Demons preparing multi-headed attack

There could be a lot of thunder and lightning coming from Case Field this fall, but fans won?t have to bring their umbrellas to the football game.

With Bryce Rickey bringing the power and Jack Giardino bringing the flash, the Demons will be starting their offensive attack in the backfield this season.

After graduating the top two rushers from a state-quarterfinal team in 2014, seniors Rickey and Giardino will enter expanded roles this season.

For Giardino, his speed and agility will have him taking the H-back role that helped former Demon Jacob Hennigan run for 1,516 yards after taking over the spot in 2014. According to his coach, Giardino should fit well into the role.

?Jack is very similar to Jacob in their styles,? Washington football head coach Garrison Carter said. ?He?s an extremely shifty runner and is dangerous with the ball in his hand.?

Last season, Giardino was a slot receiver for a revamped Demons passing attack, reeling in 30 catches for 376 yards and three touchdowns. As he transitions to more of a running back role (he had two rushes for 13 yards last year), he will hope to adjust quickly.

?It?s a change, but I wouldn?t have it any other way,? Giardino said. ?This year I?ll be a bit more physical because last year I was just a slot (receiver). Now I?m with the big o-line and I get to help them block. I want to help our guys make plays.?

With Rickey joining Giardino in the offensive backfield, the Demons figure to add power to their offense.

?Bryce is going to be a very good complement to Jack,? Carter said. ?Jack is more of the speed guy and Bryce can lower his pads and run through guys. He?s going to be the thunder back.?

Although Rickey is labeled as the power back, it doesn?t mean he will be a slow or short yardage runner for the Demons. Last season, Rickey carried the ball 47 times and averaged 5.7 yards per carry for the Demons.

While the speed is there, Rickey understands that he could be called upon in critical short-yardage situations and knows what he has to do.

?You have to put your head down and go,? Rickey said. ?It?s all about the line. You have to give the credit there. If they don?t do their job, I can?t do mine. When they do their job, it makes mine a lot easier.?

Rickey and Giardino won?t be the only runners on the team, however. Sophomore quarterback Ryan Reighard is figuring to add a third set of legs to a strong rushing attack.

?It helps a lot,? Carter said. ?Ryan (Rieghard) is a tremendously talented runner as well, so it might look a little different offensively than last year. Jacob was the single back and Daryn was able to provide a power back, but with Jack, Bryce and Ryan, it?ll be a three-headed back.?

However, not all the dangerous threats reside in the offensive backfield.

Split out wide, the Demons think their wide receivers and tight ends will be top-notch, with four players returning with pass-catching experience.

?Our receiving corps is one of our strongest suits,? Carter said. ?(senior) Dakota Suchan led us in receiving yards last year, and Jaivonn Willis led us in touchdowns as a freshman and then we are going to move Ethan Hansen, probably our fastest straight-line kid, in the slot. Then you add in a senior in Michael Ellingson and a hard-working guy like Bryce Sinn across the middle, and we have a really nice set of receivers.?

Suchan caught 29 passes last season for 482 yards, recording two touchdowns for the Demons, and will be a key for the Demons in his senior season.

After spending a year in Carter?s system, Suchan said Year 2 should only get better.

?I?ve learned that (Coach Carter) is going to get you the ball, and get everyone the ball,? Suchan said. ?That makes the offense as effective as it can be. It?s really nice. Even if you don?t get the ball, you are setting up your teammates and that helps us score touchdowns.?

In his limited action as a freshman, Willis caught six passes for the Demons, but four of those catches resulted in touchdowns.