Sports Preview - Play Ball - An Eastside Football Preview

Snoqualmie Valley Record

PLAY BALL AN EASTSIDE FOOTBALL PREVIEW

TM

MT SI HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

Friday, August 31, 2018

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Friday, August 31, 2018

Snoqualmie Valley Record

PLAY BALL

WILDCATS LOOKING TO BUILD ON STELLAR 2017 SEASON Mount Si returns a bevy of skill players to the lineup.

Schedule

Aug. 31 WENATCHEE, 7 p.m.

Sept. 7 at Kentwood (French Field, Kent), 7 p.m.

Sept. 14 at Skyview, 7 p.m.

Sept. 21 WOODINVILLE, 7 p.m.

Sept. 28 EASTLAKE, 7 p.m.

Oct. 5 at Issaquah, 7 p.m.

Oct. 12 at Skyline, 7 p.m.

Oct. 19 NEWPORT, 7 p.m.

By Shaun Scott sscott@soundpublishing.com

Mount Si Wildcats head coach football coach Charlie Kinnune was in constant motion on the first day of football practice on Aug. 15 in Snoqualmie.

Kinnune, who has coached the Wildcats football program since 1992, couldn’t wait for the season to officially kick off.

“I love practice,” Kinnune said with a smile while meandering across the artificial turf.

The Wildcats football program is looking to build on respectable 2017 season that saw them attain an overall record of 7-3. The Wildcats lost 44-40 to Monroe in the first round of the playoffs.

“We’re typically a pretty optimistic and hopeful group around here. When you have a couple of the best players in your league (4A KingCo) and in your state on your team, it certainly gives you a little more hope than normal.

We’re excited about that,” Kinnune said.

Wildcats’ senior quarterback Cale Millen, who has already committed to the University of Oregon collegiate football team, will

Mount Si running back Paine Smith, right, hauls in a swing pass from Cale Millen before preparing to make a move past a defender at an afternoon practice session on Aug. 15 in Snoqualmie. Shaun Scott/staff photo

lead the team as the signal caller. Mount Si senior wide receiver Jonny Barrett is one of the most explosive receivers in the KingCo Division.

The biggest question mark for the Wildcats will be in the trenches of the offensive and defensive lines. Kinnune said

the majority of the starters on the line graduated this past June.

“We’re cautiously optimistic because we have to bring a long some young linemen.

We’ve had some thinning of our line through attrition and graduation. We’re going to

need some guys to grow up quick and be ready to play on Friday nights,” Kinnune explained.

The Wildcats return starting defensive lineman Slater Macko and RJ Bell to the defensive frontline. Bell, who was a starter on defense last

season, is slated to start on the offensive line this fall as well.

“Gale Kamp has had a great offseason and he is going to be a two-year starter at left tackle. He is strong and very athlete. Wee just have to stay healthy. We feel good

SOARING SPARTANS HAVE A TALENTED ROSTER ON GRIDIRON Team depth is a strength for Skyline.

By Shaun Scott sscott@soundpublishing.com

Music pulsated from the speakers on the Skyline Spartans second day of football practice on Aug. 16.

The Spartans, who lost to Central Valley in the Class 4A state quarterfinals in 2017, went through their Thursday afternoon practice session with a pep in their step while a soundtrack of hip-hop and rock music blared from every corner of the stadium. The Spartans

are looking to build on last seasons’s 8-4 overall record.

Spartans’ senior quarterback Joe Green, who will play football at Harvard next season, will lead the Spartans as the signal caller.

“Joe is a great leader. He is the kid who you want to lead your team as a role model for your school. The other thing too is our backup quarterback Eddie Rosemont is a great leader too.

He has been in our system for a while. It is a good problem to have when your two quarterbacks are your top two leaders,” Skyline head coach Mat Taylor said.

Skyline’s offense is loaded

Skyline senior quarterback Joe Green, who will play college football at Harvard next season, takes a deep drop before throwing a screen pass during practice on Aug. 16 in Sammamish. Shaun Scott/staff photo

with talent at the running back and receiver positions.

Brendan Bice and Beau Switzer will get the bulk of

the carries at the running back spot and wide receivers Chris Johnson and Dominic Wieburg are electrifying

athletes on the perimeter.

Johnson has deep ball threat ability and Wieburg is one of the fastest athletes in Washington.

“We’ve had some fantastic receivers here at Skyline over the years but we’ve never quite had someone that has the speed that Dominic (Wieburg) has. He got sixth place in the 100 at 4A (state track meet). I think he was within a tenth of a second of getting first,” Taylor said.

