Coach says Wesclin can build on last season, despite losses

By Todd Eschman

Updated August 21, 2016 8:47 AM

Wesclin’s fourth-year head football coach Ric Johns takes the loss of two-year starting quarterback Hayden Rapien and school rushing champion Jason Robinson in stride.

“In the profession I’m in, it’s what you do,” he said. “These guys graduate. That’s just how it works.”

So even with 93 percent of the Warriors’ scoring off to bigger things, Johns says last season’s 6-4 playoff-worthy record isn’t just a goal for this season, it’s something to build on.

I really think, in all honesty — although we don’t have the big weapon in Robinson — that we’re better balanced than we’ve been since I’ve been here.

Ric Johns

Wesclin head football coach

“I really think, in all honesty — although we don’t have the big weapon in Robinson — that we’re better balanced than we’ve been since I’ve been here,” Johns said. “We’re in the fourth year of the system we’re running. Yeah, we’re young, but we’re probably as experienced in terms of actual playing as we’ve every been.”

Offense

Senior Zach Swaim caught seven passes for 164 yards as the Warriors’ No. 2 wide receiver in 2015. He’s the presumptive starter at quarterback, though junior Josh DeMage may challenge him.

Filling Robinson’s big shoes will be a big player, senior fullback Antonio Williams (19 carries, 76 yards). He’ll share the backfield with slot backs Valentine Avalos, a three-year starter, and K.J. Corley.

“Antonio is in that 6-2, 230 range and he runs like a like a fullback to run,” Johns said. “He makes just small cuts and gets north and south. We look for him to have a really good year.”

The offensive line is deep with experience. Center Austin Miller is a third-year starter, right tackle Aaron Quitmeyer is a second year starter and Michael Brown started 10 games last year as a sophomore. Guard Jordan Wheat and tackle Noah Radloff round out the line on the left side.

Between Swaim and DeMage, whoever loses out in competition under center will become the primary wide receiver. Ryan Alvis and Caiden Schrage also be called upon.

Defense

“We’ll have to give those offensive guys a break sometime,” Johns said, but most of the linemen will be called upon for double duty. Miller, Williams and Brown will stack up the line with multiple players fighting it out for an opening at defensive tackle.

Unless he’s the quarterback, DeMage will return to his starting spot at corner back. Corley will be at the other side with support from Holden Evans.

Swaim could find more time at outside linebacker, again if he’s not calling the plays. Avalos will take the other side. Quitmeyer will take one of the inside linebacker spots with four fighting it out for the other.

The safety will be R.J. Kattenbraker with help from Corley.

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