TDN Prep Football 2015 by The DailyNews

FOOTBALL PREVIEW ’15: ANALYSIS, PREDICTIONS, RANKINGS & MORE

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Passers, playmakers, game changers: the year of the QB in the Lower Columbia AN EDITION OF THE DAILY NEWS

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Cover story: Top quarterbacks lead the charge in the Lower Columbia. Page y 6 ' d

PLAYBOOK

Recognize that play? The Daily News takes a look inside area teams’ playbooks with coaches breaking down offensive and defensive plays. Page 20 On the cover: (From left) Woodland’s Wyatt Harsh, R.A. Long’s Owen Bertram and Toledo’s Dalton Yoder stand in front of Brian Fleming’s 1957 Beechcraft at the Southwest Washington Regional Airport. Cover photo by Bill Wagner

Y & Z

> d '

League previews: Daily News sports staff breaks down z the area leagues. Page 8 Preseason all-area teams: Pages 52-53 Team schedules: Pages 54-55

Preps+ Prep Football 2015 credits Publisher: Rick Parrish Sports Editor: Meg Wochnick, 360-577-2528, mwochnick@tdn.com Photographers: Bill Wagner, Roger Werth, Tim Ellis, John Markon Reporters: Kevin Dowd, Brooks Johnson, Rick McCorkle, Matt Schubert Illustration/Graphics: Ryan Horlen Page Designer: J. Chris Mueller

TEAM PREVIEWS

Kelso Mark Morris R.A. Long Woodland Castle Rock Kalama Toledo Ilwaco Rainier Clatskanie Winlock Wahkiakum Toutle Lake Naselle

Page 14 Page 18 Page 24 Page 26 Page 28 Page 30 Page 36 Page 38 Page 40 Page 42 Page 44 Page 46 Page 48 Page 50

Contact us Photo reprints: Order online at tdn.com or email photo@tdn.com Sports desk: 360-577-2527 or email: sports@tdn.com Online: TDN.com/preps Twitter: @TDN_sports Mail: The Daily News; 770 11th Ave.; PO Box 189 Longview, WA 98632 © Copyright 2015 The Daily News and Lee Enterprises

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COVER STORY

PASSERS, PLAYMAKERS,

GAME CHANGERS

Poised and precise, the Lower Columbia’s top quarterbacks excel each in their own way

Kevin Dowd

kdowd@tdn.com

t’s early enough on this bright, cloudless August morning that anything in the world still seems possible. For Woodland’s Wyatt Harsh, however, it’s a pretty short list. All he wants to do is throw the football. It’s been that way for as long as Harsh can remember. His father, Richie, also played quarterback at Woodland, and so did two uncles. His cousin, Trevor Hurn, is the school’s all-time leading passer. As a 15-year-old freshman last fall, Wyatt threw for an area-best 1,994 yards to earn first-team all-Greater St. Helens 2A League honors, leading the Beavers to an 8-2 record. He says he started taking the position “pretty seriously” at age 9. One of his earliest trainers was Alex Brink, a former quarterback at Washington State University and in the Canadian Football League. The two met through the Barton Football Academy, a finishing school founded by ex-Washington quarterback Taylor Barton that works with players throughout the Northwest. Once a week during the summer, Brink and Harsh meet up to throw, usually with one or two of Harsh’s teammates tagging along to catch passes. Today, they are on the new FieldTurf at Woodland’s newly constructed Beaver Stadium, with Brink leading a master class on the most important position in sports. They spend an hour going over routes, discussing football theory, perfecting the footwork of a play-action fake. While the two crack jokes, Harsh still responds to most comments with a polite, “Thanks, coach.” Brink may be twice Harsh’s age, but the two are friends. They stay in communication throughout the season, and Brink has been known to come watch film at the Harsh residence. “He’s way ahead of the curve for a guy his age,” Brink said. “He’s miles ahead of where a guy like I was at.” It is the nature of high school football that every new season leads to massive roster turnover. But this fall in the Lower Columbia region, Harsh leads a precociously talented crop of returning quarterbacks.

Woodland quarterback Wyatt Harsh Bill Wagner, The Daily News

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From Toledo down to Rainier, R.A. Long out to Ilwaco, it is the year of the signal caller. Brink believes that’s no coincidence. “There’s definitely been an increase in the amount of skill development,” he said. “For so long in the Northwest, it’s been like, ‘Hey, July 1, let’s get the cones and balls out.’ … Now, that’s changed, and there’s more of a year-around commitment to continuing to develop.” Some excel with their arms, some with their feet, some with their minds. Undoubtedly, these area quarterbacks will be critical in deciding if their teams are still playing in November. “If you have a kid who can make decisions and throw the ball where he needs to,” R.A. Long coach Erik Bertram said, “I think that’s a huge advantage.” *** Few would know better. Owen Bertram, Erik’s son, is another of the area’s finest quarterbacks. Standing 6 feet 5 and 222 pounds with a cannon for an arm, the RAL senior is in some ways the position’s Platonic ideal. This is Owen’s second season as the starter, but Erik has been preparing him for the role his entire life. “Being a coach,” Owen said, “I think he kind of raised me into it.” Last year, during Owen’s debut campaign, the Lumberjacks got off to a scalding start. Entering a Week 5 contest against Ridgefield, they boasted a 3-1 record and had scored 40-plus points in consecutive games. With halftime approaching against the Spudders, Owen had already thrown for 129 yards. On one fateful snap, however, he flushed out of the pocket and stared down an opposing linebacker in space. “I thought he was gonna tackle me waist-level, so I lowered my shoulder,” Owen said. “He hit my feet and I buried my shoulder in the ground. It was pretty much me trying to run over the turf.” His collarbone was broken, his season cut painfully short. And in his absence, the Jacks sputtered. They closed the season 3-3 and were held below 20 points in four of those six outings, including a shutout against Tumwater in the state preliminary round.

make Yoder unique. Also a pitcher on the Toledo baseball team, he throws a football right-handed, but a baseball left-handed. He has a passion for quarterback sneaks. Don’t be mistaken: The 6-4, 220-pounder is no slouch as a passer. He, too, spent part of his offseason training with Brink. Like Erik Bertram at RAL, Thibault said Toledo would like to throw the ball more this season to take advantage of Yoder’s talents. But his numbers never tell the whole story. “With our offense, it takes everybody,” Yoder said. “It can’t just Bill Wagner, The Daily News be me making plays on my own.” *** R.A. Long’s Owen Bertram returns for his second season under center Back in Woodland, that’s a for the Lumberjacks after his junior year was cut short by a broken lesson Harsh learned last season. collarbone. With talents such as Trevor Huddleston and Eli Whitmire to keep After glimpsing Owen’s imporhim company, the signal caller tance to RAL’s efforts, Erik plans stepped into a cushy situation as to open up the playbook even a freshman. more this fall. With most of those reliable “As he played more and showed threats now gone, his sophomore his decision-making, we really season will bring new challenges. started to morph into throwing He believes the Beavers are up to the ball more — until he went the task. down,” he said. “I’d be lying if I “In spring ball, our players were said we weren’t going to be a little stepping up,” Harsh said. “So I bit more pass-happy.” think we’ll be fine.” Owen also has trained with No one expects more from Brink and other quarterback Harsh than the quarterback does coaches; he spent the summer bouncing around various Bill Wagner, The Daily News of himself. Sometimes, that leads to some teenage frustration bubcamps at colleges throughout Toledo quarterback Dalton Yoder bling over. the Northwest. helped lead the Indians to the 2B At one point during last year’s He and Harsh share a true pas- state semifinals in 2014. 14-7 loss to Hockinson, when sion for the position. Everything Harsh was limited to 50 yards clearly works — Toledo finished about it: the constant film study, the reading of defenses, the cease- 12-2 last season and made it to the passing in horrific conditions, 13th-year Woodland coach Mark state semifinals. less pressure. “I’m not really the guy to make Greenleaf said his quarterback “I’ve always kind of gravitatcame to the sideline in tears, the plays, but to do more of the ed toward it,” Owen said. “I like leadership role,” Yoder said. “I put unused to being unable to move having the ball every play, being people in the right positions to do the ball. able to impact the game as much But two weeks later, in the Week as I can. I like to know everything what they’re supposed to do.” In last season’s state round of 16 10 state preliminary game against that’s going on.” against Concrete, for instance, his W.F. West, Harsh displayed the *** benefits of his perfectionist tenBertram and Harsh are modern stat line was uninspiring: 2 for 9 dencies. As the Bearcats focused for 41 yards and an interception. quarterbacks born of the spread their attentions on the running But that ignores a handful of offense, often lining up with four dropped passes, as well as Yoder’s game, he picked apart the Bearcat or five wide receivers arrayed secondary, completing 19 of 32 role in orchestrating a run game around them. passes for 297 yards and three that topped 500 yards in a 65-40 Toledo junior Dalton Yoder touchdowns. win — not to mention his key works in much closer quarters. The Beavers eventually fell 28contributions on defense as an As the point man of the Indians’ 21, but Greenleaf saw a glimpse outside linebacker. Wing-T attack, more often than of the future — for his own team, “He did everything right as not, he hands the ball off and gets and for the teams throughout the far as the offense and changout of the way. Lower Columbia who rely on their ing plays,” Toledo coach Jeremy But that severely undersells Thibault said. “I thought he had a stars under center. Yoder’s significance. The junior “We’re only going to go as far great game, but statistically, it was quarterback simply is asked to as we can go with him,” Greenone of his worst.” do different, less-obvious things leaf said. There are other things that than some of his peers, and it 7

COVER STORY

Meet three more of the area’s standout QBs Kevin Dowd kdowd@tdn.com

Maybe it’s coincidence, but Ilwaco coach Kevin McNulty’s comments about his quarterback, Jack Odneal, sounds a lot like former Kalama coach Eric Boswell describing his former signal caller, Isaac Truesdell. Similar words are echoed by Mike King at Rainier when speaking of Casey Tripp, his senior under center. Their similarities don’t end with kind words. ISAAC TRUESDELL, KALAMA — Mistake-proof As a junior, Isaac Truesdell attempted 170 passes, more than any other quarterback in the Lower Columbia. Only three were Kalama’s Isaac Truesdell (2). intercepted. That 1.7 percent rate would be an excellent number in the NFL, let alone the Southwest 1A Trico. The Kalama offense didn’t lend itself to a ton of big plays, but Truesdell, now a senior, is a master of avoiding mistakes. “A lot of the decisions were based off him, a lot of run-pass options,” said Eric Boswell, who coached the Chinooks last season before taking over at Castle Rock. “The pressure is on him to deliver the ball to the right place.” Truesdell handled that pressure with aplomb. It helps to have talent around you, of course, and Kalama’s entire complement of skill-position players returns from a season ago, giving new coach Sean McDonald a well-stocked cupboard. “Unfortunately,” Boswell said, “now I have to try to defend them.” JACK ODNEAL, ILWACO — ‘Jack’ of all trades Jack Odneal has all the tools. He can throw. He can run. He has the mental dexterity to juggle a half-dozen tasks at once. But there’s only so much a quarterback can do when he checks in at 125 pounds, as Odneal did last season. “He was just a munchkin,” Fishermen coach Kevin McNulty said. After a summer in the weight room, however — and a little bit of a growth spurt — the junior is up to 5 feet 7and approaching 150 pounds. That has McNulty salivating about his potential this fall. “He is highly accurate throwing the footIlwaco’s Jack Odneal (13). ball,” the coach said. “And even as a

John Markon, The Daily News

Roger Werth, The Daily News

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sophomore, he was just a leader. People look to him. He’s just a gamer.” With a variety of dangerous weapons returning around him, including wide receiver Riki Thompson, Odneal should assume a bigger role in the offense. In turn, Ilwaco just might climb the standings in the Pacific 2B League. CASEY TRIPP, RAINIER — Coach on the field One might survey Rainier’s offense — the famed Diesel — and see a quarterback wasteland. Lots of linemen, lots of tight ends, lots of hand-offs. Columbians senior Casey Tripp, however, sees it differently: As an orchestra to be conducted, with 21 other moving parts to consider before a play can begin. “Really, he’s like another coach. We expect a lot out of him,” Rainier coach Mike King said. “We do a lot of audibles, a lot of checks, so he has to spend a lot of time with the coaches watching film. He’s always watching film.” Like so many of the other area standouts, quarterbacking is the family business for Tripp. Three older brothers played the position for the Columbians, and two more are on the way — Joey is a freshman and Kenny is a sixth-grader. Casey proves there’s a lot more to the position than physical gifts. “He’s a little bit shorter (5-6),” King said, “but he makes up for it just with his study of the game.”

SOUTHWEST WASHINGTON’S

Roger Werth, The Daily News

Rainier’s Casey Tripp.

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LEAGUE PREVIEWS

LEAGUE ORDER BASED ON PROJECTIONS BY DAILY NEWS SPORTS STAFF

CENTRAL 2B PLAYERS TO WATCH Chase Van Wyck, Napavine, Sr., LB: A rare talent in the middle, Van Wyck’s ability to blow up plays is a key part of a Napavine defense that allowed more than 20 points only two times last season. “He’s built like a Greek god,” one league coach said. “That kid was so impressive at camp.” David Young, Adna, Sr., QB: Last season, the Pirates’ league title hopes took a serious hit when Young broke his leg on the fifth play of the game against Toledo. The speedster returns to lead the Adna attack for one more go-around. Kaelin Jurek, Pe Ell/Willapa Valley, Jr., RB/LB: The agile Jurek returns alongside quarterbacks/all-purpose threats Jason Fluke and Aidan Arrington to give the Titans a three-headed monster in the backfield. This returning first-team all-league selection may be the most dangerous option of them all. Evan Wrzesinski, Onalaska, Sr., QB: After winning state in the 100 meters as a sophomore, Wrzesinski blew out a knee during summer camp and missed the entire 2014 campaign. He took seventh in the 100 last spring, and should be fully healthy by Week 1.

1 NAPAVINE (12-1 IN 2014)

2 PE ELL / WILLAPA VALLEY (8-3)

3 TOLEDO (11-2)

4 ADNA (8-3)

5 MORTON/ WHITE PASS

Considering returning all-league quarterback Wyatt Stanley and running back Mac Fagerness still are just juniors, get used to seeing the Tigers at the top of lists such as this. They lost to Okanogan by a 17-14 score in last year’s state title game, and it would be a major surprise if they don’t make a return trip to the Tacoma Dome.

SAVE THE DATES SEPT.

Wahkiakum at Toutle Lake, 7 p.m.

The Titans bring back loads of talent, including the only three returning first-team all-league defenders in the Central 2B (DL Tyler Shepherd, LB Jason Fluke and DB Trevor Cook). Two years into this experiment in combining schools, the returns are promising. With Taylor Hicks, last year’s offensive league MVP, back to carry the ball and looking to improve on a 2,200-yard campaign, the Indians’ offense might be close to unstoppable. The few apparent question marks look to be on the other side of the ball, where Toledo’s defense lost plenty of talent from last year’s state semifinalists.

SEPT.

Toledo at Pe Ell/Willapa Valley, 7 p.m. OCT.

Bill Wagner, The Daily News

It wouldn’t surprise anyone to see Mac Fagerness (1) make a repeat trip to the Tacoma Dome.

It all went off the rails for the Pirates last season after quarterback David Young went down with a serious injury. But Young returns, and Adna has a deep, talented roster in place around him. Coach K.C. Johnson’s group joins the three teams above them on this list in forming a clear upper crust. Two years removed from a state title game trip, the Timberwolves are one of the many teams in the Central 2B experiencing a numbers crunch. If the thin roster can coalesce, however, they could revive that still-recent playoff magic.

(5-5)

6 ONALASKA (3-6)

7 MOSSYROCK (3-6)

8 WAHKIAKUM (3-6)

9 TOUTLE LAKE (1-8)

10 WINLOCK (1-9)

2014 league champion: Napavine Postseason berths: 5

There’s no two ways about it: Replacing graduated fullback Kiefer Kastl will be a tall task. But there are ball carriers ready to give it a try, including Stone Whitney, Hunter Blair and Evan Wrzesinski. And guard Zach Huffman anchors a beefy line that’s ready to lead the way. Despite one of the thinner rosters in the league, the Vikings made an impression on league coaches during fall camp. They should remain in the playoff conversation late into October. Like Mossyrock, the Mules don’t have a ton of depth — fewer than 20 bodies attended fall camp. The transfer of quarterback Gunnar Blix to R.A. Long doesn’t help. But with Zach Brown ready to replace Blix under center and a gifted freshman class learning the ropes, Wahkiakum may also make a playoff push. Times were tough for the Ducks’ defense in 2014, with opponents averaging nearly 40 points per game. But there were signs of better days to come, beginning with TL’s at-times dangerous ground game. They shouldn’t be an easy date on the schedule, even for the Central 2B’s heavyweights. A cathartic 49-14 victory over Chief Leschi in a Week 10 game last fall means the state’s longest losing skid is over. Now, with former Castle Rock coach Ben Suhrbier installed as the new head man, the mission is to build a program from the ground up.

Adna at Napavine, 7 p.m. OCT.

Napavine at Toledo, 7 p.m. — By the time these two meet for their Week 6 showdown, these two league heavyweights could be undefeated. The winner likely seals the C2BL

LEAGUE PREVIEWS

LEAGUE ORDER BASED ON PROJECTIONS BY DAILY NEWS SPORTS STAFF

PACIFIC 2B

2014 league champion: North Beach Postseason berths: 5

PLAYERS TO WATCH SAVE THE DATES

McKoy Bichler, Rainier, Sr., QB: The southpaw signal-caller is the league’s reigning offensive MVP. His presence behind center in a triple-option offense is a major reason the Mountaineers have dreams of climbing the league ladder.

SEPT.

18 Rainier at Raymond, 7 p.m. — Our first chance to see if the Mountaineers can work their way into the league’s upper echelon, and the first leg of a killer two-week stretch for the Seagulls. SEPT.

