Coalers and Redskins rivalry renews

by shawn long
Sports writer
When the Coalers and the Redskins hit the field for Week 1 action, it will all be about defense.
Whomever can make the stops will win. It’s simple but simply put, both of these teams possess some really good defenses.
The Morris Redskins finished the shortened spring season with a 3-2 record which was good for fourth in the new Interstate Eight Conference.
During that time, they only allowed 72 points in five games, which is about two touchdowns per game and going up against the competition they were, that is pretty respectable. The Coalers on the other hand, allowed only 42 points in five games so that’s a touchdown and a two point conversion per game so it will be interesting
The Redskins, who are coached by Alan Thorson, bring back a full, 66-man roster that features only 11 seniors so they are young and have lost some people but they are still talented.
They line up most of the time out of the shot gun and
And their offense starts with senior quarterback Zach Romak, who is 6-2 190 pounds and uses that height to see the field. He was on-point during the loss to LaSalle-Peru as he had three scoring strikes of 31, 35, 50. During the Sycamore game he showed th same thing with two touchdown passes of 16 and 35 that brought them within seven points of a win.
Romak wears number 19 and will be on the field most of the game as he plays defensive back as well.
One of his weapons he likes to get the ball to is senior wide receiver Myles Johnston, who presents a big target for Romak at 6-2 185. He was very active last season, catching two touchdown passes in a game against LaSalle-Peru. He will be used with jump balls against shorter corners and he has enough speed to race past the defense on a screen.
He has another pretty dynamic target in Sam Reddinger (#3), who is quick in space. He played a little bit in his sophomore year but will get more playing time as a junior. He has shown he can run through arm tackles he gets the ball and shows good vision when he hits the holes.
But like any passing attack, you have to be able to establish the run first. They’ll rely on the two-way RB/LB Jorge Loza (#40) who runs the ball hard on offense to set up the pass and hits even harder on defense. He was featured quite a bit more at linebacker but with John Landers gone to graduation, he’ll have to carry the load.
It will also help the fact he gets to run behind 6-2 295 pound senior center Nick Perry (#66). He’ll be essential in the running game and in the passing game.
The Coalers might pass the ball a little bit more with Braden Reilly, who has a big arm but first things first, they’re a run first team and they will carry the rock with senior RB/LB Ashton Harvey leading the charge.
Harvey split time with Asa Cooper, who put on a show for the Coalers last year running the football, catching and just making gamebreaking plays.
Still, the second-year back ran the ball for 174 yards with two touchdowns while also collecting 49 tackles on defense.
He’s a hard nosed football player who lays the lumber when he hits somebody.
At the other linebacker spot, the Coalers have their leading tackler in the spring Brady Best, who will also double as a running though he didn’t see too much action on the offensive side of the ball with Asa on the field.
Morris will have their hands full trying to block not one, not two but three hard-hitting players on defense as Nick Seplak comes back to play defensive line after picking up 31 tackles in the spring. He’s also a very hard runner, gaining 103 yards with a touchdown.
When it comes down to it, if the Coalers line can get to Romak giving him little time to throw, they will start 1-0.
The Coalers will have homefield advantage and are looking to take overall lead against the Redskins. Right now, the two teams have both won a game, including the Coalers’ 48-33 win over Morris during the 2019 season.
One thing is for sure, when the players hit the field and the lights come on, it’s going to be a fun game to watch.