Incorporating two speedy transfers on a team already loaded with talented veterans at the skill positions has been a delicate balancing act for Northwest coach Randy Trivers. Egos, college scholarships, futures, and most importantly, this team’s fortunes, are at stake.
Friday’s 21-19 victory over rival Seneca Valley was evidence that Trivers is striking the balance.
It was a rainy night and a muddy field. But the Northwest offense still made big plays thanks mostly to the accurate right arm of senior Josh Volpe (9-for-14 passing, 220 yards, 3 TDs) and his vast array of weapons.
Both transfers, Chase Williams and Joe Lefeged, caught touchdown passes. So did running back Anthony King (127 yards rushing and receiving). Also getting into the act were holdover wideouts Dean Boateng, who had three catches for 87 yards, and Morgan Cammack, who threw a 30-yard completion on an end around.
Volpe even used his tight end – a rarely used component of the Jaguars’ offense- as Matt Logeman caught a 25-yard pass, providing the key play of the winning touchdown drive. Tonight, Walter Johnson (0-2) has the unenviable task of trying to stop No. 2 Northwest (2-0).
“We’re versatile,” said Volpe. “We can attack with the run, the short pass, the deep pass – whatever the situation determines. It’s tough to defend.”
Volpe had a solid junior year, passing for 1,199 yards and 10 touchdowns. But the Jaguars slumped to 5-5 and Volpe discovered that replacing all-time Montgomery County touchdown leader Ike Whitaker (Virginia Tech), who led the Jags to the Class 3A state title in 2004, was a job fraught with high expectations.
This summer when Lefeged, a standout quarterback the previous two seasons at Bullis, arrived, Volpe had reason to feel threatened.
But Friday he solidified his hold on the job. Ironically, his best throw of the night was to Lefeged. In the driving rain and in the final minute of the first half, Volpe fired a 74-yard go-ahead touchdown pass.
“Josh has a very accurate and strong arm,” said Trivers. “And we have a lot of guys he can throw to. Combine that with his experience from last year and we have all the elements for a very good passing game. Ike, obviously, was a once in a lifetime guy to coach. But there are some similarities with this offense and the one we had in 2004.”
Jagged edges
» Lefeged and Williams, a transfer from Georgetown Prep, have also excelled at linebacker.
» Last year’s top receiver, 6-5 Markcus Ruffin, was shut out Friday, but had five catches for 70 yards and a touchdown in Northwest’s season-opening victory over Churchill.
» All three of Volpe’s touchdown passes against Seneca were on third down. For the game, Northwest converted 6 of 8 third downs.
