First things first: The nickname. Pepper?
“My mom and dad made documentary films,” explains Quince Orchard quarterback Pepper Coe. “When I was born, they were working on one about The Great Waldo Pepper.”
But that’s not the whole story. Before Coe was born, his brother would point to his mother’s stomach and ask the question of the day among preschoolers: “Where’s Waldo?”
“Yeah, it could have been worse,” said Coe. “For a while there, I was Waldo.”
In addition to his catchy nickname, Lowry “Pepper” Coe III, has a catchy quartet of senior receivers — Jewison Hurtault, Colin Jones, Tommy Korotky and Kevin Nesmith. Together they make up Montgomery County’s most pass-friendly offense this side of Sherwood.
Last season, Coe completed 106 of 179 passes for 1,854 yards and 21 touchdowns, leading QO to a 10-2 record.
“Hopefully, we’ll throw even more,” said Coe. “But if we don’t, that’s fine too. The goal is to win. We’re tired of losing the big games.”
Sticking in the Cougars’ craw is a 21-14 loss to Damascus in the 4A West Region championship. The previous year, QO fell to Churchill, 38-30, in a region semifinal, Coe’s first varsity start.
“In my opinion, we should have won both of those games,” said Coe. “And if we had, I think we would have gone all the way.”
QO coach Dave Mencarini and offensive coordinator Mike Nesmith have honed Coe’s skills with the “Skelly” drill. It consists of receivers flooding the defensive backfield and Coe throwing to the one who is open.
Most of the time, Coe can’t go wrong.
The Conspirators
» Jewison Hurtault had 33 receptions for 618 yards and 9 TDs last season. He is the Cougars’ “Randy Moss,” according to Coe.
» Possession receiver Tommy Korotky (22 receptions, 345 yards, 6 TDs) has been Coe’s friend since grade school.
» Colin Jones (17 catches, 343 yards, 6 TDs) has a knack for big plays.
» Kevin Nesmith (8 catches, 157 yards, TD) runs the 40 in 4.4 seconds and is 6-foot-2.
