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Big 12 football: early thoughts

Posted by: Tony Bleill

Wednesday, September 2, 2009 8:36 PM

One week of Big 12 football is in the books, and it looks like we're headed toward a fascinating season. Early observations:

--I couldn't have been more impressed with Centennial junior quarterback Jake Chesnut, who made his first varsity start in Friday's win against Decatur Eisenhower. He played with great poise, showed a remarkably accurate arm and had a field presence that belied his experience. It might have been the best varsity debut by a quarterback I've ever seen. The lefty isn't big, and it remains to be seen if he can stretch the field effectively, but he's on target with short and intermediate throws. If the Chargers can give him time to throw, I think he'll be one of the area's top passers this season.

--Not the biggest offensive line I've seen at Centennial in the last decade or so (averaging 6 feet, 253 pounds). There's more to effective line play than just size, of course. But the Chargers will need that group to be effective if it is to return to the postseason.

--The new bleachers and press box at Tommy Stewart Field look terrific. Cost was just under a million bucks, I'm told. Worth every penny. And, best of all, no longer a lawsuit waiting to happen.

--Noticed a conspicuous sign in the parking lot just south of the school. There's a row of parking spaces east of the softball diamond, and that lot is surrounded by a grassy area that fills up quickly during well-attended games, particularly those matching Twin City schools. The sign said, "No parking in grass." Well, OK. Been done a long time, by my recollection. Will be interesting to see if folks obey once the Central-Centennial game rolls around.

--A guy who deserved more pub from Friday's game: senior defensive back John Downey. He had five tackles, intercepted a pass and pounced on a bad punt snap by the Panthers.

--Food alert: Centennial home games feature a Junior's truck selling burgers and such. Urbana's concession menu includes Rosati's pizza. Just thought hungry stomachs might like to know.

--Was impressed with what I saw out of Eisenhower. The Panthers don't have much depth (roster has 28 players) and they seemed to get worn down a bit in the second half, but there was more skill-position talent and organization than I've seen from an Eisenhower team in a while. If they can avoid injuries, they could have a much improved season in '09.

--Looking ahead to Week 2....

Can't wait for Urbana-Central on Friday in Champaign. Lots of interesting subplots here, most notably Urbana first-year coach Nathan Watson taking on his former school. Watson most recently was Central's defensive coordinator, and he knows most of Central's players well. If anyone is prepared to exploit the Maroons' weaknesses, it's Watson.

And while this doesn't figure to impact Friday's game, it's still an interesting sidelight: In last year's game -- a lopsided Central win that was competitive early -- then-Urbana coach Mike Hoskins and assistant Rob Goode were livid in the final minutes, shouting at the Central coaches from across the field because they felt the Maroons were running up the score. One of the Central coaches that day was Watson. And Goode remains a member of the Tigers' staff.

I couldn't blame the Tigers that night for feeling the way they did. Central had a comfortable lead in the fourth quarter and still threw the ball, unnecessarily I thought. I don't believe Central coach Dave Jacobs was trying to run it up. But football coaches are notoriously paranoid, and most aren't comfortable until their team leads by 50 points with 30 seconds to play. Afterward, Jacobs was quick to credit the Tigers' improved play.

Jacobs and Watson remain good friends, and it'll be interesting to see how they match up on Friday.

--We have a photographer taking pictures at Central and Urbana all week, and especially on Friday, for a behind-the-scenes look at the rivalry. A two-page photo spread will run in the Sept. 13 paper. Should be good stuff.