Quarterback controversy? What quarterback controversy?

CJ Teran is named Douglas’ starting quarterback going into the 2008 season. Teran and the Douglas Bulldogs scrimmage the Marana Tigers this Thursday at 5 p.m. at Douglas High School. The season opener is Aug. 29 when the Bisbee Pumas come to town for the 138th meeting between the two schools.

Bulldog football coach John Necas said Wednesday there is no quarterback controversy this year and junior CJ Teran will the guy to lead the Bulldog offense this season.

Teran challenged Spencer Grijalva last year for the starting spot. As a young sophomore Teran struggled and was sent to the junior varsity squad where he led them to a 6-2 record.

Richard Ross, Douglas’ junior varsity coach said CJ did a good job for his team last year and having him come down to the junior varsity was a blessing.

“It was his team,” the coach said. “We let him run the offense for us.”

Grijalva took over the quarterbacking duties for the varsity squad temporarily only to eventually be replaced by Kyle Cormier who finished out the season as the starter.

With Cormier now gone due to graduation questions amongst the Bulldog followers were wondering if it was going to be Grijalva or Teran quarterbacking the Bulldogs this season?

“CJ has matured a lot not only as a young man but also physically,” Coach Necas said. “I think he’s ready for the challenge. He’s really stepped up his leadership of the team. … I think the kids are looking to him to be the leader this year.”

Necas admits that last year Teran’s youth and inexperience may have hurt him  but he seems more focused and better prepared for this year.

“Right now he’s our guy and I think he’s going to do well for us,” the coach said. “I feel he’s ready to lead this team. He’s got a strong enough arm to get the ball down the field. We’re going to try and put him in situations where he can be successful.”

Grijalva will be one of Teran’s primary targets at receiver in addition to being the backup quarterback. Grijalva reportedly is interested in playing collegiate football just like his dad and realizes he has a better shot of making it as a receiver or defensive back.

“If we have to put Spencer behind center I have confidence in him that he’ll do a good job for us also,” the coach said. “But right now CJ is our guy.”

Coach Necas said Teran is showing rapid improvement in many areas but there is always room to grow.

“He was around a lot during the summer and he got a lot stronger,” the coach said. “His decision making seems to be a lot better.”

Teran took it upon himself to attend two football camps this summer one was in May in Phoenix put on by the Arizona Cardinals; the other was a UCLA camp in California in July.

Teran says he picked up some things at both camps that will help him be better prepared for the upcoming season.

“I feel like I’m ready to lead this team,” he said. “I’ve learned a lot over the summer and I’ve worked hard. I feel  I’m prepared.”

Necas feels Teran has the ability and desire to be a good quarterback for Douglas High School.

As a senior much like with Cormier the Bulldogs only have one year with the individual.

As a junior Teran can use the experience he gained last year use that this year to his advantage and hopefully turn that into a promising and exciting senior year.

“It’s going to be our responsibility as a coaching staff to allow him to be successful,” Necas said.

The Bulldogs scrimmage Marana this Thursday at 5 p.m. at Douglas High School. The season opener is Aug. 29 against Bisbee.

“I’m excited for the season to start,” Teran said. “I think we’re going to have a good year this year.”