They play football, too
Ramblers hope to be known for more than basketball
In just its third year of existence, the Rose Bud High School football program has a lot of catching up to do with its brethren on the basketball court.
The 2008 Ramblers basketball team finished a perfect season last March by winning the Class 3A championship. While no one is expecting an undefeated season, first-year coach Steve Rose is looking for his team to adopt that winning attitude.
“We are hoping the basketball success will roll over,” Rose said. “We have a few kids coming over from basketball, and we hope some of that will rub off on us.”
Rose knows it will take more than just some good basketball players to improve his football team. He takes over a program that has just three wins in its short history under former coach John Flaherty. Paul Willis was named head coach when Flaherty retired after last season. Willis then left for an assistant position at Harrison, opening up the spot for Rose.
“I just saw it as a good opportunity for a first job as head coach,” Rose said. “It’s a chance to build a program from the ground up. We know the town. My wife’s from there. We go to church there and know the people.”
Rose, who spent the last 10 years at Bald Knob as offensive coordinator, is completely revamping the Rambler offense. Last year’s Wing-T will be converted to the Spread. Rose said he’s been pleased so far with how well his team has picked up the offense, particularly the blocking schemes on the line.
“I’ve been the most impressed with the offensive line,” Rose said. “They have done a good job of making that transition from a man scheme to zone. We’ve worked a lot on hand and foot work. They are doing a great job learning multiple protections. They are really buying into it.”
The group is led by seniors Michael Thurmond (5-10, 240) and Cody Lathem (6-4, 270). Junior Derrick Ring (6-2, 250) also returns. Rose said those three will have plenty of help from a deep group of linemen that includes Shawn Williamson, Ben Peppers and Anthony Silva. John Alexander, Brandon Baker and Ricky Ross will also be counted on.
“We’ll try to play as many as possible to stay fresh,” Rose said.
The Ramblers will have two quarterbacks ready for the new system. Senior Josh Klapp and sophomore Aaron Parker both bring assets to the huddle.
“Josh provides leadership to the group,” Rose said. “Aaron is mastering his reads a little faster. We are really looking forward to the next two seasons with him. They both have done well this summer, and both may play.”
Three running backs, all with different styles, will split time in the backfield in 2008. Anthony Kurck (5-10, 185) is the physical, bruising back. Jimmy Smith (5-9, 170) is the cutter/slasher and is one of Rose’s fastest players. Sophomore Joe Dalrymple (5-11, 180) is a mix of both and can catch the ball out of the backfield.
Rose said the offense will throw the ball 60-65 percent of the time, and he has assembled a group of about 11 or 12 receivers who will have the opportunity to make plays in the new scheme. Seniors Trent Harlan, Will Bagwell, JD Felice, Ikey Ray and Michael Bennett lead this pack. Sophomores Jacob Peterson and the speedy Cameron Wilson will get some playing time as well.
Senior Seth Caldwell (6-2, 200) will provide help from the tight end spot, but his biggest contribution will come on special teams. He handles all the kicking duties for the Ramblers, and Rose said he is quite the weapon.
“His kickoffs consistently land inside the 5-yard line, and he averaged 42 yards on punts last year,” Rose said. “He had a long of 80 yards. On field goals, he was consistent inside of 40 yards. He’s just an athlete.”
With only about 30 kids reporting on the first day of practice, Rose will have to use a lot of players on both sides of the ball. The 4-2-5 defense is still a work in progress, and Rose will use the preseason to find out who belongs where.
On the line, he expects Caldwell and Bennett to compete at the end spots. Baker and Lathem will get the opportunity to help out.
Peppers, Alexander, Dalrymple and Kurck could see time on the line and at linebacker. Klapp, Parker, Bagwell and Timmy Smith will also get the chance at the position.
A quartet of receivers will move over to play cornerback when the defense takes the field. Felice, Ray, Wilson and Williams will patrol the defensive backfield along with safety James Santos. Rose called Santos, who can play tight end and running back in two-back sets, his “multipurpose guy”.
After going winless in the 3A-2 conference a year ago, the Ramblers are confident they can dispel the notion that Rose Bud is just a basketball school.
“We’re going to make some noise at Rose Bud,” Rose said. “Obviously, we are looking to get off to a good start. Our goal right now is to beat Quitman in the opener and qualify for the playoffs. We feel like we can be competitive in this league.”
This article was published Sunday, August 24, 2008.