Special Sections - North Olympic Peninsula Football Preview 2015

North Olympic Peninsula High School

FOOTBALL PREVIEW

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 4 2015

Svec, Neah Bay chasing 3-peat

INSIDE: Previews of all nine area teams.

A publication of the Peninsula Daily News

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PENINSULA DAILY NEWS

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2015

PENINSULA FOOTBALL 2015

Roughriders still on the run Ground game still the strength of PA

BY LEE HORTON PENINSULA DAILY NEWS

PORT ANGELES — New coaches and the loss of four experienced offensive linemen and the top three runners hasn’t changed the strength of the Port Angeles Roughriders.

It will look different under the new coaching staff, but going into the season Port Angeles’ offense will still lean on the big boys and those who run behind them.

“It appears as though we’ll be in pretty good shape lineman wise,” first-year coach Bret Curtis said.

“We have quite a few lineman-type kids that have been coming in and working out with us [during the offseason].

“I think we’re going to hang our hat, to begin with, on the offensive line.”

Gone are Roberto Coronel, John Boesenberg, Damon McGoff and Wyatt Hull, but still remaining are Paul Van Rossen, Billy Minks, Isaiah Nichols and tight end Caleb West. All four of those returners have played significant varsity

snaps for the Riders.

Curtis likes the potential of others, such as Hayden Wickham, Austin Adamire and Kenneth Cary.

Many of those linemen put in extra work during the summer.

“They’ve been coming into our weight room at the school, but also some of them have been doing CrossFit,” Curtis said.

If that group of offensive linemen wasn’t impressive enough, the Roughriders were gifted another in D.J. Delany, a transfer from Arizona. Curtis said Delany, a junior, arrived in Port Angeles only a few days before practice.

“I think he’s going to be a player,” Curtis said.

Seeking balance The Riders’ offense will look different under Curtis.

The one-dimensional Wing-T will be replaced by an I-formation pro set that will feature more passing.

“We’d like to be balanced.

I know every coach in United States says that,” Curtis said.

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Port Angeles’ Jace Lausche, center, runs away from Port Townsend’s Keegan Khile (58) and Jacob TURN TO RIDERS/3 Ralls (3). Lausche will be the Roughriders starting fullback in 2015.

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Riders: Strong senior class is setting the tone CONTINUED FROM 2 “We’ll probably be a little bit heavier in the run. But, again, the cliche, we’d like to run the ball to be able to pass.

“We want to establish the run and then go from there.”

The advantage of the run-dimensional Wing-T is the number of running backs who get carries. So even though Port Angeles lost Nathan Angevine, Sam Burton and Miki Andrus to graduation, the returning backfield isn’t short on experience.

The backfield will have a pair of Jaces returning: senior Jace Bohman (17-61) and junior fullback Jace Laushche (36-151, TD).

Senior Kody Kuch also is expected to get a lot of carries this season.

Kuch, who was on the Roughriders’ tennis team last fall, has already impressed his teammates, including Rodocker and Minks.

“He’s fast, he’s strong, he’s going to mow people over, and he’s going to be a workhorse,” Minks said of Kuch.

Curtis says Kellen Landry, the team’s top returning rusher (49 carries, 251 yards, 2 TDs) and receiver (13 catches, 175 Kellen Landry fights for yards, TD), will move to tight end.

Along with the offensive class, as Port Angeles’ other line, Curtis lists experience, main strength. particularly the senior “We’re pretty stacked

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The new balanced offense means the receivers will see more action.

“I like it. It’s going to be more 50-50,” senior receiver Taylor Millsap said of the offense.

“We can . . . switch it up a lot.”

Millsap was the only full-time wide receiver to catch a pass in 2014 with three receptions for 27 yards and a touchdown.

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“He’s been one that’s been to pretty much every one of our summer conditioning [sessions],” Curtis said.

“Through his actions he’s showing really good leadership skills. He’s one of the leaders of the team, like a quarterback should KEITH THORPE (2)/PENINSULA DAILY NEWS be.

“He’s just showing me a few extra yards against Olympic. he’s ready to go.”

Curtis said Rodocker’s with seniors, so we feel the nucleus of the team.” time in the weight room has pretty good about that,” he That includes returning made him bigger and stronsaid. “They’ll definitely be quarterback Ryan Rodocker. ger and increased his

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Riders: Depth allows linemen to rest more CONTINUED FROM 3 “He’s definitely one of the most experienced,” Curtis said. “He’ll be one of our go-to guys.”

Curtis is excited about another senior, Joe Danz, whose career to this point has been hampered by injuries.

“He’s a gamer,” Curtis said. “He’s worked out with us a lot with as well.”

Junior Caleb Joslin also will be in the mix at wideout, and sophomore Ian Moan has impressed Curtis and receivers coach Buddy Bear by catching nearly everything thrown in his direction during preseason camp.

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Port Angeles coach Bret Curtis instructs players during a preseason practice. Curtis is beginning his first season as Roughriders head coach in 2015.

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Landry, who was voted to the All-Olympic League 2A first team defense last year, will anchor the defense as a middle linebacker.

Junior Dane Bradow, one of the team’s top returning tacklers, also will play in the middle.

Most of the offensive players will be also play big roles on defense.

The defensive line will be a bit of a question mark, as far as which of the many offensive linemen will see the bulk of the action on the other side of the ball.

The bevy of linemen allows Riders the luxury of platooning on both sides of the ball to give the linemen rest.

“We won’t have to go both ways continually,” Curtis said.

Millsap highlights the returning defensive backs.

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The base defense will be a 3-5 to take advantage of the Riders’ smaller but quicker outside linebackers, such as Bohman, Lausche, Kuch and Branden Currie.

“We wanted a system that they could play on the outside a little more,” Curtis said.

“They can play the run, but they can play the pass a little if they need to.

“Some of those guys, they can really run.”

“They can play the run, but they can play the pass a little if they need to.”

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Riders: Veteran kickers return within the system, then everybody’s going to get along and they’re going to work better on the field.”

CONTINUED FROM 4

Port Angeles capsule

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Taylor Millsap was the only receiver to catch a pass for Port Angeles last season.

Sequim in the first half of a the three-team postseason tiebreaker before falling to Kingston in the second half.

North Kitsap appears to be the overwhelming league favorite again this season, but every spot behind the Vikings seems to be up for grabs, and the Riders want to be the thick of the postseason battle.

“We have a lot of seniors this year that are ready to go and are just ready to win games and take league,” Rodocker said.

“I think our goal is to be up in the top three in league.

“The key is just, team chemistry, I think, because as long as we don’t have any, you know, trouble

■ Offense: I-formation pro set.

