Holcomb-McFadden combo could be explosive for Puyallup High football

Nathaniel Holcomb and the Puyallup High offense are looking for some balance this offseason — especially on the offensive line.

It’s funny to say that the Vikings’ offensive line is a question mark at this point in the summer, especially after Puyallup saw its highest draft pick from a former player when Josh Garnett was selected 28th overall in the 2016 NFL draft by the San Francisco 49ers.

But after two years of inconsistency along the line — and with two seasons of Holcomb getting hurt because of it — Puyallup is looking to keep its quarterback standing in the fall.

“We have a lot of weapons on offense, and I think that will be a benefit to us next season,” Holcomb said. “Last year, we had games where we didn’t give up any sacks. Those games we won.”

And there was incentive for the line to keep its signal caller upright.

“I made a deal last year that if where we didn’t give up a sack and won, I would take them out to Old Country Buffet,” Holcomb said. “This year’s different though, they made a deal with me saying that if I throw two touchdowns and we win, then they’ll take me out.”

If both deals work out, then Puyallup might have the formula to winning the 4A South Puget Sound League in the fall.

Two doors down

Holcomb has always had a few reliable targets over his career. First there was Brady Winter in 2014 and last season it was Tyler Torgerson, who set a single-season reception record with 60.

So who’s next for the Vikings?

That distinction belongs to Noah McFadden — the kid who grew up two houses down from Holcomb.

“I know I don’t have the speed Tyler had. You can’t replace that,” McFadden admitted. “I just have to focus on what I can do, and that’s catch whatever Nathaniel throws towards me.”

With a move inside to the slot, McFadden looks to see a lot more action next season, a move that coach Gary Jeffers says is natural for the tough-as-nails receiver.

“He’s not afraid to go over the middle and take a shot from opposing defenders. He’s one of the toughest kids on the team,” Jeffers said.

Time and again McFadden proved his grit on the field, earning the respect of his coach and quarterback with each catch he came down with while taking a heavy blow from a defender. And the ones that he couldn’t haul in? Those stuck in the Vikings’ minds even more.

“He’s super strong (and) he has really good hands. He’s not intimidated to go over the middle,” Jeffers said. “Honestly, my best guess is that we are going to be a little less run-heavy than previous years. We have the players to challenge opponents on the outside (too). But when you have a guy who allows you to throw over the middle, it keeps you from being one-dimensional in the pass game, as well as stretch the field on the outside.”

But it all starts with the reliable option: The go-to guy that can haul in those passes in critical moments that sustain a drive or turn the tide of momentum in a game.

If Holcomb needs a big play made, don’t be surprised to see him looking for his most trusted target.

“Anytime I need someone to throw to outside of practice (or in a game), I always know I can count on Noah,” Holcomb said.

This story was originally published June 29, 2016 at 12:14 PM with the headline "Holcomb-McFadden combo could be explosive for Puyallup High football."