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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Sprague-Harrington Makes Neb-11 Whole Warriors Become Burgeoning League’s 11th Football Member, Giving Birth To New Scheduling Era

Northeast B-11, be 11.

And so it is. The addition of Sprague-Harrington, a B-8 playoff team last year, gives the burgeoning NEB-11 one less than a dozen teams.

The NEB-11’s new schedule, accomplished by blind draw, gives each team a two-year bye against two others.

One of the bad draws resulted in traditional rivals Wilbur-Creston and Almira/Coulee-Hartline not matching up until at least 1997. Curlew had the most fortunate draw, avoiding league favorite Davenport and traditional powerhouse Reardan.

S-H’s move to 11-man hasn’t begun well. The Falcons drew a bye with Selkirk (winless last year), lost star running back Damien Putney to disciplinary problems and have had few practices because of late harvests.

But as old B-8 teams can attest, the move is worth it.

“We’re fairly new to the league, to be honest, so we’re just glad to be here,” said ACH coach Stuart Gloyn.

League games begin Sept. 8. Three teams make the state playoffs, and a league playoff has been added in case teams that haven’t played one another tie for a playoff spot.

Davenport, Reardan and Ritzville tied for the top last year. Ritzville lost in the state semifinals, then lost most every win when it was determined the Broncos had used an ineligible player against every team but Selkirk.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Photo

MEMO: Two sidebars appeared with the story: 1. NORTHEAST B-11 (In predicted order of finish.) 1. Davenport Gorillas 1994 record: 8-0, 9-1; first place Coach: Skip Pauls, Years coaching: 15th, 12th at Davenport Coach’s record: 71-45 Top returners: Marty Parsons, 5-11, 170, sr., QB; Tyson Deal, 6-1, 190, sr., OG/LB, all-league first team; Steve Cannon, 5-9, 165, sr., OG/DL, all-league first team; Brian Goodman, 5-10, 210, jr., T; Luke Hammond, 6-1, 190, jr., TE/LB; Josh FitzPatrick, 6-0, 200, jr., FB/LB, all-league first team; Jason Schneider, 5-10, 180, sr., C; Cliff Swain, 6-1, 175, sr., R/DB; Evan Johnson, 5-9, 145, sr., R/DB Top newcomers: Mike Goodman, 5-7, 160, sr., RB/LB Quick kicks: Parsons, a four-year starter, threw for 1,200 yards last year while FitzPatrick rushed for 1,050. Coach’s comment: “It’s an honor that people are predicting us to be first, but maybe they’re trying to jinx us.” Outlook: More than one league coach said the Gorillas could play for the state title.

2. Reardan Indians 1994 record: 7-1, 7-3; second Coach: Dan Graham Years coaching: Third Coach’s record: 17-5 Top returners: Robb Soliday, 5-11, 155, sr., R/DB, all-league first team; Scott Eller, 6-0, 210, jr., FB/LB; Travis Titchenal, 6-0, 170, jr., RB/DB; Nate Graham, 6-0, 170, jr., QB/CB. Top newcomers: Jason Galbraith, 5-7, 160, jr., RB/DB; Matt Clouse, 5-11, 160, jr., R/DB. Quick kicks: First-team all-league OL Pat Eller won’t play this year for personal reasons. Coach’s comment: “We have four seniors out. They have a good attitude, and they’re working hard, but we’ll pay our dues and be back at it next year.” Outlook: Graham last year: “We’re going to have to rebuild.” Result: state playoff, best game anybody gave champion Dayton. Reardan always finds a way.

