Arms Shortage Prompts Crespi to Try Single Wing

After Crespi High Coach Bill Redell finished outlining the new formation on the blackboard, running back Russell White gasped and said in an alarmed tone, “Hey, there’s no quarterback.”

That eventuality--no quarterback--is exactly what Redell is preparing for, and why he brought back a relic from the leather-helmet era when he added the single-wing formation to the Crespi playbook this week.

Crespi heads into its biggest game of the season against Loyola on Saturday with only one experienced quarterback, and Redell vows to use the single wing if injuries force his hand.

The new backfield would feature White at tailback, J. J. Lasley at fullback, Brett Borkgren at blocking back and Dave Lefner at wingback.

“It’s looking so good, we may use it anyway,” he said Thursday. “We won’t have to worry about handing the ball to Russell. We’ll just give it to him direct and eliminate the middle man.”

Until last week, Crespi (7-0-1) enjoyed enviable depth at quarterback with senior starter Rob O’Byrne and junior backup Ron Redell, the coach’s son. But O’Byrne, who completed 40 of 81 passes for 822 yards and 4 touchdowns, suffered a season-ending injury when he broke his right arm in last week’s 38-14 win over Alemany.

Redell is the team’s starting free safety and has played substantially as O’Byrne’s backup. He has matched O’Byrne’s touchdown total and has completed 21 of 36 passes for 319 yards.

“We went into the season with two No. 1 quarterbacks and we’ve still got a No. 1 quarterback,” offensive coordinator Jim Benkert said. “We’re not going to change our offense one bit with Ron in there. We don’t lose anything, except depth.”

Beyond Redell, Crespi enters single-wing territory. Jon McGovern, O’Byrne’s backup last year as a junior, rejoined the team Monday but is ineligible to play until next week. Southern Section rules mandate a minimum of 10 days of practice before a player can compete in a game.

Listed as Redell’s backup for Saturday’s game is junior Chad Nichols, a starting defensive back who played behind Redell on the sophomore team.

Suddenly, Redell’s safety is a top team concern.

During a scrimmage in Tuesday’s practice, defenders Redell and White converged on a pass with wide receiver Eric Kieling and the three crashed in a heap.

When Redell finally got to his feet and his teammates realized he was merely stunned momentarily, the kidding began.

“Hey, Redell, you can’t lay on the field,” offensive tackle Kevin Yates said. “You can’t lay there like you’ve got a broken arm or something.”

His teammates are confident Redell will keep Crespi on its feet in its drive toward a second consecutive Big Five Conference championship.

“We’re not worried about Ron,” White said. “He’s a tough guy. He’s not going to choke or anything.”

The head coach has few fears about his son’s ability to play quarterback.

“I don’t know if we’re going to win the game, but I’m not worried about the quarterback,” Redell said. “He may not play like it Saturday, but by the time he’s through he’ll be one of the top quarterbacks around.”