■ Defense: 3-5.

■ Contributors: OL/ DL Paul Van Rossen, OL/ DL Billy Minks, OL/DL Isaiah Nichols, TE/LB Kellen Landry, TE/DL Caleb West, QB/DB Ryan Rodocker, RB/ LB Jace Bohman, RB/LB Jace Lauche, RB/LB Kody Kuch, P Jacob Kennedy, K Ryan Beck.

■ Expected team strength: The lines.

■ Question mark: Receivers. Not a lot of experience.

■ Player they’ll miss the most: Nathan Angevine. He was the Riders’ go-to player, especially when tough yards were needed.

■ Game to watch: Sequim, Oct. 17. The Riders play many important league games before facing their rivals, but the Rainshadow Rumble opens a brutal three-game seasonending stretch that also includes North Kitsap and Kingston.

Varsity Football Schedule Date Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30

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Rodocker could see time at safety, but Curtis doesn’t want his quarterback spending too much time mixing it up on the defensive side.

The kicking game should be among the best in the league.

Both Port Angeles kickers return, placekicker Ryan Beck and All-Olympic League 2A second-team punter Jacob Kennedy.

“Jacob has gone to two or three kicking camps, specialty camps,” Curtis said.

“We’re looking for a lot of good things from Jacob.

“Both of our kickers have really shown a lot of potential.

“That’s part of the game that tends to be overlooked a little bit, but you talk about kickoffs and field goals and field position, and those guys will be huge weapons.”

Since going winless in 2012, Port Angeles has steadily increased its win total from two to five in the two seasons since.

Last year, the Riders went 5-6 overall and 3-5 in Olympic League 2A, finishing in a three-way tie for fifth place. They defeated

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2015

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Wolves packed with experience Sequim healthy after hard-luck ’14 season

BY MICHAEL CARMAN PENINSULA DAILY NEWS

SEQUIM — Depth and experience are found at nearly every position this season for Sequim, making Wolves coach Erik Wiker bullish about his team’s potential.

“We have a big class of seniors this year, and there are a lot of guys who started games last year that are back in those same spots,” Wiker said.

“On the line and in the skill positions we will be able to give ourselves a really good look with how many guys we have.”

Last year, the Wolves bounced back from a winless season in 2013 to a 4-6 record despite a roster racked by injuries to more than a dozen players.

The one spot Sequim

lacks experience is likely the most important position on the field: quarterback.

Miguel Moroles, an AllOlympic League 2A first team selection last season for the Wolves after racking up a combined 1,855 yards and 20 touchdowns on the ground and through the air, graduated.

Vying for starting spot Candidates charged with the tough task of taking over for Moroles include senior Nick Faunce and freshman Riley Cowen.

“Both have similar styles,” Wiker said. “They are pocket passers with some athleticism.

“Their strength is their passing, and they will be battling it out for the varsity’s top spot.”

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Sequim coach Erik Wiker led the Wolves to the postseason in 2014 after a two-year absence.

Chris Whitaker (44) has recovered from an injury that ended his 2014 season early and is expected to be Sequim’s top linebacker and running back.

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Sequim Varsity Football Schedule Date Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30

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Bailey Earley, one of many returning receiving threats, led Sequim in receiving last season.

Wolves: Many pass catchers ing time on the line will be Sebastian Goettling and Matt Schock.

Sequim returns 10 of 11 defensive starters from last season.

Whitaker will lead the team from his spot at middle linebacker.

Whitaker was an AllOlympic League 2A first team pick last year after piling up 95 tackles, three forced fumbles and two interceptions, including one he returned for a touchdown, in eight games.

“I thought I had a bad year, with shin splints in the first few games and then the broken leg,” Whittaker said.

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catching ability are big strengths for us at wide receiver,” Wiker said.

Bruising senior Chris Whitaker will lead the way at running back, returning from a broken fibula and dislocated ankle suffered late last season.

He’ll have help from classmates Mark Feeney and Brandon Stamper.

Junior Arnold Black also should see some carries.

Offensive linemen include three-year starters Jack Ellison at center and Nate Allison at tackle, twoyear starter Zach Hebert and guards James Thayer and Brendon Lauritzen.

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CONTINUED FROM 6 first team selection after catching 37 passes for 428 Both players partici- yards and five touchdowns pated in spring football, as a sophomore, is the went with the team to Cen- leader of the pack. tral Washington University’s football camp and Loaded at receiver played in the area 7-on-7 “We will be able to utipassing league. lize his talents and stretch “Riley is an extremely the defense out a little bit,” talented freshman, and the Wiker said. competition is pretty head“When you need to worry to-head, so that says a lot about him going 30 or 40 about him,” Wiker said. yards on the fly, it makes “But nothing is live in the defense have to think camp and 7-on-7 isn’t the about it.” real thing, so we will find Other contributors at out.” wideout include seniors Either quarterback will Ethan Richmond, Ian Denhave a vast array of receiv- nis, Noah Christiansen and ing talent to find.

Kane Stoddard, plus speedy Bailey Earley, a 6-foot-4 sophomore Gavin Velarde.

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Wolves: ‘Toss up’ in league behind Vikings CONTINUED FROM 7 really tight race.”

Sequim Capsule “I’d like to get all-league again, and it would be ■ Offense: Spread. tough, but All-State has ■ Defense: 3-3-5 always been my goal for ■ Contributors: WR/ senior year.”

DB Bailey Earley, RB/LB Chris Whitaker, C/DT Jack Ellison and Allison Ellison, QB Nick Faunce, Feeney, Thayer, Black QB Riley Cowen, RB/LB and Lauritzen also will chip Mark Feeney, WR/DB Ethan Richmond, RB/DB in at linebacker.

Allison is expected to Brandon Stamper, WR/DB, play the important nose Nate Allison OL/DL, Jack tackle position in the Ellison C/DL, Gavin Velarde Wolves’ 3-3-5 Cover 2 base WR/KR. ■ Expected team defense. strength: Depth at the Ellison, Josh Benson, skill positions, particularly Matt Shock and Hebert also wide receiver. will see time on the defen■ Question mark: The sive front. lack of reps at quarterback.

Richmond will play as a ■ Player they’ll miss rover back (a hybrid line- the most: QB Miguel backer/defensive back), Moroles threw for 1,083 Stamper will play at safety yards and nine touchdowns and Christiansen and Stod- while running for 772 yards dard will play at cornerback and 11 more scores. in the Sequim secondary.