2. Ritzville Broncos 1994 record: 1-7, 1-11; ninth after forfeiting all league games except Selkirk and all playoff games up to the state semifinal for using ineligible player Deran Drake. Coach: Mike Lynch Years coaching: 22nd Coach’s record: 120-78-2, counting forfeits Top returners: Travis DeVore, 5-9, 135, sr., WR/K/CB; Jason Koller, 6-2, 185, sr., OT/DE; Kyle Bauer, 5-9, 145, sr., WR/DB; Andy Hilzer, 6-1, 165, sr., RB/LB; Damon Roth, 6-1, 175, jr., OG/DL; Nathan Wood, 5-9, 230, jr., OL/DL; Bob Russell, 6-2, 165, jr., TE/DE; Kris Boness, 6-2, 175, jr., RB/LB; Scott Galbreath, 6-2, 185, jr., OG/LB. Top newcomers: Jason Warriner, 5-9, 145, jr., RB/DB; Alan Hille, 5-10, 150, soph., utility; John Galbreath, 6-4, 175, jr., QB Quick kicks: The Galbreath cousins are vital: Steve was second-team all-league as a sophomore and John, who didn’t play last year, must run the offense. Coach’s comment: “Our concerns are depth and the position changes we made.” Outlook: These guys have state experience but a tough schedule.

3. Republic Tigers 1994 record: 4-5, 4-5; sixth Coach: Don Beazizo Years coaching: Third Coach’s record: 8-10 Top returners: Mark Rickard, 6-0, 185, jr., WR/DB; Morgan Chase, 6-0, 180, sr., RB/CB; Jason Baldwin, 5-10, 165, jr., QB; Chip Quaade, 6-1, 185, sr., FB/DE; David Hanks, 5-9, 155, jr., R/CB. Top newcomers: Jerb Finlay, 5-4, 165, sr., FB/LB Quick kicks: Rickard, with 1,869 career receiving yards, already owns 13 school records. His delivery man, Baldwin, has eight school records. Coach’s comment: “We’re going to have to stop the running game, which teams that played us found out last year in the second half… . The Davenport game (a 53-7 loss) really opened our eyes.” Outlook: A three-game homestand in the middle of the season (Liberty, ACH, Davenport) will chart the Tigers’ course.

4. Liberty Lancers 1994 record: 4-4, 5-4; fifth Coach: Rod Fletcher Years coaching: 15th Coach’s record: 94-41 Top returners: Jake Lee, 6-5, 245, sr., G; Aaron Carroll, 5-9, 155, sr., RB/S; Chris Tee, 6-2, 190, jr., OG/DT; Jerrod Mix, 6-2, 205, sr., TE/DT; Jon MacKay, 6-3, 200, sr., FB/LB; Tim Horlacher, 6-2, 170, jr., QB Top newcomers: Allen Widman, 5-11, 180, sr., C/LB Quick kicks: Top lineman Lee broke his wrist but may return. Coach’s comment: “We’re going to be back in the chase, is what I’d say. We are kind of an unknown although we didn’t lose a lot and only graduated three seniors.” Outlook: Davenport isn’t on the schedule and Horlacher gained enough experience in four starts to put the 1992 state champs back in the hunt.

5. Almira/Coulee-Hartline Warriors 1994 record: 6-3, 6-3; fourth Coach: Stuart Gloyn Years coaching: Fourth Coach’s record: 13-13 Top returners: Cameron Carstensen, 5-10, 170, jr., RB/ S; Matt Elder, 6-0, 165, sr., QB/LB; Scott Pate, 6-0, 165, sr., OT/DE; Tofer Goodwin, 6-1, 170, jr., TE/DB/PK; Josh St. John, 5-9, 175, jr., RB/DE; Casey Nielsen, 6-0, 180, sr., RB/LB; Jake Winona, 5-9, 170, jr., C/DT; Jason Pierce, 5-8, 150, jr., WR/LB; Aaron Murray, 6-0, 160, sr., WR/DB Top newcomers: Luke Winona, 5-9, 170, fr., OL/DL; Kevin Evers, 6-3, 165, jr., TE/DE Quick kicks: The Warriors started 0-3 last year before blossoming. Nielsen is ineligible until the third game, so ACH is leery of another slow beginning. Coach’s comment: “We have sacrificed some weight for speed. There are a few question marks, but I’m confident we’ll do well.” Outlook: How quickly the line takes shape will determine ACH’s playoff fate.