25 North Beach at Raymond, 7 p.m. OCT.

29 Ilwaco at South Bend, 7 p.m. — This

showdown on the final Thursday of the regular season could very well be for the league’s fifth and final playoff spot. Last year, the Fishermen stomped SB at home in a nearly identical scenario.

The Olympian

McKoy Bichler and the Rainier Mountaineers made the playoffs in 2014 after dropping down from Class 1A. After a controversial defeat to Toledo in last year’s state quarterfinals, the Hyaks have had all summer to stew. Expect a dominant power running attack behind a massive, NORTH BEACH immovable offensive line. As one league coach put it, “They play in a phone booth.”

(10-1 IN 2014)

2 RAYMOND (9-2)

3 RAINIER (6-4)

All-purpose whiz kid Rayce Newman may have graduated, but the Seagulls still have more than enough skill-position talent. Running back Elliott Murdock is among the area’s best with the ball in his hands, and receiver Jayce Freeman is a returning firstteam all-league selection. Only three significant contributors graduate, leaving the Mountaineers poised for a potential great leap forward. But head coach Terry Shaw’s team will have to earn it, considering most of the teams in the Pacific 2B’s top flight bring back a good chunk of their rosters from a season ago.

Like Rainier, the Eagles have every reason to think this could be their time, with Wyatt Dunlap carrying the rock and defenders like Stephen Woomer and Jackson McKenna-Kier back on the other side of the ball. Having one of the deepest rosters in the LIFE CHRISTIAN league certainly helps, too.

(7-3)

5 ILWACO (5-6)

6 SOUTH BEND (3-5)

7 OCOSTA (2-8)

With at least seven starters returning on both sides of the ball, Coach Kevin McNulty believes his Fishermen will be able to contend with any team in the Pacific 2B. Bulldozing backs Jack Kaino and Alec Bell both rushed for more than 900 yards last season, so scoring points shouldn’t be an issue — the question is, can the defense keep up? Perhaps the youngest team in the Pacific 2B last year, the Indians showed marked improvement after consecutive winless seasons. Quarterback Jordan Dockter and running backs A.J. Sanchez, Kobe Salas and Ryan Overstake all return after earning all-league honorable mention, giving head coach Tony Sanchez a pleasantly crowded backfield. A gradual decline reached its nadir for the Wildcats last season, when they were outscored by more than 30 points per contest and went six full games without scoring a touchdown. Brian Snell arrives from Aberdeen to shake things up, and has enough size and speed on hand to expect an upturn.

New head coach Mark Smith is in place to revive a moribund Warriors program. Speedster Ja’Alam Long gives Smith a dangerous weapon to work with on the outside, CHIEF LESCHI but Chief Leschi may again struggle to keep close with the big boys of the league. (1-9)

9 TACOMA BAPTIST (0-9)

The Crusaders struggled to field a team for much of last season, forfeiting three games. The numbers should be improved this season, but this team still needs to take some serious steps to get into the playoff conversation.

James Hamilton, Raymond, Sr., MLB/G: The 220-pounder was an all-league and all-state selection last season as the Seagulls advanced to the state quarterfinals. Few linebackers in Southwest Washington patrol sideline to sideline like Hamilton. Wyatt Dunlap, Life Christian, Sr., RB: Dunlap had no trouble adjusting to the 2B ranks, rushing for 24 touchdowns last season during Life Christian’s first year after dropping down from 1A. If the Eagles work their way into the league title conversation, his ability on the ground may be the reason why. Jonny Law, North Beach, Sr., LB/G: Last fall, Law was named all-state as a linebacker; in the spring, he won a 2B state championship in the shot put. The Hyaks again appear to be the biggest, most physical team in the Pacific 2B, and Law is the archetype for their philosophy.

LEAGUE PREVIEWS

LEAGUE ORDER BASED ON PROJECTIONS BY DAILY NEWS SPORTS STAFF

SOUTHWEST TRICO 1A

2014 league champion: La Center Postseason berths: 3

PLAYERS TO WATCH Cole Judd, La Center, Sr., RB: On four separate occasions last fall, Judd rushed for at least 120 yards and two touchdowns. Few players in the league are good enough to win a game all on their own, but Judd is one of them. He’s the returning league offensive player of the year for a Wildcats team that looks like a clear frontrunner. Jasper Pulido, Kalama, Sr., RB: One of the Trico’s true big-play threats, Pulido gives first-year coach Sean McDonald a tantalizing piece to move around the chess board. The speed demon only carried the ball 56 times last fall, but averaged more than eight yards when he did. Ulices Isordia, White Salmon, Sr., RB/DE: One of the area’s best sprinters during track season, Isordia gives White Salmon coach John Hallead a real weapon on the perimeter. He could make enough big plays to give the Bruins a crucial edge in what figures to be a tightly packed league race.

The Columbian

Can reigning Trico 1A offensive MVP Cole Judd (with ball) and the Wildcats run the table in league play for a fourth straight year?

1 LA CENTER (6-4 IN 2014)

2 KALAMA

Speaking of skilled senior classes, the ’Nooks look loaded, with tight end/linebacker Hunter Esary leading a contingent of five returning all-league players. Rookie head coach Sean McDonald has toys to play with on this dark-horse Trico title contender.

Half of the Trico is breaking in a new head coach this season. But none of the newbies is more familiar with the league than new Rockets honcho Eric Boswell, who moved 20 miles north after spending the past four years at Kalama. The biggest reason (pun CASTLE ROCK intended) for optimism at the Rock: destructive defensive end/fullback Talib Meeks.

(3-6)

4 STEVENSON (4-6)

Last fall, the Bulldogs possessed a potent, ground-based attack that led them to three league wins and a playoff berth. There will be new faces this season, but the style should stay the same. And with Lucas Wahto leading a potentially improved defense, the offense may be able to survive a small dip in production.

Boasting their best offensive line in half a decade, a talented corps of receivers and 5 with quarterback Colton Van Pelt still in place to call the shots, the Bruins should have no trouble moving the ball. The middle of the league is tightly packed, so it wouldn’t be WHITE SALMON a surprise to see White Salmon challenge for a top-two finish. (5-4)

SETON CATHOLIC (1-7)

SAVE THE DATES OCT.

(5-5)

For three consecutive seasons now, the Wildcats have finished undefeated in Trico play, running their winning streak in league play to 27 games. Their opening stretch of Hockinson, Woodland and Tumwater is one of the toughest in the state, and should reveal plenty about this group’s ability to replace last year’s skilled senior class.

The Cougars could score points last season. Their downfall was a defense that allowed 45 points or more in half their games and 58 points on two separate occasions. New head coach Will Ephraim will try to recreate some of the success he had the past four seasons as an assistant at 4A power Camas.

Kalama at La Center, 7 p.m. — The Kalama seniors feel this is their year to dethrone a Wildcats team that’s failed to lose a league contest since 2011.

OCT.

30 Castle Rock at Kalama, 7 p.m. — The Rock’s playoff lives could hinge on this regular-season finale on the road.

LEAGUE PREVIEWS

LEAGUE ORDER BASED ON PROJECTIONS BY DAILY NEWS SPORTS STAFF

LEWIS AND CLARK 3A 1

SAVE THE DATES Warrenton at Clatskanie, 7 p.m. — This matchup could determine one of the Lewis and Clark’s two seeds into the state tournament. OCT. Warrenton hasn’t beaten the Tigers in 10 years, and new coach Travis Freeman is looking to make a statement to the rest of the league.

Clatskanie at Rainier, 7 p.m. — There are few games in the Lewis and Clark which have greater magnitude than the OCT. annual Highway 30 Hootenanny which features perennial league contenders. The Tigers snapped Rainier’s seven-year stranglehold on the matchup with a 34-0 win last year.

RAINIER

(2-7 IN 2014)

2 WARRENTON (6-2)

3 CLATSKANIE (6-3)

2014 league champion: Clatskanie Postseason berths: 2

The Columbians’ offense and defense run through all-league quarterback/defensive back Casey Tripp, who has the experience and desire to get the Columbians back to a league title and a deep postseason run. Longtime assistant Travis Freeman steps up to his first head coaching gig, replacing Ian O’Brien, now the athletic director at Lakeridge (Ore.) High. The Warriors return seven all-league players on both sides of the ball for their run at a league title. The defending league champion Tigers may have graduated 10 all-league players including seven offensive and five defensive starters, but they can’t be overlooked. Senior tight end/linebacker Wyatt McKay has the talent, experience and leadership to lead his team back to the postseason.

Bill Wagner, The Daily News

Clatskanie snapped Rainier’s seven-year reign as league champions in 2014.

PLAYER TO WATCH

After a year of dormancy due to a lack of players, the Royals under coach Jon Rob4 erts have joined forces with Columbia PORTLAND CHRISTIAN/ Christian in their return to the Lewis and Clark League. PC is no stranger to topCOLUMBIA flight football, finishing second in the OreCHRISTIAN gon 2A Championships in 2012 and ’13. (NO TEAM IN 2014;

Gavon McFadden, Warrenton, Sr., WR/DB: A returning all-leaguer on both sides of the ball, McFadden can stretch the Warriors’ offense and wear down defenses with his big-play capabilities. Besides catching passes for 655 yards the last two seasons, he also returned a kickoff for a TD as a junior.

12-1 IN ‘13)

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LEAGUE PREVIEWS

LEAGUE ORDER BASED ON PROJECTIONS BY DAILY NEWS SPORTS STAFF

GREATER ST. HELENS 2A

2014 league champion: Hockinson Postseason berths: 3

SAVE THE DATES SEPT.

18 Mark Morris at R.A. Long, 7 p.m. — A mid-September Civil War might be considered sacrilege by some, but it stands as a makeor-break league opener for both teams. SEPT.

25 Ridgefield at Woodland, 7 p.m. — Two teams with league title aspirations meet in Week 4, with the loser likely out of the mix before the night is done.

OCT.

16 R.A. Long at Woodland, 7 p.m. — Wyatt Harsh vs. Owen Bertram on the Beavers’ new artificial turf field? Expect a few fireworks.

The Columbian

With turf installed at Woodland’s new Beaver Stadium, say goodbye to late-season Mud Bowls, such as last year’s Week 8 game between Hockinson and Woodland. The Hawks won, 14-7.

1 HOCKINSON (11-1 IN 2014)

2 WOODLAND

30 R.A. Long at Hockinson, 7 p.m. — Just like a year ago, the Hawks’ claim on the GSHL 2A title hinges on back-to-back matchups with Woodland and RAL in Weeks 8 and 9.

3 RIDGEFIELD

The Spudders are banking on continuity up front — they return four two-year starters on the offensive line — to kick start an offense that struggled to put points on the board last fall. Fix that, and the Spuds should be in the playoff mix.

(5-4)

R.A. LONG

A midseason injury to Owen Bertram derailed last year’s run at a league title. Now that the senior signal caller is back and healthy, the Jacks expect to have the bigplay punch to match the D’s pile-driving power.

(6-4)

Among the class of the GSHL 2A for much of Shawn Perkins’ 12-year tenure, the Monarchs were forced to take their medicine with a green group last season. Time MARK MORRIS to see if those hard lessons will reap rewards a year later.

(1-8)

6 WASHOUGAL

In Year 2 of Dave Hajek’s second go-around at Washougal, the Panthers are hoping to diversify an offense that was intentionally vanilla in 2014. If they can find a quarterback capable of opening things up, the Panthers could be a tough out.

(5-4)

A once-proud program enters 2015 with a 16-game league losing streak to its name and another new head coach at the helm in Mark Oliverio. A quick turnHUDSON’S BAY around depends upon his ability to harness a deep sophomore class.

(1-8)

The Beavers will live or die on prodigious talents of wunderkind quarterback Wyatt Harsh. Surrounded by a new cast of characters at the skill positions, can he be the rising tide that floats all boats?

(8-2)

4 OCT.

The hard-hitting Hawks are the consensus favorites to repeat as league champions. With all five linebackers returning from a 3-5 defense that surrendered just four touchdowns last regular season, it’s easy to understand why.

PLAYERS TO WATCH Cameron Loos, Hockinson, Sr., TE/ OLB: There may be no bigger target in the GSHL 2A than Loos, a 6-foot-3, 240-pound tight end who already has scholarship offers from the likes of New Mexico State and Portland State. Lane Anderson, Ridgefield, Sr., RT/ DE: The Spuds’ depth on the O-line starts with Andersen, a high-football IQ tackle and all-GSHL 2A selection who knows how to make the most of his 230-pound frame. Jordan Hickman, Hudson’s Bay, Jr., QB: After securing the starting job near the end of the season, the 6-2 signal caller will be counted on to carry the Eagles’ attack with his dual threat abilities.

LEAGUE PREVIEWS

LEAGUE ORDER BASED ON PROJECTIONS BY DAILY NEWS SPORTS STAFF

GREATER ST. HELENS 3A PLAYERS TO WATCH Koty Keyt, Prairie, Sr., WR: The GSHL 3A’s returning leading receiver (319 yards, 19 receptions, 2 TDs) gets to the edge in a hurry. Kyron LoweAsh, Fort Vancouver, Jr., WR/DB: Coach Cal Szueber called LoweAsh the best athlete in the school, but this is the junior’s first year of football.”

1 COLUMBIA RIVER (9-3 IN 2014)

2 KELSO (4-6)

3 PRAIRIE (2-7)

4 FORT VANCOUVER (1-8)

2014 league champion: Columbia River Postseason berths: 2

Nearly every starting position for coach John O’Rourke must be refilled after the reigning 3A state quarterfinalists graduated 26 seniors. But team depth keeps the Chieftains at the top of this list.

Rory Menegat and the Columbia River Chieftains are seeking their third GSHL 3A title in four years.

Is this the year the Scotties take a big step? They’ve made back-to-back state preliminary round game appearances under coach Steve Amrine, but will break in a sophomore (AJ Hoggart) starting under center. The Falcons took a step backward in 2014; the offense scored eight touchdowns in the teams’ seven losses. A fast start is key before hosting Kelso in Week 3 to open league play.

Turnout numbers continue to improve under coach Cal Szueber’s return leading a Trappers program that’s suffered through 16 straight losing seasons.

The Columbian

SAVE THE DATES SEPT.

18 Kelso at Prairie, 7 p.m. — The GSHL 3A opener for both teams is a mustwin to keep pace for one of the two playoff spots.

OCT.

30 Kelso at Columbia River, 7 p.m. — This seems to be the game that separates the league champion from the runner-up, and expect nothing less by the time these two teams meet in Week 9.

Join the Rightline Team. Apply directly at 29120 Dike Road, Rainier, Oregon 97048 or email hr@rightline.com 13

KELSO HILANDERS LEAGUE: GSHL 3A | WIAA ENROLLMENT: 1,084 | STATE PLAYOFF APPEARANCES: 15 (1 TITLE)

THE SPOTLIGHT

For a second straight year, Kelso plays three nonleague contests in crossover games with the fourteam 2A Evergreen Conference (Black Hills, Centralia, W.F. West). Of the Scotties’ nine games this fall, five are against Class 2A teams.

PROJECTED STARTERS * All-league selection last year; returning starters in bold

RETURNERS 4

QB FB TB TE WR WR OT OG C OG OT

OFFENSE

PRO

A.J. Hoggatt 5-9 175 So. Jeremy Vail 5-10 180 Sr. Jerson Flores 5-7 160 Sr. Cody DeRosier 6-0 190 Sr. Sonny Chhim 5-8 150 Jr. Jared Bowlby* 6-3 165 Sr. Colton Johnson* 6-4 265 Jr. Maze Holmes 6-0 240 Sr. Dustin Peters 5-8 225 Jr. Nick Moore* 6-3 240 Jr. Kyler Rahn 6-2 195 Jr.

RETURNERS 3 DEFENSE

4-3

DE DT DT DE LB LB LB CB CB FS SS

240 Sr. 190 Sr. 240 Jr. 265 Jr. 160 So. 160 Sr. 195 Jr. 150 Jr. 160 Sr. 165 Sr. 140 So.

Maze Holmes 6-0 Cody DeRosier 6-0 Nick Moore 6-3 Colton Johnson 6-4 Peyton Noah 5-11 Jeremy Vail 5-10 Kyler Rahn 6-2 Sonny Chhim* 5-8 Brandon Williams 5-9 Jared Bowlby 6-3 Bryce Miller 5-5

COACH Roger Werth, The Daily News

Steve Amrine, third year Record at school 7-13

Sonny Chhim was Kelso’s leading receiver in 2014 with 280 yards on 25 receptions.

LAST SEASON Playoff game in bold Mark Morris at R.A. Long Prairie at Centralia at Fort Vancouver W.F. West at Black Hills Heritage Columbia River at O’Dea

W L W L W W L L L L

Speedster Chhim a quick study on the gridiron for Scotties 34-6 22-3 10-7 51-10 65-12 20-19 35-10 14-9 49-35 42-0

SCHEDULE League games in bold Sept. 4 at Mark Morris 7 p.m. Sept. 11 R.A. Long 7 p.m. Sept. 18 at Prairie 7 p.m. Sept. 25 Centralia 7 p.m. Oct. 2 Fort Vancouver 7 p.m. Oct. 9 at W.F West 7 p.m. Oct. 16 Black Hills 7 p.m. Oct. 23 at Heritage 4:30 p.m. Oct. 30 at Columbia River 7 p.m.

