Joppatowne coach Bill Waibel wants to make it clear: He has high expectations for senior quarterback C.J. Townes.
“Number 1, we?re only returning one starter on offense, which is him, and three starters on defense, and he?s one of three. Right away, his experience puts him in a position of leadership,” Waibel said. “He?s a very talented player. He?s not a really super-fast guy, but has great instincts offensively and defensively. He has the team?s ear. Not only because of his ability, but because of his leadership role.”
Townes will start at quarterback and safety ? something Waibel is willing to do because of Townes? unique abilities.
“If I have a choice, I?d rather our quarterbacks not play on defense,” Waibel said. “Safety is his true position. At the next level, that?s probably where he?ll play.”
But right now, Townes, who is being recruited by several Football Championship Subdivision teams, isn?t concerned with the future. He?s focused on leading Joppatowne, which finished 8-3 last fall, to its second Maryland 1A title in the past five seasons. But it won?t be easy, as the Mariners are one of the area?s most inexperienced teams.
“Its difficult. I?m the only returning starter, and we?re young this year,” Townes said. “But we?ve got real good athletes. I have to make sure if they make a mistake, I encourage them.”
The 6-foot, 175-pound Townes led the Upper Chesapeake Bay Athletic Conference Chesapeake Division with seven interceptions last year, when he also rushed for 770 yards and seven touchdowns as a quarterback.
“On offense,” Townes said, “the quarterback is running the team and they can see what?s going on, like safety, when they can see the whole field.”
Joppatowne?s success is rooted in running the football, which has led to three consecutive playoff trips following a 2003 state title under then-coach Greg Komondor. Waibel plans to maintain the program?s philosophy during his team?s maturation.
“It?s going to take them some time to grow up,” Waibel said. “Hopefully our defense can keep us in some games.”
C.J. TOWNES FILE
» School: Joppatowne
» Grade: Senior
» Height/Weight: 6-foot-1, 175
» Position: Quarterback, safety
» Did you know: Townes also plays varsity basketball and lacrosse..His brother Brent Cash played on the school?s state championship football team 2003…His sister, Arielle Townes, plays for the Coppin State basketball team.
