Coleman the difference for Oak Forest

There are generally two types of football coaches.

There are those who are steadfast in their philosophies, preferring to replace the pieces to the puzzle every year with players who fit their offense's scheme. Think Mount Carmel coach Frank Lenti, who has produced nine state championships pretty much running the same option attack.

Then there are others who believe in altering their philosophies to fit the strengths of their team. Think Gary Korhonen, the Richards legend who retired as the state's all-time winningest football coach.

Which leads us to the situation at Oak Forest.

I've watched the Bengals run the double-wing back attack for years under Brian McDonough, who has built the program into a perennial power.

On Friday night against Lemont, I stood and observed junior Tevin Coleman rip off a 53-yard touchdown run, an 85-yard kickoff return for a TD and then juke his way to a 46-yard score. Each TD was more spectacular than the last.

"As far as in the backfield, yes, he's the most talented kid we've ever had," said McDonough, who has a 96-44 record in 14 years. "He has great hands and speed."

Amazingly, Coleman touched the ball on just two other occasions the entire night, as Oak Forest lost 35-21.

And therein lies the problem.

At 6-foot and a ripped 187 pounds, Coleman is a physical specimen. The fact that he has blazing speed and the elusiveness of a million dollar lottery ticket raises him to elite status.

He is a playmaker, as dynamic and gifted as any in our talent-rich region, and, without question, a major Division I prospect.

Which means Coleman should be the centerpiece of the Bengals offense, the go-to guy who causes sleepless nights for opposing coaches.

He should be the lead singer in the band, not the bass player.

The Bengals' double-wing attack doesn't offer Coleman that opportunity.

Oak Forest runs the ball the majority of the time, heavily relying on the fullback and the quarterback. Coleman is a wingback.

The statistics prove it: Quarterback Tim Longawa is the team's leading rusher with 44 carries for 392 yards. Fullback Matt Barry, a freshman, is next with 43 carries for 329 yards.

Then there's Coleman, with 17 carries for 192 yards and four touchdowns in four games.

Coleman doesn't even lead the team in receptions. That honor goes to Brian McNamara, with nine catches for 98 yards. Then there's Coleman, with eight catches for 209 yards and four TDs.

Yes, he has eight touchdowns, even though he has touched the ball just 25 times.

So why not shift him to fullback?

That would be like making Reggie Bush, whom Coleman keenly resembles, a fullback. He's not built that way.

You know where I'm going with this, don't you?

If the Bengals can't get the ball into Coleman's hands 15 to 20 times a game running the double-wing attack, then why not alter their offensive philosophy?

Frustrated fans, including proud alumni, departing Friday's game approached me with that question.

I have to agree. What's the point of having one of the most talented players in the area and not maximizing his skills or your team's effectiveness?

I'd love to see the Bengals in a pro set, with Coleman and Barry, a marvelous player in his own right, in formation side by side.

Or in the "I" formation, with Barry as the lead blocker for Coleman.

Or even in a single back set, which would allow Coleman the flexibility to run to the weak side or strong side.

"We did run him at fullback a few times (Friday)," McDonough said. "It would be ideal for him to play in a wide-open offense at the next level."

Why wait until the next level?

He still has this year and next year before some Bowl Championship Series team carries him away.

On two occasions the Bengals have advanced to the Class 6A semifinals, but never to the big dance. That's just like Sandburg and Andrew, who, under Mike Navarro and Mike O'Neill, respectively, stubbornly remained committed to smash-mouth football for years.

Where did it get them? A few conference championships and a string of playoff appearances, but never beyond the semifinals in the postseason.

Lockport won back-to-back state championships by altering its philosophies to fit the skills of quarterback Steve Walker and Jake Christensen. Ditto for Lincoln-Way when quarterback Cory Paus burst on the scene.

Oak Forest didn't even attempt a pass until late in the third quarter against Lemont.

All I know is when the football gods provide you with a talent like Tevin Coleman, you should do everything in your power to maximize his skills.

The team, community and alumni deserve it.

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