6. Wilbur-Creston Wildcats 1994 record: 2-7, 2-7; eighth Coach: George Olson Years coaching: Fifth Coach’s record: 10-26 Top returners: Adam Sapier, 5-9, 190, jr., C/LB; Casey Kuchenbuch, 6-1, 195, jr., TE/DE; Pat Hayes, 5-9, 160, jr., QB/FS; Tom Haggarty, 6-0, 185, sr., FB/LB; Michael Bahr, 6-0, 180, jr., RB/LB; Ryan Lewis, 5-10, 170, jr., OG/DT; Dan Krause, 6-2, 215, jr., T; Sorrell Katich, 6-0, 155, soph., QB Top newcomers: Andy Hanson, 6-0, 160, jr., WR/DB; Kyle Desautel, 5-11, 170, jr., T Quick kicks: Three Wildcats quarterbacks were battered last year, opening the door for then-freshman Sorrell Katich. Hayes, who broke his hand, was the second-string QB and may have the job. Coach’s comment: “I’m not sure we’d be first or second, but we’re going to improve on 2-7. I think at one time (last year) we lost seven of our original 11 starters with season-ending types of things.” Outlook: Because of its reliance on juniors, W-C may be a year away from challenging.

7. Springdale Chargers 1994 record: 7-2, 7-2; third Coach: Gerald Ely Years coaching: Fourth Coach’s record: 13-14 Top returners: Jim Blanchard, 6-1, 185, sr., QB-R/S; Tommy Nortz, 5-7, 160, sr., QB-R/CB; Danny Hargrave, 5-9, 185, jr., RB/LB; Ira Nolander, 6-1, 175, sr., OT/DE; Denny Hargrave 5-7, 170, jr., RB/LB; Seth Hegel, 5-10, 225, jr., OG/LB; Jasent Stricker, 5-8, 165, soph., FB; Jeremy Montgomery, 5-10, 155, jr., C/DT. Top newcomers: Probably three freshmen will start, but they need to be sorted out. Quick kicks: The Chargers started 5-0 last year and led Reardan 14-0 before trouble occurred in the defensive backfield. Coach’s comment: “We’re smaller than last year but quicker. I think if we don’t lose any kids we could be in the upper half.” Outlook: Since the turnout of 25 is comprised mostly of freshmen, the returners will be hard-pressed to equal last year.

8. Curlew Cougars 1994 record: 1-3, 3-4; seventh Coach: Don Nelson Years coaching: Second Coach’s record: 3-4 Top returners: Joe Brucklier, 5-9, 140, jr., RB/DB; Wes Paul, 5-11, 140, sr., WR/FS; Elliott Edwards, 5-10, 180, jr., FB; Joey Karl, 5-10, 260, sr., OL/DL; Bob Coffland, 5-11, 170, sr., OL/DL; Bobby Baker, 5-11, 235, soph., C/DL; Spencer Nelson, 5-9, 150, jr., QB/DB Top newcomers: Ben Miller, 5-10, 170, jr., OL/LB. Quick kicks: Johnathan Wakefield, a 220-pound lineman who provided bulk for the first-year program, has transferred to a school in Florida. Coach’s comment: “We have a lot of kids who played last year, even though it was their first year. One year has made a lot of difference.” Outlook: Curlew is still excited by the newness of football. Not playing Reardan and Davenport will help, but not enough.

9. Selkirk Rangers 1994 record: 0-8, 0-9; 10th Coach: Eric Ellsworth Years coaching: Ninth Coach’s record: 41-49 Top returners: J.L. Chantry, 5-4, 125, sr., SE/CB; Josh Davis, 6-3, 170, sr., QB/DB; Travas Fandrey, 6-3, 210, sr., OT/LB; Tim Farris, 5-10, 150, soph., RB/R; Dylan Powers, 6-1, 170, sr., OG/DT; Willie Newman, 5-11, 155, sr., HB/LB; Zach Kinney, 5-10, 155, jr., FL/DB; Mike Link 5-10, 165, jr., OG. Top newcomers: Sheridan Pyeatt, 5-10, 165, fr., HB/LB; Chad Haney, 6-0, 170, OL/DL, soph., Stephen Halstead, 5-11, 175, soph., OL/DL; Alan Locklin, 5-7, 160, soph., OL/DL. Quick kicks: Chantry has led the team in tackles for the last two years. Coach’s comment: “We’re going to have to look at the whole season, not just the first two games (Northeast A favorite Chewelah and Davenport).” Outlook: Ellsworth sees 4-5 possible wins this season. For a team with 24 players on the roster, that would be quite a feat.

