Prep Sports_2012 by Mid-Valley Media

PREP FOOTBALL 2012

Chasing after the trophy Linn and Benton County teams begin quest for their respective state titles

August 31, 2012

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Albany Democrat-Herald, Albany, Ore., Corvallis Gazette-Times, Corvallis, Ore.

Friday, August 31, 2012

PREP FOOTBALL 2012 Table of contents Corvallis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Crescent Valley . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Team schedules . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Lebanon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 South Albany . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 West Albany . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Philomath . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Sweet Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Harrisburg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Jefferson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Scio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Santiam Christian . . . . . . . . .21 Central Linn . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 Monroe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 Alsea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

Contributing writers Jesse Sowa, Albany DemocratHerald Bob Lundeberg,Albany Democrat-Herald Scott Campbell,Albany DemocratHerald Les Gehrett, Albany DemocratHerald Aaron Yost, Corvallis GazetteTimes

It’s football time, so get ready Are you ready for some football?!?!? Well, we here at the Albany Democrat Herald and Corvallis GazetteTimes certainly are now. For the first time in a number of years, we STEVE have put toGRESS gether a high From the editor school football section for you. This publication will take a look at the 14 teams in Linn and Benton counties as many get ready to kick off the season this weekend. In the following pages, you can read about the prospects of those teams

Contributing photographers Jesse Skoubo, Albany Democrat-Herald and Corvallis Gazette-Times Mark Ylen,Albany Democrat-Herald

Copy editors Brad Fuqua, Kevin Hampton, Steve Gress, Corvallis GazetteTimes

Inside photos Corvallis’Jago Cox, by Mark Ylen, Albany DemocratHerald/8 South Albany offense, by Andy Cripe, Corvallis GazetteTimes/16-17 Lebanon’s Kyle Saulmonpulls, by David Patton, Albany Democrat-Herald/22 Crescent Valley’s Tanner Holland, by Andy Cripe, Corvallis Gazette-Times/27 West Albany’s Anthony Thompson, by Mark Ylen, Albany Democrat-Herald/31

On the cover Santiam Christian won the 3A state title last year. Photo by Jesse Skoubo, photo illustration by Andy Cripe.

thanks to stories by Aaron Yost of the GT, and Jesse Sowa, Bob Lundeberg, Scott Campbell and Les Gehrett of the DH. Also, Lundeberg takes a look at some of the (presumably) more intriguing matchups in each of the classifications involving the teams in our coverage areas. Photographer Jesse Skoubo, who splits his time between the two papers, took all but one of the portraits for this publication; Mark Ylen of the DH also took one. A little about the packaging of the stories. It’s always tough to decide which team should go first, etc., so we decided the best way was to start with the 5A teams and work our way down. So the

5A schools are first, followed by 4A, 3A, 2A and our one 1A school, Alsea. (Let’s hope the Wolverines can field a varsity team; read more about why on Page 29) Then we went alphabetical order. We also have a few pages with just a photo from last season. We hope you enjoy a bit of last year as you prepare for this one. Check the left column on this page to find out who they are and who took the photos. There are a number of intriguing storylines, and we hope you enjoy the stories and wish the best of luck to all of the teams. It could be another banner year for some of our teams.

GAMES TO WATCH IN 2012 Albany Democrat-Herald writer Bob Lundeberg takes a look at some of the more-intriguing games by classification. There could be plenty more that will draw the attention of fans, but here are three each from 5A, 4A, 3A and 2A that involve teams in Linn and Benton counties.

5A Today Mountain View at Lebanon The Warriors have waited all offseason for their one shot at revenge. Lebanon saw its 2011 season come to an end following a 42-21 loss at Mountain View in the 5A state quarterfinals. Lebanon led 8-0 after the first quarter before the Cougars of-

fense woke up. Mountain View went on to win the 5A state championship, but lost offensive player of the year Jacob Hollister and defensive player of the year Joel Skotte. When the Cougars cross the Cascades for tonight’s season opener, the Warriors will be ready for payback. Friday, Sept. 14 Crescent Valley at West Albany The first week of the Mid-Willamette Conference slate features a battle between two teams with serious conference championship aspirations. The Bulldogs won the conference last year and return several of their key players, including running back Jake LaCoste.

The Raiders had their 2011 campaign derailed by injuries and are determined to regain their 2010 form. After this contest, one of the conference’s top title contenders will have an early “L” in the loss column. Friday, Oct. 26 West Albany at Corvallis When the two schools met in last year’s regularseason finale, all Corvallis needed was a win to claim the MWC title. Instead, the Bulldogs squeaked by the Spartans, and West later won the title outright after Silverton downed Lebanon. Corvallis may get the opportunity to ruin West’s bid for a second straight conference title in this year’s MWC season-ending matchup. SEE GAMES | 30

Albany Democrat-Herald, Albany, Ore., Corvallis Gazette-Times, Corvallis, Ore.

Friday, August 31, 2012

Corvallis Spartans

Spartans embrace new era Corvallis must replace 18 starters BY AARON YOST CORVALLIS GAZETTE-TIMES

CORVALLIS — It’s a new era at Corvallis High. That’ll happen when 18 of 22 starters leave via cap and gown. It’s also a rare event at one of the more storied schools in the state. “I can’t think of a time in my 11 years,” coach Chris McGowan said. “A couple years ago, when last year’s seniors were sophomores, we had quite a few playing then.” But the utter absence of returners? There’s four “bonafide starters” and “a few other guys with a little bit of experience,” McGowan admitted. “It presents a whole new set of challenges,” he said. “The positive thing, there’s a lot of opportunities for guys to compete for spots. I’ve sensed guys have opportunities and they see it. “Get some young guys experience and it will benefit you in the future. It’s a concern in terms of how fast you have to grow.” Receiver Jordan Skipper is the most recognizable name among the returning starters. Matherin Langley is switching positions on offense and being asked to run a tweaked Spartans offense. “One thing we did because we didn’t have an established quarterback, we took one of our better ath-

JESSE SKOUBO | CORVALLIS GAZETTE-TIMES

Connor Hennessy, Jordan Skipper and Parker Waid have some big shoes to fill for the Spartans. letes and made him into a quarterback,” McGowan said. “Matherin played corner, he played receiver. He worked hard over the summer and embraced that sit-

uation.” With a small, inexperienced line, the Spartans are going to look to spread the ball — not just among more players, but across the field.

Don’t expect CHS to line up and run power-I football. The Spartans don’t have the personnel to do that this season. SEE SPARTANS | 12

Albany Democrat-Herald, Albany, Ore., Corvallis Gazette-Times, Corvallis, Ore.

Friday, August 31, 2012

Crescent Valley Raiders

JESSE SKOUBO | CORVALLIS GAZETTE-TIMES

Crescent Valley quarterback Tanner Sanders, center, should be well protected by linemen Bryon Bodon, left, and Austin Powell, who have committed to play at Portland State.

Raiders not looking ahead Crescent Valley focused on getting better each week BY AARON YOST CORVALLIS GAZETTE-TIMES

CORVALLIS — Two years ago, Crescent Valley High reached the 5A football semifinals with a veteran senior group. With a much younger team last season, the Raiders lost in the first round as much because of injuries as inexperience. Guess what the Raiders are thinking about this fall? “We got in a mistake with that sen-

ior class two years ago that all we talked about was winning the state championship and we forgot some of the little things,” CV coach Scott Sanders said. “That was a poor job that I did — I was just as excited as the kids about making the state semifinals. Now our mentality is one game at a time.” With nine starters back on both sides of the ball, that mentality might be surprising to anyone outside the program. But the Raiders learned the hard way last season to never take a game — or practice — for granted. In one week they lost two starting quarterbacks (Chase Cochran and

Tanner Sanders) and had to contend with other injuries as well. Lineman Bryon Boden was lost for the season after just two games; Austin Powell played much of the season hurt. Those two have already received scholarship offers from Portland State. Their absence — and limitations — meant several younger players gained experience beyond their years. “A lot of guys got experience last year when (others) were hurt, and that’s going to really help us this year,” said Tanner Fiez, who led 5A in tackles in 2011. “No one is satisfied with the way SEE RAIDERS | 12

Albany Democrat-Herald, Albany, Ore., Corvallis Gazette-Times, Corvallis, Ore.

