Football Preview 2011

PULLMAN GREYHOUNDS • MOSCOW BEARS • COLFAX BULLDOGS TROY TROJANS • GENESEE BULLDOGS • COLTON WILDCATS • POTLATCH LOGGERS KENDRICK TIGERS • DEARY MUSTANGS • GARFIELD-PALOUSE VIKINGS

2011

FOOTBALL

PREVIEW A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE MOSCOW-PULLMAN DAILY NEWS

2 | Friday, August 26, 2011 |

Football 2011

MOSCOWPULLMAN DAILY NEWS

Hounds to battle in the trenches Offensive and defensive lines hope to push into the playoffs

By Andrew Nemec Daily News staff writer

ABOUT THE GREYHOUNDS Coach: Craig McCormick (7-13) Last season: 4-6 (2-3 in the GNL) Returning starters: 12 Key returners: Scott Fleener (OL), Adam Mahama (OL), Trevor Edwards (OL), Ezra Sanders (OL), Joel Paul (OL), Matt Peterson (WR), Dylan Moore (RB) Big game: Moscow — “We always talk about how bad they beat us last year, but it’s not going to happen again.

We are going to show them who’s boss,” senior offensive lineman Ezra Sanders said.

Team strength: Offensive line Team weakness: Depth

Usually, the star of a football team is a quarterback, running back or wide receiver, but the Pullman Greyhounds shine the spotlight on a talented offensive line ready to smash its way into the playoffs.

The Hounds’ offensive line, a unit made up of five leaders in Scott Fleener, Adam Mahama, Trevor Edwards, Ezra Sanders and Joel Paul, should be among the best in the league. If football really is won in the trenches, this could be a solid year for Pullman.

“It feels like you’ve got something to work with,” coach Craig McCormick said. “We’re not real deep there, but we Dean Hare/Daily News are really strong as far as the starters go.”

Pullman coach Craig McCormick gives a play to the scout team.

Edwards is the team’s spiritual leader and brings a contagious intensity to “He’s our guy that’s going to be the into a very good nose guard.” the lines first one off the bus when we are on the But even at their strongest positions Paul is the guy teams would rather road, because he’s (intimidating) look- the Hounds lack depth. The last two not have to line up against. ing,” McCormick said. “He’s developed senior classes were too small to build a

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Football 2011

MOSCOWPULLMAN DAILY NEWS

Pullman players run wind sprints at a Greyhounds’ practice.

| Friday, August 26, 2011 | 3

2011 SCHEDULE Sept. 2: at Lakeside, 7 p.m.

Sept. 9: at Moscow, 7 p.m.

Sept. 16: vs.

Lewiston, 7 p.m.

Sept. 23: vs.

Deer Park, 7 p.m.

Sept. 30: at Medical Lake, 7 p.m.

Oct. 7: vs.

Lakeland, 7 p.m.

Dean Hare Daily News

strong program, and Pullman is just now beginning to dig its way out, missing the playoffs with a loss in its last game a season ago.

“Because our class sizes aren’t very big that’s going to be true for another year or so,” McCormick said. “We had some good seniors that’ll be hard to replace, but as a result of that we have a shift in the strength of our personnel.”

Athletic, scrambling junior Justin Cillay will be called on to fill the quarterback position left vacant by the graduation of Tyler Langerveld.

“Putting a junior in there you are going to suffer some growing pains,” McCormick said. “On the other hand, it feels good to think that you’ll have him for two years.

Program-wise, I’m happy we’ll have him for two years. He’s got a lot of talent — and some different from Tyler, so that will change our focus.”

Cillay will be aided greatly by that veteran offensive line.

He should have time to throw the football and his running backs should be productive enough to keep defenses from loading the box.

The Hounds believe their defense has taken a major step forward and that the offense can be productive, which is all they may need.

“Our league doesn’t have an obvious powerhouse right now,” McCormick said. “It’s as open as it’s ever been. If you went around and asked coaches who was going to win the league I don’t think you would get a

unanimous answer. A lot of people are just where we are.”

League parity is a reason for optimism this year, as Pullman should have a chance to win every time they step out on the field. That is both a good thing and a bad thing — each game will come down to a couple of plays.

“I’ve been doing this a long time in this league and, without doing a statistical analysis, I can tell you that if you score four touchdowns you are probably going to win. If you score two you are probably going to lose, and if you score three it’s probably a heckuva game,” McCormick said.

Pullman will find out where it stands in the second game of the season in a traditional battle with stateline rival Moscow. The Bears have won

the last two meetings, which is something that didn’t sit well with the Hounds.

