Cook has short memory
JACKSON TWP — Having a short memory can complicate one’s life, but when it comes to being a quarterback, it often makes things so much easier.
Seneca Valley head football coach Dave Vestal believes senior quarterback Jack Cook has already put last week’s three-interception performance behind him.
The Raiders dropped a 51-20 decision at Pine-Richland on Friday. Entering the contest, Cook had thrown a combined 18 touchdowns and just two interceptions in his 11 varsity starts dating back to last season.
“We watched the game film and I am convinced he is fine,” said Vestal. “I have a tremendous amount of confidence in him.”
Cook and the Raiders (1-1, 0-1) will be in search of their first Northern Seven Conference win of the season when they meet Butler for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff Friday at Art Bernardi Stadium.
The Butler Eagle Traveling Trophy will go to the winner. SV has owned the hardware nine straight seasons, last losing to the Golden Tornado in 2006.
Having a 6-foot-2, 215-pound target to throw to should help Cook get back in the groove. That’s what he has in senior tight end Jake Holl, who has caught five passes for 71 yards and a touchdown through two games.
“He can block and catch. He’s a good athlete,” said Vestal, who has also seen Holl make a big difference on defense.
“He was a returning (outside) linebacker for us. He does a good job of getting pressure on the quarterback, but also is involved in pass coverage. They say it’s not what (defense) you call, but who you send. He’s a playmaker.”
Though the Raiders enter the game as the favorite, Vestal respects the progress Butler has made, pointing to the Golden Tornado’s 21-12 win at Altoona last week.
“I was impressed with them. They were able to sustain drives,” he said. “They come right at you and we are in the mode of stopping the run. They’re a fairly physical football team.”
Butler (1-1, 0-1) received a combined 82 yards on 21 carries from Noah Ryder and Luke Michalek last week. Both players scored on touchdown runs, including Michalek from three yards out that, along with the extra point, gave the Tornado a two-score lead with under four minutes to play in the first half.
Michalek also caught a 38-yard scoring pass from Brandon Fleeger in the win, but the latter will likely not play due to a foot injury. Luke or John Michalek should be under center against the Raiders.
The Tornado will encounter a Raider offense that has gone with a no-huddle strategy of late.
“We didn’t run it quite as much last year,” said Vestal. “Having different tempos is important. If you’re running the no-huddle, but going three-and-out, that makes it tough on your defense.”
