Bison reloaded

SWOOPE
With the start of its football season quickly approaching, Buffalo Gap doesn’t have its eyes on another playoff run — The main priority for the Bison will be trying to replace their entire 2008 offense.

“That’s the glory of high school football,” said Buffalo Gap coach Rob Maxwell. “Kids come and kids go.”

These kids happen to be Ryan Sheridan, Pickle Nuckols, Boone Jones and Michael Johnson.

During the last two seasons, if Gap had the football, at least one of the big four had the ball every play.

“We have to have some young kids step up and fill their shoes,” Maxwell added. “These kids know what they lost. They know what’s not there and they have to compensate for it.”

One of the hardest things to replace in the Bison’s running offense will be the powerful running back, Nuckols.

Seniors Matt Wenger, Travis Hale and Logan Huff all saw rushing plays last year to spell Nuckols when he was on the sidelines.

Wenger is more of a speedy guy who tends to hit the edge and break free while Hale and Huff are more north and south runners, reminiscent of Nuckols.

The Bison’s toughest setback could be at the quarterback position.

Sophomore Trevor Campbell will take over under center, a position vacated by Sheridan.

Campbell played several games at the beginning of last season as a freshman while Sheridan was injured.

The senior running backs will have to carry a bulk of the load this season.

“We are working on the leadership roles,” Maxwell stated. “They know it’s going to be on them and they are ready. Some of them have been waiting several years … to get their chance to play, so hopefully that pays off for us. It may take a while because I know we lost a lot of offense.”

The receiving core will also experience its share of growing pains.

Jones was a red zone threat with his 6-foot-5 frame. Johnson was the explosive receiver who could get open for big plays down the field.

Maxwell hasn’t said who will step into these roles and pick up a big play or two down the field. Gap has 17 wide receivers on the roster.

“Riverheads will be strong with almost everyone back. Central will be the x-factor having a new coach since the last time they were in our district,” Maxwell said. “But we have five non-district games to get better, which will be good for a confidence factor. The real season doesn’t start until October when we play the first district game.”

One thing that will not have to be replaced is the heart and will to win that Buffalo Gap teams are known for.

“We have some freshman pushing for spots and everyone is working real hard,” Maxwell happily added. “The guys are practicing hard and they want to succeed. They are young, but they want it and are working for it.”