■ Game to watch: Oct. Wiker feels defending 16 vs. Port Angeles. The league champion North Kit- Wolves will attempt to snap sap is the team to beat once a three-game (two regular again. season and one post season “Their defense is excel- half-game) losing streak in lent and returns a good the annual Rainshadow amount of guys, and their Rumble rivalry game. offense should do enough to ________ keep them high in the Sports reporter Michael Carstandings,” Wiker said. man can be contacted at 360-452DANIEL HORTON/FOR PENINSULA DAILY NEWS “Other than that it’s a 2345, ext. 5250 or at mcarman@ Gavin Velarde is a weapon as a receiver and a returner for the Wolves. toss up. I think it will be a peninsuladailynews.com.

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Redhawks setting bar higher PT wants deep run

BY LEE HORTON PENINSULA DAILY NEWS

PORT TOWNSEND — Three years ago, Port Townsend entered the football season on a 19-game losing streak. They had gone two entire seasons without winning a game.

The streak reached 20 before it was snapped with a win over Coupeville in the second week of the 2012 season.

A lot has changed since then in Port Townsend, including the Redhawks’ standards.

‘Your attitude changes’ “To not go 7-3 three years in a row,” senior Keegan Khile said is the 2015 goal.

“It’s funny how your attitude changes once you start winning some games.

“You look at it and you’re like, 7-3’s just not good enough anymore, we want to set the bar even higher “We want to have another league championship, we don’t want to disappoint our family or our community.”

Khile was a freshman on the 2012 team. He saw his first varsity action that second game and has been a starter or key contributor ever since.

He is one of many seniors who have played important roles in Port Townsend’s revival over the past three years.

And coming off an Olympic League 1A title and falling one win shy of the state tournament, those veterans have high hopes for 2015.

STEVE MULLENSKY/FOR PENINSULA DAILY NEWS

David Sua (5) scores a touchdown against Chimacum as Wesley Wheeler (44) celebrates. Sua will be Port Townsend’s starting quarterback after playing fullback in 2014.

But the offseason was brutal for the Redhawks.

Along with the players who graduated, the Redhawks lost at least seven more expected contributors since last season ended, mostly due to injuries.

“We’ve still got a nice nucleus of guys, tough kids.

But it sure is nice having depth,” Port Townsend coach Nick Snyder said.

“But one man’s misfortune is another man’s for-

tune. Some guys are going to have to step up.”

As Snyder further considers his team, he hesitates to say he is concerned with the Redhawks’ depth.

“The backups that we do have are pretty decent,” Snyder, in the fourth year of his second term leading Port Townsend, said.

“I don’t even think that’s much of an issue.”

Even with all the talent

that graduated or will miss best leader,” Snyder said.

“Sua’s a really good this season, the Redhawks leader.” still have a lot left.

Sua, a senior, was a backup QB as a freshman Sua under center and sophomore before Last year’s leading switching to running back rusher, David Sua (98 car- as a junior and earning the ries, 782 yards, 7 TDs), will Olympic League 1A Offenmove from fullback to quar- sive MVP award. terback, where he will “He’s always had a really replace the graduated Jeff good arm,” Snyder said.

Seton.

“But he’s never had the “I decided to go with the reps. He’s always been the guy who I thought was the backup.”

Snyder said Sua has already made strides by receiving a starter’s reps in the offseason.

“That’s improved a lot, actually,” Sua said. “From our camp [at] Linfield [College], I learned a lot how to, you know, properly throw the ball. I’ve always been throwing these deep unaccurate balls, and now I’m able to get these dimes.”

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2015

PENINSULA FOOTBALL 2015

Redhawks: Three seniors lead offensive line CONTINUED FROM 9 He’ll remain a threat to run, though he’ll have a different style than the Redhawks’ last running QB, the speedy Jacob King, who ran for 1,440 yards as a senior in 2013.

“When he decides to run the ball, he’s still a 230pound fullback,” Snyder said.

“But that works. That worked at camp [at Linfield]. He took off for like a 30-yard run, broke four or five tackles.”

And running will again be the main objective in Port Townsend’s Pistol Wing-T offense.

Senior Wesley Wheeler will move over to fullback.

In only six games last season, Wheeler ran for 740 yards and a team-high 11 touchdowns. (The Redhawks went 5-1 in those six games.)

Sophomore Detrius Kelsall will fill the four-back spot that Wheeler played last season, and junior Kyle Blankenship will be the third running back.

“One thing about them is they’re all really good receivers out of the backfield,” Snyder said.

When Sua does throw deep, he’ll have receivers

such as Jacob Ralls, a senior, and Carson Marx, a junior.

“I’ve got very, very good wide receivers that can go for it, no matter where it’s at,” Sua said.

Kelsall and senior Ezra Easley will be threats as runners and pass catchers.

The offensive line lost two all-leaguers but is still in great shape.

David Hoglund, another all-leaguer, will be joined on the line by fellow returning starters Lucas Foster at center and Keegan Khile.

A pair of sophomores, Kaiden Parcher and Jackson Foster will compete with junior Gabe Montoya for the two outside spots.

“That’s three seniors in the middle,” Snyder said, “and two sophomores that . . . I like a lot.

“They’re both smart football players, it seems, that’s what I like the most.”

Khile, a four-year starter, has fully rehabbed from a knee injury that forced him to miss the district playoff game against Charles Wright.

The all-league linebacker’s absence was felt, as the Redhawks lost 24-14 to a team that they had defeated 49-6 the week before.

Linebackers should be

Port Townsend Varsity Football Schedule Date Sept. 4 Sept. 10 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30

STEVE MULLENSKY/FOR PENINSULA DAILY NEWS

Detrius Kelsall will be one of Port Townsend’s featured running backs this season. the defense’s best unit with Khile, Sua and Wheeler returning in the middle, and Kelsall and Easley on the outside.

The defense also returns AP All-State defensive back Jacob Ralls, who intercepted four passes in 2014.

Berkley Hill and Marx are projected to start at the

safety spots, but the corner opposite Ralls and the defensive line were question marks in training camp.

Still, Khile thinks defense will be Port Townsend’s strength.

“The one thing I’m looking forward to is our defense,” Khile said. “Our

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defense is going to be probably a lot better than our offense.

“I just think that because I love defense. But our defense is looking pretty good.”

Austin Khile, like his brother a senior, was going to again handle place kicking duties for the Redhawks, but he suffered an injury during the Linfield camp and isn’t expected to play this season.

Gerry Coker will take over at place kicker.

Wheeler will be the punter.

Khile said that Port Townsend’s goals go even beyond 8-2 for this year’s seniors. They want to see the state playoffs.

Snyder said those seniors, who were freshmen when he began his second stint as Port Townsend’s head coach in 2012, deserve to make a run.

“We’ve got some pretty good veterans coming back that love the game of football and play hard,” Snyder said.