Friday, August 31, 2012

2012 Schedules 5A

Corvallis

Philomath

Aug. 31: at Willamette, 7 p.m. Sept. 7: Springfield, 7 p.m. Sept. 14: Woodburn, 7 p.m. Sept. 21: at Silverton, 7 p.m. Sept. 28: at South Albany, 7 p.m. Oct. 5: Crescent Valley, 7 p.m. Oct. 11: at Lebanon, 7 p.m. Oct. 19: Dallas, 7 p.m. Oct. 26: West Albany, 7 p.m.

Aug. 31: Yamhill-Carlton, 7 p.m. Sept. 7: Elmira, 7 p.m. Sept. 14: at La Salle Prep, 7 p.m. Sept. 21: at Gladstone, 7 p.m. Sept. 28: Central, 7 p.m. Oct. 5: at Taft, 7 p.m. Oct. 11: Newport, 7 p.m. Oct. 19: at Cascade, 7 p.m. Oct. 26: Stayton, 7 p.m.

Crescent Valley

Sweet Home

Aug. 31: Radford (HI), 7 p.m. Sept. 7: Putnam, 7 p.m. Sept. 14: at West Albany, 7 p.m. Sept. 21: Lebanon, 7 p.m. Sept. 28: Dallas, 7 p.m. Oct. 5: at Corvallis, 7 p.m. Oct. 11: at South Albany, 7 p.m. Oct. 19: Silverton, 7 p.m. Oct. 26: Woodburn, 7 p.m.

Aug. 31: at Redmond, 7 p.m. Sept. 7: at Banks, 7 p.m. Sept. 14: at Central, 7 p.m. Sept. 21: Sutherlin, 7 p.m. Sept. 28: at Sisters, 7 p.m. Oct. 5: Elmira, 7 p.m. Oct. 11: La Pine, 7 p.m. Oct. 19: at Junction City, 7 p.m. Oct. 26: Cottage Grove, 7 p.m.

Lebanon Aug. 31: Mountain View, 7 p.m. Sept. 7: at Ashland, 7 p.m. Sept. 14: South Albany, 7 p.m. Sept. 21: at Crescent Valley, 7 p.m. Sept. 28: at Woodburn, 7 p.m. Oct. 5: Silverton, 7 p.m. Oct. 12: Corvallis, 7 p.m. Oct. 19: at West Albany, 7 p.m. Oct. 26: Dallas, 7 p.m.

South Albany Aug. 31: at Mckay, 7 p.m. Sept. 7: North Eugene, 7 p.m. Sept. 14: at Lebanon, 7 p.m. Sept. 21: Dallas, 7 p.m. Sept. 28: Corvallis, 7 p.m. Oct. 5: at West Albany, 7 p.m. Oct. 11: Crescent Valley, 7 p.m. Oct. 19: at Woodburn, 7 p.m. Oct. 26: at Silverton, 7 p.m.

West Albany Aug. 31: at Pendleton, 7 p.m. Sept. 7: Lakeridge, 7 p.m. Sept. 14: Crescent Valley, 7 p.m. Sept. 21: at Woodburn, 7 p.m. Sept. 28: at Silverton, 7 p.m. Oct. 5: South Albany, 7 p.m. Oct. 11: at Dallas, 7 p.m. Oct. 19: Lebanon, 7 p.m. Oct. 26: at Corvallis, 7 p.m.

Harrisburg Aug. 31: Gervais, 7 p.m. Sept. 7: Glide, 7 p.m. Sept. 14: Scio, 7 p.m. Sept. 21: at Pleasant Hill, 7 p.m. Sept. 28: Toledo, 7 p.m. Oct. 5: at Santiam Christian, 7 p.m. Oct. 12: Salem Academy, 7 p.m. Oct.19: at Blanchet Catholic,7 p.m. Oct. 26: Creswell, 7 p.m. Nov. 2: at Jefferson, 7 p.m.

Jefferson Aug. 31: at Regis, 7 p.m. Sept. 7: at Scio, 7 p.m. Sept. 14: Pleasant Hill, 7 p.m. Sept. 21: at Toledo, 7 p.m. Sept. 28: Santiam Christian, 7 p.m. Oct. 5: at Salem Academy, 7 p.m. Oct. 11: Blanchet Catholic, 7 p.m. Oct. 19: at Creswell, 7 p.m. Nov. 2: Harrisburg, 7 p.m.

Santiam Christian Aug. 31: Cascade Christian, 7 p.m. Sept. 7: Salem Academy, 7 p.m. Sept. 14: Blanchet Catholic, 7 p.m. Sept. 21: Creswell, 7 p.m. Sept. 28: at Jefferson, 7 p.m. Oct. 5: Harrisburg, 7 p.m.

Oct. 12: at Scio, 7 p.m. Oct. 19: Pleasant Hill, 7 p.m. Oct. 26: at Toledo, 7 p.m. Nov. 2: at Clatskanie, 7 p.m.

Oct. 26: Regis, 7 p.m. Nov. 2: at Kennedy, 7 p.m.

Scio

Aug. 31: Santiam, 7 p.m. Sept. 7: at Sheridan, 7 p.m. Sept. 14: Lowell, 7 p.m. Sept. 21: at Coquille, 7 p.m. Oct. 5: at Glendale, 7 p.m. Oct. 12: Riddle, 7 p.m. Oct. 18: at Oakland, 7 p.m. Oct. 26: at North Douglas, 7 p.m. Nov. 2: Oakridge, 7 p.m.

Sept.1: Dayton (at Hillsboro),7 p.m. Sept. 7: Jefferson, 7 p.m. Sept. 14: at Harrisburg, 7 p.m. Sept. 21: Oakland, 7 p.m. Sept. 28: Pleasant Hill, 7 p.m. Oct. 5: at Toledo, 7 p.m. Oct. 12: Santiam Christian, 7 p.m. Oct. 19: at Salem Academy, 7 p.m. Oct. 26: Blanchet Catholic, 7 p.m. Nov. 2: at Creswell, 7 p.m.

2A Central Linn Aug. 31: Toledo, 7 p.m. Sept. 7: at Oakland, 7 p.m. Sept. 14: at Oakridge, 7 p.m. Sept. 21: at Neah-Kah-Nie, 7 p.m. Sept. 28: at Glide, 7 p.m. Oct. 5: at Waldport, 7 p.m. Oct. 12: at Culver 7 p.m. Oct. 19: Santiam, 7 p.m.

Monroe

1A Alsea Aug. 31: at Mapleton, 5 p.m. Sept. 7: Crow, 7 p.m. Sept. 14: at Yoncalla, 7 p.m. Sept. 21: at St. Paul, 7 p.m. Sept. 27: Oregon School for the Deaf, 3 p.m. Oct. 5: Jewell, 7 p.m. Oact. 19: at Falls City, 7 p.m. Oct. 26: Perrydale, 7 p.m. Nov.2: at Portland Lutheran,2 p.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; All schedules subject to change

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Friday, August 31, 2012

Albany Democrat-Herald, Albany, Ore., Corvallis Gazette-Times, Corvallis, Ore.

Lebanon Warriors

JESSE SKOUBO | ALBANY DEMOCRAT-HERALD

Lebanon’s Keaton Scavone, left, Jake May, center, and Tim Ferrell will play key roles as the Warriors look to return to the playoffs.

Expectations remain high Warriors may have lost some key players, but they still have sights set high in 2012 BY BOB LUNDEBERG ALBANY DEMOCRAT-HERALD

LEBANON — By almost any measure, Josh Dykes’ first season at the helm of the Lebanon High football program was a resounding success. Dykes had the Warriors in position to win the Mid-Willamette Conference last year before a road loss to Silverton in the final week of the regular season gave the title to West Albany.

