By Rex Kirts
David Tiwari's versatility is becoming a necessary element during difficult times on the South football team.
The Panthers have lost their first three games for the first time since 1975, and new coach Kirk Kennedy is moving people around to try to stop the trend. Some is by design, some is because of injuries.
Tiwari, a 6-2, 255-pound senior, started the season playing both ways at tackle. After two games he and guard Zach Bonnell switched positions on the right side of the offensive line. And last week against
David Tiwari's versatility is becoming a necessary element during difficult times on the South football team.
The Panthers have lost their first three games for the first time since 1975, and new coach Kirk Kennedy is moving people around to try to stop the trend. Some is by design, some is because of injuries.
Tiwari, a 6-2, 255-pound senior, started the season playing both ways at tackle. After two games he and guard Zach Bonnell switched positions on the right side of the offensive line. And last week against
David Tiwari
Franklin Central, with starting center Jarred Mason injured and his sub, Tony Albanese, coming up limp during the game, Tiwari moved to center in the second half.
"I had never played center before," Tiwari laughed. "I had taken about 10 snaps during the week when Jarred got hurt."
Where he plays Friday against North depends on whether Mason returns to the lineup.
"YOU DO WHAT YOU have to do," Tiwari said. "I think our exchanges (snaps to quarterback Michael Bower) were OK. But there's a lot more to the position than just getting the snap."
Overall, Tiwari would like to have been more efficient regardless of what position he has played. "I've had good games and bad games," he said. "I can definitely play faster, fire off the ball faster."
Kennedy brought a different offense to South. The Panthers have thrown the ball a lot in recent years, but Kennedy prefers to establish the running game. Run-blocking requires a more physical style of play, and the Panthers have struggled with inconsistency.
Kennedy's style also requires tougher practices, but the seniors who have had the most adjustments to make say they like Kennedy's approach.
"I like it, for sure" Tiwari said of the toughness needed. "He's a no-nonsense guy. It will pay huge dividends for us, down the road. When he gets enough people to buy into it we'll be real successful.
"Just look at his record at Lowell. I don't see why it won't work here.
"WE HAVE ENOUGH TALENT. Obviously, it's frustrating right now."
Tiwari said the Panthers' attitude is good despite the record and despite losing last week to Franklin Central after taking an early 12-0 lead.
"We're right there," Tiwari said. "We really think we can get a win this week. We're thinking 'Get over the hump.' We're not thinking about losing the 12-0 lead to Franklin Central."
There's a lot he likes about football. At the top is "playing with the team. It's truly the best team sport - you all have to do your job. I like that part of it."
A 4.0 student, Tiwari hasn't picked a college yet, but he wants to continue playing football. "I'm looking at the Ivy League and Division III schools," he said. He intends to study business and medicine.
"I had never played center before," Tiwari laughed. "I had taken about 10 snaps during the week when Jarred got hurt."
Where he plays Friday against North depends on whether Mason returns to the lineup.
"YOU DO WHAT YOU have to do," Tiwari said. "I think our exchanges (snaps to quarterback Michael Bower) were OK. But there's a lot more to the position than just getting the snap."
Overall, Tiwari would like to have been more efficient regardless of what position he has played. "I've had good games and bad games," he said. "I can definitely play faster, fire off the ball faster."
Kennedy brought a different offense to South. The Panthers have thrown the ball a lot in recent years, but Kennedy prefers to establish the running game. Run-blocking requires a more physical style of play, and the Panthers have struggled with inconsistency.
Kennedy's style also requires tougher practices, but the seniors who have had the most adjustments to make say they like Kennedy's approach.
"I like it, for sure" Tiwari said of the toughness needed. "He's a no-nonsense guy. It will pay huge dividends for us, down the road. When he gets enough people to buy into it we'll be real successful.
"Just look at his record at Lowell. I don't see why it won't work here.
"WE HAVE ENOUGH TALENT. Obviously, it's frustrating right now."
Tiwari said the Panthers' attitude is good despite the record and despite losing last week to Franklin Central after taking an early 12-0 lead.
"We're right there," Tiwari said. "We really think we can get a win this week. We're thinking 'Get over the hump.' We're not thinking about losing the 12-0 lead to Franklin Central."
There's a lot he likes about football. At the top is "playing with the team. It's truly the best team sport - you all have to do your job. I like that part of it."
A 4.0 student, Tiwari hasn't picked a college yet, but he wants to continue playing football. "I'm looking at the Ivy League and Division III schools," he said. He intends to study business and medicine.
