NSL Preview Football

Eight is enough

Here is our list of the top eight players in the league.

Ben Shannon, junior, running back/cornerback, Kootenai.

Shannon was voted the league’s most valuable player last season and there’s no reason to believe he won’t have a repeat performance.

Marcus Matile, senior, quarterback/cb, Wallace.

This is Wallace coach Dave Rounds’ 16th season as head coach and he rates Matile as his best all-around QB.

Mike Martin, sr., qb/safety, Clark Fork.

For the Wampus Cats to contend, Martin must have a big season.

Taylor Wallace, sr., linebacker/fullback, Kootenai.

Wallace will likely lead Kootenai in tackles and pick up some key yards in limited carries on offense.

Drew Wilkinson, sr., wide receiver/lb, Clark Fork.

Clark Fork plans to pass early and often and that means quite a few receptions for Wilkinson.

Zach Hyde, sr., offensive/defensive lineman, Lakeside.

Hyde will open big holes for the Knights.

Jesse Cress, sr., ol/dl, Kootenai.

Cress and his linemates will be key in the Warriors’ success.

John Coy, sr., rb/lb, Mullan.

Coy put on 20 pounds in strength in the off-season and is poised for a big season.

Best of the rest: Tom Norris, sr., rb/lb, Wallace; Kolten Willms, jr., qb/lb, Kootenai; Jared Broggi, jr., guard/defensive tackle, Clark Fork; Darrick Holmquist, sr., tight end/lb, Wallace; Jay Ploharz, sr., qb/defensive back, Mullan.