Trion thriving with Tucker

TRION, Ga. — Normally, when a football coach scales back the playbook, it’s to take some responsibility away from his quarterback. The fewer things he has to think about, the thinking goes, the less chance there will be for mistakes.

Trion coach David Humphreys has cut the number of plays in his offensive playbook, but the reasons are just the opposite. He wants to add responsibility for senior quarterback Hayden Tucker.

“I simplified the amount of plays we had, but the complexity of each play is a little more,” Humphreys explained. “Now Hayden does more reading on each play, especially in the passing game.”

In the Bulldogs’ option-based attack, Tucker already was the key ingredient, deciding whether to keep the ball or pitch it. Now he has the option of going several different ways when the team passes the ball. It’s a responsibility the three-year starter enjoys.

“We have more of an option passing attack with more reads, and as a quarterback I love it,” said Tucker, who has completed 21 of 39 passes for 326 yards and four touchdowns to go with 417 yards rushing and two scores in Trion’s 4-1 start to the season. “Having the experience in the offense has helped me more than anything. We have great receivers and our line is protecting me well.”

The Bulldogs opened the season with a disappointing loss to Class AA’s Armuchee but since have reeled off impressive wins over LaFayette, Pinecrest Academy, Mount Paran and Mount Zion. Trion led last week’s game 43-0 after the first quarter.

Humphreys has been impressed with his quarterback’s early play.

The win over Region 6-A opponent Mount Paran, which is expected to contend for a playoff spot, was Tucker’s best. He hit several big passes and rushed for 150 yards.

“It’s his third year in the system and it’s apparent he’s real comfortable in it,” the veteran coach said. “He’s made great strides throwing the ball and his reads on the option have graded out at 85 percent. Any coach would be happy with 80 percent, so what he’s done so far is pretty special.”

Trion uses a senior-laden offensive line and a solid, if not spectacular, group of backs to soften defenses, allowing Tucker and receivers Tanner Heyer and Hunter Ivester to make big plays. With games coming up against region kingpins Bowdon (tonight), Bremen and Darlington, the quarterback knows he will be asked to make more big plays.

“It will be nice when we have to open it up more,” Tucker said. “We know those teams will be a big challenge for us, but right now we like where we are. We’ve talked a lot about winning the region championship, and it’s starting to hit us that we have a great chance.”