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| Mountaineers adapt to life without
senior quarterback Joe Burchette |
Jennifer Brannock
Staff Writer |
Josh Brown | Chief Photographer |
Despite the temporary
loss of starting quarterback senior Joe Burchette, Appalachian State
University head football coach Jerry Moore is optimistic about his
team’s performance this season.
Obvious concern has been voiced regarding the
momentary absence of Burchette, who is recovering from recent back
surgery, and how his injury will affect the team. Burchette is a
fifth year senior who has started at quarterback since mid-season
in 2000 and has led the Mountaineers to a 4-2 record in the I-AA
playoffs. |
“Everybody would
like to have Joe play,” said Moore. “There is that mystique
of a senior leader. He’s done a lot of things over his career
that command respect from his teammates.”
Filling in for Burchette in the role of starting quarterback is
second year freshman Richie Williams. Williams was red-shirted last
season and made his college football debut in the Aug. 30 season
opener against Marshall University.
“We had a lot of confidence in Richie going into the ball game,
and he didn’t do anything except show us that his confidence
is mounting,” said Moore. “He did very, very well.”
Burchette’s injury did not reach an intensity requiring surgery
until two days before the Marshall game, giving Williams little
time to prepare for his major role in the Marshall game.
Williams secured his role as second-string quarterback with his
mobility and top passing numbers during spring training. Williams
played as a starting quarterback at Camden High School in Camden,
S.C., boasting a record of 2,156 throwing yards and 20 touchdowns
his senior year.
“Richie is just a good athlete,” said Moore. “He’s
got a good arm, and he’s probably the very best runner of all
of our quarterbacks. He’ll get better and better.”
Also missing from play this year will be former second-string quarterback
Brian Moriarty, who has decided not to return to Appalachian this
year.
Vying for the second-string position is second year freshman Perry
Woolbright, who was red-shirted last season due to a season-ending
knee injury. Woolbright played for Clover High School in Clover,
where he threw for more than 1,500 yards in two seasons.
“We’ve got another quarterback or two,” said Moore.
“They’re talented players. We feel that we can win with
them too.”
As confidence heightens in Williams’ playing and in Burchette’s
return, Mountaineer fans can expect a banner year for the second-ranked
squad, but will Burchette’s absence hinder morale for teammates
and fans?
Moore recalled game against Wofford University from Burchette’s
sophomore year, where Burchette was sidelined recovering from a
painful ankle injury.
“He’s hurt, we weren’t playing very well and he goes
and puts on his uniform, goes out and has a great ball game,”
said Moore. “That’s the kind of competitor that Joe Burchette
is. He hates to lose.”
Moore is confident that Burchette will continue in his winning attitude,
and Williams will prove to be a commanding force this season. Burchette
is already practicing and is expected to be fully recovered before
conference play begins. |
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