Prep Football 2009

m8/31/2009yTCcfewell

Prep Football 2009 Berthoud * Erie * Faith Baptist * Frederick * Longmont * Longmont Christian * Lyons * Niwot * Silver Creek * Skyline

Inside What’s to come in 2009 •••

A look back at 2008 •••

High hopes

In-depth look at area teams •••

2009 season schedules

Alex Ortega and Erie shoot for Class 2A state title Page 9

Longmont Times-Call August 30, 2009

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LONGMONT TIMES-CALL

SUNDAY, AUGUST 30, 2009

Contents A look back at 2008, page 3 •••

Berthoud Spartans, page 11 •••

Erie Tigers, page 9 •••

Faith Baptist Pioneers, page 5 •••

Frederick Warriors, page 13 •••

Longmont Trojans, page 6 •••

Longmont Christian Warriors, page 10 •••

Lyons Lions, page 4 •••

Niwot Cougars, page 7 •••

Silver Creek Raptors, page 12 •••

Skyline Falcons, page 8 •••

Schedules for each area team, page 14 On the cover: Erie senior running back Alex Ortega.

Photo by Lewis Geyer/Times-Call

WWW.TIMESCALL.COM

Football season is upon us I

t’s that time of year again. Yes, that’s oldest cliché in all of sports.

But with the summer’s never-ending triathlons, 5K runs and outdoors games finally winding down, we can all breathe a sigh of relief.

Football is back, baby.

The local high school football season officially kicked off Saturday when Faith Baptist battled powerhouse Caliche. A win could provide a momentous boost to the Pioneers’ 8man program.

But the other nine teams in the area must wait a little longer before players can clash pads for real. They all hit the field later this week – the beginning of an unforgiving journey, Ray Sobczyk with aspirations of Times-Call Sports making the state playoffs.

“The biggest thing is to set yourself up for a chance to make the playoffs,” Erie coach Larry Gartrell said.

Believe it or not, this time of year every team stands a chance. Each 0-0 record means no matter the expectations, predictions or roster cards, there is at least hope for the future.

Lewis Geyer/Times-Call file The Arizona Cardinals are living proof of miracles on the football field. Longmont senior Jake Johnson, center, is one of only four returning starters at quarterback in the area this season. He guided the Trojans to the Class 4A quarterfinals Worthless for decades, somehow the last season. franchise woke up in the Super Bowl.

Now, that was a dream coming true.

Erie lost Ty Barkell and Michael more,” Skyline coach Kevin Rice said.

But if any of the local high school Chambers to graduation.

And senior And Longmont Christian will debut football teams are thinking big, sucBrady Oleszczuk is taking over for a new quarterback under first-year cess could hinge on the play of the three-year starter Cody Lahman at head coach Ben Hackbarth. quarterbacks.

Niwot.

Let’s be honest: most coaches enjoy Sure, that sounds like a broken Still, expectations are high for all the luxury of returning an experirecord. Quarterbacks usually pave three programs. enced quarterback. Growing pains ofthe way for winning games.

Silver Creek moved Cody Alme to ten lead to more gray hairs, which This season, though, experienced running back, allowing sophomore could lead to a coach erupting on a resignal callers are hard to find in the Austin Apodaca to start under center. porter. area. Young quarterbacks with varsiHe’s the son of Raptors head coach ty nerves could cause plenty of drama It’s possible.

Mike Apodaca. and uneasy head coaches.

Mike Apodaca said for young quarAnd it’s a challenge he’s ready for, Gartrell’s Erie squad is one of six terbacks it’s all about trust, which is the coach said. It might be the boost local teams that will be starting new earned at practice and at summer the Raptors need to notch a playoff quarterbacks this fall. Only Lyons, camps. That’s hard to find at the high berth, something they haven’t Frederick, Faith Baptist and Longschool level these days. achieved in four years. mont own the luxury of experienced, “His teammates trust the heck out “He needs to do his part, and let the proven leaders under center. of him,” said Mike Apodaca of his son. others to their part,” Mike Apodaca “There is a difference between posaid. “If he can do that, he’s going to But no matter if you’re returning an tential and performance,” said get the ball to our receivers. all-state quarterback like Longmont Gartrell, who coached the Tigers to “He’s been around the game a lot or breaking in a sophomore like Silver the Class 2A state championship and he knows that game. He’s dreamt Creek, winning breeds trust. That’s game last season. about being in this position.” the No. 1 goal – along with a state Berthoud, Niwot and Erie must reOther local programs are dreaming championship. place gifted, battle-tested quarterabout what could be this season.

“We want it bad,” Erie’s Austin backs who guided them to postseason Skyline is inserting senior Geary Elzinga said. “Every team does.” play. Big shoes need to be filled.

Bakewell at quarterback for the first Yep, it’s that time of year again.

The Spartans are looking for an retime. His speed and athleticism could placement for Jordan Major, who led bring happy days to the Falcons.

Ray Sobczyk can be reached at the team to Class 3A state title in 2007.

“We’re going to open it up a lot rsobczyk@times-call.com.

m8/31/2009yTCcfewell LONGMONT TIMES-CALL

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SUNDAY, AUGUST 30, 2009

3

A look back at 2008 Final 2008 Standings CLASS 4A NORTHERN CONFERNECE CONFERENCE ALL W L W L Greeley West 8 0 11 2 Longmont 7 1 10 2 Niwot 6 2 7 4 Broomfield 4 4 6 5 Fossil Ridge 4 4 5 5 Loveland 4 4 5 5 Skyline 1 7 1 9 Greeley Central 1 7 1 9 Thompson Valley 1 7 1 9 ——— CLASS 3A TRI-VALLEY LEAGUE CONFERENCE ALL W L W L Fort Morgan 9 0 13 1 Mountain View 8 1 11 2 Berthoud 7 2 9 3 Windsor 5 4 7 5 Roosevelt 5 4 6 5 Sterling 4 5 4 6 Fort Lupton 3 6 3 7 Silver Creek 2 7 3 7 Frederick 1 8 2 8 Northridge 1 8 2 8 ——— CLASS 2A FLATIRONS LEAGUE CONFERENCE ALL W L W L Faith Christian 7 0 12 1 Erie 6 1 12 2 Holy Family 5 2 6 5 Middle Park 4 3 5 5 Machebeuf 3 4 5 5 The Academy 2 5 4 6 The Pinnacle 1 6 2 8 Jefferson 0 7 1 9 ——— CLASS 1A METRO NORTH LEAGUE CONFERENCE ALL W L W L Lyons 6 0 8 3 Denver Lutheran 5 1 6 4 Nederland 4 2 4 5 Lutheran Parker 3 3 5 4 Front Range Chr. 2 4 3 6 Resurrection Chr. 1 5 2 7 South Park 0 6 2 6 ———

CLASS A-8 MAN PLAINS DIVISION CONFERENCE ALL W L W L Dayspring Chr. 6 0 11 0 Merino 4 1 11 2 Caliche 3 1 9 2 Haxtun 2 3 6 4 Sedgwick County 1 4 3 4 Longmont 1 5 2 6 Christian ——— CLASS A-8 MAN INDEPENDENT ALL W L Faith Baptist 3 3

Playoff Results CLASS 5A First Round Grandview 45, Boulder 7 Denver East 49, Highlands Ranch 30 Bear Creek 62, Eaglecrest 39 Cherry Creek 27, Ponderosa 6 Pomona 42, Rangeview 6 Chatfield 14, T. Jefferson 10 Columbine 42, Fruita 7 Arvada West 35, Fairview 23 Rocky Mountain 59, Hinkley 0 Cherokee Trail 28, Mountain Vista 6 Mullen 41, Fort Collins 6 Chaparral 49, Central (GJ) 7 ThunderRidge 40, Overland 14 Douglas County 48, Montbello 0 Legacy 20, Regis 17 Poudre 52, Gateway 6 Second Round Grandview 48, Denver East 20 Cherry Creek 42, Bear Creek 21 Pomona 28, Chatfield 3 Columbine 28, Arvada West 7 Rocky Mountain 28, Cherokee Trail 14 Mullen 38, Chaparral 17 Douglas County 59, ThunderRidge 26 Poudre 3, Legacy 0 (2OT) Quarterfinals Cherry Creek 26, Grandview 20 Columbine 23, Pomona 8 Mullen 38, Rocky Mountain 21 Poudre 31, Douglas County 17 Semifinals Cherry Creek 27, Columbine 25 Mullen 48, Poudre 21 Finals Mullen 20, Cherry Creek 16

