Countdown to kickoff: Blue Devils need ‘to be starving’ for more success and to make more history

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QUINCY — An album released 40 years ago that produced a pair of iconic rock anthems could find its way back into circulation around the Quincy High School football locker room if for no other reason than the title alone.

It’s unlikely the Blue Devils know the album or even the band, but Twisted Sister’s “Stay Hungry” could become this team’s mantra.

“Last year was great. We had some great guys,” senior lineman Nathan Konrad said of the school-record 11 victories and the first trip to the state quarterfinals in program history. “But we have to put that in the past. We have to focus on this year. We have to come together. We have to want it. We have to stay hungry.”

But is that enough to recreate history?

“One of the things we talked about this summer and have taken into this fall is that we can’t just be hungry,” said QHS coach Rick Little, entering his 18th season at the helm. “We have to be starving. Everybody is going to come get you with a little extra, so you better be starving.

“Their focus has to be great. They have to remember who they are and what they’ve accomplished, but you always have to want more.”

What’s more than making history? Well, more history.

Last fall, the Blue Devils marched their way to the program’s first undefeated regular season since 1935, winning a Western Big 6 Conference championship and a home playoff game for the first time. The Class 7A state quarterfinal appearance was the deepest the Blue Devils had gone in the postseason ever.

Despite all of that success, there’s more to attain.

The Blue Devils have never enjoyed back-to-back undefeated regular seasons. They’ve yet to reach the state semifinals. They haven’t won back-to-back WB6 titles since 1973 and ’74.

So there are goals to chase and a standard to exceed.

“You want the bar set somewhere, and now it’s set where it is,” Little said. “It’s always about chasing something. In order for us to stay motivated, focused, sharp and determined, we have to chase something. These guys have the opportunity to chase more history, which is the way it should be.

“I told them it’s their own fault because a lot of them were part of history last year. Now they have to go chase it and want it.”

They have plenty of pieces to achieve it.

‘That’s one of the strongest units on our football team’

The numbers accumulated offensively the past two seasons are both eye-popping and video game-esque, but trying to slow that attack in practice has forced the Blue Devils to learn and adjust defensively.

Now, the defense seems to be as much of a strength as the offense.

“There are times we leave frustrated because our defense gets after it,” Little said. “That’s a great place to be, but it also has your head spinning. You’re like, ‘What’s going on here?’ I use the example of a pitching machine. We want to turn that thing up and make it uncomfortable.

“Now, if you face a soft-tossing lefty or a hard-throwing righty, you’re ready to go. You don’t want to play catch-up. We’re not going to be in a position offensively where we have to play catch-up, but they’re going to feel like they’re a step ahead.”

Up front, there are a trio of tone-setters with experience, size and tenacity.

First-team All-WB6 defensive tackle Todd Smith, who is also the reigning WB6 heavyweight wrestling champion, will team up with two-time All-WB6 selection Demarius Deverger and athletic and active Kamryn Flachs-Hill to provide a formidable front. Konrad, Kolton Smith and Ryland Bloyd provide depth and versatility.

“That’s one of the strongest units on our football team,” Little said.

The linebackers aren’t shabby themselves. Junior middle linebacker Ben Schelp is a thumper with sideline-to-sideline speed, and senior Max Wires returns after enduring a pair of knee injuries. He’s been cleared to play and is working his way back into the lineup.

“Time will tell, but he’s definitely going to be out there,” Little said. “If it’s like, ‘Man, he hasn’t missed a beat,’ then you’ll see a lot of him out there.”

Just like opposing defenses know they’ll see plenty of Rice, Hammers and Little when Quincy’s offense takes the field.

‘We can do a lot of things’

Over the past two seasons, the Blue Devils have averaged 40.6 points while going 19-4 and winning at least one playoff game each season. The balance and versatility is a big reason why.

Senior tailback Jeraius Rice Jr. has rushed for 2,656 yards in two seasons as the starter with 40 touchdowns. He averages better than 8 yards per carry. 

“We just have to give him a tiny window and he’s able to find it every time,” Konrad said. 

Senior quarterback Bradyn Little has thrown for 6,200 yards and 69 touchdowns the past two seasons and owns every passing record in school history. Senior wide receiver Tykell Hammers has 120 catches, 1,683 yards and 20 touchdowns as a go-get-anything target.

Add senior Caeden Johannessen and senior Rico Clay to the pass-receiving corps and the opportunities to get the ball downfield are endless.

All the Blue Devils have to do is block. Smith is the only returning starter along the offensive line, but senior Keegan Wheeler takes over at left guard with junior Jaxson Moore at center, Konrad at right guard and Brendan Vogel at right tackle.

“I’m not worried at all,” Konrad said. “We have improved a lot the last couple of weeks. We’re talking better. We’re getting to the spots we need to be at. We’ll be able to do a great job for Bradyn and Jeraius.”

The pressure shouldn’t be overwhelming.

“When you have an experienced quarterback and an experienced running back, it helps the offensive line,” Rick Little said. “We can do a lot of things, so if we’re struggling in one aspect, we can do something else.”