Wollack ignites Bombers

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RENSSELAER -- It all revolves around senior quarterback Josh Wollack.

The first-year quarterback, who played wide receiver last year, is the glue that holds together a powerful Rensselaer offense that has been extremely successful on the ground, running all the way to Friday's Class 2A regional against Lewis Cass.

Wollack, who is third academically in a class of 149, is headed for the U.S. Naval Academy. He has the ideal disposition to do exactly what Bears quarterback Kyle Orton was criticized for as a rookie.

"What we wanted him to do was manage and distribute the football," said Bombers coach Chris Meeks.

With a big and seriously physical offensive line in front of him, Wollack has done exactly what he has been asked to do.

"We wanted to run the shotgun, but to have him go under center was the perfect set," Meeks said.

The Bombers' running game is balanced, making it hard for opposing teams to key on any particular runner.

Wollack has gained 526 yards over the course of the Bombers' 7-5 season. The backfield, no matter who is back there, has gained a whopping 3,294 yards. Ben Ahler, a sophomore who has Division I scouts drooling about his defensive play, has gained 871; Justin Bohannan has 625; Randy Kaufman has 546; Brian Bailey has 390; and finally Jake Smith, who has gained 259 yards at an average of nine yards per carry.

The offensive line, which has 6-foot-7 Central Michigan recruit Terry Davisson at guard, also includes Jeremy Lindahl at center, Luke Hitchings at the other guard, and Jacob Ahler and Tyler Griffin at tackles.

They can clear the way for the backs, and block to allow them to get the extra yards. At tight ends are Jo Maramontes and Brady Eagle.

"We believe we have a pretty athletic line," Meeks said. "For instance, a lot of times, you'll see Terry Davisson 20 yards down the field, blocking."

Davisson's younger brother Ben, at 6-9, joins Terry on the defensive line, and Meeks believes his defense has grown more confident and disciplined as the season has progressed.

The Bombers were dedicated to overturning a 28-14 regular season meeting with North Judson -- and they did, with last Friday's 9-0 shutout of the Bluejays.

Next up, 11-1 Lewis Cass.

"They're the real deal," Meeks said. "They are very potent offensively. They bigger than us, it is going to be a real war."

But like North Judson, the Bombers have a goal. In their last three regional games, they lost by a total of eight points.

"The kids are hungry," Meeks said.