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Road to Redemption: West looks to improve in 2011
BY Kevin Hageland, khageland@acnpapers.com
From the ashes of the 2010 Plano West football season came the quality the Wolves most want to see in 2011.
"No matter what the situation last year, the kids never quit," said Mike Hughes, West head coach.
West finished last in District 8-5A last season at 0-7 after going 3-0 in non-district, but the Wolves have a primary focus this season.
Leading that charge is senior quarterback Carson Smith.
Smith, who was named Newcomer of the Year as a sophomore wide receiver, shifted back to quarterback last season to middling results, but has shown the coaching staff improvements during 7-on-7 and into fall practices.
"I'm pleased with what I've seen from Carson, especially the past two weeks," Hughes said. "He has more confidence and can control the huddle; he has really shown the leadership we need."
Smith's confidence could be buoyed by an offensive line that returns five guys that started or saw significant playing time last season. Junior Stephan Randall is at left tackle with senior Chase Thomas next to him and junior Parker Murray at center. On the right side, senior Brysen Roberson will line up at guard with senior Zachary Ashford at tackle.
"We aren't the biggest group, but those guys are really athletic," Hughes said. "They can stay on a block and can finish a block, and I haven't seen too many defenders that can make a tackle with an offensive lineman on them."
The offensive line will be put to the test right away as West's first opponent is an Arlington Martin team that uses a variety of schemes and stunts plenty.
Carlos Wiggins is a name that should be heard plenty on Friday and throughout the season as the speedy senior should see time at wide receiver and in the backfield alongside junior Tim Okposin. Okposin is the starting running back, but a lingering injury will keep him off the field Friday with sophomore Auston Anderson stepping in.
"Carlos had a great summer and our goal is going to be to get him the ball," Hughes said. "I don't see any reason he shouldn't be one of the best players in our district."
When Smith throws the ball, look for Wiggins as well as senior Nathan Orbach and junior Connor Doyle to get the bulk of the catches with Orbach and Doyle being more possession receivers and Wiggins a deep threat. In addition to that trio, Hughes noted the new-to-varsity triumvirate of juniors Austin Copeland, Zac Gideo and senior Tony Wells, a transfer from Plano East, as potential targets for Smith.
The West offense has carryover, but the defense has a new coordinator and system.
John Bandy has taken the helm of the defense and the Wolves have switched to a 4-3 with seniors Bryce Cottrell, Ike Egege, Blair Edwards and Avery Heanu anchoring the front line.
"One of the biggest things about the 4-3 is its harder to run against, and that's key if you want to win in our district," Hughes said. "I think we saw that (in Friday's scrimmage) against Highland Park. We only gave up one run of more than five yards."
When opponents do break through to the next level, they will run into a linebacking corps Hughes feels could be the team's best since the Wolves won district in 2004. In the middle will be junior Jake Wodka with juniors Mike Mitchell and Jordan Hall on the outside. Also look for senior Daniel Kim, who Hughes said, "just goes hard all the time," to get some playing time.
If the line is where West has the most experience offensively, the secondary fits that bill on defense.
"We've got a lot of experience there," Hughes said, "which is good because we are trying to force teams to throw to beat us, so we can't give up the big play."
Senior Amin Fooman and junior Davis Roeschke, who consistently found his way to the ball in 2010, will be at cornerback this season with senior Grant Cooper, a three-year letterman, and senior Conner Vernon at safety. Both Fooman and Vernon were notable players in West's run to the State 7-on-7 Tournament over the summer.
The defense clicked during 7-on-7, but a system change means the learning curve will be steep to start the regular season.
"On offense it's simpler because we know our plays," Hughes said. "Defensively, there is that level of anxiousness because everyone is still learning. But at the same time I think there is a lot of excitement about the new system."
That system will be on display at 7:30 p.m. Friday when West opens the regular season against Arlington Martin at Clark Stadium.
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