GAME DAY:
WESTSHORE VS. CHILLIWACK, 2 P.M. TODAY
It was Thomas A. Edison who once said: "We often miss opportunity because it's dressed in overalls and looks like work."
But Connor Willis has taken that challenge to heart in his rookie campaign as a Westshore Rebels running back.
The six-foot, 215-pound product of the G.P. Vanier Towhees of Courtenay made good on his chance last weekend when he stepped in for injured starter Niles Goguen, whose status remains cloudy for this afternoon's matchup against the Chilliwack Huskers at 2 p.m.
Adding to an already lethal running game - led by Greg Morris, who has now rattled off 143-and 131yard back-to-back performances - Willis collected 27 yards on five carries in the 34-21 win over Kamloops last weekend.
"It was a nice start. I really have to thank my blockers, right, because without them you don't have anything," said Willis, 18.
"I'm just glad that coach gave me the opportunity to go in and run and I managed to break some tackles and make some good yardage."
Which impressed the entire coaching staff, considering the seriousness of the situation with Goguen out with a leg injury.
"There were some butterflies there, and after the game, coach [John Cardilicchia] said, 'Welcome to the Rebels, rookie,' which was nice," said Willis, who will be back in action today at Bear Mountain Stadium for the Huskers' matchup as the Rebels attempt to win their third straight.
"Niles has been a great mentor to me, and I wish him the best in his recovery, but while he's out, I'm going to try and do the best to contribute to this team and fill his shoes," Willis said.
"I was comfortable in there last weekend. I've been studying the plays. I don't think I have them down as well as Niles, but I'm getting there."
Which is all you can ask from a rookie.
"Connor did a great job. He's a very good young player," said Rebels offensive co-ordinator Charlie Cardilicchia. "He has great feet, great speed and good hands. He works hard every night, and he's learning the systems slowly but surely, and as Niles is out, we'll see more of Connor."
Opposing defences will continue to get a healthy dose of Morris, who also caught a pair of touchdown passes last week from Mark Black.
"Greg Morris obviously has a lot of talent. A talented player with a lot of upside," said Charlie Cardilicchia.
"With him, he just has to become comfortable and learn his reads, because at the next level in college it's all about knowing the game and knowing where to run, not just running free and wild.
"Obviously, he has a lot of talent and athletic ability, but you need to know where your cuts are supposed to be made and where the blocks will be made. In the last few weeks, he's come to learn the system, and when he sees the holes and makes the cuts, he can be very dangerous."
But it all begins up front, on a nasty offensive line that includes centre Carlos Cerrato-Hiebert at centre and Kyle (Big Country) Daeschel and Rob Smith at tackles.
"You only go as far as your offensive line goes," Charlie Cardilicchia said. "That's a solid nucleus with Carlos, Rob and Big Country."
That gives the rookie Willis even more comfort.
"With Big Country and Rob back, we've been able to step it up," Willis said. "And having a running back like Greg - there's usually four guys going right to him, so I usually have an easy lane to run through."
Or at least he made it look easy.
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