Platte Canyon 30, Pagosa Springs 26 Erie 35, Florence 10 Olathe 27, Kent Denver 6 Faith Christian 36 Brush 22 Semifinals Erie 28, Platte Canyon 21 Olathe 14, Faith Christian 6 Finals Olathe 22, Erie 21 (OT) ——— CLASS 1A First Round Akron 53, Custer County 0 Calhan 50, Ignacio 14 Hotchkiss 68, Holyoke 26, Yuma 19, Burlington 0 Limon 42, Rocky Ford 0 Wray 42, Lutheran 13 Lyons 18, Paonia 17 Rye 33, Dolores 13 Quarterfinals Akron 35, Calhan 0 Yuma 34, Hotchkiss 20 Wray 34, Limon 20 Rye 45, Lyons 10 Semifinals Akron 28, Yuma 0 Wray 27, Rye 0 Finals Akron 37, Wray 8 ——— CLASS A 8-MAN First Round Dayspring 62, Flagler 22 Granada 51, Dove Creek 18 Stratton 40, Walsh 14 Hoehne 58, Haxtun 28 Sanford 48, Norwood 8 Merino 44, Hugo 6 Caliche 63, Miami-Yoder 26 McClave 49, Antonito 12 Quarterfinals Dayspring 61, Granada 26 Hoehne 48, Stratton 20 Merino 28, Sanford 8 Caliche 63, McClave 0 Semifinals Dayspring 40, Hoehne 24 Merino 24, Caliche 6 Finals Dayspring 26, Merino 8 ——— CLASS A 6-MAN Quarterfinals Hi-Plains 62, Vilas 16 Otis 52, Fleming 32 Idalia 69, Peetz 31 Briggsdale 67, Kit Carson 34 Semifinals Hi-Plains 54, Otis 6 Idalia 40, Briggsdale 32 Finals Hi-Plains 74, Idalia 24

——— CLASS 4A First Round Pine Creek 28, Broomfield 7 Heritage 50, Sierra 19 Montrose 21, Niwot 14 Greeley West 37, Littleton 14 Dakota Ridge 37, Pueblo South 22 Longmont 28, Monarch 14 Ftn. Ft. Carson 23, Ralston Valley 21 Wheat Ridge 59, Rocky Canyon 27 Quarterfinals Pine Creek 17, Heritage 7 Greeley West 22, Montrose 8 Dakota Ridge 51, Longmont 44 Wheat Ridge 28, Ftn. Ft. Carson 13 Semifinals Greeley West 49, Pine Creek 6 Wheat Ridge 21, Dakota Ridge 16 Finals Wheat Ridge 35, Greeley West 31 ——— CLASS 3A First Round Glenwood 52, Roosevelt 10 Berthoud 40, Centaurus 26 Pueblo County 44, Steamboat 14 Mountain View 45, Pueblo East 27 Windsor 20, Conifer 6 D’Evelyn 30, Palisade 28 Summit 17, Canon City 3 Fort Morgan 32, Elizabeth 0 Quarterfinals Glenwood 50, Berthoud 39 Mountain View 16, Pueblo County 7 D’Evelyn 31, Windsor 14 Fort Morgan 21, Summit 3 Semifinals Glenwood 47, Mountain View 14 Fort Morgan 42, D’Evelyn 24 Finals Glenwood 23, Fort Morgan 14 ——— CLASS 2A First Round Platte Canyon 40, Holy Family 19 Pagosa Springs 40, Manitou Springs 7 Erie 16, Platte Valley 14 Florence 36, Aspen 13 Olathe 55, Buena Vista 10 Kent Denver 39, Eaton 35 Brush 34, Grand Valley 6 Faith Christian 56, Classical Academy 16 Quarterfinals

Lewis Geyer/Times-Call

A year ago, Alex Ortega and Erie came within one point of winning the Class 2A state championship.

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LONGMONT TIMES-CALL

SUNDAY, AUGUST 30, 2009

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Lyons Lions Player perspectives

LIONS AT A GLANCE Head coach: John Nichols, 14th year Home stadium: John “Jet” Johnson Field 2008 season: 8-3, 6-0 in 1A Metro North League; lost to Rye in 1A state quarterfinals Last playoff appearance:2008 Players to watch in 2009

Which game on your schedule are you most looking forward to playing?

“Denver Lutheran (on Oct. 23). We have them for homecoming, and last year we went to their house and it was their homecoming game and we beat them by just one point. I'm sure they’re ready for a little bit of revenge.”

— DALTON ARNOLD, SENIOR

Which player on your team can you least afford to lose to injury?

“I’ve got two. The first one would probably be my brother, Ryan. He’s our center, our long snapper and he plays D-Line and linebacker. He’s just a really good leader on the field. Or Dalton Arnold. He’s also a great leader and (has a good) work ethic.”

— ROLAND VALADEZ, JUNIOR

What is your favorite pre-game ritual or tradition?

“The team pledge we have over in the locker room. We get down on a knee and hold each other's hands and say the team pledge right before kickoff in the locker room — ‘I am a Lyons Lion. I am proud to represent Lyons High School. I will always display courage and strength in all my athletic endeavors. I have the heart of a champion and I will never give up. I will always fight to be better. I am a Lyons Lion. Beat (that night’s opponent)!’”

— CAMERON WALKER, SENIOR

Share your best story about head coach John Nichols.

“Last year before the Lutheran Parker game, Mr. Nichols ... took the team out to see a football movie (The Express) to get us pumped up before the game. I feel that really got us fired up and ready to play that big game.”

— MATT CHANLYNN, JUNIOR

Does it motivate players to be a part of a team like Lyons that has so much tradition?

“Of course. It just makes us step up to a higher expectation level. We have to do everything as best as we can. It has a great role in having us step up and keep going with the tradition.”

— JAKE WINDSOR, SENIOR

Jill P. Mott/Times-Call file

Roland Valadez returns for his second season as the Lions’ starting quarterback.

Keeping the standard

By Brian Howell Longmont Times-Call LYONS — Over the years, the Lyons Lions have set a standard.

They set out to be among the best teams in the state, and often they accomplish that goal.

Heading into the 2009 season, the defending Class 1A Metro North League champions have no intention on taking a step back.

“We’re cautiously optimistic that we can have a special year,” head coach John Nichols said.

A year ago, the Lions went into the season with a young, inexperienced roster. Still, they went 8-3 and won the league title.

The Lions already feel they’re ahead of where they were a year ago. Most of the team returns, as just six seniors graduated, so inexperience will no longer be an issue.

“We’re incredibly excited,” senior Cameron Walker said.

Nichols said the team was so inexperienced last season that he and his coaching staff spent hours working on fundamental drills.

“Now we’re in a position where maybe we can back off a little bit and kind of refine things without banging them up too much,” Nichols said.

There should be an immediate difference in the offense. Roland Valadez enters his second year as the starting quarterback, and he’s got a load of talent around him.

“We’ve gotten a lot more comfortable,” Valadez said. “Our intensity level in practice is a lot higher this year.”

Walker said: “Our offense is definitely going to be a lot sharper from the getgo.”

As always, however, the Lions’ objective is to be sharp in all phases of the game by the time the playoffs roll around.

Prior to 2008, the Lions prepared for the playoffs by going through the toughest league in Class 1A. The North Central Conference included 1A powers Akron, Wray and even Holyoke.

A year ago, realignment shifted the Lions to the Metro North, where the competition isn’t as tough. The Lions are hardly viewing their league schedule as a cake walk, however.

“We don’t take any of it lightly,” Walker said. “We take every game one week at a time. Whether it’s a win or loss, we move on to the next game.”

Nichols said he was concerned about leaving the North Central Conference, but has grown to like the switch.

In fact, he said, switching leagues played a key role in getting the Lions to the playoffs last year.

“To be totally honest, last year if we

Player Dalton Arnold* Matt Chanlynn* Bobby Clark* Brysen Daughton* Forrest Donnell Alix Frazier* Mike Freher* Shayne Gorman* Jose Rivera* Sam Schooler* Dugan Tomczak* Anthony Triffit Roland Valadez* Ryan Valadez* Cameron Walker* Jake Windsor*

Pos. Yr. Ht. Wt. RB/DL Sr. 6-1 170 DL Jr. 5-8 135 OL Sr. 5-10 190 OL/LB Jr. 6-1 180 DB/WR So. 5-10 150 RB/LB Sr. 5-10 170 OL Jr. 6-4 260 LB Sr. 6-0 150 OL Jr. 5-9 210 OL Jr. 6-2 170 WR Jr. 6-0 155 DB/RB So. 5-9 150 QB Jr. 5-10 160 OL/DL Sr. 5-10 170 WR/DB Sr. 5-8 135 RB/LB Sr. 5-10 170 * Returning starter

Team strengths: After losing just six seniors to graduation, the Lions bring a load of experience into this season.

They’ve also got a great winning tradition on their side.

Team weaknesses: Despite their experience, the Lions had issues with being inconsistent during camps over the summer, Nichols said.

Bottom line: The Lions had no trouble winning the Metro North League in their first year in the league. They will be favored to win the league crown again. With more experience on their side, the Lions have the tools to make a deep run into the playoffs.

— BRIAN HOWELL

were in the North Central, we would not have gone to the playoffs,” he said. “We were way too young, way too beaten up.”

Nichols expects the league to be tougher this year, and said non-conference opponents University, Estes Park and Yuma will provide stiff tests.

To get through the season and make another playoff run, Valadez said the Lions need to focus on the task at hand each week.

“That’s one of our mottos this year is to do the little things right, and we definitely have been,” Valadez said.

Of course, the Lions will always have one eye on the ultimate prize.

“We have a good shot at going deep into the playoffs and hopefully taking state,” senior Dalton Arnold said.

“That’s our goal.”

m8/31/2009yTCcfewell LONGMONT TIMES-CALL

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SUNDAY, AUGUST 30, 2009

5

Faith Baptist Pioneers Player perspectives

PIONEERS AT A GLANCE

Which game on your schedule are you most looking forward to playing?

“Silver State because we almost beat them last year. We got intercepted in the end zone. It was crazy. We should have won.”

