RallyNorth.net

Quarterback by committee

Friday, October, 19 By Matt Jenkins
Staff writer

Is it quarterback controversy, quarterback competition or quarterback by committee?

Let's scratch quarterback controversy from that list right off the bat because that casts such a negative light over a program. However, it seems we do have both a quarterback competition and a committee situation right here on the North Shore in Marblehead and Beverly, respectively. While neither Marblehead coach Doug Chernovetz nor Beverly coach Dan Bauer planned on using two quarterbacks during the preseason, both are making the best of it.

Beverly began using two quarterbacks early in the season, and Bauer is really just looking for his two sophomore signal callers | Mark Theriault and Mark Hannable | to manage the game. Neither has thrown for more than 80 yards on the season or rushed for more than 20.

Barring injury, the Panthers will use both QBs regularly throughout the season.

"I think the competition is good, and it takes some of the pressure off to have the opportunity to work on the things they need to. I think those are all good things, and it will continue for the rest of the season," Bauer said. "Obviously, you have in mind what you think might happen during the spring and summer when you're planning and the kids are working out. But once the season begins things can change, particularly with younger players, from week to week. You have to have team-centered players that have a lot of trust and faith in the system."

Bauer has praised Theriault and Hannable repeatedly throughout the season for their willingness to accept their roles and encourage each other during practices and games. Naturally, there is a sense of competition surrounding the Beverly quarterback job, but it's more of a motivational tool to push each quarterback to be better.

In Marblehead, meanwhile, Chernovetz has made it an open competition between junior Ian McKinley and sophomore Hayes Richardson. McKinley entered camp as an untested, completely inexperienced quarterback, and won the job. At times this season, the Marblehead coaching staff has questioned if McKinley gives the team the best chance to win. That led to them giving Richardson, who had been the JV quarterback, an opportunity.

Both McKinley and Richardson have been getting snaps recently.

McKinley started against Lynn English last week, but was replaced by Richardson after an interception. The Magicians lost to the Bulldogs, 21-0, and Chernovetz opened the job the next day.

So far this season, McKinley has thrown for 272 yards and three touchdowns, against five interceptions, while Richardson has thrown for 269 yards, two touchdowns and one interception.

"We're trying to find the kid that is going to do the best for us," Chernovetz said. "We're very young and we're trying to find the best 11 that will be able to get out and execute our offense. We felt that Hayes would do the best job (last weekend), and we spoke with both on Monday and said that right now the position is open. Both have accepted the challenge, and this week it will really be a game-time decision."