ROGERS -- Rogers Heritage football coach Perry Escalante feels better about the War Eagles receivers after a summer of 7-on-7 work, but he's still not ready to name a starting quarterback as fall practice begins this week.
Between 100 and 110 players reported for the start of practice on Monday.
Escalante was pleased with the turnout for summer weight workouts, which was better than it's been in the past.
"We averaged around 80 or 85 out of probably 110 in the weight room this summer," Escalante said. "It tailed off a little late, but people were probably trying to get in a quick vacation. But that was real promising."
Seniors Howie Stettmeier (6-4, 220) and Jerrell Hobbs (5-9, 170) joined the War Eagles after spring practice and will supplement the receiving corps, Escalante said.
Stettmeier is home schooled and has never played football before, but presents a big target at tight end. The speedy Hobbs, who will also likely see action in the secondary, moved from Stuttgart. Both impressed in 7-on-7 action this summer.
"They should really help us," Escalante said. "Howie's a big kid and has good hands. The Hobbs kids can run and runs good routes, too. I feel better about the receivers now. We used 7-on-7 more kind of searching for some guys, moreso than we've done in the past."
That was a key since Escalante decided to alter the offense last spring and move senior Joey Saucier, the team's top returning receiver to running back.
The War Eagles are also replacing a three-year starter and all-state selection in Josh Qualls, who is now playing at Arkansas Tech.
Who will throw the ball to them on a regular basis is still undetermined. But Escalante acknowledged using multiple quarterbacks is a possibility.
Sophomores Luke Heiligenthal and Joe Britton, along with juniors Joel Brackett and Jake Qualls are all still in the mix, but Escalante said that number should dwindle by next week when the War Eagles don pads.
"Luke threw it well I thought this summer," Escalante said. "The cream kind of rises to the top when they put the pads on. Everybody looks good in helmets and shorts."
Heritage will officially begin work in pads on Thursday.
Escalante said he will ask more of his quarterbacks with the change in offense.
"We're expecting our quarterback to run the football," Escalante said. "We want him to be a threat at all times. That's what we're looking for."
Escalante said Britton and Brackett might be the current front-runners, but they could both also figure on defense, too.
"Jake's not out of the picture," Escalante said. "Joe will need to play safety and Joel could play linebacker. We'll just have to see how it plays out and who's more consistent the next two or three weeks."
Heritage is slated to host Van Buren for a scrimmage on August 26, which will also be big, Escalante said.
"The scrimmage will tell us the guy we're going to go with," Escalante said.
Sports on 08/06/2014