Open Date Should Help Bears Heal, Sharpen Fundamentals

WOODLAWN - Coach Zach Meyer and the Woodlawn Bears will be using this week's bye as a chance to heal up and polish up on fundamentals as they prepare to travel to Strong on Sept. 29 to open eight-man South Conference play. Woodlawn suffered its first loss of the season last Friday, 22-14, to Class 4A Genoa Central after the Bears had to play without two-way starters Aden Moore and Garrett Weatherford. Both start at quarterback/running back on offense and cornerback on defense. Meyer learned on Sept. 12 that Moore had suffered a shoulder injury while guiding the Bears to a 44-16 win over Midland, and not available against Genoa Central. Moore, who saw limited carries last year, has rushed for more than 100 yards in Woodlawn's first two games this sesaon, while had also passing for more than 100 yards with two touchdowns against Midland. Meyer said this week that Moore has been allowed to take part in some "light" practice this week as long as it did not involve throwing or lifting weights. He said another doctor visit scheduled for next week should reveal more about Moore's availability at Strong. Weatherford, meanwhile, is still minding from an ankle in-jury he suffered early in the second quarter against Midland. Meyer said Weatherford really wanted to play against Genoa Central, and he allowed him to replace Brayden Jones at quarterback for a few snaps to give Jones a breather. Meyer said Weatherford is scheduled to have another x-ray next week, and he suspects he may be ready for the Strong game. Regardless, Meyer said he will be holding Weatherford out of practice this week. Moore and Weatherford, along with Jones, make up a trio of players that Bears offensive coordinator Trent Young uses interchangeably at quarterback and the running back positions. All three play quarterback. When one plays quarterback, the other two line in up in one of the running positions. Moore and Weatherford usually play I back while...