WOODWARD — George Ashman is no different than the vast majority of football coaches.
When pressed for specifics, generalities are offered. When asked for insight, broad strokes are painted and when asked for a little ‘flavor’ the reply is usually plain and vanilla.
That does not mean Ashman is unfriendly or uncooperative — the opposite is true — it simply means he, to borrow the proverb, refuses to show his cards.
What the Woodward-Granger head football coach cannot avoid is the very real threat the seven-year string of consecutive playoff appearances for the Hawks is in jeopardy this season, thanks to the need to replace key parts in critical places. During that stretch W-G won three district titles, were district runner-up twice and finished both third and fourth once each.
W-G was 5-5 last year and 3-3 in Class 1A District 8 and was bounced in the first round of the playoffs by Fort Dodge St. Edmond.
“We will be tested this year, no doubt about it,” Ashman said. “Every year you have to find guys to step into roles, but is seems this year it might be more of a challenge for us.
“On the other hand, I am very pleased with the intensity I have seen from our guys so far,” he added. “They kind of know they are under the gun and that means they can react either of two ways: the can play hard and keep their heads up, even when things get rough, or they can fold it up.”
For the first time in six seasons an Ashman will not be at quarterback for the Hawks, as sophomores Brendan Bird and J.P. Nixon are battling for the starting spot. Bird threw one varsity pass last year; Nixon did not take a snap from center.
“Brendan might have a slight edge, but J.P. is really pushing him,” Ashman said. “I have confidence in both of them. Obviously we won’t be doing anything too exotic; we just want our quarterback to take care of the ball and cash in when opportunities present themselves.”
The Hawks will have to replace over 1,600 of their 2,300 rushing yards, although junior Tanner Vermaas is back after carrying 69 times of 468 yards and two touchdowns. Josh Saak will see duties at fullback in the normal offensive sets.
Senior Race Brant will return at the slot spot. He rushed 20 times for 150 yards and three scores and caught a team-best 22 passes for 254 yards and a TD.
Logan Canova will start at tight end, with Dylan Fogarty also seeing time at the position while Johnnie Morgan will be given the nod at wideout.
Drew Jacobson will be at left tackle, James Barger at left guard, Broday Eastr at right tackle and Hunter Vermaas at right guard, with Josh Groves at center.
W-G’s trend in the past has been to try and establish a running game and then tossing swing passes when needed, while only occasionally stretching the defense down the field. Ashman would not comment beyond “we will try and do what we do best” when asked if the same offensive plans would remain in effect despite the personnel changes.
The Hawks held a 236-229 scoring edge over their nine regular season opponents and held a 153-129 advantage in points scored and allowed in their six district contests. They were 2-1 in games decided by one score (eight points) or less, having defeated South Hamilton, 31-28, and Des Moines Christian, 12-8, while dropping a controversial 34-33 decision at Van Meter.
The defense came away with 11 interceptions and recovered nine fumbles in 2014, but returns just three players, in Austin Scharlau (30), Brant (28) and Tanner Vermaas (24.5), who had more than two tackles per game.
Jacobson and Hunter Vermaas will see time at the down tackle spots, with Canova at one end and either Tory Santi or Joe Sturgeon at the other.
Tanner Vermaas, Scharlau, Saak and Nick Musich comprise the likely starters at linebacker, with Brant at one cornerback spot, with Nixon, Jordan Pierce also to see playing time. Morgan will be given the chores at safety.
“I really think that our defense will be our biggest strength,” Ashman said. “There is very little we have to change on defense, unlike the offense. Defenses are usually quicker to play at a higher level anyway, because they are just reading and reacting and not having to have 11 guys are making something happen like an offense does.”
The Hawks will have to find replacements at placekicker and punter, although Brant will once again be given kick and punt return duties.
“There really are a lot of things we just do not know right now, but that is why they call it coaching and not teaching, right?” Ashman joked. “Coming out and playing well and getting a win in week one will be very important for us. We need to build a little confidence and understand we can be a pretty good team is we believe in ourselves and commit to working hard.”
W-G will host Martensdale-St. Mary’s at 7 p.m. Friday in a non-district contest. The Hawks topped the Blue Devils, 36-20, last season.
————————–
WOODWARD-GRANGER FOOTBALL
(2014: 5-5, 3-3)
Class 1A District 8
Date Opponent Site Last Yr.
8/28# M’dale-SM Home W 36-20
9/4# Madrid Away L 16-52
9/11 Interstate-35 Away W 28-7
9/18 Panorama Home L 12-42
9/25 SW Valley (HC) Home W 48-0
10/2# So. Hamilton Away W 31-28
10/9 Cent. Decatur Away L 20-38
10/16 Van Meter Home L 33-34
10/23 DM Christian Away W 12-8
# — Denotes non-district game
