Published September 09, 2006 11:53 pm -
Washington opens district play in style
Area Prep Football Roundup
By Scott Mooreand Jeff Johncox
Transcript Sports Writers
WASHINGTON — The Warriors pretty much took Dibble to school Friday, winning 55-10. They scored 22 points in the first quarter and led 37-7 at halftime.
But what Washington coach Dennis McCray was watching the most was the battle in the trenches. And in that respect, the Warriors did well. They aren’t where they need to be, but they did well.
“We cleaned up some of the mistakes that we made last week against Bethany,” McCray said. “That was our primary goal”
The did well enough to roll up 228 yards rushing and 193 yards passing.
Washington (2-0, 1-0 District A-4) returns three starters on the line and one part-time starter, so that’s four guys with experience. So why is the line a concern?
The Warriors have changed their offense a little since last year.
The Warriors, with Tanner Roberson at the helm, was more of running team. This year, with Tyler Hancock calling the signals, the Warriors throw a little more.
That means different formations and blocking schemes. The Warriors are more of a one-back set now, using zone blocking techniques.
“You just have to change your philosophy a little depending on your personnel,” McCray said. “You can’t fit a square peg into a round hole. This offense suits (Hancock).”
Returning linemen Jeff Tompkins (5-0, 190), Nick Taylor (5-11, 290) and Jason Bridwell (5-10, 225), along with part-timer Colton Hyde (6-3, 285) protected Hancock long enough for him to complete 11-of-15 passes for 158 yards and two touchdowns Friday.
“Our pass protection was a little shaky (at Bethany),” McCray said. “We knew Dibble would use a lot of line twists and stunts, so it was a concern.”
The new offense is also a change for running back Tyler Simmons, who was the fullback last year.
He gained 221 yards on 25 carries with two scores against Dibble.