“It’s one of their goals, they want to go deep into the playoffs, and they’ve worked so hard, so I think that they deserve something like that.

“It should be a great season.”

Port Townsend capsule ■ Offense: Wing-T. ■ Defense: 4-4 base.

■ Contributors: QB/ LB David Sua, RB/LB Wesley Wheeler, OL/LB Keegan Khile, WR/DB Jacob Ralls, OL/DL David Hoglund, OL/ DL Lucas Foster, RB/LB Detrius Kelsall, RB/WR/LB Ezra Easley, WR/DB Carson Marx.

■ Expected team strength: Experience on both sides of the ball.

■ Question mark: Depth. The Redhawks’ roster was decimated in the offseason.

■ Players they’ll miss the most: Departed linemen Luke Flanigan, Colby Martin and Zach Parcher or quarterback Jeff Seton.

■ Game to watch: Sept. 18 at Klahowya. The Redhawks and Eagles should again be the favorites in Olympic League 1A, so their first meeting will set an early tone.

________ Sports Editor Lee Horton can be reached at 360-417-3525 or at lhorton@peninsuladailynews.com.

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2015

11

Red Devils go for three in a row Seniors out to get their championship

BY MICHAEL CARMAN PENINSULA DAILY NEWS

NEAH BAY — Neah Bay has grown into its own version of Title Town, USA, while playing for the state Class 1B championship each of the past four seasons.

The Red Devils have won three state crowns in that span, including backto-back titles in 2013 and 2014.

An impressive legacy, certainly, but mostly part of the past, according to head coach Tony McCaulley.

“It gets mentioned at the beginning of the season, but

I tell them that the title was not really theirs, it was the senior group, and they have to go out and get their own,” McCaulley said.

That senior group was small but impressive for Neah Bay, which will forge ahead without defensive standouts such as linebacker Josh Monette, defensive end John Reamer and defensive back Chris Martinez.

“Every year you lose good players, it just depends on coaching them up and getting them ready,” McCaulley said.

“It’s up to the players to make sure they bring the

effort that the kids brought before them.”

McCaulley mentioned two juniors have stepped up in leadership roles during the offseason.

“Oh yeah, our core group has been at it since the state win,” McCaulley said.

“Cole [Svec], Cameron [Buzzell] and quite a few others have been working pretty hard to do it [win a title] again.”

The reigning Associated Press Class 1B State MVP, Svec will lead the way for Neah Bay at running back and safety.

A lanky 6-foot-1, Svec best displays his ample acceleration on outside rushes.

Svec ran for 1,589 yards and 25 touchdowns last season.

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Cameron Buzzell (14) will be even more involved in Neah Bay’s offense TURN TO NEAH/12 this season.

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Cole Svec runs against Liberty Christian in last year’s 1B title game. Photo by Jeff Halstead.

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Neah: Rebuilding defense this season

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CONTINUED FROM 11 with [sophomore] Ben Greene, but we like the Buzzell, another speed- matchups we see with ster, should see the ball Rweha at receiver.”

McCaulley said it’s the plenty through the air and first time he’s had two on the ground.

Buzzell and Svec were potential starters at quarmembers of the Red Devils’ terback.

“It’s kind of a tough 1B state championship thing, but a good thing to 4x100 relay team in May. “I think our team speed have that talent, I suppose,” is still one of our big assets,” McCaulley said.

During their title runs, McCaulley said.

“Cole and Cameron are the Red Devils have made a the two fastest guys on the habit of reloading and team, and Rweha [Munya- quickly replacing graduated gi’s] speed has come along.” stars.

“It’s kind of funny the Munyagi started at quarterback as a freshman difference between last and is likely to do so again year’s team and this year is this season, despite seeing we had to rebuild the some time at wide receiver offense last year after losing during summer 7-on-7 pass- Josiah [Greene], and it’s just the opposite this year. ing league play.

“We have lots of offense “He worked a little at receiver this summer,” back but not as much defense.

McCaulley said.

“It’s a slight possibility “I think we can rebuild we make a change and go that. It will be difficult, but

we hope to be able to get to that place, but it’s not easy.”

McCaulley said junior Tommy Tyler is likely to play a large role in the revamped defense.

“Tommy Tyler is a linebacker who we’ve kind of had hidden away,” McCaulley said.

“He’s talented and someone who can step into Josh’s shoes there in the middle.”

Senior Roland Gagnon will see time at defensive end and linebacker and on the offensive line.

Noah Rascon will return at center on the offensive line, and left guard Daniel Kilmer has healed from a motorcycle accident and has been cleared to play.

The Red Devils also have been bolstered by some players from Neah Bay’s state runner-up basketball team.

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Michael McGee will start at running back after TURN TO NEAH/14 spending most of 2014 on the JV squad.

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2015

13

Spartans building bright future

BY MICHAEL CARMAN PENINSULA DAILY NEWS

CRAIG SHETTERLY Regarding Forks’ new uniforms

STEVE MULLENSKY/FOR PENINSULA DAILY NEWS

Reece Moody completes a 70-yard touchdown reception against Chimacum last season. Moody will be the one throwing the passes for Forks this season after playing tight end in 2014. coach and he can flush things and move on.”

Shetterly said Moody’s biggest task will be to make correct decisions on the field.

“He’s going to have to look at progressions and make the right reads for us,” Shetterly said.

He added that last year’s backup quarterback, sophomore Cole Baysinger, has been impressive in

early practices.

“He’s in the competition at QB and at defensive back,” Shetterly said.

Running backs include juniors Kenny Gale, Garrison Schumack and Miguel Contreras and freshman Eden Cisneros.

The wide receiver positions are a little more open, with juniors Keishaun Ramsey, Austin Whiting and Nathan Williamson

and freshman Cort Prose in the mix.

Senior lineman Tristan Tumaua and junior Jack Dahlgren earned “Superman” status in the weight room this summer and will anchor the offensive and defensive lines.

Garrett Rondeau, Corbin Baker, Ryan McGraw, Billy Palmer and Bobby Wright also will contribute.

The Spartans will switch

to an odd front defensively, the 3-4 formation.

After playing as down linemen last season, Moody and Dahlgren are likely starters at outside linebacker.

“Getting their hands off the ground will make them harder to deal with in pass protection and setting the edge defensively,” Shetterly said.

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in terms of belief.”

Shetterly also involved the team in selecting a new matte helmet with a navy blue finish and an oversized Spartan logo on one side and the player’s number on the other, along with new Nike home, away and practice uniforms.

“We didn’t want to disrespect tradition,” Shetterly said.

“We wanted to be Spartans, wanted to still be Forks, but give the kids coming in and who have been here some ownership.

