Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Playoff loss helps Tigers QB wise up
WEST FORK — West Fork quarterback Colton Wise has compiled good numbers during his first two seasons as the starter and led the Tigers to a 1-3A Conference title a year ago, but a loss to Fordyce in the playoffs after a first-round bye has the senior pushing for more this year.
Wise, who has thrown for more than
3,100 yards and 32 touchdowns during his high school career, has spent the summer improving his footwork and timing with a new group of receivers.
Louie Crawford was Wise’s favorite target a year ago, compiling more the 1,000 yards receiving and 15 touchdowns, but he graduated last spring. Briant Bowerman, like Wise, is one of 18 seniors on the team this season, but he suffered a serious hamstring injury in the spring during baseball season and will not play football this fall.
That meant the quarterback and his receivers needed to develop some chemistry during the spring and summer, and that is exactly what’s happened, according to Coach Brad Lindley.
Lindley said he has seen great progress through 7-on-7 work, and Wise gets a great deal of credit for that.
“We’ve watched him grow physically and in the knowledge of the game,” Lindley said.
Wise said he’s become more patient and better at reading defenses.
“The coaches talked to me about keeping my eyes downfield and hitting receivers on time,” Wise said. “I was waiting too long at times and my footwork was poor. I ended up hitting them too late.
“I’ve spent a lot of time working on my three-step drops, planting that back foot and delivering the ball out of the breaks.”
Wise also has developed as the unquestioned leader of the offense. That’s understandable considering he’s played quarterback with this group since elementary school.
“They know he can do the job if we give him time and protect him,” Lindley said. “The kids look up to him and they rally around him.”
Wise completed 144 of 265 passes for 1,852 yards and 21 touchdowns last season, but also accounted for 21 two-point conversions because the Tigers didn’t have a place-kicker.
Wise, an All-State selection as a junior, understands and embraces the pressure that goes with playing quarterback.
“A lot of people look up to me and depend on me,” Wise said. “It’s nice to know people have confidence in me, but a lot of us have been together since peewee ball. They know I’ve got their back, and I know they’ve got mine. We’ve been friends since second grade.”
Wise learned a few things from that playoff loss, too. A faster, more athletic Fordyce team loaded the box to stop West Fork’s running game and opted for man coverage on the Tigers’ receivers.
The Redbugs held West Fork to 17 yards rushing while also holding the Tigers’ passing game in check. The end result was a 28-6 Fordyce victory.
“We were a little hyped up going into the playoffs,” Wise said. “I think the experience can help us.”