GIBRALTAR – A.I.
It’s a hot topic everywhere.
Gibraltar is no exception.
But in the southeast Michigan town those initials have a different meaning.
Instead of artificial intelligence, fans of the Gibraltar Carlson football team would say that A.I stands for – After Izaiah.
Izaiah Wright, one of the best running backs in the state for the past four seasons, has graduated and taken his talents to Purdue University.
That leave a huge void for the Marauder football team.
“I love him and miss him,” Carlson coach Jason Gendron said before a training camp practice on Tuesday, Aug. 11. “It’s weird not seeing No. 5 out there. … He might be a generational player for me.”
Wright certainly posted generational numbers.
Despite missing a large chunk of his junior season because of an injury, Wright set Monroe County Region records for career rushing yards (5,657) and touchdowns (85).
Wright’s greatness drove Carlson to greatness.
The Marauders went 40-7, won four Downriver League championships and reached the Regional finals three times the last four years.
“It will be a big difference,” offensive tackle Sam Przytula said of not having Wright in the backfield.
But Carlson will not be cancelling its season because Wright is gone.
“We have a stable of backs who are eager to leave their mark,” Gendron said.
Three players will try to fill the void in the backfield.
“Brennan Hudson is pound-for-pound one of our toughest players,” Gendron said. “He’s a smaller guy, but is quick and plays hard.
“Myles Hampton was our JV running back last year. He’s got great size. He’s a little like Zay. “Wally Sindone is another smaller guy, but he has the heart of a warrior.”
Carlson also will have a new quarterback this fall.
Senior Cole Federoff, who saw some mop up duty there last year, and highly touted freshman Austyn Lawrence are competing for the job.
“They are neck and neck,” Gendron said. “They both had really good summers.”
The Marauders also must completely rebuild its receiving corps.
One thing going for the offense is a massive line that is anchored by tackles Przytula and Josh Beach.
Both have started since they were freshmen.
Przytula will be asked to carry a heavy load as a senior.
“He’s a four-year starter for us,” Gendron said. “He’s played all the big games. He’s a leader on offense.”
A leader and a bit of a free spirit.
“I’m a little goofy,” Przytula said as a wide grin cracked his face. “I have to take more responsibility this year as a captain and not get caught doing things.”
Gendron didn’t dispute Przytula’s self-assessment of being goofy.“Sam has a good time,” the coach said with a smile. “But he knows when to turn it on and be an animal. He keeps it light, but he’s the kind of guy you want in the fox hole with you.”
The 6-6, 280-pounder says he has only added a few pounds this year, but “I’ve got more muscle.”
He will play for Ferris State next season.
“Honestly, I loved it up there,” he said of his college commitment. “The coaches were like family. I connected with them right away. Plus, they are a winning program. I win at Carlson. I want to win there.”
Ferris will truly be family for Przytula. His older brother Ben plays for the Bulldogs.
“I’ve never played with him,” Sam said. “He’s four years older that me. All through middle school and high school, he was always ahead of me.”
Carlson’s coaches and players are happy they have one more year of Przytula on the offensive line.
“I just get behind his blocks and let him lead,” Hudson said. “Obviously he has great size.”
Carlson’s lack of experience is even more pronounced on defense than offense. Asher Jenson returns to a starting job with Przytula and Beach on the offensive line, but linemen Joe Street and defensive back Grayson Malec at the only full-time starters back on defense.
“We have a lot of jobs open,” Gendron said. “We don’t have kids who feel entitled. There is a lot of competition and that creates great energy.”
This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Carlson deals with loss of record-setting back | Training Camp Report
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