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Competition under center

Charley Minichino and his fellow Ridgewood sophomore and former understudy T.J. Haab both seek to start at quarterback.

By IZZY GOULD
Published May 18, 2006

NEW PORT RICHEY - Charley Minichino took the snap and started dashing to his right.

The play was "option right" and Ridgewood's sophomore quarterback could flip the ball to his running back or hold on and attempt to weave through a field of River Ridge mines.

"I decided to keep the ball," Minichino said. "I just ran into a whole bunch of people."

He was tangled in a typical heap of tackles when one more body came crashing down on him. His right leg went into a Houdini-like bend and right knee suddenly "popped."

Minichino knew something was wrong. He steered one more play - a simple handoff - and realized the stability was gone. He tore his anterior cruciate ligament and his 2005 season was over.

Eight months later, Minichino wears a black metal knee brace to support him for the daily fight for his old job.

There's a viable threat in T.J. Haab, the fellow sophomore who replaced him.

Ridgewood coach Chris Taylor was clear when he handed out helmets and shoulder pads for spring ball - the Rams' quarterback job is open. May the best man win.

"We decided the best thing to do was to open it up and let them compete," Taylor said. "They get equal time in practice. We're trying to give Charley a little leeway with the knee and not get him hurt for next fall with some of the contact stuff we're doing."

Minichino began the 2005 season as the varsity starter while Haab led the JV. Haab was immediately promoted when Minichino limped off the field in a 33-6 win against the Royal Knights.

"I was definitely nervous," Haab said. "He came off and I went right on. We were still on offense. He ran another play. Nobody knew what was wrong. We thought he twisted his ankle."

Haab's learning process was rough. He started the final six games and finished a 1-9 campaign that educated him on the purpose of leadership and the necessity of arm strength - attributes that could determine who starts the 2006 season.

Minichino, who appeared in three games last season, has noticed Haab's improvement.

"His reads are a lot better," Minichino said. "He's on target a lot more."

Minichino focused most of his attention on strengthening his knee. He has worked on the rest of his body since the start of spring practice.

Taylor wants to keep Minichino healthy heading in August. That means no contact throughout spring. Minichino also has lost a bit of his throwing power. He intends to get it back this summer in the weight room.

One thing the duo can agree on is this is a friendly competition and a welcomed one. It drives both players to work harder knowing next season's starter is undecided.

"I wouldn't want them to bring me back and make me the starter and just take over what they've been doing the whole year," Minichino said. "It worries me a little bit seeing him do so good. It's a lot more competition now."

Taylor has been clear on what type of character his starting quarterback must have.

Possessing the total package could determine who starts.

"Ultimately, the quarterback has to be a leader on the field," he said. "... I don't think this is truly going to be decided until next fall."

--Contact Izzy Gould at igould@sptimes.com

[Last modified May 18, 2006, 01:40:19]