Head coach: Kent Woods, 2nd year Home stadium: Randy Peterson Field 2008 season: 3-3 Last playoff appearance: N/A Players to watch in 2009 Player JR Sagner* Stephen Troup*

— WILL BIESANZ, SENIOR

Which player on your team can you least afford to lose to injury?

“We can’t lose anybody, pretty much, because we only have 14 guys. So everybody’s valuable.”

Team strengths: With Sagner and Troup returning, the Pioneers have experience at the skill positions. Faith Baptist boasts seven seniors in all.

Team weaknesses: The Pioneers face demoralizing numbers with just 14 kids out for football. They’ll also have to find a replacement at wide receiver after Branson Hartshorn — their leading receiver last season — moved to Colorado Springs.

— STEPHEN TROUP, SENIOR

What is your favorite pre-game ritual or tradition?

“Just get ready for the game; get dressed and go.”

— COLIN WHITELEY, SENIOR Joshua Buck/Times-Call

Give us your best story about head coach Kent Woods.

“He always gets on us about giving up on plays, and he was playing scout defense one day.

We did a fake pitch, a little bootleg, and he was just standing there. So I was telling him, ‘Hey, coach. Don’t give up on plays.’ It was pretty funny.”

— JR SAGNER, SENIOR

Does it bother you that you don't get to play for the playoffs?

“Oh yeah. I played junior high ball. I miss those championship games. I wish that we could have championships to work toward, but at least we’re playing football.”

— NATHAN HASHBERGER, JUNIOR

Pos. Yr. Ht. Wt. QB Sr. 5-9 160 RB Sr. 5-9 165 * Returning starter

Quarterback JR Sagner threw for 873 yards and 10 touchdowns in just six games last season for the Pioneers.

Character building Even with numbers down, Faith football still going

By Justin Williams Longmont Times-Call LONGMONT — For 30-plus years, Faith Baptist School has fielded an 8man football team with a goal of building “Christ-like character” in young men, while giving them an competitive outlet on the field.

But with declining numbers, as seen by

most private schools in this economy, it would seem that Pioneer tradition is in jeopardy.

“We’ll go through this year and see what happens,” head coach Kent Woods said.

“We’ll go at it as hard we can go and see what next year holds.”

Faith Baptist will field a team this sea-

Bottom line: Woods believes the Pioneers will be better this season than they were last year, mostly because of the amount of experience. He says a 6-2 or even a 7-1 record isn't out of the question. Faith Baptist will see very early on how much it has improved, as it takes on Caliche — ranked third in the state in 2008 — in its first game of the season.

— JUSTIN WILLIAMS

son, although with just 14 players, it can’t even participate in a full intra-squad scrimmage. Woods said enrollment at the private K-12 Christian school has dropped to around 250. It was more than 400 a few years back.

To make matters worse, seven of those 14 players on the team are seniors, meanPlease see FAITH BAPTIST on 15

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LONGMONT TIMES-CALL

SUNDAY, AUGUST 30, 2009

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Longmont Trojans Player perspectives Which game on your schedule are you most looking forward to playing, and why?

“Greeley West, definitely.

After they beat us pretty good last year, I’m looking to give them a taste of what we got last season.“ — DREW EDWARDS, SENIOR

Which player on your team can you least afford to lose to injury?

“Scott Coyle. He’s a great leader, one of our hardest workers. He’s had a lot of experience at the varsity level. If we lost him, that would be a huge loss for both sides of the line.”

— DILLON PARKER, SENIOR

What is your favorite pregame tradition or ritual?

“Listening to some metal; getting that in my head.

Then getting pumped up for the game.”

— MATT THOMPSON, SENIOR

Give us your best story about head coach Doug Johnson.

“I had been hanging around the team for a while because my dad was coaching. A while back — years ago — there were a few players working hard and one of them actually threw up. Apparently, he had some sort of ham product. Coach Johnson looks down and says, “Eww, there is a chunk of ham!”

He picks it up and eats it.

The kid sees that and throws up again.

— SCOT COYLE, SENIOR

After reaching the 4A quarterfinals a year ago, can this team go farther this year?

“I think we can. We have to keep at it. We need to keep our goals set and our mind in the right place. Keep an eye on the prize and never overlook a game.”

— JAKE CHESNUT, SENIOR

Trojans getting defensive To be among 4A’s elite, Longmont has to shut down the opposition

TROJANS AT A GLANCE Head coach: Doug Johnson, 8th year Home stadium: Everly-Montgomery Field 2008 season: 10-2, 7-1 in 4A Northern Conference; lost to Dakota Ridge in 4A state quarterfinals Last playoff appearance: 2008

By Ray Sobczyk Longmont Times-Call LONGMONT — Scot Coyle heard the whispers.

Talk of Longmont’s defensive troubles swirled around for days after the team’s loss to Dakota Ridge in the quarterfinals of the state playoffs. After suffering defeat just once during the regular season, the Trojans lost in a shootout, 51-44.

Not fun, Coyle said.

“That burns in your gut all year,” said Coyle, starting defensive tackle for the Trojans.

“When you get that far and you have such high expectations, and you have a game like that, you want to come back and you want another chance to redeem yourself. “ Here is Coyle’s chance. The senior is ready to lead Longmont back to the playoffs — and eager to avenge another letdown.

But it won’t be without a little bit of change on the defensive side of the ball.

See, in Longmont’s two losses last season, it surrendered a combined 92 points to Greeley West and Dakota Ridge. The Trojans allowed only 13.5 points per game in their 10 wins.

In fact, Greeley West put up 452 yards of offense and punted only twice that night. And Dakota Ridge was unstoppable, posting an eye-popping 631 yards.

“It felt like after those games were over that we were to

Players to watch in 2009 Player Jake Chesnut Dawlton Cole* Scot Coyle* Brandon Deines Drew Edwards* Justin Hansen* Jake Johnson* Paul Johnson Jay Knaus Dillon Parker* Matt Thompson

Pos. RB TE OL/DL LB TE DL QB/S OL/DL RB FS OL/DL

Yr. Ht. Wt. Sr. 5-10 190 Sr. 6-2 195 Sr. 6-2 235 Sr. 5-10 175 Sr. 6-2 190 Sr. 6-5 270 Sr. 6-2 215 Sr. 6-2 226 Sr. 6-0 178 Sr. 5-10 170 Sr. 6-2 226 * Returning starter

Team strengths: Although the Trojans lost a bunch of seniors, quarterback Jake Johnson returns to lead the offense. He was an all-state player last season and has the tools to guide Longmont deep into the playoffs.

Times-Call file

Jay Knaus picks up a few yards during the first quarter against Broomfield last season at Everly-Montgomery Field.

Knaus, who rushed for 274 yards and caught 13 passes for 129 yards last year, could be a key player in the Trojans’ offense this season.

Team weaknesses: Doug Johnson feels that the lack of depth and inexperienced players could cause problems. However, the coach said the talent is there to keep posting wins this year.

Bottom line: The Trojans will rely on Jake Johnson to remain healthy and potent under center. If their defense follows, it should be another postseason trip.

— RAY SOBCZYK

scheme. He also said whoever is playing strong safety won’t be back-peddling to stop the pass until he proves he can stop — MATT THOMPSON, SENIOR DEFENSIVE END the run.

Although not a minor change, it seems to be a popublame,” Coyle said. “It came rations. A state championship lar move for the Trojans. down to the defense not making is always the goal, and he said “We needed to do it. Our conplays.” the Trojans can only achieve ference is very tough,” senior success with sound defensive So Longmont coach Doug defensive end Matt Thompson play.

Johnson tweaked a few things. said. “Every team can run the And that may sound hard to be“We need to get the run football.” lieve, considering his team is stopped,” Johnson said.

Thompson added an aggrescoming off the program’s first Instead of operating out of a sive approach will only add to playoff win since 1997. seven-man front, Johnson said Please see LONGMONT on 15 But Johnson has higher aspi- the Trojans will run a 4-4

“Defenses that stop the run are invaluable. If you can’t consistently stop the run, that can hurt you.”

m8/31/2009yTCcfewell LONGMONT TIMES-CALL

WWW.TIMESCALL.COM

SUNDAY, AUGUST 30, 2009

7

Niwot Cougars Player perspectives

COUGARS AT A GLANCE Head coach: Ron Tesone, 9th year

Which game on your schedule are you most looking forward to playing?

Home stadium: Everly-Montgomery Field

“Longmont. They’re our biggest rivals. We want to get them back for last year. And it’s on my birthday.”

Last playoff appearance: 2008

2008 season: 7-4, 6-3 in 4A Northern Conference; lost to Montrose in first round of state playoffs.

Players to watch in 2009 Player Mitch Eutsler Kevin Howes* Matt LaBorde* Kelton Manzanares* Veric Nichols* Brady Oleszczuk Matt Perry* Paco Retana* Tyler Strong* Zach Visger Joeal Vuki*

— CHRIS JOHNSON, SENIOR

Which player on your team can you least afford to lose to injury?

“I'm pretty sure anyone would be a huge loss.

But Kelton (Manzanares) plays both ways. He receives on both punt and kick returns. So he would be tough to replace.”

— JOEAL VUKI, SENIOR

What is your favorite pre-game ritual or tradition?

“Going to Subway and getting a footlong. That gets me ready. Eating good.”