“We definitely (want) to be in it, and obviously we’re talking a lot about that game,” McCormick said.

“It’s absolutely a rivalry game.

They’ve done a great job the last two years, so we need to respond to that — that’s our urgency early on in the year.”

If the Hounds can stay healthy a playoff berth is within striking distance, and that’s something these seniors are striving to accomplish in their last season.

“These past couple of years we’ve struggled and I think we really have to prove to ourselves and to our community that Pullman can be a winning team,” two-way standout Dylan Moore said.

Oct. 14: at Clarkston, 7 p.m.

Oct. 21: vs.

Cheney, 7 p.m.

Oct. 28: at West Valley, 7 p.m.

Nov. 3: vs.

East Valley, 7 p.m.

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4 | Friday, August 26, 2011 |

Football 2011

MOSCOWPULLMAN DAILY NEWS

There’s a point to Moscow’s winning tradition And that’s getting Sandpoint off its perch

By Devin Rokyta Daily News staff writer

2011 SCHEDULE Sept. 2: at West Valley, 7 p.m.

Sept. 9: vs. Pullman, 7 p.m.

Sept. 16: vs. Clarkston, 7 p.m.

Sept. 23: vs. Priest River, 7 p.m. (homecoming) Sept. 30: at Bonners Ferry, 7 p.m.

Oct. 7: at CDA, 7 p.m.

Oct. 14: at Timberline, 7 p.m.

Oct. 21: at Lakeland, 7 p.m.

Oct. 28: vs. Sandpoint, 7 p.m.

In just three seasons at the helm of the Moscow football team, coach John Sheaff has changed the culture of the Bears’ program.

After inheriting a team that posted a 2-6 record in 2007, Sheaff has led the Bears to three consecutive six-win seasons, three years that ended in the Bears narrowly missing the playoffs.

Moscow has come up short, but the expectations have changed.

“I expect nothing less than what we’ve been achieving the last three years,” Sheaff said. “We always have high expectations — the coaches have high expectations, the players have high expecta-

Moscow High School football players run through drills on Monday. tions.”

Those expectations aren’t

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being tempered this year also begun to turn out athdespite the fact that the letes talented enough to play Bears graduated 17 seniors at the next level, most recentfrom last year’s ly running squad.

The backs Jayson reason is tradiWashington tion. and Justin “Players Parkins joingraduate all the ing the Idaho time, tradition Vandals, former does not graduquarterback ate. Tradition Jake Helbling stays,” Sheaff earning a said. “You can scholarship build off tradito Montana tion and have Tech, and Dana great things Adams catching happen with on at Carroll tradition.”

College.

This newly “Those guys created tradispeak voltion means the umes for what Bears no longer this program go into a season has come to,” merely hoping Sheaff said. to compete, but It’s a start, rather expectbut the Bears ing to win. have larger “We defigoals — unseatJohn Sheaff nitely have that ing Sandpoint, Moscow coach kind of mentalwhich has repity — we want resented the 4A to win, and we know how Inland Empire League in the it feels to win,” quarterback state playoffs the last three Josh Helbling said. “It’s good seasons. to have that around.”

The recent success of the Devin Rokyta can be reached at Bears’ program hasn’t been (208)882-5561, ext. 231, or by limited to wins. Moscow has email at drokyta@dnews.com.

“

Players graduate all the time, tradition does not graduate.

Tradition stays.”

Football 2011

ABOUT THE BEARS Coach: John Sheaff (4th season, 18-8) Last season: 6-3 Top returners: Tommy Behr, (OL/LB), Cael Wear (WR/LB), Aaron Donaldson (WR/DB), Austin Kiblen (OL/LB), Danny McGurkin (OL/DL) Breakout players: Bo Olmstead (C/LB) — “Knows the offensive line, can make calls left and right so everybody knows where they’re going,” Sheaff said. … Kyle Snyder (QB/ RB/WR/DB) — “Dynamic player, can play lots of positions and is smart enough to play those positions.” … Josh Helbling (QB) — “Going to be a great quarterback for us. He throws the ball well and he runs the ball well.” … Brady Braun (RB/LB) — “He’s gonna be the pounder inside for us.”

Big game: “With our schedule, we start off with West Valley, then we’ve got Pullman, Clarkston, Priest River, Timberlake, Lakeland and Sandpoint. How can you not be up for those types of games?”

