A typical sequence for Lakeside High sophomore Mark Weidenaar might go like this: Catch a pass, trot back to the huddle, get a play from the sideline calling for him to play quarterback and line up under center before having the chance to take his receiver's gloves off.
"Sometimes I'll come off the sideline and a coach will let me know, 'Next series, you're going to be at this position or what-not,' " Weidenaar said. "You don't ever really know until the game's going on."
Weidenaar has been instrumental in the success of the Panthers' offense this season. Lakeside, which will claim the Region 3-AAAA title with a victory over Josey on Friday, had questions on offense before the season after the departure of quarterback Chad Chandler. Chandler was a three-year starter and when he was at Lakeside, there was no question who would be under center.
The solution to replace him has included a variety of looks, with Weidenaar playing receiver and sharing time at quarterback with fellow sophomore Ben Wilson.
Weidenaar leads the Panthers in total offense, accounting for 1,078 yards and 15 touchdowns entering last week's victory over Butler.
Sharing time isn't a new concept for Weidenaar. He and Wilson alternated halves as freshmen while leading Lakeside's junior varsity to an undefeated season.
Weidenaar got his first varsity start at quarterback at Glenn Hills on Sept. 18, after Wilson suffered a concussion the week before. Weidenaar took every snap that game.
Although Wilson has the bulk of the Panthers' pass attempts, Weidenaar has thrown for nine touchdowns with just one interception. He also has caught 10 balls for 182 yards and two more scores. He has rushed for 322 yards and five touchdowns from the quarterback spot.
"Either position is fine with me," Weidenaar said. "But I want to be out there and make some plays."
The Panthers' older players have embraced the young pla ymaker. Many knew Weidenaar from when they played for his father, Lakeside Middle football coach Tom Weidenaar.
Mark Weidenaar said he was always around his future teammates as an elementary school pupil hanging around his dad's practices. Weidenaar later attended Riverside Middle, but the Panthers knew him when he arrived at Lakeside High.
"We get along pretty good," Weidenaar said. "We're all a team."
Asked about one of his more memorable performances this season, Weidenaar points to the Panthers' victory at Richmond Academy on Oct. 19. Lakeside was facing another stiff region test after dropping its only region game the week before at Hephzibah.
Weidenaar tossed a 53-yard touchdown pass for the game's first score, and later secured the victory with a fourth-quarter touchdown run.
"I felt like I had to step up and make some plays," Weidenaar said. "I was glad I was able to do that in that game."
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