— BRADY OLESZCZUK, SENIOR

Share your best story about head coach Ron Tesone.

“There are quite a few.

When we’re out here doing our footwork drills, he’s always preaching on being low. His voice can crack a few times.

That gives us some humor to start practice and gets us going.”

— MATT LABORDE, SENIOR

What will it take for the Cougars to challenge for the Northern Conference title?

“We have to start off the season strong. We have to beat Wheat Ridge. That’s our No. 1 goal. It’s week to week, day by day, win by win.”

— VERIC NICHOLS, SENIOR

Joshua Buck/Times-Call file

Senior Veric Nichols is one of just a few returning starters for Niwot this season.

Plenty of shoes to fill

By Ray Sobczyk Longmont Times-Call NIWOT — Don’t call Brady Oleszczuk a rookie quarterback this season. Being under center isn’t uncomfortable at all for the Niwot senior.

He just needs to prove it on the big stage.

Oleszczuk’s teammates aren’t worried about any growing pains.

“We have a lot of confidence in Brady,” said senior offensive lineman Matt LaBorde. “He’s more than capable at quarterback.”

Count offensive lineman Joeal Vuki in on the believers, too.

“I’d prefer him out of anyone else on the whole team,” Vuki said.

“He’s one of our better leaders. He pushes everybody.”

That’s always been the case for Oleszczuk.

After being the starting quarterback for the Cougars’ junior varsity squad the past two seasons, he’s eager to show what he can do at the program’s top level. Plus, Oleszczuk started last season’s opener in place of three-year starter Cody Lahman, so nerves shouldn’t be an issue.

But Lahman left some big shoes to fill, Oleszczuk said. The Niwot quarterback passed for 959 yards and nine touchdowns a season ago, leading the Cougars to the state playoffs.

“It’ll be tough, but I think I can do it,” Oleszczuk said.

Lahman is one of numerous graduated players the Cougars are looking to replace in 2009.

The team returns only four on each side of the ball. And Niwot said goodbye to its starting running back, quarterback and top wide receiver.

But the Cougars do have 23 seniors on their roster.

“Some of those guys are hard to replace,” Niwot coach Ron Tesone said. “We’re trying to build.”

Oleszczuk’s development could go a long way in how the season turns out, Tesone said. The coach likes the drop-back passing ability his new quarterback brings to the table.

And with tight end Veric Nichols being the lone skilled position starter from last season returning, Tesone will be asking Oleszczuk to mature quickly.

“We’re going to ask a lot of Brady,” Tesone said. “It’s his turn; he’s a senior.

He’s going to lead us.”

Oleszczuk said it’s an opportunity he’s been waiting for his entire football career.

He added his experience at the junior varsity level helped him gain respect from his teammates, and allowed him time to grow at the position.

That’s not always a luxury in high school football these days.

“That helps a lot. I’m feeling more com-

Pos. CB OL OL/DT RB/S TE QB LB OL FB/LB WR DL

Yr. Ht. Wt. Jr. 5-6 145 Sr. 6-2 225 Sr. 6-4 290 Sr. 5-11 160 Sr. 6-2 210 Sr. 6-0 190 Sr. 6-0 185 Sr. 6-1 290 Sr. 6-3 286 Sr. 6-0 165 Sr. 6-1 220 * Returning starter

Team strengths: With experience returning, the Cougars’ offensive line should provide plenty of holes and pass protection. That will take the pressure off a new starting quarterback and running back.

Team weaknesses: Although Niwot has 23 seniors on its roster, the team returns only four starters on each side of the ball.

Creating depth and an untested quarterback also could cause growing pains.

Bottom line: The Cougars lost their final three games last season, including one to Montrose in the playoffs. If they can hold on while their talent and depth develop, the team has a shot at another playoff berth.

— RAY SOBCZYK

fortable this year,” Oleszczuk said. “I expect to put up some numbers.”

Oleszczuk isn’t the only key player the Cougars will be relying on.

Senior Kelton Manzanares will get the bulk of the carries at running back. He had only 11 carries a year ago.

Even with three starting offensive linemen back in the mix, Tesone said, “Running the ball is going to be a challenge for us.”

Still, despite losing their final three games of 2008, and a chunk of their offensive weapons from last season’s playoff run, the Cougars expect to surprise some Northern Conference teams.

This won’t be a down year, the players stressed. And the athleticism and promise Oleszczuk offers could be why.

“I think teams will take us lightly, especially losing our quarterback, who has been starting for two or three years,” senior fullback and linebacker Tyler Strong said.

“They’re definitely going to think we lost a lot more than we did.”

m8/31/2009yTCcfewell 8

SUNDAY, AUGUST 30, 2009

LONGMONT TIMES-CALL

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Skyline Falcons FALCONS AT A GLANCE Head coach: Kevin Rice, 3rd year Home stadium: Everly-Montgomery Field 2008 season: 1-9, 1-7 in 4A Northern Conference Last playoff appearance: 2000 Players to watch in 2009 Player Geary Bakewell Noah Baker* Mason Chambers* Kyle Czajkowski Spencer Gaibler* Buck Johnson* Benji Martinez* Benji Rivera* Isaiah Rivera

Times-Call file

Pos. QB OT WR DE DE RB/WR DT DT CB

The Falcons have stumbled to 1-9 marks in each of the past three seasons. They are 12-48 LONGMONT — Finally, the past six seasons. Ending Kevin Rice has some experithat trend is high on the players’ ence to rely on. minds this fall.

Veteran players have been “A lot people are getting tired rare on the Skyline football ros- of losing around here,” senior ter in recent memory. quarterback Geary Bakewell But Rice, entering his third said. season at the helm of the FalInclude senior offensive linecons, sees a light to brighter man Noah Baker in that group. days. That vi“It’s been hard to stay posision starts with tive,” Baker said. “But we’re familiar names more knowledgeable with and faces.

(Rice’s) system. We have a “This is the good solid foundation under us.” most experiWith seven returning starting enced team var- starters on defense and six on sity-wise we’ve had since I’ve offense, it’s no wonder why attibeen here,” Rice said. “We have tudes like Baker’s remain posisome depth in some places that tive. Rice said that’s a tribute to we haven’t had before here.” the never-give-up mindset his Now Rice is hoping the famil- players have developed. iarity translates to wins on the “We want to teach these kids to field. That’s something that has keep fighting back,” Rice said.

Not so fast, though. Bakewell been a rarity in his program.

By Ray Sobczyk Longmont Times-Call

said starting off on the right foot is crucial. If Skyline stumbles with a few lopsided losses out of the shoot, things could go down hill quickly, he added.

“Losing a couple of games could bring the same attitude of years past,” Bakewell said. “Here we go again; same 1-9 season.”

But wins and losses don’t always measure a program’s progression, Rice said.

“We show up every day and focus on working our butts off.

We’re learning to be resilient,” Rice said. “The previous two years, there were periods where we allowed circumstances to get the better of us.”

In fact, the Falcons’ defense allowed roughly 40 points per game a season ago. It surrendered 48 points or more in four losses.

Adding to the defensive woes was an ineffective offense. SkyPlease see SKYLINE on 15

Ht. Wt. 5-11 180 6-1 220 6-4 220 6-2 200 6-0 195 5-8 200 6-3 290 6-0 250 5-8 160 * Returning starter

Team strengths: The Falcons had no trouble running the ball a year ago, but top back Tyler Vavrina, who gained 1,265 yards as a junior in 2008, isn’t playing this year.

Jarrod Bechtold looks to take over that position and be as productive.

Team weaknesses: Skyline allowed about 40 points per game last season, and that won’t fly in the tough Northern Conference. Building confidence and unity is vital on the defensive side of the ball.

Bottom line: In Rice’s third year at the helm, the Falcons return seven starters on defense and six on offense. That experience should lead to more victories on the football field this season.

Benji Rivera, center, is one of several returning starters for the Skyline Falcons this season.

Relying on experience

Yr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr.

— RAY SOBCZYK

Player perspectives Which game on your schedule are you most looking forward to playing?

“Most definitely the Longmont game. Losing to Longmont for some many years — I can’t even count — for us to win a game like that would really be special for us.

Especially for the seniors, who have really been going through it for the past three years. For us to beat them this year would really mean a lot. It would carry on for years and years to come.”

done.”

— MASON CHAMBERS, SENIOR

Share your best story about head coach Kevin Rice.

“One day during tryouts, he pulled a prank on the team. It was one of those things that really scared us. ... It was the last day of practice and we had already run 23 40s. And that was an easy day. It was a piece of cake. He and the coaches staged arguments when we were done.

— GEARY BAKEWELL, SENIOR An assistant coach even got on (Rice). He told us we had to run Which player on your team can every line of the football field, you least afford to lose to injury? down and back. ... We started “This year it would Geary doing that for three minutes. Then Bakewell, our quarterback. So far he blows the whistle and says, he’s hopped into the starting ‘What are you idiots doing?’ It was position, after losing him to a leg pretty funny.” injury last year. I hope he stays — JARROD BECHTOLD, SENIOR positive and healthy for the whole season. We need him to lead us.”

What will it take to get the — NOAH BAKER, SENIOR Falcons back on the winning track?

What is your favorite pre-game “It’s going to take a good attitude. ritual or tradition?