The offensive and defensive lines will be anchored

by Michael Oss and Mason Ahlemeyer.

“We feel really good about our lines. We feel like it is

about it,” Kinnune said of the offensive and defensive lines.

Kinnune is optimistic his squad will be in contention for the 4A KingCo league crown toward the end of the regular season.

“I think we are ready to take that next step. We would love for a situation where we are playing for a crown at the end of the season in week nine (4A KingCo title game).

I think these kids feel like they’ve put in the work for it. Now we just need to stay healthy and execute. We play against the best coaches and the best talent in the state.

It is a battle every week,” Kinnune said.

Schedule Aug. 31 KENTWOOD, 7 p.m.

Sept. 7 at Peninsula, 7 p.m.

Sept. 14 HAZEN, 7 p.m.

Sept. 21 at Newport 7 p.m.

Sept. 28 at Bothell 7 p.m.

Oct. 5 at Eastlake 7 p.m.

Oct. 12 MOUNT SI, 7 p.m.

Oct. 19 ISSAQUAH, 7 p.m. something we can fall back on in crunch time,” Taylor said.

Snoqualmie Valley Record

Friday, August 31, 2018

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PLAY BALL EAGLES’ MANTRA IS TEAM CAMARADERIE

By Shaun Scott sscott@soundpublishing.com

Issaquah Eagles longtime head football coach Buddy Bland’s football teams over the years always have focused on cultivating a team camaraderie amongst its players.

The Eagles started off the season with a threeday, two night sleepover in the Issaquah High School gymnasium. Bland said the three-day event is designed to create team unity.

“It is all about camaraderie. We started on Wednesday (Aug. 15) at about 10 a.m and we finished at around 8 p.m. on Friday (Aug. 17). We bring the freshmen in to make sure they know they are a part of this program. We have our team goals and it gives our team a chance to reinforce those goals. It was a tough three days for them, but at the end of the day we had a large of percentage of players who went through it. It helps set the tone and direction of where we are going as a team,” Bland explained.

The Eagles’ offense will be led by senior quarterback Trevor Morine. Morine, who also is adept at running the ball as well as throwing, will be in his second season as the starting quarterback.

“It is nice that he is getting his second go around, that experience is going to pay off. He had a great spring and a really good summer camp. He has an exceptional command of our offense. Trevor is a really bright kid and we’re pretty fortunate to have him,” Bland said of the Eagles’ starting quarterback.

Schedule Aug. 30 at KentMeridian, 7 p.m.

Sept. 7 MERCER ISLAND, 7 p.m.

Sept. 14 at Liberty, 7 p.m.

Sept. 21 at Eastlake, 7 p.m.

Sept. 28 NEWPORT, 7 p.m.

Oct. 5 MOUNT SI, 7 p.m.

Oct. 12 NORTH CREEK, 7 p.m.

Oct. 19 at Skyline, 7 p.m.

EASTLAKE FOOTBALL TEAM FOCUSES ON THE FUNDAMENTALS Wolves’ strength will be on the offensive and defensive line.

By Shaun Scott sscott@soundpublishing.com

Accountability is a mantra of the Eastlake Wolves football program.

Eastlake head coach Don Bartel, who is one of the most disciplined head coaches in the state, preached accountability at all levels for every single individual in the football program. That dedication has paid off in years past.

The Wolves finished the 2017 season with an overall record of 6-3.

“At the end of the day, we just have to focus on the idea of taking care of our teammates, doing the things that are difficult and giving it all we got. If we do all of those things, we’ll be just fine. I think they’ve (players) bought into that idea but we’ll see when things get tough. That is when we’ll find out,” Bartel said.

While the Wolves graduated a plethora of talented players from last year’s team, the cupboard is far from bare. Throughout the spring and summer months, Jackson Proctor

Eastlake Wolves quarterback Jackson Proctor, left, scrambles for extra yardage during the second day of practice on Aug. 16 in Sammamish. Shaun Scott/staff photo

and Grady Robinson have battled for the starting quarterback spot. As of the second practice of the 2018 season on Aug. 16, Bartel and the coaching staff had yet to decide on a starter for the season opener against Monroe on Aug. 31.

“I don’t know if I would say it has been decided yet,” Bartel said of the starting quarterback position. “I

know that both of those guys have grown a ton and it has been huge for us.

