2011 Mid-Columbia High School Football preview

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| 2011 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Scouting the Mid-Columbia

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The Tri-City Herald staff looked far and wide to come up with this season’s Top 5s — and with a lot of help from coaches.

Did your favorite player make the list? | 8-9

Preseason All-State The MidColumbia is well represented on Ron Siegel’s annual list. | 8-9

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Matt Hadley is the Big Kahuna of Connell football and already has had one of the finest careers in state history.

The BYU-bound running back and safety owns numerous Eagles records and will set the bar pretty high at the end of his senior season. | 12-13

League pages CBBN 4A ......2 & 4 CBBN 3A ......3 & 5 CWAC ..........6 & 7 SCAC East..10 & 11 Oregon ......14 & 15 2B/1B ................15

Photo by Kai-Huei Yau | Cover design by Kai-Huei Yau and Melanie Thompson

Photographers | Kai-Huei Yau, Paul T. Erickson, Brian Gaines Writers | Jeff Morrow, Jack Millikin, Craig Craker, Katie Dorsey, Kevin Anthony, Rocky Morrow

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2010 REPLAY Div. Chiawana ..................................6-0 Richland ......................................5-1 Wenatchee ................................3-3 Davis ..........................................3-3 Moses Lake ................................2-4 Eisenhower ................................1-5 Walla Walla ..................................1-5 REGIONAL PLAYOFFS Chiawana 35, Central Valley 7 Ferris 48, Wenatchee 3 Richland 21, Gonzaga Prep 7 STATE PLAYOFFS First round Ferris 33, Richland 17 Chiawana 30, Newport 10 Quarterfinals Ferris 13, Chiawana 7

Overall 10-1 9-2 5-5 6-4 3-7 4-5 2-7

Returning all-league players First team offense RB — Jordan Downing, sr., Chiawana. WR — Miquiyah Zamora, sr., Chiawana; Cooper Kupp, sr., Davis; Moe Handcox, sr., Walla Walla.

First team defense LB — Jordan Downing, sr., Chiawana. DB — Miquiyah Zamora, sr., Chiawana.

First team special teams KR/PR — Miquiyah Zamora, sr., Chiawana.

MVP — Jordan Downing, Chiawana.

Second team offense QB — Deion Wright, sr., Davis. RB — Austin Wagner, sr., Davis. WR — C.J. Edrington, sr., Chiawana. OL — Dennis Christensen, sr., Richland; Gates Michel, sr., Chiawana.

Second team defense DB — Moe Handcox, sr., Walla Walla. LB — Sawyer Powell, sr., Richland. DL — Gates Michel, sr., Chiawana.

Second team special teams K — Kevin Garza, jr., Richland. KR/PR — Cameron Law, jr., Moses Lake.

Honorable mention offense QB — Kolney Cassel, jr., Eisenhower. RB — BK Robinson, sr., Richland; Johan Hoe, jr., Walla Walla.

WR — Elijah Gardaya, sr., Richland; Josh Eggers, sr., Walla Walla. OL — Robert Ferenz, sr., Walla Walla; Mitch Marboe, sr., Wenatchee; Logan Reardon, jr., Walla Walla; Jeremy Larson, jr., Walla Walla.

Honorable mention defense DL — BK Robinson, sr., Richland; Logan Reardon, jr., Walla Walla; Robert Ferenz, sr., Walla Walla. DB — Carlos Vijarro, jr., Davis; CJ Edrington, sr., Chiawana; Cameron Law, jr., Moses Lake.

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TRI-CITY HERALD | FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2011

CBBN 4A

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FIVE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE LEAGUE For so many years, there was always at least one team you could count out of the race as a possible contender for the league championship.

Not so, this season. With Chiawana and Richland taking heavy losses to graduation, everybody’s got a shot.

Davis, for years the Big 9 doormat, finally picked itself up by its bootstraps and made itself a winner in 2010.

The Pirates are back again with three of the league’s best offensive players.

Moses Lake and Walla Walla were perennial condenters for years before taking a step back last season.

But they’re back strong this year with young, hungry lineups waiting to prove themselves.

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If you were wondering when you might see legendary former Prosser coach Tom Moore on the sideline again, wait no further.

He’s back as Richland’s quarterback’s coach, reuniting him with former Mustangs star OL Josh Jelinek, the Bombers’ offensive coordinator.

“He brings instant credibility to the kids,” Bombers coach Mike Neidhold said.

The Richland offense could make big strides in the passing game after years as a run-first program.

“The kids feed off his excitement. He’s helped re-teach our passing game with a completely different perspective,” Neidhold said.

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Walla Walla gets its third coach in three seasons as Eric Hisaw takes over for Mike Gobel, who returned to an assistant’s role with the Blue Devils.

Hisaw was a former Wa-Hi assistant under Marc Yonts, who led the Devils to two Big Nine titles and nine playoff appearances in 14 seasons from 1996-2009, but Hisaw stepped away to spend more time with his family.

This year, he was encouraged by a special someone to take the job.

“I wasn’t going to take it, but my wife said, ‘You need to take this.’ I said, ‘Excuse me?’ ” Hisaw said. “My goal on Friday is to have the city of Walla Walla shut down and stand around outside Borleske Stadium.

“If we’re 0-10 or 10-0, that’s where I want this thing to go.”

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Every season, a handful of players come seemingly out of nowhere to make a difference.

Chiawana QB Joey Zamora — cousin to Miquiyah — could make the biggest impact, depending on how he holds up under the expectations as Riverhawks signal-caller.

But Graff trusts him with the keys to the castle, so look for big things from the 6-3 sophomore.

In Wenatchee, WR Isaiah Brandt-Sims is putting on the pads after winning the 4A state 100and 200-meter sprint titles as a freshman. Will he be able to handle the physicality of the CBBN? Davis OL Camron Fry walked his 6-7, 320-pound frame into coach Rick Clark’s office one day last spring, saying, “My dad says I should play football.”

Uhhhh... Ya think?

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Looking for some big games to attend this season? Here’s a few that should satisfy you: 1) Richland at Chiawana, Sept. 30. Last year’s matchup featured two unbeaten teams with the CBBN title still up for grabs. Expect nothing less this year.

2) Pasco at Chiawana, Sept. 9. The first Gravel Pit Bowl lived up to its billing, gripping fans with a taut thriller before the Riverhawks eventually pulled away.

3) Davis at Ike, Oct. 7.

Two top offenses with loaded backfields should light up the scoreboard.

4) Richland at Wenatchee, Oct. 7. Could be Panthers’ chance to challenge for CBBN title.

5) Walla Walla at Moses Lake, Oct. 21. Two proud programs battling to make it back to playoffs.

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Returning stat leaders Rushing Att Yds Avg TD Jordan Downing, Chi ........244 1,651 6.8 23 Austin Wagner, Dav ..........143 893 6.2 17 Jonah Hoe, WW ................138 603 4.4 1 B.K. Robinson, Rich ............62 503 8.1 3 Passing Comp Att Yds TD Int Deion Wright, Dav ..........96 183 1,842 17 5 Kolney Cassel, Eis ..........82 150 1,161 9 8 Colter Quick, Rich ..........72 143 936 8 9 Justin Simmons, ML........68 121 814 5 10 Receiving Rec Yds Avg TD Moe Handcox, WW ............40 915 22.9 11 Cooper Kupp, Dav ..............31 811 26.2 7 C.J. Edrington, Chi ..............28 374 13.4 4 Miquiyah Zamorah, Chi........27 431 16.0 3 Scoring TD XP FG Total Jordan Downing, Chi ..........23 2 0 140 Austin Wagner, Dav ............18 0 0 108 Moe Handcox, WW ..............11 0 0 66 Cooper Kupp, Dav ................7 0 0 42 Connor Black, Wen ..............7 0 0 42

SAVE THE DATE All times 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted

Today Chiawana at Hanford (NL), Fran Rish; Davis at Eastmont (NL), Eastmont HS; Richland at Pasco (NL), Edgar Brown; Hermiston at Walla Walla (NL), Borleske Stadium; Southridge at Wenatchee (NL), Apple Bowl; Rainier Beach at Eisenhower (NL), Zaepfel Stadium, 7 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 3 Moses Lake vs. Coeur d’Alene (NL), Emerald City Kickoff Classic, Qwest Field, 5 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 9 Pasco at Chiawana (NL), Edgar Brown; Sunnyside at Davis (NL), Zaepfel Stadium; Moses Lake at Kamiakin (NL), Lampson; Hanford at Richland (NL), Fran Rish; Eastmont at Wenatchee (NL), Apple Bowl; Walla Walla at Southridge (NL), Lampson, 8 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 16 Chiawana at Eisenhower, Zaepfel Stadium; Davis at Moses Lake, Moses Lake HS; Evergreen at Richland (NL), Fran Rish; Wenatchee at Walla Walla, Borleske Stadium.

Friday, Sept. 23 Walla Walla at Chiawana, Edgar Brown; Richland at Davis, Zaepfel Stadium; Moses Lake at Wenatchee, Apple Bowl; Eisenhower at Evergreen (NL), McKenzie Stadium.

Friday, Sept. 30 Chiawana at Richland, Fran Rish; Davis at Walla Walla, Borleske Stadium; Hermiston at Moses Lake (NL), Lions Field; Wenatchee at Eisenhower, Zaepfel.

Friday, Oct. 7 Moses Lake at Chiawana, Edgar Brown; Eisenhower at Davis, Zaepfel Stadium; Richland at Wenatchee, Apple Bowl.

Friday, Oct. 14 Davis at Chiawana, Edgar Brown; Moses Lake at Eisenhower, Zaepfel Stadium; Richland at Walla Walla, Borleske Stadium; Lake City (Idaho) at Wenatchee (NL), Apple Bowl.

Friday, Oct. 21 Wenatchee at Davis, Zaepfel Stadium; Walla Walla at Moses Lake, Lions Field; Eisenhower at Richland, Fran Rish.

Friday, Oct. 28 Wenatchee at Chiawana, Edgar Brown; Davis at Hermiston (NL), Bulldog Stadium; Moses Lake at Richland, Fran Rish; Walla Walla at Eisenhower, Zaepfel Stadium;

Nov. 4-5 CBBN/GSL Crossover games

Paul T. Erickson | perickson@tricityherald.com

Chiawana running back Jordan Downing was a 4A all-state selection after leading the CBBN 4A with 23 rushing touchdowns and 140 points.

CHIAWANARIVERHAWKS

RICHLANDBOMBERS

WENATCHEEPANTHERS

Coach: Steve Graff (3rd year, 11-9).

Last league title: 2010.

Last playoff berth: 2010.

Home field: Edgar Brown Stadium.

Projected starters (returners in bold) OFFENSE POS YR HT Joey Zamora QB So. 6-2 Jordan Downing RB Sr. 6-1 C.J. Edrington WR Sr. 5-11 Miquiyah Zamora WR Sr. 6-1 Zack Flieger WR Sr. 5-9 Isaac Mitz TE So. 5-11 Chandler Newell C So. 6-2 Ryan Garcia G Sr. 5-9 Steven Phillips G Jr. 5-9 Gates Michel T Sr. 6-0 Kayden Maughan T So. 6-2 Isaac Mitz K So. 5-11 DEFENSE POS YR HT Steven Phillips DE Jr. 5-9 Gates Michel DT Sr. 6-0 Ryan Garcia DT Sr. 5-9 Mark Deruyter DE So. 6-0 Jordan Downing MLB Sr. 6-1 Alex Weber LB So. 5-11 Grady Graff LB So. 5-10 Miquiyah Zamora WR Sr. 6-1 Isaac Daniel CB Sr. 5-9 Zack Flieger S Sr. 5-9 C.J. Edrington WR Sr. 5-11 Isaac Mitz P So. 5-11

Coach: Mike Neidhold (4th year, 21-10).

Last league title: 2008.

Last playoff berth: 2010.

Home field: Fran Rish Stadium.

Projected starters (returners in bold) OFFENSE POS YR HT Colter Quick QB Sr. 6-3 Cameron Simpson RB Jr. 5-9 B.K. Robinson RB Sr. 6-1 Patrick Robinson WR Sr. 6-3 Ellijah Gardaya WR Sr. 5-8 Jarett Wolf TE Sr. 5-11 Derek Matheson C Jr. 5-10 Kaehlin Laville G Jr. 6-3 Dennis Christensen G Sr. 6-4 Clayton Simundson T Jr. 6-3 Mitch Lauterbach T Sr. 6-0 Q Taychak K Sr. 5-10 DEFENSE POS YR HT B.K. Robinson DE Sr. 6-1 Jarett Wolf DT Sr. 5-11 Dennis Christensen DT Sr. 6-4 Mitch Lauterbach DE Sr. 6-0 Sawyer Powell LB Sr. 6-2 Tory Weitz LB Sr. 6-3 Cameron Simpson LB Jr. 5-9 Deric Samples DB Jr. 6-0 Connor Egbert DB Sr. 5-8 Ellijah Gardaya DB Sr. 5-8 Mason Baird DB Jr. 5-9 Joe Payne P Sr. 5-11

Coach: Scott Devereaux (8th year, 44-26).

Last league title: 2009.

Last playoff berth: 2009.

Home field: Apple Bowl.

Projected starters (returners in bold) OFFENSE POS YR HT WT Chris Woodard QB Sr. 5-10 165 Isaiah Brandt-Sims RB So. 5-11 175 Blake Aguilar RB So. 5-7 155 Connor Black WR Sr. 6=3 185 Kyle Keeler WR Sr. 6-1 185 Colton Frazier TE Sr. 6-2 185 Mitchell Marboe C Sr. 6-0 260 Jakob Stoll G So. 6-2 240 Nick Sells G Jr. 6-0 195 Cody O’Connell T Jr. 6-8 325 Cass McKay T Sr. 6-4 235 Brock Fuller K Sr. 5-11 160 DEFENSE POS YR HT WT Mitchell Marboe DT Sr. 6-0 260 Cody O’Connell NG Jr. 6-8 325 Jakob Stoll DT So. 6-2 240 John Campbell LB Sr. 5-10 170 Nick Sells LB Jr. 6-0 195 Colton Frazier LB Sr. 6-2 185 Drew Holmberg LB Jr. 6-0 180 Chris Woodard DB Sr. 5-10 165 Eric Carlson DB Sr. 5-11 160 Austin Burnett DB Sr. 5-7 160 Tyler Mooney DB Jr. 5-10 160 Chris Woodard P Sr. 5-10 165 Others to watch: DB Carson Grater, Jr. (5-10, 160); QB Dillon Sugg, So. (6-2, 180); DB Collin DeLong, Sr. (5-10, 165); DB Tyler Lyon, Jr. (5-9, 165); LB Jake Scroggie, Sr. (5-10, 170); DL Chris Garrett, So. (5-8, 155); LB Kyle West, Jr. (6-0, 185); OL Sam Barnwell, So. (6-3, 200); OL Aidan Maher, So. (5-11, 190); OL Jordan Johnson, Sr. (5-11, 245).

WT 186 200 180 199 175 180 195 240 200 210 225 180 WT 200 210 240 170 200 190 175 199 175 175 180 180

WT 185 175 190 175 170 205 228 230 270 235 200 145 WT 190 205 270 200 205 175 175 150 160 170 165 175

Others to watch: RB/LB Colton Jones, Sr. (5-9, 170); OL/DL Jose Ramirez, Sr. (5-7, 235); WR/DB Miguel Delamora, Sr. (5-9, 170); OL/DL Carlos Hernandez, Sr. (5-9, 175); OL/DL Wesley Henderson, So. (6-0, 230); WR/DB Aaric Wren, So. (6-3, 187); RB/LB Alex Weber, So. (5-11, 190); WR/LB Caleb Huisingh, Sr. (5-9, 170); TE/DL Carlos Lincoln, Sr. (5-11, 185); OL/DL Alex Vargas, Sr. (6-4, 350); OL/DL Christian Davidson, So. (6-0, 260); TE/DL Korbin Merrill, So. (6-2, 190); OL/DL Wesley Hendersen, So. (6-0, 230).

Others to watch: WR/DB Connor Qualheim, Sr. (5-10, 160); QB Gibson McGeorge, So. (5-10, 160); QB Zack Whitby, So. (5-9, 175); RB/LB Matt Chalmers, Jr. (5-11, 209); RB/LB Hayden Whitby, So. (5-9, 180); TE/LB Ethan Whitby, Sr. (6-0, 210); OL/DL Tyler Jackson, Jr. (6-0, 260); OL/DL Michael Van Gorkum, Jr. (5-11, 240); OL/DL Devon Krumm, Sr. (6-3, 230); OL/DL Will Fisher, Fr. (6-4, 230); WR/LB Brock Whitby, So. (6-2, 170); TE/DL Mitchell Campbell, Jr. (6-1, 190); TE/LB Elijah Morris, So. (6-2, 185).

Quick hits

Quick hits

◗ Last season, Chiawana busting at the seams with 22 returning starters. This year, Chiawana has only a handful of returning senior starters, but all will be critical to the Riverhawks’ success. ◗ Graff knows talent when he sees it, and he loves his sophomore class enough to start four on offense and three on defense. ◗ Downing has a tattoo on his left arm that reads ‘Never Fear Failure’, and he plays like it. The AllState running back led the CBBN 4A with 23 rushing TDs as well as scoring with 140 points. ◗ QB Zamora is inexperienced but he’s got the same athletic genes as his cousin Miquiyah — a preseason all-state pick.

◗ QB Quick will benefit from the tutelage of Tom Moore and a year of off-season work. ◗ K Kevin Garza will miss the season after surgery on his stomach 2 days into fall camp. But Q Taychak, who filled in admirably for Garza last season, can put a charge into the ball. ◗ QB Zack Whitby is one of four Whitby family members to join the Bombers this year after transferring from Pasco. Zack was the Bulldogs’ leading passer as a freshman with 1,541 yards and 14 TDs. ◗ He may not have the prettiest style, but RB Robinson led CBBN 4A with 8.1 yards per carry last season. “He runs like a bucket of bolts, but he made some spectacular runs,” Neidhold said.

Outlook

Outlook

Despite losing a ton of senior leadership, the Riverhawks won’t lose their foothold in the CBBN 4A standings. Expect another big playoff push.

The Bombers lost some bodies on the line, but they have valuable returners at the skill positions.

They’ll contend for the CBBN 4A title.

Quick hits ◗ Devereaux has several sophs who will see playing time this year. He doesn’t see this as a problem.

Wenatchee’s freshman team finished 9-1 in 2010. ◗ RB Brandt-Sims, the 100- and 200-meter 4A state champ as a freshman, could create some excitement. “He’s a little inexperienced, but it’s hard to argue with that speed,” said Devereaux. ◗ WR Black has been drawing some D-I looks from Idaho and EWU. His 7 TDs led the team last year and tied for sixth in the CBBN 4A. ◗ Woodard was all-CBBN punter as a soph and started at CB last year. This year, he’ll play QB. “He just doesn’t make errors,” said Devereaux. “He’s one of the headiest kids I’ve ever coached.” ◗ Sells was impressive enough as a sophomore to start 7 games for a veteran LB crew. Look for him to contend for all-CBBN honors.

Outlook Yes, they have mad speed at WR, but the Panthers remain a running team. With Marboe and O’Connell anchoring the OL, Aguilar should be able to find plenty of holes in the defense.

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CBBN 3A ’10 REPLAY Div. Kamiakin ....................................7-0 Eastmont ....................................6-1 Kennewick ..................................5-2 Southridge..................................4-3 Sunnyside ..................................2-5 Pasco ........................................2-5 West Valley..................................1-6 Hanford ......................................1-6 Regional playoffs University 21, Eastmont 6 Kamiakin 56, Southridge 7 Mount Spokane 62, Kennewick 35 State playoffs First round Kamiakin 50, Kelso 6 Quarterfinals Kamiakin 44, Mount Spokane 19 Semifinals Kamiakin 45, Capital 18 Championship Bellevue 38, Kamiakin 0

Overall 13-1 6-4 7-3 4-6 4-6 2-8 2-8 2-8

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5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE LEAGUE The playoff scenario will mirror last season, with the top four teams in league advancing to regional games.

The league champ will face the No. 4 team, while the CBBN No. 2 will play the GSL No. 2, and CBBN No. 3 the GSL No. 1.

Whenever the CBBN (or Big Nine) has been split into a true 3A/4A league (equally filling out both classes), Kamiakin has made the 3A state playoffs (2006-07 and 2010).

The 2007 season was a big year for the Kennewick schools, with all three qualifying for state and Southridge and Kennewick reaching the second round.

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Kamiakin is the preseason favorite to win league according to most coaches. The Braves lost an incredible class of seniors but appear to be reloaded.

No. 2 on down is where it gets a little cloudy. Most coaches rank Kennewick and Southridge high but say watch out for Hanford.

Eastmont, Pasco and Sunnyside all rank in the bottom half of the league.

However, no one would be surprised to see any of those teams jump up and contend for the postseason.

West Valley still has a lot to prove to area coaches.

Last season had the feel of a passing league, and the numbers back that up: nearly 16,000 yards combined passing vs.

12,155 rushing during the regular season.

There were only two 1,000-yard rushers, and just two more threatened the mark.

Meanwhile, two QBs topped 2,000 yards, including Southridge returner Matt Mendenhall with a league-high 2,602 yards. Four more topped 1,000 yards.

This season, offenses figure to come back down to earth, partly because of the departure of some bigplay receivers and strongarmed QBs. But also because this looks like a

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good year for talent on the offensive line.

“I think it will be rundominated,” said Lions coach Bill Templeton, in his 10th season and tied with Sunnyside’s Mark Marro for longest-tenured head coaches in the league.

“All teams like having a run game early in the season,” said third-year Pasco coach Dustin Lamb.

“Some teams find out they do it because of what they have up front. Some teams find out they can’t because of what’s up front.”

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The league has several stat leaders coming back.

Joining Mendenhall as proven perform-

ers are Sunnyside’s Steven Monterrey — who led the league in all-purpose yards with 1,634 yards — and Kennewick’s Grant Woods, who led all kick returners with a 33.7 average.

Mendenhall also led the league in total yards with 2,548.

Six players return with two or more interceptions from last season, led by Ronnie Roosendaal’s four for West Valley.

However, two of those players — Kennewick’s Bryce Leavitt (3) and Sunnyside’s Joseph Contreras (2) — probably won’t play much defense as they take over at QB.

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Returning all-league players First team offense RB — Steven Monterrey, sr., Sunnyside.

First team defense LB — Drew Oord, sr., Kamiakin(u); Zach Umemoto, sr., Kamiakin(u); Berlie Walker, sr., Eastmont.

Second team offense OL — Sean Clausen, sr., Kamiakin. WR — Bodie Simpson, jr., Kennewick. Return — Grant Woods, sr., Kennewick.

Second team defense DL — Joe Hunt, sr., Kamiakin. DB — Trea Thomas, jr., Eastmont.

Honorable mention offense WR — Josh Richards, sr., Southridge; Devven Ramos, jr., Kennewick. QB — Matt Mendenhall, sr., Southridge; Lucas McGill, sr., Eastmont. RB — Grant Woods, sr., Kennewick; Zach Umemoto, sr., Kamiakin.