10. Sprague-Harrington Falcons 1994 record: 6-1, 7-3; tied for first in NEB-8 Coach: Steve Frank Years coaching: Second Coach’s record: 7-3 Top returners: Travis Wagner, 6-01, 190, sr., FB/LB; Brett Bly, 6-1, 160, sr., QB; Jeremy Sewall, 5-9, 175, sr., FB/DT; David Countryman, 6-0, 170, jr., RB/LB/PK; Ryan Vold, 6-0, 195, sr., C/DT; Ryan Hattrup, 6-2, 195, sr., OT/ DE; David Hardt, 5-11, 175, jr., RB/OL; Ben Hoffman, 5-10, 170, sr., OG/LB; Brian Moxcey, 5-11, 165, sr., CB. Top newcomers: Matt Henry, 5-11, 145, fr., SE/DB; David Sellers, 5-8, 150, fr., CB Quick kicks: Wagner, an NEB-8 first-teamer on the OL, has moved to FB. Coach’s comment: “I feel comfortable playing 11-man because that’s what I’ve done all my life. We want to compete with the best, and we’ll have that opportunity.” Outlook: It could be a rough year with Putney and 240-pound lineman Tony Kistenmacher ineligible.

2. NORTHEAST B-11 SCHEDULE Sept. 8 Wilbur-Creston at Davenport, Reardan at Sprague-Harrington, 3 p.m. Chewelah at Selkirk, 7:30 p.m. Wilbur-Creston at Davenport, 7 p.m. Curlew at Republic, 7 p.m. Almira/Coulee-Hartline at Liberty, 7 p.m. Springdale at Ritzville, 7 p.m. Sept. 15 Touchet at Selkirk, 7:30 p.m. Reardan at Medical Lake, 7:30 p.m. Sprague-Harrington at Almira/ Coulee-Hartline, 7 p.m. Republic at Wilbur-Creston, 3 p.m. Liberty at Ritzville, 7 p.m. Davenport at Selkirk, 7 p.m. Sept. 22 Selkirk at Wilbur-Creston, 3 p.m. Almira/Coulee-Hartline at Reardan, 7 p.m. Sprague-Harrington at Liberty, 7 p.m. Ritzville at Curlew, 6 p.m. Republic at Springdale, 7 p.m. Tekoa-Oakesdale at Davenport, 7 p.m. Sept. 29 Selkirk at Almira/Coulee-Hartline, 7 p.m. Curlew at Cusick, 7 p.m. Reardan at Ritzville, 7:00 p.m. Davenport at Springdale, 7 p.m. Liberty at Republic, 7 p.m. Wilbur-Creston at Sprague-Harrington, 3 p.m. Oct. 6 Ritzville at Davenport, 7 p.m. Springdale at Sprague-Harrington, 2:30 p.m. Curlew at Selkirk, Almira/Coulee-Hartline at Republic, 6:30 p.m. Reardan at Wilbur-Creston, 2:30 p.m. Oct. 13 Liberty at Springdale, 7:00 p.m. Wilbur-Creston at Curlew, Selkirk at Reardan, 7:00 p.m. Davenport at Republic, 6:30 p.m. Ritzville at Almira/Coulee-Hartline, 7:00 p.m. Oct. 19 Almira/Coulee-Hartline at Kittitas, 7:00 p.m. Oct. 20 Reardan at Davenport, 7:00 p.m. Curlew at Liberty, 7:00 p.m. Sprague-Harrington at Ritzville, 7:00 p.m. Wilbur-Creston at Springdale, 7:00 p.m. Republic at Selkirk, 7:00 p.m. Oct. 27 Curlew at Almira/Coulee-Hartline, 7 p.m. Springdale at Curlew, 2:30 p.m. Selkirk at Liberty, 7 p.m. Springdale at Reardan, 7 p.m. Bridgeport at Republic, 7 p.m. Davenport at Sprague-Harrington, 2:30 p.m. Ritzville at Wilbur-Creston, 2:30 p.m. Nov. 3 Springdale at Selkirk, Almira/Coulee-Hartline at Davenport, 7 p.m. Sprague-Harrington at Curlew, 1 p.m. Liberty at Reardan, 7 p.m. Republic at Ritzville, 6 p.m.

