By Bryan Bloodworth
After missing the state playoffs last year for the first time in 27 straight seasons, the goal is simple for Bloomington High School’s football team.
Get back to its winning ways.
“I think you’re going to see a pretty solid club,” said coach Rigo Schmelzer, who has announced this will be his final season after 23 years at the helm. “We want to feel as though we’re better than we were a year ago.”
The Purple Raiders finished with a 2-7 record and open this season Friday at home against Nazareth Academy from LaGrange Park.
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Schmelzer knows where a big key to the season is located.
“A lot is going to depend upon how well our offensive linemen develop and play,” he said. “There’s some size and strength there, but they’re really going to have to work on their feet. They have to do a better job of getting off the ball and sustaining blocks.”
The line figures to consist of 6-foot-4, 285-pound junior John Ridgeway III at right tackle; 250-pound senior Hugh Trickel at right guard; 260-pound senior Michael Reid at center; 275-pound senior Daniel Sorensen at right guard and 270-pound junior Carsen Hilt at right tackle.
“They are five good ones, but some of them are going to have to play on the interior on defense, which means they are going to get winded,” added Schmelzer. “They are going to have to get in good shape.”
The Purple Raiders have some talented skill position players returning, led by senior quarterback Tyler Stewart. He returns at quarterback after suffering a broken hand in the second game last year.
“It starts with the quarterback in any system and Tyler Stewart has done a nice job,” Schmelzer continued. “He’s a strong kid, who has good feet, and he’s a smart kid. He needs to be able to execute the offense and make the proper reads. If he does that then I think the tailbacks and the fullback are going to be able to keep defenses honest.”
JuniorsCary Lockhart, who finished second in the 100 and 200-yard dashes at the state meet and track, and Domeneik Criddell will be at tailbacks with senior Jaylen Hayes at fullback.
“At this time, we’re run dominant,” added Schmelzder. “We’re looking to take advantage of the speed we have. Between the quarterback and the running backs, I think we’re a pretty good-looking club.”
Last year’s leading rusher Telly Arrington is suspended for the first five games for violating the athletic code.
Things aren’t so clear on the defensive side because of the number of players Schmelzer said will have to play both ways.
“We’re thin on the interior,” he added. “But these are good kids, who’ve worked hard. As a staff we’re very pleased with the effort we’re getting out of them. If we take care of the football and can grow in the first third of the season we think we’re going to be competitive in the end.”
And how does Schmelzer feel about entering his final season after 34 years as a teacher and coach?
“The reality is you’re so busy, so involved preparing for that next game or next practice and trying to get the most out of our young men that I don’t often think about that,” he said. “I figure it’s going to be November when it hits me.”
Bryan Bloodworth can be reached at [email protected]
