Cheyenne Mountain steps up to Foothills/ Powerful fullback will help

0 Comments | Gazette, The (Colorado Springs), Aug 28, 2002 | by Troy Schwindt

Last year, Cheyenne Mountain fullback Tyler Ward earned the moniker of "guard on wheels" from his father and coach, Tom Ward.

He did so by punishing would-be tacklers en route to 1,850 yards. The 5-foot-11, 205-pounder routinely busted into the secondary and lowered his shoulder as the Indians reached the Class3A semifinals.

Enjoying the best seat in the house for Ward's ramblings: Ward's teammates on the offensive line. In 2001, they took smash-mouth football to a new level and they hope to do the same this season in a new league - the 4A Foothills.

"When he does well, we all do well," right tackle Dustin Day said. "We feel great because we know if he's had a great game, we've had a great game. His yards kind of reflect how we did.

"Coach says dominate the line for 3 yards. If we get more great, but 3 yards every time and if we're able to do that we'll be able to win football games."

One look at Day, who anchors the right side of the line, and it would be easy to see why the Indians knocked defenses off the line of scrimmage so successfully last year. The well-spoken and charismatic Day stands 6-foot-7 and weighs 300. Pancakes mean something different to him.

But upon further review, it becomes obvious that Day is the exception on one of the area's top offensive lines. Center Andy Sutter, guards Mike Walker and Matt Carson and the other tackle, yet to be determined, all are in the 200 pounds-and-under category.

Technique and strength are their calling cards.

"We all work hard," said Sutter, who is about 5-11, 180 pounds. "We are all pretty small compared to everyone else. But we get off the ball and we are quick and stronger than everyone.

"We are going to hit you in the mouth. We'll take it to you. That's one of the best parts of our game."

Tom Ward, who came to Cheyenne Mountain last year and has coached at different schools in Texas and Colorado, said the performance of a team's offensive line and the success of a running game go hand in hand.

"I've always said your backs are only as good as your offensive line," he said. "Our offensive line, I believe, are overachievers. They work their tails off and do a great job and are perfect for our system."

TEAM CAPSULES

(In predicted order of finish)

1. PUEBLO SOUTH

Coach: Mark Haering, fifth season at Pueblo South, ninth overall

2001: 10-2, reached 4A quarterfinals

Returning starters: 4 off/6 def

Who's back: OL-DL John Grando, Sr. (5-11, 230 pounds); WR Kris Ducy, Sr. (32 catches, 657 yards); OL-DL Jeremiah Wilson, Sr.; RB-LB Nick Cunico, Jr. (73 carries, 329 yards); LB-SS Brian Espinoza, Sr.; QB-FS Art Stawski, Sr.; TE-LB Ray Rozmairck, Sr.

Who's gone: RB Zack Brockman (1,914 yards); DB-TE Mike Martinez; DE Mike Cuchariara.

Who's new: TE Sonny Oliva, Sr.; Salida transfer RB-LB Tyler Farney.

Outlook: Pueblo South is a perennial power in southern Colorado. The Colts reload instead of rebuild. This year's edition should once again be a threat to win the league.

2. CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN

Coach: Tom Ward, second season

2001: 10-3, reached 3A semifinals

Returning starters: 8 off/5 def

Who's back: FB Tyler Ward, Sr. (1,850 yards); QB Sam Green, Sr. (65 of 123, 826 yards); TE-MLB Brian Chmura, Sr. (good hands); C Andy Sutter, Sr. (anchors offensive line); WR-SS Mike Cerise, Sr. (18 catches, 260 yards); OT Dustin Day (6-7, 300 pounds), Sr.; OL-DL Peter Obering, Sr. (tough on both lines).

Who's gone: SS Ryan Vinje (134 tackles), FS Jeff Harrison (7 INT), OT-LB Austin Wagner (120 tackles, 7 sacks); LB Jason Ziegler (49 tackles).

Who's new: Andrew Barnes is a transfer from Montana who figures to compete for a defensive job.

Outlook: Cheyenne Mountain rode the power running attack of Ward deep into the playoffs last year. With Ward and most of the offensive line back, Tom Ward figures to once again count on his fullback son to carry much of the load. However, the improvement and emergence of Green means the Indians will be less predictable. A playoff run is again in the cards.

3. LIBERTY

Coach: Richard Geddes, third season at Liberty, 17th overall

2001: 10-2, reached 3A quarterfinals

Returning starters: 5 off/5 def

Who's back: RB-LB Brandon Wilson, Sr. (40 catches, 800 yards rushing); WR-DB Justin Kohlman, Sr. (18 catches, 415 yards, 8 TDs in half a season until knee injury); OL-LB Ryan Scro, Sr. (mainstay on OL); OL-DL Erik Krous, Sr. (intelligent and solid player); DE Darrell Elliott, Sr. (moves from LB).

Who's gone: RB-S Matt Ascione (1,945 yards, 28 TDs, 152 tackles, 5 sacks); QB Ryan Mattice (129 of 237, 2,001 yards, 26 TDs); K-WR-DB Daniel Wasson (50 of 54 PAT, long FG 49, also returned kicks); DL Scott Goodrich (16 tackles for loss, 5 blocked punts); OL Steve Bannon (first-team all-area).

Who's new: Junior Bucky Poirier, who led St. Mary's with 10 yards per carry last season, transferred and will likely play QB.

Outlook: Liberty graduated most of its offensive production in Ascione and Mattice, and Ascione was the heart of the defense, too. One key for the Lancers will be the development of Poirier in Liberty's system. He has a talented supporting crew around him, including some outstanding receivers.