Ryly Jane Hambleton: Gators hit the ground

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John Tatum looked around at Lincoln North Star and saw a throng of running backs. He also saw some solid kids up front and he said he came to the only logical conclusion.

“I knew we were going to be a strong rushing,” he said. “We expect a lot out of our passing game this year, too. But I was expecting high rushing numbers for us this year.”

Tatum, a senior fullback, might be one of the few not surprised to see the Gators rack up 423 yards rushing in their season opener. Coach Mark Waller traditionally spreads his offense across the field and emphasizes a strong passing game.

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North Star's John Tatum (LJS File)

North Star's John Tatum (LJS File)

“Every year, we feel like it’s important to run the ball and be physical, more aggressive and run the clock,” said Waller. “We feel like we have good balance, too, Joe Hartley can definitely throw the ball and we have good receivers.”

But after the first game, the stable of running backs is front and center. Four seniors combined for 379 yards and five touchdowns. Michel Mikaya rushed eight times for 118 yards, Tyrone Lewis ran for 107 yards and two scores on eight carries, Diego Green rushed nine times for 62 yards and two touchdowns, and fullback Tatum picked up 92 yards on three runs, all trap plays.

“On the trap, we expect some yards. It’s not supposed to be a long run play, but if it works out that way, it works out that way,” said Tatum.

Tatum’s perspective reveals why the Gators have high hopes for this season and why the running game had success last week in a 55-0 win over Omaha Northwest.

“You like to touch the football as a fullback. But it’s all about doing your job and knowing that you contributed to the play, that you did your part on the team.” He said. “You sealed off that guy on the end so Diego or Tyrone or Michel could take it all the way to the house, and that’s just as pleasurable as taking it for a long run yourself.”

Green, who starts at I-back because Mikaya and Lewis also start on defense, said the three I-backs give defenses three distinct looks.

“We’re all different styles of running backs. I’m more like a running back with the speed, the moves, the cuts,” he said. “Tyrone is the power one, the strong one, and Michel is the I-back with the speed on the outside.”

One ball and that many people to run it could be a problem, but so far, it seems to be a good problem for the Gators.

“We have different aspects and complement each other,” said Lewis. “I might be a harder runner, but they’re faster. We have good receivers, and I want them to have the ball, too.”

Their different styles are the reason each has a different favorite play. Mikaya likes the 28-toss, Lewis likes counters and Green likes power plays.

“I’m pretty quick with my decisions. If I see somebody coming from the outside and that’s where I was headed, I’ll cut back in,” said Mikaya, who didn’t start playing football until his freshman year. “I was kind of scared in the beginning because I didn’t want to get hit. I was scared I wouldn’t get to play, that I was going to be on the sideline. Coach (Russell) Plager said to work hard every day and you’ll get better and get to play.”

Lewis, who transferred from Lincoln High this year, said the players understand the way things will work.

“Whoever played good that game will get the most carries. If you bring it on Friday night, you’ll get the ball,” he said.

Waller has a specific plan for the three-headed I-back monster.

“Our game plan is to keep them fresh. It’s by series,” said Waller. “If we get a big play with one, we might get someone else in there to give him a chance to catch his breath, but it’s mostly by series.”

Tatum said the season-opening win helped the Gators prepare for Lincoln Southwest, tonight’s opponent at Seacrest Field at 8, as well as providing other benefits.

“Aside from the confidence boost a wins gives you, it gets you more prepared for next week and the following weeks after that,” he said. “The game setting is a lot faster-paced than anything you’ll see in practice or scrimmage. It’s against other people, so you’ll have the adrenaline flowing.

“It’s the game atmosphere with all the fans and everyone’s watching you, so you’re going to step it up. A game is its own unique atmosphere.”

Reach Ryly Jane Hambleton at 473-7314 or rhambleton@journalstar.com.