Honorable mention defense DL — Ivan Diaz, sr., Kennewick. LB — Shaun Smith, sr., Kennewick. DB — James Swinyard, sr., Kamiakin; Brock Schuh, sr., Kennewick. (u)—unanimous pick

Returning stat leaders Rushing Att Yds Avg TD Steven Monterrey, SS ......164 924 5.6 6 Lucas McGill, Emt..............124 601 4.8 6 Luis Murillo, Pas ................86 414 4.8 6 Grant Woods, Ken ..............85 408 4.8 5 Chris Haueter, SR ..............61 357 5.9 6 Zach Umemoto, Kam ..........48 337 7.0 6 Passing Comp Att Yds TD Int Matt Mendenhall, SR......173 320 2,602 14 10 Lucas McGill, Emt............79 163 1,068 9 10 Max King, WV ................64 132 802 8 12 Receiving Rec Yds Avg TD Bodie Simpson, Ken ............41 415 10.1 7 Steven Monterrey, SS ........40 369 9.2 0 Josh Richards, SR ..............35 563 16.1 5 Devven Ramos, Ken ............31 364 11.7 3 Joseph Contreras, SS ........26 343 13.2 4 Scoring TD XP FG Total Chris Haueter, SR ................8 2 0 50 Zach Umemoto, Kam ............8 0 0 48 Steven Monterrey, SS ..........6 7 0 43 Grant Woods, Ken ................7 0 0 42 Luis Murillo, Pas....................7 0 0 42 Bodie Simpson, Ken ..............7 0 0 42 Chandler Mertens, SR ..........0 21 7 42

SAVE THE DATE All times 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted

Today Chiawana at Hanford, Fran Rish; Davis at Eastmont; Grandview at Sunnyside; Kamiakin at Prosser; Pendleton at Kennewick; Richland at Pasco; Southridge at Wenatchee; West Valley at Selah, 7 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 9 Eastmont at Wenatchee; Eisenhower at West Valley; Hanford at Richland; Kennewick at Hermiston, 7 p.m.; Moses Lake at Kamiakin, Lampson, 5 p.m.; Pasco at Chiawana, Edgar Brown; Sunnyside at Davis, Zaepfel Stadium; Walla Walla at Southridge, Lampson, 8 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 15 Sunnyside at Southridge, Lampson

Friday, Sept. 16 Eastmont at Kennewick; Hanford at West Valley; Kamiakin at Pasco

Friday, Sept. 23 Kennewick at Kamiakin, Lampson; Pasco at Hanford, Fran Rish; Southridge at Eastmont; West Valley at Sunnyside

Thursday, Sept. 29 Sunnyside at Kennewick

Friday, Sept. 30 Eastmont at Pasco; Hanford at Southridge, Lampson; Kamiakin at West Valley

Friday, Oct. 7 Kennewick at Hanford, Fran Rish; Pasco at Sunnyside; Southridge at Kamiakin, Lampson; West Valley at Eastmont

Friday, Oct. 14 Eastmont at Hanford, Fran Rish; Kamiakin at Sunnyside; Kennewick at West Valley; Pasco at Southridge, Lampson

Thursday, Oct. 20 Hanford at Kamiakin, Lampson

Friday, Oct. 21 Southridge at Kennewick; Sunnyside at Eastmont; West Valley at Pasco

Thursday, Oct. 27 Pasco at Kennewick

Friday, Oct. 28 Hanford at Sunnyside; Kamiakin at Eastmont; West Valley at Southridge, Lampson

Kai-Huei Yau | kyau@tricityherald.com

Kamiakin center Sean Clausen, right, right guard Nate Brandhorst, left tackle Luke Bare, left guard T.J. Tolliver and right tackle Joe Hunt comprise the all-senior starting line, which is one of the most experienced facets of the Braves’ offense. Their job will be to keep the heat off Kamiakin quarterback Jason Hutchison.

KAMIAKINBRAVES

KENNEWICKLIONS

SOUTHRIDGESUNS

Coach: Scott Biglin (3rd year, 21-4).

Last league title: 2010.

Last playoff berth: 2010.

Home field: Lampson Stadium.

Projected starters (returners in bold) OFFENSE POS YR HT WT Jason Hutchison QB Sr. 6-2 175 Zach Umemoto RB Sr. 6-0 195 Brandon Larson WR Sr. 5-11 185 Jesse Houser WR Sr. 5-10 170 James Swinyard WR Sr. 5-9 165 Corey McLean WR Sr. 5-7 150 Luke Bare LT Sr. 6-0 205 T.J. Tolliver LG Sr. 6-6 315 Sean Clausen C Sr. 6-4 235 Nate Brandhorst RG Sr. 6-2 230 Joe Hunt RT Sr. 6-3 215 Connor Shymanski K Fr. 6-2 170 DEFENSE POS YR HT WT Joe Hunt DE Sr. 6-3 215 Kevin Greager DT Jr. 6-1 220 Luke Bare DT Sr. 6-0 205 Dylan Keech DE So. 6-0 195 Drew Oord LB Sr. 5-11 210 Zach Umemoto LB Sr. 6-0 195 Johnny Jansen LB Jr. 5-11 190 Tyler Perrins CB Jr. 6-3 170 Corey McLean CB Sr. 5-7 175 Brandon Larson SS Sr. 5-11 185 James Swinyard FS Sr. 5-9 165 James Swinyard P Sr. 5-9 165 Others to watch: QB-FS Kylle Robertson, So.; RB Oord; RB Sisto Santana Pina, Jr.; RB Liam Ollila, Jr.; OL Greager; OL Anthony Hill, Sr.; OL Forrest Reading, Sr.; WR Perrins; WR-DB Tyler Merkel, Sr.; WR Chris Murbach, Sr.; WR Andrew Castillo, Sr.; WR-SS Tyler Woodring, Sr.; DT Mike Hernandez, Sr.; DT Brandhorst; LB Thomas Kirk, So.; LB Sterling Farrah; DB Houser.

Coach: Bill Templeton (10th year, 39-52).

Last league title: 1991.

Last playoff berth: 2007.

Home field: Lampson Stadium.

Projected starters (returners in bold) OFFENSE POS YR HT WT Bryce Leavitt QB Sr. 6-4 175 Grant Woods RB Sr. 5-7 165 Devven Ramos RB Jr. 6-0 175 Bodie Simpson WR Jr. 5-7 160 Reggie Clinton WR Sr. 6-0 170 Brock Schuh WR Sr. 5-11 170 Garrett Wilz LT Sr. 6-4 210 Clayton Ayers LG Jr. 6-0 225 Ivan Diaz C Sr. 6-0 295 Jarod Gonzeles RG Sr. 6-0 235 TJ Fields RT Sr. 5-11 195 Paul Martinez PK Sr. 5-0 120 DEFENSE POS YR HT WT Garrett Wilz DL Sr. 6-4 210 Ivan Diaz DT Sr. 6-0 295 Jarrod Howell DL Sr. 6-0 205 Devven Ramos OLB Jr. 6-0 175 TJ Fields MLB Sr. 5-11 195 Alex Rivera MLB Jr. 6-1 185 Shaun Smith OLB Sr. 6-1 175 Grant Woods CB Sr. 5-7 165 Chase Reining CB Sr. 5-11 160 Brock Schuh SS Sr. 5-11 170 Bodie Simpson FS Jr. 5-7 160 Devven Ramos P Jr. 6-0 175 Others to watch: WR Kaden Julian, Jr. (6-1, 160); WR Reining; LB Troy Fulton, Sr. (5-9, 170); LB Tory Osmundson, Sr. (5-10, 170); OL-DL Matt Lowe, Jr. (6-3, 220).

Coach: Tony Reiboldt (2nd year, 4-6).

Last league title: 2008.

Last playoff berth: 2009.

Home field: Lampson Stadium.

Projected starters (returners in bold) OFFENSE POS YR HT WT Matt Mendenhall QB Sr. 6-3 200 Chris Haueter RB Sr. 5-11 170 Kadin Diaz RB So. 5-0 195 Josh Richards WR Sr. 5-10 155 Paul Hamada WR Sr. 5-8 150 Garrett Willard TE Sr. 6-2 210 Gavin Gillespie LT Sr. 5-10 240 Sam Barnes LG Sr. 6-1 240 Dylan Maurer C Sr. 6-1 195 Brody Samples RG Jr. 6-1 215 Matt Gibson RT Sr. 5-11 265 Chandler Mertens K Sr. 5-8 165 DEFENSE POS YR HT WT Brody Samples DE Jr. 6-1 215 Sam Barnes DT Sr. 6-1 240 Trey Tutt N So. 6-4 260 Garrett Willard DE Sr. 6-2 210 Chris Haueter OLB Sr. 5-11 170 Matt Mahan MLB Sr. 5-10 175 Dylan Maurer OLB Sr. 6-1 195 Quinn Harris CB Sr. 5-9 160 David Mazzei CB Jr. 5-10 150 Adam Sanders SS Sr. 6-1 180 Josh Richards FS Sr. 5-10 155 Chris Haueter P Sr. 5-11 170 Others to watch: WR Sanders, Sr. (6-1, 180); OL Julio Aleman, Sr. (5-8, 220); LB Cole Henderson, Jr. (6-0, 165); DE Kevin Del Angel, Jr. (6-0, 195); RT Tutt; TE Bryce Overholt, So. (6-0, 195); LB Diaz; WR Clay Gonzalez, So. (5-10, 165); WR Brenden Kelly, So. (6-1, 155).

Quick hits ◗ Lot of big names gone, but Umemoto, Houser and Swinyard had nearly 1,200 yards and 16 TDs combined last year. Five returning players scored TDs last season. Also, O-line should be even better than last year. ◗ New faces along D-line and at DB, but LB corps best in league with returning unanimous firstteamers Oord and Umemoto, a third-year starter.

If depth across line holds up, Braves will make things tough for opposing QBs. ◗ With Tim White gone (and his 7 return TDs), special teams might not be the points machine it was last season.

Outlook Reaching the state title game is a tough act to follow. But Biglin says it takes two good back-toback classes to go deep in the playoffs, and now it is time for last year’s juniors to take over. Plenty of talent here that was stuck on sidelines last season, which means the Braves will again be in the league title hunt with an eye on another postseason run.

Quick hits ◗ The Lions might have graduated the league MVP, but they hardly are starting from scratch with seven returning starters on offense and six on defense. Still, there are plenty of adjustments to be made with Ramos moving from WR to RB and Leavitt from WR to QB, a brand new position for him. O-line should be a strength. ◗ Templeton loves his D-line, with “freakishly strong” Diaz clogging up the middle. Lions have a returning all-leaguer at each level: Diaz, LB Smith and SS Schuh. ◗ Last year, the Lions had the best athlete in the league in Drew Loftus. This year, they are athletic across the board. Speed will be the key.

Outlook The Lions might start slow offensively and need the running game to carry the freight until Leavitt gets up to speed lining up behind center on a Friday night. When he does, that will open up some big-play possibilities for Simpson and Woods. The defense should deliver and again be among the best in the league. So long as the offense doesn’t put them in harm’s way with turnovers, the Lions should be in the thick of the playoff race and challenge for the league title.

Quick hits ◗ With Mendenhall, Haueter and Mertens, the Suns return 116 points (more than half last year’s total) and 2,900 total yards (84 percent of offense). Mendenhall’s 2,602 passing yards were tops in CBBN last season. However, with just three returning starters on offense, a lot of kids must grow up fast under Friday night pressure. ◗ LB Haueter is the only returning defensive starter.

However, Barnes and Maurer would have started last season, Reiboldt said, if they had played. ◗ Mertens is the best kicker around (21x23 XP, 7x10 FG) and is a boost to the defense with his kickoffs routinely reaching the end zone.

Outlook Good signs for the Suns are if Haueter gets his 20-25 touches a game, if team’s rushing doesn’t lag too far behind passing numbers (Suns only CBBN team not to gain 1,000 yards on ground), and if O- and D-lines play as big as their frames.

Bad sign: Mendenhall throws the ball 90 more times than any other QB in league (like last year) but doesn’t lead in TD passes.

4

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TRI-CITY HERALD | FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2011

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EISENHOWERCADETS

WALLA WALLABLUE DEVILS

MOSES LAKECHIEFS

DAVISPIRATES

Coach: Dan Eyman (10th year, 50-40).

Last league title: 2009.

Last playoff berth: 2009.

Home field: Zaepfel Stadium.

Projected starters (returners in bold) OFFENSE POS YR HT Kolney Cassel QB Jr. 6-2 Brandon Curtis RB Jr. 5-10 Denzel Jones WR Sr. 5-8 Taran Hernandez WR Sr. 5-10 Ridge Harmon Slot So. 5-9 Darius Pati Slot So. 6-3 Kaleb Garza C Sr. 5-11 Jacob Herr G Sr. 6-0 Thomas Manley G Sr. 5-11 Mike Jones T Sr. 6-1 Jason Albertson T Jr. 6-2 Mike Denton K Jr. 5-10 DEFENSE POS YR HT Mike Jones DE Sr. 6-1 Logan Ortiz DT So. 5-7 Jose Jimenez DT So. 5-10 Andy Soto DE So. 6-3 Nate Guillen LB Sr. 6-0 Joel Ortega LB Sr. 5-10 Jacob Martinez LB Jr. 5-10 Denzel Jones DB Sr. 5-8 Jason Easter DB Sr. 6-0 Roger Andrade DB Sr. 5-9 Ridge Harmon DB So. 5-9 Nate Geffre P Sr. 6-0

Coach: Eric Hisaw (First year).

Last league title: 1999.

Last playoff berth: 2009.

Home field: Borleske Stadium.

Projected starters (returners in bold) OFFENSE POS YR HT Dakota Turner QB Jr. 5-9 Jonah Hoe RB Jr. 5-10 Matt Wickham FB Sr. 5-9 Moe Handcox WR Sr. 5-11 Kyle Jameson WR Sr. 6-1 Rob Ferenz TE Sr. 6-4 Jeremy Larson C Jr. 5-11 Matt Rothstrom G Sr. 6-2 Logan Reardon G Jr. 6-3 Quinn Piver T Jr. 6-7 Simon Quackenbush T Sr. 6-3 Dean Atkinson K Jr. 5-11 DEFENSE POS YR HT Simon Quackenbush DE Sr. 6-3 Zack McMakin DT Jr. 5-11 Joel McClure DT Sr. 6-0 Rob Ferenz DE Sr. 6-4 Kyle Jameson LB Sr. 6-1 Logan Reardon MLB Jr. 6-3 Matt Wickham LB Sr. 5-9 Moe Handcox S Sr. 5-11 Blake Rowley CB Sr. 5-8 Jonah Hoe CB Jr. 5-10 Keltan Fulmer S Jr. 5-9 Dean Atkinson K Jr. 5-11

Coach: Todd Griffith (3rd year, 8-12).

Last league title: Never.

Last playoff berth: 2009.

Home field: Lions Field.

Projected starters (returners in bold) OFFENSE POS YR HT Justin Simmons QB Jr. 6-1 Jordan Koon Slot Sr. 5-9 Colton Thompson Slot Jr. 6-0 Bryce Perez FB Sr. 6-4 A.J. Johnson WR Sr. 6-1 Cameron Ballard WR Jr. 6-3 J.T. Harman C Sr. 5-10 Dalton Tolliver G Jr. 6-0 Cory Oldridge G Jr. 6-0 Brenden Cox T Jr. 6-1 Alex Fick T Sr. 6-0 Elliott Sage K Jr. 5-9 DEFENSE POS YR HT Derek Fredricksen DE Jr. 6-2 Jacob Wells NT Jr. 5-9 Shawn Juhl DE Jr. 6-1 Payton Akridge Dog Sr. 5-8 Hunter Warkentin Dog Sr. 5-8 Hector Zavala LB Jr. 5-10 Jonathan Perales MLB Jr. 5-10 Elliott Sage LB Jr. 5-9 Brooks Millbrandt CB So. 5-7 Trino Rubio CB Jr. 5-9 Cameron Law FS Jr. 5-10 Easton Baker P Jr. 6-1

Coach: Rick Clark (6th year, 11-39).

Last league title: Never.

Last playoff berth: 1970.

Home field: Zaepfel Stadium.

Projected starters (returners in bold)

WT 190 190 170 175 165 190 210 225 260 215 225 190 WT 215 265 235 190 210 220 200 170 180 170 165 190

WT 170 165 165 170 180 230 260 225 225 285 225 150 WT 235 225 230 230 180 225 165 170 140 165 165 150

Others to watch: OL/DL Dylan Rowden, Jr. (5-11, 235); WR/DB Anthony Prieto, So. (6-0, 175); WR/DB Robert Michel, Jr. (6-1, 180); RB/DB Trevon Harris, Sr. (5-10, 195); FB/LB Mike Denton, Jr. (510, 190); RB/LB Branden Curtis, Jr. (5-10, 185); FB/LB Maverick Kindsvator, Sr. (5-10, 180); OL/DL Serafin Soberanez, Sr. (5-11, 225).

Others to watch: LB/TE Paul Trapani, Jr. (5-10, 185); DB/WR Caleb Alaniz, Sr. (6-2, 185); LB/WR Fernando Garcia, Sr. (6-1, 200); LB/RB Richard Jimenez, Sr. (5-10, 174); DL/OL Travis Locati, Sr. (6-0, 260); DL/OL Juan Garcia, Sr. (6-0, 210); DL/OL Daniel Benavides, Jr. (6-1, 240); DL/OL Bryce Spendlove, Jr. (5-11, 230); DL/OL Ashaunte Brown, Sr. (6-3, 210).

Quick hits

Quick hits

◗ OL/DT Jones isn’t the biggest interior player on the field, but he is an impact guy and has been offered a scholarship to Eastern Oregon. ◗ QB Cassel may be the league’s most dynamic player by the time season is over. He attended the Top Gun camp in Williamsburg, Virginia and was MVP of the 5-Star Performance Camp in Auburn. ◗ Cadets are thinned out on interior lines, but C Garza and OG Herr should provide good leadership on OL. Three promising sophs start on DL. ◗ WR Jones caught 24 passes for 14 yds/catch in 2010. If teams double him up, look for Harmon, Hernandez and Pati to pick up slack.

◗ WR Handcox is one of CBBN’s best athletes. So good that Hisaw is playing with the idea of him as a QB. He led the CBBN with 40 catches and 11 receiving TDs in 2010. He’s just 2 TDs off the Blue Devils’ career mark for TD catches. ◗ Look for big differences in Wa-Hi’s offense, which will jettison the spread for a more run-oriented attack. Several different formations — maybe even the Wildcat — will keep defenses guessing. ◗ DB Rowley is one of the smallest starters in the CBBN 4A, but he also may have the biggest heart.

“He’s 145 pounds dripping wet in pads with mud on his feet. But he is a rock for us,” Hisaw said. ◗ Hisaw is a big fan of CB Rowley. “He’s 145 lbs dripping wet with pads on, but he’s a rock for us.”

Outlook Ike led CBBN 4A with 385 yards per game from scrimmage. The Cadets have the talent to put up even bigger numbers this season.

It all starts with Cassel.

“He’s the whole package,” said Eyman, who thinks the athletic senior could walk away from Ike with a truckload of school records. “He’s got a cannon. He can do things you can’t do with some kids.”

Outlook With a loaded interior line — only one starter lost — and a promising outlook, don’t look for the Blue Devils to repeat their 2-7 season.

“I’m all kinds of excited. I think we’re going to be good,” Hisaw said. “The kids are practicing to play, and they’re just doing things right.”

WT 185 175 175 200 200 180 280 255 220 200 225 180 WT 205 200 195 170 165 190 185 180 155 170 180 175

Others to watch: WR Nick Sutherland, So. (6-1, 160); WR Russell Coulston, Jr. (5-10, 170); RB Stephen Cline, Sr. (6-0, 200); DE Thomas Knopp, Sr. (6-3, 230); NT Reece Leavitt, So. (6-1, 240); DL Kallin Fluaitt, So. (5-10, 240); WR Beau Bernsen, Jr. (6-2, 160); DL Brennan Smith, Sr. (5-10, 180); OL Cory Oldridge, Jr. (6-0, 220); OL/DL Kerry Beamish, So. (6-2, 260); OL Dalton Tolliver, Jr. (6-0, 255); OL Caleb Carvo, Soph. (6-0, 250); LB Dylan Greninger, So. (60, 190).

Quick hits ◗ The Chiefs only have 12 seniors on the team, leaving several underclassmen to step up in leadership roles. One of them is QB Simmons, who ended up finishing second among CBBN 4A regulars with a 56.2 completion percentage. ◗ The LBs will lead the defense with returnin starters Perales and Zavala. ◗ Chiefs have plenty of experience at WR, and Griffith has been pleased with their route-running and blocking. “At this point, they need to see somebody else on defense,” he said. ◗ DE Fredricksen is starting to remind fans of his older brother and former Moses Lake star Brett.

Don’t be surprised if Derek makes a name of his own.

Outlook Chiefs hit a bump in the road last season and are still trying to find their way back. They have the talent to make a run this season, but the question remains if they can find the right people to lead them.

Returning starters: Offense (6): QB Deion Wright, Sr. (6-0, 184); WR Cooper Kupp, Sr. (6-1, 172); WR David Trimble, Sr. (6-0, 169); RB Austin Wagner, Sr. (5-7, 165); WR Carlos Perea-Vijarro, Jr. (6-1, 168); OL Calvin Henriquez, Sr. (6-0, 250). Defense (6): DB Kupp; DB Trimble; DB Chapman; LB Wagner; LB Austin Lynn, Sr. (6-1, 176); CB Perea-Vijarro.

Others to watch: OL/DL Camron Fry, Jr. (6-7, 320); RB/LB MIchael Moreno, Jr. (5-9, 170); OL Jens Jensen, Sr. (6-1, 225); RB/LB Christian Shead, Sr. (5-10, 168); RB/DB Josh Gasseling, So. (5-9, 165); WR/LB Luis Mendoza, Sr. (5-6, 161); RB/DE Jorge Alcala, Sr. (5-5, 171); RB/K Daniel Guzman, Jr. (5-6, 165); OL/DL Juan Amezola, Sr. (5-9, 218); OL/DL Miguel Ponce, Jr. (5-10, 300); OL/DL Osvaldo Pacheco, Jr. (6-0, 245).

Quick hits ◗ OL Jensen is a baseball player by trade, but decided to come out for football this season. He played Grid Kids as a middle schooler with Wright, Wagner and Kupp. ◗ One thing that set Davis apart last season was physical, aggressive interior line play on both sides of the ball. The Pirates need help in the trenches after graduating 7 of 9 starters on OL/DL. ◗ On offense, coach Clark plans to ‘throw the hell out of the ball. We’ll take our fair share of shots.’

He’s got the weapons to do it. ◗ CB Perea-Vijarro picked off 6 passes last year to lead all returning players. Don’t expect QBs to test him as much this year.

Outlook With Wright, Wagner and Kupp, Davis returns three of the most productive offensive players in the CBBN. If the OL can live up to expectations, the Pirates should record their first back-to-back winning seasons since 1964-1966.

“It would be the first time since Lyndon Johnson was president and gas was 25 cents a gallon,” Clark said. “You can quote me on that.”

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2011 | TRI-CITY HERALD

5

PASCOBULLDOGS

HANFORDFALCONS

SUNNYSIDEGRIZZLIES

EASTMONTWILDCATS

Coach: Dustin Lamb (3rd year, 5-13).

Last league title: 2006.

Last playoff berth: 2008.

Home field: Edgar Brown Stadium.

