[HSFOOTBALL]

That is huge news though.

Losing Pope is definitely massive as he is such a special player and IMHO the best QB in 3A. But.. Bourbon still has a veteran line, a talented RB, and playmakers at WR. Johnson can make any QB look good by turning a 5 yard completion into a 55 yard completion with his feet and the Hilander kid is a big body and very good at getting open on the short and intermediate routes.

If the new QB has any sort of accuracy he will have success thanks to the talent around him.. where Pope will be missed is his ability to extend plays and be a threat with his legs. Against Belfry last year Pope's running ability was what gave the Pirates the most fits. That, along with Senior decision making, is where Bourbon has to find an answer

I totally agree. To me Bourbon is at a crossroads, their back up QB is also a senior who has played very sparingly throughout the year, much less his career. They have a Freshman that many people are high on, but has been more than jittery when coming in Varsity games.

They will likely win out, and the first 2 games of the playoffs regardless of who plays qb. If I were coaching I would throw the Freshman to the wolves the next however many games so that he is more ready for Mason, Belfry, and the next 3 years of his career. At the very least you get him much needed experience for next season.