Northeast A Football In Predicted Order Of Finish
Colfax Bulldogs
1996 record: 6-3, third in old league
Coach: Doug Curtis
Years coaching, record: 20th, 130-56-1
Starters, lettermen returning: 10, 23
Base offense, defense: wishbone; 4-4
Top returners: Tyson Curtis, sr., 6-2, 190, QB/ DB; Jacob Keck, sr., 6-2, 215, G/LB; Mark Vantine, sr., 6-5, 245, G/DL; Bryan Carter, sr., 5-10, 210, C/DL; Josh Robinson, jr., 5-8, 190, RB/ DB; Kyle Warwick, sr., 5-10, 160, WR/DB; Kelly Jones, sr., 5-7, 160, RB/LB; Rick Wells, 5-10, 175, RB/DB; Brent Damery, sr., 6-2, TE/BD.
Newcomers: Glenn Sampson, sr., 5-10, 225, OL/ DL; Ryan VanDyke, sr., 5-10, 175, OT/DE.
Quick kicks: Sampson started as a freshman and sophomore but missed junior year with a knee injury. VanDyke was voted top DB as a sophomore but a broken leg last summer wiped out his junior year.
Coach’s comment: “We have a lot of kids coming back with experience. We have lost some close games the last two years, the kids are anxious to see at what level they can play.”
Outlook: In a three-team league, there isn’t much room for error, but the Bulldogs have the most experience to handle playing their two league rivals twice.
Freeman Scotties
1996 record: 3-4, 5th
Coach: John Custer
Years coaching, record: 7th, 3 at Freeman, 29-33
Starters, lettermen returning: 6, 11
Base offense, defense: multiple I; 4-4
Top returners: Matt Smith, sr., 5-11, 190, QB/LB; Mark Jacot, jr., 5-9, 162, RB/LB; Chris Meenach, sr., 5-11, 185, G/T; Simeon Snyder, jr., 6-4, 185, T/DE; Chris Miller, jr., 5-9, 150, WR/DB/K; Jeff Wigen, jr., 5-11, 165, G/LB.
Newcomers: Lance Rasmussen, soph., 6-4, 275, T/T.
Quick kicks: The Scotties get to renew an old rivalry when they open the season against visiting Liberty.
Coach’s comment: “We benefit because Colfax is one of the best teams in the state. They’ll be in the top three. Anytime you play someone twice, it’s tough, but from a competitiveness situation, it’s good. It’s definitely better than the alternative.”
Outlook: The Scotties have a talented corps of returning players, with a strong offensive line in front of quarterback Smith, a three-year starter. If a running game emerges, the two matchups with Colfax will make the battle for the league title exciting.
Kettle Falls Bulldogs
1996 record: 0-7, 0-9, last
Coach: Tracy Flugel
Years coaching, record: 2nd 0-9
Starters, lettermen returning: 8, 9
Base offense, defense: Power I; 4-3
Top returners: Nathan Weathers, sr., 5-10, 170, QB/CB; Jimmy Corvino, sr., 6-0, 240, RG/DT; Jon Payne, soph., 6-0, 180, Slot/SS.
Newcomers: Dustin Lickfold, jr., 6-1, 190, TE/FS; Sean Mackey, jr., 5-10, 175, TB/C.
Quick kicks: The Bulldogs have two games against Great Northern foes and three Panorama teams.
Coach’s comment: “I believe we will win some games. We are very young, but our young players are experienced in playing varsity football.”
Outlook: With one of the best A teams in the state in the league and a solid program right behind it, there is only one place for a young, building team to finish - third.
, DataTimes MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: PLAYERS TO WATCH Jacob Keck, sr., linebacker, 6-foot-2, 215, Colfax. An all-state player who can control a game. Matt Smith, sr., quarterback, 5-11, 190, Freeman. A three-year starter his coach calls one of the best QBs in Spokane area.