Strengths: Teamwork — “They’ve really pushed each other in the weight room, they push each other out in speed and agility. They really encourage each other and I think that’s going to be a huge strength to carry us through the season.”

Concerns: Inexperience after graduating 17 seniors — “We’re so young we don’t have a lot of experience at the varsity level.”

MOSCOWPULLMAN DAILY NEWS

| Friday, August 26, 2011 | 5

Moscow’s flow to go with Brooks Star player just wants to win

By Devin Rokyta Daily News staff writer

Lane Brooks will be counted on to do just about everything but passing and kicking for the Moscow Bears this upcoming season.

The talented senior will be expected to line up at running back, wide receiver and in the secondary on defense.

Moscow coach John Sheaff envisions the multi-purpose player as his “go-to guy,” replacing the likes of former Bears’ stars Justin Parkins and Jayson Washington, now both wearing the black and gold of the University of Idaho Vandals.

“Lane will step up and be that guy,” Sheaff said.

Brooks, who is heading into his third season as a member of the varsity squad, has waited patiently for his chance to fill that role, watching as Washington and Parkins carried the Bears.

“They really taught me a lot,” Brooks said. “They would teach me every day — they were like two extra coaches for me helping me out. I was lucky.”

Brooks has lofty expec-

“

My personal goals don’t really matter, it’s all about getting to state — I think it’s time we did it.”

Lane Brooks tations for his senior year, but success won’t be gauged in the amount of yards and touchdowns he racks up, but in whether Moscow can end its decade-plus stretch

of playoff futility.

“My main goal is to get to state,” he said. “That’s my only goal really. My personal goals don’t really matter, it’s all about getting to state — I think it’s time we did it. “... We always expect to have a good year, but I feel like this is the year we can get to state just with the people we have. ... Sandpoint, Lakeland, they’re good teams, but nothing better than what we are.”

Devin Rokyta can be reached at (208)882-5561, ext. 231, or by email at drokyta@dnews.com.

Go Bears!

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Moscow High School’s Lane Brooks runs through drills in fall camp.

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6 | Friday, August 26, 2011 |

2011 SCHEDULE Aug. 26: at Lapwai, 7 p.m.

Sept. 2: vs.

Prairie, 7 p.m.

Sept. 9: at Potlatch, 7 p.m.

Sept. 16: at Timberline, 7 p.m.

Sept. 23: vs.

Kendrick, 7 p.m.

Oct. 7: vs. Lewis County, 7 p.m.

Oct. 14: at Genesee, 7 p.m.

Oct. 21: at Troy, 7 p.m.

Oct. 28: vs.

Clearwater Valley, 7 p.m.

Football 2011

MOSCOWPULLMAN DAILY NEWS

The line on Genesee

By Devin Rokyta

Daily News staff writer

The life of an offensive lineman isn’t all that glorious.

While the quarterbacks, running backs and receivers take all the accolades for the big runs and passes and the last-minute game-winning drives, it’s the big guys up front making that all possible.

“The receivers, backs and quarterbacks always get more publicity and the eyes out in the games, but we make a big part of it being an offensive lineman,” Genesee senior guard Mitch Renfrow said.

“We set everything up.”

Renfrow anticipates he and his offensive line mates will be setting up plenty of big plays during the upcoming season. His optimism comes from the fact that the Bulldogs, a team that went 5-3 last

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season, return all three ing,” Renton added. starters (eight-man footOverall, the Bulldogs ball plays with two guards return 14 upperclassand a center) and four men, having lost only two senior lineseniors from last men — center season’s nearJason Borth playoff team. and guards Unfortunately, Jack Hermann, those two playTyler Renton ers were runand Renfrow. ning back Tyler The group is Stout and tight part of a senior end Allan Dean Hare/Daily News class that has Berry, both Genesee quarterback Sam Druffel will count on protection yet to make focal points from his offensive line this season as Bulldogs aim for state. a trip to the of Genesee’s state football offense last seaon how well the Bulldog aren’t very big this year, playoffs, an son.

Tyler Renton uncharacterisCoach Jason line stacks up against but hopefully we can be tic drought for Hanson said he their foes across the line faster and stay in front of everyone and let the backs a proud Genesee program, expects to spread the ball of scrimmage.

The team’s offensive line- and receivers make plays,” which won its last state around more, finding ways title in 2005. to use players like run- men concede they may give Renton said.

And hopefully those big “Genesee has a good ning backs Garrett Jones up a little in size to their football tradition, and it and Ben Druffel, tight opponents, but they plan to plays lead back to state.

