GSL Football Preview
Here is my expanded preview of the upcoming Greater Spokane League season as promised.
The "Can't Miss" game this week is Mt. Spokane and Mead (which fans reminded us about when we missed it last year) particularly if it as as thrillilng as last year. It will go a long way toward showing the mettle of the new look Panthers and how improved the Wildcats are.
But it's a shame it comes so early in the season. With the schedule essentially the same as last year, it seems once more.that all the big rivalries and matchups are lumped on the same night.
Listed in predicted order of finish
FERRIS SAXONS
2008 records: 11-2 overall, (7-1, GSL co champions) lost 24-21 to Skyline in State 4A semifinals
Coach: Jim Sharkey
Years coaching, record: 12, 90-45, 4th at Ferris (31-5)
Starters, lettermen returning: 12, 21
Base offense, defense: spread option, 4-3
Tentative lineup: Jason Bates, sr., 6-4, 185, WR; Kjelby Oiland, sr., 6-4, 255, OL/DL; Connor Halliday, sr., 6-4, 190, QB; Dillon Beschel, jr., 6-4, 215, OL; Gage Orosco, sr., 5-11, 165, RB/DB; Jordan Tonani, so., 6-0, 195, slot; Trevor Poole, sr., 6-5, 250 OL/DL; Russell Stinson, jr., 5-9, 205. C; Connor Bray, sr., 5-11, 195, OL; Beau Bozett, jr., 6-0, 155, slot; Riley Stockton, jr., 6-4, 190, WR/FS; Drew Sharkey, so., 6-2, 218, DL; Taylor McMillan, sr., 5-9, 226, DL; Pete Anderson, sr., 6-0, 165, LB; Brendon Olson, sr., 5-11, 170, LB/RB; Grant Livingston, jr., 6-2, 207, LB/TE; Cody Sorensen, jr., 5-9, 170, DB; Ben Goodwin, so., 5-7, 165, QB/DB; Devin Jons, sr., 5-11, 160, WR; Devin Irving, sr., 5-11, 175, RB; Marcus Howard, sr., 6-0, 217, OL/DL; Taylor Kamitomo, jr., 6-2, 225, DL; RJ Ryals, sr., 6-0, 260, DL; Cole Lemer, so, 6-0, 175, LB; Tyler guinn, sr., 5-11, 167, DB.
Outlook: Ferris keeps knocking on the Gridiron Classic door and have the pieces in place for a third straight GSL championship. WSU-bound Halliday put up terrific numbers last year. Receivers Bates and Tonani will replace Aaron Roberts (who incidentally was to factor at
Coach’s comment: “Connor is still maturing and growing. He’s a 20 pounds heavier and with that has a little more arm strength. We graduated two linemen, but had others get good experience when guys were down here and there. We’re developing depth and actually are in better shape physically than we’ve been the last couple of years. ”
MT.
2008 records: 6-5, (4-4, 7th). State 3A qualifier, losing 17-14 to
Coach: Mike McLaughlin
Years coaching, record: 28th, nine at
Starters, lettermen returning: 18, 21
Base offense, defense: Spread, Odd
Tentative lineup:
Outlook: Like Ferris, the Wildcats suffered through, but profit from, last year’s injuries. Nearly two platoons worth of players who started at least twice during the state qualifying year have returned. Many of this year’s senior class are third-year varsity performers, including Williams, one of the more electrifying players in league. Give Propp props for his acrobatic pass catching and quarterback Ward for his pin-point accuracy down the stretch. Depth, as usual, is the biggest concern, but experience is a plus.
Coach’s comment: “ We have starting experience back and we are a motivated group, I believe. Last year we lost 11 positions whether through injury or other situations and constantly were in a reactionary mode. At this point we have too may going both ways and need to get more people on the field. This is about as good a skilled group as we’ve had. We have to stay healthy.”
