Rosewood adjusts to wing-T

By Andrew Stevens
Published in Sports on November 9, 2009 1:46 PM

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Trust the system was Rosewood head coach Robert Britt's message after switching to the wing-T offense this season.

The Eagles ditched the spread schemes in hopes of installing an offense more suited to their personnel. The wing-T is predicated on blocking and misdirection, and creates lanes for running backs.

"This offense is all about rule blocking," said Britt. "I think they feel comfortable no matter what type of defensive formation they see, they just follow their rule. They still get confused exactly what their rule is, but they know there's a rule in place and I think that helps them feel more comfortable once they step up to the line of scrimmage."

At times Rosewood has resembled a team well versed in the intricacies of the wing-T. The Eagles executed their offense effectively in wins over East Carteret and Spring Creek.

Tailback Kevin Lewis has rushed for nearly 900 yards and found the end zone six times. Junior Jhykia Applewhite turned in a 100-plus yard effort in Friday's regular-season finale against archrival Princeton.

"The kids have taken to the offense for one because we've been more successful this year offensively and moving the ball," said Britt. "We've sustained some drives more than we have in the past. As they continue to learn the finer techniques of each play they continue to get better with."

In its eight losses, Rosewood has been outscored 327-74 while struggling with penalties and turnovers. The Eagles gave the football away five times against Princeton. Sophomore quarterback Taylor McGill has thrown 11 interceptions compared to seven touchdown passes.

"One thing we've got to do is make people defend the whole field," said Britt. "We've got to continue to set up the pass with the run and see if we can take advantage of some things. The kids will come over and they're starting to kind of see things that open up and they make their suggestions.

That tells me that they're intimately involved in what we're doing."

Rosewood (3-8 overall) drew the No. 16 seed and an opening-round at No. 1-ranked Mount Airy (11-0) in the N.C. High School Athletic Association 1-A (small-school) playoffs. The Bears have surrendered just 12 points a game this season, and allowed seven points or less in five of those contests.