There was moments in team camp where it was real truth telling. It is always nice to have an opponent give you feedback. We were pleasantly surprised with things both of these guys did over the summer. Either way, whoever gets it (starting spot), we are better off now

than we were in the spring, which is really nice.”

The Wolves offensive and defensive lines are in great shape. Bartel said linemen Sam Marks, William Woodgate, Cameron Lynch and Zach Kennedy will anchor those units. Eastlake running back Garrett Carney and receiver/defensive back Nate Sutter are two of Eastlake’s top skill players.

Schedule Aug. 31 MONROE, 7 p.m.

Sept. 7 at Lake Washington, 7 p.m.

Sept. 14 at Union (McKenzie Stadium) 7 p.m.

Sept. 28 at Mount Si Oct. 5 SKYLINE, 7 p.m.

Oct. 12 NEWPORT, 7 p.m.

Oct. 19 at Redmond, 7 p.m.

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Friday, August 31, 2018

Snoqualmie Valley Record

PLAY BALL

WOLVERINES WILL BE TESTED BY FORMIDABLE SCHEDULE Michael Kneip lands head coaching job at his alma mater.

Schedule Sept. 1 at Central Valley, 1 p.m.

Sept. 7 NEWPORT, 7 p.m.

Sept. 14 at Garfield (Seattle Memorial Stadium) 7 p.m.

Sept. 21 at Camas, 7 p.m.

Sept. 28 at Lake Washington, 7 p.m.

Oct. 5 INTERLAKE, 7 p.m.

Oct. 12 at Liberty, 7 p.m.

Oct. 19 JUANITA, 7 p.m.

Oct. 26 at Mercer Island, 7 p.m.

By Shaun Scott sscott@soundpublishing.com

A new face will be running the show on the sidelines for the Bellevue Wolverines football team.

Michael Kneip, who played college football at the University of Washington, was hired as the Wolverines’ new head football coach this past May. Kneip, who won four state titles as a player during his high school career with the Wolverines, was a volunteer assistant on the Wolverines staff during the 2017 season. He replaces Mark Landes who resigned in March after leading the Wolverines football program for the past two seasons.

“When I first got hired, it was kind of disbelief. It is one of those things. I grew up here (Bellevue) and played all the way through my senior year. My family is really tied to this program for 20-plus years now. It is

Wolverines quarterback Joey Echigoshima rumbles for yardage against the Mercer Island Islanders in October of 2017.

Echigoshima will be in his second season as the starting quarterback this fall. Photo courtesy of Don Borin/Stop Action Photography

one of those things where you can’t really express.

If you asked me in high school, if I would be coaching at this age I would had said not that soon and not at this age (24 years old). It is really a surreal feeling. I feel fortunate to have a support system and a coaching staff that I have,” he said.

Kneip said the staff he’s

assembled is a combination of coaches with a plethora of high school coaching experience to go along with former collegiate football players just a few years removed from their playing days. Kneip played offensive line for the Huskies from 2012 through 2016.

The first-year head coach said the expectations for

the Wolverines remain the same as when he was in high school from 2008-2011.

“Every year the goal is to go to undefeated and win a state championship. It always starts with game one.

We’re focused on Central Valley (Sept. 1 showdown in Spokane). They are a tough opponent, which is what

you want. You want to play the best teams in the state regardless of classification.

It will be a challenge for our guys,” Kneip said.

The Wolverines not only face Central Valley but take on Garfield and Camas as well in September. The Wolverines return a bevy of experienced players to the lineup, including Joey

NEWPORT’S IDENTITY NEVER WAVERS ON THE GRIDIRON

By Shaun Scott sscott@soundpublishing.com

The final portion of the Newport Knights football practice on Aug. 17 epitomized the intensity and culture of the program.

Newport offensive coordinator Eric Peterson led his team through sled drills, where multiple players simultaneously hit and drive a heavy piece of equipment as hard as possible all over the field. The Knights hit the sled 18 times, driving it close to 55 yards on the final exercise of practice. The effort and will required to hit the sled time and time again

with Peterson shouting words of encouragement is a microcosm of how Newport football operates. The Knights pride themselves on running the football and played hard-nosed defense.

Newport fifth year head coach Drew Oliver thoroughly enjoys watching his players push themselves on sled exercises.

“We call it the power mesh. They’re enthusiastic about it. It is based on the clock and the number of plays we can get in a certain amount of time. We’re tracking and trying to set a goal every day and beat it,” Oliver said.