Projected starters (returners in bold) OFFENSE POS YR HT TJ Avery QB Jr. 6-0 Luis Murillo RB Jr. 5-8 Josh Guajardo WR Jr. 6-1 Ethan Cantu WR Sr. 5-10 Karson King WR Sr. 5-8 Kris Cruz TE Sr. 5-10 Alfonso Cobian OL Jr. 6-3 Michael Hale OL Sr. 6-0 Anthony McKittrick OL Sr. 5-10 Zach Krieder OL Jr. 6-0 Ricardo Galvez OL Jr. 5-8 Ryan Gibson K So. 6-1 DEFENSE POS YR HT Christian Wilson-ZavaletaDL Sr. 5-8 Geoffrey Westcott DL So. 5-10 Anthony McKittrick DL Sr. 5-10 Zach Krieder LB Jr. 6-0 Ricardo Galvez LB Jr. 5-8 Lonnie Hurley LB Sr. 5-9 Karson King LB Sr. 5-8 Abree Kinsey LB Sr. 5-8 Clifton Lazano Jr. DB So. 5-7 Ethan Cantu DB Sr. 5-10 Luis Murillo DB Jr. 5-8 TJ Avery P Jr. 6-0

Coach: Rob Oram (7th year, 21-40).

Last league title: 1999.

Last playoff berth: 2009.

Home field: Fran Rish Stadium.

Projected starters (returners in bold) OFFENSE POS YR HT Brennan Rains QB Jr. 5-10 Jalen DeVine RB Jr. 5-10 Brandon Reeves FB Jr. 5-11 Jake Oram WR Jr. 6-0 Matt Jones WR Jr. 6-2 Tyler Sanchez HB Sr. 6-1 Joe Douglas LT Jr. 6-3 Jared Miller LG Sr. 6-2 Ryan Shank C Sr. 6-1 Jeff Weyand RG So. 5-11 Casey Enderlin RT Sr. 5-11 Will Bishop K So. 5-11 DEFENSE POS YR HT Tyler Sanchez DE Sr. 6-1 Cody Kowalski DT Jr. 6-1 Xavier Johnson DT Jr. 6-0 Zack Gaston DE Jr. 5-11 Matt Jones OLB Jr. 6-2 Cody Baldowski MLB Sr. 5-11 Will Bishop OLB So. 5-11 Tyler Steckler CB Sr. 5-7 Josh Tayamen CB Sr. 5-7 Isaac Benard SS So. 5-9 Jake Oram FS Jr. 6-0 Will Bishop P So. 5-11

Coach: Mark Marro (10th year, 25-65).

Last league title: 1981.

Last playoff berth: 2003.

Home field: Clem Senn Field.

Projected starters (returners in bold) OFFENSE POS YR HT Eduardo Salmeron QB Jr. 6-1 Steven Monterrey RB Sr. 5-10 Eric Amaro RB Jr. 6-2 Ramon Hernandez RB Jr. 5-8 Joseph Contreras WR Jr. 5-8 Brandon Daley WR Jr. 6-2 Miguel Guzman LT Sr. 6-1 Marcos Nunez LG Sr. 5-9 Cameron Schlenker C So. 5-10 Michael Cornwell RG Sr. 5-9 Valentin Trujillo RT Sr. 6-1 Steven Monterrey K Sr. 5-10 DEFENSE POS YR HT Eric Amaro DE Jr. 6-2 Rudy Navarro DT Sr. 5-9 Marcos Nunez DT Sr. 5-9 Valentin Trujillo DE Sr. 6-1 Brandon Daley OLB Jr. 6-2 Raul Aguilar MLB Sr. 5-8 Ramon Hernandez OLB Jr. 5-8 Trey Serl CB Jr. 5-9 Joseph Contreras CB Jr. 5-8 Steven Monterrey S Sr. 5-10 Isidro Ramirez S Sr. 5-6 Rudy Navarro P Sr. 5-9

Coach: Doug McGill (8th year, 25-45).

Last league title: 1999.

Last playoff berth: 2008.

Home field: Wildcat Stadium.

Returning starters: QB Lucas McGill, Sr. (6-3, 200); WR-DE Berlie Walker, Sr., (6-3, 170); WR-DB John Wehrer, Sr., (5-7, 170).

Others to watch: RB-S Darin Hardgrove, Jr. (5-11, 175); OL-DL Austin Port, So.; WR Dallin McDonnell, Jr. (6-2, 170).

WT 200 175 145 160 160 175 230 195 170 190 180 165 WT 190 200 170 190 180 175 160 180 150 160 175 200

Others to watch: TE-LB Casey Slack, Jr. (6-2, 185); WR-DB Jeff Christiansen, Sr. (6-0, 175); DB Avery; RB Hurley; RB Lozano.

Quick hits ◗ Avery, who would have been the team’s top returning receiver (13-176, 1 TD), takes over behind center after QB Zach Whitby transferred to Richland after a breakout freshamn season.

Avery is a talented athlete (standout baseball player) but hasn’t lined up behind center since middle school. Murillo led team in all-purpose yards (925) with solid numbers rushing, receiving and returning kicks. ◗ Bulldogs will be undersized, with just three projected starters at 200 pounds or more (one of those is QB Avery). But they demonstrated plenty of fight in the offseason. ◗ Last season’s injury bug is this year’s headstart, with six players on offense and eight on defense having some starting experience. Krieder and Hurley lead a veteran group of linebackers.

Outlook Four full seasons have passed since the Bulldogs last made the state playoffs (nine OTs vs.

Bothell bring back any memories?). This could be the season Pasco gets back to being a regular postseason contender. This is the most experienced team Lamb has had in his three seasons.

The key will be keeping pressure (defensive and situational) off Avery while he gets up to speed.

WT 165 170 190 180 185 200 240 250 205 240 190 185 WT 200 245 215 225 185 220 185 155 155 195 180 185

Others to watch: KR-DB DeVine; KR-RB Benard; RB Bishop; WR-DB Kyle Lafon, Sr. (6-1, 175); WR Ryan Boord, Sr. (6-0, 170); FB-DL Durrell Kinsey, Sr. (5-8, 200); SB Tayamen; SB Steckler; OL Ryan Cantwell, So. (6-1, 240); OL Corbett Sandvick, Jr. (5-11, 235); OL Brian Megaughey, Sr. (5-9, 230); OL-DL Jim Ramsey, Sr. (5-11, 190); HB Gaston; DB Elon Staten, Sr. (5-10, 150); LB Shank; DL Enderlin; DL Douglas; LB Nate McGehee, So. (6-0, 180); LB Garrett Stoker, Jr. (6-0, 175).

Quick hits ◗ The lines must improve, and should with 2 O-line returners and 3 D-line. The Falcons should match up better physically around the league after starting so many young players last season. Oram says LT Douglas and DE Sanchez are players to watch. ◗ Defense should be much improved (allowed 30 ppg last year) with 7 returning starters, including CB Tayaman who led team with 2 INTs. ◗ RB DeVine looked good in the offseason. But Falcons need passing game to loosen up defenses and improve on 12 ppg. Jones was team’s No. 2 receiver last season (13-254, 2 TDs).

Others to watch: DB Salmeron; DL Cornwell; WR Ramirez; WR Navarro.

Quick hits ◗ Grizzlies return the league’s top all-purpose player in Monterrey, who ran for 925 yards and 6 TDs and caught 40 passes for 369 yards. Still has a big O-line to run behind — Schlenker drew praise from Marro for his hard work in the offseason — but Sunnyside expects to stretch the field with Salmeron’s arm and a corps of receivers who can run under deep passes. ◗ Defense sports a lot of new faces, but Amaro can be a real force on the end. Linebackers show a lot of promise. ◗ Though it has been 30 years since their last league title and eight years since the playoffs, the Grizzlies are dealing with high expectations coming off a four-win season and fifth-place finish in league. “Everybody said we’d get beat by 100,” Marro said of when his team joined a league with the Tri-City schools. “Now, they’re mad if we lose by one.”

Outlook

Outlook

The Falcons hope to follow in the blueprint set by their neighbors at Richland High last season, when a team that won 4 games in ’09 went 9-2 and reached the state playoffs. If Hanford avoids a big-time injury — lost top player Aaron Neary for most of last season — and gets steady play from line, playoffs not out of question.

The Grizzlies under Marro first and foremost always will be a trap-blocking team. But as they continue to beef up the line each season — and this year add a vertical component — defensive coordinators might have to do a little more work to account for Sunnyside’s attack. Grizzlies have real shot at postseason providing their depth holds out.

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WT 170 190 175 175 165 195 215 250 260 250 240 190 WT 175 220 250 240 195 225 175 170 165 190 160 220

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Quick hits ◗ Lost 31 seniors from last year’s league runnerup, the first time the Wildcats finished over .500 in coach McGill’s tenure. Also, second-team allleague DB Trea Thomas did not turn out so he could concentrate on basketball. ◗ Lucas McGill is a legitimate two-way threat, running for 601 yards and 6 TDs last season and throwing for 1,068 yards and 9 TDs. However, he needs to cut down on INTs (10) and raise accuracy (48.5 percent). ◗ Defense will be built around Walker, a firstteamer at linebacker moving to DE. Replacing its physical front line will be Eastmont’s biggest task.

Outlook Like all inexperienced teams, the Wildcats’ fate will be tied directly to how quickly the offensive and defensive lines mature. If the line play is solid, they will have the weapons to contend.

WEST VALLEYRAMS Coach: John Beck (2nd year, 2-8).

Last league title: 2001.

Last playoff berth: 2006.

Home field: Clasen Field.

Returning starters: OL-DL Aaron Beck, Sr. (6-0, 235); DL Oliver Devlin, Sr. (6-2, 210); DB Justin Ferrari, Jr. (6-0, 185); QB Max King, Sr. (6-0, 185); OL Cage Neiffer, Sr. (5-9, 225); WR Jeremy Oram, Sr. (5-10, 155); WR-DB Ronnie Roosendaal, Sr. (6-2, 155); DB Bo Voelker, Sr. (5-10, 200).

Others to watch: TE Devlin; RB Ferrari; DB King; DL Neiffer; DB Oram; DL Oravetz; RB Voelker; RBLB Cody LaRiviere, Sr. (5-8, 205); OL-DL Robert Coch, Jr. (6-4, 235); RB-LB Kody Nelson, Sr. (5-11, 240).

Quick hits ◗ As much as Drew Loftus meant to Kennewick, Andrew Gerrick meant to the Rams. He is gone, along with his league-best 1,368 yards and 12 rushing TDs. WV fans are hoping King is on target after completing less than 50 percent of his passes and throwing more INTs (12) than TDs (8).

Outlook The Rams don’t have any proven skill position players and are mostly new across the offensive line. Their defense is expected to be solid and could keep them in some games. But they will have a tough time moving out of the bottom of the league, let alone challenging for a playoff spot.

Heds accurate

6

Hed subject/verb agree

Story/cutline match

mug/ref/logo?

Proofer’s initials

jumps match

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CWAC

AROUND THE LEAGUE Sept. 16. Keep that date in mind, because that’s when Othello visits Prosser. Arguably the top two teams in the conference this year, the Huskies return a lot of star power while the Mustangs seem to just reload every season. This just might be Roger Hoell’s year, as the Othello coach has just the right mix of six returning starters on offense and six on defense.

’10 REPLAY

1

Div. Overall Prosser ......................................9-0 9-1 Ellensburg ..................................8-1 8-2 Othello ........................................7-2 7-3 Toppenish ..................................6-3 7-3 East Valley ..................................5-4 6-4 Selah ..........................................4-5 4-6 Quincy ........................................3-6 4-6 Grandview ..................................2-7 2-8 Ephrata ......................................1-8 1-9 Wapato ......................................0-9 0-10 Regional playoffs East Valley (Spokane) 32, Ellensburg 14 Othello 28, Deer Park 7 State playoffs First round Prosser 14, Othello 6 Quarterfinals East Valley (Spokane) 48, Prosser 28

•••

Standout running backs.

First, there’s Caleb Garza from Othello. He’s the reigning CWAC offensive MVP, who rushed for 1,605 yards and found the end zone 23 times.

Then there’s Prosser’s Isaac Anderson, who rushed for 1,224 yards and scored 19 touchdowns.

Both will be fun to watch this season.

2

Returning all-league players First-team offense RB — Caleb Garza, sr., Othello. WR — Kody Berens, sr., Quincy. P/K — Daniel Hernandez, sr., Selah.

Offensive MVP — Caleb Garza, sr., Othello.

First-team defense DB — Caleb Garza, sr., Othello. DL — Charlie Peterson, sr., Prosser; Tyson Mollotte, sr., Othello; Joey Gomez, sr., Othello. KR — Caleb Garza, sr., Othello.

Second-team offense G — Derek Valdez, jr., Othello. RB — Isaac Anderson, sr., Prosser. WR — Herman Herrera, jr., Grandview. K — Kaleb Schrank, jr., East Valley.

Second-team defense DL — Damian Roseberry, sr., Ellensburg.

Honorable mention RB — David Chavez, sr., Toppenish. QB — David Garza, jr., Othello. TE — Mac Mitchell, sr., Ellensburg. DB — Peter Equihua, sr., Toppenish; Herman Herrera, jr., Grandview; Austin Roylance, sr., Othello; James Wildman, sr., Prosser. LB — David Chavez, sr., Toppenish; Joseph Walker, sr., Othello; Austin Bolt, sr., Prosser. KR — Matt Bennett, jr., Ellensburg.

••• A new coach at Grandview, but there’s still plenty of offensive firepower. Rick Ramos takes over at the helm. But he’s also got Derek Swearingen back at quarterback and three other guys — Herman Herrera, Dominque Munoz and Michael Perez — who had at least 22 catches last season.

3

•••

Ellensburg has a new quarterback at the helm, and he just happens to be the son of a college coach. Matt Bennett is the son of Central Washington University head coach Blaine Bennett, and you should expect him to be everything that a coach’s son is when it comes to football.

4

Returning stat leaders Rushing Att Yds Avg TD Caleb Garza, Oth................174 1605 9.2 21 Isaac Anderson, Pro..........193 1224 6.3 19 Damien Roseberry, Ell ........87 652 7.5 9 Jose Castelleja, Gra ............99 575 5.8 5 David Chavez, Top ............106 510 4.8 9 Ignacio Ibarra, Wap ............63 335 5.3 0 Joey Hurtado, Pro ..............39 185 4.7 4 Passing Comp Att Yds TD Int Derek Swearingen, Gra ..90 211 1342 18 17 David Garza, Oth ............55 131 1005 11 5 Daniel Maldonado, Top ....24 58 484 1 4 Tyler Clark, Eph ..............16 42 156 0 0 Ryan Fassler, Pro..............7 13 118 1 0 Receiving Rec Yds Avg TD Kody Berens, Qui................40 1125 28.1 11 Dominque Munoz, Gra ........25 396 15.8 3 Herman Herrera, Gra ..........24 530 22.1 9 Michael Perez, Gra..............22 273 12.4 1 Jacob Crowder, Eph............19 207 10.9 3 Danny Raap, Pro ................16 248 15.5 3 Scoring TD XP FG Total Caleb Garza, Oth ................23 2 10 170 Isaac Anderson, Pro............21 0 0 126 Damien Roseberry, Ell..........11 0 2 72 Kody Berens, Qui ................11 0 0 66 David Chavez, Top ..............10 0 2 62

SAVE THE DATE All game times 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted

Today East Valley at Naches Valley; Ellensburg at Archbishop Murphy; Ephrata at Quincy (nonleague); Grandview at Sunnyside, 7:30 p.m.; Kamiakin at Prosser, 7:30 p.m.; Othello at Connell; River View at Toppenish; Wapato at Zillah; West Valley at Selah

Friday, Sept. 9 Ellensburg at East Valley; Prosser at Ephrata; Quincy at Othello; Selah at Wapato; Toppenish at Grandview

Friday, Sept. 16 East Valley at Quincy; Ephrata at Toppenish; Grandview at Selah; Othello at Prosser; Wapato at Ellensburg

Friday, Sept. 23 Ellensburg at Grandview; Prosser at East Valley; Quincy at Wapato; Selah at Ephrata; Toppenish at Othello

Friday, Sept. 30 East Valley at Othello; Ellensburg at Prosser; Ephrata at Wapato; Grandview at Quincy; Toppenish at Selah

Friday, Oct. 7 Grandview at East Valley; Othello at Ephrata; Quincy at Toppenish; Selah at Ellensburg; Wapato at Prosser

Friday, Oct. 14 East Valley at Toppenish; Ellensburg at Quincy; Ephrata at Grandview; Prosser at Selah; Wapato at Othello

Friday, Oct. 21 East Valley at Ephrata; Grandview at Wapato; Othello at Selah; Quincy at Prosser; Toppenish at Ellensburg

Friday, Oct. 28 Ephrata at Ellensburg; Othello at Grandview; Prosser at Toppenish; Selah at Quincy; Wapato at East Valley

Thursday, Nov. 3 Ellensburg at Othello; Prosser at Grandview; Quincy at Ephrata; Selah at East Valley; Toppenish at Wapato

•••

Wapato struggled last season. But a new coach might make a big difference. Orson Christensen has been a coach for 47 years, including 10 years at Eastern Oregon University. He’s the kind of guy who can turn around a program pretty quickly, and there is some talent at Wapato — including a big offensive line.

Stay tuned.

5 Paul T. Erickson | perickson@tricityherald.com

Othello’s Caleb Garza will have to cool his feet if, like last season, he leads the league in rushing and TDs.

GRANDVIEWGREYHOUNDS

PROSSERMUSTANGS

OTHELLOHUSKIES

Coach: Rick Ramos (1st year, 0-0).

Last league title: Never.

Last playoff berth: 2005.

Home field: Rich Leenhouts Stadium.

Projected starters (returners in bold) OFFENSE POS YR HT WT Derek Swearingen QB Jr. 5-10 220 Jose Castilleja TB Jr. 5-7 140 Michael Perez FB Sr. 6-1 180 Herman Herrera WR Jr. 6-2 180 Dominque Munoz WR Sr. 5-8 140 Erik Sauve WR Jr. 5-10 160 Edgar Delgadillo C Jr. 5-10 220 Jose Arreola G So. 5-8 215 Erik Castillo G Jr. 5-10 225 Jessie Baca T Sr. 5-8 245 Martin Torres T Sr. 5-8 250 Elmer Campuzano K Jr. 6-1 150 DEFENSE POS YR HT WT Edgar Delgadillo DE Jr. 5-10 220 Jessie Baca DT Sr. 5-8 245 Martin Torres DT Sr. 5-8 250 Martin Sanchez DE Jr. 6-1 235 Erik Castillo LB Jr. 5-10 225 Anthony Perez LB Jr. 5-8 150 Michael Perez MLB Sr. 6-1 180 Jose Castilleja CB Jr. 5-7 140 Dominque Munoz CB Sr. 5-8 140 Angel Abarca SS So. 5-7 135 Erik Sauve FS Jr. 5-10 160 Salvador Escobedo P Sr. 5-10 155 Others to watch: TE Chet Bardwell, Jr., (5-8, 16); TB Anthony Perez; Athlete Joey Saenz, So. (5-8.

145).

Coach: Benji Sonnichsen (3rd year, 16-4).

Last league title: 2010.

Last playoff berth: 2010.

Home field: Art Fiker Stadium.

Projected starters (returners in bold) OFFENSE POS YR HT WT Seth Glossen QB Sr. 5-11 160 Isaac Anderson RB Sr. 5-8 160 Danny Raap WR Jr. 6-1 179 Wyatt Baker WR Sr. 6-2 160 Josh Lopez WR Sr. 6-2 172 Caleb Hoefer TE Sr. 5-10 186 Enzo Hurtado C Sr. 5-10 177 Andrew Flores G Sr. 5-10 200 Rudolfo Cruz G Sr. 6-0 186 Nolan Saam T Sr. 5-10 178 Phil Chong T Sr. 5-10 210 Trino Flores K So. 5-11 156 DEFENSE POS YR HT WT Charlie Peterson DE Sr. 5-7 184 Alex Howe DT Jr. 6-0 205 James Blankenship DT Sr. 5-10 168 Rudolfo Cruz DE Sr. 6-0 186 Caleb Hoefer LB Sr. 5-10 186 Austin Bolt LB Sr. 5-10 175 Joey Hurtado LB Sr. 5-8 160 Isaac Anderson CB Sr. 5-8 160 Sterling Clark CB Jr. 5-10 162 James Wildman S Sr. 5-10 160 Seth Glossen S Sr. 5-11 160 Bubba Frank P Jr. 5-10 205 Others to watch: OL Caleb Aaberg, Jr., (6-0, 169); TE Bolt; WR Clark; WR/DB Abi Fajardo, Sr., (5-11, 164); QB Ryan Fassler, Jr., (5-11, 162); TE/LB Elijah Hoefer, So., (5-11, 180); RB Joey Hurtado; RB/LB Diego Magana, Sr., (5-9, 180); WR/DB Miguel Pedroza, Jr., (5-8, 119); OL/DL Drasen Reade, Sr., (5-7, 225); OL/DL Tyler Renollet, Jr., (6-2, 255); QB Mason Schutt, So., (6-4, 183).

Coach: Roger Hoell (18th year, 121-59).

Last league title: 2003.

Last playoff berth: 2010.

Home field: Huskie Field.

Projected starters (returners in bold) OFFENSE POS YR HT David Garza QB Jr. 6-1 Caleb Garza RB Sr. 5-10 Joey Gomez FB Sr. 5-10 Trevor Walker WR Jr. 6-3 Preston Gardner WR Sr. 5-7 Dustin Rodgers TE Sr. 6-2 Anthony Otero OL Sr. 5-8 Derek Valdez OL Jr. 6-2 T.J. Spurgeon OL Sr. 5-8 Tyler Evens OL Sr. 5-10 Carsten Ashton OL Sr. 6-1

WT 175 195 220 175 155 215 230 270 200 180 185

DEFENSE Tyson Mollotte Joey Gomez Stephen Villarreal Tanner Wagner Joseph Walker Kyle Duke Eric Garza Austin Roylance Juston Lind Caleb Garza Henry Boersma

WT 205 220 205 175 195 175 170 165 165 195 160

Quick hits ◗ Ramos replaces head coach Jeremy Scroggins, who was 11-19 in three seasons for Grandview. ◗ The young squad returns six players who started last season on offense, and a seventh, Anthony Perez, who saw a lot of playing time at tailback. ◗ Swearingen passed for 1,342 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2010. However, he also tossed 17 interceptions. ◗ The Greyhounds are loaded with experienced receivers. Munoz (25 catches), Herrera (24) and Michael Perez (22) were all major targets. Herrera was named to the second-team All-CWAC unit at receiver, and was honorable mention at DB. ◗ Led by Michael Perez at middle linebacker, the Greyhounds also have six defensive starters back.

Outlook Ramos wants this team to be closer. So they spent the summer hanging around the school, not only working out, but cleaning up the grounds by painting buildings, trimming hedges and picking up.

Grandview will need some improvement from an inexperienced line on both sides of the ball if there is to be success.

Quick hits ◗ While Glossen is listed above as starter, Sonnichsen said Fassler and Schutt will also see playing time. Glossen will be the Wildcat formation QB, while the other two will run the pro-set formation. ◗ One of the biggest keys will be Anderson, who has rushed for more than 1,000 yards each of the last two seasons ◗ Peterson, an all-state player last season, will lead the defense. His twin sister, Helen, is one of the best soccer players ever at Prosser. ◗ The Mustangs are never afraid to play up. Their season opener tonight at home against Kamiakin — last season’s Class 3A state runner-up — is testimony to that.

