By Ross Johnson

Sports Writer

It should be no surprise that the Callaway football team is once again leading Region 5-AA in offense.

The Cavaliers have rolled to a 5-0 record in region play after an 0-2 start, and have been sound in nearly every phase of the game.

But no opposing team has been able to get a handle on Callaway’s Veer offense, led by coordinator Matt Napier.

Napier, who has coached the Cavaliers’ attack for the last five seasons, could have his most lethal unit yet.

Led by dynamic junior quarterback Quan Bray, the Cavaliers have outscored their opponents 223-32 in the past five weeks, and no game has even been close at halftime.

Callaway is averaging 362 yards per game, and is coming off a 44-0 blowout win over Lamar County in which the Cavaliers racked up more than 500 yards rushing.

It’s nearly “unstoppable,” according to Napier, and it’s due in large part to the offensive line.

“We’ve got the best offensive line we’ve had since we’ve been here,” Napier said. “They’re doing an unbelievable job. Guys who have been in the system and know what they’re doing. It’s making it so much easier for Quan.”

Bray, who moved from running back to quarterback this season, is getting a firmer grasp on Napier’s offense.

The Veer relies on its quarterback to read defenses and make the decision between handing the ball to the fullback, pitching it to the running back, or keeping it.

With running back Marquis Terrell and fullback Randy Bailey among the cast of reliable players to work with, Bray has become more familiar with his role with each game.

It’s been apparent on the scoreboard, too.

“Quan’s gotten more comfortable running the Veer and understanding that if he makes the right read, it can be unstoppable,” Napier said.

Added Bray: “The O-line is giving me a lot of time to do stuff. I just try to get everyone else involved too. I’m getting more comfortable every week.”

Terrell, who took over for Bray at running back, has also been lighting up defenses.

In last week’s win, the junior rushed for 219 yards and two touchdowns, and has been a pleasant surprise for the Callaway coaching staff.

With so much emphasis on Bray, defenses oftentimes forget Terrell’s ability to score from anywhere on the field.

“Teams get worried about just Quan, and ole’ Marquis will beat you for 219 yards,” Napier said. “He’s really been special this year. He’s an undersized guy who doesn’t run undersized. He’s hard to tackle and he’s quick. He’s done a great job.”

Not to be outdone, Bray notched 158 yards and three touchdowns on the ground while also returning the opening kickoff for a score.

It’s all about knowing what opposing defenses are doing, and Bray has improved significantly in that area.

“I just read the defensive end,” Bray said. “It’s about whatever he does—if he bites, then I keep it and read the next linebacker to see if I should pitch it.”

The Callaway offense sputtered at times in opening losses to Troup and Lovett.

While Troup’s defense is among the best in the state and Lovett is a solid pick to win the Class AA title this year, the games could have gone in Callaway’s favor if the Cavaliers hadn’t turned the ball over so much.

In those two games combined, Callaway committed 13 turnovers.

The team is confident that if they avoid giving the ball away, another Region 5-AA title is right around the corner for the Cavaliers.

“As it goes on, we’re getting better,” Napier said. “We’ve got some good teams coming up, and we have to continue to hang on to the football.”