New Washington football coach expects new look

WASHINGTON, Ill. (WMBD/WYZZ) — He’s not really new, but Todd Stevens expects his team to have a new look.

Stevens, a longtime assistant football coach at Washington Community High School, is now the new head coach and conducting his first practices for the Panthers during summer workouts. He takes over after Darrell Crouch’s retirement.

Stevens says he doesn’t need to make a bunch of changes to a successful program that is coming off a state semifinal appearance last fall. But he does want to put his own stamp on the team.

“Our playbook is going to look a little different. Some of the things are staying the same,” Stevens said. “We are installing a little bit of a new offense. I think that’s mainly our emphasis in June, and sprinkle in a little defense.”

All-state running back Kainon McQueary graduated so the offense will certainly look different without him.

“The change this year is I’m trying to step up in our offense and be a little more of a playmaker,” said senior quarterback Tyler Humphrey. “Get the ball to our playmakers at receiver, running back, spread the ball out and make everybody happy.”

Stevens says he has about 125 players going through summer practices with the team. This week they are trying to beat the 90-degree heat.

“It’s good to be back out here,” said senior defensive lineman Noah Bell. “I prefer the morning (practices) in the summer because it’s not as hot. We can beat the heat a little bit. We just look at it as laying the foundation (for the season) and getting the playbook down.”

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