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Observations from the 7-on-7 HS Soccer Camp in Washington

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Observations from the 7-on-7 HS Soccer Camp in Washington

WASHINGTON — Washington’s annual high school football festival has been a summer fixture for 17 years.

But for the first time in the event’s history, Darrell Crouch will not be the Panthers’ head coach. Crouch retired at the end of last season after a decorated 19-year career with Washington that included 156 wins and 16 playoff appearances. Former associate head coach Todd Stevens has taken over as the program’s head coach.

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On Saturday, teams from Manual, Richwoods, Illinois Valley Central, Dunlap, Limestone, Pekin, Eureka, Morton, Normal West, Bloomington Central Catholic, Clifton Central, Bloomington and Monticello spread across three fields for the 18th edition of the 7-on-7 and the fourth year of the lineman camp.

“I had a pretty good teacher in Darrell,” said Stevens, who is in his 29th season on Washington’s coaching staff.

The longtime defensive coordinator handled much of the 7-on-7 duties last year with the help of Washington Booster Club president Joe Bullard. Stevens also had taken over parts of the program over the past three years, knowing he could be the next head coach.

His transition to the top job at one of the region’s top teams has been virtually seamless, as he knows the community and the players well and keeps most of the staff intact.

“I think it’s been smooth sailing for me,” Stevens said, “just because I’ve been here so long.”

Washington ‘super excited’ about 2024

The Panthers are the reigning Mid-Illini Conference champions and reached the Class 6A semifinals, where they finished 11-2.

Eight of the 12 players who earned All-Mid-Illini honors have graduated, including Kainon McQueary, the 2023 Journal Star Player of the Year. Four all-league players are back, including quarterback Tyler Humphrey, tight end Carter Prina, defensive lineman Noah Bell and kicker Devin Miller.

“I’m super excited to get all of our kids together,” Stevens said. “Summer is a busy time.”

Stevens’ enthusiasm for having a complete team is justified, considering he was missing several key players for summer wrestling commitments and had injuries during the baseball season.

“As far as their football gear goes,” he said, “they should all be recovered and ready to go.

Dunlap puts the puzzle together

After alternating between John Bargen and Mack Sutter at quarterback last season, Dunlap coach Brett Cazalet has gone with Bargen this season. The 6-foot-3, 180-pound junior has made huge strides in the offseason, completing an offseason throwing plan, growing more confident each day and showing a great attitude.

Cazalet says his starting QB has always been a constant, that he discussed the offense and was always looking for ways to improve.

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“Johnny works as hard as anyone I’ve ever coached,” Cazalet said. “Now it’s just getting that confidence, that belief that he can do it on the field.

“I really think he can be a special quarterback.”

Bargen will benefit from the commitment of Division-I prospect Sutter, who will play multiple offensive positions along with top returning wideout Dawson Marmion and Mid-Illini running back Jackson Oldham.

Two key offensive linemen will also be in the mix for the Eagles. Tackles Colton Barlow, a 6-foot-3, 285-pound junior, and Issac Foster, a 6-foot-7, 315-pound senior, will bring experience anchoring the o-line.

“We obviously give a lot back in attack,” Cazalet said, “but now it’s just a matter of getting used to everyone’s role. That’s what we’re working on this summer.

“Everybody’s moving around a little bit, so it’s just a matter of putting the pieces together. Days like today really help us do that. … It’s a fun puzzle to put together.”

Richwoods has ‘coach’ on the field

Richwoods closed the season by winning two of their last three games, including a shutout against Manual.

The 2024 edition of the Knights defense will be led by senior outside linebacker Sean Glover. The 6-foot-2, 190-pound all-Big 12 Conference honorable mention has gotten significantly stronger and faster.

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“He’s a leader now,” Richwood coach Jim Ulrich said, “and that’s what we want with some of the younger guys. When I say leader, he’s talking about the back end and the front end.

“That’s great to see. … Having a coach on the field is a big step in the right direction for us.”

On the other side of the ball, seniors Bryce Hopkins, who played quarterback before getting injured last season, and 5-foot-11, 265-pound senior center Cam Clark have done a good job of showing up, being consistent and leading by example.

“The atmosphere is pretty good at the moment,” Ulrich said.

‘Love for the new Manual QB

It appears Manual has also found a starting quarterback.

Amare Breedlove played the first two weeks of the 2023 season as a free safety, moving to under center in Week 3. The 6-foot-3, 175-pound senior ultimately threw for 468 yards with three total touchdowns (two rushing, one passing).

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“We’ve done some work with him (this offseason),” Manual coach Dennis Bailey said. “Last year, we threw him in the fire unexpectedly. We didn’t give him much work in the summer, but this year, since basketball season, he’s worked his ass off and gotten a lot better.”

Bailey says he slowed down the offense because he expected Breedlove to play more controlled and understand how to run to the team. His receiving corps of sophomore Amane Breedlove and sophomores Tyree Porter and Makai Hill is a pretty talented group.

We expect Manual to play quickly next season.

“We think we’ve finally found a way to capitalize on our speed,” Bailey said.

Adam Duvall is a sports reporter for the Journal Star. Email him at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @AdamDuvall.

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