Reedley football gets back to basics

Published online on Friday, Oct. 02, 2009

Reedley College interim coach Randy Whited was searching for his first victory and a trigger man to run his pistol offense two games into the season.

The Tigers had scored just nine points behind a struggling offensive line.

"As a staff, I think we got a little over-schematic," Whited said. "We prioritized and simplified things, got back to basics. It seemed to refocus the kids."

Whited also got himself a new quarterback and left tackle, minor changes that produced major results -- 83 points in two victories and a leap of 11 places to No. 7 in the Northern California football rankings.

With freshman Jesse Lownsbury calling signals and sophomore Jared Nelson back in his familiar position on the offensive line, balance has been restored to a team that annually trots out one of the best defensive units in the state.

"Jesse has given us stability," said Whited, who started sophomore Kevin Kelly the first two games. "He manages the game well."

Lownsbury came to Reedley out of Yosemite High as one of the premier passers in the Central Section. He threw for 2,226 yards and 26 touchdowns last year and was the unanimous North Sequoia League Offensive Player of the Year.

But Whited hasn't needed Lownsbury to air it out. The running game is Reedley's top priority with Michigan transfer Avery Horn averaging 117 yards -- fifth best in the state -- and the team 221 on the ground.

"As a quarterback, sure I'd like to throw more," said Lownsbury, who is 17 of 30 passing for 144 yards and three touchdowns. "But we're getting it done running."

Nelson's switch from defensive end also has made a significant difference. No longer are opponents breaking through for sacks, and Lownsbury said Nelson has helped the offensive line come together and offer better protection.

All of which has lifted the Tigers to 2-2 heading into Saturday's game against No. 14 Diablo Valley in Pleasant Hill.

"We never made an issue of the losses. These games are to get ready for conference," Whited said. "If we win that, we're playing for the NorCal championship. Right now we're in a rhythm and still need to get better."