Published Sept. 12, 2008
The Charlotte Weekly
By Aaron Garcia
One-hundred thirteen to zero.
That's the margin by which Charlotte Latin has outscored its opponents in two games this season.
It appears the defending private-school state champions have picked up right where they left off last season. But a closer look at names in the offensive backfield quickly reveals things are going to be very different for the 2008 Hawks.
Gone is Greg Mittl, the fiery, diminutive running back who fought for every yard. So is quarterback Braden Hanson, arguably the most decorated player in school history. And don't forget star receiver Brenton Bersin, although the Hawks have a proven replacement in senior Ross Cockrell.
But the Hawks aren't throwing a couple of sophomores into the fire to gain experience. Instead, two seniors, quarterback David Pearson and running back Carter Barnhart, have stepped up after years of waiting in the wings.
"These guys have waited their turn offensively," Charlotte Latin coach Larry McNulty said. "They're making the most of it. They're smart kids. (Barnhart makes) very few blocking mistakes, (and Pearson has) very few read problems."
McNulty has been preaching to his team about the importance of keeping the tradition alive. The tradition? Three consecutive N.C. Independent Schools Athletic Association Division I state titles. The catch is the Hawks returned just two offensive starters.
The offensive backfield's importance has increased since the Hawks will rely on their ground game more this season with the loss of Hanson, who offered a deep threat each play.
On paper, Pearson's transition looks the most daunting.
"I was watching how (Hanson) did things," said Pearson, who served as Hanson's understudy for two seasons. "(I watched) how he made his reads, how he was able to overcome when the reads went bad and how he was able to find where he was supposed to go with the ball at that point.
"It was really fun, and it helped me out when I was able to see that stuff."
But when Pearson lines up under center, he's not just following Hanson: it's all the other quarterbacks he's watched take their turns on Latin's varsity since he was young.
"I've been here watching them since kindergarten," said Pearson. "I've seen all of these quarterbacks come through." He stops and gives an almost guilty grin.
"It feels good when you can go around and hear, 'There's David, the quarterback,'" he said. "It's kind of fun."
One main difference between Hanson and Pearson is an admitted lack of the "gunslinger" mentality that Hanson possessed--a mentality that kept defenses honest because of the threat of deep touchdowns.
That's where Barnhart comes in. As the running back, he's being asked to set the offensive pace and get touch yards for the Hawks, which is perfect considering his experience. Barnhart doubles as a starting defensive end.
"It's a funny combination," said Barnhart, who had to convince his coaches to let him try defensive end after they pushed him to move to safety, a more traditional defensive position for a running back.
"I like close contact," said Barnhart. "I'm better with just getting in there and being able to see the ball really quickly and not having to react. But they're two tiring positions, definitely."
Barnhart has been on Latin's varsity squad since his freshman year, even serving as a kicker. He's one of the few ties to all three past championship teams, which is serving him well.
"I think (previous players) all set great examples for me, and I've learned through all the other captains and leaders that have been on the last three state championship teams," said Barnhart. "I'm just trying to follow in their footsteps and bring everybody together."
Perhaps the most important step in the two captains' development as starters comes this week, when the Hawks face Charlotte Catholic in their first real test of the season. Pearson and Barnhart have been careful not to get overconfident with the lopsided wins over the Raleigh Titans and North Gaston.
"(McNulty) said after second game, '"The JV season is over, boys,'" said Barnhart.
"Catholic runs right at you and hits you. We're going to have to match them in that aspect."
Added Pearson: "Everyone on the Catholic team is going to have good coaching and technique."
If Pearson and Barnhart have their say, they'll deal just fine with the spotlight and keep doing what they've done during the season's first two games.
And next year's starters could have two more guys to look up to.
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