By Chris Shelton
Camera Sports Writer

LAFAYETTE — Sheryl Crow sang about how a change'll do you good. Bob Dylan creaked about how the times, they are a changin.' And Jimmy Buffett advised how a change in latitude was good for your attitude.

Here at Centaurus High School, the Class 5A Warriors will heed those words as they prepare for the 2000 football campaign.

But the Warriors won't be sitting around the campfire singing folk songs this year. They'll be breaking out electric guitars and turning the amps up to 11.

Coming off a disappointing 4-6 season from a year ago, Centaurus coach Harold Anderson threw out much of the offense's playbook and changed his tune.

"Offensively, when people see us on the field, they won't see the same team," Anderson said. "One coach last year called our offense 'an offense in a sardine can.' After talking to some of the kids and assistant coaches, we felt we needed to get out of that offense and open it up."

Get out the can opener and go deep.

New this year is Coronado High transfer student Chad Helms, of Colorado Springs, a 6-foot-3 husky quarterback who is one of three quarterbacks that stand 6-2 or taller (junior Chris Nelson and sophomore Tyson Graham).

With tall, athletic quarterbacks, Centaurus fans can expect to see the Warriors throw the ball more often than last year when the team relied primarily on the running game.

"(Helms) is more of a thrower than a runner," Anderson said. "You have to match your offense to your personnel."

Adding enthusiasm into the program by changing the offense, Anderson hopes to return to the kind of success he had two years ago when he became head coach and led the Warriors to a 9-3 record. He also expanded the coaching staff from nine to 13.

Changes in the offense will hopefully result in changes in attitudes, too.

"I thought we would be much better last year," Anderson said. "That's one of the reasons why the kids have worked so hard this summer. I think they have better expectations of themselves."

The team will be young, though.

Centaurus returns three starters on offense and six on defense. Overall, the team will have just 11 seniors.

"So we're puppies," Anderson said. "It will be a situation we'll have to work through. But it helps that we're making these changes now because they'll get two or three years of it."

Anderson developed an option scheme last year that he may keep. But he's working on more of a drop-back and run or throw offense.

Also, unlike last year, Anderson will always have at least one wide receiver lined up on the field.

"We'll throw the ball more than two or three times a game," Anderson said. "And we'll throw the ball more as I build confidence in our throwing game."

The season begins Sept. 1 with a game in Liberal, Kan.

"They're a perennial state championship contender," Anderson said. "I guess there's no better way to open up the season. We might as well see what we're made of."

CENTAURUS

Coach: Harold Anderson (3rd year, 13-9 overall).

Last year's record: 4-6.

Returning starters: Reid Ferrari (RB), Marcus Hamby (MLB), Sam Schlepp (OT), Adam Zwickl (WR), Josh Baker (FS), Cody Anderson (SS), Mike Rizzuto (CB), Kyle Mason (DT), Seth Shepherd (DE), Brandon Roe (OT).

Offensive players to watch: Reid Ferrari rushed for more than 1,100 yards last year.

Defensive players to watch: Marcus Hamby (MLB), Josh Baker (FS), Cody Anderson (SS), Mike Rizzuto (CB), Kyle Mason (DT), Seth Shepherd (DE)

Key games: Broomfield (Sept. 22), Skyline (Oct. 20), Loveland (Nov. 3).

Strengths: The experience of the defense with six returning starters.

Challenges: Team needs to learn new offense. Youthful team needs experience.

Schedule: SEPT. — 1, Liberal, Kan., 7:30 p.m.; 8, WHEAT RIDGE, 7 p.m.; 15, Lakewood, 4:15 p.m.; 22, BROOMFIELD, 7 p.m.; 29, Summit, 7 p.m.; OCT. — 6, Thompson Valley, 7 p.m.; 14, GREELEY CENTRAL, 1 p.m.; 20, Skyline, 7 p.m.; 28, GREELEY WEST, 1 p.m.; NOV. — 3, LOVELAND.

August 8, 2000