“We do it to develop an identity. Those are

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the things that we come back to during the season when things get tough. We think about the power mesh and think about we’ve done in the past. There is a sense of pride around it.”

The Knights football program will be led by senior quarterback Tre Louis in 2018.

Newport also returns key offensive/defensive linemen Sean An and Logan Richards.

“They are both stalwarts and have been starting for us for a couple of years now,” Oliver said of Richards and An. While winning as many football games as possible is always the goal of any team, Oliver believes leading a football program is about

Echigoshima (quarterback), Johnny Barthel (offensive line/defensive line), Drew Fowler (linebacker), Nick Bowar (wide receiver/linebacker), KJ Wright (running back/linebacker) and John Kruger (linebacker/offensive line).

“We have a lot of seniors that have been around this program for a long time.

We also have a lot of young guys who will play and that are emerging. It has been a lot of fun to see,” Kneip said.

“Having really smart players in the right spots in terms of leadership is key.”

Schedule Aug. 31 INTERLAKE, 7 p.m.

Sept. 7 at Bellevue, 7 p.m.

Sept. 14 at Mercer Island 7 p.m.

Sept. 21 SKYLINE, 7 p.m.

Sept. 28 at Issaquah, 7 p.m.

Oct. 5 INGLEMOOR, 7 p.m.

Oct. 12 EASTLAKE, 7 p.m.

Oct. 19 at Mount Si, 7 p.m. much more than what transpires on the scoreboard.

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Snoqualmie Valley Record

Friday, August 31, 2018

PLAY BALL

DETERMINATION DRIVES THE SAINTS ON THE FOOTBALL FIELD Shawn Hartline is in his first season as Saints head coach.

By Shaun Scott sscott@soundpublishing.com

Year in and year out, the Interlake Saints football team has been known for its grittiness on the gridiron.

The Saints, who compete in the 3A/2A KingCo league, may not always field the largest rosters but they continue to pack a powerful punch.

“Words can’t describe it. It is like the movie ‘Rudy’ out here for me. Every player wants to play and they are bought in. They are going to give it everything they got. They are scrappy and I love it,” Interlake head coach Shawn Hartline said. “I’m so impressed. The team is very bought in to our concepts and bought in to what we are trying to achieve for the season.”

Hartline will be in his first season leading the Saints program this fall. Shawn’s brother Brian was the head coach of the Saints in 2016 and 2017. The Saints new leader is an old-school type of coach.

“I coach the coaches and mentor our players. That is who I am and that is what I’m about. My coaches are outstanding and I have total belief in their abilities to run the offense and the defense,” Hartline said of his staff.

The Saints key returners this fall will be Austin Hourn (running back/defensive back), Myles Chandler (wide receiver/safety), Ethan Feaster (offensive line/defensive line), Matt Le (linebacker/offensive line) and Jack Hirsch (linebacker).

Hartline believes Hourn will be one of the most electrifying players in the league.

Schedule Aug. 31 at Newport, 7 p.m.

Sept. 7 SAMMAMISH, 7 p.m.

Sept. 14 NORTH CREEK, 7 p.m.

Sept. 28 at Mercer Island, 7 p.m.

Oct. 5 at Bellevue, 7 p.m.

Oct. 12 at Juanita, 7 p.m.

Oct. 26 at Lake Washington, 7 p.m.

Sammamish Totems quarterback Coby Akana (pictured) will be in his second season as the starting quarterback. Shaun Scott/staff photo

TOTEMS ARE LOOKING TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP

By Shaun Scott sscott@soundpublishing.com

Experience plays a pivotal factor in success on the gridiron.

Players who have been through battles in the past typically rise to the occasion when adversity hits.

The Totems football team, which finished with an overall record of 4-5 last season, have one of the most experienced squads they’ve fielded in years this fall.

“We’re senior heavy this year. A lot of our players back were our main guys last year. They’ve gotten a lot better over the offseason and have gotten a lot stronger. The man thing that we need to do is keep everybody healthy,” Totems head coach Rylen Akana said. Akana’s son Coby will

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be in his second season as the starting signal caller.

Last year Akana didn’t give Coby much freedom at the quarterback spot but said that will change this year.

“I am going to cut him a loose a little bit this year. I kind of was a little cautious last year even though he understood the defenses he was facing. I didn’t let him run much last year but I’m going to give him a little more leeway to take off with the ball if he has the opportunity to do it. He has put in a lot of time during the offseason and is ready to go,” Akana said of Coby.

