Football: Passing attack could sneak into playbook
By Ryan Sonner (Daily Staff Writer)
QUICKSBURG — It happened nearly a year ago, but that one play could change, ever so slightly, how the Stonewall Jackson football team plays offense.
It was the Generals' first offensive play from scrimmage against Shenandoah County rival Strasburg. Known for its powerful running game over Dick Krol's 17-year coaching career, Stonewall opened up the playbook and pulled a fast one on the Rams.
Quarterback Patrick Smoot, in his second varsity game, threw a 35-yard touchdown pass up the right seam to Thomas Long for a touchdown. The Generals went on to win the game, 20-7.
"Glenn and I have been going against each other for 17 years, and he doesn't expect me to throw the ball," Krol said of Strasburg coach Glenn Proctor. "When we pulled that one, it was just to try to catch them [off guard]."
The play worked to perfection, as nearly everyone in the stadium was shocked to see the ball in the air. It could, however, be a sign of things to come, according to Krol.
The longtime coach has given former Stonewall quarterback Jason Lutz the keys to the offense this year and expects a few more passing plays to sneak into the huddle. Lutz, who played for Krol in the late 1990s before leading Bridgewater College to the Division III national championship game in 2001, loved nothing more than putting the ball in the air and watching his receivers go get it.
"Jason gives us a dimension we haven't had in the past," Krol said. "He's one of the major offensive coordinators for us. He gives us more diversity."
The idea of turning Stonewall into a passing team is certainly fascinating, but fans can still expect plenty of smash-mouth football on the ground.
"Jason knows I like to run the ball, and he knows what plays I like," Krol said. "He'll run the plays I like to make me happy and then he'll throw a few passes to tick me off, but I'll be balanced. He pulled a few fast ones when he was on the field here. He got away with it because he made it work."
Making it work this year will depend heavily on Smoot, now an experienced junior. In his first varsity season last fall, Smoot struggled at times with his confidence — and it showed. The year under his belt has done wonders, he said.
"I've reached the point where I know I have to be a leader on the field," Smoot said. "Confidence is everything. If you don't have it, you can't pass."
Krol, who nearly chuckles at the thought of Smoot's first season, said his quarterback has matured on and off the field.
"I don't mean this in a nasty way, but he was a klutz last year," Krol said. "He was a young kid doing things he's never had to do before. He was in the middle of a growth period. Now, he's more coordinated and he's got more confidence. He understands that he is a quarterback and he's a leader in his own way."
Behind Smoot is a quartet of running backs that should help shoulder the load. Richard Long, Luke Wilson, Carlos Delgado and Brandon Farrell all saw time in the backfield last season. Long is perhaps the most teasing prospect, though. He was, at times, the team's best weapon on offense and defense.
Long's play helped the Generals (3-7 last year) win the last two games of the season. More impressive is the fact that they won those two games immediately following a 55-0 thumping at the hands of Central.
The season finale saw Stonewall score 40 unanswered points to beat Luray, 40-13.
"It gave us a boost of confidence because when we do work as a team we can play," Long said.
Long said he wouldn't be surprised to see the Generals air it out more this year. He just hopes he gets a chance to be on the receiving end of those passes, which will be precious and few.
"We might open it up," he said, shrugging his shoulders. "We'll do whatever the head man says."