THE TREND Wins during the past four seasons

’14 ’13 ’12 ’11

4 3 9 3

Meg Wochnick

should be — works his butt off.” While Chhim was accustomed to playing defensive back, he had to learn the receiver’s Sonny Chhim candidly admits football isn’t role on the fly. The adjustment period continues. He’s still relatively new to football, too, his No. 1 sport. playing his first organized game as a HuntingHis first love goes to track and field, where ton Middle School student. he’s a prized sprinter for the Scotties. “I’m getting it,” he said. But, he quickly attests to his gridiron love. He also worked extra hard in preparation “Football is fun,” Chhim said. for football season. His goal weight entering If you’re Chhim, how can it not be? With a fall camp was to be 160 pounds. He fell short personal-best 400-meter dash time of 50.99 of that; he’s at 147, down four pounds from seconds set in May’s 3A bi-district track where he started the summer at 151. An extra championships, Hilanders third-year coach Steve Amrine said he wants to find more ways intake of food, protein shakes and more weight to get the 5-foot-8 junior the ball this season. room sessions actually led to a drop in weight. Disappointed? A little bit, Chhim said, but Even more so than last season, Amrine he’ll be just fine. noted. That downfield speed makes up for it. As Amrine will tell you, last fall was Chhim’s Chhim is part of an experienced receiving breakout campaign. He was the coach’s ancore, which include seniors Jared Bowlby (6-3) swer for a few question marks, including and Brandon Williams (5-9), for the Scotthe return game as a kick and punt return ties’ new quarterback, whomever Amrine and specialist. his staff choose. Amrine said sophomore AJ That was in addition to being a two-way starter on offense (wide receiver) and defense Hoggatt has taken many first-team reps, and Amrine doesn’t hesitate to start a 10th-grader. (cornerback). The defensive role earned him all-Greater St. Helens 3A League second-team He started a sophomore at quarterback in his honors. He also was the team’s leading receiv- first season at Centralia in 2012. “He’s young, but he’s worked hard to get to er (280 yards, 25 catches). “He didn’t miss many downs at all,” Amrine where he’s at,” Amrine said of Hoggart. “He’s said. “He just epitomizes what a Kelso athlete not a sophomore mentally.” mwochnick@tdn.com

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LEAGUE PREVIEWS

LEAGUE ORDER BASED ON PROJECTIONS BY DAILY NEWS SPORTS STAFF

GSHL 4A 2014 league champion: Camas Postseason berths: 3 1. UNION (9-2 IN 2014): The Titans graduated 12 starters including an all-state punter, but have reloaded. Rey Green, who had 621 yards from scrimmage as a junior despite injuries, has transferred from Evergreen. Northwest Elite Index ranks Green the fourth best running back in Washington among incoming seniors. He had more than 1,000 yards from scrimmage as a sophomore. 2. CAMAS (10-1): Three all-state players, along with the league’s Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year, have graduated. Coach Jon Eagle’s four-game suspension for recruiting players was rescinded by league officials. Liam Fitzgerald is back at QB after passing for 2,682 yards and 24 TDs as a junior.

The Olympian

It’s tougher to find a more dynamic player in the 2A/1A Grays Harbor League than Tenino’s Thomas Pier (23), who averaged 9.2 yards per carry in 2014.

2A/1A GRAYS HARBOR

2A EVCO

2014 champion: Eatonville Postseason berths: Top 4 1A teams

2014 league champion: Tumwater Postseason berths: 3

1. MONTESANO (7-4 IN 2014): Since when is a Terry Jensen-coached Bulldogs team not mentioned in the league title conversation? Size, speed — and now a brand-new turfed Rottle Field. Hutton Napier is the league’s top twoway lineman and a reigning first-team all-league honoree on both sides of the ball.

1. TUMWATER (12-1 IN 2014): With skill positions galore, the T-Birds should have little trouble repeating as league champions. How far they go into the postseason will be the question. Wingback Easton Trakel has multiple scholarship offers, including Big Sky Conference teams. This fall marks Sid Otton’s second-to-final season coaching before he retires in 2016.

2. EATONVILLE (11-1): A star-studded field of names, including the league’s offensive and defensive MVPs, have graduated, leaving the Cruisers scratching their heads wondering how they’re going to repeat as league champions and “cruise” their way to the state semifinals again. The cupboard isn’t bare, though, with Jacob McCormick still under center. 3. HOQUIAM (7-4): Sure, the Grizzlies were a bit of a surprise in 2014 as a playoff-bound squad. This defense made leaps and bounds as the season progressed, allowing three touchdowns over its four final regular-season games. 4. ELMA (4-5): Jim Hill’s Eagles haven’t posted a winning record since the Dome-bound glory days of the old Class 2A, but that could change in 2015. If you’re in Oscar Escalante’s way (5 feet 11, 270 pounds), watch out. 5. TENINO (5-5): A year removed from a Class 1A state berth, the Beavers took a step backward in 2014 and failed to make the playoffs in a newly installed single-sing offense. How far can Tenino go, though? As far as Thomas Pier can carry them. 6. ROCHESTER (2-7): The Warriors, like Aberdeen, are 2A independents and must meet pre-determined district standards to become playoff eligible. First two games on the schedule are must-wins: Centralia and Black Hills. 7. 7. ABERDEEN (2-7): Any chance of the Bobcats making a surprise run at a league title vanished when Joel Dublanko, an SEC-level recruit, bolted to the Florida-based IMG Academy. 8. FORKS (2-7): Nowhere to go but up for the Spartans, who allowed almost 35 points per game in 2014.

2. W.F. WEST (6-4): Never discount a Bob Wollan-coached team. Last year’s squad had two returning starters, yet advanced to the first round of the Class 2A playoffs. What will the Bearcats do with a more senior-laden squad and behind the arm of QB Elijah Johnson with another year of starting experience under his belt? 3. BLACK HILLS (5-5): Do the Wolves still feel the sting of letting a 21-point fourth-quarter lead slip away against Hockinson in the District IV playoffs last fall? You bet. And the team hasn’t posted back-toback playoff seasons since 2008-’09. Speedster Mark Melendres (750 receiving yards, 10 TDs in ’14) gives QB Chase Morrow a superb top option. 4. CENTRALIA (5-5): The Tigers under third-year coach Matt Whitmire are on the right path toward a playoff push, but still might be another year away.

3. SKYVIEW (7-4): Senior allleague lineman Marquis Mitchell and back Jefferson Kiyasu return to anchor the Storm defense. Blake Ingram rushed for 740 yards and 11 TDs as a junior, and junior receiver Jeremiah Wright is ranked one of the top prospects in the state for the class of 2017 by Northwest Elite Index. 4. BATTLE GROUND (4-5): Mark Morris grad and ex-R.A. Long assistant Larry Peck returns for another season guiding the Tigers. All-league junior QB Gunner Talkington passed for 2,552 yards and 28 TDs last season, including 501 yards and three TDs in a 56-42 loss to Mountain View. 5. MOUNTAIN VIEW (3-6): Allleague RB Preston Jones is back after rushing for a combined 2,434 yards and 33 TDs as a sophomore and junior. QB Colin Biggs passed for 281 yards and caught passes for 119 yards as a junior. 6. HERITAGE (2-7): All-league RB Kalani Umiamaka rushed for 938 yards and 7 TDs as a junior. The Timberwolves used three QBs last season — Tyler VanBuskirk, Payton Monda and Gavin Lee — who passed for a combined 910 yards and four TDs. 7. EVERGREEN (2-7): Plainsmen coach Don Johnson Jr. is on probation for one year by the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) for his public criticism of game officials after last season’s 55-6 loss to Union. Senior Dallas Goodpaster is a top running back and starter on the defensive line.

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MARK MORRIS MONARCHS LEAGUE: GSHL 2A | WIAA ENROLLMENT: 783 | STATE PLAYOFF APPEARANCES: 11

THE SPOTLIGHT

The Monarchs will run the gauntlet in their first six games, facing Kelso, Columbia River, R.A. Long, Hockinson, Prairie and Woodland. “We have a good shot of making the playoffs if we can survive those games and come out injury-free and not too banged up,” MM coach Shawn Perkins said.

PROJECTED STARTERS * All-league selection last year; returning starters in bold

RETURNERS 4

OFFENSE WING-T

QB Will Burghardt* 5-11 168 RB Kyle Johnson 5-11 177 RB Max Dawkins 5-8 147 FB August Shulda 6-1 194 WR Brent Myklebust 5-11 163 TE Chris Jabusch 6-2 193 T Andrew Harvill 6-2 250 G Dalton Mattison 6-1 233 C Jonah Broderius 6-0 227 G Nigel Princehouse 6-5 253 T Matt Harris 5-9 200 RETURNERS 4

DE DT DT DE LB LB LB CB CB S S

Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr.

Mark Morris’ Will Burghardt, attempting to tackle R.A.Long’s Lamar Swagerty during last year’s Civil War, will run the Monarchs’ offense as the signal caller for head coach Shawn Perkins.

DEFENSE 4-3

Chris Jabusch 6-2 193 Nigel Princehouse 6-5 253 Andrew Harvill 6-2 250 Matt Harris 5-9 200 Dalton Mattison 6-1 233 August Shulda 6-1 194 Zach McCarthy 5-9 183 Elijah West 5-9 163 Collin Whittaker 6-1 183 Easton McClung 6-1 158 Max Dawkins 5-8 147

Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. So. Jr. Jr.

Bill Wagner, The Daily News

COACH Shawn Perkins: 13th year Record at school 70-56

LAST SEASON at Kelso Columbia River R.A. Long at Hockinson Prairie at Woodland Hudson’s Bay Ridgefield at Washougal

L L L L L L W L L

35-6 35-0 42-0 49-0 38-14 56-21 28-0 35-7 27-0

SCHEDULE League games in bold Sept. 4 Kelso Sept. 11 at Columbia River Sept. 18 at R.A. Long Sept. 25 Hockinson Oct. 2 at Prairie Oct. 8 Woodland Oct. 16 at Hudson’s Bay Oct. 23 at Ridgefield Oct. 30 Washougal

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 8 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

THE TREND Wins during the past four seasons

’14 ’13 ’12 ’11

1 10 9 4

Burghardt’s receiver-to-QB switch has Monarchs optimistic Rick McCorkle

hungry to get out there and do some things.” After making the postseason in six of the previous seven campaigns, including a 2A state A new quarterback may be what the doctor or- quarterfinal appearance in 2013, the Monarchs dered as Mark Morris hopes to bounce back from a managed seven touchdowns last season with a team mostly of underclassmen. one-win 2014 campaign. “We didn’t have a big senior class last year, and All-Greater St. Helens 2A League first-team receiver Will Burghardt moves under center after there were a couple games where we had seven or snagging 26 passes for 345 yards as a sophomore. eight sophomores starting,” Perkins said. “That’s never good, but you have to do what you have “Will is going to do a nice job,” MM coach Shawn Perkins said. “He’s thrown some nice balls to do.” Perkins knows hustle and hard work will go far. and has good command of the offense in the hud“They bring their lunch pails and hard hats, and dle. It’s good to see his leadership skills and the give everything they’ve got,” he said. “That’s the confidence from the other kids.” mantra of this year’s team as we will outhustle our While this will be Burghardt’s first time under center in high school, he isn’t new to this position. opponents.” A solid showing at Camp Rilea in July, coupled He last played quarterback in youth football. with a third-place finish in the passing league, “It’s going to take a little to get used to and get helped the Monarchs to define team roles. comfortable, but the transition is going fine,” he “It was a good camp, and we saw some of the said. “I haven’t played it for a while, but I have a seniors step up into leadership roles that we wantgood ability to run and I can also pass. Whatever ed,” Perkins said. “Some of the younger kids also they want me to do I’m going to give it my best.” Burghardt will work out of the Monarchs’ tradi- stepped up their game, and there was a lot of good competition.” tional Wing-T offense, but he’ll also utilize some And that, in part, is why Burghardt is optimistic shotgun and spread plays, Perkins said. of the new season. “We hope our receivers can do some stuff for “We worked hard in the offseason and got us,” Perkins said. “It’ll be interesting to see how stronger and better,” the junior said. “We should that grows and moves forward through the seabe solid.” son. We’ll still run the football, and our backs are rickmc@tdn.com

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INSIDE The playbook AREA COACHES OPEN THEIR OFFENSIVE AND DEFENSIVE PLAYBOOKS TO THE DAILY NEWS Kevin Dowd

kdowd@tdn.com

magine a game of chess. You and your opponent each control 16 pieces. You take turns moving them around the board one at a time; sometimes to gain immediate advantage, sometimes to set up another move later in the game. You use some pieces as decoys and save others as a reserve force to be deployed only when the moment is most dire. It is a zero-sum game. If you succeed, your opponent must fail. Now imagine that same game of chess, only instead of 16 pieces, you have 11. And the board is a gigantic grass field, and you and your opponent each move all 11 pieces simultaneously on every single turn. Oh, and the pieces are high school football players, and they all move at different speeds, with thoughts, fears and ideas of their own. How would you coordinate such an orchestra of chaos? We asked that question to the leaders of four area programs. In response, they did something very much against their nature â&#x20AC;&#x201D; they opened up their playbooks to The Daily News for an indepth glimpse.

A20

Ryan Horlen, The Daily News

PLAYBOOK

THE DAILY NEWS

R.A. Long ƵďƐ Z tŚŝƚĞ Ăůŝ

, Y

Ryan Horlen, The Daily News

Head coach Erik Bertram: “This is a good play against off coverage, deep corners that are playing a deep zone, because you’re running those guys off (farther downfield) and then breaking off underneath. … It’s kind of a chunk-yardage play. We’re looking for a 9-, 10-yard chunk on the completion and then probably minimal run after the catch on the curls.”

THE BREAKDOWN

Bill Wagner, The Daily News

R.A. Long coach Erik Bertram.

This play is designed to beat zone coverages that assign one man to the flat, as that flat defender is forced to pick between sticking with the wide receiver on the curl route or leaving to guard the back or slot receiver underneath. The tight end, meanwhile, finds an opening in the middle of the zone and presents himself to the quarterback as a safety net. In the play language, “Dubs R” refers to the personnel and formation, “White” means the quarterback takes a fivestep drop and “Cali” is the name RAL gives to the curl-flat concept.

PLAYBOOK

THE DAILY NEWS

MARK MORRIS ϯϬ 30&ƌŽŶƚ Front ŽǀĞƌ Cover 3ϯ

Ed ^

t D

Ryan Horlen, The Daily News

Head coach Shawn Perkins: “It’s just a vanilla front to see what the offense is going to do in different situations. It’s a safety net. Go back to the basic, easy stuff so the kids don’t get confused. If they’re confused, call this, and we’ll go back and correct it the next play.”

The Breakdown

As Perkins said, there’s nothing too complicated about this look run from the Monarchs’ base defensive set. The three down linemen immediately get up field, while the two outside linebackers must make sure it’s a run play before committing. The three middle backers either stuff their proper run gaps or sit back to patrol the middle against the pass, while the cornerbacks and the free safety split the field into deep thirds in zone coverage.

Mark Morris coach Shawn Perkins consults with Will Burghardt on a play from last year’s game against Woodland.

PLAYBOOK

THE DAILY NEWS

KELSO WƌŽ ZŝŐŚƚ KƉƚŝŽŶ Pro Right One Option ^^

d d

Y & Z

Head coach Steve Amrine: “The quarterback is gonna take his eyes to the end. If the end comes upfield, he’s gonna give it (to the fullback), boom. If the end squeezes in, he’s gonna pull it. Then, he’s gonna go attack the corner (on the option). If we get everything else blocked right, then we ‘block’ the end with the fullback, and now we should be off to the races with a 2 on 1 — in theory.”

The Breakdown

Bill Wagner, The Daily News

Kelso football coach Steve Amrine.

Amrine said this one, a basic triple option out of the I-formation, likely has been in the Kelso playbook for decades. While the offensive linemen gain inside leverage to leave a clear path on the perimeter, the quarterback, fullback and tailback conduct an intricate series of steps designed to force defenders into making impossible decisions. On the option, the tailback tries to stay four yards behind the quarterback and maintain a 45-degree angle for the pitch.

PLAYBOOK / Page 32 23

R.A. LONG LUMBERJACKS LEAGUE: GSHL 2A | WIAA ENROLLMENT: 764 | STATE PLAYOFF APPEARANCES: 1

THE SPOTLIGHT

Erik Bertram is drawing from every corner of R.A. Long to find new talent. Ethan Sterkel (track and field), Mason Nickerson (soccer) and Coby Rothwell (baseball/basketball) will all debut for the Jacks on the gridiron this fall. “We have some athletes,” Bertram said. “It’s just gonna be fitting them into a spot and getting them good at one thing.”

PROJECTED STARTERS * All-league selection last year; returning starters in bold

RETURNERS 6

QB RB RB WR WR TE OT OG C OG OT

RETURNERS 3

DE DT DT DE LB LB LB LB CB S CB

OFFENSE SPREAD

Owen Bertram* 6-5 222 Riley Opgrande 5-9 175 Gunnar Blix 6-0 220 Hunter Jones* 6-0 170 Mason Nickerson 6-0 160 Ronnie Higgins 6-0 190 Keoni Mawae* 6-5 270 Brock Cothren 5-10 197 Anthony Wingate 5-10 180 Ruben Valle 5-9 192 Dillon Miller 5-10 270

Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr.

Gunnar Blix is expected to start at middle linebacker and also have ballcarrying duties after transferring to R.A. Long from Wahkiakum.

DEFENSE 4-4

Andrew Stone 5-10 180 Marcus Graham* 5-9 225 Brett Coons 5-10 250 Keoni Mawae 6-5 270 Ashtin Jennings 5-9 180 Gunnar Blix* 6-0 220 Ronnie Higgins 6-0 190 Justin Holmdahl 5-9 175 Riley Opgrande 5-9 175 Hunter Jones 6-0 170 Owen Enriquez 5-10 160

Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. So. Jr. Sr. Fr.

