Already up 35-0, Har-Ber’s starting quarterback, Ryan Luther, took a seat after throwing just five passes (all completed) for 217 yards and three touchdowns. Luther, having just thrown an 85-yard TD pass to receiver Evan Johnson, back-up QB Jon Vaughn came in to make things a little worse for the Rogers Mounties.
Vaughn completed his only pass for 26 yards to receiver Nic Kelley. He also handed the ball off to nine different ball carriers (combining to average 6.4 yards a carry) and stamping his own name in the scoring column, with a two-yard scamper.
This would be Vaughn’s only mark for six points on the year, but don’t misread: he was behind a senior QB who won a state title in the previous year, threw for over 3,000 yards, and put up 35 passing TD’s.
Big shoes to fill, for two inexperienced QB’s: senior Jon Vaughn and senior Austin Mayfield. Yes, a competition.
Who will start at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium versus Lebanon, Missouri in the first game Sept. 1?
“We will not know until after the Tulsa Union scrimmage,” said Vaughn.
Their play in that game will also help determine the position, as well as ongoing performance in practice. They will split time evenly versus Union.
Both players know that one will lose the job. They are both great all-around football players and are likely to play at another position if not at QB.
“The coaches really haven’t worked myself or Jon anywhere else, so it is tough to really say,” said Mayfield.
Vaughn added that he would likely play defensive end or linebacker.
Putting other positions to rest, both QB’s believe that their “deep ball” is their strong point throwing wise.
“[Austin’s] got a really quick release, so when he throws quick routes (slants and hitches), he throws them very accurate and quick,” said Vaughn. “I’ve got a long slow release. I need to work on my quick game.”
So until August 26, Har-Ber fans wait for their new senior starting quarterback.