revealing its latest star athlete.
Jacardia
Wright, a standout in basketball and track at Our Lady of Lourdes, will
fight for a starting spot and see significant varsity time on both
sides of the ball for the Bulldogs' football team.
Brilley
said Wright is among several fighting for a position as a defensive
back, and said Wright would also be used at running back and receiver on
offense as needed.
"Physically he's a college freshman
but mentally he's a high school freshman, and that's OK -- that's where
he should be," Brilley said. "He's a gifted athlete who's worked hard,
and he's gotten better each week.
"He'll give us some
depth on both sides of the ball. How big an impact he makes will depend
on how he reacts to varsity. So far this summer he's reacted well."
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