Stevens, Moore bring experience to hungry Wampus Cats

Quality depth a strength on both sides of ball

By ERIC PLUMMER

Sports editor

CLARK FORK — If it seems like quarterback Wade Stevens has been slinging the rock to receiver Bryant Moore for a long time, it’s for good reason, as the duo enters their fourth season together spearheading the Wampus Cats’ offense.

The dual threat Stevens accounted for 16 touchdowns last season, eight on the ground and eight through the air. On the receiving end of all eight scoring strikes was Moore, as the pair clicked better than ever in their third season playing together.

Entering year four, hopes are high for an even bigger year. Entering his 13th season guiding the Wampus Cats, head coach Brian Arthun knows full well what he has, and will lean heavily on the two to carry much of the offense.

“Continue their connection. They’ve been on the same page for two years,” says Arthun, who loves the athleticism and big play ability that Moore brings at receiver. “He has a willingness to go up and get the ball. Good hops, good speed, not afraid to go over the middle.”

As good as Stevens was last year, Arthun feels the best could be yet to come, with another year in an offense the signal caller knows like the back of his hand.

With some solid weapons at all of the skill positions, Stevens and the Cats could keep some scoreboard operators busy this season. Arthun has nothing but respect for the seasoned Stevens, and the team feels the same way.

“He’s the unquestionable leader. We’re looking for a big year for him,” admits Arthun. “The receiving depth is the best I’ve had since I’ve been here. He knows the system, is throwing well and has a good grasp of the offense.”

The Cats had 22 kids turn out for football, the highest number in years, and with that comes some newfound competition for playing time.

The newfound depth had players fighting for starting spots that might have been all but guaranteed when numbers were small. That kind of competition can only make a team that went 4-5 last year even stronger, as tough battles in practice forge improvement.

“The strength of the offense is quarterback and receiving corps,” believes Arthun, adding that senior receiver Chase Sutton could also be dangerous with Moore drawing so much attention. “Unlike in past years, there is competition there, and the best players play.”

Sophomore Josh Constantin gets the starting tailback nod, with junior fullback Theo Icardo serving as a lead blocker who will also get some touches in the running game.

With the Cats’ ability to stretch defenses with the vertical passing game, the pair should see some open fields to roam, which suits their skillsets well.

“Josh put a lot of time in and increased his 40 speed. He runs aggressively,” says Arthun. “Theo is a solid lead blocker and can also catch the ball out of the backfield.”

Paving the way up front will be Senior Ty Ballard, junior Alex Wade and sophomore center Charlie Abbott, all of whom will need to be solid in pass blocking.

As good as the offense could be, the defense has the potential to be even better. Just ask Stevens, who like many of Cats, plays both ways.

“We all get along, and we’ll have a strong defense this year,” says Stevens, whose goal is to earn a spot in the state playoffs. “If everybody does their job, we should have a good chance at it.”

Any eight man coach will tell you that strong defensive ends are a valuable commodity, as broken containment often results in a foot race to the end zone in the wide open expanses that are eight man fields.

Arthun feels Ballard and Constantin are rock solid bookends, setting the edge and letting their teammates pursue for tackles. Linebackers Moore and Icardo can both play sideline to sideline, and Stevens and junior Eli Trego are great security blankets at safety.

“We preach fundamentals, technique, getting off blocks,” describes Arthun of his defense. “Eight guys running to the football and arriving with an attitude.”

Since they joined the North Star League, the sledding for state is slightly tougher, as only two teams advance. With quality depth and weapons galore, perhaps this is the year the Cats take finally down traditional powers Kendrick or Deary to punch their ticket.

Tune in this fall to find out.