RICHLANDS, Va. – Joel Elswick is far from the average high school quarterback.
The 5-foot-11, 190-pound Richlands senior can not only read a defense, he can dissect it.
Last week’s playoff performance against Patrick County offered an example of Elswick’s advanced mental and physical skills.
Working the ball to various receivers and running backs, Elswick completed 19 of his 22 pass attempts. He finished with 296 yards passing and no interceptions, and he threw touchdowns to four different receivers.
“When Joel is comfortable, he’s tough,” Richlands head coach Greg Mance said.
Elswick will be in the spotlight again today when the Blues (8-3) face the Tazewell Bulldogs (9-2) for the Region IV, Division 3 title. Kickoff in Tazwell is 1 p.m.
Entering the season, the Richlands passing game was actually a question mark. Elswick threw for more than 2,000 yards and 26 touchdowns in 2007, but all his receivers graduated.
After the Blues sputtered to a 1-2 start, Elswick simply took over with his arm and legs. In addition to passing for 1,563 yards and 15 touchdowns, the Richlands quarterback back has rushed for more than 500 yards and scored 16 touchdowns.
According to Mance, Elswick is the rare prep athlete who is willing to explore the nuances of the game.
“We spend a lot of time watching film with Joel,” Mance said. “He really understands coverages and can spot weaknesses in the defense.”
Depending on what he spots at the line of scrimmage, Elswick has the option of checking off the original play.
“We give him Joel free reign,” Mance said. “He’s a student of the game.”
Today’s test will be challenging. Tazewell lost 14-0 at Richlands on Sept. 26, but it gave up just 84 yards through the air and intercepted two passes. Elswick did rush for 110 yards on 22 carries, however.
Leaders on the Bulldog defense include senior linebacker Andrew Rhudy (111 tackles), 317-pound freshman tackle Shaquille McDonald (63 tackles) and senior defensive back T.J. Rasnick (four interceptions).
Wake Forest recruit Matt Muncy (1,367 yards), junior running back Dustin Dean (665 yards) and sophomore quarterback Cody Lockhart (1,371 yards passing, 12 touchdowns) are players to watch on offense. The line, led by 6-4 and 264-pound senior Cameron Young, is big and experienced.
After the slow start, the new cast of Richlands receivers has meshed well with Elswick. Senior Christian Hearl is the top target.
“We’ve got a lot confidence in Joel,” Hearl said. “He just has the ability to read the defense and place the ball where he wants it.”
Elswick said his success can be traced to a team effort.
“I credit my linemen for giving me time to throw, and my receivers for getting open and gaining extra yards after their catch,” Elswick said.
According to Mance, Elswick has already visited such NCAA Division III schools as Randolph-Macon and Emory & Henry. Several Division II schools, including Concord in Athens, W.Va., also are in the mix.
“I want to play college football, but I’m focused on our season right now,” Elswick said.
agregory@bristolnews.com|(276) 645-2544
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