New face, new scheme
SLIPPERY ROCK — Larry Wendereusz isn't afraid to mix things up.
Both in football philosophy and physically.
Wendereusz walked around Rockets camp with a thumb encased in a cast and a sling draped over his shoulder, the evidence of a drill mishap that shredded ligaments and required surgery.
Wendereusz, in his first year with Slippery Rock, is going to perform some major surgery of his own on the offense.
Gone is the flexbone/option attack that has been a staple for the Rockets under former coaches Brendan Hathaway and Travis Sarver.
In will be some spread attack that will feature no huddles — plays will be signaled in from the sidelines.
“It's all a new scheme. It's different than what they've done,” Wendereusz said. “When a new coach comes in, schemes change.
“I don't know if we're stapled into something,” Wendereusz added. “We'd like to do some spread stuff, but we also don't want to try to pound a round peg into a square hole. We want to make sure what we're doing is going to fit what we have.”
What Slippery Rock has is a wealth of returning, young talent.
Bailey Mertens is back under center after missing the bulk of last season with an MCL injury to his right knee.
Mertens, a runner first and passer second when he played last season in the option offense, will be asked to throw the ball more this season.
Mertens said the change is welcome.
“I think it was necessary,” Mertens said. “This program has so much talent, but come playoffs, you're not going to go that far if you can't throw the ball.
“You look at all the teams that win state, they're almost all spread teams. We're bringing in a new era and I like it.”
That's not to say Slippery Rock will eschew the run all together, even with the losses of Ryan Lauster and Trenton Porter, who combined to rush for 2,460 yards and 30 touchdowns last season.
“In college, you can bring in the guys that fit your philosophy,” Wendereusz said. “In high school, you have to fit your philosophy to the guys you have.”The Rockets return juniors Seth Slater and Hunter Premintine. Both showed flashes last season with Slater rushing for 141 yards and two touchdowns in a win at Grove City and Premintine picking up key yards in limited action.Wendereusz has also been encouraged by the play of senior wide receiver James Scarborough and sophomore wide receiver Patrick Shea in camp.Wendereusz also said sophomore Kaleb Kamerer has shown ability at multiple skill positions.“We have some guys who are working hard,” Wendereusz said. “For me, you can't change the guys you have, you can only ask them to give their best effort. As I look around, we have that.”Slippery Rock has advanced to the District 10 playoffs for five consecutive seasons.But Wendereusz won't measure this team's success on wins and losses or a sixth straight playoff appearances.“For me, so many people rely on wins and losses as a absolute measure of success,” Wendereusz said. “Do I want to see wins? Of course, I'm a high school football coach. But at the end of the day when these seniors walk away, they can say, 'You know what? I had a group of coaches and a group of teammates, and we got to know each other, and in 10 years I can say thank you, Coach.”
