2013 Bears will lean on the run, QB Chamberlain By Mike Vlahovich
Splash Contributor
Central Valley football coach Rick Giampietri didn't need to hear this bit of news.
Do-all athlete Adam Chamberlain, the returning Bears quarterback, strained an Achilles tendon playing basketball this summer, was put in a protective boot and there was uncertainty of his football status.
But the boot came off and there he was, much to Giampietri's relief, the first day of practice on Aug. 21 as if nothing had happened. Giampietri had said he hoped he'd be ready for CV's season opener Sept. 6 at home against Ferris, a pre-season Greater Spokane League favorite.
"Things took off when we got him in the lineup last year," Giampietri said of Chamberlain, who became eligible the last half of the season. "He's one of the better athletes in town (and) just makes things happen - by accident if nothing else - with his legs as much as anything."
The Bears won five of six games with him behind center, including an upset victory over league champion and then unbeaten Gonzaga Prep.
"He's as valuable in the secondary and made a lot of saving type tackles," Giampietri continued. "He's as good a two-way player as there is in town."
Fortunately, all but the center returns on the offensive line. Veterans include the whole right side - tight end Beau Byus, first-team All-GSL tackle J.D. Boden and guard Shayne Riordan. Hunter Wardian started the last seven games at left tackle following injury to a senior starter, and guard Zach Millard was All-GSL on defense.
Giampietri said junior running back Spencer Miller had a good summer's training, running a 4.6 40, and Jackson Axtell and Hayden Wolrehammer add depth.
P.J. Bowden, J.P. Benson and Tucker Stout are in the mix as receivers.
"It looks like we have people who can catch it and run decently, so I think we're OK," Giampietri said.
Such depth comes in handy since the bulk of them also play defensive positions.
The Bears, he said, can stack up "really well" in the GSL. A healthy Chamberlain is vital if CV is to challenge, as usual, for the postseason.
|