Lebanon regrouped for the playoffs and advanced to the state quarterfinals, falling to eventual champion Mountain View. Despite losing several integral players to graduation, Dykes is expecting similar results in 2012. “There are some guys we have to replace, and we understand that. So far, our guys have looked great,” Dykes said. Quarterback and two-time MidWillamette Conference player of the year Ben Duerr is gone. Fullback Garrett Urrutia, who averaged more than 12 yards per carry and scored 18 rushing touchdowns, is no longer in the

backfield. But Dykes refuses to use any of that as an excuse. “The kids have to step up, and they have been stepping up,” Dykes said. “We have a great group of returning offensive linemen who all have started at some point in time.” “You know, we don’t think about that when we are out on the field,” senior running back and linebacker Luke Rappe said of the graduated players. “We just play hard and bring the others along. Our young guys, the ones that really haven’t played varsity, they are playing well.” SEE LEBANON | 13

Albany Democrat-Herald, Albany, Ore., Corvallis Gazette-Times, Corvallis, Ore.

Friday, August 31, 2012

South Albany Rebels

JESSE SKOUBO | ALBANY DEMOCRAT-HERALD

South Albany’s Shane Brown, left, Tanner Tibbett, center, and Tanner Gremz are focused on moving ahead after a winless 2011 campaign.

Renewed energy for Rebels New coach has South Albany ready to forget the past BY SCOTT CAMPBELL ALBANY DEMOCRAT-HERALD

ALBANY — As the Bryce Erickson era is ushered in at South Albany High, the football program is fueled with renewed energy and belief that a promising future is on the horizon. “We want to go out big and make our impact,” said senior receiver Trenton Webb.“Get rid of the history and make our own.” The Rebels, who have not won a Mid-Willamette Conference game the past two seasons, are buying into what their first-year head coach is preaching. South Albany will look to play an attack-oriented brand of football on

both sides of the ball. “That’s my personality,” Erickson said. “I just want our guys to play fast, play aggressive, be fearless and the motto around here is: ‘Play the Next Play.’” “You’re held to a higher standard than in years past,” said senior quarterback Tanner Tibbett. “He gets in your face a little bit. It’s good for us.“ Erickson, whose father, Dennis, is a longtime college and pro football coach, including a stop at Oregon State from 1999-2002, has been pleased with his team’s reaction. “It’s been an amazing response from this football team, the whole team is buying into what we’re trying to accomplish here,” he said.“We’ve got great team leadership on this football team.” Erickson and his staff are installing a spread offense, while moving away

from the double-wing formation the program has used in the past. “I think they’re doing an amazing job, they’ve caught on really well so far,” Erickson said. “This type of offense is all about repetition. Overall the kids have been amazing and they’re hungry and excited.” South Albany had glimpses of the spread offense last year, but the players are enthusiastic about making the full transition. However, the key for the Rebels will not be on offense but in how the team approaches adversity. “You can’t get down,” Tibbett said.“Once one thing went bad, then everything went south and we can’t do that. We did that a lot last year.” The Rebels program has already SEE REBELS | 14

Friday, August 31, 2012

Albany Democrat-Herald, Albany, Ore., Corvallis Gazette-Times, Corvallis, Ore.

Friday, August 31, 2012

West Albany Bulldogs

JESSE SKOUBO | ALBANY DEMOCRAT-HERALD

West Albany’s Jake LaCoste, left, Brendon Breslin, center, and Tanner Gardner have the Bulldogs primed for another strong season.

Keeping the tradition going West Albany has been model of consistency at 5A level BY JESSE SOWA ALBANY DEMOCRAT-HERALD

ALBANY — Players are hungry and focused to continue a tradition and build off last year’s success. West Albany returns many key pieces from a team that finished the 2011 season in the 5A state semifinals. The Bulldogs want to use that experi-

ence — led by seven juniors who started as sophomores — to keep up what has been a strong program in recent years. West has reached at least the state semifinals in five of the six seasons since the creation of the classification, including last year when the Bulldogs dropped a 61-28 decision to eventual runner-up Sherwood. “It pushed us a lot because we were so close yet so far away,” said junior running back Jake LaCoste, whose 2011 season included a state-record 508

rushing yards in a win against Silverton. The Bulldogs went 10-3 last year, winning the Mid-Willamette Conference and three playoff games. West did it with many sophomores and juniors who are back to make another run. “I think that was good for those young kids and that’s going to help us,” coach Randy Nyquist said, noting his team’s focus so far in early practices. “We have goals and want to improve.” SEE BULLDOGS | 13

Friday, August 31, 2012

Albany Democrat-Herald, Albany, Ore., Corvallis Gazette-Times, Corvallis, Ore.

Philomath Warriors

More experience and depth After years of few players, Philomath back at full strength BY AARON YOST CORVALLIS GAZETTE-TIMES

PHILOMATH — It’s all too easy to recall the days when coach Troy Muir was the scout team quarterback, and he and the other Philomath High coaches were playing defensive backs and linebackers in practice. That was so the Warriors could run plays at full speed and scrimmage a little while preparing for games. These days it’s more about having enough coaches to work with all the players. The Warriors turned a big corner last season, finishing 10th in the final OSAA rankings before falling in the 4A play-in round to Sweet Home. And they return seven starters on both sides of the ball, including four-year starter Derek Nash at quarterback and four starting linemen. “We’re going to be big and physical,” Muir said. “It’s something I’ve never been able to say — and experienced as well. We’ve had some big, physical kids, just never with the experience and attitude these guys definitely have.” The Warriors will miss the multi-talents of Matt Trask — the team’s emotional leader as well as running back and linebacker — and tight end/defensive end

JESSE SKOUBO | CORVALLIS GAZETTE-TIMES

Philomath’s Ben DeSaulnier, left, Derek Nash, center, and Trent Hardin will lead the Warriors. John Hanson, but Muir believes they’ll manage. “I don’t think you replace Matt — he was pretty

much a three-year starter are going to take up that going both ways for us — slack,” Muir said. “Plus the but we’ve got some other intelligence of Derek and his guys at other positions that SEE PHILOMATH | 15

Albany Democrat-Herald, Albany, Ore., Corvallis Gazette-Times, Corvallis, Ore.

Friday, August 31, 2012

Sweet Home Huskies

Sweet Home sets high goals Huskies return 16 senior starters who want deep playoff run BY JESSE SOWA ALBANY DEMOCRAT-HERALD

SWEET HOME – No more motivation is needed than to look at the final Sky-Em League football standings from last fall. Sweet Home High finished 4-1 in league play, a game back of champion Elmira after a 39-22 loss to the Falcons. The Huskies return 16 seniors who started in 2011, which ended at 8-3 with a 437 round-of-16 loss to Baker in the 4A state playoffs. Winning the Sky-Em is a goal, but senior standout Wade Paulus is thinking even bigger. “Our main goal is to get deep in the playoffs,” said Paulus, the league’s defensive player of the year last year.“If we work well together, we have the talent. We can win a state championship.” Paulus, also a starting running back, is expected to make the move to defensive end or cornerback on defense to fill a need. “Being physical and quick, that’s a pretty good combination at that position” coach Dustin Nichol said of Paulus, an elite-level wrestler. The Huskies, who open the season today at Redmond, have a strong core in the offensive backfield with a solid group of returners. Junior Cole Horner be-

JESSE SKOUBO | ALBANY DEMOCRAT-HERALD

Sweet Home’s Nate Melcher, left, Wade Paulus, center, and Mitch Keenon have big goals for 2012. gins his second year as the starting quarterback, while Paulus, junior Spencer Knight and senior Josh Wooley all return as experienced ball carriers. Nichol, a Sweet Home alum in his third year as head coach, said Horner spent the offseason working on individual skills that have

improved his overall game. “I’m excited about the leadership he’s going to bring and not be so tentative,” the coach said. “He has a little more presence in the huddle than he did last year.” With Horner’s experience comes an opportunity to throw the ball more. One

recipient of that could be senior Mitch Keenon, one of the team’s top receivers in 2011. “Now we have something we can fall back on if our running game doesn’t work,” Paulus said. “Last year we didn’t have much of a passing game at all.” SEE HUSKIES | 15

Friday, August 31, 2012

Albany Democrat-Herald, Albany, Ore., Corvallis Gazette-Times, Corvallis, Ore.

