Rebels convert player to thrive

Adam Thompson's conversion from receiver to running back has boosted Crestview.
By JOHN KOVACH
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
EAST FAIRFIELD -- Converting a receiver into a running back has paid big dividends for the Crestview High football team this season.
Adam Thompson, a senior running back who caught passes as a wingback last year, has responded successfully to his new position as the Rebels' ballcarrier this year with 1,303 yards rushing and 20 touchdowns.
Teaming with senior quarterback Jordan Reynolds and junior wingback Zech Parker, Thompson has given Crestview another 1-2-3 offensive punch that has helped the Rebels win the Tri-County League championship and make the Division V playoffs.
Thompson scored two TDs in Crestview's 28-14 win over Smithville last Friday in a regional quarterfinal and is expected to be a factor again in the Rebels' rematch with South Range Friday in a regional semifinal game at Salem's Reilly Stadium at 7:30 p.m.
And Crestview (10-1, 7-0 TCL) will have a lot of incentive to win Friday because South Range handed the Rebels their only loss, 17-14, in the second game of the season on Pat Majernik's 28-yard field goal with 10 seconds left.
The winning kick climaxed an 89-yard drive spearheaded by senior quarterback Mike Leskosky.
Filled void this year
Coach Paul Cusick, is in his seventh year as Crestview's coach with a 47-27 record, said was looking for someone to replace ace running back David Meyers (now playing for Thiel College), who rushed for 1,400 yards and 16 TDs last year.
Cusick thought of Thompson, whom he noticed ran real well after he caught a pass last year. Thompson had almost 300 receiving yards.
"We were searching for a way to get some one to carry the ball. We thought that [Reynolds] will have to carry the ball more," Cusick said. But, "We noticed that when [Thompson] ran the ball, that he can gain yards."
Cusick said Thompson doesn't look like a running back.
"He looks more like a receiver and that's where he played for us in the past. He is a good athlete. He always has run well. So we put him back there and he has responded," Cusick said.
"He's not real big at 6-0, 165, but he runs pretty hard for a lanky kid. He has deceptive speed and power. He makes good cuts. He can cut back and if he has to he can lower shoulder and run hard."
Reynolds sparkles again
The other good offensive news for Crestview is that Reynolds is having another super season, after last year's impressive productions of 938 passing yards and nine TDs and 952 rushing yards and 11 TDs.
Reynolds has contributed 978 yards passing and 777 yards rushing this year, while Parker, who has succeeded Thompson at wingback, has caught 22 passes for 385 yards.
Cusick said Thompson has exceeded his expectations and has been a valuable supplement to Reynolds and Parker.
"We had a lot [of experienced players] coming back, so we knew we were going to be pretty decent," said Cusick. " So, "[Thompson] wasn't the key. But he gave us a lot more out of him. We were hoping to get 700-800 yards but he gave us a lot more. The change did help the team."
Cusick has found success
Cusick also has been a winning factor at Crestview, guiding the Rebels to four TCL titles and to their fourth year in the playoffs. Overall, Crestview has six TCL titles and five playoff years.
But Crestview also excels on defense and in blocking for Reynolds and Thompson.
"Our defense as a whole has been real exceptional and has really gotten better week to week," said Cusick, giving credit to junior free safety Shayn Danks (85 tackles), junior linebacker Coty Bilsky (80) and senior linebacker Jared Corey (80).
Cusick said the offensive line is anchored by center Corey Stevens, guards Sam Baer and Andrew Kesner and tackles Andy Walton and R.J. May.
So, can Crestview turn the tables on South Range this time?
"They've gotten better and hopefully we got better. We should have two good teams playing," Cusick said.
kovach@vindy.com