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Western football fans will see a decidedly different offense when the Panthers take the field this fall.
Interim coach Blake Conklin has scrapped the Panthers’ ground-and-pound approach of previous coach Alex Stewart and has installed an offense that he believes suits the Panthers’ current deep crop of skill players.
“Obviously, with the all-state tailback [Matthew McKitrick] that we have, we’re still going to run the ball,” Conklin said. “But no more single wing. We’re going to be spread out. There’s going to be multiple three- and four-receiver sets. We want to give our playmakers more space to make plays.”
Senior Kyler Norman (5-foot-10, 170 pounds) is moving to quarterback in Western’s new offense. He previously worked as a wingback.
“He fits the offense to a T,” Conklin said. “He throws the ball great and he’s a weapon out of the backfield carrying the ball.”
In McKitrick, a 5-11, 195-pound junior, the Panthers have a big-play threat in the ground game. He rushed for 1,645 yards and 13 touchdowns last season. He had a 305-yard game against Northwestern and three other games with 200-plus yards.
“I believe he’s the best tailback in our conference,” Conklin said.
Junior Levi Shoemaker (6-4, 225) is the H-back/tight end. He primarily worked as a quarterback last season.
“With what we’re doing with this kind of offense, the H-back kind of makes it go. He opens up a lot for us with his ability to block and as a downfield receiver,” Conklin said.
Seniors Cameron Hobensack (5-11, 185) and Mason Tedder (6-0, 190) provide depth behind McKitrick and Shoemaker. Senior Brady Comer (5-10, 160) is the slot receiver and junior Brycen Rucker (6-4, 200), sophomore Maddox Williams (6-1, 185) and seniors Peyton Kauble (6-3, 205) and Shane Paulison (6-0, 150) are outside receivers.
“We have a…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/football-western-panthers-2024-preview-094600724.html
Author : Kokomo Tribune, Ind.
Publish date : 2024-08-17 09:46:00
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