Wilson, though challenged by some of his assistants, chose the latter. And early returns indicate that it's paying off.
Friday, Dreuitt completed 9 of 15 passes and tossed one touchdown and an interception that wasn't even his fault - the ball was tipped wildly in the air - in Imhotep's 22-2 drubbing of Communications Tech in a matchup of Class AA Public League teams at the South Philadelphia Super Site.
"We've committed to growing up with him at the quarterback spot," Wilson said of the 6-foot-1 Dreuitt. "We're trying to build our offensive line around him; we've got some young backs. He's going to have guys around him for the next couple years."
It's an offensive line composed of three returning sophomore starters, supported by experienced seniors. In all, four of the five starting spots are filled by seasoned varsity players, with just the right guard spot an uncertainty.
The group provided solid protection for Dreuitt, who was sacked just once, against Communications Tech, allowing him to hit various receivers with crisp balls on a variety of short routes. In the second quarter, he sat comfortably in the pocket before hitting Temple recruit Shakur Nesmith for a 53-yard TD.
But the line's best job was in leading tailback Eerin Young. Young, a 5-8, 169-pound junior, gouged the Phoenix's defense for 72 yards on just eight carries, including two scores. After Young collected 63 first-half yards, Wilson took his star back out of the game after just two carries in the third quarter.
From there, Imhotep (2-0) continued to pound the ball behind sophomore Thomas Sloane, who finished with 85 yards on 12 runs.
Communications Tech (1-1) wasn't so successful, trying perilously to spring senior tailback Rolando Ransom. He ran 23 times for 58 yards behind a line without a single starter back from last season.
Phoenix QB Zaki Jamison began solidly, but finished only 4 for 11 for 103 yards and four interceptions.
Next week, Imhotep will face three-time reigning Class AA Public League champ Bok, which trumped the Panthers last season for the title, in a game that represents why Wilson went with the young QB in the first place.
Bok has long been a thorn in Imhotep's side. Under center will be Dreuitt. It will be just the first of many starts against a team the Panthers want desperately to supplant.
"He’s going to be better than we’ve ever had here,” Wilson said.
Imhotep Charter 2 12 8 0 – 22
Communications Tech 0 2 0 0 – 2
IC: Safety
CT: Safety
IC: Young 12 run (pass failed)
IC: Nesmith 53 pass from Dreuitt (run failed)
IC: Young 9 run (Nesmith pass from Dreuitt)
Contact Evan Burgos at rallysports@phillynews.com.