Outlook Most teams would be worried with just three starters returning on offense. But this is Prosser, which for years has always reloaded rather than rebuilt.

Don’t expect anything less this season.

POS DL DL DL DL LB LB LB DB DB DB DB

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

HT 6-1 5-10 5-11 5-11 5-11 5-8 5-8 5-9 5-10 5-10 5-11

Others to watch: LB Eric Alvarez, Jr., (5-6, 160); LB Callen Anderson, Jr., (5-10, 175); WR Boersma; DL Derek Cantu, Jr., (6-1, 180); OL Derek Gilbert, Jr., (5-10, 195); LB Matt Melo, Jr., (5-9, 180); OL Bubba Ruiz, So.; (6-1, 215); WR Jacob Tovar, Sr., (6-2, 175); LB Richie Valdez, Jr., (5-8, 170).

Quick hits ◗ Last year’s squad was 7-3 and made the state playoffs. A large part of that team comes back, led by all-everything Caleb Garza, the offensive MVP who rushed for 1,605 yards and scored 23 TDs. He was also a first-team all-star as defensive back and as a kick returner. ◗ QB David Garza gives the offense some balance.

Last season as a sophomore, he threw for 1,005 yards and 11 touchdowns against just five interceptions. ◗ Defensively, Hoell has six starters back. Mollotte and Gomez will anchor the line, as Walker will the linebacking corps. Roylance, Lind and Caleb Garza will man the secondary. ◗ Before they get into league play, the Huskies have a tough opener tonight at Connell.

Outlook The talent is there to do some serious damage, not just in the league, but in the entire state. The key, says Hoell, will be how everyone gets along.

“Our kids have developed tremendous team chemistry this fall,” he said. “It is essential to our success to have that chemistry within our team.”

PREP FOOTBALL 2011

tricityherald.com

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2011 | TRI-CITY HERALD

7

EAST VALLEYRED DEVILS

ELLENSBURGBULLDOGS

SELAHVIKINGS

TOPPENISHWILDCATS

Coach: Mark Mochel (2nd year, 6-4).

Last league title: 2004.

Last playoff berth: 2006.

Home field: Earl Barden Field.

Projected starters (returners in bold) OFFENSE POS YR HT Jordan West QB Jr. 6-2 Kaleb Schrank RB Jr. 5-7 Bobby Martinez RB Sr. 5-6 Kris Janis WR Sr. 5-8 Seth Powell WR Jr. 6-3 Chris Godfrey TE Sr. 6-0 Cajun Olson OL Sr. 5-10 Ezequiel Viramontes OL Sr. 5-10 Salvador Rodriguez OL Sr. 5-10 Kenny Hood OL Jr. 6-0 Alex Godfrey OL Sr. 5-10 Kaleb Schrank K Jr. 5-7 DEFENSE POS YR HT Ezequiel Viramontes DL Sr. 5-10 Kenny Hood DL Jr. 6-0 Chase Olson DL Sr. 5-11 Justin Bixler DL Jr. 5-10 Kaleb Schrank LB Jr. 5-7 Sergio Reyna LB So. 5-10 Fernando Valencia LB Sr. 5-11 Kris Janis DB Sr. 5-8 Devin Perez DB Sr. 5-7 Chris Godfrey DB Sr. 6-0 Seth Powell DB Jr. 6-3 Chase Dorais P Jr. 6-2

Coach: Randy Affholter (15th year, 90-52).

Last league title: 2009.

Last playoff berth: 2009.

Home field: Andreotti Field.

Projected starters (returners in bold) OFFENSE POS YR HT Matt Bennett QB Jr. 5-11 Damien Roseberry RB Sr. 5-11 Corbin Richardson FB Jr. 6-1 Kody Graham WR Sr. 6-5 Patrick Smyth WR Sr. 6-3 Mac Mitchell TE Sr. 6-3 Isaac Kindervag C Jr. 5-10 Michael Anderson G So. 6-1 Parker Berman G So. 6-1 Perry Simpson T Sr. 6-5 Eric Lillquist T Sr. 6-0 Michael Wyatt K Sr. 5-11 DEFENSE POS YR HT Damien Roseberry DE Sr. 5-11 Corbin Richardson DT Jr. 6-1 Mac Mitchell DT Sr. 6-3 Josh Ketner DE Sr. 5-10 Jake Mungia OLB Sr. 5-8 Avery Pellett MLB Jr. 5-9 Corbin Mace OLB Sr. 5-10 Ben Stockdale DB So. 6-0 Dillon Dompier DB Jr. 5-8 Kody Graham DB Sr. 6-5 Patrick Smyth DB Sr. 6-3 Matt Bennett P Jr. 5-11

Coach: Jeff Jamieson (12th year, 60-52).

Last league title: 1980.

Last playoff berth: 2009.

Home field: Karl Graf Stadium.

Projected starters (returners in bold) OFFENSE POS YR HT Shay Shattuck QB Sr. 5-11 Conner O’Malley RB Sr. 6-0 Mason Hall WR Jr. 5-10 Kody Ergeson WR Jr. 5-9 Daniel Hernandez WR Sr. 5-10 Mike Espinoza TE Sr. 5-11 Aaron Gibbs C Sr. 5-8 Cody Roberts G Sr. 6-2 Pedro Recondo G Jr. 5-11 Brandon Bertelsen T Sr. 6-2 Jay Skeen T Jr. 6-3 Daniel Hernandez K Sr. 5-10 DEFENSE POS YR HT Shay Shattuck DE Sr. 5-11 Cody Roberts DT Sr. 6-2 Pedro Recondo DT Jr. 5-11 Andrew Au DE Jr. 5-10 Jessie Magana LB Jr 5-11 Conner O’Malley LB Sr. 6-0 Kody Ergeson LB Jr. 5-9 Rafael Arellano CB Jr. 5-10 Junior Marmolejo CB Jr. 5-6 Chris Weeks S Jr. 6-3 Daniel Hernandez S Sr. 5-10 Daniel Hernandez P Sr. 5-10

Coach: Jason Smith (4th year, 17-13).

Last league title: 1990.

Last playoff berth: 2005.

Home field: A.C. Meagher Field.

Projected starters (returners in bold) OFFENSE POS YR HT Daniel Maldonado QB Sr. 6-2 Miguel Jimenez RB Sr. 5-8 Domingo Luna RB Jr. 5-8 David Chavez FB Sr. 5-9 Peter Equihua TE Sr. 5-10 Dominic Whalawitsa TE Sr. 5-9 Robert Luna C So. 5-11 Antonio Dominguez G Sr. 5-9 Thompson Roberts G Sr. 5-9 Justin Barney T Sr. 6-2 Juan Alcala T Sr. 5-9

WT 187 160 171 210 172 185 247 245 216 288 157

DEFENSE Israel Hernandez Robert Luna Thompson Roberts Alex Rodriguez Juan Alcala Domingo Luna David Chavez Miguel Jimenez Peter Equihua Carlos Hernandez Victor L. Lopez

WT 161 247 216 176 157 171 210 160 172 132 168

WT 170 185 175 168 175 195 240 200 210 205 165 185 WT 200 205 235 180 185 155 195 168 135 195 175 180

WT 180 185 220 185 180 215 185 240 220 190 195 170 WT 185 220 215 170 160 180 175 150 145 185 180 180

WT 210 190 165 160 170 145 200 240 245 185 205 170 WT 210 240 245 175 195 190 160 150 150 185 170 170

POS DE DT DT DE LB LB LB CB CB S S

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

HT 5-10 5-11 5-9 5-8 5-9 5-8 5-9 5-8 5-10 5-6 5-7

Others to watch: QB Brian Bender, Sr., (6-0, 170); OL Bixler; WR/DB Jeano Campo, Sr., (5-9, 156); TE/DB Dorais; RB David Garza, Jr., (5-10, 185); DL Martinez; OL Olson

Others to watch: TB/DE J Foley, Sr., (6-0, 180); FB Pellett; WR Wyatt; DB Sam Young, Jr. (5-9, 170).

Others to watch: OL Au; DL Andrew Carney, Jr., (6-1, 185); DB Ergeson; DB Clay Forenpohar, Sr., (6-2, 160); DL Gibbs; RB Magana; WR Weeks.

Quick hits

Quick hits

Quick hits

◗ Last year’s senior-laden team finished 8-2, but lost in the regional playoffs. ◗ Roseberry and Mitchell are both two-way returning starters. Roseberry was a second-team DL selection last year, and on offense he rushed for 652 yards and scored 11 touchdowns. Mitchell was an honorable mention pick at tight end. ◗ Lillquist, Wyatt and Mitchell are also leaders off the field. Lillquist is the ASB public relations representative at the school, while Wyatt and Mitchell are senior class officers. ◗ Quarterback Matt Bennett is the son of Central Washington University head football coach Blaine Bennett. Matt Bennett was also an honorable mention pick as a kick returner last season. ◗ The Bulldogs are the only team in the conference to play its nonleaguer on the west side, at Archbishop Murphy tonight.

◗ Hernandez is the go-to guy on this team. He starts at wide receiver and at defensive back. But his forte is as a kicker and punter, where he has received some preseason all-state notice. ◗ The Vikings return another two-way starter from last season in Roberts, who will anchor both sides of the line. ◗ Selah does have six defensive starters returning, including linebackers O’Malley and Ergeson and DBs Marmelejo and Hernandez. ◗ Shattuck is one of those rare guys who will start at quarterback and defensive end. Kennewick High grad Adam Carriker, now with the Washington Redskins, pulled that off seven years ago. ◗ Like Grandview and Prosser, Selah will play up in its nonleague contest, scheduled tonight at home against West Valley of Yakima.

Outlook

Jamieson’s biggest question this season will be how well his offense can move the football.

And while Shattuck has some experienced blocking up front, the skill position players will definitely have to step up.

If not, at least the Vikings have Hernandez, who can get three points or pin the opponent deep in its own territory with his foot.

It all starts with Maldonado, who will need to improve on his just one TD pass from last season.

Then it will go to Chavez and Equihua, who are two pretty potent weapons.

Defensively, Jimenez and Equihua will lead the secondary.

For many years, the Toppenish program has struggled. But not over the last couple of seasons under Smith.

He believes he has a tradition starting.

“The current seniors wish to continue with the success and ‘Wildcat Brotherhood’ that has been established for the last three years,” said Smith.

EPHRATATIGERS

QUINCYJACKRABBITS

◗ Schrank, an honorable mention all-conference kicker last season, looks to be a leader. He’ll start at both running back and linebacker in addition to his kicking duties once again. ◗ Mochel will go with six guys starting on both sides of the ball — Janis, Schrank, Chris Godfrey, Viramontes, Hood and Powell. ◗ Keep an eye on Sept. 23 and 30. The Red Devils entertain Prosser, then visit Othello. It could be the key to their season.

Outlook Coach Mochel starts his second season at the helm in a better comfort zone. The kids know his system and he knows the personnel better.

And coming off of a 6-4 campaign means there’s plenty of optimism.

The key will be getting new quarterback Jordan West time to get comfortable running the offense.

The good news is that he has three returnees on the offensive line in Viramontes, Rodriguez and Alex Godfrey.

Defensively, Viramontes on the line and Schrank at linebacker will have to lead their respective units as the only returning starters.

Janis and Godfrey give the secondary some starting experience.

Coach Affholter lost a lot of experience from last season’s squad.

Offensively, he’ll need an all-new line to jell quickly to help Bennett pass and Roseberry run.

Defensively, the Bulldogs have experience up front. But things are pretty green at linebacker and in the secondary.

WAPATOWOLVES Coach: Orson Christensen (1st year).

Last league title: Never.

Last playoff berth: 2000.

Home field: Dan Doornink Field.

Projected starters (returners in bold) OFFENSE POS YR HT Efren Diaz QB Sr. 5-6 Ricardo Rodriguez FB Jr. 5-8 Ignacio Ibarra WB Sr. 5-8 Adam Vela WR So. 6-0 Jaime De La Torre WR Sr. 5-9 Juan Melgosa TE So. 6-0 Alex Katzfey C Sr. 6-1 Noe Mendez G Jr. 5-10 Arturo Guerrero G Jr. 6-0 Zeke Martinez T Sr. 6-2 Matt White T Jr. 6-2 Juan Melgosa K So. 6-0 DEFENSE POS YR HT Alex Katzfey DT Sr. 6-1 Jacob Contreras NT So. 6-0 Zeke Martinez DT Sr. 6-2 Efren Diaz OLB Sr. 5-6 Miguel Rivera OLB Sr. 5-9 Ricardo Rodriguez ILB Jr. 5-8 Dylan Rivera ILB So. 6-0 Ignacio Ibarra DB Sr. 5-8 Jaime De La Torre DB Sr. 5-9 Juan Melgosa DB So. 6-0 Anthony Alvarado DB So. 6-0 Juan Melgosa P So. 6-0

Others to watch: QB Alvarado; RB Rivera.

Quick hits

WT 170 175 135 170 155 180 250 185 230 260 275 180 WT 250 235 260 170 175 175 220 135 155 180 165 180

◗ Wapato was winless last season. But it found an experienced coach in Christensen, who has been a coach for 47 years. That includes a 10-year stretch at Eastern Oregon University. Last season he was at Rainier Christian, but he decided to move on when the school, which should play 11-man football, had to play 8-man. ◗ Ibarra is the big offensive guy back. He rushed for 335 yards on 63 carries, averaging 5.3 yards each time he touched the ball. ◗ One thing Christensen does have is size up front on the offensive line, the five starters averaging 240 pounds. ◗ The Wolves will take a look at a lot of players this season. Christensen says Rivera will get his chances at running back, as will Alvarado at quarterback. ◗ Two players return as two-way starters from 2010. Rodriguez started at fullback and inside linebacker, while Martinez starts on both sides of the line.

Outlook No one is expecting any miracles this season at Wapato. But what Christensen does give the Wolves is an experienced football man who still loves the game and coaching kids.

He’ll try a 3-4 defense, and the secondary will need to step up. The Wolves will need some strong play on the offensive line too.

Outlook

Quick hits ◗ The Wildcats had a banner season in 2010, earning seven victories. A big reason is Chavez, who was an honorable mention pick at both running back and linebacker. He rushed for 510 yards and scored nine touchdowns in 2010. Chavez found the end zone 10 times and scored 62 points. ◗ Equihua, a returning two-way starter, was an honorable mention selection at defensive back. As a receiver, he caught 10 passes for 314 yards and a stunning 31.4 yards per catch. ◗ Maldonado passed for 484 yards last season, but just one TD pass. ◗ Roberts is another two-way starter returning for Smith. He’ll anchor both sides of the lines. In fact, he’s the only starter back on either line.

Outlook

Coach: Jay Mills (11th year, 36-65).

Last league title: 1992.

Last playoff berth: 2007.

Home field: Kiwanis Field.

Players to watch: FB Fidel Bazan, Sr., (5-11, 200); QB Tyler Clark, Jr. (6-0, 165); WR Jacob Crowder, Jr., (6-3, 175); RB Jacob Green, Sr., (5-10, 175); RB/WR Micah Ohl, Sr., (5-8, 160).

Quick hits ◗ One thing the Tigers have this season is speed.

Mills will want to get Ohl — who ran an 11.09 seconds in the 100 meters at state — as many touches as possible. Ohl moves from running back out to a receiver spot. ◗ Mills also is moving Bazan and Green from the offensive line, where they played last season, into the backfield. Green was the 400-meter champion in track in the CWAC last spring. ◗ Clark has the inside track at QB, but Evan Brooks and Tyson Martin are also battling. ◗ Whoever the QB is, he’ll have a big target out there with Crowder. ◗ Ephrata and neighborhood rival Quincy get together twice this season: tonight in a nonleaguer and Nov. 3.

Outlook The key for Ephrata will be the offensive line play. Speed won’t mean a thing if the QB or running backs don’t get enough time to do anything with the football.

Coach: Stephen Wallace (3rd year, 7-13).

Last league title: 2003.

Last playoff berth: 2005.

Home field: Quincy High School.

Returning starters: C/DL Jacob Barth, Sr., (5-11, 205); WR/DB Kody Berens, Sr., (6-0, 160); DB Jacob Durfee, Jr., (6-1, 185); P Michael Heitstuman, Sr., (5-8, 200); RG/LB Jose Solorio, So., (6-2, 250); WR/LB Cole Stanley, Sr., (6-2, 185); LB Armando Tafoya, Jr., (6-0, 240); HB/DB Cai Yamamoto, Sr., (5-8, 170).

Others to watch: QB Durfee.

Quick hits ◗ Wallace’s team will boast one of the biggest offensive lines in the conference, with the starting five averaging 241 pounds across the front. ◗ That should give QB Durfee plenty of time to decided whether he wants to run with the ball, or toss it 50 yards down the field on the fly — which according to his coach, he can do. ◗ Berens is the top receiver in the conference coming back. He caught 40 passes last season for 1,125 yards. ◗ Quincy and neighborhood rival Ephrata get together twice this season: tonight in a nonleaguer and Nov. 3.

Outlook With a big offensive line and some talented skill position players, Wallace’s team could be in for a bigger win total this season than last year’s four.

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Heds accurate

8

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mug/ref/logo?

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jumps match

PREP FOOTBALL 2011

TRI-CITY HERALD | FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2011

tricityherald.com

SCOUTING THE MID-COLUMBIA QUARTERBACK MATTMENDENHALL CHANDLERSALISBURY JASONHUTCHISON Southridge Sr., 6-3, 200

Connell Sr., 5-9, 180

Led the CBBN 3A in yards (2,602) and tied for third in TDs. Big, strong, athletic — has all the tools to be the dominant passer in the area ... provided he has enough time to find receivers.

Matt Mendenhall

O-LINE SEANCLAUSEN Kamiakin Sr., 6-4, 235 Was a second-team CBBN 3A pick, now is the center for the offensive front that will be the focus of Kamiakin’s attack.

ALEXMYRICK

JOEYZAMORA

Royal Jr., 5-7, 165

Chiawana So., 6-2, 186

A dual threat quarterback, rushed for 743 yards and threw for 1,833 more. Did throw 11 interceptions, but should improve on that this season. Should be more confident in the pocket.

Good size and great athletic genes — his cousin is Riverhawks’ twoway star Miquiyah Zamora — could lead to a huge season. He has got plenty of talent around him to help grow into the role.

Kamiakin Sr., 6-2, 175

Threw 26 touchdowns to just four interceptions last year, his first as a starting quarterback. He won’t have quite the same receiving threat, but is more seasoned and could put up big numbers.

Varsity rookie will have every chance to succeed, surrounded by talented skill players and one of the best offensive lines in the region. Has enough arm for the Braves’ vertical attack.

And the first pick of the 2011 Mid-Columbia draft is ...

The king is dead. Long live the king.

It was a star-studded class of senior talent that graduated last spring, making way for the next crop of would-be standouts to write their chapter in the Mid-Columbia book of football.

The Tri-City Herald’s first edition of preseason rankings proved a big hit.

Of the 40 choices, 24 were firstteam all-league, and four more second-team. There were three MVPs, an offensive lineman of the year, three offensive players of the year and two defensive POYs.

So the pressure is on. Where would you start the building process of a new team? Would you take triple threat Miquiyah Zamora, rated No. 1 in three areas? Or go with his teammate, Jordan Downing, a proven player of the year? Or maybe it’s Mr. Connell, Matt Hadley.

DENNISCHRISTENSEN Richland Sr., 6-4, 270

RUNNING BACK

The anchor of Bombers’ OL is an incredible athlete. Strong and fast — he clocks 4.9 in the 40 — he is drawing looks from Boise, BYU and Oregon St.

MATTHADLEY Connell Sr., 5-11, 210

GATESMICHEL

What is left to say? Two-time Class 1A player of the year, tied the single season TD record, finished in top 10 for single season rushing and committed to BYU.

Named to 4A all-state team after leading CBBN 4A with 23 TDs and 140 points. Led Riverhawks to CBBN 4A league titles in football AND basketball.

Chiawana Sr., 6-0, 210 Named to all-CBBN second team on OL and DL. He’ll be the key to developing a young but promising offensive front to protect Joey Zamora.

STEVENMONTERREY

Walla Walla Jr., 5-11, 260 Along with Logan Reardon, will anchor a strong Blue Devils OL that is starting to develop a nasty mean streak, according to coach Eric Hisaw.

Named the CWAC Offensive MVP last season after leading the conference in rushing with 1,605 yards. He was also the top scorer, finding the end zone 23 times.

Steven Monterrey

CHRISHAUETER Southridge Sr., 5-11, 170

Chiawana Sr., 6-1, 200

Mr. Offense for the Grizzlies, he led the CBBN 3A in all-purpose yards (1,634), was fourth in rushing (924, 6 TDs) and fourth in receiving (40-369).

Sunnyside Sr., 5-10, 190

JEREMYLARSON

JORDANDOWNING

CALEBGARZA Othello Sr., 5-10, 195

Will get a chance to do a little bit of everything this year: run, catch, return kicks, even punt. He is the CBBN 3A’s top returning scorer with 8 TDs and a 2-point conversion.

KENNANVANHOLLEBEKE Connell Sr., 6-4, 260 Three-year starter who has helped clear holes for the state’s best running back. That offensive line is obviously doing something right.

RECEIVER/TIGHT END MIQUIYAHZAMORA Chiawana Sr., 6-1, 199

Four-year starter and three-time all-league selection primed for his best season yet.

Dynamic two-sport athlete needs two more receiving TDs to break Wa-Hi’s career record. Will also see time at QB.

BODIESIMPSON Kennewick Jr., 5-7, 160

MOEHANDCOX Walla Walla Sr., 5-11, 170

Proved to be a dynamic target as a sophomore with 41 receptions (third in CBBN 3A) and 7 TD catches (tied for second).

Was the No. 3 target for Mendenhall last season but is the Suns’ most experienced receiver. Was sixth in CBBN 3A in catches (35) and averaged 16.1 yards per catch.

Dennis Christensen

C.J.EDRINGTON Chiawana Sr., 5-11, 180

Moe Handcox

JOSHRICHARDS Southridge Sr., 5-10, 155

All-CBBN second-teamer led Riverhawks’ WRs with 28 catches and 4 TDs, averaging 13.4 yards per catch. Sure hands and solid routes will help new QB make smooth transition.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Grant Woods

MIQUIYAHZAMORA

GRANTWOODS

CHANDLERMERTENS

QTAYCHACK

CAMERONLAW

Chiawana Sr., 6-1, 199

Kennewick Sr., 5-7, 165

Southridge Sr., 5-8, 165

Richland Jr., 5-11, 145

Moses Lake Jr., 5-10, 180

Led CBBN 4A special teamers with 14.6-yard average on 14 punt returns.

Combination of speed and strentgh makes him one of league’s most challenging players to plan against.

Led the CBBN 3A in kick returns with a 33.7 average; returned two kicks for TDs; racked up 1,072 all-purpose yards; if he gets the corner, has enough speed to win most foot races.

Connected on 21 of 23 extra points and 7 of 10 field goals last season; veteran kicker gives Suns a real scoring threat as soon as they cross the other team’s 35-yard line.

Stepped into tough role after Bombers’ all-league kicker, Kevin Garza, went down with injury late in the season. Hit 37-yard FG and nailed two extra points in first round of 4A state playoffs.

As a sophomore, finished second in CBBN 4A among league kickoff returners with a 20.4 yard average on 17 returns. Will also help anchor Chiefs’ secondary as returning starter.

