BAKER — Baker coach Matt Brunson must replace a dozen starters, on both sides of the ball, from his 2015 district title team.
“We graduate good players every year but our guys have worked hard,” Brunson said.
“We don’t rebuild. I think we reload.”
With a big senior class coming through for the 2016 season, the Gators have a full magazine with which to work.
Here’s Baker’s dozen ways to defend their district title:
1. Win the line of scrimmage. Of the 12 seniors the Gators must replace, five are on the offensive line. Therefore, Baker must continue to dominate on both sides of the neutral zone by being relentlessly physical.
2. Establish the run. Baker must use the offensive line to open holes for their running backs so they can later set up for play-action passing.
3. Stop the run. High school football is run-dominant. Getting the Gator defense off the field quickly is essential.
4. Improve quarterback communication. With an uptempo offense, it’s up to junior quarterback Kalee Ciurleo to run the offense from behind the center.
5. Pay attention to blocking. Fullbacks are the wrecking ball of the spread-option offense, and senior Oakley Kimbrel has that responsibility.
6. Rotate running backs. Baker will have three tailbacks, including freshman Junior Mclaughlin, to keep their running game fresh.
7. Let receivers block, too. Brunson says wide-outs “have to block on the perimeter to play for us.”
8. Note that tight ends must catch. The bootleg is a staple in any play-action playbook. 9. Consider size. When replacing all but one starter on your line, it helps if they are big enough to fill those proverbial shoes.
10. Keep it third and long. Other spread-option offenses have fewer options at third and seven.
11. Focus man coverage. Corners and safeties must plant their flag on their own island and defend it.
12. Build leadership. The Gator seniors must emphasize a sense of urgency in up-tempo play.
13. Be jacks-of-alltrades. With a small school, players must play well on both sides of the ball.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Baker’s dozen ways to defend district title