Coe turning to young QBs

CEDAR RAPIDS - It will be a trial by fire for Coe's Jared McNutt and Matt Barnd.

The freshmen quarterback tandem will have the daunting task of taking over for one of the region's top offensive players and controlling the reins of the Kohawk offense when Coe takes on No. 10 St. Thomas (Minn.) today in an NCAA Division III second-round playoff game at St. Paul. Minn. Kickoff is set for noon.

They have big shoes to fill, replacing Iowa Conference Most Valuable Player, Brad Boyle, who left last week's first-round playoff upset of No. 4 St. John's in the third quarter with a separated shoulder.

What a time to get your first major playing time of the season.

“I think they will do fine and that's the kind of confidence our coaching staff is going to show them as well,” said Coe Coach Steve Staker, who was named IIAC Coach of the Year. “They will do fine. We'll get plenty of help from the rest of the guys.”

In an unusual turn of events, the Kohawks are turning to the two freshmen instead of Patrick Wallace, who has served as Boyle's back up all season and relieved him last week after his injury.

Wallace, a 6-foot, 202-pound junior, is 11 of 16 for 125 yards and a touchdown, adding 150 yards and two TDs on the ground. he even played in six games last season.

Still, the Kohawks are opting for inexperience.

“I think they give us the best opportunity to beat these guys,” Offensive coordinator Tyler Staker said. “It's essentially two styles of offense we're going to throw at them.”

McNutt, 6-4, 188, is considered a better passer and Barnd's athleticism adds a running element to Coe's attack,

McNutt, who shares a jersey number with sophomore running back Matt Myers, has completed 1 of 3 passes for eight yards this year. As a senior at Warren-River Ridge (Ill.) High School, McNutt averaged more than 200 passing yards a game with a QB rating of 105.

“Jared's more of a throwing quarterback,” Steve Staker said. “I would say Jared is going to get the start.”

Barnd is a former Marion prep. He was a second-team all-state performer for the Indians last year. Now, he could be a versatile weapon for the Kohawks.

“He can throw the ball well,” Steve Staker said. “He's very accurate. He has a nice strong arm but he's also a running threat. It may be in the course of the game he's our answer. We'll have to play it by ear.”

Barnd has played in just two games. He didn't attempt a pass and rushed three times for 19 yards this season, including a long of 16. Tyler Staker said it's a “pretty awesome” occasion for him.

“Shoot, Matt Barnd didn't even dress last week,” said Staker, referring to Coe's 34-27 first-round win over St. John's. “And now he's going to get an opportunity to play in the second round of the NCAA playoffs in Division III.”

The young quarterbacks are getting mixed reviews for the way they're handling it. Steve Staker said the duo is a little nervous. Tyler Staker has seen more enthusiasm.

“Both of these quarterbacks are extremely excited for this opportunity, being freshman and put in this position,” Tyler Staker said. “They're eager to get out there and show what they can do.”

The Kohawks (10-1) have tied a season high for wins and have reached the second round only one other time. St. Thomas (10-1) lost to St. John's, 20-17, on Oct. 17.

Steve Staker said the Tommies' size is impressive, comparing them to a Big Ten line, but said his team is capable of a win.

“They're a very good football team as any football team is when you get to this stage of the playoffs,” Steve Staker said. “Our chances are as good as they were against St. John's. We need to come play. We need to take advantage of turnovers. That's huge. We need to play good solid defense, which I thought we did play (last week).”