Wilber anxious for another shot as Rangers QB

GREENWOOD In Colton Wilber’s dreams heading into the 2006 season, he led the Greenwood Rangers to the Class 3A Division II state title.

In reality, Wilber tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee on the sixth play of the team’s first scrimmage, wiping out his junior season and robbing the team of its returning starter at quarterback.

While the run the Rangers went on was none too shabby — a 27-19 loss to Vernon in the Class 3A Division II quarterfinals — it is hard not to think what might have been had Wilber’s knee held up.

“It was tough. My sophomore year I was our district’s offensive MVP and I had a lot of expectations,” Wilber said. “I had worked hard to get ready for my junior year. The only thing that got to me was any time (there was a mistake), I felt I could’ve helped right there, could’ve been there for my team.”

Michael Washington had a dominant year for the Rangers at quarterback, but if Wilber was healthy it would have changed the dynamic of the team. Washington could have played running back on offense and played on defense.

Now, Washington is gone as is fullback Lane Flowers.

Plus, the Rangers must hope Wilber has the ability to go out and play and not let his knee bother him.

“I think he’ll be nervous,” head coach Steve Taylor said. “I think he will be a little apprehensive, but after a few plays it will come back to him and he won’t think about it.

“He’s gotten a lot more flexible.”

Wilber also is expected to be the engine that keeps the Rangers going after last season’s deep run into the playoffs.

“Sometimes you have a letdown, but I don’t think he will let it happen,” Taylor said. “Colton is real hungry. I think it will be a big plus.”

Wilber rushed for 899 yards and threw for 737 yards as a sophomore.

With his knowledge of the Wishbone offense, Wilber expects to do even better this season.

“We are real senior dependant team,” Wilber said. “We have 20 seniors and we want to make this special, one of the best Greenwood teams ever. We know what to expect.”

Two of those returning seniors are running back Bryce Williams and fullback Blake McColloch.

Williams rushed for 987 yards last season and McColloch saw time on offense, so both will be relied upon this year.

“We’re going to have to play several people at (multiple) positions,” Taylor said. “We have to figure out who we want where in certain sets early on.”

One thing is for sure, though — Wilber will be back under center.

Right where he belongs.