Pirates' football narrows QB race down to two

Polson Pirates’ coach Pat Danley hasn’t been the head coach very long and already is faced with pressing decisions.

Danley’s biggest question mark has to do with the most visible position on the field: quarterback. Last year, the Pirates had the luxury of having senior leader Tanner Wilson as a signal caller. Wilson and his teammate Matthew Rensvold were the first Pirates to sign with the University of Montana since 1987. They will begin their freshman season this fall for the Griz.

Danley said he narrowed his quarterback list down to two players: Colby Soderquist and Bo Kelley. Soderquest will enter his junior year and Kelley, a sophomore, will battle for the most reps with the first team.

Danley expressed confidence in both candidates’ ability to lead the team.

“They are both hard workers and I think we want to make sure they are ready in terms of learning run reads, option-type reads, and the most important and obvious: passing reads,” Danley said. “Both of the quarterbacks are pretty mobile and can move pretty well. That helps a lot. The one that doesn’t win the position will probably contribute in the defensive backfield or wide receiver position.”

Danley has expressed he and his coaching staff are in “no hurry” to make a decision.

“The nice thing is that we have an extra week and first week bye to prepare,” Danley said. “It really helps when you are pushing that back and most likely both will play in the first week with meaningful snaps.”

The Pirates just concluded their four-day camp and Danley said he was “optimistic” about his personnel.

“We worked on offensive and defensive drills, and we are really trying to get our run-game going,” Danley said. “We have a pretty good offensive line and good running game. We expanded our passing game during camp and it went pretty well. We had a little bit more contact (during the camp) and our kids were flying around. That was fun to see.”

The Pirates just aren’t solidifying their QB position, they are looking at every position at this juncture, Danley said.

“We are doing a little scrimmage and hopefully we will figure out some things,” Danley said. “We are talking to a group of kids and that will be fun.”

The defensive side of the football has a lot of depth, especially at the defensive back position, Danley said.

“In all positions we are trying to find a few guys that can step in so we have a few backups at every position,” Danley said. “I felt pretty good where we are at at this point of the season but there is always room for improvement of course.”

Danley said he always looks to improve in all areas on the football field.

“I am sure that most of our kids are committed to the team concept,” Danley said. “We will find out what is best for the team at each of the different positions and try to get them on the field.”

One example of Danley shuffling various positions around is defensive end Hayden Smith. Smith, who primarily played defensive end last year, will be moved to various positions this year.

“Smith is going to play a linebacker role and we will continue to try to get our 11 best men out on the field,” Danley said. “He is a two-year starter and will probably play a little more at linebacker.”

Danley said he and his coaching staff are “excited” to get his first-ever season as a varsity coach under way. The Pirates will open against perennial state championship title contender Dillon.

“I am always thinking on how we can get better,” Danley said. “Right now, we are just plugging along.”