Versatility, unselfishness keeps Escalon running backs successful through a long season
Escalon was on the verge of yet another section title Saturday night against Hilmar. The stout defense forced a punt as the Cougars were up 14-13 with 7 minutes, 45 seconds left.
Their ensuing drive started on the Yellowjacket 41 yard line and was highlighted by a 36-yard connection from Donovan Rozevink to receiver Owen Nash. With just under seven minutes remaining, Rozevink stepped into the huddle to give his team the play.
With two of his main rushers limited with ankle injuries, head coach Andrew Beam called on JP Lial to punch in the score that secured the section title and ensured a trip to the CIF State NorCal Bowl Game against Marin Catholic on Friday.
“JP was a blocking back almost all night,” Beam said after the game. “But when we needed it most, JP’s the guy we needed to give it to to go punch that thing in and he did just that.”
Lial is a member of an extremely deep Cougar offensive backfield. Through the season, five backs have rushed for at least 100 yards and one touchdown each.
In the Cougars’ Wing-T offense, every back has a specific role.
Juniors Logan Anderson and Matthew Baptista spent the majority of the season as the Cougars’ rotating half backs, collecting the majority of the carries.
Lyle split carries with Ryker Peters for the first nine games of the season, but has recently been used more as a blocking back with sophomore Jamin Miller.
Peters has come alive in recent weeks as the Cougars feature back.
After going the first eight weeks without a 100-yard rushing game, he’s had four in the past five, including a 205-yard, three touchdown game against Woodland in the section quarterfinals.
Peters has also put together back-to-back games of 20-plus carries and 140-plus yards.
“He’s finally running the fullback position like we need him to and knock on wood he’s been the healthiest one in that whole group,” Beam said of the junior running back. “He’s in tremendous shape … he’ll give you everything he’s got until he can’t walk anymore.”
But even with all of the individual success that each of them have experienced, Beam says none of his backs are truly concerned about how their stats look at the end of each game.
“We talk all the time about being unselfish and playing for the team and our kids have never, never been about who’s getting the most carries, who’s getting the most yards,” Beam said. “It’s about winning football games and those kids truly buy into it.”
Escalon’s running backs are versatile.
That’s to be expected in small school football, where multiple people play multiple positions, sometimes only coming off the field during timeouts and halftime.
Peters is the team’s second leading tackler with 85 and was voted the Trans-Valley League’s Linebacker of the Year.
Anderson adds an extra element to the Cougars’ pass defense as the team’s best cover linebacker and Baptista is one of the best players in the team’s secondary with four interceptions.
Baptista and Anderson are also dangerous on special teams, combining for 203 of the team’s 345 kickoff return yards.
The loaded offensive backfield helps keep them fresh to fulfill their other responsibilities. Beam and his offensive coaches rotate them constantly, allowing them to get their rest in spirts and still be productive.
“Four of those guys go both ways,” Beam said. “This allows them to get a little bit of rest on offense and still keep all those guys out on defense at the same time.”
Escalon is known for its rushing attack.
This year’s team keeps the tradition alive with a quintet of talented backs, four of whom will return next season.
“Year after year, Escalon has been able to replace the running back and fullback positions,” Beam said. “We’re happy we have guys that are willing to take on that role and take on those responsibilities year in year out.”