The Totems have a bevy of key returners, including Brandon Zanders (wide receiver/defensive back), Daniel Sushkin (slot receiver, defensive end), Ryan Hervey (tight end), Tony Oliva (running back),

Cameron Arsenian (linebacker) and Aman Anwar (defensive end).

“Harvey is going to add a lot to this offense this year.

He has worked hard in the offseason on his speed and strength. Oliva is a really shifty running back. We should be able to put points on the board and move the ball,” Akana said of the offense. “The real surprise on defense last year was Aman Anwar. He was really undersized but was so quick and strong. This year he has put on a lot of weight and has developed his speed. He just gets after it and understands leverage.”

Since Akana accepted the Totems head coaching position in February of 2017, he’s been focused on community involvement with his players just as much as fine tuning

Schedule Aug. 31 CEDARCREST, 7 p.m.

Sept. 7 at Interlake, 7 p.m.

Sept. 14 at Bellingham, 7 p.m.

Sept. 21 at ROOSEVELT, 7 p.m.

Sept. 28 at Lakeside, 7 p.m.

Oct. 5 CLEVELAND, 7 p.m.

Oct. 12 at Chief Sealth, 7 p.m.

Oct. 19 BALLARD, 7 p.m. their skills on the gridiron. This past July, the Totems volunteered their time at the Lake Hills neighborhood association picnic, where players got to know members of the community.

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Friday, August 31, 2018

Snoqualmie Valley Record

PLAY BALL

SNAP TO WHISTLE: JUANITA READY TO ROLL IN 2018

By Andy Nystrom anystrom@soundpublishing.com

It’s not the band AFI, but a host of Juanita High football players who are proudly rocking their mantra — which stands for “accountability, family, integrity” — on T-shirts as the season approaches.

Last season, Juanita took a hit on its roster with a plethora of injuries to some starters and lost some close games late in the contests.

The Rebels finished with one win, but they were just a few plays away from notching several more, head coach Lele Te’o said during spring workouts.

Juanita is firmly focused on moving forward from 2017 and making an impact in the Rebels’ 3A KingCo and nonleague battles this season.

“I’m excited with the effort, I think there’s a good energy out there,” Te’o said on Aug. 20 following training in the school gym

due to poor air quality.

“These guys, they showed us what they’re about in the summer. A lot of these guys are multi-sport athletes, so they put in the work this offseason.”

Te’o praised the players’ selflessness and Snap to Whistle mentality (another of the team’s credos) to ensure a robust effort the whole way.

Tops on the returner front, according to Te’o, are hard-working senior quarterback and leader Jake Hohu (6 feet, 175 pounds), who has three years of Rebel experience under his belt and displays a calm and collected demeanor; senior running back/safety Isaiah Eubanks (5-11, 195), who is a hard-nosed player; senior wingback/cornerback Jake Languein (5-11, 175), who the Rebels are glad to have back in the fold after tearing an ACL at the end of last year; senior offensive and defensive tackle Sebastian Garcia (6-2, 330); and senior

Schedule Aug. 31: BALLARD, 7 p.m.

Sept. 7: MOUNTAIN VIEW, 7 p.m.

Sept. 14: INGLEMOOR, 7 p.m.

Sept. 21: LYNNWOOD, 7 p.m.

Sept. 28: LIBERTY, 7 p.m.

Oct. 5: at Mercer Island, 7 p.m.

Oct. 12: INTERLAKE, 7 p.m.

Oct. 19: at Bellevue, 7 p.m.

Oct. 26: at Lake Washington, 7 p.m. defensive end/tight end Romeon Greve (6-1, 205).

Garcia is a two-time all-KingCo first-teamer, Eubanks was a first-teamer last year and Greve and Languein were honorable mentions in 2017.

Other players to watch are junior guard Blake VanWyk; junior wide receiver/defensive back George Suzuki, who provides a vital presence in the weight room and in the community; and sophomore center Zubin Gupta.

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REDMOND FOOTBALL WILL ROLL STRONG, TOUGH, TOGETHER

By Andy Nystrom anystrom@soundpublishing.com

There’s a new man in the football head-coach spot for Redmond High this season: Mickey Ahrens.

Over the summer, he made himself at home on Walter L. Seabloom Field by running the successful Redmond Junior Mustangs Football Camp and as the season nears, he and the players can’t wait to put their pads and the ball in action on the gridiron.

During an indoor practice on Aug. 22, because of poor air quality, Ahrens stressed intense focus for the entire two hours of offensive and defensive drills.