GONZAGA PREP BULLPUPS
2008 records: 9-2 (6-2, 3rd)
Coach: Dave McKenna
Years coaching, record: first, 9-2
Starters, lettermen returning: 10, 23
Base offense, defense: spread option, 50
Tentative lineup: Nick Lenoue, sr., 6-0, 180, DB; Jack Wilson, sr., 6-0, 185, LB; Tyler Heaton, 5-10, 175, sr., RB; Bishop Sankey, jr., 5-11, 185, RB; Charlie Griffin, sr., 6-3, 230, DL; Charlie Hopkins, jr., 6-7, 240, DL; Sam Lavis, sr., 5-11, 222, DL; David Nelson, sr., 6-3, 225, OL; James Heusner, sr., 6-4, 215, OL; Chase Winkler, sr., 6-2, 175, K; Shane Schmidlkofer, jr., 6-0, 160 QB; Patrick Richard, jr., 5-9, 165, DB; Josh Adams, sr., 6-2, 162, WR; Jordan Hamby, sr., 5-9, 150, RB; Connor McClellan, so., 6-2, 205, LB; Rikko Ferrez, jr., 5-10, 190, LB; Sean Padon, so., 5-11, 16-0 DB; Brian Armstrong, sr., 5-10, 175, LB; Brian Schneider, sr., 6-1, 270, OL; Conor Gabbert, sr., 6-3, 220, OL; Matt Coles, sr., 6-5, 215, OL; Tyler Morgan, sr., 5-11, 180, WR.
Outlook: The Bullpups would have made the playoffs last year had the GSL gotten the three playoff berths of this season. They were playoff worthy, if – arguably – not the best in league by season’s end. Replacing Travis Long’s leadership, John Lampert’s determination and David Stockton’s knack for making the right call will be vital. It will take a quicker start and a little bit better fortune this year. A new quarterback, shift of Bishop Sankey to fullback, key element in Prep’s option attack. and development of newcomers are critical if they are to extend the season this year.
Coach’s comment: “At times we look really good, at times really inexperienced. Defensively we lost some real talented, but we’ve replaced them with good kids, too. They are a determined group and they are a team. That’s what we teach and what is so valuable. We have, I think, some very good football players and if we stay healthy, we’ll be competitive.”
MEAD PANTHERS
2008 records: 6-4 (5-4, 6th)
Coach: Sean Carty
Years coaching, record: 8th, 48-36
Starters, lettermen returning: 9, 30
Base offense, defense: Pro set, 3-3
Tentative lineup: Jake Trotter, sr, 6-2, 220, OL/DL ; Aaron Dunn, sr., 6-6, 220, TE/DE; Bo Tully, sr., 6-0, 170, WR/DB; Mitch Kayser, sr., 6-3, 220, WR; Casey Monahan, sr., 6-0, 170 DB; Bryce Peters, 6-1, 210, sr., LB; Brenden Myers, sr., 5-7, 160 RB/DB; Sam Wright, sr., 6-0, 250 OL/DL Levi Axworthy, sr., 6-0, 170, QB; Max Pounder, sr., 5-5, 165, RB/LB Mitch Cain sr., 6-1, 210, OL/DL; Ryan Pry sr., 6-2, 210, TE/LB; Spencer Deniston, sr., 5-11, 175, RB/LB, Josh Jesberger, sr., 5-10, 170, RB/LB; Paul Miller, jr., 5-8, 160, RB/DB; Mike Smith, jr., 5-9, 150, RB/DB; Jeremy Dodd, jr, 6-3, 200, TE/DL; Seth Montgomery jr., 6-0, 170, WR/DB; Wes Bailey, so., 5-10, 160, WR/DB; Matt O’Bleness, jr., 6-1, 215, OL/DL.
Outlook: Although fifth among league 4A teams last year, the Panthers weren’t far off from a playoff spot last year. The team has its best set of skilled players as a whole since he became coach, said Carty. The defensive secondary is back intact. Receivers, including future Cougar and tight end Aaron Dunn, healed from a late-season ACL tear, are in abundance (keep an eye on sophomore Wes Bailey). The backs are small, but speedy. Biggest “if” at Mead is an uncharacteristic lack of depth in the line.
Coach’s comment: “Skillwise we feel like we’re as good as we’ve ever been and we’ve had some pretty good ones. The defensive and offensive lines have some guys that are new. We’ve had to move guys around to fill the positions. At quarterback three guys are battling. I know defensively we are better which makes it better. We’ve worked harder in the off-season than we’ve ever worked.”
