Caruthersville QB battle proved 'tight, intense'

A year ago at this time, first-year Caruthersville High School football coach Dom Guglielmio was standing in the midst of a figurative tornado of instruction, as he tried to learn about his team, implement his culture, and get the Tiger student-athletes to buy into his program’s culture.

A few weeks into the regular season, turning his offense over to a young sophomore quarter (Ryan Guest) was added to the coach’s “to-do list.”

Fast-forward to today and Guglielmio’s program enters its 2023 regular season home opener against Malden (tonight at 7:30 p.m.) on much more stable footing – in a myriad of ways – including having a much more experienced Guest guiding the offense.

The ascension of Guest to the No. 1 quarterback spot wasn’t a foregone conclusion.

Sophomore Jared Hudgens gave Guest everything that he had (and then some) before Guglielmio made his decision.

“Ryan has been named the starting quarterback going into this week,” Guglielmio said. “It was a tight race and I’, proud of both of them.”

For those who watched the Tigers compete against Poplar Bluff, Dexter, and Fredericktown in a recent jamboree, it was difficult to decipher who was the top quarterback and who was the backup, because both made a multitude of impressive plays.

“That was the best thing about that competition,” Guglielmio said, “it was tight, and it was intense.”

Guest had time to throw behind a sturdy offensive line, while Hudgens displayed great mobility in being able to run the ball for yardage.

“We have moved Jared and he has been really successful,” Guglielmio said. “He’s a weapon. You’ll hear his name over the loudspeaker.”

A year ago, Guglielmio had plans to play senior Ty’Lan Golliday at the position throughout the season, but those plans changed midway through the year. He feels very confident in his quarterbacks at this juncture.

“This is the first time in my career that I’ve been comfortable with both of the quarterbacks that I have in my system,” Guglielmio said. “Both of those guys are going to be on the field on Friday night.”