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With Arnold out, soph. McHugh steps up for SP
VERNON -- Prior to Friday's sectional, the South Putnam football team has demonstrated depth at every position this season. Every spot but one, at least.
When senior center Nathan Criss was injured in week 5, the offensive line reshuffled, rallied behind its sidelined leader and thrived.
As players in every level of the defense took a rest, others stepped up and made plays. Eleven different Eagles have sacks this year.
But until Friday's game, South Putnam hadn't played a meaningful down without its starting quarterback behind center. When Sawyer Arnold was injured on the Eagles' first offensive play, coach Troy Burgess called up Grady McHugh.
The sophomore entered the game with just two pass attempts in his varsity career, but he thrived against the West Washington Senators on Friday.
"Grady is a smart kid; he's a football kid," Burgess said. "He watches the game. He understands the game. He sees how things develop and he proved it tonight."
Prior to the season, Burgess said if given a chance, McHugh could thrive as the Eagles starter. Playing behind an entrenched starter left little opportunity for that to happen, aside from an unfortunate injury to Arnold.
That circumstance is something McHugh has been hoping wouldn't happen, even as he prepared for his shot.
"I prepared for the worst and hoped for the best," McHugh said. "It felt great to have my team behind me."
A quarterback since fifth grade, McHugh brings a different set of skills than Arnold. He is less mobile than the Eagles starter, but has a strong, accurate arm and, at 6-foot-1, stands four inches taller than Arnold.
Coming in after an injury is a tough spot, no matter what the circumstance, but entering into a 0-0 game during the sectional semifinals is about as difficult as debuts get.
McHugh said his teammates made him feel comfortable, rather than nervous, and he will be ready to go next week in the sectional championship game if Arnold can't return.
"I didn't feel pressure at all," he said. "They have my back. They picked me up when I got down and helped me through the game. Everyone did a great job."
The extent of Arnold's injury is not yet known, but his absence on Friday was South Putnam's toughest test of the season and the biggest obstacle so far to their goal of winning a sectional championship.
With one week of experience and a talented group around him, McHugh will be able to give the Eagles everything they need in the sectional final next week.