“We all get together in the locker We’re going to need a bunch of players that are dedicated to the room and have a good chat as a team. We need to find guys who team. We come together as a are going to stick with the team.” family. We do our prayer then come out here and get things — MATT DARMOFAL, SENIOR

m8/31/2009yTCcfewell LONGMONT TIMES-CALL

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SUNDAY, AUGUST 30, 2009

9

Erie Tigers Player perspectives

TIGERS AT A GLANCE Head coach: Larry Gartrell

Which game on your schedule are you most looking forward to playing?

“I’m looking forward to the Faith Christian game. We haven’t beaten them for a while. This year’s our year. It’ll be a fun game.”

Home stadium: Tigers Field 2008 season: 12-2, 6-1 in 2A Flatirons League; lost to Olathe in Class 2A state title game Last playoff appearance: 2008

— JUSTIN GODFREY, SENIOR

Which player on your team can you least afford to lose to injury?

“Alex Ortega. He’s our superstar.”

— AUSTIN ELZINGA, SENIOR

What is your favorite pre-game ritual or tradition?

“Sitting in the locker room with Justin (Godfrey). He’s like my brother. We sit there and talk about the game and how we can step it up.

We listen to some music to get pumped up.”

— BILLY ILKO, SENIOR

Share your best story about head coach Larry Gartrell.

“He’s a good coach.

Even if we’re having a serious practice, he likes to lighten things up so we’re not too serious. We still love the game of football because of him.”

— JC BARTLEY, SENIOR

Is this team hungrier for a state title after coming so close a year ago?

“It's going to take teamwork, working hard, getting better every day (to get back there). We need to come out here and give it 100 percent every play, every practice.”

— ALEX ORTEGA, SENIOR

Lewis Geyer/Times-Call file

Thomas Carpenter, right, and the Erie Tigers have their eyes on the Class 2A state title that eluded them last season.

Unfinished business

By Ray Sobczyk Longmont Times-Call ERIE — The Erie football players will never forget what could have been.

Coming up short in the state championship wasn’t the ending they were hoping for last season. To make it hurt more, Olathe topped the Tigers by one point in an overtime thriller.

And nine months later it still stings.

“I’m still not over it,” running back Alex Ortega said. “I won’t be over it until I get that state championship this year.”

“It was classic because it was overtime in a state championship game,” senior tight end JC Bartley recalled. “But we were on the losing side of that, so it hurt the whole bus ride back. Then a few days after, I couldn’t even be consoled by my girlfriend. It was that bad.

“Still hurts today.”

Pos. OL/DL TE/LB RB/DB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL RB/DB OL/LB RB/LB OL/LB RB/DB RB/LB OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL RB/DB QB/DB RB/LB RB/LB OL/DL OL/LB

Yr. Ht. Wt. Sr. 6-0 205 Sr. 6-4 190 So. 5-6 145 Jr. 6-1 250 Sr. 6-0 245 Jr. 5-10 190 Jr. 5-10 160 Sr. 6-0 195 So. 5-10 170 Jr. 6-2 235 Jr. 5-10 165 Jr. 6-1 225 Sr. 5-11 295 Sr. 6-1 230 Jr. 5-10 240 Sr. 5-10 170 So. 6-0 170 Sr. 5-11 170 So. 5-9 175 Jr. 6-0 220 Jr. 6-1 180 * Returning starter

Team strengths: With 10 starters and 25 lettermen returning, Gartrell likes the experience he has with this team. The balance up and down the roster will make the Tigers a premier team again.

That’s pain.

Fortunately for Team weaknesses: Erie will insert a new the Tigers, life will quarterback, and plenty of players are continue on the footlearning new positions, Gartrell said. ball field. And many Plus, the coach said, his team is lacking players maintained speed. redemption is their Bottom line: If running back Alex Ortega main source of motiremains healthy and puts up big vation this season. numbers again, there is no reason why “To be that close, the Tigers won’t be back in the state title we want another game. shot at it,” Bartley — RAY SOBCZYK said. “That’s all the motivation you need.”

Dwayne Perry and (Doxsey),” However, the Tigers must re- Bartley said. “But we have the place a plethora of talent from same coaching staff as last last year’s 12-2 team, which year. They’ll get our guys preplaced second in the Class 2A pared again.”

Flatirons League. The road Still, players like Ortega back to the postseason won’t be aren’t worried about a defeneasy by any stretch. sive letdown. This isn’t the first They return only four from a time this team has been defensive unit that allowed 13.3 through a reloading stage, he points per game, and said said, and linebacker Robert goodbye to captains Cees Newell is back after being Doxsey — the Times-Call defourth on the squad in tackles. fensive player of the year in “Our defense is always 2008 — and Dwayne Perry. In stout,” Ortega said. “I thought addition, the Tigers pitched last year we were going to three shutouts a year ago.

“You can’t replace guys like

Please see ERIE on 14

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m8/31/2009yTCcfewell 10

SUNDAY, AUGUST 30, 2009

LONGMONT TIMES-CALL

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Longmont Christian Warriors WARRIORS AT A GLANCE Head coach: Ben Hackbarth, 1st year Home stadium: Sandstone Ranch Park 2008 season: 2-6, 0-5 in Class A 8-man Plains League Last playoff appearance: 2005 Players to watch in 2009 Player Austin Bennett* Wes Bennett* Seth Smith Anthony Torrez

Pos. FS/TB LB/FB/TB QB/C NG/FB/TB

Yr. Ht. Wt. Sr. 5-7 153 Jr. 6-1 186 Jr. 5-9 160 Sr. 5-7 158 * Returning starter

Team strengths: The Warriors are athletic and have some speed. They will look for mismatches and ways to get their speedy guys on the perimeter.

Team weaknesses: Hackbarth has just 15 players out this year, and they don't have a lot of size with the players they do have.

Times-Call file

Wes Bennett, top, led the Warriors in rushing (711 yards) and receiving (17 catches for 296 yards) last season. He also scored 11 touchdowns.

Gaining confidence Low numbers, tough league haven’t damaged Warriors’ excitement

last year wouldn’t go out on every play. Everybody wants to be here this year.”

It’s a mindset that first-year coach Ben Hackbarth — also the Warriors’ girls soccer coach — is attempting to force upon his team following a disappointing 2-6 2008 season.

“One of the things that was difficult is

By Justin Williams there wasn’t a lot of excitement or positive Longmont Times-Call attitude last year,” said The Longmont Christian Warriors seem to Hackbarth, who was an assistant coach at Lyons have the deck stacked against them this for the past six years. season.

“Just seeing that, that They welcome their third coach in three years. With just 15 kids out for football, they becomes a challenge that you hope to rectify. face drastically low participation numbers. And their talent- We’re trying to breathe ed athletic quarterback from a life into something that seems like was going in year ago decided not to return — AUSTIN BENNETT, the wrong direction.” to the team this year.

SENIOR That excitement was a A long, uphill battle through hard sell over the summer, when the players the brutal Class A 8-man learned that their quarterback, Aaron PrasPlains League — in which the ka, wasn’t going to return. Praska is a Warriors have yet to win a game since joinstandout track athlete on the Longmont ing three years ago — is inevitable, right?

High School team, and he was a valuable “We definitely don’t see it that way,” cog in the Warriors’ offense last season. But Longmont Christian senior Austin Bennett said. “There’s a lot of excitement right now. the senior opted to spend the fall focusing on track, hoping to earn a scholarship.

There’s a lot to look forward to.

“I feel like we’re doing a complete 180 It means junior Seth Smith will get right now. I feel like this year we actually thrown into the fire behind center, with not have a stronger squad. Most of the players much experience in hand.

“There’s a lot of excitement right now.

There’s a lot to look forward to.”

Bottom line: The new coaching staff — the third in three years — has instilled a sense of optimism in the Warriors, even though their starting quarterback from a year ago decided not to play football this season.

With very little experience, Seth Smith will fill in under center. The Warriors play in the toughest 8-man conference and are still searching for their first win since moving to the Plains League three years ago.

— JUSTIN WILLIAMS

“I played a little quarterback in seventh grade,” Smith said. “I was really nervous when I found out I was going to play QB this year, because I had no clue what I was doing.

“But I’m getting used to it now.”

Added Hackbarth: “Everything that we do, it’s going to be important on how he plays. He’s fast and he’s quick, and he’s got pretty good feet. So it’s a matter of him being disciplined.”

The Warriors will, at least, have probably their best player from year ago in running back/linebacker Wesley Bennett. But Hackbarth realizes the entire state knows about the bruising junior tailback, so he’ll need some other options on offense.

Those options may be limited, but Hackbarth is more than confident that Longmont Christian will find a way to win some games this season.

“There’s no panic at our end,” he said. “I think that attitude and confidence comes from the top down. So if you’ve got a coach that is confident in his players, and you have players that have confidence in their coach, I think you can accomplish a lot more than even numbers can give you.”

Player perspectives Which game on your schedule are you most looking forward to playing?

“Probably Soroco (on Sept. 11). Last year was a really good game. It was pretty evenly matched, but we won in the second half.”

— SETH SMITH, JUNIOR

Which player on your team can you least afford to lose to injury?

“I have to say Wes Bennett. As a sophomore coming up, he did great last year.

He hits, he runs — he’s just good.”

— ANTHONY TORREZ, SENIOR

What is your favorite pre-game ritual or tradition?

