C.R. Washington offense will once again feature variety of weapons

CEDAR RAPIDS — Cedar Rapids Washington Coach Paul James has plenty of options when it comes to calling plays.

He has the luxury of a strong core of accomplished skill players at his disposal.

The Warriors return many key components of a potent offense, looking to match the numbers and performance from a state runner-up team.

The Warriors dominated their way to 13 straight wins to open last season, finishing 13-1. They averaged almost 39 points per game.

Tavian Patrick and Johnny Dobbs were a vaunted running combination, while Isaiah Nimmers, who had more than 400 receiving yards (19.5 yards per catch) with three touchdowns, is a playmaker in the pass game.

'Isaiah is one of the best out here,' quarterback T.J. Vogel said. 'We have two running backs who are pretty much unstoppable.

'We have a lot of speed and quickness. I think we will be able to use all our weapons to the best of our abilities.'

Patrick and Dobbs have distinct running styles that complement one another. Patrick is more of a speedster while Dobbs can pound opposing defenses. They can reverse roles as well, making it tough to stop.

'It's hard to comprehend what we do, because we both can run outside and inside,' Dobbs said. 'It's hard to contain us.'

Patrick rushed for 1,191 yards and scored eight TDs, averaging more than eight yards a carry. Dobbs ran for 838 yards, scoring 17 touchdowns and giving the Warriors a hard-runner in goal-line and short-yardage situations.

'I think we are well-rounded,' Patrick said. 'We have a lot of speed and athleticism. Everything is going to be a focus. We aren't going to focus on doing one thing.'

Vogel will have to fill the biggest void in the skill position. He will take the reins of the offense held by versatile quarterback Reid Snitker. Vogel did see action last season, throwing for 304 yards and three touchdowns on 11-of-21 passing.

'I've been playing with these guys my whole life,' Vogel said. 'Last year, I worked hard behind Reid. I learned every little thing. I'm excited to show everyone what I have.'

Snitker gave defenses fits as a dual threat, rushing for 477 yards and nine TDs. Vogel may not be as elusive or have the same running instincts, but he can move and is a better traditional passer.

'He is a soccer player so he comes in with footwork,' James said. 'His strength is throwing the ball.'

Patrick said Vogel has the ability to adapt, identifying what will work in specific situation.

'We will be able to keep defenses honest, preventing them from focusing solely on the rush attack,' Patrick said. 'T.J. is a good leader and very good player.

'He can do whatever you need him to do. He's going to be able to sling that ball.'

The start of practice was not the beginning of developing rapport with each other. Vogel and Nimmers spent time during the off-season to focus on their timing.

'T.J. and I have been working all winter and summer, running through routes and stuff,' Nimmers said. 'He's not Reid. He's not going to run around, but he'll be good passing the ball.'

Nimmers is an NCAA Division I receiver, entertaining offers from Football Championship Subdivision programs including Northern Iowa. He still is being courted by Football Bowl Subdivision teams, monitoring his first few games of the season.

He provides a big-play option for Vogel.

'It makes me feel better to have someone out there that I can trust and know he can beat his guys and run really crisp routes so no matter what happens he will be open,' Vogel said. 'He'll be ready for me to throw to him.'

The skill players won't be able to produce without a strong offensive line. The Warriors lost four of five starters from last season. This year's version won't be as big, but is athletic.

Production will be based on how linemen progress, whether it's creating lanes for Patrick and Dobbs or giving Vogel time to hit wideouts.

'They aren't going to do much running-wise, if the line doesn't come around,' James said. 'They aren't going to be able to start right where they left off because of the development of the line. They will have to come around.

'Once they do, I'd like to think we're going to be able to throw the ball maybe more than we did last year for a variety of reasons with our specialty guys.'

Washington has the talent coming back to return to the state championship game.

'We're ready,' Patrick said. 'We think we can make it back. We're working trying to do our best to get back to where we were.'

CEDAR RAPIDS WASHINGTON, at a glance

Coach: Paul James (14th year, 77-53)

Last year: 13-1 overall, 5-0 Class 4A District 6 (1st), 4A runner-up (beat Clinton, Cedar Falls, Iowa City West, Bettendorf, lost to West Des Moines Dowling, 49-14, in state championship)

Top returning letterwinners: Isaiah Nimmers, Tavian Patrick, Johnny Dobbs, O'Rien Vance, Nick Nassif, Alex Herzog, Dallas Hobbs, Matt Ackerman,

Key losses: Reid Snitker, Connor Vincent, Sam Snitker, Julian Good-Jones, Landon Akers, Royal Silver, Caleb Smothers

Key to making the playoffs: The biggest question isn't whether Washington makes the playoffs but whether it can make another deep run. Two keys will be the offensive and defensive lines, losing experience and size up front to graduation. The linebacker and quarterback play will be important as well.

Games to watch: Sept. 4, Cedar Rapids Kennedy (home); Sept. 11, at Iowa City West.

Schedule (*district game):

Aug. 28 — at Cedar Rapids Jefferson

Sept. 4 — Cedar Rapids Kennedy

Sept. 11 — at Iowa City West

Sept. 17 — Linn-Mar

Sept. 25 — *at Muscatine

Oct. 2 — *at Ottumwa

Oct. 8 — *Cedar Rapids Prairie

Oct. 16 — *at Iowa City High

Oct. 23 — *Burlington

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