“We haven’t done that would be nice to get back ends Reggie Tilleman and use speed and quickness to since we’ve been here,” on that because it’s kind Ryan Kneale, and return- their advantage.

“That’s almost been our Hermann said, “so it of been down the last few ing starting quarterback problem the last four years, would be nice to get into years,” Hermann said.

Sam Druffel.

“Anything less than But the success of those we didn’t ever have anyone the playoffs” and furthat would be disappoint- players largely will hinge that was very big. We still ther.”

“

Anything less than (state) would be disappointing.”

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Football 2011

MOSCOWPULLMAN DAILY NEWS

Gar-Pal Vikings sail toward playoff run Cocking missed much of last season, and his absence was Daily News staff writer felt. He is expected to be an A playoff spot could be on impact player this season. Also the horizon this season if the providing senior leadership first few days of practice are will be offensive and defensive any indication for the Garfield- lineman Jon Kuehner.

The juniors Palouse Vikings. make up the bulk “It’s been the of the production best three first 2011 SCHEDULE on the Viking days we’ve had in a roster. Running while, just because Sept. 9: vs. Selkrik back/linebacker of the enthusiSept. 16: at AlmiraRiley Hodges asm,” coach Scott Coulee-Hartline highlights the Thompson said.

Sept. 23: at junior class and “It’s been good to LaCrosse-Washtucna is one of the fastbe back out.”

Sept. 30: vs. est players in the The Vikings Liberty Christian league — argufinished second in Oct. 7: at St. ably the greatest their league last John-Endicott skill an individseason and made Oct. 14: vs. Pomeroy ual can have in the playoffs with a Oct. 21: vs. Touchet eight-man footwin in the last conOct. 28: at ball. Hodges ran test of the regular Sunnyside Christian for nearly 800 season. That level Nov. 3: at yards last season of competitiveness Garfield-Palouse and is expected in league play is to pick up the expected again production left by the graduathis season.

“Our league is going to be tion of last year’s leading rushthat way across the board,” er (and tackler) J.B. Lange.

Quarterback/linebacker Thompson said. “Last year it came down to the last week to Anthony Floyd also returns decide the playoff spots, and I after a solid sophomore camcould really see that happen- paign that saw him use his ing again. It’s going to be a athleticism on both sides of the ball. Floyd was the most really close race.”

Senior offensive lineman Nathan Cocking returns to See VIKINGS, Page 9 provide some experience.

By Andrew Nemec

A LOOK AT GENESEE Coach: Jason Hanson Last season: 5-3 Last state championship: 2005 Returning players: Sam Druffel (QB), Jack Hermann (OL), Mitch Renfrow (OL), Jason Borth (OL), Tyler Renton (OL), Ryan Kneale (TE), Garrett Jones (RB), Reggie Tillman (TE) Breakout players: Reese Demellier (TE, DL) … Sam Vestal — “He’s played a lot, he’s a four-year kid,” Hanson said. “… He should able to make some waves.”

Big game: Every game — “There are no easy games in the Whitepine League unless it’s a bye week. The coaches do a great job and every year everybody gets better.”

Strengths: Experience and numbers. The Bulldogs had 26 players suit up for practice this fall, 14 of which were upperclassmen.

Questions: Hanson said his team must approach the season one game at a time, and not look past teams like Lapwai in week one. “Of course we’d like to play in November, but we need to come out and be ready for what (Lapwai is) doing.”

Good Luck H.S. Football Teams!

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| Friday, August 26, 2011 | 7

PROJECTED 2011 WHITEPINE STANDINGS 1. Kendrick

6. Deary

2. Troy

7. Clearwater Valley

3. Genesee

8. Lapwai

4. Potlatch

9. Lewis County

5. Prairie

10. Timberline

* Rankings are based on interviews with Whitepine League coaches

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8 | Friday, August 26, 2011 |

Football 2011

MOSCOWPULLMAN DAILY NEWS

Colton sets sights on Tacoma Taking aim with speed, size and a big arm

By Andrew Nemec Daily News staff writer

As the Colton football team picked up their playbooks on the first practice of the season, the team’s goal became clear — it was printed on the cover of the playbook.

There were no words of encouragement or inspiration in this message, just a picture of a building: the Tacoma Dome, site of the state championship game.

Colton football coach Clark Vining wanted the message to be absorbed from day one.

Consider the message sent.

“It’s the goal every single year,” quarterback Josh Straughan said.

“My sophomore year the goal was to get to the Tacoma Dome. Well, we haven’t done that yet and that’s something we really want to do this year.”

