BLACKSVILLE — Clay-Battelle’s Nathan Swaniger proved how fast he is on the track during the spring, finishing in second place in both the 100- and 200-meter dashes at the state meet in mid-May.
But when weighed down by pads and a helmet, it didn’t matter — Swaniger was still really fast, and his explosiveness on the football field gave the Cee-Bees a threat that could score anytime he touched the ball.
Neither Swaniger nor Hunter Brewer are on the field during the three-week summer workout period after graduating, but despite his absence, C-B has much of its offense returning from a squad that went 5-5 last year and was in the hunt for the Class A playoffs in the latter half of the season.
“Sean Hays will be a senior this year and he’s gotten faster because of work he’s put in this offseason, and he’s gonna see that difference on the field — it’ll definitely show up,” coach Ryan Wilson said. “We’ve seen a little bit of a newcomer during the three weeks so far, and you can see he’s got speed and is well built, strong and very athletic — his name is Bryan Enoff.”
Enoff is a senior but new to the program, so he adds a weapon for Wilson out of the backfield. While this group may not have the speed last year’s did, Wilson is not ruling out what type of running game he’ll have. There is balance with speed and power, but it will also rely on how the offensive line comes together.
Despite losing three starters, Wilson is excited about the group of linemen he has.
“Kasey Latocha and Daniel Gorby are returners, but we’ve got some other kids that have been here on our flex days, during the three weeks and have put some time in the weight room,” Wilson said. “They have grasped everything and it’s only been three days and three flex days, but my gosh, we’ve put in our whole offense. They’re communicating and getting the little things down.
“With the fundamentals, they’ve come a long ways, they’ve really impressed.”
The line’s weight ranges anywhere from 180 to 260 pounds. Where the experience should shine for the Cee-Bees is at quarterback and wide receiver where all but one contributor is back.
Seth Casino and Levi Carrico have been battling it out for the quarterback spot for the last three years, but Casino took a majority of the reps during a 7-on-7 on Wednesday, and Wilson said out of about 100 throws, there were only two or three questionable decisions. Not only is Casino’s performance on the field improved, Wilson said his leadership qualities have taken a massive leap forward as a senior.
“I like to keep everyone’s heads up and keep working,” Casino said. “We do a bunch of good drills that help us and if you do the drill how it’s designed, then once you get into a game, you’re prepared.”
The receiving corps loses Michael Stewart and Brewer but will have everyone else back, including Cadon Skavinsky, Jordan Herndon and Drew D’Eletto.
“They know our routes, how we’re calling the plays and can make the adjustments we want them to,” Wilson said. “They’re picking everything up really quick. I can see the growth out of our kids. I can see the jump in maturity and I was so impressed with our 7-on-7 in many ways where we won several games.
“They’re all stronger and faster, they are making plays they couldn’t make last year either by lack of strength or were a step slower. They have that this year and it enables them to make those plays, and they’re a fun bunch to watch right now.”
Twitter @SeanManning_DP
Kasey Latocha, Braden Coen and Allen Nestor lineup during practice in Blacksville on Friday. 
Seth Casino makes a pass during practice in Blacksville on Friday. 
Seth Casino makes a pass during practice in Blacksville on Friday. 
Seth Casino hands the ball to Sean Hays during practice in Blacksville on Friday. 
Seth Casino hands the ball to Sean Hays during practice in Blacksville on Friday. 
Seth Casino hands the ball to Sean Hays during practice in Blacksville on Friday. 
Matthew Cottrell (left) and Noah Sollars compete during practice in Blacksville on Friday.