PREP FOOTBALL 2011

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2011 | TRI-CITY HERALD

LINEBACKER

MOCK DRAFT 1. Jordan Downing, RB/LB, Chiawana 2. Matt Hadley, RB/DB, Connell 3. Miquiyah Zamora, WR/DB, Chiawana 4. Matt Mendenhall, QB, Southridge 5. Moe Handcox, WR/CB, Walla Walla 6. Steven Monterrey, RB, Sunnyside 7. Zach Umemoto, RB/LB, Kamiakin 8. Dennis Christensen, OL/DL, Richland 9. Sawyer Powell, LB, Richland

10. Caleb Garza, RB/DB, Othello 11. Gates Michel, OL/DL, Chiawana 12. Chandler Salisbury, QB, Connell 13. Chris Haueter, RB, Southridge 14. Jason Hutchison, QB, Kamiakin 15. James Swinyard, WR/DB, Kamiakin 16. B.K. Robinson, RB/DE, Richland 17. Drew Oord, LB/FB, Kamiakin 18. Grant Woods, RB/DB, Kennewick 19. Alex Myrick, QB, Royal 20. C.J. Edrington, WR/DB,

9

Chiawana 21. Joe Hunt, DL, Kamiakin 22. Joey Zamora, QB, Chiawana 23. Bodie Simpson, WR, Kennewick 24. Luis Murillo, RB, Pasco 25. Josh Richards, WR, Southridge 26. Rob Ferenz, TE/DT, Walla Walla 27. Jonah Hoe, RB, Walla Walla 28. Colter Quick, QB, Richland 29. Elijah Gardaya, WR/DB, Richland 30. Lonnie Hurley, LB, Pasco

Lonnie Hurley

DEFENSIVE LINE JORDANDOWNING JOEHUNT Kamiakin Sr., 6-3, 215

Chiawana Sr., 6-1, 200

1

Had a standout year with 5 ⁄2 sacks last season; will have to deal with increased double teams as the only returner from a star-studded defensive line.

There’s nobody better to have in front of MLB Jordan Downing to fend off would-be blockers than this second-team all-CBBN senior.

GATESMICHEL Chiawana Sr., 6-0, 210

Would you rather be bowled over by a 4A all-state RB or blasted head-on by a returning all-CBBN linebacker?

Not much of a choice for opposing players, but this punishing hitter will get his licks in one way or another.

B.K.ROBINSON As good as he is on offense, coach Mike

A CBBN 3A honorable mention last season, is a boulder in the middle that offenses will find tough to move. Squats more than 500 pounds.

CHARLIEPETERSON Prosser Sr., 5-7, 184

Gates Michel

IVANDIAZ Kennewick Sr., 6-0, 295

His size is deceptive, because he was still an allstate player last year — even after overcoming a knee injury.

Chiawana Sr., 6-1, 199

Kamiakin Sr., 5-9, 166

D-I recruit makes teams pay when they throw his way. Returned interception for TD in first game of season last year and rarely got challenged again.

Connell Sr., 5-11, 210

ZACHUMEMOTO

DREWOORD Kamiakin Sr., 5-11, 210

Earned CBBN 3A honorable mention; picked off two passes last season; is the only returning starter in Braves’ backfield.

Combines with Zamora, Isaac Daniel to form one of most formidable defensive secondary tandems in the state.

MATTHADLEY

Rare combination of speed and explosiveness put him on the map at a Nike camp for elite players in Beaverton. Once camp broke, he had offers on the table from Boise State, Oregon State and BYU.

A unanimous CBBN 3A first-team pick last season and a three-year starter; finished with 112 tackles last season, 42 for loss or no gain; learned from previous Kamiakin greats, now it’s his turn to give the lessons.

One of best athletes ever to suit up for Blue MOEHANDCOX Devils. “He’s afraid of no one,” coach Eric Hisaw Walla Walla said. “He will hit you in the mouth over and over.” Sr., 5-11, 170

JAMESSWINYARD

Richland Sr., 6-2, 205

Kamiakin Sr., 6-0, 195

DEFENSIVE BACK MIQUIYAHZAMORA

SAWYERPOWELL

Neidhold says he is a natural on defense. “He has got a great football sense. He just wants to play.”

Richland Sr., 6-1, 190

James Swinyard

Also a unanimous CBBN 3A firstteam selection last seasons after tying a team record with 55 tackles for loss or no gain; also forced nine turnovers; bulldog of a defender who makes life tough on ball carriers.

LONNIEHURLEY

C.J.EDRINGTON

Pasco Sr., 5-9, 175 Quick on his feet with incredible balance. Qualified for state in wrestling last season and likely won’t have any trouble taking down running backs.

Chiawana Sr., 5-11, 180

Doesn’t get nearly as much credit for his defensive play as he should, but he is expected to play safety at BYU — so someone is paying attention.

RON SIEGEL PRESEASON SENIOR ALL-STATE TEAM QB RB RB WR WR TE OL OL OL OL OL PK MP MP MP DL DL DL DL LB LB LB LB DB DB DB P MP MP MP QB QB QB QB QB QB

OFFENSE Jeff Lindquist Mercer Island 6-3 KeiVarae Russell Mariner 5-11 Levonte Littlejohn Lakes 5-11 David Fontenette Bethel 6-2 Trent Sewell Bethel 6-2 Caleb Smith Kent Kentridge 6-5 Zach Banner Lakes 6-8 Joshua Garnett Puyallup 6-4 Max Kelly Gonzaga Prep 6-4 Nathan Dean Juanita 6-5 Cory English Auburn 6-3 Corey Durkee Gig Harbor 6-4 Cedric Dozier Lakes 5-11 Austin Pernell Kentlake 5-11 David Trimble Davis 6-0 DEFENSE Drew Sharkey Spokane Ferris 6-3 B.J. Salmonson Nooksack Valley 6-5 Ryan Johnson Mtn. View 6-3 Zaheer Webb Lakewood Lakes 6-3 Jordan Palu Federal Way 6-2 Curtis Taylor O’Dea 6-1 Caleb Saulo Kentlake 6-2 Austin Rickert Issaquah 6-2 Mike Washington Oak Harbor 6-3 Jason Thompson Kennedy Catholic 6-3 Damian Greene Skyline 5-10 Brett Arrivey Woodinville 6-2 Matt Hadley Connell 5-11 Miquiyah Zamora Chiawana 6-1 Michael Rector Bellarmine 6-1 OTHER SENIORS TO WATCH Drew Austin Graham-Kapowsin6-2 Anthony Berg Kamiak 6-3 Sam Brown Jackson 6-0 Mitch Gueller Chehalis 6-3 Justin Hordyk Bethel 6-1 Kaben Humphrey-Butler Union 6-3

225 180 185 220 200 235 280 275 255 270 275 200 185 180 169 255 265 245 315 225 215 225 220 185 205 175 205 210 199 180 190 200 190 205 175 195

QB QB QB QB RB RB RB RB RB RB RB RB RB RB R R R R R R R R R R R L L L L L L L L L L L L L L

Kieran McDonagh Skyview Lucas McGill Eastmont Jake Nelson Lake Stevens Deion Wright Davis Caleb Garza Othello Kole Heidinger Ferris Eugene Holley Shorewood Spencer Killman Olympia Zach Marshall Camas D.J. May Federal Way Steven Monterrey Sunnyside Trai Patrick Jackson Chevy Walker E.S. Catholic Levi Wigg Mt. Baker Jake Archer Cascade Chr. Nick Fuller Woodland Sam Gesicki Olympic Moe Handcox Walla Walla Keylin Hudleston Rogers Cooper Kupp Davis Eric Lemke Issaquah Andrew Price Blaine Jake Springfield E.S. Catholic Nate Trotter Adna Zach Wimberly Tumwater Jefferson Aumua Jefferson Joe Arguinchona Ferris Caleb Barnes Cashmere Morya Breland Foster Gino Bresolin Eastlake Daniel Canzater Ferndale Dennis Christensen Richland Matt Cruz Skyview Quincey Davison Kentwood Jake Eldrenkamp Bellevue Sam Flor O’Dea Cody Fulleton O’Dea Roko Gucake King’s Jarek Jensen Squalicum

6-2 6-2 6-2 6-0 5-10 5-9 6-0 6-0 5-9 5-11 5-10 5-10 6-0 5-9 6-2 6-4 6-0 5-10 6-5 6-0 6-4 6-5 6-4 6-5 6-2 6-3 6-4 6-2 6-2 6-2 6-2 6-4 6-3 6-2 6-5 6-4 6-3 6-3 6-2

225 200 195 184 185 175 175 190 185 195 190 200 185 170 190 200 185 175 210 180 240 220 190 225 225 290 235 220 230 255 260 270 255 290 285 275 265 245 285

L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L LB LB LB LB LB LB LB LB LB LB LB LB LB LB LB DB DB DB DB DB

Martin Martinez Mariner 6-3 Josh Mitchell Mt. Si 6-3 Colton Niblick Jackson 6-3 Uso Olive Federal Way 6-0 Anthony Olobia Issaquah Liberty 6-5 James Peckham Arch. Murphy 6-4 Alec Postlewait Mt. Baker 6-3 Joel Ragazzo Bethel 6-4 Jalen Robinson Liberty 6-2 Seth Rojas O’Dea 6-4 Scott Rose White River 6-3 Caro Samoa Kentridge 6-2 Brandon Siliga Decatur 6-4 Paul Toala Highline 6-3 Kennan VanHollebeke Connell 6-4 Sawyer Whalen Woodinville 6-4 Taylor Whiteman Lynden 6-2 Walker Willliams Tacoma Baptist 6-7 Bo Brummel Arlington 6-1 Tyler Carlson Enumclaw 6-1 Ryan Chynoweth Enumclaw 6-0 Jordan Downing Chiawana 6-1 James Hatfield Kentwood 5-9 Kurt Karstetter Ferris 6-2 Tim Luafatasaga Jefferson 6-2 George Marinin Kingston 6-3 Kyle Newsom Meadowdale 6-2 Sawyer Powell Richland 6-2 Tyler Self Kamiak 6-1 Sam Shober Arch. Murphy 6-3 Joshua Shreffler Cascade Chr. 6-2 Dustin Stanton Lakewood 6-6 Jacob Tuivaiave Washington 6-3 Tyler Hasty Bellevue 5-11 Tory James Monroe 6-0 Jayshawn Jordan O’Dea 5-10 Victor KorchemniyAuburn Mtn. View5-10 Ma’ne Manaea Lakes 5-11

310 270 265 285 235 270 255 225 255 245 285 275 285 255 260 240 300 320 220 215 210 200 210 200 245 215 210 205 210 210 205 225 245 185 195 170 195 185

DB DB DB DB K/P K/P K/P K/P K/P OL QB QB DL DB LB DB DB QB LB ATH WR ATH P/K DL QB QB OL DL P LB DL LB L ATH TE QB WR RB

Mo Morrison Skyview 6-0 Tanner Nelson Union 6-2 Gabe Rengo Union 6-1 Jacob Zylstra Kentridge 6-2 Danny Braun Eastlake 6-0 Daniel Hernandez Selah 5-10 Brenner Hinkle Tumwater 5-10 Mitch Johnson Bellevue 6-0 John Kilburg Eastlake 6-0 JUNIORS TO WATCH Kevin Ahrens Liberty 6-4 Michael Amsel Chelan 5-11 Max Browne Skyline 6-5 Jamie Bryant Tumwater 6-5 Calvin Chandler Bellarmine 6-1 Sean Constantine Bellevue 6-2 Jimmy Davis Kentridge 5-10 Anthony Davis Lincoln 6-0 Isaac Dotson Newport 6-2 Snydrek D’sia Mt. Tahoma 5-11 Jake Gall Cle Elum 5-10 Victor Gamboa Washington 5-10 Reiley Henderson Skyview 5-10 Derrick Holt Lindberg 5-10 Mitch Kapsei Lindbergh 6-1 Josh Kriaght Lynden 5-10 Sefo Liafau Bellarmine 6-3 Cole Madison Kennedy Catholic 6-4 Titus Makasini Meadowdale 6-5 Joe Miles Auburn Riverside 6-4 Dre Milton Lakes 5-10 Cody Moorhead Hazen 6-4 Peyton Pelluer Skyline 6-1 Noah Schultz-Rathbun Hockinson 6-2 Andrew Shadle Bremerton 6-0 Kevin Shelton Auburn 6-3 Matt Stuart Renton Lindbergh 6-4 Mike Tate Federal Way 6-1 Brad Wallace River Ridge 6-0

205 190 195 180 180 180 185 175 180 250 190 215 270 185 225 170 190 205 210 190 185 180 180 240 185 215 225 270 250 220 235 205 210 195 230 235 180 190

Heds accurate

10

Hed subject/verb agree

’10 REPLAY Conf.

Connell ......................................6-0 Royal ..........................................5-1 River View ..................................4-2 Kiona-Benton..............................3-3 Columbia-Burbank......................2-4 Wahluke ......................................1-5 Mabton ......................................0-6 Regional playoffs Connell 58, Naches Valley 6 Zillah 26, Kiona-Benton 21 Royal 56, Cle Elum-Roslyn 13 Goldendale 48, River View 25 Crossovers Granger 19, Mabton 0 La Salle 40, Wahluke 25 Columbia-Burbank 41, Highland 0 State playoffs First round Cashmere 34, Royal 10 Connell 56, Hoquiam 14 Quarterfinals Connell 41, Chelan 6 Semifinals Connell 55, Omak 21 Championship Cascade Christian 42, Connell 35

Overall 12-2 8-3 5-5 3-7 4-6 4-6 0-10

Returning all-league players First-team offense OL — Tanner Whitaker, sr., Royal. RB — Matt Hadley, sr., Connell. QB — Chandler Salisbury, sr., Connell.

First-team defense LB — Salisbury, sr., Connell. DB — Hadley, sr., Connell.

First-team special teams KR — Hadley, sr., Connell.

Second-team offense OL — Tyler Yorgesen, sr., Wahluke; Tyler Tiffany, sr., Columbia-Burbank. QB — Alex Myrick, jr., Royal.

Second-team defense DL — Tanner Whitaker, sr., Royal; Dalton Morgan, sr., Kiona-Benton. LB — Austin Hoch, sr., River View; Josh McVicker, sr., Columbia-Burbank.

Second-team special teams P — Lorenzo Sanchez, jr., Mabton.

Honorable mention offense OL — Eric Huesca, sr., Mabton; Carlos Gesteleum, sr., Mabton; Justin Edwards, sr., Royal.

QB — Austin Weatherby, jr., River View; Heath Lawrence, sr., Columbia-Burbank. RB — Dalton Morgan, sr., Kiona-Benton. WR — Jose Jimenez, sr., Wahluke.

Honorable mention defense DL — Cristian Fernandez, jr., Royal; Kyle Hall, jr., River View. LB — Alex Ramirez, jr., Royal; Brady Dixon, jr., Royal; Ryan Heinen, sr., Connell. DB — Matt McCallum, sr., Kiona-Benton; Cristian Aguilar, jr., Kiona-Benton; Alex Ramirez, jr., Royal.

Honorable mention special teams P — Jimmy Gifford, sr., Kiona-Benton.

Returning stat leaders Rushing Att Yds Avg TD Matt Hadley, Con ..............272 2516 9.3 50 Dalton Morgan, KB ............135 858 6.4 12 Alex Myrick, Roy ..............106 743 7.0 7 Ricky Silverio, Wah ............44 263 6.0 2 Luis Madrigal, KB................40 179 4.5 1 Passing Comp Att Yds TD Int Heath Lawrence, CB ....124 225 1861 24 10 Austin Weatherby, RV....139 229 1760 17 14 Alex Myrick, Roy ............141 242 1833 24 11 Chandler Salisbury, Con 133 210 2050 26 4 Jared Sabin, Wah ............14 39 224 1 2 Receiving Rec Yds Avg TD Kody Bartlett, RV ................24 307 12.8 2 Matt McCallum, KB ............22 254 11.5 0 Danny Vermeer, Roy............19 293 15.4 3 Dalton Morgan, KB ..............13 125 9.6 0 Scoring TD XP FG Total Matt Hadley, Con ................50 0 0 300 Dalton Morgan, KB ..............12 0 0 72 Francisco Cuevas, Wah ........4 0 0 24 Kody Bartlett, RV..................4 0 0 24 Danny Vermeer, Roy ............4 0 0 24 Chandler Salisbury, Con ......4 0 0 24

SAVE THE DATE Game times are 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted

Today Othello at Connell; Kiona-Benton at Highland; Columbia-Burbank at Granger; Mabton at White Swan; Royal at Cashmere; River View at Toppenish; Wahluke at Warden

Friday, Sept. 9 Connell at Chelan; Zillah at Kiona-Benton; River View at Goldendale; Granger at Mabton; Royal at Omak; Columbia-Burbank at La Salle; White Swan at Wahluke

Friday, Sept. 16 Cashmere at Connell; Mabton at Wahluke; KionaBenton at River View; Columbia-Burbank at Royal

Friday, Sept. 23 Connell at Kiona-Benton; Royal at Mabton; River View at Columbia-Burbank; Wahluke at Granger

Friday, Sept. 30 Wahluke at Royal; Columbia-Burbank at Connell; Mabton at River View; Naches Valley at KionaBenton

Friday, Oct. 7 Kiona-Benton at Columbia-Burbank; River View at Wahluke; Connell at Mabton; La Salle at Royal

Friday, Oct. 14 Royal at River View; Mabton at Kiona-Benton; Wahluke at Connell; Goldendale at ColumbiaBurbank

Friday, Oct. 21 Columbia-Burbank at Mabton; Connell at Royal; Kiona-Benton at Wahluke; Zillah at River View

Friday, Oct. 28 River View at Connell; Wahluke at ColumbiaBurbank; Royal at Kiona-Benton; Highland at Mabton

Friday, Nov. 4 Playoff or crossover games

mug/ref/logo?

Proofer’s initials

jumps match

PREP FOOTBALL 2011

TRI-CITY HERALD | FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2011

SCAC East

Story/cutline match

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TEAM OUTLOOKS COLUMBIA-BURBANK COYOTES

CONNELLEAGLES

KIONA-BENTONBEARS

Coach: Rich Harris (3rd year, 8-12).

Last league title: 1997 (split with Royal, Wahluke).

Last playoff berth: 2006.

Home field: Columbia High School, Burbank.

Projected starters (returners in bold) OFFENSE POS YR HT WT Heath Lawrence QB Sr. 5-10 175 Forest Dexter RB Jr. 5-8 160 Josh McVicker WR Sr. 5-8 150 Jose Barajas WR Jr. 5-8 155 Nathan Roberts WR Sr. 6-0 170 Garret Long WR Sr. 6-1 160 Bug Hyde C So. 5-8 185 Tyler Tiffany G Sr. 5-11 280 Marco Mosqueda G Sr. 6-1 295 Joel Blanco T Jr. 5-9 210 Nathan White T So. 5-11 225 Jose Barajas K Jr. 5-8 155 DEFENSE POS YR HT WT Tucker Simonton DE Jr. 5-11 160 Garret Long DE Sr. 6-1 160 Marco Mosqueda DT Sr. 6-1 295 Tyler Tiffany DT Sr. 5-11 280 Brandon McBride LB Sr. 6-0 178 Josh McVicker LB Sr. 5-8 150 Forest Dexter LB Jr. 5-8 160 Casey Hanshew CB Sr. 5-8 140 Christopher Ryckman CB So. 6-0 155 Nathan Roberts CB Sr. 6-0 170 Jose Barajas CB Jr. 5-8 155 Nathan Roberts P Sr. 6-0 170

Coach: Wayne Riner (11th year, 109-26).

Last league title: 2010.

Last playoff berth: 2010.

Home field: Dennis Esser Field.

Projected starters (returners in bold) OFFENSE POS YR HT Chandler Salisbury QB Sr. 5-9 Matt Hadley RB Sr. 5-11 Tyson Brook WR Sr. 6-1 Kade Eppich WR Sr. 6-3 Austin Huber WR Sr. 5-9 Ryan Heinen TE Sr. 5-10 Stefan Davidson C Jr. 5-11 John Mendez G Sr. 5-11 Gregory Heinen G So. 6-0 Kennan VanHollebeke T Sr. 6-4 Cole Vanderbilt T Sr. 6-4 Alfredo Rodriguez K So. 5-10 DEFENSE POS YR HT Kelton Syrie DE So. 6-3 Cole Vanderbilt DT Sr. 6-4 Tyson Brook NG Sr. 6-1 Kennan VanHollebeke DE Sr. 6-4 Chandler Salisbury LB Sr. 5-9 Ryan Heinen LB Sr. 5-10 Stefan Davidson LB Jr. 5-11 Skye Perkins CB Sr. 5-10 Austin Huber CB Sr. 5-9 Matt Hadley SS Sr. 5-11 Kade Eppich FS Sr. 6-3 Eric Williams P Jr. 5-10

Coach: Charlie Hobbick (3rd year, 6-14).

Last league title: 1972 (split Tri-Valley title).

Last playoff berth: 2007.

Home field: Kiona-Benton High School, Benton City.

Projected starters (returners in bold) OFFENSE POS YR HT Anfernee Cortez QB So. 5-11 Dalton Morgan RB Sr. 6-3 Matt McCallum WR Sr..

5-7 Tony Cortez WR Jr. 5-6 Cristian Aguilar WR Jr. 6-1 Cruz DelAngel WR So. 6-0 Corey Brumbaugh C Sr. 5-11 Trevor Nichols G Sr. 6-1 Santiago Valdez G Jr. 6-2 Mick Phelps T Jr. 6-6 Chase Edwards T Sr. 6-0 Zac Metcalf K Jr. 6-0 DEFENSE POS YR HT Trevor Nichols NT Sr. 6-1 Cody Zyph DT So. 6-0 Pierce Williams DT So. 6-0 Dalton Morgan LB Sr. 6-3 Luis Madrigal LB Jr. 5-9 Chase Edwards LB Sr. 6-0 Kale Setzer LB Jr. 5-9 Cruz DelAngel SS So. 6-0 Tony Cortez FS Jr. 5-6 Tim Herman CB Sr. 6-2 Matt McCallum CB Sr. 5-7 Anfernee Cortez QB So. 5-11

Others to watch: RB/DB Andrew Wattenberger.

Quick hits ◗ The Coyotes only have 26 players out this year, which could cause major issues if they suffer injuries. On the other hand, they have a lot of experience back, especially defensively. ◗ Lawrence is entering his second season as the full-time quarterback. He started four games as a sophomore and every game last season. Coach Harris said Lawrence has shown a lot more confidence so far this summer in the spread offense, which has translated well in his role as a leader. ◗ Coyotes have a brutal early conference schedule, facing Royal, River View and Connell in backto-back-to-back weeks. If they can come out of that with at least one win and no major injuries, their chances at the playoffs are right there.

Outlook Coach Harris is entering his third season as Columbia-Burbank’s head coach, and he thinks this could be the year they put it together and reach the playoffs.

“We’ve had some kids that didn’t want to work hard or meet the expectations,” Harris said. “We had 40-some in the spring, but these are the 26 that showed up in the weight room all summer.

“I think we are solid if we can stay healthy, but we’ll see how that goes.”