Straughan is the biggest reason expectations have elevated, as he spent the entire summer showcasing his passing ability at various colleges.

Straughan wasn’t the only one who impressed this summer.

Senior offensive/defensive lineman Tim Tilton worked out hard in the offseason and looks poised for an all-league type final prep campaign.

Also returning is the team’s

Dean Hare/Daily News

Colfax head coach Mike Morgan calls his players together during a Bulldogs’ practice in Colfax.

Success from hard work and character Dean Hare/Daily News

Colton quarterback Josh Straughan pitches the ball to running back Zach Devorak during a Wildcats’ practice in Colton. fastest player, running back/safety Nick Robertson, who missed all but three games last year because of a weightlifting injury.

Robertson said the team is not only talented, but also has depth this season.

“We are going to have some depth this year compared to last year when we had eight guys — special teams, defense, offense.

I think we are going to surprise a

lot of people this year and have an exciting season,” he said.

To have the type of season the Wildcats expect, they are going to have to replace Steve Eacker, who set a state record with 110 receptions last season, and Taylor Spence, who hauled in 73 catches of his own.

The Wildcats have been unable See COLTON, Page 11

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a state title and two state second-place finishes, Morgan credits the community of Colfax for his success.

“We feel like we have things

By Matt Baide in place, and we have enough Daily News intern history in Colfax,” Morgan said.

Coach Mike Morgan has “We’ve got good people here found success in the Colfax who raise good, hard working football program with his phi- kids that expect to compete in losophy of building men of everything they do.”

Morgan wasn’t the first character through hard work.

His experience there didn’t coach to experience success at Colfax. There was Tony Clark, start with success, though. who has been When Morgan with Colfax foottook over as the since 1977, Bulldogs’ head 2011 SCHEDULE ball and of course coach in 1998, his Doug Curtis, team struggled to Sept. 9: vs. Desales the Bulldogs’ allpick up a single Sept. 16: at Davenport time winningest win, turning out Sept. 23: vs. Liberty coach, whom a dismal 1-8 seaSept. 30: vs. Reardan Morgan served son.

Oct. 7: at Lakeside under as an “I joked about Oct. 14: at Lindassistant coach. having for sale Ritzville/Sprague “Colfax is signs in my yard,” Oct. 21: at Mary Walker just one of those Morgan said.

Oct. 28: at Kettle Falls communities,” But the comMorgan said. munity support“They take a ed him and gave the inexperienced coach a sec- great deal of pride at being ond year to prove his worth. good at just about everything He rewarded them with an 8-3 they do, and so once you get season in 1999, followed by an a job in Colfax, you tend not to want to go to many other 11-1 year.

In 2001, he and the Bulldogs places.”

But to keep a program sucbrought back a state title to Colfax after a perfect 13-0 cam- cessful for this long, a coach paign.

After 14 years on the job, a See COLFAX, Page 11 105-38 career coaching record,

Colfax makes football a community enterprise

Football 2011

MOSCOWPULLMAN DAILY NEWS

A change in culture Potlatch’s Pat Amos has breathed new life into Logger football

By Ben Handel Daily News intern

The Potlatch Loggers have never won a playoff game, but coach Pat Amos intends to change that this year.

In his four years as coach, Amos has breathed new life into a program with a history of losing. Last year the Loggers went 6-4 and made the state playoffs for the second year in a row before falling to eventual state 2011 champions SCHEDULE Troy in a close playoff Sept. 2: vs. game.

Timberline T h e Sept. 9: at Loggers Potlatch return six Sept. 16: starters at Prairie on offense Sept. 23: and six on vs. Troy defense, Sept. 30: includat Deary ing first Oct. 7: vs. team allClearwater league runValley ning back Oct. 14: at Stephen Kendrick Brent and Oct. 21: at second team Lapwai all-league Oct. 28: at defensive Lewis County tackle Gavin Butterfield.

However, they will need to replace CJ Keasal and Logan Larson, two of last year’s seniors who led the team both on the field and in the locker room.

Larson and Keasal were part of the first class Amos coached for a full four years. They played a major role in changing the culture of Potlatch football and building a competitive program.

“My first two years we struggled due to numbers and some social situations,” Amos said.

“Two years ago Logan Larson, CJ Keasal, Dustin Sheppard, Levi Dawson — that group of seniors and juniors made a decision to change the culture

Dean Hare/Daily News

Center Shaston McMannes snaps the ball as part of punting drills. here and become a football program.”

Amos said the leadership from his older players played a huge role in the success of the team that year.