The Mustangs let out a unified roar and the training session began.

“The foundation of my program is strong, tough, together. For me, it’s being built with strong character, tough in the face of battle and we play together,” said Ahrens, who takes the coaching reins from Jason Rimkus, who resigned for personal reasons after five years at the helm.

This year marks the return to 4A KingCo for Redmond, which played in 3A KingCo the last two seasons and sported a 4-5 football record last year. The school moves back to 4A after it appealed to do so, according to athletic director Dan Pudwill. Redmond switched to 3A because of enrollment figures and a wealth of teams

Redmond High standouts, from left to right, Carson Bruener, Ryan Gu, Nikhil Jatekar and Michael Cannistra. Andy Nystrom / staff photo

opting up to 4A; enrollment reclassification will take place two years from now.

“I walked into a really strong program. These guys do things the right way, they know how to work hard already, so it’s how can we take it from here and keep building?” asked Ahrens, adding the the kids are hungry and committed to hammering together a championship program. “I really love the community at Redmond, the parents, the boosters have been awesome, getting to know the administration has been great. I got lucky with the coaches that we have on the staff.”

On the player front, there’s senior standouts Michael Cannistra at starting quarterback, Jeremy Hernandez at running back/safety, Nikhil Jatekar at slotback-wingback/safety and linemen Ryan Gu, Kevin Yasseri and Garrett Schmutz. Talented

olling!

Aug. 31: at Squalicum (Civic Stadium, Bellingham), 7 p.m.

Sept. 7: at Seattle Prep, 7 p.m.

Sept. 14: LAKE WASHINGTON, 7 p.m.

Sept. 21: INGLEMOOR, 7 p.m.

Sept. 28: WOODINVILLE, 7 p.m.

Oct. 4: at North Creek (Pop Keeney Stadium), 7 p.m.

Oct. 12: at Bothell (Pop Keeney Stadium). 7 p.m.

Oct. 19: EASTLAKE, 7 p.m. juniors are Carson Bruener at tight end/middle linebacker, Matthew Janetzki at safety/ running back, Colby Fazio at cornerback and Anakin Downer at running back.

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Snoqualmie Valley Record

Friday, August 31, 2018

11

PLAY BALL

‘ALWAYS RISING’: LAKE WASHINGTON FOOTBALL READY FOR ACTION Arena begins his second year as head coach.

By Andy Nystrom anystrom@soundpublishing.com

As Lake Washington High head coach Andy Arena shuffled through some players’ paperwork before practice, the motto “Always Rising” emblazoned on the pages stuck out like a stellar pass spiraling down field toward the welcoming hands of a wide receiver.

The Kangs’ LW clearly dominated part of the message and Arena noted that former head coach AJ

Parnell devised the positive slogan.

The Kangs finished 7-4 overall last season with a 3-2 mark in 3A KingCo. The squad’s season ended with a 27-10 loss to Mountain View in the 3A district playoffs at McKenzie Stadium in Vancouver. They’ll kick off this year on the road at 7 p.m. Aug. 31 at Steilacoom.

Arena believes his players are executing at a higher level since this is the second consecutive season LW has run the RPO — run-pass option — pistoltype offense.

“We’re gonna try and keep teams honest. If they pack the box, we’ll throw it, and if they don’t, we’ll try

Schedule Aug. 31: at Steilacoom, 7 p.m.

Sept. 7: EASTLAKE, 7 p.m.

Sept. 14: at Redmond, 7 p.m.

Sept. 21: at Marysville Pilchuck (Quil Ceda Stadium), 7 p.m.

Sept. 28: BELLEVUE, 7 p.m.

Oct. 5: at Liberty, 7 p.m.

Oct. 12: MERCER ISLAND, 7 p.m.

Oct. 19: at Interlake, 7 p.m.

Oct. 26: JUANITA, 7 p.m. and run it,” Arena said of his no-huddle formation.

Senior Zeke Pelluer (6-foot-4, 220 pounds) will lead the way at quarterback and is a solid athlete,

said Arena, noting that his signal caller threw a touchdown pass, caught a touchdown pass as a wide receiver and played some defense in the Kangs’

ISLANDERS ARE LOOKING TO RETURN TO THE PLAYOFFS IN 2018

By Shaun Scott sscott@soundpublishing.com

There will be a new signal caller under center for the Mercer Island Islanders season opener on the road against Mountlake Terrace on Aug. 31.