“Dust ourselves off and come out looking a little different and feeling a little new and starting the next great run.

“They can put that stuff on and know the staff, the school, the coaches, they want us to have nice stuff and make us feel like a team.”

Offensively, Forks will use the no-huddle and employ a variety of sets, ranging from the shotgun spread to the quarterback under center in a one-back Ace formation.

Senior Reece Moody, a tight end during last year’s 2-7 season, will move back to quarterback, where as a freshman and sophomore.

“When you have a small senior group, you have to ask a lot of those guys,” Shetterly said.

“Reece is steady emotionally. He’s not going to get overly excited and stays even-keeled. He provides some control to the situation. I can get after him and

591395683

FORKS — Building for the future while respecting the past has been a theme of new Forks head coach Craig Shetterly’s first few months on the job.

Shetterly and his family moved to Forks in April to get settled and meet parents, conduct spring football practices and oversee afterschool weightlifting sessions.

He took 40 Spartans, split between junior varsity and varsity teams, to Eastern Washington University’s football camp.

“We wanted to make sure the kids got plenty of competitive reps, and playing against teams like Royal, Zillah, Nooksack Valley and Clarkston — all recent playoff teams — we really felt good about it,” Shetterly said.

“One of the biggest things we came away with is the weight room is going to be a huge factor for us.

“We have to alter the way we prepare. And that was the kids realizing that.

I didn’t have to convince them.”

The program adopted the Sinclair system, a way to compare different weight classes, and hit the iron heavily, averaging about 30 players a day at lift sessions.

“They recognize the excitement of a fresh start,” Shetterly said.

“There’s been so much turnover, it’s hard for kids to trust, hard for them to look at me and the staff and wonder if I’m going to be gone next year. So we’ve focused on growing that trust, forming a bond and building these kids up.

“And with the turnout we’ve had and the work we’ve seen, it’s a powerful statement from our kids that they’ve bought in and are starting to turn a corner

“We wanted to be Spartans, wanted to still be Forks, but give the kids coming in and who have been here some ownership.”

14

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2015

PENINSULA FOOTBALL 2015

Forks: Difficult league Neah: McGee will run CONTINUED FROM 12

CONTINUED FROM 13 Shetterly is realistic about his team’s chances in a league featuring a number of tough teams, including Eatonville, last year’s state runner-up.

“We are working at changing the culture of belief, and our kids will go as far as they choose to believe in each other,” Shetterly said.

“And as cheesy as it sounds, we can play some good football if we can maximize the talent we have, run the ball and play great defense.

“I want our guys to get great at being the best version of themselves and play a faceless opponent. “[Legendary Pacific Lutheran University coach] Frosty Westerling used to say every team comes to beat us and every team comes to be us.

“If we can get there we will be a real tough team.”

Forks Varsity Football Schedule Date Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30

Opponent at Vashon Chimacum *at Montesano *Rochester *at Tenino *Elma *at Hoquiam *at Aberdeen vs. Eatonville

*Class 1A/2A Evergreen League game Home games in bold

Tumaua OL/DL, Jack Dahlgren OL/DL, Reece Moody QB/DE, Cole Baysinger QB/ DB, Garrison Schumack RB/LB, Miguel Contreras RB/DB, Ryan McGraw OL/ DL, Peyton Rondeau OL/ DL, Keishaun Ramsey WR/ DB, Austin Whiting WR/ DB. ■ Expected team strength: Defense. ShetForks Capsule terly likes how his team ■ Offense: No-huddle rallies to the ball and how multiple formations.

Forks kids grow up wanting ■ Defense: 3-4. to play defense.

■ Contributors: ■ Question mark: A Kenny Gale RB/LB, Tristin lack of reps at quarterback.

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________ Sports reporter Michael Carman can be contacted at 360-4522345, ext. 5250 or at mcarman@ peninsuladailynews.com.

MCCLANAHAN LUMBER

Varsity Football Schedule Date Sept. 5 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 3 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 24 Oct. 30

Opponent NW Christian at Lummi at Taholah Lyle-Wishram Lopez (canceled) at Tulalip *Lummi *at Crescent *Clallam Bay

Time 3 p.m.

6 p.m.

6 p.m.

7 p.m.

1 p.m.

6 p.m.

5 p.m.

1 p.m.

7 p.m.

*Northwest Football League game Home games in bold

state title once again?

“I think there’s a possibility. If everybody comes in with the right mindset we can make it back and definitely make a run at it,” McCaulley said.

“We have to stay out of injury trouble because I think we’re not quite as deep as in past years.

“The toughest part is we have to convince the kids that it’s not a given. And that’s on us as coaches.”

Neah Bay capsule ■ Offense: I-formation.

■ Defense: 3-3-2 ■ Contributors: Cole Svec RB/DB, Cameron Buzzell WR/DB, Rweha Munyagi Jr. QB/WR/LB, Tommy Tyler OL/LB, Daniel Kilmer

OL/DL, Roland Gagnon OL/ DL, Nate Tyler RB/DL, Reggie Buttram OL/DL, Ben Greene QB/DB, Isaiah Knaus WR/DB, Leroy Greene OL/DL. ■ Expected team strength: Overall team speed.

■ Question mark: Defensive intensity.

■ Players they’ll miss the most: John Reamer and Josh Monette. Reamer was the team’s outgoing leader, while Monette was a relentless presence at linebacker.

■ Game to watch: Oct. 16 vs. Lummi. The second meeting of the season between the two teams will count in the Northwest Football League standings.

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■ Players they’ll miss the most: The Spartans graduated their three top runners from last season’s team in Miguel Morales, Dimitri Sampson and Javier Contreras.

■ Game to watch: The new-look Spartans will debut at home in Week 2 against a Chimacum team that has struggled in recent seasons.

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Kenrick Doherty Jr., a second-team All-Northwest Football League selection on the defensive line, returns, along with Ryan Moss who sat out last season.

Jericho McGimpsey, another member of the basketball team, also is giving football a go.

“I’m really happy to have all three of those guys out for the team,” McCaulley said. “It really helps our depth.”

McCaulley expects Michael McGee to fill Martinez’s spot at running back.

McGee rushed for 210 yards against the Crescent varsity and scored a crucial touchdown late in the state championship win last year.

“Playing tough D and running the ball has worked for us in the past, and we will start the season with the same focus,” McCaulley said.

“I’d like us to be a little more balanced than we were last year, throw it a little more to keep teams on edge.”

The big question: can Neah Bay put it all together and come home with the

PENINSULA FOOTBALL 2015

PENINSULA DAILY NEWS

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2015

15

Cowboys look to break through Senior class hoping to start turnaround

BY MICHAEL CARMAN PENINSULA DAILY NEWS

DANIEL HORTON (2)/FOR PENINSULA DAILY NEWS

James Porter, left, and Quinn Dowling, right, are expected to again split time at quarterback.

