Shawnee Football Showing New Offensive Versatility
Last year Shawnee’s football team relied primarily on the ground game, and the Renegades were effective, going 7-4 and winning a playoff game.
The starting quarterback last year was current junior Cole Anderson, who rushed for nearly three times as many yards as he passed. Anderson rushed for 1,261 yards and 16 touchdowns. He passed for 419 yards and a touchdown, attempting just 83 passes.
This year Anderson remains a major part of the offense, but he could line up at several positions – quarterback, running back, H-Back.
The Renegades have used fellow junior Niko Fifis more as a passer and he has been a great complement to Anderson on offense.
Shawnee improved to 3-0 with last week’s 35-13 win at Cherry Hill East, providing coach Tim Gushue with his 300th win.
The more diversified offense has been a big reason for the quick start.
Fifis has only attempted 35 passes, but has thrown for 307 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. Shawnee has already thrown one more TD pass than all of last year.
As for Anderson, he has been dynamic as a runner. He has rushed for 536 yards (7.2 avg.) and seven touchdowns.
Teams can no longer play nine men near the line of scrimmage because Fifis is an accurate passer.
The Renegades, under offensive coordinator Dennis Scuderi Jr., utilize several intricate formations, keeping opposing defenses guessing all the time.
It’s a fun offense to watch, not so much to defend.
The diversified offense has given Shawnee a new look.
Linebacker Parker Peluse, who is also a key running back, leads a strong defense.
Very little has come easy this season for Shawnee. The Renegades opened with a wild 43-35 win over Old Bridge in the Battle at the Beach in Ocean City.
Fifis was highly efficient, completing 6-of-7 passes for 135 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. Anderson rushed for 106 yards and a score.
The Renegades then defeated Pleasantville, 28-14, as Anderson rushed for 146 yards and three scores.
That was followed by last week’s win over Cherry Hill East, in which the 35-13 final score was deceiving. Shawnee led just 14-13 midway through the third quarter before pulling away. Anderson rushed for 283 yards and three scores.
Now this week Shawnee faces a major test, visiting 3-0 Rancocas Valley on Friday. Rancocas Valley is among the best teams in South Jersey and might have the area’s top defense. The Red Devils have not allowed a single point in their first three games.
Shawnee will no doubt be an underdog and regardless of the outcome, this is a much appears to be a much improved team that is giving opponents so much more to think about defending this diversified offense.
No. 4 Cole Anderson / Marc Narducci
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Author: Marc Narducci
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