“Our focus in practice improved and our attitudes improved on the field and in the school,” he said. “They changed the culture of the football program and obviously we’ve seen the benefit.”

The Loggers have made the playoffs only four times in team history, but two of those seasons have been in the last two years.

Amos said winning a playoff game is the next big step for his team.

“We’ve got a great senior class coming in, very athletic, and the other day I asked them what they wanted their legacy to be,” Amos said. “Right now we’re making the playoffs, but we want to kick it up a notch and compete at a high level in the state playoffs. I think they are definitely capable of doing that.”

Key to the Loggers’ success will be the play of new quarterback, junior Drew Magallon.

He will have seniors Stephen Brent and James Amos in the backfield. Gavin Butterfield and Jake McMillian, also seniors, will anchor the offensive line along with juniors Chris Collins (center) and Philip Burkgart

(tight end).

Although he said he thinks his team can compete with the best, Amos knows the Whitepine League will be tough this year.

“Genesee lost only two from a very talented team. Prairie currently has a program that will always produce a very tough team, and I know Troy lost a lot of players, but don’t overlook them. We saw them at camp and they are working very hard and playing very hard,” Amos said.

Ben Handel is an intern for the Daily News. He can be reached at sports@ dnews.com.

A LOOK AT THE LOGGERS Coach: Pat Amos (5th season, 15-23) Last season: 6-4 Top returners: Stephen Brent (RB/OLB), James Amos (RB/LB), Travis Garcia (WR/ OLB), Drew Magallon (QB/S), Phillip Burkgart (TE/ILB), Gavin Butterfield (G/DT), Chris Collins (C/DT), Jake McMillian (G/DE), Mark Amos (TE/DE) Breakout players: Stephen Brent — “Is an outstanding athlete and a very dangerous runner,” Amos said. ... Travis Garcia — “A great receiver and scoring threat. We’ve got to get the ball in his hands more this season.” ... Drew Magallon — “Gives us a lot of options that we didn’t have last year with CJ. He has been working hard to get stronger and on his throwing skills.” ... Gavin Butterfield and Chris Collins — “Are the anchor to our defensive line. They will be tough to run against.”

Big game: Genesee — “We play Genesee, a very talented team that only lost two kids.

Should be a great game.”

Strengths: “We have some guys that can move the ball and some guys that can hit pretty dang hard,” Amos said. “We return our entire offensive line this year so that will be a big key for us.”

Questions: “We lost a couple of leaders last year so we’re going to be looking for some leadership, but I think there are some kids on this team that can fill that role.”

| Friday, August 26, 2011 | 9

Vikings from Page 7

improved Viking on the defensive side of the ball last season and is expected to do big things both ways.

Perhaps no junior has seen more varsity action than lineman Wyatt Mitchell, who will be a third-year starter.

Sophomore Kevin Knauff, who started at middle linebacker as a freshman, will be “a year older and a year wiser than he probably should be,” Thompson said. However, that experience should serve him well this season as he mans the middle.

The Vikings will run a double-tight ground and pound, ball-control offense this season. Defensively, Gar-Pal runs a blend of several looks to keep offenses off-balance.

For most of the varsity starters, both playbooks are going to have to be absorbed.

Gar-Pal opens the season at home against Selkirk on Sept. 9 at 7 p.m., but the first real test will be a week later when the Vikings hit the road to take on Almira-CouleeHartline, which battles into the playoffs every year.

“So that second non-leaguer of the year is going to be a real gauge of where we are at,” Thompson said.

Andrew Nemec can be reached at (208)882-5561, ext. 230, or by email at anemec@dnews.com.

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10 | Friday, August 26, 2011 |

Football 2011

MOSCOWPULLMAN DAILY NEWS

That championship season The model of success Deary looks to return to glory years

Troy wants to add another

2011 SCHEDULE

By Devin Rokyta Daily News staff writer

A newly hung state title banner in the Troy High School gymnasium doesn’t change the way thirdyear coach Rob Bafus is approaching the upcoming season.

It’s always been about hanging banners, and it still is.

“What else is there to shoot for?” Bafus asked. “If we’re not shooting to hang a banner in the gym then what else is there?”

Last season’s championship was the first since 1980 for the proud football program. Despite numerous dominant seasons, including a four-year stretch from 2004 to 2007 in which the Trojans racked up a 386 record, a state title proved to be elusive.

The 2010 Trojans were different. Bafus said aside from the team’s superior athleticism, they also displayed a great dedica-

Dean Hare/Daily News

Troy quarterback Cody Self takes a snap. tion to their ultimate goal.

