SOUTHEAST LEAGUE: Success changes Basic’s outlook

Not long ago, playoff berths were unexpected and league titles almost unheard of for Basic’s football program.

But after two successful seasons, the Wolves are setting their sights higher.

“Since we’ve taken over here, we’ve been trying to sell the kids on the fact that we are building a program and we want to be known as one of the power programs every year,” third-year coach Jeff Cahill said.

Basic reached the Sunrise Region title game a year ago and aims to challenge Del Sol and Las Vegas atop the region again this year.

“Vegas and Del Sol, those are teams that we are trying to model ourselves after,” Cahill said. “The way they play, the way they handle their business — we’re trying to get to that level.”

Judging by the Wolves’ success the last two seasons, they are very close. They won the Southeast League title in 2008 and lost 20-19 to Del Sol in the Sunrise title game last year.

“In the last two years we’ve lost six games, and five of those games were to Del Sol and Vegas,” Cahill said. “We lost to Del Sol four times in the last two years, and three of those games were by a total of four points, so I think we’re right there.”

This year’s Basic team must replace several key starters, especially at the skill positions. The Wolves lost their quarterback, top four rushers and top seven receivers to graduation.

“In 2008, everybody said the same thing. 'You lost all your skill guys, what are you going to do?’ ” Cahill said. “We work hard in the offseason, we work hard in the weight room and develop guys that can step right in and do some of the same things the other guys did.”

Basic might be helped by the fact that it didn’t rely heavily on a single rusher or receiver last year. The Wolves had 19 players carry the football and 19 who caught a pass.

But replacing graduated quarterback Tyler Dobbins might be the biggest task. Dobbins rushed for 441 yards and 11 touchdowns and passed for 1,608 yards and 12 TDs.

His backup, senior Vince Carducci, steps in as quarterback this season.

“I’ve got big shoes to fill,” Carducci said. “Tyler took us one game away from state.”

Cahill said he has confidence in Carducci, who passed for 137 yards and three TDs in limited action last season.

“He’s been doing well, and I think he’s going to be ready for that challenge,” Cahill said. “We have a long line of quarterbacks that have played really well in the last 10 years, and I think that Vince is going to be another one of those guys.”

Carducci will have the benefit of an experienced offensive line. The Wolves return four linemen who started at least six games last season, led by Kevin Bayes and Michael Boone, who each started every game.

The defensive line is also experienced, with three full-time starters returning, led by second-team All-Southeast League defensive tackle Nick Fowler. Another lineman started half the year.

Blaze Galardy, who intercepted seven passes last season, returns to lead the secondary, and Cahill has high hopes for his defense.

“Blaze Galardy was our leading interception guy last year,” Cahill said. “He’s going to be great for us. I think (the defense) is going to be really good.”

Whether they’re good enough to challenge Del Sol and Las Vegas remains to be seen.

“We have to become a family and keep working hard,” Bayes said.