LEWIS AND
2008 records: 7-3 (5-3, tie 5th)
Coach: Dave Hughes
Years coaching, record: 1st
Starters, lettermen returning: 10, 20
Base offense, defense: spread zone, 4-4
Tentative lineup: Levi Taylor, sr., 6-0, 190 RB/DB; Austin Ehlo, sr., 6-3, 180 WR; Brian Magnuson, sr., 6-0, 200 OL; Conor Beschel, sr., 6-2, 195, OL; Mick Williams, sr., 6-1, 190, OL; Alex Agnew, sr., 6-1, 215, OG; Josh Martin, sr., 5-10, 155, DB; David McNeil, sr., 5-22, 165, DP; Joe Via, sr., 6-0, 185, LB; Kyle Ellingsen, sr., 6-2, 195, LB; Ryan Jefferson, sr., 6-0, 215, OL/DL; David Yearout, sr., 6-0, 150, QB; Jeff Livingston, 6-0, 160, so., QB.
Outlook: The reason the Tigers have had 17 straight winning seasons is that they are a program of interchangeable parts. One class graduates, another seamlessly takes its place. Same holds true among coaches as Hughes will seamlessly replace Tom Yearout as head coach. But Yearout is still there, working with the defensive line. With solid linemen and standout skilled players in Taylor and Ehlo, veterans defensively in certain spots, LC can again do well. But when Taylor Eglet was injured, the Tigers learned how valuable their quarterback was. And quarterback is the one place this team is inexperienced.
Coach’s comment: “I’m now the bad guy in our system, the guy who makes the rules and enforces the rules. I’ve been here seven years and we’ve always been heavily senior on the defensive side of the ball. We lost basically nine seniors and will replace with with almost nine other senior guys. That’s what we do. Our strength’s going to be the running game. We have a great offensive line and got a great running back. Levi is stronger than he was and I anticipate he will do a good job for us.
2008 records: 10-2 (7-1, league co-champions), State 4A quarterfinalists, losing 14-7 to Ferris.
Coach: Rick Giampietri
Years coaching, record: 17th, 101-59-1
Starters, lettermen returning:6, 25
Base offense, defense: I/Spread, Stack
Tentative lineup: : Branson Schmidt, jr., 6-1, 227, OL/DL; Scottie Johnson, sr., 6-1, 226, OL/DL; Billy Rowell, jr., 6-3, 248, OL/DL; Mike Cowger, sr., 6-0, 210, DL/OL; Jered Boucher, sr., 5-11, 201, DL/OL; Jake Miller, sr., 6-4, 202, WR/DB; Ryan Nungester, jr, 6-0, 178, RB/LB; Nick Lawrence, jr., 5-10, 179, RB/DB; Brett Balogh, sr., 5-10, 195, WR; Jeff Moe, jr., 6-1, 197, DB; Brayden Crump, jr., 6-1, 190, DB; Markus Heintz, sr., 5-10, 160, DB; Cameron Allen, sr., 5-10, 160, DB; Taylor Evans, sr., 5-11, 167, RB; Keegan Shea, sr., 6-1, 181, TE/LB; Nick Beeler, sr., 6-1, 173, LB; Brandon Garcia, 5-10, 181, LB; Matt McCauley, jr., 5-10, 201, OL; Makade Claypool, jr., 6-1, 227, OL.
Outlook: Last year a veteran corps of backs and receivers held the fort until a young line matured for a team that shared the GSL championship and reached the state final eight. This year is just the opposite. All the linemen are back, including juniors Branson Schmidt and Billy Rowell, but names of the backs and receivers, many from the junior and even sophomore class, will be unfamiliar. That is the big “if” that makes this season a question mark.
Coach’s comment: “The big thing is how fast they learn. We have just about every lineman back, defense and offense. Basically, the skilled guys – defensive backs, running backs, receivers, linebackers – is a good talented group. Hopefully as the learning curve goes up and as we get confidence and games under our belt they end up being a lot tougher. We have kids who can play, it’s just a matter of how long it takes to learn and step up to the next level.”
