As Samson Evans lined up under center during Prairie Ridge’s latest blowout win, his ears perked.
“The other team called out the exact play we were going to run,” the junior quarterback said. “Just by the way we lined up.”
No matter. As Evans recalled, the Wolves stayed with the play, executed it perfectly and scored a touchdown in their 62-6 win against a McHenry team that entered the game 4-1.
“That kind of thing happens all the time, and we love it,” Evans said. “When they know what’s coming and still can’t stop it, that can be demoralizing.”
That play, of course, was a rushing attempt. While the spread offense has made modern football resemble a video game, Prairie Ridge still prefers its plays to end in a cloud of dust.
Unlike the old adage, though, those clouds typically appear for the Wolves after they’ve gained about eight yards.
No. 8 Prairie Ridge (6-0) has simply run over its opposition this season, gaining 2,027 of its 2,391 total yards on the ground. The Wolves have 253 rushing attempts compared with 27 passes, and their carries have netted 8 yards per attempt.
“Why would we change?” asked coach Chris Schremp, who is 112-50 in 15 years with a Class 6A state championship in 2011 and three other semifinal appearances. “Last year we averaged 50 points a game; this year it’s 45.”
Evans leads the way out of the double-wing formation, which Prairie Ridge’s coaches have studied at camps at Georgia Tech and Army. Evans leads the Wolves with 93 carries, 695 yards and 13 touchdowns.
“He’s the perfect fit,” Schremp said. “He’s a phenomenal athlete and a great decision-maker.”
Fullback Emmanuel Ebririm has 571 yards and six TDs on 72 carries. Wingback Cole Brown has added 506 yards on only 38 carries behind the line of tackles Jeff Jenkins and Grant Golata, guards Justin Grapenthin and Garret Crump, center Ben Schultz and Army-bound tight end Austen Ferbet.
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The 6-foot-1, 200-pound Evans has offers from Northern Illinois, Central Michigan and Army, though his college position remains unclear. Evans started for the varsity as a freshman at receiver, and he’s also being looked at as a quarterback, running back and a defensive player.
For now, he’s a throwback who rarely throws, with 14 completions for 364 yards on 27 attempts.
“Well, when we do throw, it’s usually wide open,” said Schremp, pointing out that seven of Evans’ passes have gone for TDs and that he averages 26 yards per completion.
“Some would say it’s not the funnest thing in the world,” Evans said. “But I still have my hands on the ball on every play and I still can control the game.”
Twitter @Larkin_Will