QB battle undecided as Eagles get ready for Hawks
September 9
As Faulkner continues preparation for the third annual Capital City Showdown against Huntingdon, there are still unanswered questions for the Eagles at quarterback. Head coach Gregg Baker, however, doesn’t see that as a bad thing.
“We told ‘em as we started working on Huntingdon that it’s a three-horse race,’’ said Baker, whose Eagles are 1-0 after a 17-16 victory over Webber Aug. 29. “I think we’ll sit down as a staff after Thursday’s practice and make a decision. All three have looked equally good this week.”
The quarterback situation arose when redshirt freshmen T.J. Jacobs and Trey Martin – the two who were out front in the race for the starting job prior to the season opener – were both unable to play in the Webber game. The start fell in the lap of pure freshman Joe Scott, who performed admirably in the victory.
So, coach Baker, is it a quarterback competition or a quarterback controversy?
“I love seeing the competition,” Baker said. “I think they’re all pushing each other and we’re going to be better as a team in the long run. I could see where all three could play against Huntingdon, depending on how the game goes.”
Scott was impressive in the Webber game with his leadership abilities and now he has the game experience the other two do not have. According to Baker, Martin brings an awareness of the offense and a steadiness at the position, while Jacobs brings strength and athleticism to the table.
“It’s neck-and-neck, it truly is,” Baker said. “Somebody will be named the starter, but it might work out differently during the game.”
Faulkner worked out in full gear Tuesday looking specifically at Huntingdon’s schemes, both offensively and defensively. The Eagles are looking for their first win against Huntingdon, which won 30-12 in the first meeting in 2007 and 21-7 last year.
The game kicks off at 1 p.m. Saturday afternoon from Samford Stadium on the Huntingdon campus. It can be heard on WLWI-AM 1440.