WT 180 210 240 175 160 185 185 205 200 235 280 160 WT 195 280 240 235 180 185 185 185 160 205 175 180

Quick hits ◗ The Eagles didn’t lose much off of last season’s state runner-up team, returning plenty of talent on both sides of the ball. ◗ Salisbury (linebacker), VanHollebeke (offensive line) and Hadley (running back/safety) are all three-year starters and will be leaned on heavily this season. ◗ Brook is moving from the offensive line to a wide receiver/tight end position, where he can put his diverse skill set to better use. ◗ VanHollebeke is switching from defensive tackle to defensive end this season. ◗ Kade Eppich draws the duty of replacing older brother Kraymer and Bryant Andersen as the goto option on the outside.

Outlook The Eagles are once again locked and loaded and heavy favorites to not only win the league again, but make a run at the state title.

With Hadley in the backfield and returning starters on both sides of the ball, it certainly is possible.

One area of concern for Connell is special teams, which has been a tremendous asset the past decade, but is young and inexperienced this season.

The Eagles also don’t have a ton of depth, and will need to be blessed with health to get back to the promised land.

WT 160 235 140 140 180 170 260 300 280 260 180 155 WT 300 220 185 235 185 180 170 170 140 185 140 160

Others to watch: Silas Landoe, So.; Jacob Heinen, Fr.

Quick hits ◗ Morgan spent the summer lifting weights and attending the Oregon State University summer combine. He is easily the biggest running back in the conference, though he lacks Hadley’s speed. ◗ The Bears lost not only their quarterback (Matt Mason), but the best wide receiver in the league (all-state first team, Hayden Wing). Replacing them will be tough, but Hobbick thinks this wide receiver group has height that has been missing in the past. ◗ Kiona-Benton averages 256 pounds across the line, as the Bears are hoping the big boys up front, combined with Morgan in the backfield can lead to a bruising offense.

Outlook The near regional playoff victory at Zillah (26-21 loss) last season has the Bears believing they have the ability to do something this season.

Combine that with the size up front, the height in the receiving corps and Morgan in the backfield, and Kiona-Benton just might break that playoff drought.

“I think we will have a team that competes with Royal and all the other teams in the league,” Hobbick said. “I thought we scrimmaged Connell better than the other two years I’ve been here by far.”

RIVER VIEWPANTHERS

WAHLUKEWARRIORS

MABTONVIKINGS

Coach: Brett Jay (4th year, 18-14).

Last league title: 2001 (split with Wahluke, Royal).

Last playoff berth: 2009.

Home field: River View High School, Finley.

Projected starters (returners in bold) OFFENSE POS YR HT Austin Weatherby QB Jr. 5-9 Braden Thomas RB Sr. 6-0 Cody Hand WR So. 6-2 Dylan Thomas WR Jr. 5-11 Josh Marshall WR Jr. 5-11 Aaron McGaughey TE Sr. 6-0 Miguel Vargas C Sr. 5-9 Jerry Beaver G Sr. 5-11 Wyatt Beeler G Jr. 5-9 Spencer Combs T Jr. 6-3 Kyle Hall T Jr. 6-3 Alonzo Mendoza K So. 5-10 DEFENSE POS YR HT Spencer Combs DE Jr. 6-3 Kyle Hall DT Jr. 6-3 Miguel Vargas DT Sr. 5-9 Yarik Tyutyunnik DE Sr. 6-2 Jerry Beaver LB Sr. 5-11 Austin Hoch LB Sr. 5-11 Kody Bartlett LB Jr. 5-11 Josh Marshall CB Jr. 5-11 Jeff Leachman CB Jr. 5-8 Alonzo Mendoza SS So. 5-10 Cody Hand FS So. 6-2 Alonzo Mendoza P So. 5-10

Coach: Brycen Bye (1st year).

Last league title: 2001 (split with River View, Royal).

Last playoff berth: 2003.

Home field: Wahluke High School, Mattawa.

Projected starters (returners in bold) OFFENSE POS YR HT WT Jared Sabin QB Sr. 6-2 220 Ricky Silverio RB Sr. 5-7 185 Jaime Jimenez RB Jr. 5-10 200 Francisco Cuevas RB Sr. 5-8 180 Oscar Jimenez WR Sr. 5-11 165 Jordan Zirker WR Sr. 5-9 150 Tyler Yorgesen OL Sr. 5-10 190 Alberto Cruz OL Sr. 6-2 230 Antonio Martinez OL Sr. 5-8 185 Noe Lopez OL Jr. 5-11 225 Luis Martinez OL Sr. 5-10 210 Jaime Jimenez K Jr. 5-10 200 DEFENSE POS YR HT WT Alberto Cruz DL Sr. 6-2 230 Antonio Martinez DL Sr. 5-8 185 Luis Martinez OL Sr. 5-10 210 Jared Sabin DL Sr. 6-2 220 Tyler Yorgesen LB Sr. 5-10 190 Jaime Jimenez LB Jr. 5-10 200 Ricky Silverio LB Sr. 5-7 185 Francisco Cuevas DB Sr. 5-8 180 Jonathan Abarca DB Sr. 5-3 135 Albaro Rodriguez DB Sr. 5-10 170 Rafael Mendoza DB Sr. 5-10 145 Jaime Jimenez P Jr. 5-10 200

Coach: Trevor Curtis (1st year).

Last league title: 1972 (split Tri-Valley title with Kiona-Benton).

Last playoff berth: 2005 (Class 2B).

Home field: Mabton High School.

Returning starters POS YR HT WT Josh Carrasco WR/DB Jr. 5-8 150 Carlos Gesteleum FB/LB Sr. 5-10 160 Carlos Rendon OL/DL Jr. 5-8 180 Others to watch POS YR HT WT Bryan Arellano OL/DL Sr. 5-10 205 Michael Chavez C/DL So. 5-8 200 Adrian Gutierrez RB/LB Jr. 5-9 180 Isaiah Martinez QB/DB So. 5-7 140 Emilio Mireles RB/LB Jr. 5-5 150 Daniel Reyes OL/DL Jr. 5-7 180

WT 205 170 170 155 165 160 210 220 235 280 270 165 WT 280 270 210 190 220 180 160 165 155 165 170 165

Others to watch: TE/LB Ruvim Tyutyunnik, Fr., 6-0, 185.

Others to watch: WR Mendoza; WR Rodriguez; WR Abarca; DB O. Jimenez; DB Zirker.

Quick hits

Quick hits

◗ With leading rusher Chance Watt gone to graduation, the Panthers will go with a running back by committee. Braden Thomas, Mendoza, Bartlett and Leachman will all see time in the backfield. ◗ River View graduated 20 seniors and only has two starters back on offense, so much will be expected of Weatherby, including more production in the passing game. ◗ Defensively, the Panthers have a lot back, including at linebacker and on the line. Combs and Hall have the ability to take over games up front. ◗ Coach Jay expects big things out of the linebacking corps of Hoch, Bartlett and Beaver. ◗ The Panthers’ secondary must replace Tucker Hamlin, who set the school interceptions record last season.

◗ Bye is in his third season coaching at Wahluke, but this is his first head-coaching job. He is also the third coach in three years. He played high school ball at Pomeroy. ◗ Mendoza is an intriguing addition to the Warriors, after placing in the triple jump at the state track meet this spring. He could add a lot of speed and athleticism to the outside on offense and defense. ◗ The Warriors will run the Fly offense, with different variations out of that set. ◗ While Wahluke has struggled in recent years, the Warriors do have more than 20 seniors on the roster, so experience won’t be a problem.

Outlook River View is young this season, but Jay is convinced that his team has come together and is ready to get the Panthers program back to where it was earlier this century.

Weatherby will have to play beyond his years to lead an inexperienced offense — which lost Kris Welch and Eric Farnworth — if the Panthers hope to compete with Connell and Royal for the top spot in the league.

Outlook With all new coaches comes change, but Bye’s transition has been easier since he has been at Wahluke the past three seasons.

“The hard thing is getting used to a new personality,” Bye said, “but they’ve been around me and I’ve taught most of the kids, and it has been a good transition for them.”

The Warriors are hoping to be competitive in all games, which would then translate to some victories.

“We want to make the district playoff,” Bye said.

“That is our big goal to get to that playoff.”

Quick hits ◗ Curtis takes over as the third coach in three years and faces the monumental task of trying to turn the Vikings program around. Curtis was a volunteer on the coaching staff last year and has never been a head coach at the high school level. ◗ Mabton has just 28 kids out, but Curtis is hoping to provide some stability and plans on staying for more than one season. ◗ With only three starters back, the team will be learning on the fly a bit. The Vikings also lost second-team all-SCAC East linebacker Noe Gutierrez and honorable mention defensive back Josh Strickland. ◗ Gesteleum is switching from center to fullback. ◗ Gutierrez and Carrasco are the only players with much of any experience back from last season, but it isn’t much.

Outlook While Mabton won’t be competing for a league title this season, the Vikings still are hoping to improve.

“I’m going into it wanting to teach them how to play football,” Curtis said. “And for them to enjoy it and compete. We are just going to come out and work hard.”

With such a tiny enrollment — only 217 in grades 10-12 — Mabton is at a disadvantage, but the Vikings were competitive early in the season last year.

“I really want to try and improve from last year,” Curtis said. “They had opportunities and just didn’t come through. We just want to compete and get better than last year and get better every year.

“I don’t want to be one year and done. I just want to do what I can.”

If Curtis can provide some stability for the Vikings, then the team’s chances at improving are much better.

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ROYALKNIGHTS Coach: Wiley Allred (13th year, 136-16).

Last league title: 2008.

Last playoff berth: 2010.

Home field: David Nielsen Memorial Field.

Projected starters (returners in bold) OFFENSE POS YR HT Alex Myrick QB Jr. 5-7 Alex Ramirez RB Jr. 5-4 Brady Dixon FB Jr. 6-2 Ricky Ramirez WR Sr. 5-8 Danny Vermeer WR Sr. 6-0 Reed Lefler TE Jr. 6-4 Kent Christensen OL Jr. 6-3 Uriel Carmona OL Jr. 5-9 Tanner Whitaker OL Sr. 6-1 Carter Christensen OL Jr. 6-0 Justin Edwards OL Sr. 5-10 Pepe Gaxiola K Sr. 6-0 DEFENSE POS YR HT Reed Lefler DE Jr. 6-4 Tanner Whitaker DT Sr. 6-1 Cristian Fernandez DT Jr. 6-1 Kent Christensen DE Jr. 6-3 Alex Ramirez LB Jr. 5-4 Brady Dixon LB Jr. 6-2 Justin Edwards LB Sr. 5-10 Danny Vermeer DB Sr. 6-0 Alex Myrick DB Jr. 5-7 Johnny Villanueva DB Sr. 5-5 Freddy Ramirez DB Sr. 5-10 Damien Delarosa P Jr. 5-11

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2011 | TRI-CITY HERALD

11

FIVE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE LEAGUE

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SCAC East teams have made the state championship game in seven of the last nine seasons.

Connell and Royal each have gone four times.

The Knights have won three state titles in that run — including defeating Connell in 2007 — while the Eagles have won it once.

With Connell welcoming twotime Class 1A All-State Player of the Year Matt Hadley back, expect the Eagles to make a run at advancing to a third consecutive state championship game.

1

While 2010 was the year of the running back for the SCAC East, 2011 is the year of the quarterback.

Four of seven teams have their starting quarterbacks back this season.

Most notably, Connell’s Chandler Salisbury and Royal’s Alex Myrick, who were first- and second-team allSCAC East, respectively.

Columbia-Burbank, Wahluke and Mabton all have quarterbacks back as well.

2

Two new coaches join the ranks this season, as Brycen Bye takes over in Wahluke and Trevor Curtis takes over at Mabton.

Bye has been in Wahluke the last two seasons, so he has a good grasp on what the league has to offer.

Curtis was a volunteer on the football staff last year and will be making his debut as a varsity high school coach.

3

Both Connell and Royal are ranked in the Tacoma NewsTribune’s preseason rankings.

The Eagles are listed at No. 2, the Knights at No. 7.

Both teams have the athletes to make those rankings hold up.

While the Eagles are the clear-cut favorite to win the SCAC East title, the other three playoff spots figure to be up for grabs, led by the tradition-rich Knights.

4

From the opening weekend, there are plenty of quality games on the schedule.

Connell hosts Othello, in the latest game from the long rivalry between the two teams. Both teams are ranked in the top three in the state.

Royal is at Cashmere, while Connell is at Chelan as both teams met in the playoffs last season.

River View also hosts Zillah later in the year.

5

Others to watch: OL Abel Castillon, Sr. (5-10, 200); LB Marcos Morales, Jr. (5-8, 170).

Quick hits ◗ Ramirez will start at running back, Dixon at fullback and Lefler at tight end after injuries caused some reshuffling. Dixon started at tight end last season. Ramirez saw time at running back a year ago, though he did not start. ◗ For the first time in a few years, the Knights will get to enjoy having mainly upperclassmen on the roster. That should provide the necessary experience to chase after Connell. Royal returns seven starters on both sides of the ball. ◗ For a second consecutive season, Royal finds itself in the strange position of being an underdog.

It’s not often a coach with more than 100 wins can tell his kids with a straight face that no one is expecting them to win the league title. ◗ Whitaker is back after a solid season on both sides of the ball. The Knights will rely on him to be a force up front.

Outlook The key to Royal’s season could be how much Myrick has grown under center.

“It’s fun to watch the growth of someone in the quarterback position,” Allred said. “He has improved, and you see a lot more confidence.”

The Knights expect they will be able to compete with anyone in the state.

Paul T. Erickson | perickson@tricityherald.com

Royal High’s Alex Myrick makes a splash with his arm as he slings passes to Knights receivers this fall.

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SHARING THE LOAD Matt Hadley, Connell’s record-setting running back, spreads the wealth with teammates when it comes to credit CRAIG CRAKER HERALD STAFF WRITER

C

ONNELL — In the midst of Matt Hadley’s record-setting junior season, he visited a TriCities TV station.

While in the newsroom, he did his standard “deflect attention from himself and praise his teammates.”

This apparently didn’t sit well as he was requested a few times to act cocky for the camera.

Those who know Hadley best — including his fellow teammates — say this isn’t someone blowing smoke, though.

This is the real deal.

A down-to-earth farm boy who appears just as comfortable talking about the corn on his family farm or how many cattle are in the 4H competition at the fair, he also doesn’t mind sharing the limelight while putting his considerable talents on display.

Hadley will be the one who goes down in history with his name in the record books. But as always, it isn’t all about him.

Tyson Brook, who was on the offensive line in 2010 and will switch to tight end this season, said Hadley’s records are a legacy for everyone on the team and the Eagles will fondly remember being a part of it.

“We will,” he said. “It’s not only me saying that. Other people have, too.

(Hadley) knows it also, and he lets us know.”

Hadley rushed for a state-recordtying 50 touchdowns last season, racking up 2,516 yards on 272 carries, good for seventh all time in one season.

With nearly everyone back on the offensive line, Hadley has similar goals this season, and his teammates — such as Brook and quarterback Chandler Salisbury — think he has a

Matt Hadley’s career stats 2008: 36 carries, 200 yards, 1 TD; 2 receiving TDs 2009: 234 carries, 1,835 yards, 23 TDs; 5 receiving TDs, 3 punt return TDs, 1 fumble return TD 2010: 272 carries, 2,516 yards, 47 TDs; 1 receiving TD, 2 kickoff return TDs Career totals: 542 carries, 4,551 yards, 71 TDs; 8 receiving TDs, 3 punt return TDs, 2 kickoff return TDs, 1 fumble return TD; 85 total TDs in 38 games (Note: rushing stats from the 2008 game vs. Moscow are unavailable)

State records in Hadley’s sights Career all-purpose TDs: Kirby Moore, Prosser — 99 in 50 games Career scoring: Jeff Jack, Royal — 723 points in 41 games Single-season rushing: Matthias Wilson, Ferndale — 2,676 yards in 14 games Single-season all-purpose TDs: J.R. Hasty, Bellevue — 50 in 13 games; Hadley, Connell — 50 in 14 games

chance at the single-season state record of 2,676 yards.

“That’s a pretty good record he set last year,” Salisbury said. “He has improved a ton. I could see it happen again.”

Hadley wouldn’t say what his specific goals are, as he’d rather talk about ways he could improve and not just by gaining more muscle (oh, he added 15 pounds this offseason, by the way).

“This year I wanted to grow as a leader,” he said, “so I could come in as a senior captain and be that leader that my team and my coaches need me to be.”

As a junior, there were times where Hadley wanted to speak up, but was either shot down by the seniors or didn’t feel comfortable.

Kai-Huei Yau | kyau@tricityherald.com

See HADLEY | Page 13

Connell senior Matt Hadley is looking to improve upon a spectacular 50-touchdown junior season before joining his brother Spencer at BYU next fall.

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HADLEY | Standout back surrounded by plenty of weapons FROM PAGE 12

This year, though, he isn’t having any of that.

Watch a day at practice, and you can see it. He’s in the middle of nearly everything, helping direct things, leading by example, but also willing to have a little fun.

“Since I’m the senior now, it’s kind of your job,” Hadley said. “This senior class is so enthusiastic, so passionate. I’m looking forward to that this year.”

And as good as Hadley is, ask him and he’ll always be quick to point out that it isn’t just about him. He points out the other seniors who provide leadership, the myriad offensive weapons the Eagles feature, the experienced offensive line that provides the holes for Hadley to hit, the quick defense, and on and on.

“That’s what I love about this team,” he said. “We’re so close. There are no negative comments. ... What it’s really all about is meeting our team goals. You have to make sure that is your No. 1 priority.”

With all the kids back for the Eagles, and all the playoff experience, the No. 1 priority of getting the state championship back in Connell seems like a real possibility.

Plus, the Eagles might just have the ultimate cherry on top: the greatest season by a running back this state has ever seen.

“I think he can get the record,” Brook said. “I know he will. With his skills and the team all around — from our QB to our line to our wide receivers setting him up with blocks, he has a good chance at getting it.”

And if Hadley does find his name on top of multiple records at the end of the season, he already knows how he wants to be remembered.

“I’d like to be known as a great running back, sure,” Hadley said, “but more importantly, it’s the kind of person you are — that’s what it all comes down to. I think that’s more important than being known as the best running back in the history of Washington.”

Not surprising, considering Hadley’s personality. ◗ Craig Craker: 582-1509; ccraker@tricityherald.com; Twitter.com/craig_craker

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2011 | TRI-CITY HERALD

13

MID-COLUMBIA STATE PLAYOFFS, 2000-10 2010

Kamiakin reaches first round 2A Connell wins state title Othello reaches quarterfinals 1A Royal finishes second Columbia-Burbank reaches first round 2B DeSales reaches first round 1B Touchet finishes second

4A Chiawana reaches quarterfinals Richland reaches first round 3A Kamiakin finishes second 2A Prosser reaches quarterfinals Othello reaches first round 1A Connell finishes second Royal reaches first round 2B Waitsburg reaches semifinals DeSales reaches quarterfinals Warden reaches first round

2001

2009 4A Southridge reaches first round Kamiakin reaches first round 3A Hanford reaches first round 2A Othello reaches quarterfinals 1A Connell wins state title River View reaches quarterfinals Royal reaches quarterfinals 2B DeSales reaches semifinals Waitsburg reaches first round 1B Tri-Cities Prep wins state title

2008 4A Southridge reaches first round 2A Prosser finishes second Othello reaches quarterfinals 1A Royal reaches semifinals Connell reaches first round 2B DeSales reaches quarterfinals 1B Tri-Cities Prep reaches first round

2007 3A Kennewick reaches quar-

Herald file photo

The Kamiakin Braves get ready to take the field at the Tacoma Dome last December in the 3A state title game against Bellevue.

terfinals Southridge reaches quarterfinals Kamiakin reaches first round 2A Prosser wins state title Othello loses in semifinals 1A Royal wins state title Connell finishes second Kiona-Benton reaches first round 2B DeSales wins state title 1B Tri-Cities Prep reaches semifinals Touchet reaches first round

2006 4A Pasco reaches quarterfinals Moses Lake reaches first round 3A Kamiakin reaches semifinals 2A Prosser reaches semifinals Othello reaches first round 1A Connell finishes second Royal reaches semifinals

Columbia-Burbank reaches first round 2B DeSales reaches first round 1B Touchet reaches semifinals

Connell reaches semifinals 1A Royal wins state title 2B DeSales finishes second Mabton reaches first round

2005

2003

4A Pasco reaches first round Southridge reaches first round 3A Prosser finishes second 2A Connell reaches semifinals Grandview reaches quarterfinals Othello reaches first round 1A Royal wins state title 2B DeSales finishes second Mabton reaches first round

4A Pasco wins state title Kamiakin reaches quarterfinals Southridge reaches first round 3A Prosser reaches quarterfinals 2A Othello reaches first round 1A Royal reaches semifinals Warden reaches quarterfinals Wahluke reaches first round 2B DeSales finishes second 1B Touchet reaches first round

2004 4A Pasco reaches semifinals Walla Walla reaches first round Southridge reaches first round 3A Prosser reaches first round 2A Othello wins state title

2002 4A Walla Walla reaches semifinals Moses Lake reaches quarterfinals

4A Pasco finishes second Walla Walla reaches quarterfinals Kamiakin reaches first round Moses Lake reaches first round 3A Prosser reaches quarterfinals 2A Othello finishes second Connell reaches quarterfinals 1A River View reaches quarterfinals Royal reaches first round 2B DeSales finishes second Waitsburg reaches first round 1B Prescott finishes second Touchet reaches first round

2000 4A Pasco wins title Kamiakin reaches quarterfinals Richland reaches first round Walla Walla reaches first round 3A Prosser reaches quarterfinals 2A Othello reaches semifinals 1A Royal wins state title 2B Waitsburg reaches semifinals DeSales reaches first round 1B Touchet reaches first round

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• Plus don’t forgot us for Holiday Lighting, Christmas Trees and Snow & Ice Management!

2816 W 27th Ave • Kennewick Open 7 days a week 586-0744

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2B/1B Oregon ’10 REPLAY — OREGON

OREGON SAVE THE DATE

5A Columbia River Conference Div. The Dalles Wahtonka ......................3-0 Hood River Valley ............................2-1 Pendleton ......................................1-2 Hermiston......................................0-3 5A state play-in games First round Hermiston 63, Milwaukie 38 Second round Jefferson (Portland) 55, Hermiston 6

Overall 6-4 6-3 5-4 3-7

All games at 7 p.m. unless noted

Today Irrigon at Tri-Cities Prep, 3 p.m.; Elgin, Ore., at Riverside; Dayton at Stanfield; Umatilla at Weston McEwen; Hermiston at Walla Walla

Saturday Echo vs. Butte Falls at Dufur (Ore.) Classic, 10 a.m.

Returning all-conference players First-team offense QB — Cody Walker, sr., Hood River Valley.

C — Ethan Johnson, sr., Pendleton. RB — Jacob Rickman, jr., Pendleton.

First-team defense LB — Luke Ihle, sr., Hood River Valley. DB — Rique Cardenas, sr., Hermiston (also second-team utility, second-team KR).

First-team special teams K — Lathan Alger, sr., Pendleton (also second-team utility, second-team secondary).

Second-team defense (Hermiston only) LB — Endy de la Cruz, sr.

Friday, Sept. 9 Echo at Cove, 6 p.m.; Riverside at Stanfield; Umatilla at Elgin; Kennewick at Hermiston

Thursday, Sept. 15 Liberty Christian at Echo

Friday, Sept. 16 Riverside at Irrigon; Heppner at Umatilla; Hermiston at Franklin

Saturday, Sept. 17 Stanfield at Portland Christian, 3 p.m.