Raiders Hope to avoid injury bug this year Continued from 4

things finished last year,” Tanner Sanders said. “I know myself, personally, being taken out early, I’m kind of playing with a chip on my shoulder.” To a certain extent, all the Raiders are playing with a chip. They believe they can reach the top of the MidWillamette Conference again. With so much experience and size, a deep playoff run is possible as well. Provided ... “Depth is key and we’ve got depth, at the line spots, all over the field we have depth,” Scott Sanders said. “We just can’t lose the same guy at the same position at the same time.” Losing both Cochran, who graduated, and Tanner Sanders meant the Raiders played Tanner Holland at QB. Now the Raiders have two capable quarterbacks and they

CRESCENT VALLEY RAIDERS COACH: Scott Sanders (sixth year) LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 5-5, 3-4 Mid-Willamette Conference (tied for fifth) KEY LOSSES: Chase Cochran (QB), Danny Grigsby (TB), Cole Reynolds, Jalen Rothermund KEY RETURNERS: Tanner Sanders (QB/WR), Tanner Holland (WR/QB/DB), Tanner Fiez (LB), Austin Powell (OT/DT), Brian Bodon (OT/DT), Will Heck (C)

have the luxury of switching the Tanners between receiver and QB. “It won’t be a two-quarterback system, but Tanner Sanders will play some receiver this year,” Scott Sanders said. “We need him out there as well as at quarterback. Whether its a three-one or two-one (series), we don’t know. It’ll depend on how the game’s going.” The Raiders are sticking with the zone option offense. It suits their personnel and both quarterbacks’ abilities. They also have all that

size up front to pave the way for the running game. That cautionary tale of 2011 remains fresh for the Raiders. There’ll be no getting ahead or assuming that all their experience will negate tough luck. “All year for us last year was a domino, a shell game, moving kids around trying to compete,” Scott Sanders said. “If we stay healthy, we really have a chance to do some good things at this school.” The first four weeks might be telling about how good: the Raiders open with Radford High from Honolu-

‘Depth is key and we’ve got depth, at the line spots, all over the field we have depth. We just can’t lose the same guy at the same position at the same time.’ SCOTT SANDERS CRESCENTVALLEY COACH

lu as part of a doubleheader at the Field of Dreams. Then they play Rex Putnam, followed by West Albany and Lebanon to open conference play. “A lot of people may have expectations for us, but we’re trying to focus one game at a time, focus on Radford, focus one practice at a time and keep working hard and not look too far ahead,” Fiez said.

Spartans: Lots of positions up for grabs Continued from 3

“We kind of had a meeting last year and I said ‘I don’t know that we’ll be able to line up in the I-formation and pound it at teams like we have in the past,” McGowan said. “It’s just packaged a little bit differently. We’re going to spread it around a little more.” That excites Skipper and other players. “Well, especially playing receiver, we’re going to go more shotgun and spread the ball out more, some creative stuff,” Skipper said. “It should be a lot of fun, espe-

CORVALLIS SPARTANS COACH: Chris McGowan (11th year) LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 7-4, 5-2 Mid-Willamette Conference (tied for second) KEY LOSSES: Blair Cavanaugh (WR/DB), Nolan Hansen (OT/DE), Isaac Seumalo (OT/DT), Joey Spiegelberg (QB), Ian Leonard (TE/DB) KEY RETURNERS: Jordan Skipper (WR), Matherin Langley (DB/WR), Parker Waid (LB), Connor Hennesy (LB)

cially with the position I play.” To keep teams from stacking against Skipper, the Spartans have Andrew Laney and transfer Cole Garrett. “(Garrett’s) new to our program, he came here from

Texas, but over the summer he’s worked really hard,” McGowan said. “He’s sharp.” Defensively, the Spartans face many of the same challenges. There’s a dearth of experience and an absence of size up front. Their expe-

rience is at linebacker and a bit at defensive back. “We’re still small,” McGowan said. “I didn’t think we were a big team last year with the exception of two guys. We just have to play fast and play to our strengths.” That means playing team football and, quite likely, jamming the box with as many athletes as possible. Regardless of experience, Skipper says the goal remains the same. “Win, that’s pretty much what it comes down to,” he said. “We have fun in practice.”

Albany Democrat-Herald, Albany, Ore., Corvallis Gazette-Times, Corvallis, Ore.

Friday, August 31, 2012

Lebanon: A few new wrinkles on offense? Continued from 6

Senior Brandon Marquez will be taking over for the departed Duerr at QB. Marquez is bigger than his predecessor and has a strong, accurate throwing arm. He also has a firm grasp of Lebanon’s offensive system. Marquez indicated that Dykes has made some changes to his scheme to better accommodate his skillset. Intelligently, Marquez withheld all information on any specific changes. “Different schemes. I think it will be more fun this year. We have changed things up a little. I would say we are opening it up a little bit,” Marquez said with a slight grin. When asked about the scheme changes, Rappe simply said, “we will have a lot more coming at you.” The Warriors played a brutal nonconference schedule in

LEBANON WARRIORS

JESSE SKOUBO | ALBANY DEMOCRAT-HERALD

Lebanon coach Josh Dykes had the Warriors near the top of the standings in 2011. 2011, and Dykes decided to continue that trend this year. Lebanon opened last season with a home loss to Bend and defeated a talented Wilsonville team on the road in Week 4. This year? The Warriors will host Mountain View in a rematch from the state quarterfinals in their season opener, and travel to Ash-

land the following week. Dykes likes to stack his nonconference schedule to show his squad what it takes to play with the big boys. He also likes the boost it gives to Lebanon’s strength of schedules in the OSAA’s power rankings. Marquez and Rappe both agreed that scheduling tough nonconference oppo-

COACH: Josh Dykes (second year) LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 8-4, 5-2 Mid-Willamette Conference (tied for second) KEYLOSSES:Ben Duerr (QB/DB),Garrett Urrutia (RB/DB ),Jared Schmadeka (OL/DL), A.J.Turner (OL/DL), Alex Hoff (TE/LB ) KEY RETURNERS: Tim Ferrell (RB/DL), Keaton Scavone (OL/DL ), Luke Rappe (RB/LB), DJ Knuth (RB/DB )

nents is preferable to facing cream puffs. “The harder the better. It helps us get better and makes us really want it,” Marquez said. “We really don’t know what it is going to be like until we play a tough team. And playing Mountain View to start off, I think it is going to be really good for us.”

Bulldogs: No strangers to the playoffs Continued from 9

The Bulldogs, who open the season today at Pendleton, are even younger this year. The West freshman team went undefeated in 2011, and Nyquist expects three or four sophomores to start this year. Junior quarterback Cody Lahoda was a backup to last’s year’s starter, Branden Myers, and is being pushed for the starting job this year by senior Ben Engel. Lahoda got his most significant playing time last year when Myers went down with a shoulder injury against Sherwood. Lahoda stepped in to go 8

WEST ALBANY BULLDOGS COACH: Randy Nyquist (14th year) LASTYEAR’S RECORD: 10-3, 6-1 Mid-Willamette Conference (first) KEY LOSSES: Isaac Keister (OL/DL ), Aaron Potter (RB/LB) KEY RETURNERS: Jake LaCoste (RB), Andrew Ketelson (WR/DB), Gabe Stone (FB/LB ), Tanner Gardner (LB), Jackson Soto (RB/WR/LB )

for 15 passing with 167 yards and three touchdowns. Junior Andrew Ketelson was a starting cornerback last year and will also play receiver. “I’m pretty confident because I played last year as a sophomore. You know what’s going on,” he said. Junior Brendon Breslin is another returning receiver who is also a kicker and punter.

