Wary constant at QB

Paul Nielsen
August 6, 2011

ROGERS — The Rogers High depth chart will change over the coming weeks but one spot that won’t change is quarterback.

Nick Wary was thrown into the fire a year ago and started all 10 games for the Mounties and the 5-foot-10, 205 pound junior will again be under center for the Mounties.

Literally, too.

Rogers will operate out of the triple option this year and Wary and the Mounties will keep the ball on the ground the majority of the time. But Rogers will still be a threat to pass the ball as the strong-armed quarterback has many experienced and athletic receivers.

Rogers struggled to put points on the board the scoreboard a year ago. The reasons were many.

Rogers didn’t accomplish much in the offseason as now second-year coach Shawn Flannigan didn’t come aboard until April of 2010. A lack strength and size was also a problem.

But those issues are in the past and the team has embraced the new offense, Wary said.

“I like it,” Wary said. It’s lot more different and it’s a lot more physical. I’m looking forward to running the football. I think we are going to have a good year.”

Mounties offensive coordinator Cam Prock said having Wary back at quarterback has helped the offense pick up the triple option.

“Wary’s game experience is going to pay off,” Prock said. “We elected captains this week and Nick is one of our captains. It’s huge change but we did feel that it fit his abilities. If you are a good decision maker, you can run a passing game or run the option. He is doing those things right now.”

Wary passed for almost 900 yards and two touchdowns last season while completing 65 of 152 passes. Wary, however, is hoping to have even better numbers in the new run-oriented offense.

“The passing will be play action off the run and we will try and burn them deep there,” Wary said. “But everything starts from the run.”

Wary is learning something new every practice but said having a year of experience under his belt has eased the transition to the new offense.

“My confidence level is up a lot more this year,” Wary said. “This year we had a whole offseason and spring ball. Last year was a toughing up year. I got used to the hard hitting in the 7A-West. I’m better prepared for the physical aspect of it.”

Sophomores Max Harrell and Brett D’Amico are the top backups but slot back Diego Rojas and fullback Ty Galyean are also getting reps under center.

“Quarterback is the most important spot, but if Nick get hurts, we have some guys that can step up,” Flannigan said. “We feel we have good depth there. If something should happen, we feel we would be okay there.”

The Skinny

Watch Out For: Nick Wary has a year of experience at quarterback after starting all 10 games last year.

Biggest Strength: Wary has a strong arm and is a physical runner, which will be key in the new offense.

Biggest Question: Will Rogers be effective enough running the ball to open up the passing game?

Wary Entrenched As Mounties Quarterback