Mike McGraw
Hoosier Authority
Flexibility is the word being tossed around at Perry Meridian football practice these days. Coach Doug Bradburn enters his fifth year at the helm with 18 seniors on the roster. One name not returning is standout quarterback Adam Wiese and therein lays the need for all that flexibility.
The Falcons went 3-7 last season with Wiese behind center. Offensively however, they were a force to be reckoned with each and every week. PM’s passing attack was one of the best in the state. Without Wiese’s rocket arm, Bradburn knows there will be some adapting necessary to continue that offensive output. Much of that will fall on the shoulders of senior Danny Richards who will take many of the snaps for the Falcons this time around. Don’t be surprised if you also see Richards at wide receiver from time to time. That is part of that flexibility we were talking about. Senior Zack Roark will also be quarterbacking and that duo will hopefully make the Falcons hard prepare for this fall.
Here are a couple of other names in the Perry meridian backfield to keep an eye on. Senior Curtis Worth is a 5’11” 185lb. speed running back and Brent Clemens will be a unique weapon at the slot back position. Clemens is 6’2” and 225lbs. That could make him a difficult match-up in a lot of formations.
Bradburn is counting on the leadership of two talented seniors on the defensive side of the ball. 5’10” 170lb. Chris Bova returns at cornerback to anchor the pass defense, while Cory Hudgins returns to the linebacking corp. Tyler Barnes and Jimmy Williams will also contribute in that area. It is a linebacking unit that is small but very mobile.
Coach Bradburn believes the back seven of his defense is a strong point of this team. They are experienced and quick. That quickness will be a hallmark of this Falcon squad. The big challenge for the Falcons is adjusting the way they play in the absence of Wiese. Overall, Bradburn is also worried about a lack of experience at many positions.
As usual, one of the biggest obstacles for Perry Meridian is a schedule that is among the state’s toughest. They open with Ben Davis followed by Center Grove. It has to get easier you say? Think again. The Falcons close the campaign with consecutive games against Columbus North, Pike, and Bloomington South.
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