Seniors Colton Brant and Cole Zumwalt will be anchors on the offensive line as returning starters. Senior Tanner Gardner was a second team all-conference defensive lineman in 2011 and has made the move to linebacker. Junior Gabe Stone was a secondteam linebacker. Senior Hyrum Crook and

junior Jackson Soto also started at linebacker. The defensive line is led by junior Matt Soot. The defensive backs are a mix of veterans and youth, with sophomores Joey Roos and JT Valenzuela in the mix along with Ketelson. Early in fall camp, Ketelson said he liked what he saw from his team. “We’re starting to get a lot more focused and everyone is starting to go 100 percent,” he said. “We’re getting to the point where we don’t have to go over something over and over. We know right where we made a mistake.”

Friday, August 31, 2012

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Rebels: New coach Continued from 7

encountered adversity this offseason as sophomore linebacker and receiver James Grady died in a car incident. “He’s always in our thoughts and minds,” Erickson said.“He is the true definition of what we’re trying to accomplish here at South Albany. He’s a true Rebel and will always be.” South Albany plans to honor Grady by wearing a No.1 helmet decal this season. “We’re dedicating our season to him and working for him because we know he would’ve come out here and given it his all,” Tibbett said. Erickson believes the loss of Grady has helped rally the football team together. “This program and this high school are due for something good to happen,” he said.“I think everything is falling into place.”

SOUTH ALBANY REBELS COACH: Bryce Erickson (first year) LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 0-9, 0-7 Mid-Willamette Conference (eighth) KEY LOSSES: Patrick Fields (QB/DB), Ryan Osuna (OL/DL) KEY RETURNERS: Tanner Tibbett (QB),Trenton Webb (WR)

As the Rebels play a season of tribute, Erickson is inspired by his opportunity to influence and develop youth. “I like being at the high school level because it’s more personable with the kids,” he said.“I just want to see them grow as not just football players, but individuals within the community,with high morals, discipline and accountability. Those are the things we’re trying to instill here.”

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Friday, August 31, 2012

Huskies: Loaded with senior starters Continued from 11

The Huskies answered some questions about themselves during a team camp in June, as Nichol and his staff experimented with players at different spots. Then, in a conditioning camp prior to fall practice, the coach saw more of what he was looking for from his team. “We could tell we could do a lot more plays better than last year,” Nichol said. Zach Gill, a returning senior lineman, said last year’s 8-3 mark was disappointing, despite improving on the win total from a year earlier by five. “We had a young team last year. It was a big step

SWEET HOME HUSKIES

JESSE SKOUBO | ALBANY DEMOCRAT-HERALD

COACH: Dustin Nichol (third year) LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 8-3, 4-1 Sky-Em League (second) KEY LOSSES: Jesse Comstock (OL/DL ), Hunter Bidwell (RB/DB), Scottie Stockman (WR ) KEY RETURNERS: Cole Horner (QB), Wade Paulus (TB/DE), Zach Gill (OG/DT), Mitch Keenon (WR/DB )

Sweet Home quarterback Cole Horner hands off to J.T. Weld during lots of juniors playing varsipractice Monday. The Huskies have big goals for 2012. up,” said Gill, who will make the move from tackle to guard on offense and continue to play defensive tackle. “It might have

been too big for a lot of people.” This fall, the experience has helped the players fill the positions. There were

ty for the first time in 2011, but those same players are now veterans. “This year, I think we can do it. It’s our time to shine now,” Gill said.

Philomath: Has high expectations Continued from 10

experience, we’ll rely on that.” Nash has grown up as the quarterback and point guard for the Warriors. He knows this season will be tougher than any of the previous three. “We’re getting after it because we’re not sneaking up on anybody this year. We’re not the underdogs anymore,” Nash said. “I’ve been here for three years and we’ve always been the underdogs, so it’s kind of nice being a higher level of intensity and better team than we have been.” Davin Silverman missed last season due to eligibility issues and came out this fall with an elevated level of motivation. “Davin Silverman has really done a good job in the spring and summer at so-

PHILOMATH WARRIORS COACH: Troy Muir (sixth year) LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 5-4, 3-2 Oregon West Conference (tied for third) KEY LOSSES: John Hanson (TE/DE), Matt Trask (RB/LB), Zach Trask (WR/DB) KEY RETURNERS: Derek Nash (QB), Ben DeSaulnier (WR/DB), Trent Hardin, Eli Holton

lidifying himself in that spot, he’s accepted that leadership role,” Muir said. “He had a hard season last year, being ineligible. He’s worked his tail off in the weight room and he’s earned his opportunity.” By position, Silverman is slated to fill in where Hanson — now at Western Oregon — was last year. Also, the Warriors have Ben DeSaulnier returning at receiver and defensive back. “He gets a lot of attention for what he does offen-

sively in scoring touchdowns, but he’ll do the little things as well,” Muir said. “And he has to expect to be doubleteamed. I think defensively, he’s really underrated. After about the first half (opponents) know to go to the other side — with not much success either.” Overall, the goal is pretty clear to the Warriors: exceed last season’s accomplishments. After a successful trip to Camp Rilea in July, they believe it’s within their grasp.

‘We’re getting after it because we’re not sneaking up on anybody this year. We’re not the underdogs anymore. I’ve been here for three years and we’ve always been the underdogs, so it’s kind of nice being a higher level of intensity and better team than we have been.’ DEREK NASH PHILOMATH QUARTERBACK

“It’s Hillsboro or bust for us,” Silverman said. “That’s our motto. That’s where the state (championships) will be.”

Friday, August 31, 2012

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Friday, August 31, 2012

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Harrisburg Eagles

MARK YLEN | ALBANY DEMOCRAT-HERALD

Harrisburg’s Victor Valverde, left, Logan Smith, center, and Dax Wilson plan to lead the Eagles to the postseason this year.

Facing a season of transition Younger takes over as coach and brings new motto of ‘leave no doubt’

‘It creates a sense of urgency for us where we need to make sure we are doing things the right way and also getting prepared to play a football game.’

BY SCOTT CAMPBELL

HARRISBURG COACH ON PLAYING IN THE PACWEST CONFERENCE

DAVID YOUNGER ALBANY DEMOCRAT-HERALD

HARRISBURG — As a season of transition begins for the Harrisburg High football team under first-year head coach David Younger, a new motto of “leave no doubt” has the squad believing in the new direction. “If you leave no doubt on the field, you can’t do anything more, even if it’s a win or a loss,” said senior quarterback Logan Smith. While Younger brings a new motto, the playing style will feature a blend of schemes from other mid-valley teams where he previously served as an assistant.

“A lot of things we did at Sweet Home and then a few things we did at West Albany, especially defensively,” Younger said, “you’re going to see out of our teams here at Harrisburg.” Harrisburg’s “leave no doubt” motto carries the expectation of improving every day. “If you watch Game 1, we’re going to be a much better football team by Game 4,” Younger said. Offensively, the Eagles expect to rely heavily on senior running back Alex Ball, a second-team all-PacWest performer on offense and first-teamer

on defense as a cornerback last season. “We’re definitely going to play to his strengths,” Younger said. “You’re going to see him have the ball in his hands a lot.” With the addition of two new teams to the PacWest — Chemawa and Scio — the Eagles will play an additional game in the conference and will also compete in their season opener a week earlier than last year. “It creates a sense of urgency for us,” Younger said, “where we need to SEE HARRISBURG | 23

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Friday, August 31, 2012

Jefferson Lions

JESSE SKOUBO | ALBANY DEMOCRAT-HERALD

Jefferson’s Trevor Thompson, left, Gage Wheeler, center, and Loren Linhart hope to help the Lions turn the program around.

