43
Scott, Hill get glory, but Ingram solid for Hubbard Eagles
Running backs Scott, Hill get glory,
but Ingram has been solid for Eagles
By Curtis Pulliam
Hubbard
Cam Ingram was not part of the Hubbard football team’s 49-19 victory over Aurora last season.
He looks to play a part in the rematch.
“It’s a little bit overwhelming but it’s a dream of mine,” said the junior quarterback, who will make his second playoff start tonight in a Division III regional semifinal.
“I’m just trying to stay on the right path and keep my team going.”
The Eagles (11-0) defeated the Tallmadge Blue Devils 45-14 last Friday.
“It was a big win for us,” Hubbard coach Brian Hoffman said. “The guys played well. We started off strong and they kind of came back, but our guys stayed consistent.”
Ingram earned his first playoff win as a quarterback.
“I think we played a complete game for the first time,” Ingram said. “It was just really fun.”
With an offense that features at least three Division I college football recruits (Larry Scott, George Hill and Matt Jones). Ingram feels no pressure.
“It’s very exciting, they have the chance to take it to the house on every single play,” said Ingram about Scott and Hill. “[It’s nice] just to hand it off to them and sit back and watch them do what they do.”
Though Ingram has enjoyed watching two of the best running backs in the area, he has had a solid year himself.
Ingram threw for 722 yards and 10 touchdowns in the regular season. He completed 60.5 percent of his passes.
Last week Ingram was 3 for 5 with 70 yards and two touchdowns.
“I just practice for that everyday,” Ingram said. “I try to stay consistent in everything I do. Having great players like them is going to cause a lot of attention, but when my number is called I think I have to take advantage of that.”
Ingram has two big wide receivers in seniors Ethan Wassil and Isiah Scott, Larry’s brother.
“It’s great. They come to practice everyday with a great work ethic even if they don’t touch the ball all the time,” Ingram said.
Hoffman has been pleased with Ingram’s performance as a first-time starter.
“He has demonstrated quite a bit of poise and leadership running the offense and making good decisions,” Hoffman said. “We hope that he continues to make those good decisions this week in a big game.”
Ingram, a transfer from Liberty, admitted it was difficult to learn the offense during the summer.
“But after I got into it, it started becoming more fun and slowing down for me,” he said.
Ingram is thankful for the opportunity to play quarterback.
“I think I’ve grown a lot,” said Ingram, who played safety and special teams earlier in his career. “My coaches have taught me a lot this year and I think I’m a better player.”
The Eagles take on the Greenmen (10-1) tonight at Niles’ Bo Rein Stadium.
“Consistently, they have been in the playoffs,” Hoffman said. “They have a great tradition and a lot of kids who are back from last year. I’m sure they have a vendetta on their minds and we have to prepare well this week.”
Whether preparing means handing the ball off or throwing it, Ingram is ready.
“It doesn’t bother me,” said Ingram about being overshadowed by Hubbard’s running backs. “When you have great players around you it’s easier to come together as one great team.”