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Friday, August 10, 2007
Dacula QBs a big question mark
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Dacula has the defense, the offensive line and the running backs of a state title contender. But do the Falcons have the quarterback?
That’s the biggest question facing Dacula coach Kevin Maloof as he enters his 17th season at the program he’s built into a perennial championship contender.
Heading into the summer, three quarterbacks were vying for the starting role. But senior Ryan Meyer, who was considered the frontrunner, injured his knee playing basketball in July. Meyer had surgery on July 26 and is hoping to be back on the field in late August.
That leaves senior Taylor Smith (5-10, 160) and junior Hunter Watts (5-10, 140) at the controls of Maloof’s veer-based offense.
“If I had to play tomorrow, they’d both play,” said Maloof. “Both of them can do the things that we need them do.”
Neither Smith nor Watts has ever taken a meaningful varsity snap. Neither has the passing skills or size of the Falcons’ last two quarterbacks, Kyle White and Spencer Landis.
But Smith and Watts are more effective running the option than the past QBs. Maloof plans on taking advantage of thier mobility by implimenting more option into his offense that has all the neccessities to put up big numbers of the ground.
The backfield is loaded with talent, highlighted by fullback Zack Scruggs and tailbacks Khiry Battle and Cisco Berry. As many as seven different running backs could carry the ball this season, including impressive sophomore Aashad Holloway. The offensive line is also a strength, featuring a pair of standout tackles in Ari Tatum and Calvin Cantrell.
I haven’t seen the QBs enough to make an accurate assessment, but I get the idea that they aren’t polished enough in the passing game to prevent defenses from loading up against the run.
It probably won’t hurt Dacula in region play. Dacula and Habersham Central appear to be the clear-cut favorites. (Maloof says to watch out for Clarke Central). But come playoff time, the quarterbacks will need to make plays down the field.
Has anyone seen Dacula’s quarterbacks in passing league or at practice? If so, what are your impressions?
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