Newsome

By Bryan Burns
Published August 31, 2007

Multiple Choice

Who will replace Keith Gosdoski as Newsome's starting quarterback this season?:

(A) Stacey Beckwith(B) Kyle Parker

(C) Andy Repass(D) None of the above

Answer: B. One of the biggest questions surrounding Newsome in spring drills has been settled, according to coach Kenneth Hiscock. After spending last season at receiver, Parker, who won 11 games as a pitcher for Newsome's baseball team last spring, won the three-way battle. "He's athletic, he's a good leader and he's smart," Hiscock said. "He's one of those guys that does anything you ask him to do - very unselfish." Beckwith, a junior, will serve as backup. Repass is no longer with the program.

True-False

The Newsome player with the most Division I potential is senior kicker Vinny Zacarrio.

Answer: True. Zacarrio has a powerful leg, consistently putting kickoffs 9 yards deep into the end zone. According to Hiscock, he booted a 56-yard field goal against Middleton. "He's getting a couple looks from D-I schools and he's been to camps. ...but nothing's been offered to him yet," Hiscock said.

Yes or No

After losing its entire starting backfield from last season, Newsome will struggle to run the ball on offense.

Answer: No. Diminutive 5-foot-5 brothers Andrew (a senior) and Jonathan (a junior) Philbert give Newsome hard-to-find tailbacks to whom they can hand off. Junior Kyle Copack, another baseball player, will get a number of carries. "We won't have a workhorse in the backfield," Hiscock said. "We'll have a lot of different guys moving in and out of there until we find a workhorse."

Essay

Bloomingdale coach Corey Brinson on Newsome:

"When you look at them on film, they're not going to blow your mind. But they always execute well. They're probably one of the hardest teams we play against.

Hiscock on the Wolves:

"Our big thing is discipline, respect and work ethic. The rest of the schools are doing the same things we are. We have to keep up with them."

Extra Credit

Newsome moves up from Class 4A, District 11 to 5A-7. "It's not going to be any easier for us," Hiscock said. "We're still going to play some tough teams, but we won't have to go through teams like Hillsborough, Freedom and Middleton." ... Newsome will play four teams that made the playoffs in '06. ... Only one starter returns on the offensive line. ... Newsome gave up only 17 points a game on defense last season. Hiscock said he'd like to reduce that number to 14 this year.

Bryan Burns, Times correspondent

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[Last modified August 29, 2007, 15:21:07]