KTJ
08-19-2004, 12:41 PM
By TODD JORGENSON / The Dallas Morning News
Italy coach Mike Shields knew he would have to change his offensive game plan, and that was before learning quarterback B.J. Chambers would not return.
Chambers, who threw for more than 2,700 yards last year, had shoulder surgery in June, and will miss this season.
His top three receivers all graduated after averaging 41.6 points and leading Italy to a ninth-straight playoff appearance.
Yet Shields is confident he can build on five returning starters, led by tailback C.J. Rankin.
New quarterback Jeremy Brown, who played a variety of positions last fall, had a combined 651 yards and 10 touchdowns as a quarterback, fullback and tight end. Italy expects a more balanced offense than last season's pass-oriented unit.
"I'm hoping that this year we can run the ball and use some of that clock," Shields said. "We're trying to play to our strength."
E-mail tjorgenson@dallasnews.com
FAST FACTS
Nickname: Gladiators
District: 14-2A
Coach: Mike Shields
Last season: 11-2, 5-0 (lost to Bangs, 58-22, in Class 2A Division II regional semifinals)
THE SKINNY
STRENGTH
Skill positions: Italy will compensate for its inexperience with speed in the backfield and at receiver.
WEAKNESS
Lack of depth: The team lost 10 seniors, plus its quarterback, and doesn't have a lot of size returning.
BIGGEST GAME
vs. Maypearl, Sept. 3: A non-district rematch of the game that decided the 15-2A title last season.
DID YOU KNOW?
C-DE Brian Weaver is the fourth member of his family to play at Italy. His father and oldest brother were all-state tight ends.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
QB/DB Jeremy Brown, 5-10, 170, Jr.: Last season's 15-2A newcomer of the year rushed for 567 yards, 7 TDs
OT-DE Chris Enriquez, 5-11, 160, Sr.: Undersized but ferocious, made all-district on both sides of the ball
RB/DB C.J. Rankin, 6-0, 175, Sr.: Two-way starter excelled at cornerback after a move from safety
WR/CB Andre Speed, 5-11, 155, Sr.: Should contribute on offense and as part of stellar secondary
WR/DB A.J. Washington, 6-0, 175, Sr: Speedy safety might emerge as top receiver
RETURNING LEADERS
RUSHING
Player Att. Yds. TDs
C.J. Rankin 110 925 12
PASSING
Player C-A-I Yds. TDs
Jeremy Brown 7-21-1 84 3
RECEIVING
Player No. Yds. TDs
C.J. Rankin 17 268 3
TACKLES
Player No.
C.J. Rankin 128
INTERCEPTIONS
Player No.
Jeremy Brown 3
Italy coach Mike Shields knew he would have to change his offensive game plan, and that was before learning quarterback B.J. Chambers would not return.
Chambers, who threw for more than 2,700 yards last year, had shoulder surgery in June, and will miss this season.
His top three receivers all graduated after averaging 41.6 points and leading Italy to a ninth-straight playoff appearance.
Yet Shields is confident he can build on five returning starters, led by tailback C.J. Rankin.
New quarterback Jeremy Brown, who played a variety of positions last fall, had a combined 651 yards and 10 touchdowns as a quarterback, fullback and tight end. Italy expects a more balanced offense than last season's pass-oriented unit.
"I'm hoping that this year we can run the ball and use some of that clock," Shields said. "We're trying to play to our strength."
E-mail tjorgenson@dallasnews.com
FAST FACTS
Nickname: Gladiators
District: 14-2A
Coach: Mike Shields
Last season: 11-2, 5-0 (lost to Bangs, 58-22, in Class 2A Division II regional semifinals)
THE SKINNY
STRENGTH
Skill positions: Italy will compensate for its inexperience with speed in the backfield and at receiver.
WEAKNESS
Lack of depth: The team lost 10 seniors, plus its quarterback, and doesn't have a lot of size returning.
BIGGEST GAME
vs. Maypearl, Sept. 3: A non-district rematch of the game that decided the 15-2A title last season.
DID YOU KNOW?
C-DE Brian Weaver is the fourth member of his family to play at Italy. His father and oldest brother were all-state tight ends.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
QB/DB Jeremy Brown, 5-10, 170, Jr.: Last season's 15-2A newcomer of the year rushed for 567 yards, 7 TDs
OT-DE Chris Enriquez, 5-11, 160, Sr.: Undersized but ferocious, made all-district on both sides of the ball
RB/DB C.J. Rankin, 6-0, 175, Sr.: Two-way starter excelled at cornerback after a move from safety
WR/CB Andre Speed, 5-11, 155, Sr.: Should contribute on offense and as part of stellar secondary
WR/DB A.J. Washington, 6-0, 175, Sr: Speedy safety might emerge as top receiver
RETURNING LEADERS
RUSHING
Player Att. Yds. TDs
C.J. Rankin 110 925 12
PASSING
Player C-A-I Yds. TDs
Jeremy Brown 7-21-1 84 3
RECEIVING
Player No. Yds. TDs
C.J. Rankin 17 268 3
TACKLES
Player No.
C.J. Rankin 128
INTERCEPTIONS
Player No.
Jeremy Brown 3