Need for Speed: Pride and Godfrey Change the Game

Over the years the Colerain Cardinals have been known for the type of offense that comes out and makes the statement, “stop us up the middle if you can.” Well this year, it has been a new type of offense with the addition of the speed of its wingbacks, Gary Pride and Je’Sean Godfrey (pictured above, breaking a tackle), who have been critical in the success of the Cards’ offence.

Gary and Je’Sean have been the playmakers of the Cards’ season. It seems whenever the dive up the middle is being shut down; Gary and Je’Sean are there every time to break a 20-yard run. The Cardinal offense is depending on these two, to give the offense the game changing play that crushes the spirit of the opponents.

Over the course of the season the two have been used differently in different games. Gary, the faster of the two, has accounted for 416 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns, with a long of 79 yards. He also has had 3 additional touchdowns through the air. Gary is the guy Colerain looks to for being the one to break the “big” play or to simply put the ball in the end zone on a 3rd and goal from far out. With this being his second year in the offense, first at running back, Gary knows what is expected of him in big situations and know what he should do when the coaches call his number.

Je’Sean, the lesser known of the two, is one of the most shifty and agile players ever to come into the Cards’ offense. Je’Sean is mostly known for his ankle breaking spin move, which more often than not has the defenders diving into air to try to make and attempt to tackle him. Despite being 5’ 7, he is still a load to bring down and defenses have a hard time getting a hand on him. He is certainly the guy that people don’t plan for, but come game day, he is always a factor in the high scoring offense. Je’Sean is especially effective on the short screen pass when he gets a blocker or two in front of him, which allows him to move around and make things happen. Je’Sean currently has 5 touchdowns; through the air he has 7 receptions for 92 yards to go along with 2 touchdown receptions.

The new speedy agile wingbacks are important in the triple option attack. It allows the Cardinals to spread out the defense, while giving defensive coordinators headaches as they attempt to develop schemes to stop it.