KTJ
08-21-2004, 11:27 AM
By TODD JORGENSON / The Dallas Morning News
Billy Butler is serious when he says the Quinlan Ford offense can be better this season, even without Chris Eiland.
For the first time since 1999, Butler's offense will be missing its workhorse running back, who accumulated more than 6,000 yards in his career and paced area Class 3A rushers in 2003. Last year, Eiland led a Quinlan Ford offense that posted 43 or more points seven times.
Butler's optimism stems from a variety of athletes he said will share the rushing load. Aaron Kemp and Bryan Goss will move from receiver to share the quarterback duties, while Sean Callahan will be the primary tailback after serving as Eiland's backup in 2003.
"We're going to spread the ball out instead of putting all the load on one guy," said Butler, who beefed up the nondistrict schedule to include two 4A teams as well as 3A powers Crandall and Texarkana Liberty-Eylau.
Nine starters return on a defense that gave up 13.8 points per game in the regular season.
E-mail tjorgenson@dallasnews.com
FAST FACTS
Nickname: Panthers
District: 11-3A
Coach: Billy Butler
Last season: 9-2, 6-1 (lost to Pilot Point, 23-22, in Class 3A Division II bi-district playoffs).
THE SKINNY
STRENGTH
Experience: With 17 starters returning, Quinlan Ford should reload easily, especially in the lines and secondary.
WEAKNESS
Lack of size up front: Only one starting lineman weighs more than 250 pounds.
BIGGEST GAME
vs. Commerce, Oct. 29: Quinlan Ford earned a 21-6 win in a game that decided the District 10-3A title last season.
DID YOU KNOW?
Quinlan Ford has only nine regular-season games on its schedule with two bye weeks, partially a result of being placed in a five-team district.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
RB/S Tony Amico, 5-9, 180, Sr.: His return to Quinlan adds depth after playing junior season in Ohio.
RB/LB Sean Callahan, 5-8, 175, Sr.: Rushed for 696 yards and made all-district last year as a backup.
WR/S Bryan Goss, 6-2, 180, Sr.: Has size, speed and versatility; should also see time at QB.
C/DT Michael Hopson, 5-9, 230, Sr.: Two-way all-district player provides anchor on front lines.
QB/CB Aaron Kemp, 5-9, 170, Sr.: All-district receiver and cornerback is a solid all-around athlete.
RETURNING LEADERS
RUSHING
Name Att. Yds. TDs
Sean Callahan 79 696 6
PASSING
Name C-A-I Yds. TDs
Bryan Goss 1-2-0 39 0
RECEIVING
Name No. Yds. TDs
Aaron Kemp 14 389 6
TACKLES
Name No.
Sean Callahan 130
INTERCEPTIONS
Name No.
Aaron Kemp 6
Billy Butler is serious when he says the Quinlan Ford offense can be better this season, even without Chris Eiland.
For the first time since 1999, Butler's offense will be missing its workhorse running back, who accumulated more than 6,000 yards in his career and paced area Class 3A rushers in 2003. Last year, Eiland led a Quinlan Ford offense that posted 43 or more points seven times.
Butler's optimism stems from a variety of athletes he said will share the rushing load. Aaron Kemp and Bryan Goss will move from receiver to share the quarterback duties, while Sean Callahan will be the primary tailback after serving as Eiland's backup in 2003.
"We're going to spread the ball out instead of putting all the load on one guy," said Butler, who beefed up the nondistrict schedule to include two 4A teams as well as 3A powers Crandall and Texarkana Liberty-Eylau.
Nine starters return on a defense that gave up 13.8 points per game in the regular season.
E-mail tjorgenson@dallasnews.com
FAST FACTS
Nickname: Panthers
District: 11-3A
Coach: Billy Butler
Last season: 9-2, 6-1 (lost to Pilot Point, 23-22, in Class 3A Division II bi-district playoffs).
THE SKINNY
STRENGTH
Experience: With 17 starters returning, Quinlan Ford should reload easily, especially in the lines and secondary.
WEAKNESS
Lack of size up front: Only one starting lineman weighs more than 250 pounds.
BIGGEST GAME
vs. Commerce, Oct. 29: Quinlan Ford earned a 21-6 win in a game that decided the District 10-3A title last season.
DID YOU KNOW?
Quinlan Ford has only nine regular-season games on its schedule with two bye weeks, partially a result of being placed in a five-team district.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
RB/S Tony Amico, 5-9, 180, Sr.: His return to Quinlan adds depth after playing junior season in Ohio.
RB/LB Sean Callahan, 5-8, 175, Sr.: Rushed for 696 yards and made all-district last year as a backup.
WR/S Bryan Goss, 6-2, 180, Sr.: Has size, speed and versatility; should also see time at QB.
C/DT Michael Hopson, 5-9, 230, Sr.: Two-way all-district player provides anchor on front lines.
QB/CB Aaron Kemp, 5-9, 170, Sr.: All-district receiver and cornerback is a solid all-around athlete.
RETURNING LEADERS
RUSHING
Name Att. Yds. TDs
Sean Callahan 79 696 6
PASSING
Name C-A-I Yds. TDs
Bryan Goss 1-2-0 39 0
RECEIVING
Name No. Yds. TDs
Aaron Kemp 14 389 6
TACKLES
Name No.
Sean Callahan 130
INTERCEPTIONS
Name No.
Aaron Kemp 6