Two sidebars appeared with the story: 1. NORTHEAST B-11 (In predicted order of finish.) 1. Davenport Gorillas 1994 record: 8-0, 9-1; first place Coach: Skip Pauls, Years coaching: 15th, 12th at Davenport Coach’s record: 71-45 Top returners: Marty Parsons, 5-11, 170, sr., QB; Tyson Deal, 6-1, 190, sr., OG/LB, all-league first team; Steve Cannon, 5-9, 165, sr., OG/DL, all-league first team; Brian Goodman, 5-10, 210, jr., T; Luke Hammond, 6-1, 190, jr., TE/LB; Josh FitzPatrick, 6-0, 200, jr., FB/LB, all-league first team; Jason Schneider, 5-10, 180, sr., C; Cliff Swain, 6-1, 175, sr., R/DB; Evan Johnson, 5-9, 145, sr., R/DB Top newcomers: Mike Goodman, 5-7, 160, sr., RB/LB Quick kicks: Parsons, a four-year starter, threw for 1,200 yards last year while FitzPatrick rushed for 1,050. Coach’s comment: “It’s an honor that people are predicting us to be first, but maybe they’re trying to jinx us.” Outlook: More than one league coach said the Gorillas could play for the state title.

2. Reardan Indians 1994 record: 7-1, 7-3; second Coach: Dan Graham Years coaching: Third Coach’s record: 17-5 Top returners: Robb Soliday, 5-11, 155, sr., R/DB, all-league first team; Scott Eller, 6-0, 210, jr., FB/LB; Travis Titchenal, 6-0, 170, jr., RB/DB; Nate Graham, 6-0, 170, jr., QB/CB. Top newcomers: Jason Galbraith, 5-7, 160, jr., RB/DB; Matt Clouse, 5-11, 160, jr., R/DB. Quick kicks: First-team all-league OL Pat Eller won’t play this year for personal reasons. Coach’s comment: “We have four seniors out. They have a good attitude, and they’re working hard, but we’ll pay our dues and be back at it next year.” Outlook: Graham last year: “We’re going to have to rebuild.” Result: state playoff, best game anybody gave champion Dayton. Reardan always finds a way.

2. Ritzville Broncos 1994 record: 1-7, 1-11; ninth after forfeiting all league games except Selkirk and all playoff games up to the state semifinal for using ineligible player Deran Drake. Coach: Mike Lynch Years coaching: 22nd Coach’s record: 120-78-2, counting forfeits Top returners: Travis DeVore, 5-9, 135, sr., WR/K/CB; Jason Koller, 6-2, 185, sr., OT/DE; Kyle Bauer, 5-9, 145, sr., WR/DB; Andy Hilzer, 6-1, 165, sr., RB/LB; Damon Roth, 6-1, 175, jr., OG/DL; Nathan Wood, 5-9, 230, jr., OL/DL; Bob Russell, 6-2, 165, jr., TE/DE; Kris Boness, 6-2, 175, jr., RB/LB; Scott Galbreath, 6-2, 185, jr., OG/LB. Top newcomers: Jason Warriner, 5-9, 145, jr., RB/DB; Alan Hille, 5-10, 150, soph., utility; John Galbreath, 6-4, 175, jr., QB Quick kicks: The Galbreath cousins are vital: Steve was second-team all-league as a sophomore and John, who didn’t play last year, must run the offense. Coach’s comment: “Our concerns are depth and the position changes we made.” Outlook: These guys have state experience but a tough schedule.

