New QBs, new coach and good vibes: 4 observations from Washington's 7-on-7 football camp

WASHINGTON — Washington hosting its annual high school football fest has been a summer staple for the last 17 years.

But for the first time in the event’s history, Darrell Crouch isn’t the Panthers head coach. Crouch retired at the end of last season , following a decorated 19-year career at Washington that saw 156 victories and 16 playoff appearances. Former associate head coach Todd Stevens has taken the reigns of the program.

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On Saturday, teams from Manual, Richwoods, Illinois Valley Central, Dunlap, Limestone, Pekin, Eureka, Morton, Normal West, Bloomington Central Catholic, Clifton Central, Bloomington and Monticello spread across three fields for the 18th edition of the 7-on-7 and fourth year of the lineman camp.

“I had a pretty good teacher in Darrell,” said Stevens, who is in his 29th season on the Washington coaching staff.

The longtime defensive coordinator handled many duties of the 7-on-7 last year with the help of Washington booster club president Joe Bullard. Stevens had also taken over parts of the program during the last three years, knowing the possibility he could become the next head coach.

His shift to the top job at one of the area’s premier teams has been pretty painless, knowing the community, the players and because he keeps most of the staff intact.

“I think it’s smooth for me,” Stevens said, “just because I’ve been here for so long.”

Washington ‘super excited’ for 2024

The Panthers are the reigning Mid-Illini Conference champions, while making a run to the Class 6A state semifinals to finish 11-2.

Eight of the 12 players who garnered all-Mid-Illini honors have graduated including Kainon McQueary, the 2023 Journal Star Player of the Year. However, four all-league guys are back including quarterback Tyler Humphrey, tight end Carter Prina, defensive lineman Noah Bell and kicker Devin Miller.

“I’m super excited about getting all of our kids together,” Stevens said. “Summer’s a busy time.”

Stevens’ enthusiasm for having a complete team is warranted, missing several key contributors to summer wrestling commitments and injuries from baseball season.

“As far as like their football stuff,” he said, “they should be all healed up and ready to go.

Dunlap fitting the puzzle together

After alternating between John Bargen and Mack Sutter at quarterback last season, Dunlap coach Brett Cazalet is going with Bargen this season. The 6-foot-4, 185-pound junior has made tremendous offseason strides, completing an offseason throwing plan, gaining confidence each day and showing a great demeanor.

Cazalet says his starting QB has been a constant, discussing the offense and always looking for ways to improve.

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“Johnny works as hard as anybody as I’ve ever coached,” Cazalet said. “Now, it’s just gaining that confidence, that belief that he can do it on the field.

“I really think he can be a special quarterback.”

Bargen will benefit from utilizing Division-I prospect Sutter, who will play multiple offensive positions, along with top returning wideout Dawson Marmion and all-Mid-Illini running back Jackson Oldham.

Two key offensive lineman will also be in the mix for the Eagles. Tackles Colton Barlow, a 6-foot-3, 285-pound junior, and Issac Foster, a 6-foot-7, 315-pound senior, will bring experience in anchoring in the o-line.

“We, obviously, return a lot on offense,” Cazalet said, “but now it’s just kind of settling into everybody’s roles. That’s kind of what we’re working on here this summer.

“Everybody’s kind of moving around, so it’s just kind of fitting the parts together. Days like today really help us with that. … It’s a fun puzzle to put together.”

Richwoods has ‘coach’ on the field

Richwoods ended its season by winning two of its final three games, including pitching a shutout against Manual.

The 2024 edition of the Knights defense will be guided by senior outside linebacker Sean Glover. The 6-foot-2, 190-pound all-Big 12 Conference honorable mention has gotten considerably stronger and faster.

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“He’s being a leader right now,” Richwoods coach Jim Ulrich said, “which we want with some of the younger guys. When I say, leader, he’s talking on the backend and the front end.

“That’s a nice thing to see. … Having a coach on the field is a big step in the right direction for us.”

On the other side of the ball, seniors Bryce Hopkins, who played quarterback before getting injured last season, and 5-foot-10, 260-pound senior center Cam Clark have done a good job of showing up, being consistent and leading by example.

“Right now, the vibe’s pretty good,” Ulrich said.

'Love for the new Manual QB

Manual also seems to have found their starting quarterback.

Amare Breedlove played free safety for the first two weeks of the 2023 season, then made the transition to under center in Week 3. The 6-foot-4, 173-pound senior ended up throwing for 468 yards with three total touchdowns (two rushing, one passing).

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“We put in some work with him (this offseason),” Manual coach Dennis Bailey said. “Last year, we kind of threw him in the fire unexpectedly. We didn’t get him a lot of work in the summer, but this year, he’s been working his butt off since basketball season and got a lot better.”

Bailey says he slowed the offense down, looking for Breedlove to play better under control and understand how to run to the team. His receiving corps of sophomore Amane Breedlove and juniors Tyree Porter and Makai Hill are a pretty talented bunch.

Fully expect to see Manual play fast this upcoming season.

“We think we figured out a way to utilize our speed finally,” Bailey said.

Adam Duvall is a Journal Star sports reporter. Email him at aduvall@pjstar.com. Follow him on Twitter @AdamDuvall.

This article originally appeared on Journal Star: New QBs, new coach and good vibes: 4 observations from Washington's 7-on-7 football camp