“I don’t know if they are competing for playing quarterback because both are going to play for us.”

CHIMACUM COACH MIKE DOWLING Discussing quarterbacks Quinn Dowling and James Porter son and the team will adjust its focus slightly in the Pistol formation.

“Last year, we wanted to throw the ball around the yard,” Dowling said.

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“This year we are still going to spread people out, but we really have to run the ball better to set that up.”

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CHIMACUM — A committed group of seniors will attempt to turn around a Chimacum program that has lost 12 straight games dating back to the 2013 season, including an 0-10 mark last year.

“We have a really good senior class, lots of leadership there, and they worked to get kids out after school and we lifted throughout the summer,” Cowboys coach Mike Dowling said.

Quarterbacks Quinn Dowling (Mike’s son) and James Porter return for their senior seasons.

The younger Dowling suffered a season-ending knee injury last season, and Porter moved over from wide receiver to take the reigns of the offense.

“Quinn is more of a runner, James more of a traditional pocket passer,” Mike Dowling said.

“But Quinn has improved dramatically with his arm during the offseason.

“James has a good arm and great hands. He can walk out not even warmed up and throw it 60 yards without wincing.”

Both players will see time at the position this fall.

“I don’t know if they are competing for playing quarterback because both are going to play for us,” Dowling said.

The plan at running back is to give senior Trevon Noel a shot at carrying the load.

A burly 5-foot-10, 250-pounder, Noel has mostly been used along the offensive and defensive

lines and at linebacker in previous seasons.

“We started with him at tailback last year and then we had a bunch of injuries, and because he’s a team guy he sacrificed and played and [was] our best lineman,” Dowling said.

“I think if we can get him to play tailback he will surprise some people.”

Others who will see carries include Chris Bainbridge, a senior who started some games for Chimacum last year, and sophomore Logan Shaw.

“He also played linebacker for us last year,” Dowling said. “Logan is a lean kid who is pretty football savvy. He’s played since he was 5.”

Dowling and Porter will target another senior, wide receiver Matthew Torres, for passes, along with Eoin Hartnett.

Tight end Sam Golden, who studied abroad last year, also figures to catch some passes.

“We are happy as hell he’s back,” Dowling said.

“He’s another big, strong kid, and he can play at end or linebacker for us defensively.”

Mike Dowling will call the offensive plays this sea-

16

PENINSULA DAILY NEWS

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2015

PENINSULA FOOTBALL 2015

Loggers building a foundation

BY LEE HORTON PENINSULA DAILY NEWS

JOYCE — The phrase is everywhere at Crescent.

On the locker room wall.

On the practice field. Constantly coming out of the mouths of coaches and players as they talk about the upcoming football season.

Four words, none longer than four letters: “Hard work pays off.”

The work began in June, soon after Brian Shimko was hired as Crescent’s new football coach the month before.

When the summer football period ended, the Loggers kept working on their own time, often in the weight room with former Crescent standout athlete Tommy Farris.

“It’s definitely been tough, but I know, like the coaches said at the beginning of the season, hard work does pay off, and I can feel it,” Luke Leonard, the Loggers’ only senior, said.

Shimko said an average of 14 players showed up for offseason activities. That’s a good sign for a team that has struggled with num-

bers, and for a program that has struggled the past two seasons, going a combined 2-16.

Shimko, though, doesn’t know much about those teams.

“Our program that we have, we don’t know what was here before. So we’re just starting from scratch,” he said.

“We don’t know what [positions] they played or what they did. And we’re not even going to look at the last couple of seasons. We’re just going straight forward.

“I think it’s just better to start over with a clean slate and work from here on. The past is the past.”

What Shimko and assistant coach Kelly Flanagan do know is that they like the players who are left over from last year’s team.

Some are big and have a lot of prior experience, such as juniors Wyatt McNeece, Neil Peppard and McCabe Story and sophomore K.C. Spencer.

Others are young and tough.

“Noah Leonard, he’s going to be a dominant player. That kid’s an ani-

mal,” Shimko said of the freshman linebacker who is Luke Leonard’s brother.

“McCabe Story and Wyatt McNeece, they’re dominant players as well.”

Peppard back at QB Although every team could use more size, and Peppard is one of the Loggers’ biggest players, the strong-armed sophomore will again start at quarterback for Crescent.

“If you look at his body type, you wouldn’t think that that is where he would be at,” Shimko said. “But he knows the job. He executes it very well.”

Peppard led the North Olympic Peninsula in passing yards last year with 1,314 (71 for 147, 15 TDs, 19 interceptions).

Shimko said the offense will “look completely different” from last year, and the Loggers’ staff is still trying to figure out where to plug in all the pieces.

Spencer has been a weapon for Crescent’s offense the last few seasons and figures to be even more so this year, either as a run-

STEVE MULLENSKY/FOR PENINSULA DAILY NEWS

Crescent’s Jakob Baillargeon (1) is back after suffering an injury against Quilcene last season. ner, a receiver or both.

Junior Jakob Baillargeon is recovered from an injury suffered against Quilcene last season and is one of the Loggers’ fastest players. If not him, then it’s eighth-grader Eric Emery.

Cowboys: Run-stopping focus CONTINUED FROM 15 the run,” Dowling said.

Dotson, Shaw, Dowling, Tony Haddenham, the Golden, Bainbridge and high school track and field Walton should all play linecoach and former middle backer.

Noel, Conklin and Winschool football coach, is the kley are expected to start new defensive coordinator.

Dowling said the team is on the defensive line.

The season projects as expected to switch formaanother tough climb back tions after using five defen- toward respectability. sive backs much of last sea“I like to think that some son. of the hard work the kids “We had a hard time are putting in would pay off stopping people especially this season,” Dowling said. up the middle with the run “The goal is always to last year, so we are putting make the playoffs. But to do more emphasis on stopping that we have to get that

first win.”

Chimacum capsule ■ Offense: Pistol.

■ Defense: 4-4-3.

■ Contributors: Quinn Dowling QB/LB, James Porter QB/WR/DB, Sam Golden TE/DE/LB, Lane Dotson OL/LB, Logan Shaw RB/LB, Trevon Noel RB/OL/DL, Josh Conklin OL/DL, Devyn Winkley OL/DL. ■ Expected team strength: Deep core of linebackers should help team

improve against the run.

■ Question mark: Can the team stay healthy enough to stay competitive this season?

■ Player they’ll miss the most: Drew Yackulic, a do-everything running back, defensive back and kick returner, will be hard to replace.