3. Republic Tigers 1994 record: 4-5, 4-5; sixth Coach: Don Beazizo Years coaching: Third Coach’s record: 8-10 Top returners: Mark Rickard, 6-0, 185, jr., WR/DB; Morgan Chase, 6-0, 180, sr., RB/CB; Jason Baldwin, 5-10, 165, jr., QB; Chip Quaade, 6-1, 185, sr., FB/DE; David Hanks, 5-9, 155, jr., R/CB. Top newcomers: Jerb Finlay, 5-4, 165, sr., FB/LB Quick kicks: Rickard, with 1,869 career receiving yards, already owns 13 school records. His delivery man, Baldwin, has eight school records. Coach’s comment: “We’re going to have to stop the running game, which teams that played us found out last year in the second half… . The Davenport game (a 53-7 loss) really opened our eyes.” Outlook: A three-game homestand in the middle of the season (Liberty, ACH, Davenport) will chart the Tigers’ course.

4. Liberty Lancers 1994 record: 4-4, 5-4; fifth Coach: Rod Fletcher Years coaching: 15th Coach’s record: 94-41 Top returners: Jake Lee, 6-5, 245, sr., G; Aaron Carroll, 5-9, 155, sr., RB/S; Chris Tee, 6-2, 190, jr., OG/DT; Jerrod Mix, 6-2, 205, sr., TE/DT; Jon MacKay, 6-3, 200, sr., FB/LB; Tim Horlacher, 6-2, 170, jr., QB Top newcomers: Allen Widman, 5-11, 180, sr., C/LB Quick kicks: Top lineman Lee broke his wrist but may return. Coach’s comment: “We’re going to be back in the chase, is what I’d say. We are kind of an unknown although we didn’t lose a lot and only graduated three seniors.” Outlook: Davenport isn’t on the schedule and Horlacher gained enough experience in four starts to put the 1992 state champs back in the hunt.

5. Almira/Coulee-Hartline Warriors 1994 record: 6-3, 6-3; fourth Coach: Stuart Gloyn Years coaching: Fourth Coach’s record: 13-13 Top returners: Cameron Carstensen, 5-10, 170, jr., RB/ S; Matt Elder, 6-0, 165, sr., QB/LB; Scott Pate, 6-0, 165, sr., OT/DE; Tofer Goodwin, 6-1, 170, jr., TE/DB/PK; Josh St. John, 5-9, 175, jr., RB/DE; Casey Nielsen, 6-0, 180, sr., RB/LB; Jake Winona, 5-9, 170, jr., C/DT; Jason Pierce, 5-8, 150, jr., WR/LB; Aaron Murray, 6-0, 160, sr., WR/DB Top newcomers: Luke Winona, 5-9, 170, fr., OL/DL; Kevin Evers, 6-3, 165, jr., TE/DE Quick kicks: The Warriors started 0-3 last year before blossoming. Nielsen is ineligible until the third game, so ACH is leery of another slow beginning. Coach’s comment: “We have sacrificed some weight for speed. There are a few question marks, but I’m confident we’ll do well.” Outlook: How quickly the line takes shape will determine ACH’s playoff fate.

6. Wilbur-Creston Wildcats 1994 record: 2-7, 2-7; eighth Coach: George Olson Years coaching: Fifth Coach’s record: 10-26 Top returners: Adam Sapier, 5-9, 190, jr., C/LB; Casey Kuchenbuch, 6-1, 195, jr., TE/DE; Pat Hayes, 5-9, 160, jr., QB/FS; Tom Haggarty, 6-0, 185, sr., FB/LB; Michael Bahr, 6-0, 180, jr., RB/LB; Ryan Lewis, 5-10, 170, jr., OG/DT; Dan Krause, 6-2, 215, jr., T; Sorrell Katich, 6-0, 155, soph., QB Top newcomers: Andy Hanson, 6-0, 160, jr., WR/DB; Kyle Desautel, 5-11, 170, jr., T Quick kicks: Three Wildcats quarterbacks were battered last year, opening the door for then-freshman Sorrell Katich. Hayes, who broke his hand, was the second-string QB and may have the job. Coach’s comment: “I’m not sure we’d be first or second, but we’re going to improve on 2-7. I think at one time (last year) we lost seven of our original 11 starters with season-ending types of things.” Outlook: Because of its reliance on juniors, W-C may be a year away from challenging.

