Bratcher tabbed Pioneers’ starterTidwell: Experience key in earning top spot
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That is, if the injury bug doesn’t have the final say.
Senior Jonathan Bratcher has been tabbed by WCHS coaches as the Pioneers’ starting quarterback, but a knee injury kept Bratcher out of Monday’s practice session, placing sophomore Josh Paz into all the day’s drills with the first-team offense.
According to head coach Gerald Tidwell, however, Bratcher — who spent most of Monday’s practice either with the team trainer, or watching from the sidelines with ice on his left knee — has been cleared by doctors and is expected to be in action when the Pioneers hit the field Friday night.
“Jonathan hurt his knee, but it’s not that bad,” Tidwell said Monday. “He went to the doctor, and the doctor had him spend time with our trainer (Monday), doing some stretching type exercises. So he’s cleared to go (Tuesday).
“He’s available to go, so right now he’s our No. 1 quarterback.”
Bratcher is the more experienced of the two Pioneer signal-callers, having seen action under center last season. As a junior, he completed his first varsity touchdown pass against Beech, but a concussion suffered against Cookeville ended his season early.
While Bratcher hasn’t seen that much more actual game time at QB than his younger counterpart, Tidwell noted his familiarity with the Pioneer offensive system made him the top choice for the team’s starting job.
“Jonathan’s strength is his experience,” Tidwell said. “He’s been underneath center, he knows what’s going on and he’s confident. He just does a good job executing the option offense. He doesn’t throw the ball that well, but we’re not going to throw it that much.
“Paz isn’t comfortable yet. He’s indecisive at times, he’s got quite a bit to learn. But he has a lot of athletic ability, and in time he’s going to be a good one. He just needs more experience, and more reps.”
While Bratcher will get the start, barring any unforseen complications from his injury, Tidwell also noted both QBs could see action when the Pioneers take on Livingston Academy Friday night.
Kickoff for Friday’s home contest against the Wildcats is set for 7:30 p.m.
Probable starters for Friday’s game
OFFENSE:
TE — Justin Cotton #28
RT — Chris King #52
RG — Eric Hildreth #58
OC — Jonathan Kelly #77
LG — Tyler Boyd #56
LT — Jonathan Allen #78
FL — Heath Crisp #1
SE — Cole West #11
QB — Jonathan Bratcher #17
FB — Mikey Perkins #20
TB — Jimmy Cunningham #31
DEFENSE:
NG — Mikey Perkins #20
DT — Chris King #52
DT — Tyler Boyd #56
DE — Chad Sullens #85
DE — Justin Cotton #28
LB — Ramsey Black #42
LB — Jimmy Cunningham #31
LB — Jevon Ramsey #9
CB — Nick Cantrell #2
CB — J.R. Drake #4
FS — Heath Crisp #1