Weight Room Confidential: Offensive skill positions

This is the third in a 3-part series as Daily Bee sports editor Eric Plummer sits down in the Sandpoint weight room and talks shop with the Bulldog football players as they prepare to battle in the state championship game on Saturday against No. 1 ranked Bishop Kelly.

Part 3 — Quarterbacks, running backs and receivers.

Cast of characters: Davan Norris (QB); Kyle Perry (RB); Michael Plaster (RB); Levi Irish (RB); Tyler Presser (RB) Wyatt McCormick-Cox (WR); Jake Timothy (WR); and Logan Magro (WR).

n So what’s the main trait that makes a great receiver or quarterback?

“Focus,” chimes in Magro, whose diving layout catch on a huge third down last week might have been the biggest play of the season for the Bulldogs. “I remember looking back, so surprised that Davan threw it to me, and just went for it.”

McCormick-Cox, who has nine touchdown catches in the past four games, is one of the top receivers in the state, exceptional at high-pointing balls for catches. The biggest trait for him comes from a different source.

“It starts with the O-line,” says McCormick, acknowledging that they’re the ones who buy the QB time to throw the ball down field. “I can’t do anything without them. Personally, it’s technique, it’s style, jump balls.”

Timothy, who rounds out one of the top trio of receivers in the state, says effort is key.

“It’s all the want-to to go get the ball. Passion and drive to go get the block or the ball, help the team,” claims Timothy, who was then asked what he does best. “I pride myself on my blocking, it’s a big part of our offense. Once they (running backs) get past that first line, I know they’re going to get in the end zone.”

Norris, owner of a pair of new SHS passing records for yards and touchdowns, takes a more philosophical angle.

“The greats have the determination and will to want to be the best,” says Norris, a trait the team shares. “Show up and compete. That’s what we’ve done all season.”

n How about the guys toting the rock, what trait makes a great RB?

“Vision is pretty big,” says Perry, who has battled a nagging turf toe injury sustained in the first game at the Kibbie Dome.

Irish, who burst on the scene with a 298 yard, four touchdown performance against 5A Lake City, says going north and south is key.

“The ability to run downhill,” describes Irish, the lone junior among all the skill positions. “Keep going, make that three-yard run a five-yard run.”

Plaster, who has played both running back and receiver, shares a similar sentiment.

“Aggressiveness, run people over and follow blockers,” says Plaster, noting the team’s three losses against stiff competition made them stronger. “It’s showed us we can come back. We learned we can all stick together and grind through anything.”

Presser, a fullback, needed just three words in his answer.

“Mobile, agile and hostile,” rhymes Presser, happy to see four years of hard work pay off. “We set a goal. We’re not there yet, but we’re on the right road.”

n What’s the biggest strength of the team?

“We’re aggressive, hard hitting,” answers Timothy.

McCormick-Cox quickly elaborates on his teammate’s answer.

“That’s on both sides of the ball,” he says.

Magro claims depth as a huge strength.

“There’s talent everywhere you look,” admits Magro. “We don’t have a weak link.”

In a great show of humility, the players admitted they’re excited for the town and community, which has supported them for years, and would love to bring a title home to show their appreciation.

n QBs and wide receivers have to have a rapport for success. So what are the strengths of each other?

“How accurate Davan is,” claims McCormick-Cox. “His ability to get the ball wherever I need it to be. He hits me in stride on the long balls.”

Timothy and Norris are next door neighbors, so it’s a safe bet they’ve chucked the rock around a time or two in the yard.

“We have a trust,” admits Timothy. “He knows where to put it, and I know I’m going to come down with it.”

Norris knows the group has serious football chops.

“I think we’re the best combo in North Idaho,” he says, lauding his receivers’ work ethic. “They love to compete in practice, which makes them all better.”

n What pops to your mind first when you think of coach Puailoa?

“Exotic. Inspirational. He’s got some weird methods. He knows how to connect with us, prepare us for the future,” were the first answers by a host of players.

Perry, who has been offered a verbal scholarship to play at Idaho next fall, cracks wise about the coach who has been pushing him for four years.

“He’s the man with the plan,” says Perry. “Sometimes he’s the only one who knows what it is.”

McCormick-Cox echoes what most former players would agree with about Coach.

“No matter what his plans are, we’ll follow him,” he says. “We believe in him that much.”

They may be following Puailoa, but to him it’s their team.

“What you’re hoping for as a coach is that it becomes their team,” believes Puailoa. “As we’ve gone through the process, that’s what happened. It’s not my team, it’s their team.”

n Time to return the favor coach. What stands out about the guys executing the passing game?

Norris: “One of the better QBs I’ve been around. He’s athletic, great anticipation and a quick release.”

McCormick-Cox: “Fast, strong, great hands. A physically imposing receiver. Other coaches have to say ‘what am I going to do about him?’”

Timothy: “Extremely tough, good hands. He’s a lot like Wyatt.”

Magro: “What good hands he has. Good athlete, great kid, wants to win. Flourished in role at slot. Phenomenal hands, reads coverage well.”