Tim Ellis, The Daily News

COACH Erik Bertram, eighth year Record at school 40-29

Multi-talented Blix gives RAL new offensive, defensive weapon

LAST SEASON Playoff game in bold at Columbia River Kelso at Mark Morris Washougal at Ridgefield at Prairie Woodland at Hudson’s Bay Hockinson at Tumwater

L W W W W W L W L L

32-0 22-3 42-0 41-8 7-5 26-7 35-14 41-21 13-7 28-0

SCHEDULE League games in bold Sept. 3 Columbia River Sept. 11 at Kelso Sept. 18 Mark Morris Sept. 25 at Washougal Oct. 2 Ridgefield Oct. 9 Prairie Oct. 16 at Woodland Oct. 23 Hudson’s Bay Oct. 30 at Hockinson

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

THE TREND Wins during the past four seasons

’14 ’13 ’12 ’11

6 8 4 2

Kevin Dowd

ers are now gone, leaving plenty of question marks behind. In Marcus Graham and Brett Coons, the Jacks return some serious beef up front. And Gunnar Blix was something of a one-man with Ronnie Higgins and Blix at linebacker, show at Wahkiakum last season. the team’s balance of power has shifted a few As a quarterback, he threw for 924 yards yards closer to the line of scrimmage. to lead the 2B Mules in rushing attempts “Last year, we were so good at corner that and yards; as a linebacker, he had 119 tackwe didn’t really have to worry about it, and les, more than any other player in the Lower that just made everything easier,” RAL coach Columbia region. He can’t remember ever Erik Bertram said. “This year will be differleaving the field. ent. But I think we still have the potential to That will change this season at R.A. Long. be a real solid defensive team.” With a much deeper roster around him — And even if the defense can’t replicate last and with Owen Bertram firmly installed as a second-year starting quarterback — Blix will year’s stonewalling ways, the RAL offense appears poised to take a leap. focus on defensive duties, starting at middle After years of slowly transitioning away linebacker and serving as part of a three-man from his old pro-style ways, Bertram has rotation at running back. officially embraced a spread offense. Owen Don’t expect any complaints from Bertram will be at the controls, ready to the senior. distribute the ball to a variety of perimeter “As long as I play, I don’t care,” Blix weapons. The most experienced returner said. “I didn’t really like playing quarteris wide receiver Hunter Jones, who said he back, anyway.” The arrival of Blix as a new defensive linch- is“really excited” at the prospect of a more aerially inclined attack. pin comes at the perfect time. And if it sputters, well, maybe RAL will With cornerbacks Payton Miller and Laadopt Wahkiakum’s old strategy: Give the ball mar Swagerty leading the way, the Lumto Blix and let him work his magic. berjacks assembled a dominant group last “He’s just a tank,” said Jones. “Nobody can fall, holding five opponents to single-digit stop him.” point totals. But the majority of those playkdowd@tdn.com

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WOODLAND BEAVERS LEAGUE: GSHL 2A | WIAA ENROLLMENT: 472 | STATE PLAYOFF APPEARANCES: 10

THE SPOTLIGHT

The grandstands at Woodland’s newly constructed Beaver Stadium are now double in size, seating up to 1,600 fans. The FieldTurf is an added bonus, too; its life expectancy is approximately 15 years.

PROJECTED STARTERS * All-league selection last year; returning starters in bold

RETURNERS 6

QB RB TE WR WR OT OG C OG OT

OFFENSE SPREAD

Wyatt Harsh* 6-0 180 So. Tristan Thomas 6-1 195 Jr. Jared Cloud* 6-2, 200 Sr. Bryce Johnson 5-9 145 Sr. Tyler Flanagan 5-10 170 Fr. Isaac Anderson* 6-3 285 Jr. Chase Barber 6-3 275 Sr. McKay Flanagan 6-1 180 Sr. Jeff Jackson* 6-1 200 Sr. Christian Mendez* 6-4 235 Sr.

RETURNERS 5

DEFENSE 4-3

DE Jared Cloud DT Isaac Anderson DT Chase Barber DE Christian Mendez LB Tristan Thomas* LB Cooper Lucas* LB Hunter Raney LB Logan Knight DB Tyler Flanagan DB Taylor Yeo DB Bryce Johnson

6-2 200 6-3 285 6-3 275 6-4 235 6-1 195 6-1 185 5-9 165 5-10 190 5-10 170 5-9 160 5-9 145

Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. So. Fr. Sr. Sr.

COACH Mark Greenleaf, 13th year Record at school 77-34

John Markon, The Daily News

Isaac Anderson (77), a Class 2A all-state pick in 2014, anchors an experienced line for the Beavers.

LAST SEASON Playoff game in bold Kalama at La Center Hudson’s Bay at Ridgefield at Washougal Mark Morris at R.A. Long Hockinson at Fort Vancouver W.F. West

W W W W W W W L W L

50-0 44-0 50-0 48-15 48-7 56-21 35-14 14-7 41-34 28-21

SCHEDULE League games in bold Sept. 4 at Kalama 7 p.m. Sept. 11 La Center 7 p.m. Sept. 18 at Hudson’s Bay 5 p.m. Sept. 25 Ridgefield 7 p.m. Oct. 2 Washougal 7 p.m. Oct. 8 at Mark Morris 7 p.m. Oct. 16 R.A. Long 7 p.m. Oct. 23 at Hockinson 7 p.m. Oct. 30 Fort Vancouver 7 p.m.

THE TREND Wins during the past four seasons

’14 ’13 ’12 ’11

8 9 8 5

Beavers’ offensive line has no shortage of experience Meg Wochnick

They view themselves as “a team within a team,” said Anderson, and this team’s connection is as strong as ever. “No one else does what we do,” Anderson Offensive linemens’ game-night glory tends to be seen through the quarterbacks they block for, or said. “… It’s kind of nice to have that bond with each other.” the running backs they open gaping holes for. Back at full strength is Barber, whose junior At Woodland, it goes beyond quarterback Wyyear was cut short with a season-ending shoulder att Harsh’s complimentary comments and daily injury in early September. Like Anderson did a year thank-yous to the five-men front who protect ago, Barber also started on the line as a sophomore. him. The line’s reward, the Red Meat Award, Greenleaf said what makes this group stand out also comes on Monday’s weekly post-game is its quickness, and playing together as one piece film session. for the common goal. In its fourth year of existence, line coach Matt “The biggest thing is they care about each Anderson grades the linemen on a zero to five other,” Greenleaf said. “It’s not about them – it’s scale and the player who averages the best score earns the fresh piece of meat, usually a good cut of about that unit. They just gel.” And while the line agreed, without hesitation, T-bone or Ribeye. But it’s not about the meat; it’s about the recog- to go above and beyond to protect each other and their teammates – “we have no problem taking nition. flags,” Anderson said, … “15 yards is nothing if it “We like to say we work harder than anyone on means (the opposing player) never does it again” – the team during practice,” said junior left tackle the loss of now-graduated Eli Whitmire means the Isaac Anderson. line is protecting a new fullback. The Beavers’ offensive line is experienced as Greenleaf said it’s a three-player race for the they come. All five – Anderson, Chase Barber (left spot between Tristan Thomas, Logan Knight and guard), McKay Flanagan (center), Jeff Jackson Tyler Bishop. (right guard) and Christian Mendez (right tackle) “We have a lot of young guns we need to count — will start for a second straight year, and with the exception of Anderson, a 2A all-state pick in 2014, on,” Greenleaf said. “… hopefully, we won’t skip a beat.” all are seniors. mwochnick@tdn.com

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CASTLE ROCK ROCKETS LEAGUE: SOUTHWEST TRICO 1A WIAA ENROLLMENT: 307 STATE PLAYOFF APPEARANCES: 13 (1 TITLE)

PROJECTED STARTERS * All-league selection last year; returning starters in bold

RETURNERS 2

QB FB LHB RHB WR TE T G C G T

RETURNERS 3

DE DT DT DE LB LB LB FS CB CB SS

OFFENSE OPTION

Dakota Golden 6-0 Talib Meeks 6-2 Chris Millward 5-8 Dylan Libby 5-9 Troy Werly 5-9 Adam Black 5-11 Luke Sparks 5-11 Raimon Mangan 6-0 Eli Jenkins 5-11 Wesley Hall 6-0 Zak Kendle 5-9

155 Jr. 215 Sr. 160 Jr. 170 Sr. 175 Jr. 190 Jr. 265 So. 230 Sr. 255 Jr. 230 Jr. 245 Sr.

DEFENSE 4-3

Talib Meeks* 6-2 Jon Eslick 6-0 Raimon Mangan 6-0 Zak Kendle 5-9 Nathan Halladay 5-11 Chris Millward 5-8 Adam Black 5-11 Nick Proudfit 6-2 Nathan Myklebust 5-9 Cole Brister 5-8 Dylan Libby 5-9

215 260 230 245 185 160 190 175 145 135 170

Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. So. Jr. Jr. Sr. So. Jr. Sr.

COACH Eric Boswell, first year

LAST SEASON Playoff games in bold Ridgefield L at Tenino L Hockinson L at King’s Way W at La Center L at Seton Catholic W White Salmon W Stevenson L Kalama L

34-6 39-19 48-0 21-14 28-7 14-6 18-7 28-0 38-19

SCHEDULE League games in bold Sept. 4 at Ridgefield Sept. 11 Tenino Sept. 18 at Hockinson Sept. 25 King’s Way Oct. 2 La Center Oct. 9 Seton Catholic Oct. 16 at White Salmon Oct. 23 at Stevenson Oct. 30 at Kalama

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

THE TREND Wins during the past four seasons

’14 ’13 ’12 ’11

3 4 6 4

THE SPOTLIGHT

Castle Rock is the fourth stop for Eric Boswell. He coached one season at Toledo (2004), four at Battle Ground (2006-09) and the past four years at Kalama. He has a combined 34-51 record in nine seasons.

Rockets ‘enjoying the system’ under new coach Rick McCorkle rickmc@tdn.com

A new coach and new schemes have been part of the learning process in Castle Rock. “They seem to be enjoying the system,” CR coach Eric Boswell said. “We want them to play as fast as they can, and we want to be faster than our opponents.” Scrimmages at Camp Rilea ironed out some of the kinks in Boswell’s game plan. “It helped to prepare us for what will be coming this season,” senior Raimon Mangan said. “It was a good start for us.” Boswell comes to the Rockets after four years in Kalama, where he led the Chinooks to three postseason berths. “Everyone seems to like the new coach and have a good feeling about him,” senior Dylan Libby said. “The players have adapted really well, the plays are easy and we’re getting them quickly.” The Pistol offense of former coach Ben Suhrbier is out and is replaced by a modified Wing-T. “It’s an option offense, and most of our plays are runrun, run-pass or pass-pass,” Boswell said. “The only guy who knows who will get the ball every play is the quarterback. Our receivers have to remain focused and can’t take plays off.” The keys to the new offense go to junior Dakota Golden, although sophomore Parker Patching has provided solid competition early at quarterback. “The guy who produces will be the one who plays,” Boswell said. The Rockets have six players at halfback and fullback, and their offensive line averages 245 pounds. “We have a lot of good, young skill kids,” Boswell said. “One kid may stand out in one game, and another might have a good game the next week. We’ll have answers for what the defense gives us.” Boswell has installed a 3-5 defense, which differs from

Bill Wagner, The Daily News

Watch out for Castle Rock’s Talib Meeks (42). Just ask any of the Southwest Trico 1A’s quarterbacks. the 4-3 alignment the Rockets used in recent years. “We’ll do a lot of blitzing and stunting,” he said. “We don’t have big, physical linebackers.” All-league defensive end Talib Meeks anchors the front line, and is joined by returning linebacker Chris Millward and Libby at strong safety.

Boswell sees La Center, winner of 27 consecutive league games, at the top of the league hierarchy. “They have numbers every year,” he said. “Kalama is loaded skill-wise, and White Salmon will be all right. I expect us to compete for one of the league’s playoff spots.”

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KALAMA CHINOOKS LEAGUE: SOUTHWEST TRICO 1A

WIAA ENROLLMENT: 208

STATE PLAYOFF APPEARANCES: 14

THE SPOTLIGHT

Coach Sean McDonald is only months removed from playing shape. He spent time playing for the Tri-City Fever of the National Indoor Football League, one of the three NIFL team’s he’s suited up for.

PROJECTED STARTERS * All-league selection last year; returning starters in bold

RETURNERS 5

QB RB TE WR WR WR OT OG C OG OT

RETURNERS 6

DE DT DT DE LB LB LB DB DB DB

OFFENSE SPREAD

Isaac Truesdell* 6-1 165 Carl Hausserman* 5-8 205 Hunter Esary* 6-3 220 Cameron Walker 6-1 170 Victor Leatzow 5-11 175 Jacob Herz 6-0 170 Casey Sweet* 6-1 200 Matt Haynes 5-10 185 Sam Ross* 6-1 230 Colby Radar 510 170 KC Larranaga 6-0 210

Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. So. Sr. So. Sr. So. So.

Sophomore Jacob Herz is expected to be an offensive target for quarterback Isaac Truesdell in the Chinooks’ new spread offense this fall.

DEFENSE 4-3

Casey Sweet* 6-1 200 Sr. KC Larranaga 6-0 210 So. Sam Ross* 6-1 230 Sr. Carl Hausserman* 5-8 205 Sr. Hunter Esary* 6-3 230 Sr. Cameron Walker 6-1 170 Jr. Brandon Speed 5-8 165 Sr. Isaac Truesdell 6-1 165 Sr. Victor Leatzow 5-11 175 Sr. Jacob Herz 6-0 170 So.

Roger Werth, The Daily News

COACH Sean McDonald, first year

LAST SEASON Playoff game in bold at Woodland at Ridgefield King’s Way Christian Bow Valley (B.C.) at White Salmon Stevenson at Seton Catholic La Center at Castle Rock at Montesano

L L W W W L W L W L

50-0 35-14 27-14 48-7 21-13 30-14 45-21 42-22 38-19 44-6

SCHEDULE League games in bold Sept. 4 Woodland Sept. 11 at Ridgefield Sept. 18 at King’s Way Christian Sept. 25 at Corbett (Ore.) Oct. 2 White Salmon Oct. 9 at Stevenson Oct. 16 at Seton Catholic Oct. 23 at La Center Oct. 30 Castle Rock

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

THE TREND Wins during the past four seasons

’14 ’13 ’12 ’11

5 7 1 4

New coach, spread offense has Chinooks’ seniors poised for big year Meg Wochnick

nooks to be stronger in the passing game. “I want to throw as much as possible,” he said. “I’m excited to see what we can do.” And what a better target to have than the 6-footWhat did best friends Isaac Truesdell and Hunter 3, 230-pound Esary, a player Truesdell described as Esary do 24 hours before Kalama’s first football a sure-hands guy. At tight end, Esary led the league practice for the 2015 season? in receptions (38) and yards (447) last season. What else — hit the golf course. Kelso’s Three “All I have to do is throw the ball within 5 yards Rivers Golf Course, to be exact, for what they called of him,” Truesdell said, “and he’s going to go get it, their last day of freedom. which is all you can ask for in a receiver.” Naturally, some reflection on their high school Kalama has been known for its 1- and football experience ensued, leading to a conver2-back offenses in previous years. Don’t sation about winning football games. It’s what expect that to go by the wayside. Carl the Chinooks hope happens more often than not Hausserman and Jasper Pulido will this fall. be the primary ball-carriers. McDon“There’s nothing better,” Esary said. For the Chinooks’ 11 seniors, it’s a season they’ve ald described Pulido as one of the more shifty backs to come through Kalama. been waiting for. He proved to make the most of That’s why, in part, expectations couldn’t be his ball-carrying duties in 2014, averaging higher for the Chinooks. First-year coach Sean 8 yards per carry over 56 carries. McDonald, a Kalama native who spent the past “No breakaway killer speed, but he has a few two seasons as a Mark Morris assistant, walks into a program featuring a returning 1,200-yard passer, moves, and he’ll break a few tackles,” McDonald said. the Southwest Trico 1A’s leading receiver and four Of the 11 seniors, Esary is one of four to start seniors who are soon-to-be four-year starters. since freshman year; Truesdell is a three-year “I couldn’t be more excited,” said McDonstarter and coming off a season throwing for ald, a 2008 Kalama graduate and former all1,200 yards and only three interceptions. state lineman. The quarterback plays smart ball and limits misWhile still incorporating power sets, McDonald takes, as Esary put it. has instilled a spread offense to take advantage of “And in the end,” he said, “that wins ball games.” the league’s run-stop defenses. Expect the Chimwochnick@tdn.com

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TOLEDO ϱϮ ^ůĂŶƚ ^ƚƌŽŶŐ 52 Slant Strong ůƵĞ Blue

d >

Ryan Horlen, The Daily News

Playbook FROM PAGE 23 Head coach Jeremy Thibault: “This is something we ran against Concrete in the playoffs last year (against Concrete’s very tightly packed offense). We would have a key to determine the direction we would slant. Not knowing what hash we’re on, we would slant to the strength (of the formation).”

The Breakdown

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Bill Wagner, The Dai

Toledo coach Jeremy

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The “52” in this play means it’s run out of Toledo’s base 5-2 defense, and the “Slant Strong” directs the members of the front five to all rush upfield toward the strong side of the formation, where the tight end is aligned. “Blue,” meanwhile, refers to the Cover 2 being played on the back end. This look would be most effective against a run play; ideally, the five players slanting up front would force the play that way, allowing the two middle linebackers to pursue and make the tackle.

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TOLEDO INDIANS LEAGUE: CENTRAL 2B | WIAA ENROLLMENT: 208 | STATE PLAYOFF APPEARANCES: 11

THE SPOTLIGHT

As if the offense wasn’t already dangerous enough, Toledo adds a brand new weapon this season in freshman kicker Andreas Malunat. The son of former Indians soccer coach (and new football assistant) Horst Malunat, the ninth-grader’s range extends to nearly 50 yards.

PROJECTED STARTERS * All-league selection last year; returning starters in bold

RETURNERS 8

QB RB RB RB WR TE LT LG C RG RT

OFFENSE WING-T

Dalton Yoder 6-4 220 Jr. Taylor Hicks* 5-10 205 Sr. Dakota Robins 5-11 175 Jr. Dylan Hoiseck 5-9 170 Jr. Wes Kuzminsky 6-3 175 Sr. Gabe Fuentes* 5-10 180 Jr. Jesse House 5-10 220 Sr. Austin Crawford 5-9 170 So. Seth Nichols* 5-10 250 Jr. Alfonso Carpenter 5-10 220 Sr. T.J. Demery 5-10 185 Jr.