7. Springdale Chargers 1994 record: 7-2, 7-2; third Coach: Gerald Ely Years coaching: Fourth Coach’s record: 13-14 Top returners: Jim Blanchard, 6-1, 185, sr., QB-R/S; Tommy Nortz, 5-7, 160, sr., QB-R/CB; Danny Hargrave, 5-9, 185, jr., RB/LB; Ira Nolander, 6-1, 175, sr., OT/DE; Denny Hargrave 5-7, 170, jr., RB/LB; Seth Hegel, 5-10, 225, jr., OG/LB; Jasent Stricker, 5-8, 165, soph., FB; Jeremy Montgomery, 5-10, 155, jr., C/DT. Top newcomers: Probably three freshmen will start, but they need to be sorted out. Quick kicks: The Chargers started 5-0 last year and led Reardan 14-0 before trouble occurred in the defensive backfield. Coach’s comment: “We’re smaller than last year but quicker. I think if we don’t lose any kids we could be in the upper half.” Outlook: Since the turnout of 25 is comprised mostly of freshmen, the returners will be hard-pressed to equal last year.

8. Curlew Cougars 1994 record: 1-3, 3-4; seventh Coach: Don Nelson Years coaching: Second Coach’s record: 3-4 Top returners: Joe Brucklier, 5-9, 140, jr., RB/DB; Wes Paul, 5-11, 140, sr., WR/FS; Elliott Edwards, 5-10, 180, jr., FB; Joey Karl, 5-10, 260, sr., OL/DL; Bob Coffland, 5-11, 170, sr., OL/DL; Bobby Baker, 5-11, 235, soph., C/DL; Spencer Nelson, 5-9, 150, jr., QB/DB Top newcomers: Ben Miller, 5-10, 170, jr., OL/LB. Quick kicks: Johnathan Wakefield, a 220-pound lineman who provided bulk for the first-year program, has transferred to a school in Florida. Coach’s comment: “We have a lot of kids who played last year, even though it was their first year. One year has made a lot of difference.” Outlook: Curlew is still excited by the newness of football. Not playing Reardan and Davenport will help, but not enough.

9. Selkirk Rangers 1994 record: 0-8, 0-9; 10th Coach: Eric Ellsworth Years coaching: Ninth Coach’s record: 41-49 Top returners: J.L. Chantry, 5-4, 125, sr., SE/CB; Josh Davis, 6-3, 170, sr., QB/DB; Travas Fandrey, 6-3, 210, sr., OT/LB; Tim Farris, 5-10, 150, soph., RB/R; Dylan Powers, 6-1, 170, sr., OG/DT; Willie Newman, 5-11, 155, sr., HB/LB; Zach Kinney, 5-10, 155, jr., FL/DB; Mike Link 5-10, 165, jr., OG. Top newcomers: Sheridan Pyeatt, 5-10, 165, fr., HB/LB; Chad Haney, 6-0, 170, OL/DL, soph., Stephen Halstead, 5-11, 175, soph., OL/DL; Alan Locklin, 5-7, 160, soph., OL/DL. Quick kicks: Chantry has led the team in tackles for the last two years. Coach’s comment: “We’re going to have to look at the whole season, not just the first two games (Northeast A favorite Chewelah and Davenport).” Outlook: Ellsworth sees 4-5 possible wins this season. For a team with 24 players on the roster, that would be quite a feat.

