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Mustangs quarterback holds off challenge for his starting spot

Mitchell's Alex Wilson is the No.1, his coach says, though Tate Humphrey will see action as well when not playing running back.

By STEVE LEE
Published August 23, 2005

TRINITY - Alex Wilson patiently awaited his turn, dutifully accepting an understudy role for two seasons behind former Mitchell quarterback Chris Watts.

Then came an unexpected challenge from a player who had never even played quarterback.

Tate Humphrey, a junior varsity running back last season, impressed coach Scott Schmitz with a strong arm during spring drills. But Wilson proved more effective in Friday's 7-0 preseason loss to Sickles.

"We're going to start Alex Wilson," said Schmitz, who alternated his quarterbacks in Friday's loss.

Humphrey, a sophomore who also is expected to play some at running back, is the backup signal-caller.

"Alex has had a little better preseason and (Schmitz and assistant coaches who reviewed film on Saturday) felt Alex played a little better Friday night," Schmitz said. "We're going to move Tate to our halfback spot. We need a little more speed there and we feel Tate gives us that."

Ironically, speed was what gave Humphrey fits Friday. He was sacked twice and hurried repeatedly by the Gryphons' defense.

"It's crazy," Humphrey said. "It's way faster than JV."

Schmitz had plans for Humphrey in the backfield, but not at quarterback until one day last fall when he saw Humphrey throw some long balls to teammates after practice.

"I saw him throw the dang football while he was waiting for a ride," Schmitz recalled. "I knew right then that I'd have an opportunity to have a good, strong quarterback. He's going to be our quarterback some this year and for the next two years."

For now, though, Wilson starts. Lining up in the shotgun and rolling out often, Wilson had a game-high 86 passing yards Friday. He completed 9 of 18, his completions as well as Tate's numbers (3-for-8 for 11 yards) skewed by numerous dropped passes that were right on the money.

"We dropped a lot of balls," Schmitz said. "If not, (Wilson's) numbers would have been much better."

Wilson, a senior, will not have as much time to concentrate on offense since he also starts at cornerback.

Wilson has ample speed to cover split ends on deep routes and spent a good portion of his summer bulking up in the weight room to prepare for starting both ways. At 6 feet 1, 170 pounds, he is three inches taller and 15 pounds heavier than last fall.

"He's benching 200 (pounds), which he never could do before," Schmitz said. "By doing that, it's raised his confidence level. He's in great shape. That kid can run all day."

There will be times when Wilson needs a rest. That is why Schmitz plans to send in Humphrey at quarterback for a play or series.

"He likes to run the ball," Schmitz said of Humphrey. "He gives us a change of pace. We're fortunate enough that if (Wilson) does go down Tate can step in there. Our No.2 is not that far from No.1."

[Last modified August 23, 2005, 02:45:30]