RETURNERS 6

DT DT DT OLB MLB MLB OLB CB SS FS CB

DEFENSE 5-2

Jesse House 5-10 220 Sr. Alfonso Carpenter5-10220Sr. Dakota Robins 5-11 175 Jr. DaltonYoder* 6-4 220 Jr. T.J. Demery 5-10 185 Jr. Austin Crawford 5-9 170 So. Gabe Fuentes 5-10 180 Jr. Kolton Korpi 5-9 160 Sr. Taylor Hicks 5-10 205 Sr. Dylan Hoiseck 5-9 170 Jr. Wes Kuzminsky 6-3 175 Sr.

COACH Jeremy Thibault, fourth year Record at school 19-13 Bill Wagner, The Daily News

LAST SEASON Playoff games in bold at Morton/White Pass Pe Ell/Willapa Valley Winlock at Adna Onalaska at Napavine at Mossyrock at Toutle Lake Wahkiakum Ilwaco at Concrete North Beach Napavine

W W W W W L W W W W W W L

15-14 20-14 46-20 45-6 33-24 36-6 52-0 54-7 46-21 55-14 65-40 21-14 28-22

SCHEDULE League games in bold Sept. 4 Morton/White Pass Sept. 11 at Pe Ell/Willapa Valley Sept. 18 at Winlock Sept. 25 Adna Oct. 2 at Onalaska Oct. 9 Napavine Oct. 16 Mossyrock Oct. 23 Toutle Lake Oct. 30 at Wahkiakum

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

THE TREND Wins during the past four seasons

’14 ’13 ’12 ’11

11 3 5 10

Dakota Robins rushed for 605 yards in 2014, but is a player who stands out at multiple positions. “He’s gonna play a big part for us,” coach Jeremy Thibault said.

Focused on stopping Hicks? OK, but Indians have other options Kevin Dowd

na be a big part for us.” Ready to leave his mark, too, is junior Dylan Hoiseck. A starter all last season at free safety, he Already, running back Taylor Hicks is seeing the worked his way into a bigger role offensively and emerged as a major contributor at running back side effects of his success. He was the center of attention at Toledo’s sum- during the Indians’ 2B state semifinals run. “I was kind of nervous playing on offense at mer camp, usually met with nine-man fronts and defenses designed to slow him down. That’s what first,” Hoiseck said, “because I really didn’t want to mess up.” happens when you rush for 2,258 yards, as Hicks Such concerns now are gone. For an example did last fall. of Toledo’s ideal dynamic, look to last October’s “There will be games where other teams try to close me down. I feel like that’s going to be a lot of game against Toutle Lake. Hicks served as the teams’ emphasis,” Hicks said. “But if they can pull hammer, loosening up the middle of the field with off their emphasis, that’s going to leave an opening 175 yards and a touchdown, and Hoiseck and Robins used their speed to probe the perimeter, comsomewhere for one of the other guys.” bining for 176 yards and four more scores. And there are plenty of other guys on Toledo’s Then there are returning standouts such as Dalroster just salivating for a chance. First is Dakota Robins, who rushed for 605 yards ton Yoder and Gabe Fuentes. The Indians graduatlast season as a jack-of-all-trades threat. The big- ed speedsters such as Konner Crawford and bruisgest challenge for the junior — who could play five ers such as Austin Eaton, but they return plenty of talent to equal or improve upon last year’s trip to different positions at various times this season, coach Jeremy Thibault said — is learning his many the Tacoma Dome. If it happens, Toledo will have one very responsibilities in the playbook. “Last year, I thought he was one of our best kids high-profile decoy to thank. “You open up a lot for everybody else,” Hicks down the stretch,” Thibault said. “He has good hands, and he can line up at receiver too. He’s gon- said. “It’s a big old team effort.” kdowd@tdn.com

PROGNOSTICATION

8 BY KEVIN DOWD

THE POWER 8

Pound-for-pound rankings of the top teams in Southwest Washington and Northwest Oregon

1. NAPAVINE The offense is stacked. The defense is stacked. From the top down and the bottom up, head coach Josh Fay has built a juggernaut that should be able to name the score more often than not.

2. HOCKINSON A 52-28 defeat to Lynden in last year’s playoffs raises questions about the Hawks’ place on the state scene, but there is little question they’re the best 2A team in the area.

3. TOLEDO In the biggest games on Toledo’s schedule, expect heavy doses of running back Taylor Hicks. Side effects for opponents may include soreness, fatigue and feelings of abject hopelessness.

4. PE ELL/ WILLAPA VALLEY It’s possible no team in the area returns a higher percentage of contributors from last season. A fast, physical, versatile backfield leads the way for this Central 2B dark horse.

5. LA CENTER Speaking of big-name backs, last year’s Trico MVP Cole Judd returns to carry the ball for the Wildcats. And a Week 1 showdown at home vs. Hockinson? Don’t mind if we do.

6. COLUMBIA RIVER There’s a ton of turnover from last season, including quarterback Gabe Evenson and most of his receiving threats. But the Chieftains possess enough depth to remain atop the GSHL 3A.

7. RAYMOND Quarterback Rayce Newman leaves some large shoes to fill in the backfield, but the Seagulls will be just fine. Linebacking brothers James and Luke Hamilton are two major reasons why.

8. R.A. LONG Gunnar Blix arrives from Wahkiakum to aid an already-dominant defensive front seven. Don’t expect a whole lot of points to be scored on this bunch.

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Local Power 8 1. Toledo 2. R.A. Long 3. Woodland 4. Kalama 5. Ilwaco 6. Castle Rock 7. Kelso 8. Rainier State Power 8 1. Neah Bay 2. Okanogan 3. Bellevue 4. Eastside Catholic 5. Napavine 6. Cascade Christian 7. Tumwater 8. Chiawana National Power 8 (via MaxPreps) 1. IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.) 2. St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) 3. Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas) 4. Bishop Amat (La Puente, Calif.) 5. Allen (Texas) 6. DeMatha (Hyattsville, Md.) 7. Mililani (Hawaii) 8. Chandler (Ariz.)

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ILWACO FISHERMEN LEAGUE: PACIFIC 2B

WIAA ENROLLMENT: 211

STATE PLAYOFF APPEARANCES: 2

THE SPOTLIGHT

Michael Aguyo and Kaaden Gehrke have the two tackle spots locked up, but as of the first week of practice, the other three jobs on the offensive line were up for grabs. Head coach Kevin McNulty is particularly concerned about who will replace departed all-leaguer Matt MacDonald at center. “That guy gets to touch the ball every play,” he said.

PROJECTED STARTERS * All-league selection last year; returning starters in bold

RETURNERS 7

QB RB RB RB WR WR OL OL OL OL OL

OFFENSE 2-BACK

Jack Odneal Alec Bell Jack Kaino James Schenk Riki Thompson* Zac Tapio Michael Aguyo Kaaden Gehrke Marcello Lazaro Daylin Kemmer Brandon Sparks

RETURNERS 8

5-8 145 5-7 225 5-9 180 5-9 170 5-11 150 6-1 170 5-11 240 6-1 250 5-8 225 5-10 170 5-10 190

Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. So. Jr. Sr.

DEFENSE 3-5

DL Daylin Kemmer 5-10 170 Jr. DL Michael Aguyo 5-11 240 Sr. DL Kaaden Gehrke 6-1 250 Jr. OLB Jack Kaino 5-9 180 Sr. ILB Alec Bell 5-7 225 Jr. ILB Brandon Sparks 5-10 190 Sr. ILB Brandon McMullen 5-8 165 So. OLB James Schenk 5-9 170 Sr. DB Riki Thompson 5-11 150 Sr. DB Jack Odneal 5-8 145 Jr. DB Joshawah Eaglebear 5-10 140 Sr.

COACH Kevin McNulty, ninth year Record at school 16-61 Bill Wagner, The Daily News

LAST SEASON Playoff game in bold North Beach at Tacoma Baptist Lyle/Wishram Life Christian Chief Leschi at Warrenton (Ore.) at Ocosta Raymond at Rainier South Bend at Toledo

L W W L W L W L L W L

Jack Kaino rushed for nearly 1,000 yards and nine touchdowns in 2014. 52-0 2-0 50-48 26-15 42-8 56-22 44-0 52-13 40-17 55-28 55-14

SCHEDULE League games in bold Sept. 4 at North Beach Sept. 11 Tacoma Baptist Sept. 19 at Life Christian Sept. 25 at Chief Leschi Oct. 2 St. Mary’s (Ore.) Oct. 9 Ocosta Oct. 16 at Raymond Oct. 23 Rainier Oct. 30 at South Bend

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

THE TREND Wins during the past four seasons

’14 ’13 ’12 ’11

5 0 1 4

Bell (bruiser), Kaino (speed) provide big plays out of backfield Kevin Dowd

yard rushers a year ago. At 5 feet 7 and 225 pounds, Bell rumbled for 928 yards and 15 touchdowns, while Kaino, at 5-9, 180, knifed his way to 954 yards and nine more scores. When he was a boy, Alec Bell grew used to And they aren’t Ilwaco’s only big-play threats. traveling long distances. He was born in New Quarterback Jack Odneal and wide receiver Riki Mexico, then moved to Alaska, then moved Thompson also return, leaving the Fishermen to New Jersey, and then moved back across loaded at the most high-profile skill positions. the country to Ilwaco, all before he started But a thin group of returners up front means first grade. A cousin of Bell’s father also lived on the Wash- Ilwaco coach Kevin McNulty still is losing sleep. “I’m just really concerned about the line,” he ington coast, so it was one big family reunion. As said. “We have the ability to run and throw better luck would have it, that cousin had a son of his than we have in years. Whether we can get the own, and the two boys were very close in age. time enough to do it will be the secret.” Bell and Jack Kaino hit it off right away. One lineman was lost to graduation, but an“As soon as we moved here, we would go other three are gone, too. Two other projected to their big parties,” Bell said. “Ever since we returning starters moved out of the area, and anwere little.” other elected not to turn back out for football. Today, Bell and Kaino remain close — much “You always wait for somebody else to move to the chagrin of the Pacific 2B League. Togethin,” McNulty said, “but we haven’t had that.” er, they comprise one of the best backfields in Patchwork lines have taken shape before, howSouthwest Washington, a thunder-and-lightning ever. And if a five-man unit can emerge to open tandem that should be Ilwaco’s engine. “He has that bus mentality,” Kaino said of Bell, some holes, Kaino and Bell just might run all the way to the state tournament. his second cousin and teammate. “He can just “Our season will be a success if we make it furblast through big lines. And I’m the speed, so I ther than last year,” Bell said. “Just keep building.” can get out in space.” Bell and Kaino were Ilwaco’s two near-1,000kdowd@tdn.com

STATE OUTLOOK

TDNPREPS.COM

Who will win?

Our favorites and dark horses for each classification

CLASS 4A

CLASS 3A

Favorite: Chiawana

Favorite: Bellevue

With two title-game trips in the past two seasons, Coach Steve Graff has the Riverhawks rolling. Bothell graduates a ton, so the door is open.

Yes, Eastside Catholic may have dethroned the Wolverines last December, but we still can’t call anyone else the favorite. Bellevue has still won 67 of 68 games.

Dark horse: Lake Stevens

Dark horse: Eastside Catholic

In Georgia-bound quarterback Jacob Eason, the Vikings have the best individual player in the state at the game’s most important position.

Quarterback Harley Kirsch and running back Brandon Wellington both return; we could be seriously underestimating the Crusaders’ potential.

CLASS 2A

Favorite: Tumwater

A highly skilled senior class departs, but the T-Birds are so loaded that it might not matter. They have yet to lose a league game this decade.

Dark horse: Hockinson

The Hawks’ option offense is a well-oiled machine, and wide receiver Kedrick Johnson could add a new dimension on the outside.

CLASS 1A

CLASS 2B

Favorite: Cascade Christian After thrilling the Tacoma Dome crowd in a 27-26 state title game win over Colville last fall, the Cougars return to defend their crown behind a solid offensive line.

Dark horse: Zillah With plenty of skill-position talent back from an 11-1 team, the Leopards have their set on an even deeper postseason run.

CLASS 1B

Favorite: Okanogan

Favorite: Neah Bay

Dark horse: Reardan

Dark horse: Lummi

A whole host of talent returns from last year’s state champions. A title game rematch with Napavine would surprise absolutely nobody.

If an interloper exists, though, it may come from the Northeast League, and the Indians should have one of the best defenses in the classification.

After posting a 50-3 record with three state titles during the past four seasons, it would be folly to call anyone else the frontrunner.

Three of the Blackhawks’ four losses last season came against Neah Bay, the final one by six points in the state semifinals.

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RAINIER COLUMBIANS LEAGUE: LEWIS AND CLARK 3A | OSAA ENROLLMENT: 259 | STATE PLAYOFF APPEARANCES: 19 (1 TITLE)

THE SPOTLIGHT

Rainier is back to a 9-game regular-season schedule, after playing eight in 2014. The addition of Portland Christian/Columbia Christian fills out the schedule.

PROJECTED STARTERS * All-league selection last year; returning starters in bold

RETURNERS 4 OFFENSE

QB RB SB SB WR WR C G G T T

RETURNERS 4

NG DE DE LB LB LB LB LB CB CB FS

DIESEL

Casey Tripp* 5-6 Gabe Kosydar 5-10 Jacob Helton 6-0 Gunnar Brooks 5-8 Ryan Schmunk 5-8 Dawson Carr 6-2 Chris James 5-6 Josh Larson 5-9 Aaron Cantrell 5-11 Brian Jacob 6-2 Mason Schimmel 6-4

165 180 175 140 160 170 240 170 210 215 245

Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. So. So. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr.

DEFENSE 3-5

Chris James 5-6 Brian Jacob 6-2 Mason Schimmel 6-4 Jacob Helton* 6-0 Austin Eversole 5-10 Hunter Kaliloa 5-9 Gabe Kosydar 5-10 Ryan Schmunk 5-8 Casey Tripp 5-6 Gunnar Brooks 5-8 Caymon Rea 5-10

240 215 245 175 165 175 180 160 165 140 135

So. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. So. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. So.

COACH Mike King, fourth year Record at school

17-15

LAST SEASON Playoff games in bold at Blanchet Catholic L at Santiam Christian L at Seaside L Stevenson W at Scio L at Cascade Christian L Warrenton W at Clatskanie L at Harrisburg L

29-12 50-0 47-8 22-20 44-6 44-22 20-18 34-0 35-0

SCHEDULE League game in bold Sept. 4 at Willamina 7 p.m. Sept. 11 Santiam Christian 7 p.m. Sept. 18 Seaside 7 p.m. Sept. 25 at Stevenson 7 p.m. Oct. 2 Scio 7 p.m. Oct. 9 Cascade Christian 7 p.m. Oct 16 at Portland Christian 7 p.m. Oct. 23 at Warrenton 7 p.m. Oct 30. Clatskanie 7 p.m.

THE TREND Wins during the past four seasons

’14 ’13 ’12 ’11

2 7 8 11

Roger Werth, The Daily News

Rainier quarterback Casey Tripp (left) and running back Gabe Kosydar are expected to be major contributors for the Columbians this fall.

Building year behind them, Columbians ready to dig in Brooks Johnson bjohnson@tdn.com

It’s time for a Big Green comeback. The Columbians were knocked off their pedestal last season, losing the Lewis & Clark 3A title for the first time in nine years. Still, they made it into the Oregon 3A state playoffs, but were turned back by Harrisburg, 35-0, in the first round to end their season at 2-7. But with an experienced crew thirsty for vengeance, Rainier is poised to thrash. “A lot of the guys, now juniors and seniors, they remember what happened last year, and so we want to make that right,” coach Mike King said on the first day of practice.

With many returning players on both sides of the ball and plenty of depth, the Columbians look to build on last year’s record and retake their throne. “We’ve had a good summer, a lot of turnout and a lot of work in the weight room,” King said. “Guys committed, and commitment’s big.” Commitment also made them big — Rainier fans may recognize many faces on the field, but there’s a lot of new muscle to watch for. The Tripp family continues its dominance in the program, with senior Casey Tripp again expected to start under center. “It’s always nice to return a quarterback,” King said. “He’s out to prove something. He’s short (5 feet 6), but he’s savvy.”

What’s more, several underclassmen had what King described as significant varsity minutes and the fourth-year coach believes his players have what it takes for a deep playoff run. It starts with commitment and focus. “The way we are, we go 100 percent every play, that’s just what we do,” he said. “We need to cut out the little mistakes and everybody’s got to be on board.” A little help could come from the scheduling gods, too. A quirk in scheduling last year meant the Columbians played only two regular-season home games. This year, they’ll have five, which should give them a leg up. “We were 2-0 at home last year,” King joked. “You always feel more confident at home.”

SEASON PREVIEW

BY KEVIN DOWD

Five things to watch in 2015 Reloading out wide in the GSHL 2A Among Trevor Huddleston, Eli Whitmire and Cody Shepherd, Woodland graduates more than 2,200 yards and 35 touchdowns from last season. R.A. Long, meanwhile, loses its three most dangerous receiving options in Payton Miller, Lamar Swagerty and Ryan Geier. Quarterbacks Wyatt Harsh and Owen Bertram are good, but they canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t do it alone. Who will emerge as their new top targets? Wideout Hunter Raney and Jared Cloud figure to see a numbers spike in Woodland, and freshman receiver Tyler Flanagan could make an immediate impact. For the Jacks, meanwhile, senior wide receiver Hunter Jones should be the No. 1 option. As for a potential breakout, watch talented freshman Cole Enriquez, who will be a starter in the secondary. A fresh start in Oregon Last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s senior class at Clatskanie was a golden group, leading the football team to a league title and the baseball team to the final four in Oregonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Class 3A. But those athletes are now gone, leaving an enormous hole in their wake. Tight end/linebacker Wyatt McKay and lineman Job Karber return, but no other Tigers have a ton of experience. Can they stay afloat in the Lewis & Clark 3A League nonetheless? It may help that Rainier is reloading, although the

Columbians donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t lose quite as much as their Highway 30 rivals. Then again, coming off a rare down year, they could hardly afford to. Casey Tripp and Jacob Helton will try to lead Rainier back to its usual place atop the league standings.