“I like to say a prayer during stretches. Just kind of calms my nerves, makes me feel better.”

— ERIK SCHMIDT, SENIOR

What has been the hardest part about having three coaches in three years?

“It's just hard because we have to learn new plays, and that’s difficult because I was used to all of last year ’s plays.”

— WESLEY BENNETT, JUNIOR

What will it take to get to playoffs?

“Staying strong to the fourth quarter, basically. We didn’t have any backups last year. This year we actually have some subs that can sub in, so we can hang strong through the fourth quarter.”

— AUSTIN BENNETT, SENIOR

m8/31/2009yTCcfewell WWW.TIMESCALL.COM

LONGMONT TIMES-CALL

SUNDAY, AUGUST 30, 2009

11

Berthoud Spartans SPARTANS AT A GLANCE Head coach: Dan McGinn, 9th year Home stadium: Max Marr Field 2008 season: 9-3, 7-2 in 3A Tri-Valley League; lost to Glenwood Springs in 3A state quarterfinals Last playoff appearance: 2008 Players to watch in 2009 Player Bryce Baker* Brandon Bratcher Kent Flynn* Greg Glasser* Joel Maly* Marcus Mathiesen* Graham Shaw Connor Woods Chet Zaniefski*

Running back Greg Glasser is the only returning starter on offense for the Berthoud Spartans. He and the Spartans have high hopes that they will maintain the high level of play they’ve had in recent years.

Pos. LB WR RB/S RB LB S DE S LB

Yr. Ht. Wt. Sr. 6-2 190 Sr. 5-10 160 Sr. 6-1 175 Sr. 6-0 175 Sr. 6-3 200 Sr. 6-2 180 Sr. 6-3 170 Sr. 5-9 150 Sr. 5-9 180 * Returning starter

Team strengths: The Spartans have a very good and hard-working senior class.

They’ve also got high expectations after a great run over the past few years.

Team weaknesses: Inexperience. Glasser is the only returning starter on offense, and many of the defensive starters graduated, too.

Bottom line: With so many new starters, the Spartans will need to learn on the go this season. Tri-Valley League games start in Week 2, so there’s not much time to work out the kinks. As long as they stay healthy and learn quickly, however, the Spartans could have another good season.

Steve Stoner/ Loveland Reporter-Herald

— BRIAN HOWELL

Expectations remain high for Spartans

By Brian Howell Longmont Times-Call BERTHOUD — It would be easy to look at what the Berthoud Spartans lost and say they won’t be too good this year.

After all, Jordan Major (who threw for 1,900 yards and rushed for over 1,000), Bryce Munoz (over 1,500 yards in total offense) and Tye Duncan (806 receiving yards) won’t be easy to replace.

While the stars who led Berthoud to the 2007 Class 3A state title and the 2008 quarterfinals are gone, however, there’s a whole new set of players ready to fill in.

“We have a lot of players that are willing to go out there and sacrifice everything — kids that are ready to play,” said senior Brandon Bratcher, who will look to fill Dun-

can’s shoes.

There’s a lot of shoes to fill this season. In all, about 20 seniors graduated from the 2008 team. Head coach Dan McGinn is hardly looking in the past, however.

“We have a lot of kids that are going to get a neat opportunity to play this year,” McGinn said. “One of the reasons that we’re so excited (as coaches) is because (the players) are. It’s just a lot of fun to see everybody working so hard. They want to succeed and hopefully we can help them do that.”

The players are eager to make their own mark. And, they realize Berthoud isn’t the only team dealing with graduation losses.

“We did lose a lot of people, but other schools have lost a lot of people,” senior tackle Billy Schump said. “So, we’re just hanging in there.”

So far, the Spartans appear to be doing just that.

Whether or not the Spartans have varsity experience, they do know what it’s like to be a Berthoud Spartan.

“We just really have to live up to coach’s expectations, and the fans and how we’ve been hyped up the past few years,” senior Will Lancaster said. “We’ve been working really hard in practice and giving it our all.

We’re going to go out there and do our best, no matter what.”

McGinn is banking on that, and he has no doubt the players will continue the Berthoud tradition.

“The kids know what we do, they believe in what we do and we try to figure out who is going to fit in best to fill some of the things we’re going to miss with those kids (who graduated),” McGinn said.

“We’ve got kids that have had the opportunity to watch them and learn from them.

Please see BERTHOUD on 15

Player perspectives Which game on your schedule are you most looking forward to playing?

“Personally, probably Mountain View (on Oct. 16), because last year we didn’t play them so well, and I think we need another chance to show them how well we can play. Or Roosevelt (on Oct. 2) because it’s another team and it’s a good challenge.”

— GREG GLASSER, SENIOR

Which player on your team can you least afford to lose to injury?

“We have a lot of good players, but we all work as a team. If we lose a guy, we have people that will fill in for them and do their thing until he comes back. Injuries happen in football.”

— MARCUS MATHIESEN, SENIOR

What is your favorite pre-game ritual or tradition?

“Spartan Jacks. They’re just jumping jacks.”

— KENT FLYNN, SENIOR

Share your best story about head coach Dan McGinn.

“What (the fans) see out at the games is kind of the same out here.

He’s just calm, keeping people in check and doing his job.”

— BEN ALEXANDER, SENIOR

What did you learn from the players who graduated last year?

“Go out and play every play and try your best.

That’s probably one of the best lessons we’ve learned from them throughout the years.”

— BRANDON BRATCHER, SENIOR

m8/31/2009yTCcfewell 12

LONGMONT TIMES-CALL

SUNDAY, AUGUST 30, 2009

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Silver Creek Raptors Player perspectives

RAPTORS AT A GLANCE Head coach: Mike Apodaca, 7th year

Which game on your schedule are you most looking forward to playing?

“Sterling. It’s our homecoming game and we should have beaten them last year. We lost to them at their house. That’s the biggest one I’m waiting for.”

Home stadium: Everly-Montgomery Field 2008 season: 3-7; 3-6 in 3A Tri-Valley Conference Last playoff appearance: 2005 Players to watch in 2009

— BEN BECHARD, SENIOR

Which player on your team can you least afford to lose to injury?

“Our quarterback, Austin Apodaca. A football team usually ends up like the quarterback. If we lose him, that will hurt.”

Silver Creek receiver Brett Wright, right, breaks up an interception attempt by Windsor ’s Andrew Kish last season.

Wright is one of several Raptors seniors who have their sights set on a trip to the Class 3A state playoffs.

— BRETT WRIGHT, SENIOR

What is your favorite pregame ritual or tradition?

“We discuss everything and get each other motivated. We set the things out on the table that need to be said before the game. We make sure everyone is ready to go and knows what we’re out there playing for.”

— CHRIS HEIL, SENIOR

Share your best story about head coach Mike Apodaca.

“It was my sophomore year. One of our big, mean linebackers was leading stretches. Coach came up to him and put a frog on his back. He flipped out, tossed his head around and was screaming. It was a great time.”

Joshua Buck/ Times-Call file

Playoffs or bust

By Ray Sobczyk Longmont Times-Call

— CODY ALME, SENIOR

It's been four years since the Raptors were in the playoffs. Is this the year you return?

“The seniors didn’t provide enough leadership in years past. We have the potential now to get back to the postseason. Right now, we don’t have anyone that’s been to the playoffs or experienced it. If we can get back to where we were five years ago, where we were able to make some noise, it will set the tone for tradition at this school.”

— CORBIN WEST , SENIOR

LONGMONT — For whatever reasons, the state playoffs have eluded the seniors on the Silver Creek football team.

They haven’t been able to fit the pieces to the puzzle together at the right time. End-of-season struggles have doomed the Raptors, adding heartbreak and frustrations to the team.

This fall, the playoffs won’t be an option, Silver Creek’s senior players promised. The postseason is an expectation.

“We’re winning state. That’s our goal,” senior defensive tackle Ben Bechard said.

“We can’t accept anything less. Last season, we were OK with losing close games.

We were OK with not doing good here and there.

“That’s not our mindset now.”

Bechard isn’t alone. Missing the playoffs during the past three seasons in a row hasn’t exactly been fun.

“We’ve never been, so we want to get there. Watching the other teams in the playoffs on TV, that motivates you,” senior wide receiver Brett Wright said. “We don’t want to be left out every single year.”

And this year Silver Creek coach Mike Apodaca believes he has the formula to get his team over the hump. There will be a few changes in 2009.

Last season, the Raptors started off 2-0, but faded soon after. They dropped seven of their final eight games.

Apodaca said platooning is something the program is trying to end this year.

That means players will either be compet-

Player TJ Adams Cody Alme* Austin Apodaca Ben Bechard* Seth Beck Will Chavis Brock Garden Casey Garmen* Trace Gray Chris Heil* Scott Hoyt* Branden Hunt* Zach Martinez David Neuroth Keenan Olsen Conrad Oteem Caleb Thompson Corbin West* Ben Wooching Brett Wright*

Pos. TE RB QB DL OL WR LB LB OL/DL OL/DL DB/K QR DB RB/LB RB RB/DB WR OL OL/DL WR

Yr. Ht. Wt. Jr. 6-5 195 Sr. 6-1 175 So. 6-1 155 Sr. 5-11 200 Jr. 6-2 222 Sr. 5-6 140 Jr. 5-11 160 Sr. 6-2 185 So. 6-2 200 Sr. 6-3 200 Sr. 6-1 185 Sr. 6-2 170 Jr. 5-8 151 Jr. 6-0 170 Jr. 5-10 165 Sr. 5-10 165 Sr. 5-10 180 Sr. 6-1 185 So. 6-0 275 Sr. 5-11 155 * Returning starter

Team strengths: The Raptors will rely heavily on senior leadership. The senior four-year players are determined to crack the playoffs for the first time, and that will power could take the team to unexperienced heights.

