Johnie Logue
Sports Reporter
The Cole Camp Bluebirds football team have been preparing for the upcoming season for several years.The Kaysinger Conference expanded to ten teams so all of the games will be conference games.
Quarterback Ethan Shearer will lead his senior class for their final time. It seems like yesterday that Shearer and the other seniors were just freshmen.
Head Coach Kevin Shearer commented on his son's final season, " These four years have gone by quickly. That is why I have open practices so parents can spend time with their kids because it goes by so fast. We just want them ( the parents) to stand back and be safe during practice. "
When asked how he could wear so many hats in being head football coach, head basketball coach and the A D. and keep things in order, Coach Shearer replied ," That is where you have to have good assistants. You have to delegate responsibilities."
Cole Camp is pretty sound in every position except for the offensive line. Big Michael Wissman will be a force but will need some help.
When asked about Junior Reid Harrison, Coach Shearer said, "Reid can have a college career if he chooses,"Coach Shearer said. I have been coaching 22 years and have never had a kid like Reid, who uses all of the info given to him. He is a quality kid . He is great in the weight room. Just a great kid to be around "
The speedster will be used at various positions.He will play tailback in a backfield that will include Ben Steenburgen and Grady Strathman. Look for Harrison on special teams and defense too. Ethan Shearer can also run the ball which will give the offense another weapon and keep the defense honest.
"We talk about throwing the ball more every year but that is just not my style," Coach Shearer said. " We are defensive orientated and we focus on ball control ."
Owen Ives seems to play bigger than his 5'11, 180 frame suggests. " Owen is one of the most intelligent players we have ever had. He gets better as the season goes on." Shearer said.
As far as leadership, Cole Camp doesn't have team captains," We just naturally look to Ethan . He is our leader, just a tough and rowdy kid on the field. Wissman is our leader on the line."
Colton Banks and Ethan Shearer will do the kicking duties.
So far this summer, Cole Camp has limited their physical contact but things will soon pick up.Cole Camp holds to the Pete Carroll system of tackling for safety reasons. At the Class I level, with few players, the proper art of tackling becomes even more important to a successful season. Cole Camp lost their exceptional kicker Ethan Corpening late in the season last year and as Coach Shearer said, "It really changed things."
Looking again at the schedule, the Lincoln game looms large again. " It is always fun to play Lincoln. They beat us in two tough games last season and it is time to turn that around, " Coach Shearer said. " We won't be able to play Warsaw anymore (due to conference change) and that was always a big game on our schedule. " Coach Shearer commented.
In any event, the Bluebirds are looking forward to the start of the season on August 26.