New faces, new places The Lower Columbia region has three new head coaches this fall: Ben Suhrbier moves from Castle Rock to Winlock, Eric Boswell heads a few miles up I-5 from Kalama to replace Suhrbier and Sean McDonald comes aboard as the new boss of the Chinooks. It would be insane to expect an immediate turnaround from Suhrbier, but Boswell and McDonald each have the requisite talent on hand to win six or seven games. Between the hashmarks, meanwhile, the biggest offseason personnel development was the arrival of Wahkiakum transfer Gunnar Blix at R.A. Long. Early on, it looks like a match made in heaven, as Blix should slide right into the Lumberjacks lineup as a physical presence at middle linebacker. Ilwaco, Naselle aim to keep building After a one-season sample, the Fishermen and Comets look like two of the long-term winners from the most recent round of reclassification. In 2013, Naselle went 3-6 as a member of the Pacific

DELI STORE â&#x20AC;&#x153;At the foot of the bridgeâ&#x20AC;?

2B; last fall, they finished 5-5 and made the playoffs as a 1B independent, with four of those five defeats coming by 20 combined points. With talented linemen returning, the Comets could overpower some of their foes in the new Coastal 1B League this season. Ilwaco, meanwhile, saw itself transformed from Southwest 1A Trico whipping boy into Pacific 2B contender. The Fish finished 5-6 last season, exceeding their win total from the previous three seasons combined, and qualified for the postseason. With 15 starters coming back, a winning record in 2015 is realistic.

Eyes on the Dome Only one team from the Lower Columbia made it to the Tacoma Dome last season: the Toledo Indians, who lost to Napavine in the Class 2B state semifinals. Toledo finished 12-2, with both of its defeats coming at the hands of those pesky Tigers. Once again, the Indians look to be the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best bet to advance to the final four. With Taylor Hicks and Dakota Robins back to lead the charge, Toledo has a balanced, powerful running game that is very difficult to slow down. What the Indians lack in size, they make up for in aggression and scheme â&#x20AC;&#x201D; for an example, see last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s playoff win over North Beach. It would be a serious surprise if any other local teams made it to Tacoma, but R.A. Long, Woodland and Kalama could embark on extended postseason runs.

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CLATSKANIE TIGERS LEAGUE: LEWIS & CLARK 3A | OSAA ENROLLMENT: 215 | STATE PLAYOFF APPEARANCES: 17

THE SPOTLIGHT

Though two Lewis and Clark 3A teams will still be given playoff berths again this year, it will come from a newly expanded pool of four teams with the combined Portland Christian/Columbia Christian back into the league. Neither the Tigers nor the Columbians know much about their new foe. Wildcard much?

PROJECTED STARTERS * All-league selection last year; returning starters in bold

RETURNERS 2

QB TB FB WR WR TE C G G T T

RETURNERS 2

DE DE NT OLB OLB ILB ILB ILB C C FS

OFFENSE WING-T

Cooper Starkel 5-10 Ian Griffith 5-7 Wyatt McKay* 6-1 Carter Hudson 5-10 Phoenix Johnson 5-9 Dawson Howard 6-0 Caleb Warren 5-10 Job Karber 6-2 Miles Haas 6-0 Brenden Hicks 6-1 Ryan Bochner 5-8

150 160 200 160 140 170 190 250 170 190 180

Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. So.

DEFENSE 3-5

Wyatt McKay* Job Karber Brenden Hicks Ian Griffith Isaac Points Dawson Howard Carter Hudson Jaren Reeves Dustin Luquette Miles Haas Cooper Starkel

6-1 6-2 6-1 5-7 5-10 6-0 5-10 5-8 5-10 6-0 5-10

200 250 190 160 175 170 160 180 150 170 150

Sr. Jr. Jr Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr.

COACH Tim Warren, fifth year Record at school

23-17

Brooks Johnson, The Daily News

First-year quarterback Cooper Starkel hands off to Wyatt McKay while Ian Griffith runs his route during the Tigers’ opening practice Aug. 17. McKay is one of two returning starters on either side of the ball.

LAST SEASON Playoff game in bold Horizon Christian at Harrisburg Illinois Valley at Knappa Nestucca at North Eugene Rainier Warrenton Nyssa

W L W L W W W W L

28-12 57-27 62-28 22-18 49-6 48-12 34-0 28-20 46-21

SCHEDULE League games in bold Sept. 4 Kennedy Sept. 11 Harrisburg Sept. 19 at Illinois Valley Sept. 25 at Molalla Oct. 2 at Corbett Oct. 9 North Eugene Oct. 16 at Warrenton Oct. 23 Portland Christian Oct. 30 at Rainier

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 1 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

THE TREND Wins during the past four seasons

’14 ’13 ’12 ’11

6 7 4 6

Tigers hit restart after graduating league-winning team Brooks Johnson

team together. “I’m just always trying to make my teammates better and make myself better,” Starkel said. The junior class is a big one, so the current Surveying the field on the first day of practice, roster could mirror the success of last year’s coach Tim Warren had a burning question: Who league-winning team either this season or next. are these kids? Plenty of freshmen also are vying for chances. “This is kind of one of those years where you “I don’t see anybody not having an opporgo, ‘This is a football,’ ” said Warren, who gradutunity,” Warren said. “Everything’s basically ated 14 seniors from last year’s Tigers team that brand new.” captured the Lewis and Clark 3A title. “I say that Those making return appearances know the tongue-in-cheek, but I can’t remember a time challenges they face in such a young team, but when I brought back two starters.” there was some optimism on a hot day in August. At the first practice of the year, it seemed any“I feel like we’ll fire back,” said Wyatt McKay, thing was possible as a new chapter of Tigers took one of the few seniors and returning starters on the field. Some were a part of last year’s 6-3 (2-0 the team. “I’m hoping we’re league champs again league) season that ended one game into the Orand get farther into the playoffs.” egon 3A state playoffs, but many were suiting up And why not? for the first time. “It’s more exciting than scary because you “I’m just going to stay humble and make sure don’t know what’s going to happen,” said junior everyone’s doing their job,” said Cooper Starkel, running back Ian Griffith, who played in every who is expected to start under center. The junior — a basketball star for the Tigers — is game last year and started several. “If we pracessentially a rookie, having suffered a back injury tice as a team, I think we’re going to be able to do pretty good.” years ago that kept him out of football until now. “I think we will pleasantly surprise people,” Despite being as green as the grass at Dick MaWarren said. nick Field, he knows what he has to do to pull the bjohnson@tdn.com

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WINLOCK CARDINALS LEAGUE: CENTRAL 2B | WIAA ENROLLMENT: 148 | STATE PLAYOFF APPEARANCES: 10 (1 TITLE)

THE SPOTLIGHT

On the first day of practice, a large, gray tent was set up a few feet from the edge of the field, tucked away in a small pocket of shade. Apparently, a couple Cardinals had camped out in anticipation of the 7 a.m. workout. “They were pretty excited,” quarterback Zach Weinert said.

PROJECTED STARTERS * All-league selection last year; returning starters in bold

RETURNERS 8

QB RB RB RB WR TE LT LG C RG RT

RETURNERS 6

DE DT DT DE LB LB LB CB S S CB

OFFENSE PISTOL

Zach Weinert Sean Berry Derek Chilcoate Cain Rector Taelon Demar-Palmer Dawson Hall Johnny Sanchez Matt Trueblood Tyler Robinette Adam Hylton Giovanny Dominguez DEFENSE 4-3

Michael Trueblood Johnny Sanchez Adam Hylton Dawson Hall Giovanny Dominguez Jake Anderson Cain Rector Quinn Rector Zach Weinert Derek Chilcoate Miguel Del Campo

Complete roster information not available by press time.

COACH Ben Suhrbier, first year

Bill Wagner, The Daily News

Ben Suhrbier (Winlock) joins Eric Boswell (Castle Rock) and Sean McDonald (Kalama) as new coaches at their respective schools this fall.

LAST SEASON Playoff games in bold at Pe Ell/Willapa Valley Morton/White Pass at Toledo Mossyrock Toutle Lake at Adna at Wahkiakum Onalaska Napavine at Chief Leschi

L L L L L L L L L W

41-21 27-0 46-20 28-6 40-21 41-7 18-13 45-0 68-7 49-14

SCHEDULE League games in bold Sept. 4 Pe Ell/Willapa Valley 7 p.m. Sept. 11 at Morton/White Pass 7 p.m. Sept. 18 Toledo 7 p.m. Sept. 25 at Mossyrock 7 p.m. Oct. 2 at Toutle Lake 7 p.m. Oct. 9 Adna 7 p.m. Oct. 16 Wahkiakum 7 p.m. Oct. 23 at Onalaska 7 p.m. Oct. 29 at Napavine 7 p.m.

THE TREND Wins during the past four seasons

’14 ’13 ’12 ’11

1 0 0 0

Cardinals hope 2015 brings change for the better Kevin Dowd

That obstacle now out of the way, Suhrbier can focus on sculpting the Cardinals into his vision. He knows the team may not be able to equal the bulk of some Central 2B heavyweights, but he beBen Suhrbier looks around the Central 2B lieves they can compete in other ways, including League and sees monsters waiting to be slain. team speed. His mission during his first season as the head “We’re just not very big,” Suhrbier said, “but coach of the Cardinals: to instill the same belief in we can fly around. And we’re gonna build the ofall of his 31 players. fense and defense around that.” “The kids have to understand that you can’t Expect quarterback Zach Weinert to spend a lot play in a tougher league,” said Suhrbier, who spent of time lined up in the pistol, using misdirection the past four years at 1A Castle Rock. “But we and precision to get the ball to a bevy of talentcan’t just accept the fact that they’re too tough ed runners. and we can’t compete. We can compete.” The Cardinals don’t have much experience with To be sure, the Cardinals fell behind their Central 2B brethren the past half-decade. The league winning, but they do return plenty of players who has been home to five of the 12 state semifinalists saw serious time in 2014. Suhrbier is thrilled with his depth, which should help in building a culture while Winlock, at one point, lost 38 consecuof competition. tive games. “We’ve got really fast backs and some strong But that streak was snapped against Chief Leskids,” Weinert said. “It’s a lot more intense chi in the final outing of 2014. The triumph gave Winlock a serious boost going into the offseason, this year.” With zero easy games on the schedule, speed and the team hopes to use it further as a springbumps are to be expected. But the Cardinals beboard into the fall. lieve they’ve served as a Central 2B punching bag “Oh, it was huge for our program,” running for the last time. back Sean Berry said. “We had been working so “We just want to compete,” Berry said. hard, but we just hadn’t won a game in four years.” kdowd@tdn.com

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WAHKIAKUM MULES LEAGUE: CENTRAL 2B | WIAA ENROLLMENT: 109 | STATE PLAYOFF APPEARANCES: 9

THE SPOTLIGHT

Wahkiakum will have a roster disadvantage when they face some of the Central 2B League heavyweights this season. “Adna has more than 50 kids out, Pe Ell/Willapa Valley has about 40, and Napavine always has a bunch,” Mules coach Eric Hansen said. “...It’s going to be a battle every week.”

PROJECTED STARTERS * All-league selection last year; returning starters in bold

RETURNERS 6

QB FB HB WR WR TE T G C G T

OFFENSE WING-T

Zach Brown 6-2 160 Hank Ferguson 5-10 170 Joey Moore 5-7 140 Luke Brown 5-9 125 James Anderson 5-8 150 Ryan Quigley 6-2 160 Kurtis Bergseng 6-4 195 Alex Merrill 5-11 215 Dylan Ahmed 6-0 250 Casey Wilson 5-6 105 McKenzie Menard 6-3 250

RETURNERS 4

So. Jr. Sr. Fr. Fr. Sr. Jr. Fr. Jr. So. So.

DEFENSE 4-4

DE Dylan Ahmed 6-0 250 Jr. DT Kurtis Bergseng 6-4 195 Jr. DT McKenzie Menard 6-3 250 So. DE Alex Merrill 5-11 215 Fr. OLB Hank Ferguson 5-10 170 Jr. ILB Zach Brown 6-2 160 So. ILB James Anderson 5-8 150 Fr. OLB Joey Moore 5-7 140 Sr. CB Ryan Quigley 6-2 160 Sr. CB Evan Quigley 5-9 130 Fr. FS Luke Brown 5-9 125 Fr.

COACH Eric Hansen, 14th year Record at school

88-45 Courtesy photo

Wahkiakum’s Hank Ferguson was impressive at Camp Rilea, taking snaps under center, but will roam the backfield again at fullback in the Mules’ Wing-T attack.

LAST SEASON Toutle Lake W at Napavine L Adna L Pe Ell-Willapa Valley L at Morton/White Pass L at Onalaska L Winlock W Mossyrock W at Toledo L

38-6 48-0 28-20 41-6 41-20 56-21 18-13 18-13 46-21

SCHEDULE League games in bold Sept. 4 at Toutle Lake 7 p.m. Sept. 11 Napavine 7 p.m. Sept. 18 at Adna 7 p.m. Sept. 25 at Pe Ell 7 p.m. Oct. 2 Morton/White Pass 7 p.m. Oct. 9 Onalaska 7 p.m. Oct. 16 at Winlock 7 p.m. Oct. 23 at Mossyrock 7 p.m. Oct. 29 Toledo 7 p.m.

THE TREND Wins during the past four seasons

’14 ’13 ’12 ’11

3 7 8 4

Light on numbers, Mules still ready to battle Rick McCorkle

roulette to fill the holes and move kids around,” Hansen said. “It’s going to be a transition for some of the younger players. One way or the With only 21 rostered players, there’s not a lot other, everyone will get a chance to play.” Sophomore Zach Brown moves from wing to of competing for playing time with the Wahkiaquarterback in the Mules’ Wing-T offense, but kum Mules. not before getting some competition from Hank “We’re little and we’re small,” Wahkiakum Ferguson over the summer. coach Eric Hansen said. “Team chemistry is Ferguson took snaps under center at Camp good and they like one another.” Among the fewer than two dozen Mules, there Rilea, impressing Hansen, who noted that Ferguson “can play anywhere we need him” to. are two seniors and three juniors. Numerous “I’d like to have 35 kids like him,” Hansen said. newcomers lacking experience may lead to the For now, the multi-talented Ferguson will suit team taking its lumps this season. up in the backfield at fullback. While Ferguson “We have a lot of freshmen and quite a few noted the Mules’ youth and impending learning sophomores,” Hansen said. “It’ll be hard, but curve, the results will come. time will tell how they’ll do when they face a “We’ll be all right as the season goes on,” little adversity with numbers.” he said. Joey Moore, one of the Mules’ seniors, has The offensive and defensive lines won’t be turned the adversity into a positive. “Coach always says it’s not the size of the dog huge, though. Case in point is Casey Wilson, a 125-pound sophomore starting as one of in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the dog,” the guards. he said. “We don’t need a lot of numbers. We “Casey is the true Rudy,” Hansen said. “He have 11 players and that’s all we really need.” has heart, work ethic, desire and great techA lack of depth means players will need to nique but he’s light. He’ll give us everything and learn multiple positions. then some.” “If someone goes down we’ll have to play rickmc@tdn.com

TOP FIVE STATE RECRUITS 1. Jacob Eason

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3. Brandon Wellington

RATING: Five stars DETAILS: QB, Lake Stevens, 6-5, 217 pounds COLLEGE: Committed to Georgia BREAKDOWN: Few passers in the nation can equal Eason’s combination of prototypical size and explosive arm strength. There’s no such thing as a can’t-miss prospect, but Eason is clearly the closest thing to it this year in the state.

RATING: Four stars DETAILS: RB/DB, Eastside Catholic, 6-1, 215 pounds COLLEGE: Committed to Washington BREAKDOWN: Wellington didn’t produce huge numbers last fall for the state champion Crusaders. But he’s an intimidating, versatile athlete who just keeps growing, and who could play any of a number of positions at UW.

4. Isaac Garcia

RATING: Four stars DETAILS: TE/DE, Bellevue, 6-4, 220 pounds COLLEGE:Considering Arizona, Arizona State, California, Oregon State, USC and Washington BREAKDOWN: After committing to USC during his junior season, Garcia re-opened his recruitment this summer. Some scouts have questions about his motivation and motor, but he’s an elite athlete with the size to play either offense or defense in the Pac-12.

2. Isaiah Gilchrist

RATING: Four stars DETAILS: CB, Bellevue, 5-11, 180 pounds COLLEGE: Considering Arizona, California, Oregon, USC and Washington BREAKDOWN: Lauded by scouts for his athleticism and instincts in coverage, Gilchrist has the potential to make an impact at cornerback or as a return man at the next level. He’s the jewel of yet another loaded senior class at Bellevue.

5. Taylor Rapp

Jacob Eason The (Everett) Herald

Taylor Rapp The Bellingham Herald

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RATING: Three stars DETAILS: S, Sehome, 6-0, 200 pounds COLLEGE: Committed to Washington BREAKDOWN: The top-rated player in Class 2A may end up playing linebacker for the Huskies. But scouts believe he has the instincts and speed to remain at safety and excel, and the heavy-hitting Rapp sure seems at home in the defensive backfield.

