As Newark Catholic's Hutchison develops, so does his receiving corps
NEWARK ― Due to a pair of unfortunate cancellations, Newark Catholic sophomore Miller Hutchison has just three games under his belt instead of the five he normally would have at the season's midpoint.
Couple that with the fact the Green Wave is currently without two receivers (Kyle Langenbrunner has a bone bruise in his lower leg and Anthony Dry broke his forearm at Licking Heights), and the challenge has been a little steeper for the first-year starting quarterback.
However, NC (2-1) is developing some depth in its receiving corps, and they continue to grow along with Hutchison as the Green Wave prepares to host vastly-improved Utica (2-3) on Saturday in a Licking County League-Cardinal Division opener.
Hutchison completed passes to five different receivers in the 27-17 loss at Heights, including four apiece to seniors Grant Moore and Joe Stanley and a 30-yarder to sophomore Cooper Fink. He has not thrown an interception, completing 29-of-45 passes for 474 yards and six touchdowns. Moore has nine receptions for 210 yards (23.3-yard average) and three touchdowns, while Stanley has six catches for 85 yards.
"He's been able to collect himself in challenging situations, navigate the pocket, deliver the ball and get it downfield," coach Ryan Aiello said. "Every day, every week, his decision-making ability is improving, and he's able to locate the football and throw it in some tight spaces. We have a sophomore quarterback, so we have to do things right on the perimeter, and their ability to run routes and the timing is critical."
"I go through my progressions and try not to force the ball into bad situations," Hutchison said. "I try not to stress so much. The quarterback is supposed to be a leader and I have to stay calm, because it affects everyone else on the team. The receivers are running really good routes and are making their cuts at the right yardage. They're able to perfectly get into open field."
Stanley has noticed Hutchison's improvement.
"He's progressed a lot better, with knowing the routes and with his decision making," Stanley said. "We have guys who are making plays, whether it's in the slot or at the wideout position. Coach (Jim) Winters makes us work on precision, getting the right positioning, and if you're not, we're not going to throw you the ball."
Stanley has been solid, and makes Hutchison's job, and that of the coaching staff, much easier.
"Joe's a very reliable receiver. He doesn't have the speed of Grant, but he's always in the right spot and you know he's going to make the catch," Hutchison said. "I just do what I can do, and make sure I do it right, every time," Stanley said.
Aiello's compared Stanley's abilities to that of the graduated Tristan Gorius. He also plays safety on defense.
"He's Mr. Consistent, he's very intelligent and could probably do the job at quarterback or linebacker if called upon," the coach said. "He's sure handed."
NC knows just how improved Utica is as the Redskins visit White Field on Saturday. "They're physical on defense, they bring different looks and they do a nice job running to the ball," Aiello said. "They stay balanced on offense while at the same time, getting the ball to their playmakers."
"This is not the same Utica team we normally see," Stanley said. "We have to get back to practice and work on eliminating the big mistakes."
Hutchison said the Green Wave will have a bit of a chip on its shoulder after the disappointing loss at Heights.
"This week, we're definitely going to get after it, and we can't take anyone lightly," he said. "We have to prepare the same way for every team."
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This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: Newark Catholic's Hutchison grows along with his deep receiving corps