UNIVERSITY TITANS
2008 records: 3-6 (2-6, 9th)
Coach: Bill Diedrick
Years coaching, record: 8th (previously at
Starters, lettermen returning: 11, 20
Base offense, defense: Multiple, 4-3
Tentative lineup: John Wright, sr., 5-10, 180, RB; Ian Craig-Scott, sr., 5-11, 170, DB; Brandtly Thornton, sr., 6-0, 175, WR; Aaron Blaska, sr., 6-2, 180, WR; Tony Tabish, sr., 6-2, 170, QB; Aaron Gleason, sr., 5-10, 170, K; John Schmedding, sr., 5-8, 170, DB; Andrew Trowbridge, sr., 6-0, 195, DL; Thomas Wakem, jr., 6-2, 185, DB; Dalton Cosby, sr., 6-5, 250, OL; Joe Dahl, sr., 6-3, 200, DL. Colby Faulkes, jr., C;
Outlook: There will be a new offense – more multiple with an I component and spread possibility - and a new coaching approach. U-Hi is going to two-platoon as much as possible. Most of the returnees gained experience. The Titans staff inherits a veteran quarterback in Tabish, solid receiving crew that features Blaska and
Coach’s comment: “We’ll probably have to play a couple kids both ways in key situations, but we're going to try and go two-platoon as much as we can. What it does is all kids get repetitions like double the time and they just get better and better. When you get more kids involved they get confidence in themselves. I know they’ve made a great deal of improvement. Offensively we might do a little bit of everythying. We’ll evaluate what our strengths are and what we want to focus on. We have a good nucleus of wide receivers and good speed at running back.
SHADLE PARK HIGHLANDERS
2008 records: 3-7 (3-5, 8th)
Coach:
Years coaching, record: 25, 13th at Shadle, 120-121 overall, 50-76 at Shadle
Starters, lettermen returning: 6, 25
Base offense, defense: Multiple T, 4-3
Tentative lineup: Taylor Pettersen, sr., 6-0, 175, WR/DB; Isaiah Dean, sr., 6-2, 185, RB/DB; Anthony Esparza, sr., 6-2, 205, OL/DL; Ryan Flores, sr., 5-9, 180, RB/DB; John Rawley, sr., 6-0, 210, OL/DL; Jake Rodgers, sr., 6-6, 240, TE/DE; Danny Rowton, sr., 5-8, 160 RB/DB; Brandon Atkinson, jr., 6-3, 185, WR/LB; Leon Strawn, sr, 5-8, 190 QB; Matt Olson, jr., 5-11, 215, DL; Josh Valles, jr., 6-0, 170, WR/LB; Dylan Lemery, jr., 5-11, 200, LB/C; Kole Neuhs, jr., 5-9, 1645, RB/LB; Brandon Clement, jr., 5-8, 165, WR/LB; Luke Miller, jr., 5-8, 180, RB/LB; Matt Cannon, jr., 5-8, 170, WR/DB; Riley, Zenger, so., 5-11, 235, OL/DL;
Outlook: The Highlanders are young, with a number of juniors and sophomores figuring to find their way into the lineup as the season progresses. Strawn moves into the quarterback position, WSU-bound Rodgers, linemen Esparza and Rawley, two-way backs/receivers Pettersen, Rowton and Flores will be keys for a team that would like to return to the post-season.
Coach’s comment: “We’re kind of in the same boat as last year. We have to fight for the play-in spot. To make the playoffs we have to beat (
EAST VALLEY KNIGHTS
2008 records: 7-4 (5-3, tied for 4th), lost 20-19 to Capital in State 3A quarterfinals.
Coach:
Years coaching, record: 10th, 51-41
Starters, lettermen returning: 6, 20
Base offense, defense: I formation, 3-3.
Tentative lineup: Aaron Awbery, sr, 6-4, 195, WR/DB; Trevor Moles, sr., 6-0, 253, OL/DL; Rick Garmon, sr., 6-0, 235, OL/DL; Zach Ames, sr., 5-11, 179, LB; Jackson Romney, sr., 5-9, 167, QB/DB; Joey Meade, sr., 6-1, 200, LB/RB; Garrett Fredrick, jr., 6-0, DB; Griffin May, sr., 5-9, 175, C; Joey Strehlou, jr., 6-3, 197, LB; Braxton Ball, sr., 5-9, 174, FB/LB; Richie Mehlbreck, jr., 5-10, 178, LB/WR. Aaron Christiansen, jr., 6-0, 278, OL; Jake Reynolds, jr., 6-1, 230, TE; Nick Guthrie, jr., 5-10, 195, OL; Ronnie Jarvis, jr., 6-2, 159, WR; Brad Soom, jr., 5-11, 241, DL.