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TOUTLE LAKE DUCKS LEAGUE: CENTRAL 2B | WIAA ENROLLMENT: 163 | STATE PLAYOFF APPEARANCES: 12

THE SPOTLIGHT

Fullback Zak Lukas, who suffered a season-ending head injury in a Week 7 loss at Napavine, returns to the Ducks’ backfield. “Zak’s back on track and good to go,” Art Walsh said.

PROJECTED STARTERS * All-league selection last year; returning starters in bold

RETURNERS 5

QB RB FB WR WR TE T G C G T

OFFENSE I-FORM

Dillon Brown Cody Anderson Zak Lukas Austin Ferrier Colton Wherry Nathan Porter Payton Jones Quintin Gardner Zane Willard Chris Smith Stephen Todd

RETURNERS 6

5-11 6-0 5-11 5-11 5-9 6-3 6-0 6-0 6-0 6-2 6-2

195 175 200 150 145 190 265 250 280 220 200

Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. So.

DEFENSE 3-5

DL Zane Willard 6-0 280 Sr. DL Payton Jones 6-0 265 Sr. DL Name N/A OLB Jesse Johnson 6-0 170 Jr. MLB Cody Anderson 6-0 175 Sr. MLB Quintin Gardner 6-0 250 Jr. MLB Chris Smith 6-2 220 Jr. OLB Dillon Brown 5-11 195 Sr. CB Colton Wherry 5-9 145 Sr. CB Austin Ferrier 5-11 150 Sr. FS Dalton Phillipps 5-9 160 Sr. Bill Wagner, The Daily News

COACH

One-third of the Ducks’ roster are seniors, including Dillon Brown (10), which could have Toutle Lake poised for improvement in the Central 2B League standings.

Scott Grabenhorst (interim)

LAST SEASON at Wahkiakum Adna at Mossyrock Morton/White Pass at Winlock Pe Ell-Willapa Valley at Napavine Toledo at Onalaska

L L L L W L L L L

38-6 34-6 42-6 23-0 40-21 34-0 68-7 54-7 38-14

SCHEDULE League games in bold Sept. 4 Wahkiakum 7 p.m. Sept. 11 at Adna 7 p.m. Sept. 18 Mossyrock 7 p.m. Sept. 25 at Morton/White Pass 7 p.m. Oct. 2 Winlock 7 p.m. Oct. 9 at Pe Ell 7 p.m. Oct. 16 Napavine 7 p.m. Oct. 23 at Toledo 7 p.m. Oct. 29 Onalaska 7 p.m.

THE TREND Wins during the past four seasons

’14 ’13 ’12 ’11

1 4 3 5

Veteran Ducks striving toward improvement Rick McCorkle

each side of the ball — led by quarterback Dillon Brown. Brown said the team is eager to build on what Walsh started. From the first day of practice, the buzz word at “We learned a lot last year with a new coach, Toutle Lake is “competitive.” and we’ve come back with all of it this year,” he After winning one game in 2014 and eight vicsaid. “We didn’t forget much, but there are a few tories in the last three campaigns, the Ducks are things we need to tweak to get faster and better. striving for improvement. “We also need to be in better shape since we They’ll deal with adversity, too, after head lack some guys.” coach Art Walsh resigned one week before the Speedy backs Cody Anderson and Dalton Philteam’s home opener against Wahkiakum, citing lipps will be paired with fullback Zak Lukas in health concerns. the backfield. Former longtime head coach Scott GrabenZane Willard, a 280-pound senior, anchors a horst, also the school district’s superintendent, beefy offensive line, which also features tackle will coach the team on an interim basis this fall. Grabenhorst won 181 games over 35 seasons before Payton Jones (6-0, 265) and guard Quintin Gardner (6-0, 250). stepping down after the 2013 season. “We have some big bodies on the offensive line, Grabenhorst noted the recent “stressful time”, and we’re looking for those guys to be a strength,” but Walsh indicated the players will adapt. Walsh said. “It’s gonna take time,” said Walsh, who will One of the biggest changes on defense is Philcontinue to teach math at the high school, “but everything will smooth out and they’ll be just fine. lipps’ move from outside linebacker to free safety. In his place, TL has five linebackers who all earned “We were on a great pathway to start off starts last season. our season, and I have no reason to think that With zero nonleague games, the Ducks must be should change.” ready to jump into the Central 2B League fire, if Walsh went 1-8 in his lone season last fall, and they want to return to the postseason. noted the team is more adept than where it was a “… There’s a lot of great football in this league year ago at this time. every week,” Walsh said. “It’ll be a challenge for But with only 26 players, depth is a key issue. sure. You won’t face a lot of better competition However, they’re not short on experience. Onethan what you’ll face here.” third of the Ducks’ roster is seniors — seven on rickmc@tdn.com

HUDDLE UP

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Ducks ready to fly Toutle Lake’s Dalton Phillipps sweeps wide against the Winlock defense during the Ducks’ win over the Cardinals last fall. Bill Wagner, The Daily News

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NASELLE COMETS LEAGUE: COASTAL 1B/INDEPENDENT | WIAA ENROLLMENT: 73 | STATE PLAYOFF APPEARANCES: 9

PROJECTED STARTERS * All-league selection last year; returning starters in bold

RETURNERS 3

QB RB RB TE TE G C G

Hayden Gudmundsen 5-11 Jacob Scrabeck 5-7 Erik Lund 5-8 Brian Smith 6-0 Shon McEneny 5-10 Ramzi Estes 6-1 Kyle Wirkkala 6-0 Cody Kirkman 6-0

RETURNERS 4

DE NG DE LB LB LB CB CB

OFFENSE I-FORM

155 Sr. 180 Jr. 170 So. 160 Jr. 170 So. 225 Sr. 220 Jr. 270 Sr.

DEFENSE 3-3

Kyle Wirkkala 6-0 220 Jr. Allyn Bauer 6-2 300 Sr. Carson Bergeson 5-11 240 So. Brian Smith 6-0 160 Jr. Erik Lund 5-8 170 So. Jacob Scrabeck 5-7 180 Jr. Hayden Gudmundsen 5-11 155 Sr. Donnie Edwards 5-6 150 So.

COACH Jeff Eaton, ninth year Record at school

57-27

LAST SEASON Playoff game in bold at Chief Leschi at Neah-Kah-Nie (Ore.) Jewell (Ore.) Oakville at Taholah Mary M. Knight Twin Valley at Perrydale (Ore.) Taholah at Lopez

W 42-8 W 28-8 W 2-0 W 56-14 L 80-70 W 62-22 L 26-22 L 40-38 L 42-38 L 56-24

SCHEDULE League games in bold Sept. 4 Chief Leschi 7 p.m. Sept. 11 at Lyle/Wishram 7 p.m. Sept. 18 at Sunnyside Christian 7 p.m. Sept. 25 at Oakville 7 p.m. Oct. 2 Taholah 7 p.m. Oct. 10 at Mary M. Knight 1 p.m. Oct. 17 at Twin Valley 1 p.m. Oct. 22 Washington State School for the Deaf 7 p.m. Oct. 30 Twin Valley 7 p.m.

THE TREND Wins during the past four seasons

’14 ’13 ’12 ’11

5 3 6 10

THE SPOTLIGHT

The Comets are technically still independent, but this fall, they will join Taholah, Mary M. Knight, Oakville, Twin Valley (Wishkah Valley/Lake Quinault) and Lyle/Wishram in the nascent Coastal 1B League. The six will play each other this fall, and incorporate as a conference for 2016.

Comets adjusting to ‘more huge plays’ in 8-man game Kevin Dowd kdowd@tdn.com

In the moment, Jacob Scrabeck can barely tell the difference. Once the ball is snapped and a play begins, football is football, whether there are eight players on the field or 11. But in the big picture, the junior running back noticed a major new development last season, the Comets’ first as an eight-man program. “There are a lot more huge plays,” Scrabeck said. “It’s pretty much just touchdown after touchdown.” A game last October against Taholah, which Naselle lost 80-70, is the best example to date of Scrabeck’s point. But it wasn’t a unique occasion. The Comets scored 38 points or more in six of 10 games, and 50 or more three times. The reason? With six fewer players taking up room compared to an 11-man game, the field is inherently less congested. And most of the time, that benefits the offense — just like in basketball, where it’s much easier to score playing 2 on 2 than it is going 5 on 5. “There’s so much more space,” Naselle quarterback/cornerback Hayden Gudmundsen said. “It’s a huge difference.” As a defender, Gudmundsen said that took some getting used to. There are times now where he will sag off a wide receiver and allow a small gain when, in the past, he would have

Bill Wagner, The Daily News

Jacob Scrabeck (top), Cody Kirkman and the Comets averaged 38.2 points per game in their first season of 8-man football, Naselle’s best mark since 2011. pressed much closer up. With no safety help, he can’t afford to take as many risks. Last season was one of constant adjustments for head coach Jeff Eaton, too, as he also learned the intricacies of eight-man football. After using a 4-2 defense for most of 2014, expect a 3-3 front from the Comets this fall. “We talked to a lot of coaches, just learning how to defend things, what kind of stuff will work,” Eaton said. “And it’s still ongoing.” In fact, as currently construct-

ed, the Comets still might be better equipped to play with 11 men. Eaton said his team is thin in the backfield and lacks breakaway speed, but is loaded with five or six quality linemen — more than they can have on the field at once. Still, Eaton has ideas on how to use his bulk, even in the openspace game. “We have size, probably as much as or more than anybody we’ll play,” he said. “Our others guys have just got to keep the other team hemmed in so they can run into our size.”

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PRESEASON ALL-AREA TEAM

OFFENSE

QB Wyatt Harsh

OL Isaac Anderson

Sophomore, Woodland As a freshman, Harsh completed 63 percent of his passes and threw for an area-best 1,994 yards. He can also make plays with his feet, a scary combination for opposing defenses.

Junior, Woodland Many of the Beavers’ skill-position threats from a season ago have graduated. But almost the entire line returns, including left tackle Anderson, an allstate selection in 2014.

RB Taylor Hicks

OL Casey Sweet

Senior, Toledo The easiest call on the board. Hicks is the reigning TDN Player of the Year, rushing for 2,258 yards and 30 touchdowns as a junior while leading the Indians to the state semifinals.

Senior, Kalama As a sophomore, Sweet earned all-league honors as a defensive end; last year, he was recognized at offensive tackle. On either side of the ball, the three-year starter is a handful.

RB Alec Bell

OL Keoni Mawae

Junior, Ilwaco Bell and fellow tailback Jack Kaino each gained more than 900 yards on the ground last season. It’s thanks to his 15 touchdowns in 2014 that the bulldozing junior gets the nod here.

Junior, R.A. Long A lanky offensive tackle with plenty of bulk, Mawae paves the way for the Lumberjacks power run game — and helps keeps clean the jersey of quarterback Owen Bertram.

WR Riki Thompson

ATH Will Burghardt

Senior, Ilwaco A sure-handed speedy receiver who thrives in the screen game, Thompson is the ultimate security blanket.

Junior, Mark Morris In a dark 2014 season for the Monarchs, Burghardt’s big-play ability was a beacon. After racking up 345 receiving yards last year, he’ll line up at quarterback this fall.

TE Hunter Esary

Senior, Kalama A natural, versatile athlete, Esary could probably make this list at any of three or four different positions. He’s the area’s leading returning receiver (447 yards, 38 catches).

Photos by The Daily News

OL Colton Johnson

Junior, Kelso During the spring, Johnson was a standout shot-putter and discus thrower. In the fall, he uses that explosiveness to pummel defenders at the point of attack.

OL Cody Kirkman

Senior, Naselle The Comets rarely lose a battle for the line of scrimmage, thanks to the veteran presence of Kirkman, who excelled during his first season of eight-man football.

DEFENSE

BY KEVIN DOWD

DL Talib Meeks

LB Tristan Thomas

Senior, Castle Rock Meeks is a marvel coming off the edge. He has the power to bull-rush a guard and the speed to break off an 80-yard touchdown run — like he did on two occasions last year against White Salmon.

Junior, Woodland Thomas recorded 109 tackles last year as a sophomore, and he may be asked to shoulder even more of a load this season. Few defenders in the area can match his prolific production.

DL Job Karber

DB Casey Tripp

Junior, Clatskanie A season ago, Karber worked his way into a senior-laden rotation on the Tigers’ defensive line and wasted no time leaving his mark, earning first-team allleague honors.

Senior, Rainier He’s an agile cover man with quick feet, but Tripp’s greatest strength might be his brain. He uses his expertise as Rainier’s quarterback to make life miserable for opposing passers.

DL Carl Hausserman

Photos by The Daily News

Senior, Kalama Listed at 5 feet 8, Hausserman isn’t built like your traditional runstuffer. But it doesn’t matter, as he still finds ways to dominate the interior of the line.

LB Gunnar Blix

Junior, Kelso If raw, unadulterated speed is your thing, check out Chhim sometime this fall. Not too many wide receivers have the pace to get past him in the open field.

ATH Hank Ferguson

Senior, R.A. Long Blix did it all last season at Wahkiakum, playing quarterback on offense and recording an area-best 119 tackles on defense. Expect him to fit right in with the ever-physical Lumberjacks.

Junior, Wahkiakum While not lining up under center for the Mules, Ferguson excels as the team’s final line of defense. He logged 53 tackles last season from his free safety position, and will transition to outside linebacker in 2015.

LB Dalton Yoder

Junior, Toledo Another quarterback who can deliver the hits, too, Yoder is crucial for the Indians in setting the edge from his spot at outside linebacker.

DB Sonny Chhim

LB Wyatt McKay

Senior, Clatskanie A long, versatile athlete, McKay is one of just two returning starters for the Tigers on either side of the ball. He’ll be asked to do plenty, but the senior should be up to the task.

LB Jacob Helton

Senior, Rainier His best position is probably running back, where Helton earned first-team all-league honors in 2014. But as his 72 tackles last season attest, the rangy speedster also is a defensive whiz. 53

2015 TEAM SCHEDULES *—indicates non-league game All games at 7 p.m. unless noted.

GREATER ST. HELENS 4A Battle Ground Tigers Sept. 5 at Kent Meridian* 5 p.m. Sept. 11 Spanaway Lake* Sept. 18 at Skyview 8 p.m. Sept. 25 Mountain View Oct. 1 Heritage Oct. 9 at Camas Oct. 16 at Evergreen Oct. 23 Union Oct. 30 Prairie* Camas Papermakers Sept. 4 at Chiawana* Sept. 12 at Federal Way* 2 p.m. Sept. 18 Rogers-Puyallup* 7:30 p.m. Sept. 25 at Evergreen 4:30 p.m. Oct. 2 at Skyview Oct. 9 Battle Ground Oct. 16 Union Oct. 23 at Mountain View 7:30 p.m. Oct. 30 Heritage Evergreen Plainsmen Sept. 4 at Eisenhower* Sept. 11 Todd Beamer* 7:30 p.m. Sept. 18 at Heritage 4:30 p.m. Sept. 25 Camas 4:30 p.m. Oct. 2 at Union 7:30 p.m. Oct. 10 Yelm* Oct. 16 Battle Ground 4:30 p.m. Oct. 23 at Skyview 8 p.m. Oct. 30 Mountain View 7:30 p.m. Heritage Timberwolves Sept. 4 at Prairie* Sept. 11 at Hudson’s Bay* 5 p.m. Sept. 18 Evergreen 4:30 p.m. Sept. 25 Skyview 7:30 p.m. Oct. 1 at Battle Ground Oct. 9 at Union 4:30 p.m. Oct. 16 Mountain View 7:30 p.m. Oct. 23 Kelso* 4:30 p.m. Oct. 30 at Camas Mountain View Thunder Sept. 5 at Auburn* 4 p.m. Sept. 11 at Juanita* Sept. 18 Union 7:30 p.m. Sept. 25 at Battle Ground Oct. 2 Bethel* 4:30 p.m. Oct. 9 Skyview 7:30 p.m. Oct. 16 at Heritage 7:30 p.m. Oct. 23 Camas 7:30 p.m. Oct. 30 At Evergreen 7:30 p.m. Skyview Storm Sept. 4 Walla Walla* 5 p.m. Sept. 11 at Woodinville* Sept. 18 Battle Ground 8 p.m. Sept. 25 at Heritage 7:30 p.m. Oct. 2 Camas Oct. 9 at Mountain View 7:30 p.m. Oct. 16 at Columbia River* Oct. 23 Evergreen 8 p.m. Oct. 30 at Union 4:30 p.m. Union Titans Sept. 4 Federal Way* Sept. 11 Curtis* 4:30 p.m.

Sept. 18 at Mountain View 7:30 p.m. Sept. 26 at Spanaway Lake* 1 p.m. Oct. 2 Evergreen 7:30 p.m. Oct. 9 Heritage 4:30 p.m. Oct. 16 at Camas Oct. 23 at Battle Ground Oct. 30 Skyview 4:30 p.m.