3A Eastern Oregon League Div. Vale ..............................................5-0 Burns ............................................4-1 Nyssa ............................................3-2 Grant Union ....................................2-3 Riverside ........................................1-4 Umatilla..........................................0-5

Overall 7-3 8-3 4-6 2-7 3-7 0-9

Friday, Sept. 23 Irrigon at Pilot Rock; Riverside at Waitsburg-Prescott; Elgin at Stanfield; Dufur at Echo; Lewiston at Hermiston

Friday, Sept. 30

Returning all-league players

Stanfield at Irrigon; Condon at Echo; McLoughlin Union at Umatilla; Hermiston at Moses Lake

First-team offense OL — Skyler Emery, sr., Nyssa (also second-team DL, K); Cory Erstrom, sr., Vale (also second-team DL).

P — Tyler Cooper, sr., Burns.

First-team defense LB — Nick Contreras, jr., Nyssa. DB — Jackson Stripe, sr., Nyssa. DL — Briton Hansen, sr., Riverside (also second-team OL); Austin Tolman, sr., Vale.

Second-team offense (Riverside, Umatilla) TE — Chuy Alba, sr., Riverside (also honorable mention at DB).

Honorable mention (Riverside, Umatilla) OFFENSE: QB — Andres Sanguino, sr., Umatilla; Trevor Graff, sr., Riverside. OL — Nicho Williams, sr., Umatilla (also honorable mention at DL).

DEFENSE: LB — Josiah Zitterkob, sr., Umatilla.

DB — Kile Wilson, sr., Umatilla.

Friday, Oct. 7 Irrigon at Enterprise; Riverside at Grant Union; Stanfield at Heppner; Echo at South Wasco County; Umatilla at Burns; Hermiston at The Dalles Wahtonka

Friday, Oct. 14 Elgin at Irrigon; Burns at Riverside; Weston McEwen at Stanfield; Nyssa at Umatilla; Hood River Valley at Hermiston

Friday, Oct. 21 Riverside at Nyssa, 6 p.m.; Weston McEwen at Irrigon; Echo at Arlington; Umatilla at Vale; Hermiston at Pendleton

2A Blue Mountain Conference Div. Heppner ........................................6-0 Weston McEwen/Griswold ..............5-1 Stanfield ........................................4-2 Enterprise......................................3-3 Pilot Rock ......................................2-4 Elgin ..............................................1-5 Irrigon............................................0-6 State playoffs First round Knappa 45, Stanfield 8

Overall 7-3 8-2 7-3 6-3 2-6 1-7 0-7

Enterprise at Stanfield; Echo at Ione; Umatilla at Riverside; Davis at Hermiston

Friday, Nov. 4 Kai-Huei Yau | kyau@tricityherald.com

Returning all-conference players First-team offense QB — Dallas Reich, sr., Weston McEwen (also first-team secondary). RB — Elliot Salter, sr., Weston McEwen. P — Francisco Nunez, jr., Irrigon.

First-team defense LB — Tice Waite, sr., Pilot Rock (also second-team OL); Corey Baros, jr., Stanfield (also second-team RB). DB — Cam Day, sr., Heppner; Marcus Lynn, sr., Enterprise (also second-team RB). DL — Riley Sederburg, sr., Weston McEwen; Cody Orr, sr., Heppner (also second-team WR).

Second-team offense (Stanfield, Irrigon only) WR — Osvaldo Macias, jr., Irrigon.

1A Big Sky Conference Div. Sherman........................................5-0 Dufur..............................................4-1 Echo ..............................................3-2 Ione................................................1-4 Arlington ........................................2-3 Condon/Wheeler ............................0-5 State playoffs First round Lowell 84, Echo 34

Friday, Oct. 28

Overall 9-2 6-5 4-7 4-6 6-4 2-7

Returning all-league players First-team offense QB — CJ Flores, so., Echo. C — Mick Dabulskis, sr., Sherman. G — Scott Stroud, sr., Sherman.

First-team defense Line — Dustin Hill, sr., Condon-Wheeler.

UMATILLAVIKINGS Coach: Mike Mosher (1st year).

Last league title: 1996. Last playoff berth: 2008.

Home field: Milt Durand Field.

Expected major contributors: QB/FS Andres Sanguino, Sr. (5-11, 170); TB/LB Kile Wilson, Sr. (5-10, 150); FB/LB Emanuel Chavez, Sr. (5-9, 165); WR/SS Justin Vandever, Jr. (5-10, 175); CB/WR Tanner Chewning, Sr. (6-0, 175); LT/DE Josiah Zitterkob, Sr. (6-0, 190); TE/DE Trevor Hines, Sr. (6-0, 185); TE/WR/DE Zach Ash, Sr. (6-1, 200); CB/WR Nick Snyder, Jr. (6-2, 180); RB/CB/SS Jaime Bruce, Sr. (5-9, 165); FB/LB Bryce Kennedy, Jr. (5-11, 180); LB/C Mitch Thompson, Jr. (5-10, 190); DT/G Justin Siler, So. (6-0, 230); DT/G Nicho Williams, Sr. (6-1, 325); CB/TB Brandon Williams, Sr. (5-9, 180); DT/T Matt Adams, Jr. (6-0, 235); DT/T Octavio Politron, So. (5-11, 210); FS/WR Mike Crumrine, Jr. (5-10, 165); DE/G Dayton McIntire, So. (5-7, 170); LB/G Isaiah Hansen, so. (5-8, 165); T/DT David Holden, Sr. (6-2, 280); TB/OLB David Bernal, Jr. (5-6, 160).

Quick hits ◗ The Umatilla school board approved Mosher for the head-coaching job in mid-July. He was an assistant under Kelly Allen, who resigned after four seasons to spend more time with his family. ◗ The Vikings are looking for a new tackling giant after the graduation of Brenden Dunleavy (69 total tackles in 2010) and German Campos (54). ◗ Sanguino gives the Vikings some stability — and mobility — at quarterback.

Outlook Being a first-year coach can be difficult, especially with a team that struggled the previous season. Mosher’s familiarity with the players should help him make up for lost time at the helm.

Rique Cardenas is one of Hermiston’s few returning starters. He will start at slotback and defensive back after breaking his collarbone last season. Born in Hermiston, Cardenas remembers jumping the canal at his grandmother’s house as a child.

Irrigon at Heppner; Vale at Riverside; Stanfield at Pilot Rock; Sherman County at Echo; Grant Union at Umatilla

HERMISTONBULLDOGS

STANFIELDTIGERS

RIVERSIDEPIRATES

Coach: Mark Hodges (4th year, 17-15).

Last league title: 2008.

Last playoff berth: 2009.

Home field: Kennison Field.

Projected starters (returners in bold) OFFENSE POS YR HT Alex Campbell QB So. 5-9 Larry Posada RB Sr. 5-9 Bobby Adams RB Sr. 5-8 Rique Cardenas WR Sr. 5-5 Jerod Munsterman WR Jr. 6-4 Alex Ortiz WR Jr. 6-1 Cal Pierson C Sr. 6-2 Brad Browne G So. 5-10 Damian Martinez G So. 5-9 Tate Gabriel T Sr. 5-9 John Couture T Jr. 6-1 Jerod Munsterman K Jr. 6-4 DEFENSE POS YR HT David Barnett DE Jr. 6-2 Kyle Hodges DT Sr. 6-1 Trenton Anteau DE So. 5-9 Tyler Schwirse LB Sr. 5-9 Thomas Hamblin LB Jr. 5-11 Endy De La Cruz LB Sr. 5-9 Larry Posada LB Sr. 5-9 Rique Cardenas CB Sr. 5-5 Ray Aguilar CB Sr. 5-10 Rue Ayers S Sr. 5-9 Alex Ortiz S Jr. 6-1 Jerod Munsterman P Jr. 6-4

Coach: Steve Sheller (1st year).

Last league title: 1957.

Last playoff berth: 2010.

Home field: Horyna Sports Complex.

Projected starters (returners in bold) OFFENSE POS YR HT Bryce Linker QB So. 5-10 Corey Baros RB Jr. 5-11 Ulises Ibarra RB Jr. 5-6 Devin Haefer WR Jr. 5-9 Nino Castellanos WR So. 5-9 Chris Diaz TE Sr. 5-8 Michael Martinez C Jr. 6-0 Vlad Caldera G So. 5-5 Dominic Renner G Sr. 5-9 Efrain Nunez T Jr. 6-3 Tyler Renner T Jr. 6-0 N/A K DEFENSE POS YR HT Michael Martinez DL Jr. 6-0 David Nichols DL Sr. 6-0 Dominic Renner DL Sr. 5-9 Tyler Renner DL Jr. 6-0 Corey Baros LB Jr. 5-11 Ross Mendiola LB Jr. 5-10 Chris Diaz LB Sr. 5-8 Bryce Linker DB/LB So. 5-10 Ulises Ibarra DB Jr. 5-6 Devin Haefer DB Jr. 5-9 Nino Castellanos DB So. 5-9 N/A P

Coach: Robin Graff (5th year, 8-29).

Last league title: 1994.

Last playoff berth: 1989.

Home field: Hendricks Field.

Projected starters OFFENSE POS YR HT Trevor Graff QB Sr. 5-11 Elijah Conlon WR Fr. 5-6 Justus Schwabrow WR So. 5-7 Chuy Alba RB Sr. 5-10 Briton Hansen RB Sr. 6-0 Gregg Shimer TE So. 6-4 Arrow Corpus C Sr. 6-1 Daniel Puerta G Jr. 5-8 Edgar Ramos G Sr. 5-11 Taylor Wightman T Sr. 6-2 Arik Corpus T So. 5-11 Chuy Alba K Sr. 5-10 DEFENSE POS YR HT Taylor Wightman DE Sr. 6-2 Edgar Ramos DT Sr. 5-11 Daniel Puerta DT Jr. 5-8 Gregg Shimer DE So. 6-4 Briton Hansen LB Sr. 6-0 Arik Corpus LB So. 5-11 Elijah Conlon LB Fr. 5-6 Undecided CB Undecided CB Chuy Alba SS Sr. 5-10 Undecided FS Undecided P

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WT 175 180 135 140 150 155 255 170 205 305 192 WT 255 260 205 192 180 185 155 175 135 140 150

WT 175 135 170 165 190 195 240 205 255 185 180 165 WT 185 255 205 195 190 180 135

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◗ A slew of injuries and illnesses hit the Bulldogs last year. Hermiston was down eight starters at one point. Though the Bulldogs healed enough for the play-in games, their second-round exit was disappointing for a team that expected to go deep into the postseason.

◗ Sheller moved up from an assistant job after Jay Zwiefelhofer, who coached the Tigers for four seasons, resigned earlier this year.

◗ Graff will be limited to playing at quarterback the first four games as he continues to recover from knee surgery. After that, he might be able to venture to the defense. Alba, who spent some time under center in camp, might get a few snaps at QB in the Wildcat formation, coach Graff said.

◗ The Bulldogs hope players will step up after losing all-purpose powerhouse Mark Hodges Jr., as well as their top rusher (Jacob Almaguer), QB (Tim Rude) and receiver (Joey Burns). ◗ Almaguer had some hefty numbers last year — 958 yards on 143 carries. Senior Rique Cardenas (330 yards in 2010) might be the primary choice to pick up the slack. Cardenas broke his collarbone against Pendleton and missed the play-in games, but he has come back strong.

◗ Leading the junior class is Baros, an All-Big Sky Conference first-team LB and second-team RB who impressed in the weight room this summer. “He’s the strongest, quickest, most well-conditioned player,” Sheller said of Baros, the top returning rusher from a team that racked up 3,088 yards on the ground last year. ◗ Martinez missed out on starting at center last year. This offseason, he made sure that wouldn’t happen again. After a great summer, he will be a two-way starter. “He has shown he knows how to do the work,” Sheller said.

◗ On the other side of the ball, “we’ve got an ornery bunch of kids that like to defend the run, but we have to get better at defending the pass,” coach Hodges said.

◗ Castellanos, who can play at running back, cornerback or safety, and Linker are promising underclassmen. Castellanos suffered a concussion in camp but has recovered. Linker is showing he can be an impact player and a leader.

Outlook

Outlook

If the Bulldogs can avoid those dreaded “i” words — injuries and illnesses — they should be able to make some noise in the Columbia River Conference.

Several younger players will get valuable time as starters, including sophomore quarterback Campbell. That game experience will help the program moving forward.

Sheller has a tough act to follow. Zwiefelhofer led the Tigers to back-to-back winning seasons, and Stanfield lost a substantial portion of its 2010 squad, including four all-conference firstteam players.

“When you graduate 12 seniors, it’s gonna affect you, but the seniors set our young kids up for success,” Sheller said.

◗ Riverside has some big shoes to fill with the graduation of Harley Orcutt and Brigham Hansen, who rushed for a combined 1,594 yards and 18 touchdowns on 242 carries last year. Briton Hansen has been moved from tackle to RB, providing a veteran ground presence with Alba. ◗ Briton Hansen, a 2010 all-state honorable mention pick on the defensive line, will anchor the Pirates at LB. Last year, Hansen recorded 118 tackles, finishing second in the Eastern Oregon League behind brother Brigham’s 136, and tied for the league lead in sacks with 10. ◗ Several younger players are vying to be defensive starters, and a few of those could be gametime decisions, coach Graff said.

Outlook A 20-player squad doesn’t offer much in the way of flexibility, and the Pirates could be especially young on defense, but they have solid leaders in co-captains Graff and Hansen. Graff, who had thought his injury might be career-threatening, wants to make the most of his final season at Riverside.

PREP FOOTBALL 2011

tricityherald.com

IRRIGONKNIGHTS Coach: Dave Baker (3rd year, 2-16).

Last league title: Never. Last playoff berth: Never under new school; 1957 as the Comets.

Home field: Irrigon High School.

Projected starters OFFENSE POS YR HT WT Francisco Nunez QB Jr. 6-1 180 Andy Aguilera RB Jr. 5-8 155 Dustin Rule RB Jr. 5-6 150 Cole Snyder FB So. 5-7 170 Osvaldo Macias WR Jr. 6-2 180 Ramone Leon WR Sr. 5-7 160 Leon Luna C Jr. 5-10 180 Robin Wright G So. 6-2 215 Oscar Romero G Fr. 5-10 195 Brian Lee T Sr. 6-1 170 Junior Mendoza T Jr. 6-1 310 Osvaldo Macias K Jr. 6-2 180 DEFENSE POS YR HT WT Leon Luna DE Jr. 5-10 180 Oscar Romero DT Fr. 5-10 195 Brian Lee DT Sr. 6-1 170 Tom Hendrickson DE Jr. 6-1 175 Robin Wright LB So. 6-2 215 Ryan Reynolds LB Fr. 5-9 155 Cole Snyder LB So. 5-7 170 Dustin Rule CB Jr. 5-6 150 Francisco Nunez CB Jr. 6-1 180 Osvaldo Macias S Jr. 6-2 180 Andy Aguilera S Jr. 5-8 155 Francisco Nunez P Jr. 6-1 180 Others to watch: WR/S Darren Atkinson, Fr. (5-3, 130); LB/RB Colby Baker, Fr. (5-8, 150); FB/LB Robert Evans, Fr. (5-10, 160).

Quick hits ◗ For his first two seasons, Baker had one assistant coach. Thankfully for the Knights, that’s not the case this year. “We have about six coaches now,” Baker said, “so we can do individual drills, and I think we’ll have the best season we’ll ever have.” ◗ Irrigon is loaded with speed. Baker, who coaches the Knights’ track team, says Macias is the fastest WR in the league, with Leon in the top two or three. “When he gets open, he’s absolutely gone,” Baker said of Leon. ◗ The Knights won’t be hurting on special teams.

Last year, Nunez’s punts averaged 46 yards, with a half-dozen going 70 yards. ◗ Atkinson is the sparkplug of the freshman class.

He might be on the smallish side, but “if that kid had the physicalness to match his attitude, he’d be an All-Pro,” Baker said. ◗ Irrigon has a big hole to fill after the graduation of RB/LB Donaven Baker, last year’s team MVP who will try to walk on at Montana. “We really haven’t had anyone step up to take that leadership role,” coach Baker said. “We’ll see how it goes this year.”

Outlook Irrigon has the athletic tools to succeed this season, but staying healthy will be crucial for a squad with just 19 players. There certainly is a healthy motivation to improve: More victories would boost the players’ confidence — and possibly help the program grow.

ECHOCOUGARS Coach: Rick Thew (1st year).

Last league title: 1986. Last playoff berth: 2010.

Home field: Veterans Memorial Field/Charlie Berry Stadium.

Projected starters (returners in bold) OFFENSE POS YR HT WT CJ Flores QB So. 5-10 165 Jeramy Cisneros FB Sr. 5-9 170 David Lara TB Jr. 5-5 140 Connor Bettencourt TE Jr. 5-11 150 Dylan Enright C Jr. 6-0 165 Ruben Macias G Sr. 5-10 265 Jacob Murstig G So. 5-10 170 Jacob Easton TE Jr. 5-9 175 Amanda Lancaster K Sr. 5-6 186 DEFENSE POS YR HT WT Jacob Murstig DE So. 5-10 170 Ruben Macias DT Sr. 5-10 265 Esau Ibarra DT Sr. 5-8 165 Treve Moffit DE Jr. 6-0 150 Jeramy Cisneros LB Sr. 5-9 170 Connor Bettencourt CB Jr. 5-11 150 Jacob Easton CB Jr. 5-9 175 CJ Flores S So. 5-10 165 Brian Gutierrez P Jr. 5-7 140 Others to watch: LG/RDE Glen Swanger, Sr. (5-11, 180); DT Brian Bither, Jr. (6-0, 360); DT Ty Swaggart, Sr. (6-1, 240).

Quick hits ◗ Thew was promoted after Echo Principal Norm Stewart, who had coached the Cougars for nine seasons, stepped down to spend more time with his family. Thew’s father, Rich, also was an assistant under Stewart, and he remains on staff. ◗ Flores, who garnered all-conference first-team honors as a freshman, will be back to lead the offense. ◗ Echo must replace seven seniors, but the Cougars have good experience at several positions, including fullback, end and cornerback. ◗ Swaggart, who started last year after coming back from an injury early in his career, has been dealt another health setback. Swaggart blew out his left knee a few years ago, and now he has an ailing right knee. “He hasn’t been able to practice, and we don’t know when he’ll be back,” Thew said. It’s a frustrating development for Swaggart, who has played for Echo since his freshman year and would have started at DT. ◗ Bither also was expected to start at DT, but he suffered a shoulder injury and is looking for a brace. “We expect him to be ready in the next few weeks,” Thew said.

Outlook Thew takes over an Echo team that made the eight-man state playoffs four of the last five seasons. Though the Cougars return just two offensive starters and one defensive starter from last season, Thew has been a part of Echo’s recent winning tradition, so the transition should be pretty smooth.

’10 REPLAY — 2B/1B Southeast 2B League Waitsburg-Prescott ......................................5-0 DeSales ........................................................4-1 Asotin............................................................3-2 Tekoa-Oakesdale/Rosalia................................1-4 Tri-Cities Prep ................................................1-4 Dayton ..........................................................1-4 Regional playoffs Tekoa-Oakesdale/Rosalia 17, Kettle Falls 14 Waitsburg-Prescott 42, Reardan 6 Lind-Ritzville/Sprague 20, Asotin 16 DeSales 53, Mary Walker (Springdale) 14 Liberty 20, Tri-Cities Prep 17 State playoffs First round Waitsburg-Prescott 49, Oroville 13 DeSales 34, Brewster 7 Quarterfinals Waitsburg-Prescott 54, DeSales 13 Semifinals Colfax 21, Waitsburg-Prescott 14

Returning all-league players First-team offense QB — Zach Bartlow, sr., Waitsburg-Prescott.

TE — Nick Wales, sr., DeSales. OL — Kroft Sunderland, sr., Dayton.

First-team defense DB — Nate Dalton, sr., Asotin; Ryan Baumgart, jr., DeSales; Colton Bickelhaupt, sr., Dayton.

Special teams: John Miller, sr., Asotin.

Southeast 1B League St. John-Endicott ..........................................5-1 Garfield-Palouse ............................................4-2 Touchet ........................................................3-3 Pomeroy ......................................................3-3 Colton ..........................................................3-3 LaCrosse-Washtucna ....................................2-4 Sunnyside Christian........................................1-5

Returning all-league players First-team offense QB — Josh Straughan, sr., Colton. RB — Tory Knebel, sr., Pomeroy. OL — Zach Reiber, jr., Garfield-Palouse.

First-team defense DB — Sam Harder, jr., LaCrosse-Washtucna.

LB — Cole McCanna, sr., St. John-Endicott. DL — Jesse Koller, sr., Pomeroy.

2B Central Washington South League Kittitas ..........................................................5-0 Warden ..........................................................4-1 White Swan ..................................................3-2 Lake Roosevelt ..............................................2-3 Soap Lake/Wilson Creek ................................1-4 Waterville ......................................................0-5

TRI-CITIES PREPJAGUARS Coach: Dan Whitsett (8th year, 53-24).

Last league title: 2009.

Last playoff berth: 2009.

Home field: Tri-Cities Prep.

Returning starters: QB Evan Whitsett, Jr. (5-10, 170); RB/LB Chris Yakawich, So. (5-6, 170); WR/DB Jameson Pedersen, Sr. (6-5, 190); WR/DB Jacob Schmidt, Sr. (5-6, 145); OL Mateo Ledesma, Jr. (5-11, 185); OL/DL Alex Siekawitch, So. (6-3, 245); LB Kevin Daly, Jr. (6-3, 170); LB Briar Westerfield, So. (6-2, 190).

Others to watch: WR Bailey Rivas, Jr. (6-0, 180); DL Brady Ver Steeg, So. (6-3, 170).

Quick hits ◗ “We only have three seniors on the squad and six juniors,” coach Whitsett said. “Over half the roster is freshmen and sophomores.” ◗ Pedersen, Schmidt and Evan Whitsett are upperclassmen with high-octane talent. Pedersen finished last season with 20 receptions for 287 yards with three TDs. Schmidt had six TDs from his efforts, which included 19 receptions for 207 yards and 52 carries for 250 yards. And although Whitsett only played 31⁄4 games before being sidelined because of a collarbone injury, he made the most of every moment on the field with 1,344 passing yards and 14 TDs.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2011 | TRI-CITY HERALD

15

WAITSBURG-PRESCOTTCARDINALS Coach: Jeff Bartlow (13th year, 72-44).

Last league title: 2010.

Last playoff berth: 2010.

Home field: Waitsburg High School.

Returning starters: QB/DB Zach Bartlow, Sr. (6-1, 188); WR/DB Dalton Estes, Jr. (5-9, 156); WR/DB Dustin Wooderchak, Sr. (6-0, 152); OL/DL Eshom Estes, Sr. (6-2, 254); OL/DL Greg Stearns, Sr. (5-11, 192).

Others to watch: OL/DL Ben Shafer, Jr. (6-4, 208); OL/LB Brendon Donovan, Jr. (5-10, 166); OL/DL Cadman Donovan, Sr. (6-4, 218); RB/LB Billy Brown, Jr. (5-10, 175); slot/DB Justin Zuger, Sr. (5-11, 155); slot/LB Devin Acevedo, Fr. (5-9, 174).

