Fast handles unique offense

By BRIAN RICHESSON
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
COLUMBIANA -- The triple-option offense has been a staple of Columbiana High football coach Bob Spaite since he took over the program in 1994.
But let's not get swamped under technical football terms.
"Quite honestly, I get bored," said Spaite, when asked why he favors an offense that puts so much responsibility in the quarterback's hands.
"I like to get my athletes in some space, get our best athletes in the open with the football as quickly as possible," he said.
Translation: Spaite favors athletes such as Columbiana quarterback Adam Fast, who joins a long list of Clippers asked to handle the program's unique offense.
Next in line
"You're pretty much a running back behind center," admitted Fast, a 5-foot-10, 175-pound senior. "Every quarterback at Columbiana has the same style, just because of the offense we run."
Ask Spaite to compare Fast's ability to handle the offense with past Columbiana quarterbacks, and he rolls through a list of elite performers: Mike Winters, Jason Morris, Jeff Detwiler and Derek Garrod.
All had slightly varying styles that set them apart.
"He's rapidly becoming one of my favorites," Spaite said. "He's deceptively fast. He accelerates so quickly. That catches some people flat-footed."
Fast brings experience into the position. Not only did he start last season, leading the Clippers to a 7-3 record, but he lettered as a sophomore playing behind Garrod.
"If Adam were in anybody else's system, they'd find a way to get him on the field at quarterback because he's a great decision-maker," Spaite said. "He might be the best decision-maker I've had."
To the air
Fast also is throwing the ball with more confidence this season, helped by the many targets he has at his disposal.
Asked which teammates make his job easier, Fast begins listing players such as seniors Austin Couchenour, Andrew Peacock, Ty Crider, Cale Miller and Lorin Dickenson, among others.
"We have six to eight kids who, in any other year, could be a featured back or featured receiver," said Spaite, whose offense, which he derived from Mount Union College coach and friend Larry Kehres, favors short passes. "We're as balanced this year as we've ever been."
Fast ranks second in the Tri-County League -- to United's Mitch Phillis -- in yards passing per game (111.4), and he's also second to Leetonia's Matt Custer in yards rushing per game (102.2).
Fast's play so far this season has helped Columbiana to a 5-0 record (one of three area teams to remain unbeaten) and a No. 13 ranking in the Division V state poll.
"He compliments everyone and he gives the ball to everybody. He just doesn't want the glory for himself," senior lineman Ryan Carletti said of Fast. "He'll do whatever it takes to get down the field."
High expectations
The Clippers haven't won the Tri-County League since 1997, which also marks their last appearance in the playoffs.
It's not difficult to see where they've placed their focus.
"I hope so," said Spaite, when asked if this is a playoff team. "Things have to fall right for us."
Columbiana is a small Div. V school in a tough region, with South Range (6-0), Mineral Ridge (5-1), Warren JFK (5-1) and Lisbon (5-1).
In addition, the Clippers still have TCL challenges looming against United (Oct. 10) and Leetonia (Oct. 24).
In a crowded field, it's nice to have someone Fast to break away.
richesson@vindy.com