As of Aug. 17, Islanders’ head coach Ed Slezinger hadn’t decided which of the four players vying for the position will be in the starting lineup. Last year’s starter Nikhil Nayar graduated this past June and is playing

football at the University of Idaho.

“Everything we do is competition based. That is the way we operate our team.

I want to see the guys push themselves to see how good they become. That translates into a better performance.

Right now we got four quarterbacks (Clay Dippold, Liam Rogan, Jack Varney and Nate Buchan) competing for the starting position. There is no incumbent. They all understand they are competing. No one has been ingratiated for

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the role, they got to earn it,” Slezinger said. “It has been fun to watch.”

The Islanders, who finished the 2017 season with an overall record of 7-4, lost to the O’Dea Fighting Irish 55-21 in the first round of the Class 3A state playoffs.

Cole Miller, who was one of the most electrifying players in KingCo last season, is gearing up for a huge season.

“Cole truly is an athlete.

He isn’t necessarily a vocal guy but leads by his action.

Other players see him every day at practice and he (Miller) sets the bar high.

Everyone really looks at Cole as a model citizen and that is translating to how we are handling our business both in the weight room and on the field,” Slezinger said.

The Islanders return a bevy of impact players from the 2017 team, including Jack Clayville (receiver/ defensive back), Henry Weiker (defensive back/ receiver), Hunter Johnson

spring scrimmage against Monroe.

Other top players include senior inside linebacker/running back Brady Gockel (6-0, 200); senior Nick Anderson (5-11, 185) at outside linebacker-safety/halfback; senior Taylor Rickels (6-0, 160) at slot receiver and cornerback; senior Levani Eneliko (6-1, 245), a firstteam defensive lineman last season who will also play offensive line; and senior Hudson Jones (6-4, 190), a wide receiver who had 13 catches in his first two games last year before sustaining a season-ending broken foot.

Former Seattle Seahawks

and Redmond High offensive-line coach Bill Laveroni will fill that position at LW this season and two of his top players are juniors David Dean (6-2, 235) and Ryan Thomson (6-2, 230), both of whom started last year.

Arena feels comfortable in his spot for the second year and is impressed with the LW football culture.

“Our kids have learned to lead each other and care about each other,” said Arena, noting that while the social media world is so me-focused, “I told our guys let’s try to learn how to be unselfish, let’s try to learn how to give to our teammates and help them.”

Schedule Aug. 31 at Mountlake Terrace, 7 p.m.

Sept. 7 at Issaquah, 7 p.m.

Sept. 14 NEWPORT, 7 p.m.

Sept. 21 at Burlington-Edison, 7 p.m.

Sept. 28 INTERLAKE, 7 p.m.

Oct. 5 JUANITA, 7 p.m.

Oct. 12 at Lake Washington, 7 p.m.

Oct. 19 LIBERTY, 7 p.m.

Oct. 26 BELLEVUE, 7 p.m. (receiver) and Will Mulflur (middle linebacker).

Slezinger said there has

been a significant increase in new players to the program as well.

We believe every child should be treated the way we would like our own children to be treated.

It is our goal to implement the highest standard of care at every patient encounter whether it is a child’s first visit to the dental office, a teenager who is headed off to college or a special-needs adult patient we’ve been seeing for decades.

WE HAVE 2 LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU

Dr. Brian Mayer DDS 425.888.2703

www.rivertreedental.com 38700 SE River Street Snoqualmie

Now preferred provider for Premera.

12

Friday, August 31, 2018

Snoqualmie Valley Record

PLAY BALL

BELLEVUE CHRISTIAN LOOKING TO HAVE BREAKTHROUGH SEASON Vikings senior quarterback Mick Larson is the leader of his squad.

Schedule Sept. 1 LIFE CHRISTIAN, (at Sammamish High School), 7 p.m.

Sept. 7 at Friday Harbor, 7 p.m.

Sept. 14 at Kingsway Christian, 7 p.m.

Sept. 22 VASHON ISLAND (at Sammamish High School), 7 p.m.

Sept. 29 at Cascade Christian (Sunset Chev Stadium in Sumner), 7 p.m.

Oct. 6 PORT TOWNSEND (at Sammamish High School), 7 p.m.

Oct. 12 at Chimacum, 7 p.m.

Oct. 19 at LaConner, 7 p.m.

Oct. 26 at Charles Wright, 7 p.m.

Nov. 3 KLAHOWYA (at Sammamish High School), 7 p.m.