Quick hits ◗ All-state QB Bartlow will be surrounded by a wall of talent this season, including the highly athletic Eshom Estes, who stars in track and field, as well as receiving leaders Dalton Estes and Wooderchak.

Estes had 23 catches for 398 yards and five touch-

downs, and Wooderchak had 14 receptions for 199 yards. ◗ W-P graduated 12 players from its machine, including top cog Kris Cady. The running back set Cardinals records in rushing — 1,347 yards — and passing — 2,169 yards. ◗ Assisting 2010 Southeast 2B Coach of the Year Bartlow are Joe Estes, TJ Scott, Allan Wilson and special teams coordinator Troy Larsen.

Outlook W-P rolled through its league schedule and took the Southeast 2B title last season. The Cardinals romped through the state championship bracket until a 21-14 semifinal loss to Colfax. If W-P can survive its clashes with perennial threat DeSales and shore up the loss of experience, including replacing the yardage lost with Cady’s graduation, then the Cardinals will no doubt return to the Tacoma Dome in November.

LIBERTY CHRISTIANPATRIOTS Coach: Mike Olson (5th year, 18-20).

Last league title: Never.

Last playoff berth: Never.

Home field: Hanford High School.

Returning starters: WR/DB Brandon Peterson, Jr. (5-10, 155); WR/DB Tyler Morris, Jr. (6-0, 165); QB/LB Taylor Lindquist, So. (6-0, 170); QB/DB Mike Olson, Jr. (5-10, 195); RB/LB Reace Howard, Jr. (6-0, 180); RB/LB Corbin Steele, Jr. (6-2, 235); OL/DL Timmy Koglin, Jr. (5-9, 195).

Others to watch: RB/LB Tate Richards, Fr. (5-9, 185); OL/DL Riley Smith, So. (6-1, 205); OL/DL Lucas Pomeroy, So. (5-9, 175); TE/DL Jake Conaway, So. (6-1, 185).

Quick hits ◗ “We had a super sophomore class last year,” coach Olson said. “And we’re kind of riding on that class for another couple of years.” ◗ Standing tall among the Patriots’ offensive leaders are Morris and Mike Olson. Morris averaged 84 all-purpose yards a game last season and scored eight TDs. Olson rushed for 232 yards and six TDs, and was 72-of-108 passing for 1,521 yards and 21 TDs. ◗ Defensively, Koglin returns with some impressive stats: He recorded four sacks and 42 total tackles (24 solo, 18 assists) last year.

Outlook Liberty Christian played its own brand of eight-man ball last season and rolled to nine victories, including wins against bigger schools such as Tri-Cities Prep (54-40) and Touchet (72-40). All signs indicate the Patriots should continue that high-octane trend this season.

2B SAVE THE DATE All games at 7 p.m. unless noted

Today Irrigon at Tri-Cities Prep, 3 p.m.; Asotin at Orofino, Idaho; Dayton at Stanfield; La Salle at DeSales; Springdale at Tekoa-Oakesdale-Rosalia

Saturday Davenport at Waitsburg-Prescott, 2 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 8 Enterprise at Dayton, 6 p.m.; Tri-Cities Prep at Pendleton JV

Friday, Sept. 9 DeSales at Colfax; Grangeville, Idaho, at Asotin; Liberty at Tekoa-Oakesdale-Rosalia; WaitsburgPrescott at Pilot Rock

Thursday, Sept. 15 Weston McEwen at Dayton

Friday, Sept. 16 DeSales at White Swan; Tekoa-OakesdaleRosalia at Asotin; Tri-Cities Prep at Lake Roosevelt; Waitsburg-Prescott at Elgin, Ore.

Friday, Sept. 23 Riverside at Waitsburg-Prescott; TekoaOakesdale-Rosalia at Soap Lake; Tri-Cities Prep at Tonasket; White Swan at Asotin

Friday, Sept. 30 Tri-Cities Prep at Dayton; Waitsburg-Prescott at DeSales

Friday, Oct. 7 Asotin at Tri-Cities Prep; Dayton at WaitsburgPrescott; DeSales at Tekoa-Oakesdale-Rosalia

Friday, Oct. 14

DESALESIRISH Coach: Pat Graham (3rd year, 16-7).

Last league title: 2009.

Last playoff berth: 2010.

Home field: Ty Baffney Memorial Field.

Returning starters: DB/WR Ryan Baumgart, Jr. (5-10, 150); QB Jeremiah Cox, Jr. (5-10, 160); LB/RB Nick Wales, Sr. (6-2, 205); LB Luke Fazzari, Jr. (5-10, 175); DB Joe Duehn, Jr. (5-6, 135); LB Dan Solomon, Sr. (5-11, 170); DL/OL Mat Zimmerman, Sr. (6-1, 200); DL/OL Spencer Cordeiro, Sr. (6-2, 225).

Others to watch: DB/WR Darryl Galloway, So. (5-9, 165); DL/OL Cody Josifek, Jr. (5-10, 190); DL/OL Jesus Lara, Sr. (5-8, 210); DL/OL Tim Caudill, Jr. (6-1, 205); DL/OL Anthony Brown, Sr. (6-3, 200); DB/WR Kyler Pommerening, Jr. (5-7, 135).

Quick hits ◗ DeSales reached the quarterfinals last season, and thanks to a squad full of experience, the Irish should be back in the thick of things. ◗ Graham cited AP All-State honorable mention receiver and DB Baumgart, all-league TE Wales and QB Cox as central ingredients to a successful season. ◗ “We have a lot of depth at secondary we haven’t had in the past,” Graham said.

Outlook

Outlook

Write off 2010 as a transition year for TC Prep.

If the Jaguars remain healthy, they will pose a challenge to the tough Southeast 2B.

Last year, DeSales was predicted to give league rivals a run for their money, and the Irish didn’t disappoint. They have a good chance of continuing their rich tradition this season.

DeSales at Asotin; Tekoa-Oakesdale-Rosalia at Dayton; Waitsburg-Prescott at Tri-Cities Prep

Friday, Oct. 21 Asotin at Waitsburg-Prescott; Dayton at DeSales; Tri-Cities Prep at Tekoa-Oakesdale-Rosalia

Friday, Oct. 28 Dayton at Asotin; Tekoa-Oakesdale-Rosalia at Waitsburg-Prescott; Tri-Cities Prep at DeSales

Friday, Nov. 4 Crossover or playoff games

1B SAVE THE DATE All games at 7 p.m. unless noted

Today Mohawk, Ore., vs. Pomeroy at Dufur, Ore., 4 p.m.; Colton at Wilbur-Creston; Ione, Ore., vs.

Liberty Christian at Hanford High School; King’s Way Christian vs. Sunnyside Christian at Lyle; Odessa-Harrington at St. John-Endicott; Salmon River, Idaho, at LaCrosse-Washtucna

Friday, Sept. 9 Condon, Ore., at Touchet, 3 p.m.; Colton at Salmon River, Idaho, 6 p.m.; LaCrosse-Washtucna at Kootenai, Idaho, 6 p.m.; Almira-Coulee-Hartline vs. Liberty Christian at Hanford High School; Lyle vs. Sunnyside Christian at Sunnyside High School; Selkirk at Garfield-Palouse

Thursday, Sept. 15 Liberty Christian at Echo

Friday, Sept. 16

WARDENCOUGARS Coach: Erik Skone (6th year, 15-36).

Last league title: 1989.

Last playoff berth: 2010.

Home field: Warden High School.

Returning starters: QB/OLB Trent Bates, Sr. (6-1, 160); WR/FS Victor Flores, Sr. (6-0, 155); RB/MLB Adam Hansen, Jr. (6-2, 210).

Others to watch: WR/CB/K/P/QB Osvaldo Alba, So. (5-8, 145); WR/CB JP Martinez, Sr. (5-6, 135).

Quick hits ◗ Warden hadn’t had a state berth since 2003, so last year’s appearance has given the team something tangible to build upon this season. “It was great for the kids, good for the coaches and good for the whole school,” Skone said. ◗ Bates set a school passing record last season with 2,174 yards, and Skone expects the football will rack up more frequent flier miles this season.

“Last year was his first time as QB,” Skone said of Bates. “He grew up a lot, and starting this year, he has picked up where he left off.” ◗ Skone praised Hansen as a “jack of all trades” who racked up about 580 yards rushing. As for the air attack, Skone said Flores will be integral.

Outlook The Cougars have the experience — and the marksmanship — that could buy them a first-class return ticket to state.

DAYTONBULLDOGS Coach: Dean Bickelhaupt (2nd year, 1-8).

Last league title: 1994.

Last playoff berth: 1994.

Home field: Bulldog Field.

Returning starters: OL/DL Kroft Sunderland, Sr. (6-2, 270); QB Colton Bickelhaupt, Sr. (5-9, 165); RB/LB Hayden Fullerton, Sr. (6-1, 180); WR/DB

TOUCHETINDIANS Coach: Gary Dorman (3rd year, 9-10).

Last league title: 2007.

Last playoff berth: 2007.

Home field: Touchet High School.

Returning starters: OE/DB Eric Hines, Sr. (6-0, 170); OL/DL Matt Shute, Sr. (5-8, 185); OL/DL Dan Can, Sr. (5-8, 180); OL/DE Ty Garbe, Sr. (5-9, 190); OE/DE Cori Ochoa, Jr. (5-8, 160); RB/DB Vicente Flores, Jr. (6-0, 175); RB/DL Jose Martinez, Jr. (5-8, 200); QB/LB Octavio Preciado, Jr. (5-10, 160).

Others to watch: RB/DB Ceasar Valasquez, So. (5-6, 140); RB/LB Colton Goble, So. (5-6, 150).

Quick hits ◗ “This is the third year for me, and we’ve got kids who have been through two previous seasons, so they understand better what we’re trying to get accomplished,” Dorman said. ◗ Touchet seeks to expand its arsenal this season.

“We were pretty pass happy the last couple of years,” Dorman said. “We need to improve on the running game to show success this year.”

Outlook Touchet seems to feed off energy created by exposure to unfamiliar elements. Case in point: The Indians had more success last season on the road (4-2) than at home (1-2). Maybe keeping teams on their toes with a running game will be enough to make Dorman’s third year the charm.

Garett Turner, Sr. (6-0, 170); TE/OLB Joey Schlacter, Sr. (6-1, 210); WR/DB Wyatt Frame, Jr. (6-0, 165).

Others to watch: FB Lowden Smith, So. (5-10, 165); OL/LB Alex Naylor, Jr. (5-8. 170); DB Isaiah Lambert, Jr. (5-8, 150).

Outlook The Bulldogs have a dependable senior core and a coach who believes in his team and its ability to surprise opponents: a formula for success.

Touchet at Wallowa, Ore., 3 p.m.; Colton vs.

Joseph, Ore., at Kibbie Dome, Moscow, Idaho; Cove, Ore., at Pomeroy; Garfield-Palouse at Almira-Coulee-Hartline; LaCrosse-Washtucna at Odessa-Harrington; Mansfield vs. Sunnyside Christian at Sunnyside High School

Friday, Sept. 23 Sunnyside Christian at Touchet, 3 p.m.; Colton at Pomeroy; Garfield-Palouse at LaCrosseWashtucna; St. John-Endicott vs. Liberty Christian at Hanford High School

Friday, Sept. 30 LaCrosse-Washtucna at Colton; Liberty Christian at Garfield-Palouse; Sunnyside Christian at Pomeroy; Touchet at St. John-Endicott

Friday, Oct. 7 Colton at Touchet, 3 p.m.; Garfield-Palouse at St. John-Endicott; Liberty Christian vs. Sunnyside Christian at Sunnyside High School; Pomeroy at LaCrosse-Washtucna

Friday, Oct. 14 LaCrosse-Washtucna at Touchet, 3 p.m.; Colton vs. Liberty Christian at Hanford High School; Pomeroy at Garfield-Palouse; St. John-Endicott vs.

Sunnyside Christian at Granger High School

Friday, Oct. 21 LaCrosse-Washtucna at St. John-Endicott; Liberty Christian at Pomeroy; Sunnyside Christian at Colton; Touchet at Garfield-Palouse

Friday, Oct. 28 Pomeroy at Touchet, 3 p.m.; Condon-Wheeler vs. Liberty Christian at Hanford High School; Garfield-Palouse vs. Sunnyside Christian at Granger High School; LaCrosse-Washtucna vs.

Union at Walla Walla; St. John-Endicott at Colton

Thursday, Nov. 3 Colton at Garfield-Palouse; St. John-Endicott at Pomeroy; Sunnyside Christian at LaCrosseWashtucna; Touchet vs. Liberty Christian at Hanford High School

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TRI-CITY HERALD | FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2011

Asotin: No official name.

Take I-182 East to Highway 124 East. In Waitsburg, connect with Highway 12 and go 75 miles to Clarkston. Take right on Sixth Street (Hwy 129) and go 6 miles to Asotin. Field will be on left side of street.

Chiawana, Pasco: Edgar Brown Memorial Stadium (capacity 5,300) Take Highway 395 North to Sylvester Street exit.

Turn left, heading east, and travel half-mile. Stadium on left.

Cle Elum: Chuck Allen Field (capacity 1,000) Take I-82 West to I-90 West. Take Cle Elum exit.

Turn left onto Highway 903, school is halfway between Cle Elum and Roslyn on left side.

Columbia-Burbank: No official name (capacity 2,000) Take Highway 12 east, turn right on Humorist Road. Stadium three-quarters of a mile on right.

Connell: Dennis Esser Field (capacity 1,500) On Highway 395 North, take Connell-Kahlotus exit. Turn left onto Highway 260. Turn right on Clark Street. Stadium is quarter-mile on right-hand side.

Davis, Eisenhower: Zaepfel Stadium (capacity 4,000) Take I-82 West to Nob Hill Boulevard exit. Turn left and stay on Nob Hill Boulevard until 40th Avenue.

Turn right — stadium is quarter-mile on left-hand side.

Dayton: Bulldog Field (capacity 1,000) Take Highway 12 East — becomes Main Street within city limits. Turn right on Cottonwood Street.

Stadium three blocks on left.

DeSales: Ty Baffney Memorial Field (capacity 200) Take Highway 12 East to Walla Walla. Take Rees Street exit. At Sumach Street, turn left. School and field on left.

East Valley: Earl Barden Sr. Field (capacity 800) Take I-82 West to Nob Hill Boulevard exit. Turn right onto Highway 24 for 4 miles to Beaudry Road.

Turn left, go north 1 mile, stadium on left side.

Eastmont: Wildcat Stadium (capacity 3,000) Take highways 240 and 243 to Vantage, go east on I-90 to George. Travel north on Highway 281 to Quincy, then take Highway 28 West to East Wenatchee. At Grant Road, take right. Go through two lights, get to Eastmont County Park. Stadium is on left.

Echo: Veterans Memorial Field/Charlie Berry Stadium (capacity 100) Take I-84 East to Echo exit. Turn right, go 2 miles into town on Thielson Street, then turn left onto Gerome Street. Stadium one block on left.

Ellensburg: Andreotti Field (capacity 1,500) Take I-82 to I-90 West. Take south Ellensburg exit (109) and turn right on Canyon Road. Go half-mile to Mountain View Avenue, turn right. Go 1 mile to Maple Street, turn left. Take Maple to Third Avenue, turn right, go several blocks. Stadium is on the right.

Ephrata: Kiwanis Field (capacity 3,000) Take Highway 395 North to Highway 17 North exit.

Go on 17 to Highway 282 turnoff to Ephrata. In Ephrata, turn right on Basin Street, go through three lights. At Lee Theatre, take left. School is one block further on left.

Goldendale: Barthlow Field (capacity 1,000) Take I-82 West to Highway 97 exit (50). Go south on 97 to Goldendale. Turn off at Simcoe Road, school on right side.

Grandview: Rich Leenhouts Stadium (capacity 4,000) Take I-82 West to Stover Road exit, turn left. Turn

PREP FOOTBALL 2011

EASTERN WASHINGTON STADIUM GUIDE right onto Euclid Street. Turn right onto Second Avenue, stadium three blocks on left.

Granger: Spartan Field (capacity 2,000) Take I-82 West to exit 58. Turn left to Highway 223. Go about quarter-mile to Granger turnoff, turn right. Go past grade school, turn onto Bailey Avenue. Go one block to Fourth, turn right. School straight ahead.

Hanford, Richland: Fran Rish Stadium (capacity 9,000) From I-182 or Highway 240, take George Washington Way exit into downtown Richland. Turn west on Lee Boulevard. Stadium 1 mile on right.

Hermiston: Kennison Field (capacity 2,700) Take I-82 south, in Oregon, to Exit 1. Turn left, go 1 mile, then turn right onto Umatilla-Stanfield Highway (Highway 395 South). Go 3 miles into town, then turn right on Highland Street. Stadium three blocks on right.

Highland: Scottie Field (capacity 1,000) Take I-82 West to 40th Avenue exit in Yakima.

Turn right off exit. Turn right at Summit View Avenue, go about 2 miles to Cowiche. School is on left side.

Irrigon: No official name (capacity 400) Take Umatilla exit. Turn west on 730 towards Boardman. Go 6 miles into Irrigon. Take left on Division, right on California to stadium parking lot.

Kamiakin, Kennewick, Southridge: Neil F. Lampson Stadium (capacity 6,800) From Highway 395, turn east onto Kennewick Avenue. Turn right on Carmichael Drive, which turns into Garfield Street. Stadium two blocks ahead on left.

Kiona-Benton: No official name (capacity 1,700) Take I-82 west to Benton City exit (96). Turn right, go 21⁄2 miles on Horn Road. Stadium on left.

LaCrosse: Homer J. Wisner Field Take Highway 395 North to Highway 26. Turn right on Highway 26 and go 44 miles into Lacrosse.

Turn left at Scott Road and continue on Main Avenue. Turn right on Fourth Street, which will turn left and become Hill Avenue. Field is on left side, three blocks ahead.

Mabton: No official name (capacity 700) Take I-82 West to exit 82. Turn left onto Highway 22, go 11 miles to Mabton. Turn right at Main Street, go one block, turn right. School two blocks ahead.

Moses Lake: Lions Field (capacity 3,000)

Take Highway 395 North to Othello, exit onto Highway 17 West. Continue on Highway 17 through Moses Lake; road turns into Pioneer Street. Turn left on Third Avenue, stadium seven blocks up on left.

Naches Valley: No official name (capacity 1,000) Take I-82 West to Highway 12 West exit. Go 15 miles to Naches. At stoplight, turn right onto Main Street. Go 1 mile, stadium on left side.

Othello: Huskie Field (capacity 2,500) Take Highway 395 North to Othello — Highway 17 West exit. In Othello, turn left on Cunningham Road.

Go to Fourth Street, turn left. Stadium one block down.

Pomeroy: Lybecker Field Take I-182 East to Highway 124 East. In Waitsburg, take Highway 12 East to Pomeroy. Turn right on S. 11th Street. Turn right at Pataha Street.

Prescott: Leroy Houger Field (capacity 200) Take Highway 12 East to Highway 124 north. In town, turn right on First Street. Football field two blocks down on right.

Prosser: Art Fiker Stadium (capacity 3,000) From I-82, take Exit 82. Head into town, turn left onto Highway 22. Go half-mile, turn right onto Paterson Road. Stadium half-mile on right.

Quincy: Quincy High School (capacity 2,500) Take highways 240 and 243 to Vantage. Go east on I-90 to Exit 149 and follow Highway 281 North into Quincy. At first stoplight, turn right on Highway 28 East toward Ephrata. Turn left on Fourth Avenue.

River View: No official name (capacity 600) Take Chemical Road south toward Finley. Turn right on Finley Road, go two blocks to Game Farm Road, turn right. School and football field three blocks on right.

Riverside: Don Hendrix Memorial Field (capacity 500) Take I-84 West to Boardman exit. Turn right, then turn right again, onto Boardman Avenue. School and stadium on left.

Royal: David Nielsen Memorial Field (capacity 2,000) Take Highway 395 North to Highway 17 exit. At intersection with Highway 26, exit and head west. In Royal City, turn right on G Road. Turn right on Road 12. Stadium half-mile on right.

Selah: Karl Graf Field (capacity 3,500) Take I-82 West to Selah exit. Take Highway 823 West to Selah. Continue on First Street.

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Stadium on right.

Stanfield: Horyna Sports Complex (capacity 300) Take I-82 South, in Oregon, to Exit 1. Turn left, go 1 mile, turn right onto Umatilla-Stanfield highway (Highway 395 South). Go 10 miles to Stanfield. At flashing light, turn right. West Elementary School and football stadium two blocks ahead.

Sunnyside: Clem Senn Field (capacity 1,800) Take I-82 West to Vernita Bridge exit 69. Turn right, then turn left at traffic light onto Yakima Valley Highway. At Edison Street, turn left. At 16th Street, turn left.

Toppenish: A.C. Meagher Field (capacity 700) Take I-82 West to exit 50, turn left, go 31⁄2 miles.

Football stadium on right side.

Touchet: No official name (capacity 150) Take Highway 12 East into town. Turn left at Hanson Road. Go one block, turn right onto High School Road. Football field on right.

Umatilla: Milt Durand Field (capacity 950 bleachers, 1,500 with grass banks) Take I-82 South, in Oregon, to Exit 1. Turn right, go 1 1 ⁄2 miles into town, turn left at I Street. Go three blocks. Stadium at bottom of hill.

Wahluke: No official name (capacity 500) Take Highway 240 West (turns into State Highway 24, then State Highway 243 West) 13 miles past Vernita Bridge to Mattawa Junction (Government 1 Way). Turn right, go 1 ⁄2 miles to Boundary Road, turn left. School and stadium on left.

Waitsburg: No official name (capacity 300) Take Highway 12 East into town (becomes Main Street), turn left on Eighth Street. Go three blocks.

Stadium on right.

Walla Walla: Borleske Stadium (capacity 2,700) Take Highway 12 East, turn right onto Rees Street. Stadium on left.

Wapato: Dan Doornink Field (capacity 1,200) Take I-82 West to first Wapato exit. Take left, go 11⁄2 miles, come to T. Take right, go two blocks.

Warden: No official name (capacity 600) Take Highway 395 North to Othello-Highway 17 exit. At Warden exit (Highway 170), go east 3 miles into town. Turn right onto County Road, go 1 mile, turn left at Beck Way. Field on left.

Washtucna: Walter R. Little Gridiron Take Highway 395 North to Highway 260 exit.

Take right on Highway 260 and go 30 miles into Washtucna. Turn right on E. School Street and continue on E. Booth Avenue to school.

Wenatchee: Apple Bowl (capacity 3,500) Take highways 240 and 243 to Vantage, go east on I-90 to George. Travel north on Highway 281 to Quincy, then take Highway 28 West to Wenatchee.

Cross bridge, stay straight to stoplight. Turn right, take left at next light (Ferry Street). Go three-quarters of a mile. Stadium is on right at Pioneer Middle School.

West Valley: Clasen Field (capacity 3,000) Take I-82 West to Nob Hill Boulevard exit. Turn left, and stay on Nob Hill Boulevard to 72nd Avenue.

Turn left, go 1 mile to Zier Road. Turn right and go 2 miles. Stadium on the left.

White Swan: No official name (capacity 1,200) Take I-82 West to exit 50. Turn left onto Highway 97 and go to Fort Road. Turn left, go 22 miles into White Swan. At first road in town, turn left. Go two blocks to school.

Zillah: Leopards Field (capacity 800) Take I-82 West to exit 54. Take right, take second left and go 300 yards, school on the left side.