GREATER ST. HELENS 3A Columbia River Chieftains Sept. 3 at R.A. Long* Sept. 11 Mark Morris* Sept. 18 Centralia* Sept. 25 at Black Hills* Oct. 2 at Tumwater* Oct. 9 at Fort Vancouver Oct. 16 Skyview* Oct. 22 at Prairie Oct. 30 Kelso Fort Vancouver Trappers Sept. 4 Hudson’s Bay* 8 p.m. Sept. 11 The Dalles, Ore.* Sept. 18 at White Salmon* Sept. 25 Prairie Oct. 2 at Kelso Oct. 9 Columbia River Oct. 16 King’s Way* 5 p.m. Oct. 23 Washougal* 5 p.m. Oct. 30 at Woodland* Nov. 6 Seton Catholic* Kelso Hilanders Sept. 4 at Mark Morris* Sept. 11 R.A. Long* Sept. 18 at Prairie Sept. 25 Centralia* Oct. 2 Fort Vancouver Oct. 9 at W.F. West* Oct. 16 Black Hills* Oct. 23 at Heritage* 4:30 p.m. Oct. 30 at Columbia River Prairie Falcons Sept. 4 Heritage* Sept. 11 at Hockinson* Sept. 18 Kelso Sept. 25 at Fort Vancouver Oct. 2 Mark Morris* Oct. 9 at R.A. Long* Oct. 16 W.F. West* Oct. 22 Columbia River Oct. 30 at Battle Ground*

GREATER ST. HELENS 2A Hockinson Hawks Sept. 4 at La Center* Sept. 11 Prairie* Sept. 18 Castle Rock* Sept. 25 at Mark Morris Oct. 2 Hudson’s Bay Oct. 9 at Ridgefield Oct. 16 at Washougal Oct. 23 Woodland Oct. 30 R.A. Long Hudson’s Bay Eagles Sept. 4 at Fort Vancouver* 8 p.m. Sept. 11 Heritage* 5 p.m. Sept. 18 Woodland 5 p.m. Sept. 25 at La Center* Oct. 2 at Hockinson

Oct. 9 at Washougal Oct. 16 Mark Morris 8 p.m. Oct. 23 at R.A. Long Oct. 30 Ridgefield Mark Morris Monarchs Sept. 4 Kelso* Sept. 11 at Columbia River* Sept. 18 at R.A. Long Sept. 25 Hockinson Oct. 2 at Prairie* Oct. 8 Woodland Oct. 16 at Hudson’s Bay 8 p.m. Oct. 23 at Ridgefield Oct. 30 Washougal R.A. Long Lumberjacks Sept. 3 Columbia River* Sept. 11 at Kelso* Sept. 18 Mark Morris Sept. 25 at Washougal Oct. 2 Ridgefield Oct. 9 Prairie* Oct. 16 at Woodland Oct. 23 Hudson’s Bay Oct. 30 at Hockinson Ridgefield Spudders Sept. 4 Castle Rock* Sept. 11 at Kalama* Sept. 18 Washougal Sept. 25 at Woodland Oct. 2 at R.A. Long Oct. 9 Hockinson Oct. 16 Crook Co., Ore.* Oct. 23 Mark Morris Oct. 30 at Hudson’s Bay Washougal Panthers Sept. 4 Stevenson* Sept. 11 at White Salmon* Sept. 18 at Ridgefield Sept. 25 R.A. Long Oct. 2 at Woodland Oct. 9 Hudson’s Bay Oct. 16 Hockinson Oct. 23 Fort Vancouver* 5 p.m. Oct. 30 at Mark Morris Woodland Beavers Sept. 4 at Kalama* Sept. 11 La Center* Sept. 18 at Hudson’s Bay 5 p.m. Sept. 25 Ridgefield Oct. 2 Washougal Oct. 8 at Mark Morris Oct. 16 R.A. Long Oct. 23 at Hockinson Oct. 30 Fort Vancouver*

EVERGREEN 2A Black Hills Wolves Sept. 4 Montesano* Sept. 11 at Rochester* Sept. 18 North Kitsap* Sept. 25 Columbia River* Oct. 2 at W.F. West Oct. 9 Port Angeles* Oct. 16 at Kelso* Oct. 23 at Tumwater Oct. 30 at Centralia

Centralia Tigers Sept. 4 at Rochester* Sept. 11 at Aberdeen* Sept. 18 at Columbia River* Sept. 25 at Kelso* Oct. 2 Sequim* Oct. 9 Tumwater Oct. 16 at Bremerton* Oct. 23 at W.F. West Oct. 30 Black Hills Tumwater Thunderbirds Sept. 4 at Capital* Sept. 11 Timberline* Sept. 18 at La Center* Sept. 25 at Lake City, Id.* Oct. 2 Columbia River* Oct. 9 at Centralia Oct. 16 West Valley-Yakima Oct. 23 Black Hills Oct. 30 W.F. West W.F. West Bearcats Sept. 4 Kingston* Sept. 11 at North Kitsap* Sept. 18 at West Valley-Yakima* Sept. 25 Olympic* Oct. 2 Black Hills Oct. 9 Kelso* Oct. 16 at Prairie* Oct. 23 Centralia Oct. 30 at Tumwater

SOUTHWEST TRICO 1A Castle Rock Rockets Sept. 4 at Ridgefield* Sept. 11 Tenino* Sept. 18 at Hockinson* Sept. 25 King’s Way* Oct. 2 La Center Oct. 9 Seton Catholic Oct. 16 at White Salmon Oct. 23 at Stevenson Oct. 30 at Kalama Kalama Chinooks Sept. 4 Woodland* Sept. 11 Ridgefield* Sept. 18 at King’s Way* Sept. 25 at Corbett, Ore.* Oct. 2 White Salmon Oct. 9 at Stevenson Oct. 16 Seton Catholic Oct. 23 at La Center Oct. 30 Castle Rock La Center Wildcats Sept. 4 Hockinson* Sept. 11 at Woodland* Sept. 18 Tumwater* Sept. 25 Hudson’s Bay* Oct. 2 at Castle Rock Oct. 9 at White Salmon Oct. 16 Stevenson Oct. 23 Kalama Oct. 31 at Seton Catholic 2 p.m. Seton Catholic Cougars Sept. 4 at King’s Way* 6 p.m. Sept. 11 OPEN Sept. 19 at North Beach* 2 p.m. Sept. 25 at Portland Christian*

Oct. 2 Stevenson Oct. 9 at Castle Rock Oct. 16 at Kalama Oct. 23 White Salmon Oct. 31 La Center 2 p.m. Nov. 6 at Fort Vancouver* Stevenson Bulldogs Sept. 4 at Washougal* Sept. 11 at Hoquiam* Sept. 18 Estacada, Ore.* Sept. 25 Rainier, Ore.* Oct. 2 at Seton Catholic Oct. 9 Kalama Oct. 16 at La Center Oct. 23 Castle Rock Oct. 30 White Salmon White Salmon Bruins Sept. 4 at Goldendale* Sept. 11 Washougal* Sept. 18 Fort Vancouver* Sept. 25 Riverside, Ore.* Oct. 2 at Kalama Oct. 9 La Center Oct. 16 Castle Rock Oct. 23 at Seton Catholic Oct. 30 at Stevenson

GRAYS HARBOR 2A/1A Aberdeen Bobcats Sept. 3 at River Ridge* Sept. 11 Centralia* Sept. 18 at Eatonville Sept. 25 Montesano Oct. 2 at Rochester Oct. 9 Tenino Oct. 16 at Elma Oct. 23 Forks Oct. 30 at Hoquiam Rochester Warriors Sept. 4 Centralia* Sept. 11 Black Hills* Sept. 18 Elma Sept. 25 at Forks Oct. 2 Aberdeen Oct. 9 at Eatonville Oct. 16 Montesano Oct. 23 Hoquiam Oct. 30 at Tenino Eatonville Cruisers Sept. 4 at Orting* Sept. 11 at Charles Wright* Sept. 18 Aberdeen Sept. 25 Hoquiam Oct. 2 at Montesano Oct. 9 Rochester Oct. 16 at Tenino Oct. 23 Elma Oct. 30 at Forks Elma Eagles Sept. 4 Klahowya* Sept. 10 North Mason* Sept. 18 at Rochester Sept. 25 Tenino Oct. 2 at Hoquiam Oct. 9 at Forks Oct. 16 Aberdeen Oct. 23 at Eatonville Oct. 30 at Montesano

TDNPREPS.COM

Forks Spartans Sept. 4 at Vashon Island* Sept. 11 Chimacum* Sept. 18 at Montesano Sept. 25 Rochester Oct. 2 at Tenino Oct. 9 Elma Oct. 16 at Hoquiam Oct. 23 at Aberdeen Oct. 30 Eatonville Hoquiam Grizzlies Sept. 4 at Meridian* Sept. 11 Stevenson* Sept. 18 Tenino Sept. 25 at Eatonville Oct. 2 Elma Oct. 9 at Montesano Oct. 16 Forks Oct. 23 at Rochester Oct. 30 Aberdeen Montesano Bulldogs Sept. 4 at Black Hills* Sept. 11 Nooksack Valley* Sept. 18 Forks Sept. 25 at Aberdeen Oct. 2 Eatonville Oct. 9 Hoquiam Oct. 16 at Rochester Oct. 23 Tenino Oct. 30 Elma Tenino Beavers Sept. 4 Charles Wright* Sept. 11 Castle Rock* Sept. 18 at Hoquiam Sept. 25 at Elma Oct. 2 Forks Oct. 9 at Aberdeen Oct. 16 Eatonville Oct. 23 at Montesano Oct. 30 Rochester

CENTRAL 2B Adna Pirates Sept. 4 Onalaska Sept. 11 Toutle Lake Sept. 18 Wahkiakum Sept. 25 at Toledo Oct. 2 at Napavine Oct. 9 at Winlock Oct. 16 Morton/White Pass Oct. 23 at Pe Ell Oct. 29 Mossyrock Morton/White Pass Timberwolves Sept. 4 at Toledo Sept. 11 Winlock Sept. 18 at Onalaska Sept. 25 Toutle Lake Oct. 2 at Wahkiakum Oct. 9 Mossyrock Oct. 16 at Adna Oct. 23 at Napavine Oct. 29 Pe Ell Mossyrock Vikings Sept. 4 at Napavine Sept. 11 Onalaska

Sept. 18 at Toutle Lake Sept. 25 Winlock Oct. 2 Pe Ell Oct. 9 at Morton/White Pass Oct. 16 at Toledo Oct. 23 Wahkiakum Oct. 29 at Adna Napavine Tigers Sept. 4 Mossyrock Sept. 11 at Wahkiakum Sept. 18 Pe Ell Sept. 25 at Onalaska Oct. 2 Adna Oct. 9 at Toledo Oct. 16 at Toutle Lake Oct. 23 Morton/White Pass Oct. 29 Winlock Onalaska Loggers Sept. 4 at Adna Sept. 11 at Mossyrock Sept. 18 Morton/White Pass Sept. 25 Napavine Oct. 2 Toledo Oct. 9 at Wahkiakum Oct. 16 at Pe Ell Oct. 23 Winlock Oct. 29 at Toutle Lake Pe Ell/Willapa Valley Titans Sept. 4 at Winlock Sept. 11 Toledo Sept. 18 at Napavine Sept. 25 Wahkiakum Oct. 2 at Mossyrock Oct. 9 Toutle Lake Oct. 16 Onalaska Oct. 23 Adna Oct. 29 at Morton/White Pass Toledo Indians Sept. 4 Morton/White Pass Sept. 11 at Pe Ell Sept. 18 at Winlock Sept. 25 Adna Oct. 2 at Onalaska Oct. 9 Napavine Oct. 16 Mossyrock Oct. 23 Toutle Lake Oct. 29 at Wahkiakum Toutle Lake Ducks Sept. 4 Wahkiakum Sept. 11 at Adna Sept. 18 Mossyrock Sept. 25 at Morton/White Pass Oct. 2 Winlock Oct. 9 at Pe Ell Oct. 16 Napavine Oct. 23 at Toledo Oct. 29 Onalaska Wahkiakum Mules Sept. 4 at Toutle Lake Sept. 11 Napavine Sept. 18 at Adna Sept. 25 at Pe Ell Oct. 2 Morton/White Pass Oct. 9 Onalaska Oct. 16 at Winlock Oct. 23 at Mossyrock

Oct. 29 Toledo Winlock Cardinals Sept. 4 Pe Ell Sept. 11 at Morton/White Pass Sept. 18 Toledo Sept. 25 at Mossyrock Oct. 2 at Toutle Lake Oct. 9 Adna Oct. 16 Wahkiakum Oct. 23 at Onalaska Oct. 29 at Napavine

PACIFIC 2B Chief Leschi Warriors Sept. 4 at Naselle* Sept. 11 Raymond Sept. 18 at Ocosta Sept. 25 Ilwaco Oct. 3 at Life Christian Oct. 8 North Beach Oct. 16 at South Bend Oct. 23 Tacoma Baptist Oct. 29 at Rainier, Wash. Ilwaco Fishermen Sept. 4 at North Beach Sept. 11 Tacoma Baptist Sept. 19 at Life Christian Sept. 25 at Chief Leschi Oct. 2 St. Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s (Ore.)* Oct. 9 Ocosta Oct. 16 at Raymond Oct. 23 Rainier, Wash. Oct. 29 at South Bend Life Christian Eagles Sept. 4 at Raymond Sept. 11 at Ocosta Sept. 19 Ilwaco Sept. 25 at South Bend Oct. 3 Chief Leschi Oct. 9 OPEN Oct. 16 at Rainier, Wash. Oct. 24 North Beach Oct. 29 at Tacoma Baptist North Beach Hyaks Sept. 4 Ilwaco Sept. 11 at South Bend Sept. 19 Seton Catholic* 2 p.m. Sept. 25 at Raymond Oct. 2 Rainier, Wash. Oct. 8 at Chief Leschi Oct. 16 Tacoma Baptist Oct. 24 at Life Christian Oct. 29 Ocosta Ocosta Wildcats Sept. 4 at Tacoma Baptist Sept. 11 Life Christian Sept. 18 Chief Leschi Sept. 25 at Rainier, Wash. Oct. 2 South Bend Oct. 9 at Ilwaco Oct. 17 at Tumwater JV* 6 p.m. Oct. 23 Raymond Oct. 29 at North Beach Rainier Mountaineers Sept. 4 South Bend Sept. 11 Kittitas*

Sept. 18 at Raymond Sept. 25 Ocosta Oct. 2 at North Beach Oct. 10 at Tacoma Baptist Oct. 16 Life Christian Oct. 23 at Ilwaco Oct. 29 Chief Leschi Raymond Seagulls Sept. 4 Life Christian Sept. 11 at Chief Leschi Sept. 18 Rainier, Wash. Sept. 25 North Beach Oct. 3 at Tacoma Baptist Oct. 9 at South Bend Oct. 16 Ilwaco Oct. 23 at Ocosta Oct. 29 OPEN South Bend Indians Sept. 4 at Rainier, Wash. Sept. 11 North Beach Sept. 18 at Tacoma Baptist Sept. 25 Life Christian Oct. 2 at Ocosta Oct. 9 Raymond Oct. 16 Chief Leschi Oct. 23 OPEN Oct. 29 Ilwaco Tacoma Baptist Crusaders Sept. 4 Ocosta Sept. 11 at Ilwaco Sept. 18 South Bend Sept. 26 Orcas Island* 1 p.m. Oct. 3 Raymond Oct. 10 Rainier, Wash. Oct. 16 at North Beach Oct. 23 at Chief Leschi Oct. 30 Life Christian

COASTAL 1B Mary M. Knight Owls Sept. 5 Seattle Lutheran Sept. 12 Quilcene* 1 p.m. Sept. 18 at Muckleshoot 6 p.m. Sept. 26 OPEN Oct. 3 Oakville 1 p.m. Oct. 10 Naselle 1 p.m. Oct. 16 BYE Oct. 24 Twin Valley 1 p.m. Oct. 30 at Lyle-Wishram Nov. 4 State Deaf* 2:30 p.m. Naselle Comets Sept. 4 Chief Leschi* Sept. 11 at Lyle-Wishram* Sept. 18 at Sunnyside Christian* Sept. 25 at Oakville Oct. 2 Taholah Oct. 10 Mary M. Knight 1 p.m. Oct. 17 at Twin Valley* 1 p.m. Oct. 22 State Deaf* Oct. 30 Twin Valley Oakville Acorns Sept. 4 Twin Valley Sept. 11 Seattle Lutheran 1 p.m. Sept. 19 Crescent* 1 p.m. Sept. 25 Naselle Oct. 3 Mary M. Knight 1 p.m.

Oct. 9 Oct. 15 at State Deaf* 4 p.m. Oct. 23 Oct. 30 Taholah Taholah Chitwins Sept. 4 at Lummi* 6 p.m. Sept. 12 Evergreen Lutheran* 1 p.m. Sept. 18 Neah Bay* Sept. 26 at Evergreen Lutheran* 1 p.m. Oct. 2 at Naselle Oct. 10 at Twin Valley 1 p.m. Oct. 17 at Lyle/Wishram* 2 p.m. Oct. 24 Darrington JV* 2 p.m. Oct. 30 at Oakville Twin Valley Wolfpack Sept. 4 at Oakville Sept. 12 Seattle Lutheran* 1 p.m. Sept. 19 Lyle-Wishram* 2 p.m. Sept. 24 State Deaf* 4 p.m. Oct. 3 BYE Oct. 10 Taholah 1 p.m. Oct. 17 Naselle 1 p.m. Oct. 24 at Mary M. Knight 1 p.m. Oct. 30 at Naselle

LEWIS AND CLARK 3A Clatskanie Tigers Sept. 4 Kennedy* Sept. 11 Harrisburg* Sept. 19 at Illinois Valley* 1 p.m. Sept. 25 at Molalla* Oct. 2 at Corbett* Oct. 9 North Eugene* Oct. 16 Warrenton. Oct. 23 Portland Christian/CC Oct. 30 at Rainier Portland Christian Royals Sept. 4 Neah-Kah-Nie* Sept. 11 at Gervais* Sept. 18 at Waldport* Sept. 25 Seton Catholic* Oct. 2 at Riverside* Oct. 9 at Vernonia* Oct. 16 Rainier Oct. 23 at Clatskanie Oct. 30 Warrenton Rainier Columbians Sept. 4 at Willamina* Sept. 11 Santiam Christian* Sept. 18 Seaside* Sept. 25 at Stevenson* Oct. 2 Scio* Oct. 10 Cascade Christian* 1 p.m. Oct. 16 at Portland Christian/CC Oct. 23 at Warrenton Oct. 30 Clatskanie Warrenton Warriors Sept. 4 at Vernonia* Sept. 11 Willamina* Sept. 18 Neah-Kah-Nie* Sept. 25 at Nestucca* Oct. 2 at Knappa* Oct. 9 Corbett* Oct. 16 at Clatskanie Oct. 23 Rainier Oct. 30 at Portland Christian/CC 55

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