POTW: Rick Boone

By Jeremy D. Smith (Contact) | Demopolis Times

Published Monday, October 13, 2008

Rick Boone likes being the quarterback of the Demopolis Tigers. At least, that has been apparent over the last few weeks.

The senior signal-caller, who has taken more than his fair share of criticism while sitting at the helm of the Demopolis offense over the past two seasons, appears to have found his niche.

His numbers are not gaudy. But in Tom Causey’s system, no DHS passer’s will be. He posted a 5-for-8 night against Monroe County last week while leading the Tigers to a 62-21 road win. Of Boone’s three incomplete passes, two were on-target balls that were dropped by his receivers.

His numbers Friday night make him 13-for-21 for 364 yards and four touchdowns over his last two outing. He has also run for a touchdown in each of those contests.

However, more impressive than Boone’s numbers during the Tigers’ first winning streak of the year has been his poise.

Early in the season, he appeared susceptible to hurried throws, misfired passes, happy feet and indecision. But something changed for Boone.

Somewhere along the way, he began looking like the field general that directs the Demopolis offense during practice. The game seems to have slowed down for him.

His passes are crisper, his decisions are quicker and his reads in the option game are cleaner.

Simply put, he seems more relaxed in the Demopolis backfield. And a relaxed Rick Boone is an in-charge Rick Boone. Perhaps that has been the most important ingredient he has added to the Tiger offense.

Over the last few weeks, Boone has emerged as an emotional and vocal leader for Demopolis. He has shown an ability to encourage, reprimand and direct his teammates on the practice field, the game field and the sidelines.

And if Demopolis is to make its much-desired run deep into the playoffs, it will need a relaxed and ready Rick Boone leading the way. Lucky for the Tigers, Boone seems happy to oblige.