Carroll College freshman quarterback Dane Broadhead was throwing passes, hitting receivers and, on occasion, taking a few mental notes with junior Gary Wagner on the sidelines during Tuesday's practice.

The first true freshman to take the helm of the top-ranked Saints' offense since head coach Mike Van Diest's arrival nearly 10 years ago is just getting into the groove as the new starting quarterback.

Wagner, who started at QB for the first two games, is sidelined for the rest of the year after suffering a high-ankle sprain during Saturday's 31-6 win over the University of Montana-Western.

The hit he took from Western's Sean McKinney midway through the second quarter resulted in a 4 1/2-inch fracture in his left fibula. He is expected to undergo surgery in as soon as a week.

Van Diest said that the Saints will ask the NAIA for a medical redshirt and another year of eligibility for Wagner. And, he has not lost his role as the leader on the team.

"The hardest thing about it is, injuries are a part of the game, but it's just not something you want to accept. Especially for a young guy who's had to wait as long as he's had to wait," Van Diest said.

He'll have to be patient a little longer as Broadhead steps into the role just months after the 18-year-old graduated from Minco High School in Rupert, Idaho.

"What happened to Gary was a huge loss for our team. He's the heart and soul of our offense," Broadhead said. "I don't know the whole offense yet. I'm still trying to learn everyday, but I really think (offensive coordinator Nick) Howlett and the rest of the coaches have done a good job preparing me and getting me ready to go this weekend."

Broadhead has already seen some action, completing 11-of-15 pass attempts for 91 yards, and opening up a 7-0 lead against the Bulldogs last weekend.

Before stepping on the field, the team and Saints fans gave Broadhead a roar of encouragement, showing their support and hoping he continues the work Wagner had already set up.

Now, the team is rallying to make sure the rookie QB is prepared when they face off with the Rocky Mountain College Bears Saturday at 1 p.m.

"Dane doesn't have to step into Gary's leadership role. Dane just has to be Dane Broadhead," Van Diest said.

He'll have a strong offensive line and a veteran group of receivers, which include senior Travis Browne and senior tight end Marshall McEwen to give him a hand.

"It's a big loss. Going into spring ball we knew who our quarterback was, we knew who was going to be the leader on offense," Browne said. "Losing him on offense is a big deal.

"We've got to have everybody else on offense step up; the receivers and runningbacks, so that Dane is as comfortable as possible."

Much of the onus falls on Howlett, who will work with the left-handed Broadhead so that he is confident with the play calls.

The offensive coordinator already had to get used to coaching a little differently. Though Howlett throws naturally with his left hand, he's been coaching right-handed quarterbacks for the last decade.

"I have to change how I teach drills sometimes. I look down at my feet and they're backwards," he said.

No. 1 receivers are getting used to the ball spinning the opposite direction and are trying to perfect their routes to make it easy on Broadhead. Howlett said the minute changes shouldn't have a large affect on their game and he has no intention of changing the playbook from what the team has been studying since spring ball.

"We have to find things he's confident in," Howlett said. "We're not going to change much on offense. He's been running it since he got here."

As for Wagner, he'll spend the rest of the year recovering both physically and mentally.

He said that when he found out that he wouldn't be able to play through the injury, he basically broke down.

"I never thought it could happen to me," he said.

But, he's received support from his teammates and fans, who have been calling and texting him since word broke about his season.

"It really shows what brotherhood's about," he said.

Assistand Sports Editor Jeff Windmueller, 447-4065 or jeff.windmueller@helenair.com.