footballgal
08-25-2005, 10:42 AM
In the driver's seat
Port Isabel quarterback Carr Griener ready to carry Tarpons
The Brownsville Herald
http://www.valleymorningstar.com/content/articles/2005/08/25/sports/sports1.jpg
Port Isabel quarterback Carr Griener takes a quick break from practice as he and the rest of the Tarpons prepare for the Los Fresnos Falcons on Friday.
By MIKE GONZALEZ
The Brownsville Herald
PORT ISABEL - In Port Isabel's option offense, the quarterback has been a key component to the Tarpons' success for the past three seasons.
Led by Gabriel Alvarez in 2002 and 2003, and Lando Ochoa in 2004, the Tarpons have advanced to the regional round of the state playoffs for three consecutive years, including a trip to the Class 3A state semifinals in 2003.
Alvarez and Ochoa have since moved on, but the torch they lit has been passed.
The Tarpons (11-2 in 2004) are counting on quarterback Carr Griener to continue the legacy.
Griener makes his first varsity start at 7:30 p.m. Friday when Port Isabel takes on Los Fresnos in the 58th edition of the "Battle of Highway 100."
Currently, the 5-foot-11, 170-pound senior is learning the Multiple I offense favored by head coach Monty Stumbaugh.
The five-year head coach has one request for his new captain.
"We want him to execute our offense and be a leader," Stumbaugh said. "As a quarterback, you've got to be a presence and have respect from teammates. Carr's doing fine so far."
Griener, 17, was quarterback for his junior high team and a starter at the junior varsity level two years ago. As a junior, Griener was a backup to Ochoa, but saw very little action.
Griener knows success doesn't come overnight and is confident that in time he can provide the same kind of playmaking ability as his predecessors.
"These (non-district) games will get me ready for district," Griener said. "I know it's going to be tough for us, but we just need to stay together."
Stumbaugh's new signal caller will bring a different style to the field this season. Griener hasn't shown the speed that Alvarez and Ochoa had, but the senior can give the Tarpons a passing attack. It's something Griener said he's more comfortable with anyway.
"I know I'm not as fast as Alvarez or Ochoa, but I can pass the ball," Griener said. "We've been passing a little more in the scrimmages."
In Port Isabel's two preseason matchups, Stumbaugh said Griener looked solid. He struggled in Saturday's scrimmage against Mercedes, but it was because of some breakdowns on the offensive line and heavy pressure by the Tigers, the coach said.
Stumbaugh believes that Griener will grow into the role and do some real damage on the field.
"Griener throws the ball well," he said. "We've got some things we've put on that will enable him to throw well. He runs the option well, executes well - if you don't cover him well, he'll get you."
Griener recalled the tough playoff loss last year against Hallettsville and wants nothing more than to avenge it.
"Last year when we lost, I was thinking about the game in the bus," he said. "Now I'm the quarterback, and it's time for me to step it up."
Aug 25, 2005 - 09:42:13 CDT
http://www.valleymorningstar.com/articles/2005/08/25//sports/sports1.txt
Port Isabel quarterback Carr Griener ready to carry Tarpons
The Brownsville Herald
http://www.valleymorningstar.com/content/articles/2005/08/25/sports/sports1.jpg
Port Isabel quarterback Carr Griener takes a quick break from practice as he and the rest of the Tarpons prepare for the Los Fresnos Falcons on Friday.
By MIKE GONZALEZ
The Brownsville Herald
PORT ISABEL - In Port Isabel's option offense, the quarterback has been a key component to the Tarpons' success for the past three seasons.
Led by Gabriel Alvarez in 2002 and 2003, and Lando Ochoa in 2004, the Tarpons have advanced to the regional round of the state playoffs for three consecutive years, including a trip to the Class 3A state semifinals in 2003.
Alvarez and Ochoa have since moved on, but the torch they lit has been passed.
The Tarpons (11-2 in 2004) are counting on quarterback Carr Griener to continue the legacy.
Griener makes his first varsity start at 7:30 p.m. Friday when Port Isabel takes on Los Fresnos in the 58th edition of the "Battle of Highway 100."
Currently, the 5-foot-11, 170-pound senior is learning the Multiple I offense favored by head coach Monty Stumbaugh.
The five-year head coach has one request for his new captain.
"We want him to execute our offense and be a leader," Stumbaugh said. "As a quarterback, you've got to be a presence and have respect from teammates. Carr's doing fine so far."
Griener, 17, was quarterback for his junior high team and a starter at the junior varsity level two years ago. As a junior, Griener was a backup to Ochoa, but saw very little action.
Griener knows success doesn't come overnight and is confident that in time he can provide the same kind of playmaking ability as his predecessors.
"These (non-district) games will get me ready for district," Griener said. "I know it's going to be tough for us, but we just need to stay together."
Stumbaugh's new signal caller will bring a different style to the field this season. Griener hasn't shown the speed that Alvarez and Ochoa had, but the senior can give the Tarpons a passing attack. It's something Griener said he's more comfortable with anyway.
"I know I'm not as fast as Alvarez or Ochoa, but I can pass the ball," Griener said. "We've been passing a little more in the scrimmages."
In Port Isabel's two preseason matchups, Stumbaugh said Griener looked solid. He struggled in Saturday's scrimmage against Mercedes, but it was because of some breakdowns on the offensive line and heavy pressure by the Tigers, the coach said.
Stumbaugh believes that Griener will grow into the role and do some real damage on the field.
"Griener throws the ball well," he said. "We've got some things we've put on that will enable him to throw well. He runs the option well, executes well - if you don't cover him well, he'll get you."
Griener recalled the tough playoff loss last year against Hallettsville and wants nothing more than to avenge it.
"Last year when we lost, I was thinking about the game in the bus," he said. "Now I'm the quarterback, and it's time for me to step it up."
Aug 25, 2005 - 09:42:13 CDT
http://www.valleymorningstar.com/articles/2005/08/25//sports/sports1.txt