■ Game to watch: A Week 2 game against a young Forks team could provide a chance to snap the Cowboys’ 12-game losing streak.

Other skill players include sophomores Kyle Buchanan and Nate Swanson.

Peppard’s younger brother, Gus, a freshman, will snap the ball as the starting center.

McNeece said that Gus Peppard is the player he was most impressed with during training camp.

“He’s the guy right next to me and he’s been working hard,” McNeece said.

TURN

TO

LOGGERS/17

Chimacum Varsity Football Schedule Date Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30

Opponent Sequim at Forks *Coupeville *at Klahowya *at Port Townsend *Klahowya *at Coupeville *Port Townsend Vashon

Time 5 p.m.

7 p.m.

5 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

*Class 1A Olympic League game Home games in bold

PENINSULA FOOTBALL 2015

PENINSULA DAILY NEWS

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2015

17

Loggers: Tradition CONTINUED FROM 16 (and at the high school level; both have been youth “He’s been really trying coaches in the Port Angeles to be that center that we program the past several want him to be, and we got years), so the goals are to appreciate that.” short-term and expectaThen there is McNeece, tions are based on effort. who is perhaps Crescent’s “First game, Clallam top player. He will be the Bay,” Shimko said. “I don’t leader of both lines. like to look ahead.

“One kid to look out for “I want them to play this year,” Flanagan said, their hardest, do the best “is Wyatt McNeece. they can. I just want them “I just think the world of to go on the field, give 110 him. He’s a monster.” percent, leave everything As he is on offense, Spen- on the field and don’t think cer will be a playmaker on they could have done somedefense. He intercepted thing different — just give four passes in only five me everything they got on games in 2014.

Luke Leonard will be a the field.

“That’s all I want from lineman/linebacker type the kids. And I think they’ll player.

The Loggers will have do it.”

There is, however, a longtwo girls on the team this term plan. year: Raine Westfall, who “This school has a lot of played on the lines last year as a sophomore, and Katie tradition and they’ve had a lot of good football teams, Strean.

While there is talent and that’s something that I returning, Crescent overall really want to bring back,” Shimko, a 1994 Crescent is a young team.

And this is Shimko and graduate, said.

Flanagan’s first year in the “There’s a trophy out Northwest Football League there in the case from the year I graduated [third place]. From ’85 to ’96, Crescent ran the 8-man football.

They really did.”

The current players weren’t born when the Log-

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Wishing the

Crescent capsule

■ Offense: Varied.

■ Defense: 4-4.

■ Contributors: OL/ DLWyatt McNeece, QB/LB Neil Peppard, RB/LB LONNIE ARCHIBALD/FOR PENINSULA DAILY NEWS McCabe Story, OL/DL Luke Leonard, WR/DB KC Spen- Clayton Willis (30) will be a weapon for Clallam Bay at running back and receiver. cer.

■ Expected team strength: Speed.

■ Question mark: Depth. Behind starters is a lot of youth.

■ Player they’ll miss the most: Zach Fletcher.

He did everything. 1,723 all-purpose yards and 11 TDs. Made 138 tackles on defense.

■ Game to watch: workouts, and Ritter said Clallam Bay, today. The new he showed leadership with era of Crescent football the team’s younger players. opens against an even less“Martin has been putexperienced team. ting in a lot of work this summer with the younger kids and he’ll get plenty of during the offseason.

BY MICHAEL CARMAN carries at running back,” “Alan Greene didn’t miss Ritter said.

PENINSULA DAILY NEWS a spring practice or a workCummings will be back CLALLAM BAY — Foot- out this summer,” Ritter at linebacker on defense for ball is always a numbers said. game at Clallam Bay, and “He was always here. Clallam Bay. Opponent Time “He’s a hard-nosed this season appears to be no Right now I’m going to try at Clallam Bay 7 p.m. different. and look at him at quarter- player. He’s not too big but Muckleshoot 1 p.m.

Turnout is typically low back. I’m going to try a he’s a tough, tough kid not at Oakville 1 p.m. for the school with the couple different guys, but afraid to fill the hole and Quilcene 1 p.m. smallest enrollment on the he’s probably in the lead. pop somebody.” *Tulalip 1 p.m.

North Olympic Peninsula.

Freshman Clayton Wil“Alan’s got a pretty *at Lummi 6 p.m.

But relatively large decent arm and good accu- lis will hear his name called *Clallam Bay 1 p.m. freshman and eighth-grade racy going for him, but he’s at running back, in the slot *Neah Bay 1 p.m. classes will help provide never played the position at wide receiver and in the *at Lopez (canceled) 2 p.m. depth and production for before.” return game. the Bruins.

Greene also will play “He’s going to get quite a Head coach Cal Ritter is defensive end for the Bru- few shots with the ball,” *Northwest Football League game enthused about the work ins.

Ritter said.

Home games in bold seniors Alan Greene and Cummings was another TURN TO BRUINS/18 Martin Cummings put in hard worker at offseason

Crescent

Varsity Football Schedule

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gers won their only state championship in 1996, but they feel a connection to the era when Crescent was one of the top Class 1B teams in the state.

“How we really, really used to be when we were champions, like not only on the field but off the field, when we were champions, that’s what we want to be like,” McNeece said.

“That’s what we want to bring back.”

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PENINSULA DAILY NEWS

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2015

Bruins: Signor at end CONTINUED FROM 17 “He’s fast, and he can make people miss. He’ll be a weapon.”

Willis will play in the secondary on defense.

Junior Sam Signor, and senior Kyle Keys will be the team’s primary wide receivers. Keys played some quarterback last season as well.

On defense, Signor will set the edge on the defensive line.

“He’ll be a heck of a defensive end for us,” Ritter said.

“He’s a big, strong kid, and we are looking for some good things from him.”

Keys is a linebacker who “seals the hole pretty well.”

Ritter said he will try to keep the offense simple.

“We will try and run a little out of the spread and the I[-formation], but it depends a little on how the line develops,” Ritter said.

“We will see what works for us. If the line can hold, I’d like to get back to old Clallam Bay football and pound, pound, pound the ball.”

Freshman Ryan McCoy will be counted on at center.

“He played quite a bit for us last year and will anchor the line for us at center,” Ritter said.

Clallam Bay Varsity Football Schedule Date Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 19 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 10 Oct. 17 Oct. 23 Oct. 30

Opponent Crescent at Rainier Christian Quilcene Muckleshoot *Lummi *Lopez *at Crescent *Tulalip Heritage *at Neah Bay

Time 7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

6 p.m.

6 p.m. canceled 1 p.m.

6 p.m.

7 p.m.

