Carroll running out of options Without a proven running back, the Tigers’ offense will take a new shape
By Matt Young, Caller-Times
Photo illustration by John Bruce, Michelle Christenson, David Adame/Caller-Times
Former 2,000-yard rushers Johnny Smith (left) and Ted Barnhart will be a distant
memory for this year’s Carroll team, which will seek production from more sources
this fall.
When Johnny Smith graduated and took his more than 2,000 rushing
yards with him two years ago, everyone wondered how Carroll could possibly replace
him.
Faced with what looked like a massive void to fill, Carroll simply
slipped Ted Barnhart into Smith's vacated role and watched as Barnhart topped
his predecessor, rushing for more than 2,500 yards.
Now, Barnhart's gone and Carroll fans are looking for the next 2,000-yard
rusher that can step right into starting lineup.
Carroll coach Terry Morris has bad news for those fans.
"That guy's not here," Morris said. "We've looked, but he's not here."
Without a reliable back to carry the load, Carroll will have to be
a little more creative to get r
esults on offense.
"We'll just have to find yards in other places," Morris said. "We've
been very fortunate the last two years to have a strong tailback. It was a combination
of those guys' talent and our desire to be a tailback-oriented offense. The last
two years, our tailback has gotten the ball a lot. I don't think we'll get the
same kind of production out of that spot this year, so we'll find other ways.
We'll find it by passing, getting our fullback to pick it up and maybe forcing
our quarterback to run a little."
The new guys
Filling the large shoes left by Smith and Barnhart will be converted
receiver Eric Hudson and track standout David Schwein. Hudson was one of the Tigers'
more steady receivers last season, and Schwein, though inexperienced, has proven
speed, running an area-best 21.73 seconds in the 200 meters last year.
Fullback Brandon Stewart, who rushed for 367 yards on 70 carries
last season, will be on hand to pick up some slack, and may even see some action
at tailback if necessary.
"Brandon's an excellent offensive threat for us," Morris said. "He
can carry the ball, and he's been effective for us in getting him the ball in
the passing game."
Carroll also will have to break in a new quarterback, which will
likely be senior Cullin Bacak, although Morris says sophomore Walker Smith has
been impressive in practice.
Kevin Johnson is the Tigers' only returning starter on the offensive
line.
The defense will also take a new shape as Morris implements a more
aggressive style.
"It's not a big change, but we're going to do a few things differently
scheme-wise," Morris said. "We're going to be more aggressive."
The defense will be anchored by all-district defensive tackle Timothy
Hearne.
"He's one of our captains, and he's a guy you just love to have on
the field for you," Morris said. "He's very coachable and never makes the same
mistake twice. He's a great guy to have."
Hearne will be assisted by several returners, although some will
be at new positions. Will Greathouse is back, but he'll step back from linebacker
to safety. Victor Ekwelundo will move to inside linebacker and will be next to
Todd Firmatura, a converted fullback.
"I like our defense," Morris said. "We've got some returners, and
we've got some aggressive guys, which you always like."
The new team
The Tigers will be looking at some new faces on their side of the
field, and a new, yet familiar, face in District 29-5A.
After a two-year absence, Victoria Memorial has returned to the district,
replacing the three teams from the valley - San Benito, Harlingen and Harlingen
South.
The Vipers' return to the district presents a challenge to perennial
contender Carroll, which has lost to Memorial the last two seasons in non-district
affairs. Victoria also owned a 43-game district-winning streak before Carroll
got a win in 1999.
"I'm sure Victoria's glad to be back here in our district," Morris
said. "They had that 43-game winning streak going against our schools, so I'm
sure they're happy. We haven't played well against them the last two years. By
sheer numbers, I expect them to be one of the favorites in our district."
Even though Memorial didn't make the playoffs in its old district
last season, coach Wayne Condra isn't about to back up Morris' claims about being
happy to be back.
"The two years that we haven't been in the Corpus district, we've
had some tough games and very exciting games, but I don't think you ever get a
break in catching Carroll," Condra said. "It's going to be a tough battle every
night
and a physical ballgame."
Even without the addition of Memorial, Carroll still has a score
to settle with Miller, which claimed the district title by beating the Tigers
38-37 in overtime in the final game of the regular season.
Carroll finished second in district and ended up getting knocked
out by San Antonio Taft in the Division I quarterfinals.
"Just like every year, we come into this season with high expectations,"
Morris said. "You don't go into a season saying, 'Boy, I hope we can finish second
again.' We want to get back on top just like every other team. It's going to be
tough with teams like Victoria, Miller and Ray, but we think we can be there with
them."
