Stewart County football plans on balanced offense after graduation of school-record rusher

Clarksville Leaf-Chronicle

Stewart County finished 3-7 last year and is looking to improve with a solid offensive and defensive line returning.

DOVER — Not much will change in terms of Stewart County's region opponents this season.

While most of the state reconfigured its football region last fall, the Rebels kept essentially the same opponents in Region 6-3A, giving second-year coach Chanz Swartz an opportunity to focus on his own team.

Stewart County will be without 2,000-yard rusher Taeton Wienk, who graduated after setting a school record for rushing yards in a season. While most would consider that a huge hole to fill, Swartz is looking at it as a huge opportunity.

"We'll get a chance to be a bit more balanced in our offense," Swartz said. "I think it'll make it harder to scout us this year because we don't have anyone we'll give the ball to 35 times a game like we did with Taeton last year."

Instead Stewart County has four backs who will fill that void with senior Shaheem Davis leading the way. Sophomores Willie Reynolds and Dalton Stamper also return in the backfield along with Chris Offutt.

The offense will be led by senior quarterback Josh McDonald, who Swartz believes could have a breakout year.

Stewart County's Taeton Wienk graduated last year after running for more than 2,000 yards. This year's Rebels will have to pick up the slack.

"He's gotten a lot better, particularly in his passing," Swartz added. "He went to some passing camps and he put in a ton of extra hours just throwing the ball and becoming more mature. We're excited to see how that translates on Fridays."

The Rebels finished last fall 3-7 and as the season wore on their offense became predictable. With no discernible star on this team, Stewart County's play-calling could open up.

"We look forward to trying some new things," Swartz said. "I mean our base offense is still in place, but we've got a few new things we're going to throw in that we didn't dare do last year."

Stewart County has traditionally relied heavily on running the football but will try to maintain balance this season.

With McDonald's improved passing the Rebels' wide receivers could become more involved in 2017. Juniors Elijah Smith, Jarrett Asselta and C.J. Gill provide options in the passing game.

Defensively, Swartz has changed his scheme from a 4-3 to one that will have multiple looks and an aggressive front four.

"We'll play some odd and even fronts and add personnel to what we do," he said. "Our strength will be up up front on both offense and defense. We can rotate nine to 10 guys at those spots, so I'm looking forward to what we can do defensively."

Reach Prep writer George Robinson at georgerobinson@theleafchronicle.com or (931) 245-0747 and on Twitter @Cville_Sports.

STEWART COUNTY

Nickname:Rebels

Coach: Chanz Swartz (2nd year)

2016 Record: 3-7

Key Returners: Josh McDonald (Sr. QB), Shaheem Davis (Sr. RB), Chris Offutt (Jr. LB/RB), WIllie Reynolds (Soph. RB), Ryan Griffin (Sr. OL), Jason Knotts (Sr. OL)

REBELS SCHEDULE

Aug. 18 Crittenden County (KY), 7 p.m.

Aug. 25 at McEwen, 7 p.m.

Sep. 1 at Fairview, 7:30 p.m.

Sep. 8 at Fulton County (KY), 7 p.m.

Sep. 15 Sycamore, 7:30 p.m.

Sep. 22 Houston County, 7:30 p.m.

Sep. 29 Harpeth, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 6 East Hickman, 7 p.m.

Oct. 20 at Cheatham County, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 27 at Camden, 7:30 p.m.