MERKEL — He is better known as one of the area’s most athletic wide receivers. 

Yet as his senior season approaches, Merkel’s Maddox O’Malley will be largely positioned behind center, directing the Badger offense from a position that will most enable him to use his athleticism to make plays. 

And it is the intention of coach Will Kates to give his new quarterback the green light to do precisely that, make plays — an ability he has demonstrated in a variety of ways.