Team weaknesses: Silver Creek will be starting a sophomore at quarterback in Austin Apodaca, and Cody Alme moves to running back for his senior year. The team is hoping it doesn’t take too long for those athletic players to get their feet wet.

Bottom line: With the platooning on offense and defense, the Raptors should be fresh enough for a late-season surge.

— RAY SOBCZYK

ing on offense or defense; not both.

“That will help a lot. We won’t be gassed in the fourth quarter,” Bechard said.

“This year we’ll have fresh legs,” senior running back Cody Alme said. “To be fresh like that is a brand new start for us.”

Apodaca said there was a time last season where he was playing about 16-17 kids — on both offense and defense. Consequently, Silver Creek’s defense was worn out in the fourth quarter on many occasions.

“We were gassed,” said Apodaca, adding the Raptors will switch to a 3-5 defensive scheme after giving up about 22 points per Please see SILVER CREEK on 15

m8/31/2009yTCcfewell LONGMONT TIMES-CALL

SUNDAY, AUGUST 30, 2009

Frederick Warriors

Committed to excellence Strong offseason has Warriors on right path FREDERICK — Head coach Thad Lear walks around the practice field, his whistle in hand and surveys the field.

His players are working on drills all around him, and Lear likes what he sees.

“We’re going to have a lot of hunger,” Lear said.

A 2-8 season can create that.

In 2007, the Warriors snapped a 15year playoff drought. In 2008, they came within a whisker of a second straight playoff appearance.

A year ago?

“We took a step back, but we learned from our mistakes,” Lear said.

Perhaps the biggest mistake made by the Warriors in 2008 was not being prepared. They were young and really didn’t have the offseason commitment typically possessed by playoff contenders.

Commitment isn’t an issue this year.

“We had great commitment from our freshman class up to our senior class,” senior lineman T.J. Olson said.

“We all showed up (over the summer) and decided to go to weights in the morning.

“Last year we were lacking a lot of leadership and discipline.”

Lack of discipline showed up on game nights, in terms of turnovers, penalties and other mistakes.

Lear figures that fixing those mistakes starts in the offseason, and there-

Joshua Buck/Times-Call

Junior quarterback/defensive back Ian Dennis and the Warriors have their sights set on a Class 3A playoff berth. fore the Warriors are off to a good start.

“Our kids, they saw kind of what they didn’t do the year before in the offseason, in terms of weight room and commitment,” Lear said. “We’ve seen a lot better commitment in the offseason, so hopefully that will pay off.”

There’s already a good energy.

“I think we can be a really great team,” senior Tyler Wisdom said.

“This is probably the best I’ve seen our team do for a long time.”

Added junior Matt Lamb: “The team is looking great, so we’re looking for-

PF-132504

WARRIORS AT A GLANCE Head coach: Thad Lear, 12th year Home stadium: Alex Tesone Field 2008 season: 2-8, 1-8 in 3A Tri-Valley League Last playoff appearance: 2006 Players to watch in 2009 Player Josh Beileke* Nick Brodie* Ian Dennis Jarred Fender Brandon Frank Dalton Hall Anthony Hernandez* Nick Jansen Matt Lamb* Jahde Lesnar* Chris Myers T.J. Olson* Josh Reese* Nick Romito* Demo Schmidt* Tyler Wisdom* Brandon Wise

By Brian Howell Longmont Times-Call

13

Pos. Yr. Ht. Wt. OL Sr. 6-2 225 OL/DL Sr. 5-10 195 QB/DB Jr. 6-3 170 LB Jr. 5-11 195 SE/DB Sr. 5-10 160 RB So. 6-1 160 FB/LB Sr. 6-2 215 DE/K Sr. 6-1 195 QB/DB Jr. 5-11 175 FB/LB Jr. 5-9 180 LB Sr. 5-10 175 OL Sr. 6-2 260 RB/DB Sr. 6-0 185 DB Jr. 6-0 170 OL/DL Sr. 6-3 215 TE/LB Sr. 6-3 200 DE Sr. 6-3 175 * Returning starter

Team strengths: The Warriors are loaded with experience this season.

They’ve also had more offseason commitment than they’ve had in recent years.

Team weaknesses: Turnovers, penalties and other mistakes have cost the Warriors in recent years.

More discipline is needed in order to improve in those areas.

Bottom line: If the Warriors stay healthy and cut down on their mistakes, they’ve got the experience and talent to make a run at the Class 3A playoffs.

Indoor batting • Sports retail Golf cages with video analysis Individual and team training Team/Birthday parties

303-485-7611 795 S. Sherman, #11 www.TheCageSportsCenter.com

Good Luck Frederick Warriors!

Carbon Valley Recreation District 701 5th Street, Frederick (303) 833-3660 www.recdistrict.com

Good Luck Teams!

— BRIAN HOWELL

ward to a good season.”

At least experience won’t be an issue. The Warriors are loaded in that department.

“We threw a lot of young kids into the fire (last year),” Lear said. “They’ve Please see FREDERICK on 15

Player perspectives Which game on your schedule are you most looking forward to playing?

“Roosevelt (on Sept. 25) because they’re the big dogs, I think. They’ve got big guys, they’ve got strong guys and they’re smart. They all know how to play. I’m looking forward to that game.”

Which player on your team can you least afford to lose to injury?

“Probably Demo (Schmidt), who is one of our all-around players. He’s there for offense, defense. He’s one of our better linemen.”

and say a little prayer and then I’ll eat two bananas. I think that helps me a lot. All the potassium makes me better.”

always talk bad about him and give him a hard time. We always had fun with it.”

— TYLER WISDOM, SENIOR

What will it take for the Warriors to get back into the playoffs?

“We’re just going to have to have some guys dedicated to the game. We have to go out and give it our all every game.”

Share your best story about head coach Thad Lear.

— T.J. OLSON, SENIOR “I had his class freshman year.

He always picked on me in the What is your favorite pre-game classroom and gave me a hard ritual or tradition?

— DEMO SCHMIDT, SENIOR time. So, behind the back, we’d “I’ll go in (to the locker room)

— MATT LAMB, JUNIOR

— NICK BRODIE, SENIOR

373 Main St. • Longmont

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m8/31/2009yTCcfewell 14

LONGMONT TIMES-CALL

SUNDAY, AUGUST 30, 2009

Team schedules LONGMONT TROJANS Home stadium: Everly-Montgomery Field

Schedule

Opponent at Denver East Thompson Valley* at Broomfield* Fossil Ridge* at Loveland* at Greeley Central* at Skyline* Greeley West* Sand Creek Niwot*

Time 1 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.

7 p.m.

Date Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30 Nov. 6

Opponent at Moffat County Fort Morgan* at Winsdor* Northridge* at Roosevelt* Fort Morgan* Mountain View* at Sterling* at Silver Creek* Frederick*

Home stadium: Tigers Field

Date Sept. 4 Sept. 10 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 8 Oct. 15 Oct. 23 Oct. 30 Nov. 6

Date Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 17 Oct. 23 Oct. 31 Nov. 6

Opponent Wheat Ridge Standley Lake at Thompson Valley* Broomfield* at Fossil Ridge* Loveland* at Greeley Central* Skyline* at Greeley West* at Longmont*

Time 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.

7 p.m.

SILVER CREEK RAPTORS Home stadium: Everly-Montgomery Field

Schedule Opponent Monte Vista at Prairie View Eaton at Holy Family* at Middle Park* The Academy* at Machebeuf* Jefferson* at The Pinnacle* Faith Christian*

Time 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.

7 p.m.

FREDERICK WARRIORS

Joshua Buck/Times-Call

Tyler Strong, right, and Niwot will visit Greeley Central on Oct. 15.

FAITH BAPTIST PIONEERS Home stadium: Randy Peterson Field

Home stadium: Alex Tesone Field Schedule

Schedule Opponent at Rifle at Northridge* Roosevelt* at Fort Morgan* Mountain View* Sterling* at Fort Lupton* Frederick* Berthoud* at Windsor*

Time 7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

1 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

Date Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 8 Oct. 16 Oct. 24 Oct. 30 Nov. 6

SKYLINE FALCONS Home stadium: Everly-Montgomery Field

Opponent Evergreen at Windsor* Northridge* Roosevelt* at Fort Morgan* at Mountain View* Sterling* at Silver Creek* Fort Lupton* at Berthoud*

Schedule Time 7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

1 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

LYONS LIONS

Date Aug. 29 Sept. 5 Sept. 18 Sept. 26 Oct. 3 Oct. 9 Oct. 17 Oct. 24

Date Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 19 Sept. 25 Oct. 3 Oct. 9 Oct. 17 Oct. 23 Oct. 30

Opponent University at Estes Park at Lutheran Parker* Yuma at Nederland* Front Range Christian* at Resurrection Christian* Denver Lutheran* South Park*

Time 1 p.m.