Experience but little depth Jefferson may be coming off rough season, but is making progress heading into 2012 BY LES GEHRETT ALBANY DEMOCRAT-HERALD

JEFFERSON — Brian Martin has been affiliated with Jefferson High’s football program for years, but he never really felt comfortable last season in his first year as the head coach. “It’s kind of like driving someone else’s car. You’re trying to figure out how everything works,” Martin said. “This year, it’s my car. We’re doing

more of what we want to do.” The second-year coach knows the program has a long way to go, but he is excited about the progress made so far this summer and expects improvement from a squad that went 1-9 last season. Depth is a problem for a team that has only 28 players total and will be unable to play a full JV schedule. But there is experience, as 11 seniors return, along with a number of sophomores and juniors that saw playing time last year. “Last year we were pretty young, started several freshmen,” Martin said.

The team will rely on starting senior quarterback Gage Wheeler. He has good size at 6-foot-6 and a strong arm. Wheeler entered last season as the starting quarterback, but suffered a concussion early in the year. His absence hindered the Lions’ offense as opponents keyed on the running game. Wheeler will be targeting senior wideout Cayden Lowe, who brings good speed to the position. The main goal of the passing game is to keep defenses honest, as the Lions’ bread and butter will be their power running game. SEE LIONS | 23

Friday, August 31, 2012

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Scio Loggers

Loggers face new challenge Scio may be moving up a classification but is still loaded BY LES GEHRETT ALBANY DEMOCRAT-HERALD

SCIO — This year’s senior class at Scio High has had a phenomenal run. The Loggers are 40-2 over the past three seasons and have reached three consecutive 2A state championship games, winning titles in 2009 and 2010, and falling to Gold Beach in 2011. But the team is facing a new challenge this year. Scio has moved up to the 3A classification and a new home in the PacWest Conference. Because of their dominance at the 2A level, the Loggers have scheduled up the past couple years, facing some of the state’s best 3A teams and good squads from Washington. “Everybody says it’s a big difference, but I don’t think it is,” said senior running back Daniel Harper. “We’ve played all these teams.” Coach Jim Mask said his team will be up against a higher level of competition on a weekly basis in conference play. “You have to bring it every week. You can’t take weeks off,” Mask said. But the Loggers are well equipped to handle their new schedule. For a team that has achieved so much, they lost only two seniors from last year’s squad — Sean Heil and CJ Siewel.

JESSE SKOUBO | ALBANY DEMOCRAT-HERALD

Scio’s Nathan Jones, left, Daniel Harper, center, and Josh Parazoo have had nothing but success throughout their high school football careers. “We’ll start nine seniors on both sides of the ball,” Mask said. Those seniors include Josh Parazoo, the 2A state lineman of the year, and Ben

Jones, the Tri-River Conference defensive player of the year and a first-team all-state selection at tight end. Harper, who joined Heil

last year as all-state selections at running back, will be a key part of a reconfigured backfield in the Loggers’ double-wing attack. SEE LOGGERS | 23

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Friday, August 31, 2012

Santiam Christian

JESSE SKOUBO | CORVALLIS GAZETTE-TIMES

Santiam Christian’s Joe Pelley, left, Grant Schroeder, center, and Jordan Lange hope to lead the Eagles to a third straight state title game and second consecutive 3A title.

Loaded for another title run Santiam Christian has plenty of weapons to vie for another 3A championship BY AARON YOST CORVALLIS GAZETTE-TIMES

ADAIR VILLAGE — For Grant Schroeder, Jordan Lange and seven other Santiam Christian High seniors, playing for a championship isn’t a dream or even a goal: it’s the expectation. What else would you expect after playing for the 3A title in back-to-

back seasons and winning it all in 2011? “They’ve known nothing except playing in championship games,” coach Dave Lange said. They know it won’t be easy, but six home games and 14 returning starters — including four offensive linemen — beg that the Eagles keep aiming for the top of the mountain. “Last year we were state champions, we’re not going to take that with us this year,” said Jordan Lange, who shared the state defensive player of the year honors in 2011. “It’s a fresh start and that comes with a lot of challenges. We have a lot of experi-

enced guys coming up as seniors who played last year, and a lot of new guys coming up with great hearts, willing to do work.” Work is what the Eagles put in during the offseason. Schroeder, who has started at quarterback for most of the last two seasons, threw between 150 and 200 passes after every weight training session in the offseason, getting comfortable with his new receivers. Once practice began, he’s been staying after for up to an hour to throw to receivers who want to improve and build the SEE SANTIAM CHRISTIAN | 26

Friday, August 31, 2012

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Friday, August 31, 2012

Lions: Looking to build Continued from 19

In the backfield are senior running backs Loren Linhart, who will be the team’s workhorse, and Tyler Martin, who is more of a scatback. “We’re looking to get him outside, get him into some creases,” coach Martin said. Up front, the team will rely on senior lineman Trevor Thompson to pave the way. While Martin is confident the Lions can run behind Thompson, he is expected to have his biggest impact on defense. Thompson, who moved to Jefferson after spending his first two years in high school at West Salem, is very active at the defensive end position. The coaching staff lines

JEFFERSON LIONS COACH: Brian Martin (second year) LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 1-9, 0-7 Pacwest Conference (seventh) KEY LOSSES: Greg Artunyan (OL/DL) KEY RETURNERS: Gage Wheeler (QB), Trevor Thompson (OL/DL), Loren Linhart (RB/LB), Tyler Martin (RB/DB), Cayden Lowe (WR/DB)

him up at both the right and left end positions in their 42-5 scheme so that offenses have a harder time staying away from him. “They’re going to really have to pay attention to him or he will cause real problems,” Martin said. Thompson prefers the action on the defensive side

of the ball. “Just being able to dominate the person in front of you and get to the ball carrier, the rush you get from it,” Thompson said. He likes what he has seen from his teammates as fall camp has progressed. “We’re pushing through it, going through daily doubles,” Thompson said. The defensive unit will be led by Chris Martin, Brian’s son and a former Jefferson player. Brian Martin expects the unit to be solid. “We have a tradition of playing good defense at Jefferson. Our defense played well last season, we just struggled to get anything done offensively,” Martin said. The Lions open the season tonight at Regis.

Loggers: Loaded once again Continued from 20

Fullback Nathan Jones is sliding over to wingback and quarterback Hunter Reger will move to fullback. That is an unusual move and it highlights the Loggers’ unique attack. The quarterback is called on to block in the single wing and Reger will get to carry the ball more often at his new position. “I feel like at quarterback he wasn’t able to show his skill as much. He definitely could play any one of our spots,” Harper said. Taking over at quarterback will be senior Brady Smith, who played tight end last season. Mask said the loss to Gold Beach served as motivation for his team over the

SCIO LOGGERS COACH: Jim Mask (second year) LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 12-2, 5-0 Tri-River Conference (first); Lost in 2A title game KEY LOSSES: Sean Heil (RB/LB), CJ Siewel (RB/LB) KEY RETURNERS: Daniel Harper (RB/LB), Ben Jones (TE/LB), Josh Parazoo (OL/DL), Hunter Reger (FB/DB)

summer and he was very pleased with the commitment players showed. “We had a great summer. They worked extremely hard,” Mask said. “Thirtyfive kids were in the weight room all summer long and we had 38 kids go to team camp.” Harper said the Loggers

‘We had a great summer. They worked extremely hard. Thirty-five kids were in the weight room all summer long and we had 38 kids go to team camp.’ JIM MASK SCIO COACH

simply don’t like to lose. “When it happens, everyone has a different perspective on things. We want to work harder so it doesn’t happen again,” Harper said. “It’s pretty much the same exact team except bigger, stronger, faster.”