By Shaun Scott sscott@soundpublishing.com

The most important and iconic position on a football field is universally acknowledged as the quarterback position.

The Bellevue Christian Vikings are in great shape at that crucial spot. Vikings’ senior Mick Larsen, who will be in his third season as the starter this fall is the undisputed team leader.

“We expect big things. He has really become a proficient quarterback. He can really do some damage on the ground,” Vikings head coach Todd Green said.

The Vikings finished with an overall record of 4-6 last season but won four of their final five contests. The Vikings roster may be small (27 players suited are on the

Bellevue Christian assistant coach Zeus Aguilera leads offensive/defensive lineman through drills during a Saturday afternoon practice session on Aug. 18 in Clyde Hill. Shaun Scott/ staff photo

current roster) but they are completely committed.

“We would love to have more but we like the guys we got. We got a great crew. The No. 1 thing we talk about as a team is relationships. It is a priority,” Green said. “We

put in the time together and the guys are invested in each other. When things get hard, you see it. Last year we had a four-overtime game against Charles Wright. Our guys didn’t buckle,” Green said with pride.

Some of the Vikings most experienced players on the team in 2018 consist of Davis Hazen (running back), Luke Leinweber (wide receiver/ defensive back), Sam Tefft (offensive/defensive line), Mark Postma (linebacker),

CRUSADERS ARE STRIVING TO RETURN TO THE MOUNTAINTOP

By Shaun Scott sscott@soundpublishing.com

Throughout the spring practice sessions this past June, a battle for the starting quarterback position at Eastside Catholic commenced between Michael Franklin and Hayden Harris.

Franklin won the job and will be under center for the season opener against Oaks Christian at The Honor Bowl on Sept. 1 in San Diego.

“We’ve chosen Michael.

Michael won the job.

Hayden is still an integral part of what we’re doing as a team. He is going to start on defense and or wide receiver and will be our backup quarterback,” Crusaders head coach Jeremy Thielbahr said.

The Crusaders will face a formidable test against Oaks Christian (Westlake Village, California) in a showdown between West Coast powerhouses high school football programs.

“High school football is an experience and to be

able to give these kids an opportunity to be with each other, hang out on the road and go play a top-10 team in the state of California is a big deal. Oaks Christian has got great talent and is unbelievably well coached,” Thielbahr said.

Thielbahr isn’t only looking forward to the game, he is looking forward to everything The Honor Bowl has to offer.

“We went two years ago and we had a great time. We will honor our veterans and spend some time with our

Trent Paulson (cornerback) and Jack Sirich (defensive end).

“Mark is a playmaker.

Jack has been working out since last Thanksgiving. He is undersized but has a good motor. Trent Paulson will be a really good corner for us,” Green said.

Green played college football for legendary head coach Frosty Westering at Pacific Lutheran University in Parkland in the early 1990s. He has implemented the lessons he learned while playing for

Westering since he arrived at Bellevue Christian in 2013.

“All of that stuff that I was taught there I have carried with me my whole career.

It works and makes a huge difference for our guys,” Green said. “They learn good habits, how to encourage and how to be great teammates.”

The Vikings will play their homes games this season at Sammamish High School in Bellevue. In previous seasons, the Vikings home field was at Lake Washington High School in Kirkland.

Schedule

wounded warriors. We’re going to go up to Camp Pendleton (Marine Corps Base Camp) and visit with them (military personnel) and listen to their stories,” Thielbahr said. “It puts a lot of things into perspective for our kids.”

The Crusaders talent is evident at every position group on the field this fall. Gee Scott, Jr. (wide receiver), DJ Rogers (tight end), Sam Adams (running back), Ayden Hector (defensive back) and Jaylahn Tuimoloau

Sept. 1 Oaks Christian (San Diego Honor Bowl), 12 p.m.

Sept. 8 Central Catholic (Seattle Memorial Stadium), 7 p.m.

Sept. 14 RIGBY, 7 p.m.

Sept. 21 RAINIER BEACH, 7 p.m.

Sept. 28 GARFIELD, 7 p.m.

Oct. 5 at O’Dea (Seattle Memorial Stadium), 7 p.m.

Oct. 12 SEATTLE PREP, 7 p.m.

Oct. 19 at Bishop Blanchet, 7 p.m. (lineman) continue to garner attention from a plethora of collegiate football programs. The Crusaders are aiming to get back

to the state title game after being eliminated in the Class 3A state quarterfinals last year and in the in Class 3A state semifinals in 2016.

Go Wildcats!

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