ROGERS -- Rogers Heritage football coach Perry Escalante decided to move Joey Saucier from receiver to running back in order to utilize his speed as much as possible this season.
Saucier (6-foot, 194 pounds) finished with a team-high 44 receptions for 793 yards and eight touchdowns a year ago, but now the War Eagles will look to hand it off to him more than throw it this season.
The Skinny
Position Battle: Receivers
Watch Out For: Collin Christian. …. The junior had just three receptions a year ago but will be counted on heavily to be a sure-handed target in an inexperienced receiving corps.
Biggest Strength: Receivers with size. … The 6-foot-2 Christian hauled in pass after pass in 7-on-7 action all summer, and his size, along with 6-foot-4 Howie Stettmeier, should give War Eagle QBs good targets to throw to.
Biggest Question Mark: Experience. … Returnees have only four receptions in varsity action, and one of those was by junior Joel Brackett, who will likely play quarterback.
That's left the receiver position a little light in experience, which has been upsetting at times, Escalante said.
"I've spent more time with the offense this year than I ever have, and I get really frustrated when I go over there and balls are on the ground," Escalante said. "These are balls that are hitting them in the hands. We can't do that."
Junior Collin Christian has developed into the team's most reliable receiver throughout the spring and in 7-on-7 contests, but he doesn't have much experience on Friday night. The 6-2, 185-pounder had just three catches for 44 yards in varsity action a year ago.
The only other returning receiver with a reception last season is senior Albert Perez, who will definitely see some playing time this year. The 5-5, 154-pound Perez had one catch for 4 yards against Siloam Springs.
Even Christian agreed inexperience at the position has been an issue at times, but they have worked hard during the spring and summer to improve.
"We've got some athletes, but we didn't know what we were doing," Christian said. "We've gotten better though in the spring and in 7-on-7. We've got some good tight ends."
Escalante said several have made strides. The team will ask at least a couple of starters on defense to play some at the receiver spot. Senior Jerrell Hobbs, who will start at cornerback, will also play some receiver to utilize his speed. In addition Collin Gorman, who will start on the defensive line, will also play some tight end.
"Collin Christian is very dependable," Escalante said. "He's done a good job for us. He's our number one guy, a true wide receiver. We'll work Hobbs some over there. Gorman has gotten better and so has Albert.
"We don't have a Forrest Johnson type like we have in the past. Now if we put Joey out there, we do and we will some.We can put Cameron Moss back there and split Joey out. We will do that some, move him around."
Christian knows what his job is.
"If they throw something up, I've got to catch it; it's as simple as that," Christian said.
Senior Howie Stettmeier (6-4, 223) also makes a big target at tight end, but this is his first year to play football. However, offensive coordinator Darren Hotelling likes the progress he's made, too.
"He's a large target," Hotelling said. "He's pretty tough, too. He's been hit more than once and he gets up with a smile on his face and the football in his hands."
Junior David Zamora (5-9, 181) and sophomore Mason Gray (6-1, 215) could also figure into the plans.
Moss (5-7, 180), who will serve as Saucier's backup at running back also has some pass-catching ability, as does senior fullback Dylan Wright (5-10, 163).
Sports on 08/26/2014