HARRISBURG EAGLES COACH: David Younger (first year) LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 3-6, 2-5 PacWest Conference (tied for sixth) KEY RETURNERS: Alex Ball (RB/DB), Logan Smith (QB)

Harrisburg Continued from 18

make sure we are doing things the right way and also getting prepared to play a football game.” Younger believes the PacWest is the strongest conference at the 3A level. “I want to play the best to be the best,” Younger said. “It’s going to be a dogfight. Every team in that ‘I want to conference has the po- play the tential to be best to be very, very the best.’ good.” The key DAVID for the Ea- YOUNGER gles this HARRISBURG COACH season will be an improvement in tackling as well as overall execution. “We’re not the biggest team in the league and surely not the fastest,” Ball said. “We just need to come out and execute the plays the way we need.” A new hire, motto and coaching philosophy have an enthused fan base ready to witness the results. “This community is very excited about football and the fans are hungry to see and have a successful football team,” Younger said. Harrisburg will open its season at home against Gervais tonight.

Friday, August 31, 2012

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Friday, August 31, 2012

Central Linn Cobras

JESSE SKOUBO | ALBANY DEMOCRAT-HERALD

From left, Central Linn’s Josue Avilez, Trever Walker, Dakota Jeppsen and Mark LaCoste will be the catalysts for the Cobras’ single-wing offense. The Cobras certainly have plenty of speed to worry opposing defensive coordinators.

Cobras look to run, and run The Cobras did move the ball effectively last year, but Wall wanted to implement his own offensive system for the 2012 campaign. That system is the single-wing. BY BOB LUNDEBERG Wall had great success using the ALBANY DEMOCRAT-HERALD formation during his 16 years as the HALSEY — Max Wall’s offensive head coach at Monroe. In 2006, Wall’s game plan changed week-to-week Dragons went 9-1 and lost to eventual during his inaugural season as Central state champion Cascade Christian in Linn’s head coach in 2011. the quarterfinals.

Central Linn has one quick backfield to run single-wing

The single-wing may look unusual when compared to today’s spread offenses,but the formation is still popular at the high school level throughout the country. “It is just really hard for other teams to prepare for it in four days of practice,” Wall said. “It relies on a lot of deception, and we are fast.” The Cobras certainly are fast. Twotime defending track and field state SEE COBRAS | 29

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Friday, August 31, 2012

Monroe knows what to expect Dragons got a glimpse of what this season could look like in last year’s playoffs BY AARON YOST CORVALLIS GAZETTE-TIMES

MONROE — Misfortune entering the 2A playoffs in 2011 may pay big dividends for Monroe High this fall. Trevor Young, the Dragons’ starting quarterback and defensive back and all-Mountain View Conference at both positions, went down early in the postseason. So coach Bill Crowson shifted tailback Jacob Meeker to QB and the Dragons got a taste of the future. “He’d been playing, but at the tailback spot, so it’s not a huge leap, but all of a sudden he’s the guy having to take care of a huddle and running our

MONROE DRAGONS COACH: Bill Crowson (third year) LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 9-2, 6-1 Mountain View Conference (second) KEY LOSSES: Trevor Young (QB/DB), Garrett Cook (FB/LB), Zach Bowman (OL/DL), Kyle Larkin (WR/DB) KEY RETURNERS: Dylan Crowson (OL/DL), Jacob Cloer (OL/LB), Jacob Meeker (RB/QB), Blake Hull-Pitcher (RB)

system,” Crowson said. “It gave us a great glimpse of what we’re capable of doing this year.” The Dragons lost 11 of 22 starters from last season’s team, including two-way conference all-stars Garrett Cook, Zach Bowman and Kyle Larkin. But they return 11, too. Those returners include four offensive linemen, two of whom are three-year starters:

Dylan Crowson and Jacob Cloer. Add in Meeker and running back Blake Hull-Pitcher, and Monroe’s veer option attack has veterans to show the new starters the way. “I think the offensive line group will probably be, knock on wood, the strength of what we do because of that experience,” Crowson said. “We have a couple of fullbacks we’re real excited about.” Those fullbacks — juniors Adam Borycki and Jesse Whiteis — showed their commitment throughout the offseason in the weight room. Crowson said the entire team has shown that commitment. “I’m pretty excited about that group of kids and seeing what they can do on Fridays. It’ll be fun to see how they develop,” Crowson said. SEE DRAGONS | 30

Santiam Christian: Reigning 3A champs Continued from 21

necessary chemistry and timing between QB and receiver. “These guys are eager to learn,” Schroeder said. “I have five, six guys staying after every practice … after we’re done, playing catch, trying to get better. That breeds improvement.” That’s important, given that Schroeder has one regular receiver returning: Joe Pelley. State co-offensive player of the Jeff Hendrix, who kicked the game-winning field goal in the state title game in addition to being an outstanding receiver, is gone through graduation, so Pelley’s role will grow even more. “It’s hard to replace that, but at the same time it happened the year before with Brycen Stutzman,” Dave Lange said. “Nobody is go-

SANTIAM CHRISTIAN EAGLES COACH: Dave Lange (fifth year) LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 13-1, 7-0 PacWest Conference (first); won state title KEY LOSSES: Jeff Hendrix (WR/K/DB/P), Alex Hovelsrud (WR/DB), Tim Lane (LB) KEY RETURNERS: Grant Schroeder (QB), Jordan Lange (RB/LB), Cody Manzi (OL/LB), T.J. Hufanga (OL/LB), Joe Pelley (WR/DB)

ing to fill his shoes, you just try to keep going.” Pelley is a pretty good option, at least at receiver. “Joe is the best pure receiver that I’ve coached in my five years,” Lange said. “Jeff could go inside or outside, he could do everything, but Joe as a pure receiver is really good.” With so many linemen returning — led by conference lineman of the year Cody Manzi and Micah Ropp — the Eagles should be strong up front on both sides of the ball. Jordan

Lange is expected to add starting running back to his defensive role, and Schroeder is expected to be Schroeder once again. “Grant is a very, very skilled quarterback and he’s smart,” Jordan Lange said. “He’s a very smart guy in the classroom and on the field. He knows what he’s doing and he knows the offense.” While the Eagles lost a dozen seniors from the title team, there’s little fear of a drop off. This senior class has known big-time suc-

cess since middle school. “When I started coaching seventh grade with SC, this group went down — and it sounds kind of silly, but winning at every level carries over — and played in the KidSports league with Sheldon and Thurston and all those teams in Eugene and won the championship,” Dave Lange said. “You have a core group that has played a long time together. The systems have changed a little, but they’ve been together a long time.” And their expectations are clearly set. “We’re pulling together,” Jordan Lange said. “We have a bunch of new guys, but that’s a minor setback. The seniors this year, I feel, have great leadership and the ability to pull everyone together. “I think we’ll be a force to be reckoned with.”

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Friday, August 31, 2012

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Friday, August 31, 2012

Alsea dealing with low numbers BY AARON YOST CORVALLIS GAZETTE-TIMES

ALSEA — It’s always a challenge at the smaller 1A schools in Oregon: numbers. Forget that they’re playing 8-man football; there’s a need to have more than eight athletes on a team. “The years you get 16 or more are awesome,” Alsea coach Robert Webb said. “It can be done with less. The team we made the playoffs with, I think was 14. It can be done with less.” But it requires staying healthy. The ability to scrimmage in practice, to go one-onone in drills, is important. “I’ve heard about Country Christian playing with six or seven,” Webb said. “In this period of time, we’ve had these low numbers, but

ALSEA WOLVERINES COACH: Robert Webb (ninth year) LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 1-8, 0-5 Special District 1 (sixth) KEY LOSSES: Cody Valencia, Brandon Lovett KEY RETURNERS: Gage Hendrix, Kyle Webb, Blake Strom, Keith Davis

we’ve always had 10 at least. You have to condition like it’s unbelievable.” This year the numbers are worse than ever for the Wolverines. Webb has eight players out, with slim prospects of getting more. With no seniors, he’s considering asking to play a junior varsity schedule. “This year’s gonna be tough,” he said. All eight players are ei-

ther sophomores or juniors. There will be an influx of freshmen next fall, but those athletes are a year away from helping the Wolverines. Alsea lost two players to graduation — Cody Valencia and Brandon Lovett — and both played all over the field. Among the returners, Gage Hendrix has legitimate size at nearly 230 pounds, while Kyle Webb,Blake Strom and Keith Davis all played big roles in the Wolverines’ 1-8 2011 campaign. Playing in Special District 1, the Wolverines are usually competitive with most of the other teams. Traditional powerhouse St. Paul and Perrydale have a numbers advantage as two of the larger 1A schools in the state, but the rest of the league is similar in size to Alsea.

