by Malcolm Butler
Cedar Creek head coach William Parkerson knew he was going to be inexperienced at quarterback this coming season.
That hasn’t changed.
What has changed is the fact that Kade Luker, who was set to be the starter this coming season, has informed Parkerson that he doesn’t plan to play football as he focuses on baseball.
Luker saw limited playing time under center for the Cougars during his true freshman season when starter Ladd Thompson went down with an injury early in the year.
However, now with Luker’s decision to forego football, the Cougars QB position is a competition between freshman Cason Floyd, senior James Myers and junior Hayden Durrett.
None of the three have ever taken a snap at QB in a varsity high school game.
“This spring all three of them saw some time at QB,” said Parkerson. “I’m assuming it will be one of those three. I’m not ready to say just yet. Between those three whoever wins the QB job will play quarterback and the other two will play defensive back and tie back.”
Floyd did play quarterback for the Creek junior high last year.
“The good news is four of the starting five offensive linemen from last year will return,” said Parkerson. “The fullback (Wyatt Gremellion) isn’t a returner but he got a lot of reps and I think he has a chance to be special. We are going to put a lot on the offensive line and the fullback to pick up the slack.”
Parkerson said he is looking for a number of things when making the decision on the starting signal caller.
“No. 1 is toughness,” said Parkerson. “It needs to be one of your best athletes who can think on the run. Competitiveness is No. 2. Leadership. Are the other 10 guys standing in the huddle looking at him and believing in him. If they believe in him, the rest will take care of itself.
“Regardless of who was going to be the QB, the offense was going to be build around the offensive line and the fullback. I think the O-line has a chance to be pretty dog-gone good, and I think the fullback has a chance to be elite.”
Although last year’s starting center Brett Johnson graduated, Creek returns Bryce Martin, Logan Canales, Landon Hall and Kaden Williams. Parkerson said there is a good chance Williams will move over to center while Martin and Canales will play guard and Hall one of the tackles.
“Aiden Woods and Logan Amidon will most likely compete for the other tackle spot,” said Parkerson. “We will try to live off of the O-line. If they can dominate it won’t matter who is at quarterback.”
Parkerson said the Cougars are currently conditioning and weight training this summer while also practicing in helmets only two days a week.
“It’s been good,” said Parkerson. “First week we didn’t do as much as we wanted to because it rained all week. Kids are working hard. We are really starting to see the team personality that we are trying to cultivate break through. We are seeing more of a attitude. It’s been good.”
Parkerson said the Cougars have 31 players currently working out this summer, but hopes to see a few more join prior to the start of the fall.