Outlook: Tradition is on the Knights’ side. They have been to state the past five years. Depth is the enemy with only 49 players back out. But Romney played in several games last year, starting twice against
Coach’s comment: “None of our runningbacks have had a varsity carry. We have a lott of kids with options to play there and a lot of them start on defense so it will be by committee. Awbery is fast. As long as we hang onto the ball and the linemen get low we can wind down the clock. We’re just trying to give ourselves a chance to get to post-season. There’s two spots and one or two is immaterial if our league plays one another again. Being a glass half full kind of guy I like to hnk our experience hopefully will cary over and help us out, keep a game close and give us a fighting chance.”
2007 records: 2-8, (1-7, 10th)
Coach: Matt Miethe
Years coaching, record: 3rd, 2-17
Starters, lettermen returning: 10, 17
Base offense, defense: Spread/Fly, 3-4
Tentative lineup: Jordan Burns, sr., 5-10, 175, QB/S; Ryan Vangundy, sr., 6-4, 180,WR/S; Cameron Dinatale, sr., 6-2, 200, OL/DL; Tyler Orlowski, sr., 5-9, 170, LB/FB; Anthony Rider, so., 5-9, 255, OL/DL; Beau Harter-Lupesoliai, jr., 5-10, 230, OL/LB; John Amicarella, sr., 5-11, 215, OL/DL; Trent Klippert, jr., 5-10, 200, OL/LB; Mike West, sr., 5-9, 175, WR/LB; Tyler Lehman, sr., 5-10, 170, RB/S; Justin Meusy, sr., 5-9, 170, RB/CB; Cody Brewer, jr., 5-11, 220, FB/LB; Shade Adams, sr., 5-10, 155, WR/C; Tyler Sumner, jr., 5-9, 160, RB/LB; Kyle Willis, sr., 6-4, 170, QB/WR/C.
Outlook: The Pirates broke into the win column last year and can build on that with the veterans returned and newcomers who dedicated themselves this summer. Still, they must replace two of the league’s top rushers, Jacob Partridge and Cody Peterson who accounted for almost all of the Pirates’ offense. Jordan Burns and Justin Meusy will take their place, Burns moving from defense to become quarterback. Tyler Sumner and Tyler Lehman added offensive depth and the Pirates have some size in the line.
Coach’s comment: “We lost 96 percent of our offense, and are pretty green, although many were on the sidelines. At the same time, the guys have no bad habits to break. Anytime you’re on a long losing steak it’s pretty grim and no one expects to win. Now the kids suited up know it’s possible, so I think the expectation is that they can win and it’s not some huge task to do so.”
NORTH CENTRAL INDIANS
2007 records: 0-8, (0-8, 11th)
Coach: Brian Gardner
Years coaching, record: 1st, 0-0
Starters, lettermen returning: 6, 14
Base offense, defense: Spread, 3-5
Tentative lineup: Jared Campasino, sr., 6-2, 190, TE/LB; Steven Taylor, sr., 6-5, 260, NG/OL; Dylan Harris, sr., 6-2, 200, TE/DE; Aaron Allie, sr., 5-8, 150, RB/DB; Cody Jahay, sr., 6-0, 190, C; James Dreyer, sr., 6-4, 165, WR/FS; Ty Groom, sr., 5-8, 150, K/DB; Sam Cropper, jr., 5-9, 160, RB/LB; Jon Stratton, jr., 5-8, 160, RB/LB; Jacob Ecklund, jr., 5-11, 170, DE; Zac Hill, jr., 6-4, 190, QB; Josh Scognamiglio, jr., 5-10, 180, RB/LB; Forest Cuthbert, jr., 6-0, 175, RB/FS; Jake Degon, jr., 6-2, 160, WR/DE; Jace Clary, jr., 5-8, 145, WR/DB; Matt Lill, jr., 6-2, 230, OL/DE; Nolan Cheney, so., 6-2, 180, TE/DE.
Outlook: After giving up nearly 50 points per game during a winless season, the Indians have nowhere to go but up. New coach Gardner is confident that the team can make inroads.
Coach’s quote: “You’re gong to see our kids go all four quarters. Our shape and strength is a lot better than in the past and I think it will show on the field. Last year’s a wash and we’re going to erase it. I told the kids to forget what happened to us. We’re starting new, will keep the things we did right and everything else we’ll start over.