CBHS goes to spread offense to utilize host of speedy skill players
Purple Wave defense loaded with veterans
The Christian Brothers High School football team is on the fast track, literally.
After finishing 9-3 last season with a loss to Chattanooga Baylor in the Division 2-AA state semifinals, the Purple Wave welcomes back a host of speedy skill players, led by junior running back Ramadi Warren, who ran a 4.4 at Arkansas State’s camp over the summer despite being far less than 100 percent.
Senior Kurtis Hicks isn’t too far behind, and then there’s H-back Connor Harris, another junior who head coach Kevin Locastro says “might just be the fastest player on the team.”
In order to utilize all that talent, the Brothers will look somewhat unBrothers-like in 2012. Locastro’s team will operate mostly in the spread offense, with the goal being to get the ball in the hands of their playmakers where they can have the space to make things happen.
“I’m pleased in some aspects and disappoint- ed in others, but on the whole we’re about where I thought we’d be,” said Locastro, whose team will open the season ranked fifth in the Dandy Dozen.
“We have three running backs that could start for most teams in the state and they all do different things. We’re expecting big things on offense.”
While Locastro said the total package won’t be installed until maybe week 4 or 5, the offense is coming along nicely, thanks in large part to new starting quarterback Breck Ruddick.
“He’s doing very well; he’s a little further along than I expected,” Locastro said. “He’s got a strong arm and a quick release.”
The spread should also mean good things for se- nior wide receiver Anthony Miller, who came on strong at the end of 2011 and capped the year with two touchdown catches in the 31-28 loss to Baylor.
The outlook is good on defense too, with several veterans returning.
CBHS will be especially strong in the secondary, where senior Salem Smith — a three-year starter — holds down the fort, and at linebacker, where Clayton Myers, Chris Carrier and Robby Young all return.
“There’s a lot of experience on defense, but we have a to develop some depth, especially on the defensive line,” Locastro said. “So many times in high school football you’re just one or two injuries away from a pretty good team turning into an average team.”