MABEN — East Webster”s offense is steamrolling through its schedule thanks to a dynamic option offense.
The Wolverines (8-0, 2-0 Class 2A Region 2) have shut out four opponents this season and have rUn the option to perfection. So much so that quarterback Ledrick Patterson has attempted just 34 passes.
East Webster”s ground game, which averages more than 300 yards per game, has been a balanced attack between three players who each have more than 500 rushing yards.
“Of course, it starts with the offensive line,” head coach Jimmy Carden said Thursday. “We got a mix between three seniors and some young guys, but we get the right guy blocked to let Ledrick make his reads. All of our running backs are very unselfish.”
Tailback Demetrius O”Briant leads the team with 824 yards on 96 carries, while fullback Timakis Bell has 642 on 83 carries.
Patterson, the centerpiece of the Wolverines” option, has 523 yards.
After having a more direct rushing attack last season, the Wolverines have run the option effectively since Week 1.
In the offense, East Webster”s offensive players were told the offense would change because of its dearth of playmakers.
Instantly, the Wolverines ball carriers started preparing for a new set of responsibilities, Bell said.
“The three backs we got, we”d bust our tail in the weight room this summer,” Bell said. “Coach saw how hard we were working and told us we”d all have a chance to get carries. When we first heard it, we were down for trying it. But when we started, we were confused.”
The confusion didn”t last long, as Bell, O”Briant and Patterson began working out and going through their option steps on their own. Bell says there was little to no adjustment after the season started.
But as the offense continues to thrive through the option, Bell insists the team is working to improve its go-to attack.
“People watch film each day to stop us,” Bell said. “That pushes us to go even harder because we know they”re working hard to stop our offense. Ledrick reads it better than anybody I know. We know it”s gonna work, but it can always get better.”
Senior defensive back Josh Gladney says the improved offense is representative of a team that turned the corner in all phases after beating Coahoma County in the first round of the 2A playoffs last season.
“We”re proud of everything we”re doing right now,” Gladney said. “The confidence is pretty high right now. We go into every game wanting to score 50 points.”
The Wolverines, coming off a 41-14 win over Ackerman, travel to Hamilton (3-5, 0-2) for a league contest at 7 tonight.
As the Wolverines remain undefeated after each game, the goal is to get the team to prepare as if it”s playing for the state title game. Especially a season after the team reached the 2A North State title game with four division losses.
“I think we always have to work on staying focused,” Carden said. “With teenage young men, there”s always going to be distractions.
“It”s one of those deals where if you don”t play every week, it”s your last. The first round could end up being Bruce. There are about four or five teams who are equal, and whoever doesn”t execute will go home. We have to treat each week like it”s our last.”
NOTE: Inside linebacker Xavier Moye has a fractured fibula and is out 2-4 weeks.
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