“If we have an average group of kids, you can play with all the schools except St. Paul and Perrydale,” Robert Webb said.“There was a period when I wanted to get in this league when I started.” Forging a co-op with another school has worked elsewhere, but it is less likely at Alsea. The nearest schools are Waldport, Eddyville Charter, Philomath and Monroe. Eddyville is already in a co-operative with Toledo. Still, if he can get even one or two more athletes out, Webb believes the Wolverines can compete this year. “Honestly, even with this low of numbers, I believe with the main core, we have teams we can play with,” he said. “I don’t know if we can win them or not, but we can play in the league.”

Cobras: Plenty of speed in the backfield Continued from 25

champions fast. A key element of Central Linn’s back-to-back state championships has been its 400 relay team. The Cobras have won three straight 2A titles in the event. Last year, Jeremiah Wyne, Tate Barnes, Mark LaCoste and Josue Avilez toasted the field at the state meet to bring home the gold. All four suited up for the football team in 2011, and Wyne was the only senior in the group. Barnes, LaCoste and Avilez are all returning to the Central Linn offense this year. The Cobras also added Harrisburg transfer Clay McClure to replace Wyne, giving Central Linn an of-

CENTRAL LINN COBRAS COACH: Max Wall (second year) LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 6-4, 2-3 Tri-River Conference (fourth) KEY LOSSES: Jeremiah Wyne (RB), Andrew Boggs (LB), Dylan Miller (LB), Cody Best (LB) KEY RETURNERS: Mark LaCoste (QB/TB ), Josue Avilez (RB), Trever Walker (OL/DL), Dakota Jeppsen (OL/DL)

fensive backfield with unrivaled speed at the 2A level. “It is definitely going to be hard for a lot of teams to keep up with us,” said LaCoste, who played quarterback last year but will be lined up at tailback in the single-wing this season. Avilez, the wingback, believes that the success in track and field is carrying over to the football team. “It is just a confidence booster for us,” he said. “We

are state champions in track. It is important for us to bring that confidence onto the football field, because I think confidence wins games, honestly. Mentality is a big aspect of football, and any sport.” So far, the Cobras’ track speed has harmonized well with Wall’s single-wing. Opponents will never know where the ball is going, or even who will handle the snap. “The single-wing is all

we are going to do. That is what coach Wall knows the best, and I think the kids are buying in,” Wall joked. To run the system effectively, all five of the offensive linemen need to be agile. Pulling guards and tackles help free up running lanes for the running backs. Barnes and Trever Walker, a state champion shotputter, help anchor an athletic Cobra offensive line. Yes, a state champion sprinter is also an offensive lineman. That is the kind of team speed this Central Linn team has. “They are just fast guys,” Wall said. “With a little bit of added deception, I think it is going to be pretty good for us.”

Friday, August 31, 2012

Albany Democrat-Herald, Albany, Ore., Corvallis Gazette-Times, Corvallis, Ore.

Games: Some big ones to open the season victory over Newport. It was the only Oregon 4A West loss of the season for Friday, Sept. 14 the Cubs, who shared the Sweet Home league title with Central. at Central Philomath finished tied Sweet Home opens the for third, and will play 2012 season with three con- Newport and Central at secutive road games, in- home this year. cluding a Week 3 matchup 3A with 4A power Central. The Panthers and Today Huskies also met during the Cascade Christian third week of last year, with at Santiam Christian Central winning 38-19. Cascade Christian and A strong showing for the Santiam Christian just can’t Huskies will help them en- get enough of each other. ter Sky-Em play with some Today’s season-opener momentum. will be the fifth meeting beFriday, Oct. 5 tween the two schools since Elmira at Sweet Home the beginning of the 2010 Sweet Home and Elmira season. were the only two schools to Two of the meetings finish with a winning league have been regular-season record in the six-team Sky- contests; two have been Em in 2011. state semifinal matchups. Simply, they dominated Santiam Christian won the league. all four of the games against The Huskies fell on the the Challengers. road to Elmira last year, but Saturday get the Falcons at home this Scio vs. Dayton season. at Hillsboro Stadium The victor will be in faScio coach Jim Mask is vorable position to capture a not a fan of scheduling weak league championship. nonconference opponents. For the second straight Friday, Oct. 11 year, Scio will face Dayton Newport at Philomath to open the season in a The Warriors earned showcase game at Hillsboro their biggest win of the 2011 Stadium. The Pirates handed the season with a 48-34 road

Continued from 2

Loggers their only loss of the regular season in 2011. Scio did not lose again until the 2A state championship game. Coincidentally, Dayton advanced all the way to the 3A championship game before falling to Santiam Christian. Friday, Oct. 12 Santiam Christian at Scio This mid-season matchup will likely have huge implications in the PacWest Conference title race. Santiam Christian, the three-time defending conference champion, has not dropped a PacWest game since the 2008 season. The Loggers are making the jump to 3A this year after a dominating run in 2A. Scio made three consecutive appearances in the 2A state championship game, winning the title twice. The matchup will also be a stark contrast of Scio’s power running attack against Santiam Christian’s wide-open spread offense.

ond in the Mountain View Conference each of the past two seasons. Oakland won the title last year; Monroe claimed it in 2010. The Oakers also knocked the Dragons out of the playoffs last season with a 14-6 victory in the quarterfinals. Friday, Oct. 26 Regis at Central Linn With Scio’s reign of terror in the Tri-River Conference coming to an end, both Regis and Central Linn are contenders for the crown. This late regular-season contest will likely affect playoff positioning, and possibly even the conference title race. Friday, Nov. 2 Central Linn at Kennedy The Trojans were the only Tri-River team that showed the ability to hang with Scio during their recent run. Scio handed Kennedy its only league loss in 2011 with a hard-fought 42-27 victory over the Trojans. Kennedy is certainly a favorite to win the Tri-River this year. Central Linn is 2A another strong candidate, Friday, Oct. 19 and this regular-season fiMonroe at Oakland nale could decide who the Monroe and Oakland new conference champion have finished first and sec- will be.

Dragons: Always near the top of the MVC Continued from 26

As always at a school of about 130 students, depth is a concern. Football is important to the school and the community, plus there’s the tradition of success at MHS. Success as in regularly contending for the conference title. The Dragons have

lost to one MVC team since 2009: Oakland. Even in a down year, the Dragons are an upper-division team. “We’ve been able to maintain and build that tradition and expectation,” Crowson said. “It’s something that the kids are eager to be involved in. “They’re excited to be a

part of a program that expects to go out and compete and does those things.” Oakland, which ended the Dragons’ 2011 season with a 14-6 victory, and Oakridge are both expected to contend with Monroe. The Dragons get a rematch with Oakland on the road on Oct. 19. They end

the regular season at home against Oakridge on Nov. 2. “We have high expectations,” Crowson said. “Oakland is really, really tough this year and Oakridge will be tough. We expect to be right there with those two. That’s the tradition that’s been hard built over the years.”

Albany Democrat-Herald, Albany, Ore., Corvallis Gazette-Times, Corvallis, Ore.

Friday, August 31, 2012

Albany Democrat-Herald, Albany, Ore., Corvallis Gazette-Times, Corvallis, Ore.

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