Bumpy 2013 could lead to successful 2014
Junior Isaiah Perry leaps high to bring in a pass from quarterback Jonathan Spina during practice at Wash High Stadium.
Linemen drive out against each other in practice at Wash High Stadium.
When Washington star running back Shai McKenzie fell to the turf at Charleroi’s Cougar Stadium with a devastating knee injury in Week Three of 2013, the fate of the Prexies’ season was changed.
Opponents no longer had to account for the playmaking tailback. It did not take long for his backups to rise to the occasion. Now, instead of wondering what life without the school’s all-time leading rusher looks like, Wash High can rest easy knowing its running back situation is set for the next two seasons.
The two tailbacks who helped lead the Prexies to four wins after McKenzie’s injury will be looked to for controlling time of possession and setting up a passing game that is ready for a breakout season.
Senior Malik Wells and junior Jordan West combine speed with a downhill running style that translated into big numbers in 2013. The two combined for 19 touchdowns and both averaged more than 6.5 yards per carry.
“It was tough seeing Shai go down. It was really helpful for some of the younger guys on the team because it helped us get experience for this year,” Wells said. “I think going out in the first round last year has helped get us motivated. We all know the potential this team has.”
The talk surrounding Wash High last season did not focus on the play of a team that finished with a 7-3 overall record and lost in the first round of the WPIAL Class AA playoffs to Seton-La Salle. Between McKenzie’s injury and ineligibility issues involving Charleroi transfer Zack Blystone and wide receiver Quorteze Levy, headlines reflected anything but the play on the field.
Fortunately for the 2014 Prexies, Blystone, a 6-3, 270 pound senior tackle, will be the anchor of a line that includes promising juniors Khalid Blount and Thomas Cherry.
The group will be responsible for blocking for an offense that returns a plethora of weapons. Senior quarterback Jonathan Spina returns and will have plenty of options to run an offense that might pass the football more to take advantage of a strong group of receivers that is be led by senior DeQuay Isbell. Spina’s other options will include junior tight end Nate Swart and junior wide receiver Jarell Dates. Like the running backs, the trio received extended playing time last season.
“We have some guys who got a lot of experience last year,” Bosnic said. “I’m excited about what they did and how they matured. They should be ready to have a big season for us. The question is, can they build on that? We need them to.”
Spina orchestrated a run-heavy offense last year that for three weeks of the season, was predicated on handing McKenzie the ball and watching him flash his unbelievable talent. Things have changed.
“We have so many athletes,” Spina said. “It’s definitely a confidence boost knowing all I have to do is facilitate and get the ball to the right place. They’ll make plays for me.”
On defense, the entire secondary returns except Levy. The group, led by West and Wells, will be asked to help the defense transition with a young group of linebackers.
The Prexies have a pass rush that could be one of the best in Class AA. Blystone and Blount will clog the middle, while Swart will be a rushing defensive end. The unit possesses size, speed and strength that will give smaller teams in the WPIAL fits.
“Our D-line is huge. We are going to have the best D-line in the conference,” Swart said. “We have real athletes there. They are big, strong athletes who can move. They aren’t just taking up space.”
With the experienced gained in a bumpy 2013 season, the Prexies’ will field a balanced lineup filled with speed, size and potential with their eyes set on an Interstate Conference title.