Yes, I think Cayden Cassel at quarterback and Drew Graft at wide receiver is the right answer.
Friday night was the unofficial kickoff to the high school football season. I went to The Courtyard as Norwell was the only school in the county scrimmaging at home. I’m glad I did, because it cemented my biggest question for the Knights this football season.
I entered the newly renovated football entrance wanting to see what head coach Josh Gerber would do with his three-man quarterback carousel. I expected to see a mixture of the three, but it was Cassel getting all of the snaps behind center and Graft used out wide.
Those two were like bread and butter on the field against the improved Bruins’ squad. They connected on deep throws, motion plays, and my favorite was the option play.
Twice Cassel pitched to Graft on the option and scored. He never panicked and just as the moment was right, he tossed it into the playmaker’s hands.
Graft was a menace out there — as we already knew. Two years ago, he was a sleeping giant as a sophomore skill player. In his time out on the field that year, he ran for 524 yards, but 10.1 per carry.
Taking Graft out of the quarterback spot is a genius move by Gerber, in my opinion, as he utilizes him in many roles to maximize the potential of the Knights this year.
Other observations
As expected, there will be a committee of players carrying the ball for Norwell. Unfortunately, Drew Jolley and Alex Fojtik did not play, or else we’d see what they could bring to the table. Instead, it was Adam Mahnensmith and Kaidyn Inostroza, who are both sophomores.
Garry Riley got a few carries as well. Since other teams might key in on Graft, Gerber seems to want as many options available and see what sticks.
On the offensive line, it’s Logan Cotton (Sr), Will Gerber (Sr), Luke Harkless (Soph), Carson Powell (Soph) and Dane Dalrymple (Jr).
On defense, the Knights were just fine. On the Bruins’ first drive, Norwell allowed one touchdown. It was a big play, as the Northrop quarterback took it himself for a 65-yard score on the ground on the first play. But after that, Norwell’s defense toughened up big time and hardly allowed any sort of yardage.
On the second drive, the situation was backs against the wall at the defense’s 10-yard line. Norwell kept Northrop out of it eight times out of 10
It’s a unit that will need time to develop. A number of freshman and sophomores were getting key snaps on the first or second team. It’s not to say they can’t do it, It’s more focused on the grind and the spotlight that is varsity football in the Northeast 8.
Overall, it was a positive night for the Knights.
ryan@news-banner.com