“We had athletes that understood what we were telling them and believed in what we were telling them and were dedicated and said, ‘OK, I’m in.

Lets go.’ That was pretty special to be a part of,” Bafus said.

On their way to the title, the Trojans blew out nearly every one of their opponents, with Genesee being the only squad in the regular season that could stay within two touchdowns of the mighty Trojans. In the first round of the playoffs, Potlatch hung with Troy but fell 20-14.

The Trojans followed with a 34-14 thumping of Prairie and a 32-6 win over Grace in the title game.

That Trojans’ team also resonated with the city of Troy. The town firmly stood behind their undefeated squad, lining the sidewalks of Main Street for a post-game parade and celebration of the team’s championship win.

“I can’t say enough about the support we’ve gotten from the boosters, the community, the administration, the staff, the faculty. ... It’s just brought us together,” Bafus said, fighting back tears. “I

Sept. 2: at Kendrick Sept. 9: at Lapwai Sept. 16: vs.

Lewis County Sept. 23: at Potlatch Sept. 30: vs.

Timberline-Weippe Oct. 7: vs. Deary Oct. 14: at Clearwater Valley Oct. 21: vs. Genesee Oct. 28: at Prairie

get choked up talking about it, but it was pretty cool.”

The championship also has left an imprint on the program’s players.

“The enthusiasm I saw in the offseason through our summer strength and speed program is where I really saw the state title pay dividends,” Bafus said. “... Hopefully, we can (win another title), make it a common thing for us.”

Devin Rokyta can be reached at (208)882-5561, ext. 231, or by email at drokyta@dnews.com.

said. “It would take a special group of kids that were committed to being their absolute After failing to make the best every time they stepped playoffs back-to-back years onto the field and having a cerand posting a 1-7 record last tain sense of pride in upholding season, it’s easy to forget the a tradition.”

And for the Mustangs, that Deary Mustangs were the means a change of model of success culture is needed, in the Whitepine a process which 2011 League just a few Henderson said years ago.

SCHEDULE has already startDeary domied. nated the conferSept. 2: vs.

“One thing we ence in the 1990s, Clearwater Valley are stressing this winning six Sept. 9: at Prairie year is to be motileague titles, placSept. 16: vs. Lapwai vated by a need to ing runner-up at Sept. 30: vs. Potlatch be successful and state three times Oct. 7: at Troy not by a need to and taking three Oct. 14: at Genesee avoid failure,” state championOct. 21: vs. Kendrick he said. “When ships. And in the Oct. 28: at Timberline avoiding failure, last decade, the we hold back and Mustangs won two league championships and don’t commit to putting all of went to the playoffs four times. what we have into something The Mustangs new head because it won’t hurt as much coach, Doug Henderson, has if it doesn’t pan out. It’s a builtseen firsthand what it takes in excuse.”

Henderson has preached to to reach those elite levels, having suited up for Deary as a his players that their success fullback and linebacker from this season won’t be based on 1995-98. During that span, wins and losses, but whether the Mustangs posted a 43-3 if the players show 100 percent record, winning four straight effort, 100 percent buy-in.

“I expect us to surprise some Whitepine League titles and appearing in the state title people — that might not come game each season, coming in the form of a winning score on our side of the scoreboard,” away victorious twice.

“I’m not sure what the blue- he said, “but I think it will print is for getting back to that come in the form of our physilevel of repeat excellence,” he cality, tenacity and heart.”

By Devin Rokyta

Daily News staff writer

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Football 2011

Colfax from Page 8

must have good student athletes — something Colfax has always had.

Children in Colfax get started playing football in the third grade with the Colfax youth football program. From there, they head into Colfax’s successful junior high program. Next, it’s high school football.

“We’ve built a program to where success begets success, and we just move it on up through there,” Morgan said.

“So we get to see those younger guys come along.”

The players at Colfax came up with core covenants for the team four years ago when they moved into the tougher

Colton from Page 8

to make it out of the quarterfinals— a trend Vining and company hope to avoid this year.

“We are trying to break though that quarterfinal wall,” Vining said. “It’s still pretty early, but I think we have the potential to do some really good things out there.”

The Wildcats are hoping “out there” soon refers to a game in the Tacoma Dome, where glory and a championship may wait.

Andrew Nemec can be reached at (208) 882-5561, ext. 230.

