Published: August 29, 2007 02:56 pm            

Key to Bearcats offense: versatility

ALEDO — Offensive success is found when a team can do a myriad of things well.

But what happens when a team can do those things, but get it done several different ways?

That offensive unit can become a hard crew for opposing defenses to stop.

The Aledo Bearcats proved that last year, averaging 442.2 yards and 51 points over the last half of the regular season.

That is exactly what the Bearcats offensive unit is looking to be in 2007.

Like last season, the Bearcats have many weapons, but what makes those weapons more dangerous is that they can be moved around the field and used in many different ways. Whether it was Cole Loftin turning a sure sack situation into a 55-yard touchdown run, Loftin connecting with Jack Bryant for a routine 5-yard completion and another 25-yard gain after the catch, Brady Thomas connecting with Loftin for a 48-yard touchdown reception, Austin Stockon barreling through the defensive line like a Mack truck or Ryan McGuire getting around the corner and cutting up field for a 30-yard gain, the Bearcats offense was very versatile. Problems for teams in 2007 is that all of those players are back for another year.

“That is probably the key to our offense,” said Aledo head football coach Tim Buchanan. “All of our weapons, a majority of them, are seniors. We have got Brady and Cole at quarterback. Cole will also play multiple positions. Ryan McGuire can play multiple positions. Jack Bryant, Kenton Day — we just have a variety of kids who can make plays for us.”

This year, Buchanan is looking for more balance from the offense. The Bearcats did not have balance between the rushing and passing attacks, but that had more to do with the fact that the running game was so effective.

“We did not have to throw it as much last year,” Buchanan said. “When we run the ball and pop them for 60- and 70-yard touchdowns, it kind of eliminates the need to throw the football. It was not so much we could not throw it, we just did not have to.

“Our goal is to throw the ball effectively and efficiently this year, not just when we have to.”

The Bearcats’ aerial attack gets a large boost from players like Bryant and Day coming back at the wide receiver positions.

“That is the reason we are throwing it so much better,” Buchanan said. “We have those guys who have been playing since they were sophomores, or at least, most of them. Add them to the guys we had on JV last year, like Aaron Corby and they make it even a better receiving corps.”

The Bearcats have the potential to be dangerous, both on the ground and through the air, but it is the big guys up front giving the quarterbacks, receivers and running backs time to make plays. Last year, the Bearcats offensive line was one of the first things one would notice. This year, the offensive linemen might not be the first thing one notices, but it will not take long to figure out that the group of Ethan McMillan, Brandon Law, Ben Smith, Christian Miller and Daniel Meyer is not a group to be overlooked.

“It is the same basic setup as far as size-wise,” Buchanan said. “We are big again this year, just like we were big last year. Probably the difference is all those guys were seniors, so they were a little bit better on the offensive line early. We are hoping we will be able to eventually be able to get back where we were last year.”

Stockon and McGuire will start in the backfield, but the Bearcats also will be able to keep guys fresh with several backups, including Joel Hasley, Aaron Ates and Kyle Golden.

The Bearcats offense will look to pick up where it left off Friday at the new Bearcat Stadium against the Brewer Bears at 7: 30 p.m.

        

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