Wawasee Football: Senior Stephen Possell is looking to anchor a Warrior defense full of fresh faces in 2015. (Photo by Nick Goralczyk)

SYRACUSE – Big changes are coming to the gridiron for Wawasee football this fall. After graduating virtually all of its offensive producers from last season, the Warriors are changing their style of play by opting into one of the game’s more intriguing offensive philosophies.

“We are a technically a flexbone offense now,” said Wawasee head coach Josh Ekovich.

The “flexbone” formation is one that centers around the triple option. There are typically three running backs in the backfield with the quarterback. This offense is probably best known from its use by several college programs including, more recently, Navy and Georgia Tech.

“It has been a huge change for us in mindset, for both players and coaching staff,” Ekovich continued. “There has been a huge learning curve but we were fortunate enough to take our entire team over to Trine University and participate in a camp that really, really upped our knowledge of this offense.

“The ability to run this offense is not easy, it’s a big risk. But, we’re hoping that big risk turns into a big reward.”

Wawasee relied heavily on its senior class in 2014 as fans were entertained by the talents of Gage Reinhard, Nic Wilson, Clayton Cook and Mylon Betts on the offensive side of the ball. On defense it was rough and tough players like Maclain Herr, Kurtis Liston and Austin Rhodes that made plays on Friday nights. Wawasee returns three starters on each side of the ball.

Cameron Adams, Kolby Meyers and Harrison Shortill will be the lone returning players with starting experience on offense. Shortill proved to be a worthy anchor to the big boys up front as center in 2014. senior Ryan Lockhart and junior Bryce Woody are expected to join those three along the starting offensive line this season.

As for who will be taking the snaps from Shortill this fall, that is not as clear just yet. Ekovich cited four potential players that could land the starting QB spot but it seems that the decision will come down to sophomore Will Geer or junior Tyler Smith.

Smith gained attention coming into 2014 as a promising backup to Reinhard but broke his leg in mop-up time against Whitko in the season opener.

“He has worked his way back since that injury,” Ekovich said of Smith. “I think he played in a few JV basketball games this past winter and was still pretty sore. But, he’s a competitor, he’s a great athlete. Throwing the ball isn’t his suit but he runs it extremely well and he can give us what we want in this offense.”

Ekovich also showed a lot of excitement and optimism for his other skill positions on offense with Stephon Miller, Noah Wadkins, Paul Mendoza and Zac McKee. Many of those players will see both sides of the ball as the Warriors still have question marks heading into the season. McKee will also be a key piece on defense, though that unit will be anchored by seniors Austin Pearish and Stephen Possell.

As for specialists, senior Lucas Garza returns to kick for the Warriors this season.

Wawasee remains in the IHSAA Class 4A Sectional 19 but the faces have changed. NorthWood, Northridge, East Noble, Angola and DeKalb all remain in the field but Columbia City and Plymouth are added to the mix this year as Leo and Fort Wayne Bishop Dwenger moved out with the realignment.

Wawasee will begin its season August 21 at home with Griffith.