Redmen offense will 'spread' the field again this season

Gazette Sports Editor

sports@gazettepublishingco.com

In 2007, the Bellevue Redmen football squad implemented a new "spread" offense. And while it took some time for the players to get used to the new system, the offensive punch it provided was effident as the Redmen won three of their last four games.

Part of that success was contributed by quarterback Curtis Watson who took over the reigns in week four. Now, going into his junior campaign the 6'5" 215 pound lefty looks to build on last season's success.

Redmen coach Ed Nasonti has seen the improvement in Watson so far this off-season.

"Curtis is getting better each week. He is a smart, strong armed quarterback," said Nasonti. "Curtis is a good leader and he makes very good reads and decisions with the football."

Nasonti believes the offense as a whole will be better now that the inaugural year of the spread offense is over.

"Not having to coach up the kids on offense has allowed us to practice more plays and the kids have a lot more of an understanding of the offense going into this season. Installing the spread offense has paid from last season," said Nasonti.

Key losses from last year's offense are Todd Krause and Dawson Gore and wide receiver and team MVP Derek Brown. All three of these players were on the All-Northern Ohio League team.

The offensive line will be strong this season as it consist of four seniors, co-captain, tackle Zane Huston (6'5" 220lbs), co-captain, guard Bryant Loparo (6'2" 265lbs), tackle Brock Thompson (6'2" 230lbs), guard Torey Harris (6'1" 220lbs). Junior Josh Cmar (6'2" 235lbs) anchors the line at center.

The offensive backfield will consist of Watson at quarterback, senior and co-captain, fullback Kyle Putnam (5'10" 180lbs), and junior tailback Dom DeBlase (5'9" 160lbs).

The spread offense gives the Redmen a stable of wide receivers which consist of seniors Joe Deblase (6'3" 185lbs), Brad Dumas (5'11" 175lbs), co-captain Trevor Smith (6'0" 180lbs), and junior Dre' Valliant (6'1" 170lbs).

Nasonti had glowing remarks for his senior captions.

"All four have been very committed to the program and have been major contributors. They are outstanding leaders who not only lead vocally, but also by example on the field," said Nasonti.

This will be Nasonti's 18th season at the helm of the Redmen. During his tenure he has compiled a record of 140-46 which is second in the history of the program. This season Nasonti could take the all-time career victories away from Lowell Schaffer (144 victories). In Schaffer's last season as coach, Nasonti was one of his players. Nasonti has also won 11 NOL titles and has made it to the state semi-finals twice (in 1996 and 2001).

The current Bellevue coaching staff is made up of 12 Bellevue graduates with eight having played for Nasonti.

The assistant coaches that will be re-joining Nasonti are Nick Lilli, Mike Raifsnider, Steve Hofacker, John Bollinger, Tom Mygrant, Cody Cramer, Ed Baptista, and JJ Foos. Two new coaches will be on the Redmen staff, they are Ed Phillips and Andy Zuk.