10. Sprague-Harrington Falcons 1994 record: 6-1, 7-3; tied for first in NEB-8 Coach: Steve Frank Years coaching: Second Coach’s record: 7-3 Top returners: Travis Wagner, 6-01, 190, sr., FB/LB; Brett Bly, 6-1, 160, sr., QB; Jeremy Sewall, 5-9, 175, sr., FB/DT; David Countryman, 6-0, 170, jr., RB/LB/PK; Ryan Vold, 6-0, 195, sr., C/DT; Ryan Hattrup, 6-2, 195, sr., OT/ DE; David Hardt, 5-11, 175, jr., RB/OL; Ben Hoffman, 5-10, 170, sr., OG/LB; Brian Moxcey, 5-11, 165, sr., CB. Top newcomers: Matt Henry, 5-11, 145, fr., SE/DB; David Sellers, 5-8, 150, fr., CB Quick kicks: Wagner, an NEB-8 first-teamer on the OL, has moved to FB. Coach’s comment: “I feel comfortable playing 11-man because that’s what I’ve done all my life. We want to compete with the best, and we’ll have that opportunity.” Outlook: It could be a rough year with Putney and 240-pound lineman Tony Kistenmacher ineligible.

2. NORTHEAST B-11 SCHEDULE Sept. 8 Wilbur-Creston at Davenport, Reardan at Sprague-Harrington, 3 p.m. Chewelah at Selkirk, 7:30 p.m. Wilbur-Creston at Davenport, 7 p.m. Curlew at Republic, 7 p.m. Almira/Coulee-Hartline at Liberty, 7 p.m. Springdale at Ritzville, 7 p.m. Sept. 15 Touchet at Selkirk, 7:30 p.m. Reardan at Medical Lake, 7:30 p.m. Sprague-Harrington at Almira/ Coulee-Hartline, 7 p.m. Republic at Wilbur-Creston, 3 p.m. Liberty at Ritzville, 7 p.m. Davenport at Selkirk, 7 p.m. Sept. 22 Selkirk at Wilbur-Creston, 3 p.m. Almira/Coulee-Hartline at Reardan, 7 p.m. Sprague-Harrington at Liberty, 7 p.m. Ritzville at Curlew, 6 p.m. Republic at Springdale, 7 p.m. Tekoa-Oakesdale at Davenport, 7 p.m. Sept. 29 Selkirk at Almira/Coulee-Hartline, 7 p.m. Curlew at Cusick, 7 p.m. Reardan at Ritzville, 7:00 p.m. Davenport at Springdale, 7 p.m. Liberty at Republic, 7 p.m. Wilbur-Creston at Sprague-Harrington, 3 p.m. Oct. 6 Ritzville at Davenport, 7 p.m. Springdale at Sprague-Harrington, 2:30 p.m. Curlew at Selkirk, Almira/Coulee-Hartline at Republic, 6:30 p.m. Reardan at Wilbur-Creston, 2:30 p.m. Oct. 13 Liberty at Springdale, 7:00 p.m. Wilbur-Creston at Curlew, Selkirk at Reardan, 7:00 p.m. Davenport at Republic, 6:30 p.m. Ritzville at Almira/Coulee-Hartline, 7:00 p.m. Oct. 19 Almira/Coulee-Hartline at Kittitas, 7:00 p.m. Oct. 20 Reardan at Davenport, 7:00 p.m. Curlew at Liberty, 7:00 p.m. Sprague-Harrington at Ritzville, 7:00 p.m. Wilbur-Creston at Springdale, 7:00 p.m. Republic at Selkirk, 7:00 p.m. Oct. 27 Curlew at Almira/Coulee-Hartline, 7 p.m. Springdale at Curlew, 2:30 p.m. Selkirk at Liberty, 7 p.m. Springdale at Reardan, 7 p.m. Bridgeport at Republic, 7 p.m. Davenport at Sprague-Harrington, 2:30 p.m. Ritzville at Wilbur-Creston, 2:30 p.m. Nov. 3 Springdale at Selkirk, Almira/Coulee-Hartline at Davenport, 7 p.m. Sprague-Harrington at Curlew, 1 p.m. Liberty at Reardan, 7 p.m. Republic at Ritzville, 6 p.m.