North Central, Sullivan showcase new looks

By Tom Reck
Tribune-Star Correspondent

FARMERSBURG August 15, 2008 11:58 pm

— North Central and Sullivan will have new looks this season in football and their coaches got a chance to look at some combinations Friday night in a scrimmage at North Central in sunny, warm conditions.
North Central will be without Michael Woodsmall in its offensive backfield — and on defense — for the first time in four years. Sullivan lost four of five offensive linemen by graduation and all defensive linemen by graduation.
Both teams are set in some areas.
Brett Lewis started at quarterback for the Thunderbirds this year and directed the main offense in the scrimmage, completing 10 passes with just one interception and one touchdown.
“He has the potential to have a good year,” said fourth-year coach Brian Crabtree.
Derrik Enstrom and Mark Linnenkamp should share rushing duties, with Trevor Watson used on certain plays. Linnenkamp was a mainstay on defense in the past and is new to the offense.
Linnenkamp scored twice on short-yardage situations while Watson caught four passes and scored once and Dylan Walker caught three passes.
Gene Bradford is the one player sure to start for the Arrows at fullback according to coach Trent Olson, starting his second year as the Sullivan coach.
He scored twice for Sullivan and rushed for more than 50 yards.
Tyler Cox and Vance Bedwell split time at quarterback.
Bedwell started every game two years ago after Ethan Wright was hurt in the preseason scrimmage and completed a 27-yard pass to Dalton Hiatt for a touchdown in Friday’s workout. Wright returned to the slot a year ago.
“We’ll run more option … otherwise, the scheme will be about the same,” said Olson.
“We had a chance to look at a lot of players,” said Olson with 50 players dressed for the scrimmage.
The Arrows open the season on the road against a new opponent, meeting Southridge in Dubois County. “We’ll have our hands full,” said Olson.
North Central is at Union for a Southwest Seven game. The Thunderbirds blanked the Bulldogs a year ago.
“Union has several players back. It will be a battle,” said Crabtree.
North Central was 8-3 last year and 4-2 in the conference. Sullivan was 7-3.