Clearfield inexperienced but optimistic for season

CLEARFIELD — Randy Johnson doesn't want to come off as overly confident, but the Clearfield football coach has reason to be excited about the upcoming season.

"We've got a thumping schedule, but I think we can compete," said Johnson, whose team lost in the quarterfinals to Brighton last year. "I'd line up against anybody and go at it. I like how we've looked so far."

Clearfield will only get better as the offense continues to adjust to the new "spread option" offense.

When the Falcons went to summer camp at Southern Utah, Johnson said the offense lagged behind the defense the entire time. In fact, it wasn't until this past Friday on the last day of two-a-days that the offense actually began to hold its own.

A big reason for the longer adjustment is a rookie quarterback.

Jordan Paskett has never played a down of quarterback in his life, but in Clearfield's offense this year, he's the best Alex Smith the Falcons have.

"With this spread option stuff, everybody we've talked to and everything we've read, they all say your quarterback has to be your best running threat," said Johnson.

Paskett is definitely a running threat, but his understanding of the passing game and its necessary fundamentals is a slow work in progress. First-year quarterback coach Tyler Gladwell, the former Weber State quarterback, has been brought in to help with Paskett's transition.

There are no worries about the other 10 offensive players. Led by returning starters Kevin Nelson and Mike Pendergast, the Falcons' offensive line should be a real strength, and give Paskett time to learn on the fly.

In addition to Paskett, running backs Omar Barney and Matt Day will see plenty of carries this year. Barney will primarily be the back lined up in the shotgun formation next to Paskett.

Because the "spread option" doesn't call for a tight end all too often, Clearfield is moving 6-foot-6 Mitch Scholer from tight end to wide receiver. With his size, the senior will definitely cause match-up problems for any team, assuming Paskett can get him the ball.

Defensively, Johnson is very excited about his defense.

"We have great up-front kids, that will be our strength," he said.

The D-line will be anchored by 290-pound defensive tackle Nick Garcia, and tenacious defensive end Jesse Kearsley. Both are returning starters, while the other defensive end Tyson Bullard saw plenty of time at the other end position last year.