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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

U-Hi Wants To Avenge Last Season

Two narrow early losses set the tone of University High’s 1996 football season.

The Titans lost a last-ditch three-point game to Ferris and, after missing early scoring opportunities, lost by a touchdown on a pair of time-consuming Lewis and Clark drives.

Nine regulars return, joined by newcomers mindful of what they went through last season. They lead a crew determined to change the outcome.

“We have competition at all positions. It’s a good spirited atmosphere,” said coach Mike Ganey.

There will be new faces in the Titan backfield and at receiver.

They’ll run behind a fairly experienced, if smallish line, led by two-way performer Ryan Metcalf and center Kendrick Chane.

“Hopefully they’ll make up for their lack of size with enthusiasm and hard work,” said Ganey. “The nice thing is they are intelligent.”

Joining them up front are senior veteran Kevin Mace, senior Rusty Davis, juniors Reggie Lee, Justin Fulton and sophomore Adam Vawter.

New quarterback Chris Short leads a backfield that includes one of the Evergreen Junior High crew, Brad Valkenaar, and Ryan Conrad.

They’re backed by junior Chris Barth and sophomore Brandon Frost at QB, rushers Nick Mattioda and junior Chris Wilkinson.

Junior Jake Roberts moves from tight end to wide receiver, joining veterans Chris McMurtrey and Russ Ellersick. Newcomers Nick Binkoski, Ryan Long and junior Brad Walker join in.

At tight end are senior Mike Mullin and sophomore Craig Weaver.

“We might have a good receiving corps if we provide protection,” said Ganey.

Defensively junior Mike Allessio and Seth Everts join Lee, Davis and Fulton up front. T.R. McCullough is at a defensive end along with Mullin and junior Dustin Peterson.

Valkenaar, Metcalf, Weaver, Wilkerson and Ben Thompson are at linebacker. Long, Roberts, McMurtrey, senior Damon Foreman and sophomore Kessy Timmer are in the secondary.

Joe Turman becomes the offensive coordinator, allowing Ganey to move back to defense.

“We’ve adjusted our offensive scheme and will be in more of an attacking mode on defense,” said Ganey. “I feel our enthusiasm and work ethic will allow us to grow.”

, DataTimes