MOSCOWPULLMAN DAILY NEWS

2B Northeast League from the 1A Northeast. Those covenants are represented on their jerseys with the letters “C.H.H.R.R” — standing for character, honor, heart, respect and relentless.

“That’s what guides our program,” Morgan said. “You ask any of our kids what C.H.H.R.R means, and they are going to tell you all five of them. They are going to tell you what it looks like on the football field, what it looks like in the classroom, and what it looks like out in the public.”

With the tradition established at Colfax, success will be the theme for years to come.

“If you lay a good foundation, and you surround yourself with good people, you’re always going to be in the top half of what you do,” Morgan said.

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Sept. 16: at Joseph, 7 p.m.

Sept. 23: at Pomeroy, 7 p.m.

Sept. 30: vs. LaCrosseWashtucna, 7 p.m.

Oct. 7: at Touchet, 7 p.m.

Oct. 14: at Liberty Christian, 7 p.m.

Oct. 21: vs. Sunnyside Christian, 7 p.m.

Oct. 28: vs. Saint John Endicott, 7 p.m.

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| Friday, August 26, 2011 | 11

Senior QB hopes to lead Tigers on title run Members of the Kendrick Tigers run warm-up sprints.

Kendrick’s Hall looks to get his team past Troy, Potlatch

By Matt Baide Daily News intern

Growing up in Kendrick, Austin Hall got into football as a 7-year-old after his older brother, Brett, a 2005 Kendrick High School graduate, and his father helped steer him toward the sport.

“I was running around with all the players, managing, being the water boy, so I’ve been around Kendrick football for around 10 years now,” Hall said.

When it came to his turn with the Tigers football team, he didn’t get the chance to pick his position.

“I am pretty smart, and I know our playbook pretty well.

I make pretty good decisions on the field. So (the coaches) kinda wanted me to run the show at quarterback,” Hall said. “I got put there a few years ago and kind of worked my way up.”

It appears they made the right decision.

“Austin was all-league last year,” assistant coach Mike Hogan said. “If he wasn’t, he should have been.”

Hall’s two idols at quarterback are Peyton Manning and Michael Vick. Hall says he has a similar style to Michael Vick because of his ability to scramble and make plays with his feet.

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“He’s a lefty, and I’m a lefty, we finally got the group we and we run quite a bit,” Hall need.”

If the Tigers are to make it to said.

Listed at 5-foot-6, that mobil- the state playoffs, they’ll have to ity is used to get outside the go through rivals Potlatch and Troy — the top two teams in pocket. the 1A Whitepine “(My) weakness League last seais definitely my height,” Hall said.

2011 SCHEDULE son. Troy carried its league success “I’m not very tall, Aug. 26: vs. to the postseason, so I do have to get where it wrapped out of the pocket …

Timberline up a state title.

I drop back, and I Sept. 2: vs. Troy “We’ve already can’t really see over Sept. 16: vs. started preparthe line too well.”

Clearwater Valley ing for those two Now a senior, Sept. 23: at Genesee teams,” Hall said. the quarterback is Sept. 30: at Prairie “We can’t take anylooking for the playOct. 14: vs. Potlatch thing off those two offs, and a chance to Oct. 21: at Deary weeks.” play in the Kibbie Oct. 28: vs. Lapwai The playoffs Dome. He said he — and possibly a has always wanted to play in the dome, and this title run — will probably be year he hopes to get his chance. Hall’s last hurrah in football.

With five seniors coming He said he doesn’t think there back, the team looks poised to will be collegiate football in his do that. future.

“We got a good chance,” Hall said. “We’ve been working our Matt Baide can be reached way up the last few years, and at sports@dnews.com.

ABOUT THE TIGERS Coach: Davey Steele Returning Players: Seniors: Austin Hall, Blake Warner, Jared Mendez, Holden Nelson, Tyler Burke, Tim Olson; Juniors: Jared Boyle, Dylan Scott Breakout Players: Austin Hall, Blake Warner “I think Austin was all league last year,” coach Mike Hogan said. “If he wasn’t he should have been. And Blake is probably one of the faster kids in the league.”

Last Season’s record: 5-4 Big games: Troy and Potlatch,

“Their linemen are so big, we believe they had to take them to the U of I to weigh them because the high school scales are too small,” Hogan said.

Strengths: The returning juniors and seniors Weaknesses: Slow and not big Where team will finish in conference: “In the middle of the conference with the winner of the Troy/Potlach game being the team to beat in the conference,” Hogan said.

12 | Friday, August 26, 2011 |

Football 2011

MOSCOWďšşPULLMAN DAILY NEWS

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