1 p.m.

7 p.m.

1 p.m.

1 p.m.

7 p.m.

1 p.m.

1 p.m.

Home stadium: Sandstone Ranch Park

Schedule Time 7:30 p.m.

11 a.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

4 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

Opponent Caliche Justice at Soroco North Park at Rocky Mtn. Lutheran at Maranatha Christian Denver Collegiate at Vail Christian

LONGMONT CHR. WARRIORS

Home stadium: John “Jet” Johnson Field

Schedule Opponent at Standley Lake at Fossil Ridge* Loveland* at Greeley Central* Grand Junction at Greeley West* Longmont* at Niwot* Thompson Valley* Broomfield*

Time 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.

7 p.m.

ERIE TIGERS

Home stadium: Everly-Montgomery Field Schedule

Date Sept. 3 Sept. 12 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 3 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 29 Nov. 5

From 9

Home stadium: Max Marr Field

NIWOT COUGARS

Date Sept. 4 Sept. 10 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 24 Oct. 30 Nov. 6

ERIE:

* League game

BERTHOUD SPARTANS

Schedule Date Sept. 5 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 24 Oct. 2 Oct. 8 Oct. 16 Oct. 24 Oct. 31 Nov. 6

WWW.TIMESCALL.COM

Schedule Time 7 p.m.

7 p.m.

1 p.m.

7 p.m.

1 p.m.

7 p.m.

1 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

Date Sept. 5 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 17 Oct. 23

Opponent Time at Maranatha Christian 1 p.m.

Soroco 7:30 p.m.

Elbert 7:30 p.m. at Caliche* 7 p.m.

Sedgwick County* 7 p.m. at Merino* 7 p.m. at Dayspring Christian* 1 p.m.

Haxtun* 7 p.m.

struggle because we lost a bunch of kids from the year before.

We ended up doing fine.”

That they did. Last year, Erie totaled 20 turnovers and 28 sacks.

There will be big shoes to fill, Erie head coach Larry Gartrell said. So with the loss of seniors to graduation, many returning players will see action on both sides of the ball.

“We’re going to have more kids going both ways than we have in the past two or three years,” Gartrell said.

“We’re going to have to learn to play a full game and go both ways.

We’ll get there."

Despite regrouping on defense, the Tigers remain loaded on offense. Points shouldn’t be hard to come by for unit that put up nearly 40 per game in their double-wing running attack.

Sure, they lost their second leading rusher in Michael Chambers, but Ortega returns after a monster year. He totaled 2,126 yards and a staggering 37 touchdowns.

Gartrell said sophomore Kallston Ortega and junior Cody Hammett are battling for the starting quarterback position to replace Ty Barkell, who graduated. The Tigers attempted only 63 passes a season ago.

“The offense isn’t going to change much,” Gartrell said. “You don’t mess with success. If it’s not broken don’t fix it.”

But the Erie players do want to fix last year’s finish.

“There is a huge chip on our shoulders. We’re pushing even harder,” senior offensive lineman Justin Godfrey said. “We’re not coming up short.”

m8/31/2009yTCcfewell

FAITH BAPTIST: Winning season the goal BERTHOUD: From 11

From 5

ing the Pioneers will need a big boost in numbers next year to even field a full squad.

“Football is important for character,” Woods said.

“This is good for these guys.

I don’t think many of these kids would make it onto, say, Longmont’s team. It’s just a different level of athlete, and this gives them a chance to play.”

His players said it would be sad to see the program get left behind.

“I enjoy playing at a small school, because I’m pretty small for a football player, so I probably wouldn’t get to play as much on a public school team, if at all,” running back Stephen Troup said. “It’s definitely a good thing to have.”

But Woods refuses to

think too much about what the future may hold. In his second season at the helm, he’s determined to make sure this group gets its money’s worth.

Even this year, though, the numbers are still an issue.

“If one of them gets hurt, we’re definitely in trouble,” said Woods, who had around 20 players last season.

“We’re hurting for depth.”

But barring injury, Woods believes the Pioneers — who went 3-3 in 2008 — will be a better team this season.

They’re more experienced, particularly at the skill positions with quarterback JR Sagner and Troup at running back. They’re also bigger on the offensive and defensive lines with Will Biesanz and Colin Whiteley.

The Pioneers lose their leading receiver from last

year, though, because Branson Hartshorn moved to Colorado Springs. That means Faith, a predominantly passing team in the past, will probably be forced to go on the ground a little more.

“We’re just trying to fit what we’ve got,” Woods said. “Our sets might say passing, but we’ll do what we need to do to run the ball.”

Woods said it’s entirely possible for the Pioneers to go 7-1 or 6-2 this season. And there might be more than just pride riding on that number. He hopes a strong season will generate some excitement, thus some more players on the field.

“Most of it’s really out of our control,” Woods said.

“We’re excited about this season, and we’ll do what we can do.”

SILVER CREEK: Aiming for the playoffs From 12

game. “Our defense is going to be so fresh and energized.”

“In years past, our defense went out there to survive,” added Apodaca, whose sophomore son, Austin, will take over at quarterback. “Now, they’re going to rally about being a defense.”

Alme, who played both sides of the ball last season, wasn’t shy about the toll every snap takes on a

player’s body. And he added the Raptors have plenty of talent on offense and defense, so it will be a welcomed luxury.

“We’ve always gone two sides of the ball. No matter how much conditioning you do, you’re going to be exhausted either way,” Alme said. “Plus, we have the most athleticism we’ve had in the past four years.

“This is our run at state.”

And the Silver Creek seniors are ready for one fi-

nal chance to make that come true.

The Raptors say there are no more excuses this time around. It’s all about winning games when it matters.

“We could say we’re not a joke anymore,” Alme said.

“Before, teams would be looking forward to us because they know they have an easy win. If we can crack the postseason, teams will take us a serious competitor.”

We’re going to plug some of those guys in and they’re going to have a good year for us.”

Perhaps the biggest hole to fill is the one left by Major, who was one of the best quarterbacks in the state the past two years.

Sophomore Zach Ruebesam and junior Logan Schuster have competed for the job, and while they may be Jordan Major, they are talented, McGinn said.

McGinn also said the Spartans won’t change their spread option offense.

“Our kids have a very good understanding of our offense,” McGinn said. “We feel confident they’re going to be able to do what we need them to do.

They’re excited to do it.”

There’s a high level of excitement running throughout the team.

Perhaps that comes from the way the previous players raised the bar.

“A lot of people aren’t giving us that good of a chance, but lately we’ve been coming together as a team and working together,” Marcus Mathiesen said. “That’s what makes a football team.”

SKYLINE: Falcons looking to get back to winning ways From 8

line was held scoreless four times.

“We had a chance to have a few more wins each seasons,” Rice said. “But every team has a shoulda, woulda, coulda record.”

But with veterans on offense and defense, success may be judged on wins this season.

Bakewell, entering his first year as the Falcons’

starting quarterback, provides an explosive weapon under center, Rice said.

He’ll operate Skyline’s pro style offense, which depends on a heavy running attack.

“We should be very tough to stop,” Bakewell said.

However, Skyline will be without senior running back Tyler Vavrina, who rushed for a team-high 1,265 yards last season. Rice said Vavrina only attended one of six

tryouts, and then passed on the opportunity to attend practices this past week.

“There’s not another kid on our team like that,” said Rice of Vavrina’s athleticsm.

Rice said Jarrod Bechtold will take over the top spot at running back. The senior has played safety in the past.

Scoring points hasn’t always been Skyline’s down-

fall. It hasn’t been able to contain teams with its defense, which operates a 4-3, Cover-2 scheme.

“The biggest thing that has kept us from winning more games the last two years is the lack of defensive production,” Rice said. “So that’s a real focus of ours.”

So is winning.

“We just want some respect,” Bakewell said. “The best way to get it is to win.”

SUNDAY, AUGUST 30, 2009

15

LONGMONT: From 6

the defense’s swagger.

“It’s vital. Defenses that stop the run are invaluable,” Thompson said. “If you can’t consistently stop the run, that can hurt you.”

What can also hurt the Trojans this year is the group of seniors they lost to graduation. In all, the team must replace 13 starters from last season’s playoff squad.

Plus, the Trojans said goodbye to most of their offensive weapons from last season. That’s why a shut-down defense is crucial, Longmont players said.

On the bright side, not many teams in the state can say they return an allstate signal caller, but the Trojans can stake that claim in 2009. Jake Johnson will be back under center for his senior year.

Doug Johnson eluded to the fact that the Trojans don’t rebuild; they reload these days. And a new defense and new players won’t change that.

“It’s hard to recover from,” Doug Johnson said. “The thing that we have that most teams don’t — when they lose that many starters — is we have a lot of kids that are pretty darn good.”

FREDERICK: From 13

grown up and they’re back, ready with a little fire.”

The Warriors hope that fire leads them back to the playoffs. The Class 3A Tri-Valley League has just three automatic qualifiers, and there are three wild-card spots for the whole state.

As tough as the TVL is, however, Lear isn’t aiming for a top-three finish.

“We want to be No. 1,” Lear said. “We want to win the league. That’s what we’re trying to do and that’s what the kids want to do. It’s definitely going to be an uphill battle, but that’s what we’re going to shoot for.”

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PF-132285

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