Coe's freshman quarterbacks have big shoes to fill

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

The freshmen quarterbacks have the daunting task of taking over for one of the region's top offensive players and controlling the reins of the offense when Coe takes on No. 10 St. Thomas (Minn.) at noon today in a battle of 10-1 team in the second round of the NCAA Division III playoffs at St. Paul. Minn.

They have big shoes to fill in 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.

“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, the 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 freshmen instead of Patrick Wallace, who served as Boyle's back up all season and relieved him last week. Wallace, a 6-foot, 202-pound junior, is 11 of 16 for 125 yards and a touchdown this season, adding 150 yards and two TDs on the ground. He 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 has completed 1 of 3 passes for 8 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 was second-team all-state for Marion last year. Now he could be a versatile weapon for the Kohawks.

“He has a nice strong arm, but he's also a running threat,” Steve Stacker said. “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 two games. He didn't attempt a pass and rushed three times for 19 yards this season. Tyler Staker said it's a “pretty awesome” occasion for him.