Touchet Keeps Edge In Seb-8 Big Losses To Graduation Hurt, But Indians Still Team To Beat

One theory holds that Touchet will return to earth after graduating six outstanding football players.

More likely, though, Touchet will retain a high level because its young players practiced two years against state finalists.

The Indians, state champions in 1994 and last year’s runnerup, will have a major say in who wins this season’s Southeast B-8.

“I still kind of think Touchet has the edge,” said Rosalia coach Jim Hereford said.

LaCrosse-Washtucna is again given the best shot at touching Touchet, but the Tigercats must overcome injuries to two major players.

St. John-Endicott should repeat as the league’s third berth to state. Look for a rerun of last season’s final league standings: Touchet, L-W, SJE, Colton, Rosalia and Prescott.

Kahlotus was set to join the league, but backed out late because of poor turnout. L-W and Touchet filled open dates by scheduling one another in a non-leaguer Sept. 27 - the day the other SEB-8 teams begin the league schedule.

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MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: SEB-8 at a glance LaCrosse-Washtucna Tigercats 1995 record: 4-1, 6-3, second place, lost to Pateros 76-42 in state quarterfinals Coach: Jeff Nelson Years coaching and record: Third, 14-4 Top returners: Casey Rouleau, 6-3, 190, sr., R/LB; Clint Anderson, 5-9, 165, sr., RB/DB; Greg Whitman, 6-2, 185, soph., QB/DE; Phil Blankenship, 6-1, 175, jr., RB/DB; Mark Fehrenbacker, 6-0, 200, soph., G. Quick kick: Seniors Jeremy Daniel (QB/S) and Clint Ledbetter (R/LB) - possibly the league’s top returner - are expected to miss the season after surgeries. Coach’s comment: “We definitely have a big team and I think we’re pretty deep. We’re quicker, and we think Whitman is a Patrick Hunter (Pateros graduate and state record-holder) type of quarterback.” Outlook: A completely healthy roster would have made L-W the league favorite. Bremerton transfer Greg Parker (6-2, 190) should help fill some of the void.

St. John-Endicott Eagles 1995 record: 3-2, 5-5, third place, lost to Inchelium 32-24 in state quarterfinals Coach: Frank Watson Years coaching and record: First year Top returners: Chris Larson, 6-1, 235, sr., FB/G; John Hergert, 6-5, 250, sr., FB/G; Josh Siler, 6-0, 165, jr., QB; Kale Colyar, 5-9, 150, sr., R/S; John Stoner, 5-9, 145, jr., QB/RB/S; Andrew Kolb, 6-0, 175, jr., LB. Quick kick: The Eagles expect to move to B-11 next year. Coach’s comment: “I have seven people who weigh 230 or better. What we don’t have are experienced running backs.” Outlook: Size and defense should bring a playoff spot for Watson, a 54-year-old rookie coach who’s fulfilling a life-long dream of coaching small-school football.

Rosalia Spartans 1995 record: 1-4, 2-7, fifth place Coach: Jim Hereford Years coaching and record: Fifth, 18-16 Top returners: Tysen Blank, 6-1, 205, sr., QB/LB; Bill Lathrop, 5-11, 185, jr., RB/LB; Andy Van Grimbergen, 5-9, 150, sr., R/DB; Jake Peterson, 5-9, 170, jr., RB/G. Quick kick: Lathrop was shifted from guard as the Spartans respond to the graduation of top runners Brian Maley and David Finley. Coach’s comment: “We had 27 turn out - the most in nine years - but most are freshmen and sophomores.”. Outlook: No playoff this year, but the addition of Walla Walla transfer Jeremy Kelsey (6-2, 235) and Ben Scheele and Jason Miller - who hadn’t turned out before - should provide a lift.