*Northwest Football League game Home games in bold

“He’s a big kid, and he was in the weight room every chance he could get.”

Junior Justin Messinger and eighth-grader Calen Duncan also will play on the offensive and defensive lines.

Ritter’s goal stays the same from year to year.

“I’d like to make the playoffs, but if we can improve from week to week, I’ll be happy.

“If we can compete in our league games against the teams we are evenly matched with, I’ll be even happier.”

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“If our line can develop like we want to, it will be wide open and we can do whatever we want.

Clallam Bay capsule ■ Offense: Spread and I-formations.

■ Defense: 3-3-2/4-2-2.

■ Contributors: WR/ RB/DB Clayton Willis, RB/ LB Martin Cummings, QB/ DE Alan Greene, WR/QB/ LB Kyle Keys, WR/DE, Sam Signor, OL/DL Ryan McCoy, OL/DL Caylen Duncan, OL/ DL Justin Messinger, WR/ RB/DB/LB Ramon Pinoco, WR/DB Caiton Smith.

■ Expected team strength: Ritter said the team has ample speed.

■ Question mark: Depth and ability to withstand injuries.

■ Players they’ll miss the most: Casey Randall. A tornado of a runner, Randall amassed 794 rush yards and 15 touchdowns threw for 267 yards and five scores and returned eight kicks and two interceptions for touchdowns last year.

■ Game to watch: A nonleague home opener against an under-renovation Crescent program should serve as a good test for each team.

PENINSULA FOOTBALL 2015

Rangers ready to keep rolling

BY LEE HORTON PENINSULA DAILY NEWS

QUILCENE — Byron Wilson says Quilcene wasn’t a one-man show when it made it to the Class 1B state playoffs in 2014.

The Rangers relied heavily on one player, but that had more to do with the abilities of Colten Pol than those of the other Rangers.

“It was kind of a team effort besides the one name we had,” Wilson, starting his second year as Quilcene’s head coach, said.

“This year we’re hoping to spread it out with a lot of running backs.”

Pol leaves a big hole after racking up more that 2,000 total yards from the line of scrimmage in 2014 and being named SeaTac League MVP and AP AllState second team.

Now the team belongs to a cadre of Rangers, including senior Eli Harrison, who will again start at quarterback and defensive back, where he intercepted 12 passes last season and was named AP All-State.

At quarterback, Harrison will run and throw the ball more. Wilson even anticipates lining up Harrison, bulked up and faster, at running back on occasion.

He’s also a team captain.

“He’s going to be a rahrah guy,” Wilson said.

“I think his leadership is going to be the most important thing for us. I think that’s why QB’s such a great position for him.”

Another senior, A.J. Prater, will be the feature back after playing behind Pol and Triston Williams last season.

“He had about 600-700 yards last year,” Wilson

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Quilcene’s Eli Harrison is back at quarterback. said. “He’s excited to play more. He’s a little bigger, a little faster.”

Also in the backfield is a transfer from Idaho, junior Ace Elkins.

“I’m excited about Ace,” Harrison said. “He’s just super hyped up and he’s always into it. He’s always just in the mode and he never screws around, ever.”

Those backs will run behind an experienced line that includes junior Hayes Beathard, who made the all-league second team, and senior Nate Weller, who earned first-team all-league offensive and defensive lineman honors.

“He’s probably the strongest kid in the weight room,” Wilson said of Weller.

“He’s just steady.”

The line will also feature sophomore center Ethan Davis (“He’s really, really smart,” Harrison said.) and senior Zach Collins, another

player who added muscle in the weight room.

So there’s a lot of returning blocking experience.

“It’s looking great. It is looking fantastic,” Collins said of the offensive line.

“There are going to be giant holes for our running backs this year, and our quarterback is going to have all the time in the world.”

Wilson anticipates that the Quilcene’s roster will have around 30 players.

Nearly 20 of those return from last year.

Also returning is former head coach Nic Dahl as the passing game coordinator.

Dahl left Quilcene for a season to serve as offensive coordinator at Chimacum.

Wilson isn’t worried about mixing his run-runrun philosophy with Dahl’s pass-happy style.

TURN

TO

RANGERS/19

PENINSULA FOOTBALL 2015

PENINSULA DAILY NEWS

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2015

Rangers: Postseason

SEAFOODS COMPANY

Varsity Football Schedule Date Sept. 5 Sept. 12 Sept. 18 Sept. 26 Oct. 2 Oct. 10 Oct. 17 Oct. 24

Opponent Time Lopez canceled at Mary M. Knight 1 p.m. at Clallam Bay 7 p.m. at Crescent 1 p.m. *at Rainier Christian 7 p.m. *Evergreen Lutheran 1 p.m. *Muckleshoot 1 p.m. *at Seattle Lutheran 1:30 p.m.

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*SeaTac League game Home games in bold

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■ Defense: Various base sets.

■ Contributors: QB/ DB Eli Harrison, RB/DB A.J. Prater, OL/DL Nate Weller, OL/DL Zach Collins, OL/DL Trey Beathard, RB/ DB Ace Elkins, OL/DL Ethan Davis.

■ Expected team strength: Running game.

■ Question mark: Linebackers.

■ Player they’ll miss the most: Colten Pol. He was a standout on both sides of the ball: 1,836 rushing yards, 231 receiving yards on offense, 105 tackles and two interceptions on defense.

■ Game to watch: vs.

Evergreen Lutheran on Oct. 10. The Rangers have a score to settle with last year’s league champion, which handed Quilcene its only league loss (54-14) last year.

COAST

Quilcene

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CONTINUED FROM 18 do that, the Rangers will need to place in the top “I’m Ground Wilson and three of the SeaTac League.

They finished second in he’s Air Dahl,” Wilson said.

“Only one guy makes the a relatively young league in decision, and that’s the old 2014.

“You’ve got to look at guy.

“He’s going to be a plus Evergreen Lutheran again, and they had all juniors for us.”

The defensive coordina- returning,” Wilson said of tor will again be Trey the reigning league chamBeathard, who runs what pion. “Everybody returns a he calls an amoeba defense lot of kids.

“We’ll be competitive. If of always-changing formawe get top three, we get [a tions.

“We only had three play-in game to the] first losses, so the defense did round into the state playsomething right last year,” offs.”

The Rangers finished Wilson said.

The defense has some second to Eagles last year question marks, though, with a 3-1 league record particularly finding replace- (7-3 overall).

“I think we’ll do better, ments for Pol and Williams honestly, because we’re at linebacker.

Wilson expects to find smarter,” Harrison said. players who are ready to Quilcene capsule step in.

Wilson said the goal is to ■ Offense: Power-run, return to the postseason. To but with more variation.

19

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