ELIZABETHTOWN — With the graduation of senior quarterbacks Ty McMillian and Alex Coates, the Eagles are searching for a QB1 for the first time in three years, and head coach Robby Priest has two solid candidates.

“It’s a good old-fashioned friendly competition,” Priest said. “We’ll let them push each other and see how it shakes out.”

The two competitors, rising juniors Quinton Bedsole and Sincere Smith, aren’t making the decision easy early on.

“Both of them are strong competitors and bring a lot if good qualities to the position,” Priest said. “And regardless of who starts at quarterback, both will play key roles for us.”

He added that both players have the advantage of being infielders on the Eagles’ varsity baseball team.

“That’s helped in a lot of ways — especially with becoming good teammates and also, since they are both middle infielders, with their arm strength,” Priest said.

Bedsole is a second baseman and Smith is a shortstop.

So far, Priest has had plenty of praise for both players.

“Quinton throws a good ball; he’s been to summer camps that helped with that,” Priest said. “He’s got a quick release and is athletic enough to scramble.

“Skippy (Sincere) is very athletic, a ball of energy who can spin the ball well,” Priest added. “He’s a dual threat with good speed.”

Both Bedsole and Smith are expected to take reps with the first team offense through practices and during scrimmages before a decision is made.

“We want to see who can get the respect of teammates and lead this team,” Priest said.

W. Curt Vincent can be reached by calling 910-862-4163.

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W. Curt Vincent

cvincent@civitasmedia.com