'Double-headed monster': How Carlinville has multiple ways to attack opponents
CARLINVILLE — It’s been a long time since Carlinville last had a losing season and with returning 1,000-yard starters at quarterback and running back, the Cavaliers seem primed to continue that streak.
But just a winning record and a playoff berth isn’t good enough, says senior running back Jack Rouse.
“I feel like this year, we do have a chance to be a top contender in the conference and I do think we can go far in (the) state (playoffs),” Rouse said. “It just all depends on the first game.”
Carlinville (5-5 last season) opens its South Central Conference season at Litchfield (1-8 in 2022) on Friday, Aug. 25 at 7 p.m.
Turn to Chapter 2
Carlinville coach Chad Easterday said with returning players at several key positions, the Cavaliers’ are starting ahead of schedule.
“When you have returning skill kids like we do, obviously the playbook is expanded faster than normal,” said Easterday, who is 117-44 in 15 seasons. “We’re ahead of where we were last year at times … and we’ve had some linemen develop in the offseason that’s really worked out for us.”
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Back for his senior season is quarterback Rex Reels. Last season, he threw for 1,244 yards and 10 touchdowns while completing 67.5% of his passes (108-for-160, four interceptions).
“(Reels) is one of those quiet, sneaky types,” Easterday said. “It’s nothing flashy and he just sneaks it in on you and I think mentally, he has a good grasp on the game.”
While Carlinville graduated five receivers who combined for 1,168 of his yardage, Reels says that between his improvements and the growth of a new crop of receivers, he should be even better this season.
“I feel like I’m more comfortable with the offense,” Reels said. “I feel like I know it better (and) I’ve got good receivers around me and a good line. That’s going to help me.”
1,000-yard rusher factory
Mattoon claims to be the bagel capital of the world. Taylorville touts itself being the Christmas capital of Illinois. Carlinville might want to invest in signage promoting itself as the running back capital.
The Cavaliers have had a 1,000-yard rusher in each season since 2019. That year, Colton DeLong reached 1,781 yards in 10 games for third place among the school’s single-season record holders. Even Bobby Seals broke the 1,000-yard mark during the 2021 spring season, which was limited to just six games due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Rouse joined that club that’s highlighted by Babatunde Ridley, who set the gold standard in 1995 with 1,659 yards. Jacob Dixon broke that mark twice — with 1,750 yards in 2015 and 1,841 in 2016. Rouse ran for 1,090 yards on 187 carries in 10 games last season.
“The culture is insane,” Rouse said. “Just the determination to win and to keep pushing your hardest is what creates our great running backs. Jacob Dixon, his determination to keep running is what I want to live up to.”
The ability to both run and pass the ball will be vital if Carlinville wishes to be atop the SCC at season’s end.
“You become dynamic when you can do both and we have the luxury of bringing back two people who can do both,” Easterday said. “We have that double-headed monster people talk about all the time and the balance between them gives opponents complicated issues.”
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Contact Ryan Mahan: 788-1546, ryan.mahan@sj-r.com, Twitter.com/RyanMahanSJR.
This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Why Carlinville football's offense is a 'double-headed monster'
