Tigers Aim To Make Up For Shortage Of Experience

Lewis and Clark

If Lewis and Clark overcomes its inexperience, football coach John Hook envisions a run at a Greater Spokane League championship.

The Tigers will meet favored Central Valley at the end of the regular season and are hoping that the meeting can be for the title. “If we can get over our lack of experience at key positions, I think our chances are real good.” said Hook. “Physically we’re good enough to challenge for a playoff spot … maybe even a league title.”

Defensively, the keys are the play at linebacker and defensive end, said Hook. The offense, he predicted, will be explosive and more balanced than last year.

Said returning running back-defensive back Pete Flatt: “Defense wins ball games. Offense scores points. Hopefully, the defense can help out.”

The running game in tandem with returning seniors Flatt and Martin Ross and junior Nick Spurgetis could be as good as LC has had for a while, Hook said.

He hopes to add an aerial attack to LC’s arsenal with the addition of junior quarterback Darrel Lockridge.

“Our receivers are more skilled this year,” said Hook. “Lockridge sees the difference in the team even in practice.”

Among the pass catchers are wide receivers Chris Gray, Derek Johnson, Colin Shields and Silas Wyatt and tight ends Adam Love and Andrew Stachofsky.

The offensive line is “extremely sharp,” according to lineman Gunnar Oprea. Oprea will be joined by returnee Kurtis Broderson and juniors John Powers and Jesse Middleton. The only problem with the line is an absence of depth.

Heading the defense is returning all-league safety Luke Bowman in the secondary, joined by senior Derek Johnson. Defensive linemen include returning starter Miguel Romero and Ferris transfer Don Goldsworthy.

Another Ferris transfer, Shawn Dalstrom, is a kicker.

“We have better team size, strength and speed than last year and a good returning secondary,” said Hook. “We must develop and identify four linebackers and two ends early if we’re to be able to field a strong defense.”

, DataTimes