Journal Photo by Bruce Chapman

Coach Doug Illing of Davie County works with Zach Illing during quarterback drills.

By Mason Linker
JOURNAL REPORTER

Published: September 18, 2008

MOCKSVILLE

High-school coaches face an enormous amount of scrutiny, especially in places where people care passionately for their teams.

As the head-football coach at the lone high school in his county, Doug Illing of Davie is under the microscope at least as much as any other area coach. He has a large roster of players to look after, parents to keep happy and a fan base that has become rabid with the program's continued success.

The intensity could have magnified even more this year, now that Zach Illing, a senior and Doug Illing's son, has taken over at quarterback.

But because of his solid play, Zach has made things about as smooth for his father as he possibly could.

"As a coach, having your son on the team, you always worry internally about what other people are thinking," Doug Illing said. "You wonder if they will think 'Is he playing just because he is my son?' "

Zach Illing spent most of the past two seasons waiting while Garrett Benge established himself as the best passer in school history.

But Benge graduated last spring, and so far this season, Illing has proven himself to be a capable replacement for the 3-1 War Eagles.

Illing has coolly led Davie's spread offense, in which the quarterback has the responsibility of reading coverages and choosing the right receivers. He has completed 47 of 87 passes for 765 yards and five touchdowns and has thrown two interceptions, one of which ricocheted off a receiver first.

"I know a lot of pressure was on Doug," said Barry Whitlock, Davie's offensive coordinator. "We have a rising sophomore superstar (Jacob Barber), but Zach has given us more than expected. I don't think Zach wants to be better than (Benge). He wants to give us what Zach Illing can give us. He knows his limits, knows what he can do and can't do. He will stay in the pocket. He will take a couple of hits, but he gives the receiver a couple of seconds to get open."

Zach Illing got a few nibbles of playing time last season, and none had more of an impact than those in a first-round playoff game against East Mecklenburg. Illing came on in relief when Benge was injured late in the first half and had to play the whole second half. He played well, Davie's coaches said, even though Davie lost 20-17.

"Just getting that second half in the playoffs, that told me I could play at this level," Zach Illing said. "And just being behind Garrett and knowing how to run the offense. You watch for a while, and you know what to do."

Doug Illing said that although Barber is the future quarterback, it was evident over the summer that Zach had a much better grasp of the offense. Doug Illing said that eased his mind going into the season.

"I think we saw that in the first game," Illing said. "As the game went on, we saw his maturity in the pocket, his poise, delivering the ball on time and in places where it could be caught. And he came in during the second game and did the same thing.

"As coaches, we thought it would happen, and it did. He has lived up to our coaches' expectations and has done exactly what we thought he would do."

Zach Illing (5-11, 180) picked away at Charlotte Providence Day last Friday in a 38-20 victory, hitting seven different receivers and completing 9 of 20 passes for 140 yards. Whitlock said that Davie receivers also dropped five passes, and Illing didn't throw an interception.

"One thing Zach gives us, he can read defenses," Whitlock said. "He doesn't have the 60-, 70-yard arm Garrett has, but he makes smart decisions. He doesn't put us in a bind. He does the little things right. And honestly, he has only thrown two interceptions, and one of those hit our receiver in the hands.

"And he can run the ball, but we use him sparingly in the running game. He isn't real fast, but he is smart."

Zach Illing will gain a reinforcement that should open up the passing lanes even more. James Mayfield, Davie's heavy-hitting running back, is a couple of weeks away from returning from a shoulder injury.

And the more comfortable Illing becomes, the more he will be able to smooth over any lingering anxiety.

"He has worked hard throughout the year to put himself in position to be a starter, and Dad is mighty proud of him for his work ethic and determination and desire to be the best," Doug Illing said. "And that's what he has shown. And the person he has become, Dad is proud of that, too."

¦ Mason Linker can be reached at 727-7324 or at mlinker@wsjournal.com.