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Three Scots vying for QB slot

Heck, two others being evaluated for starting job

By David Pan
Enterprise Sports editor

Shorecrest football coach Mike Wollan has a problem.

As the Scots headed into last week's Shoreline Scrimmage, Wollan had three players who he thought could assume the role of quarterback.

Sam Heck was the returning starter, but Wollan wanted to take a good look at two other players, junior-to-be Michael Johnson and sophomore-to-be Ted Hammond. Johnson played on the junior varsity team, while Hammond was on the freshman team.

After watching Johnson and Hammond, Wollan liked what he saw.

"We spent the whole spring evaluating them," Wollan said. "They made a lot of progress over the two weeks. They will have a good opportunity to compete for the job in the fall."

Johnson, 6-foot-1, 180 pounds, is a smart player with a good grasp of football, Wollan said. He's played position his entire career. Hammond also has a lot of ability and played varsity baseball last spring.

"He's just a tremendous athlete," Wollan said. "We think he could play at the varsity level.

"It's a good problem to have (three potential quarterbacks). We haven't had too many of those."

Though his plans his plans are subject to change, Wollan hopes to take advantage of Heck's athleticism and move him to wide receiver.

"We're a little light in that area (wide receivers)," Wollan said. "I knew what he could do at quarterback. It's a great opportunity to get the younger guys a chance and get more athletes on the field. Sam certainly is capable of playing receiver or quarterback. Nothing is set in stone. … We're not ready to make that decision."

Whoever ends up starting at quarterback will lead an experienced Shorecrest team. The Scots only lost eight seniors who saw significant playing time.

"A lot of the underclassmen got a lot of playing time on Friday nights," Wollan said. "We bring back a fair amount of experience."

The offensive line returns four starters. In the backfield, Wollan expects Jordan Brown to have a big season. He rushed for more than 500 yards as a junior.

"He had a terrific spring," Wollan said. "We're kind of putting some more things for him to carry the ball and to take advantage of his talent."

In general, many players naturally tend to mature from their junior to their senior years, Wollan added. "The way he ran the ball this spring was pretty exciting."

Brown also started at cornerback last season and he'll be joined by returning linebackers David Cannon and Jack Bergthold.

"We're going to have to find some guys to step into the defensive line," Wollan said.

Dylan Mitchell is the lone returning starter on the defensive line.

The numbers were in the mid 50s for the scrimmages, which are good numbers for the Scots.

"Our main focus was to get in the base offense and get a look at the two young quarterbacks," Wollan said. "I think we achieved that."

The scrimmages marked the end of the formal get-togethers for the team, though Wollan may take some players to some passing leagues. Of course, Wollan expects his players to be hitting the weight room between now and the start of practices in August.

"I anticipate that will be pretty solid for us," Wollan said. "The guys have a lot of experience. They understand what they need to do to be ready to start in August."