Mt. Spokane speedster Naccarato sports improved burst

Every year the Greater Spokane League has a football player like Chase Naccarato.

The type of player who makes an impact at multiple spots. That stands to reason why a year ago Naccarato was named the league’s all-purpose player of the year.

Naccarato, a Mt. Spokane senior, is likely to earn that honor again this season, if not player of the year. If he does it will be largely due to his speed, which few athletes in the league can match.

He’s been timed in the high 4.3s in the 40-yard dash. He was in the mid 4.4s a year ago.

“I’m definitely faster than last year,” Naccarato said. “I’m quicker, more powerful, stronger.”

Coach Mike McLaughlin is switching Naccarato from cornerback to free safety specifically because of his speed.

“Basically by playing free safety, I’m the deepest guy on the field. It will be my job to make sure nobody gets behind me. At free safety I’ll have a lot of room to run, make reads and make more plays.”

At cornerback Naccarato was restricted to half the field.

“I’ll be able to see the field better instead of being isolated on one half of the field,” he said.

He returns for a second year at slotback on offense. He gained 576 yards rushing and 295 receiving last year in league, finishing with 12 touchdowns. Overall, he had 982 yards rushing, 553 receiving and 23 TDs.

He hopes to have a similar impact, if not more so, this fall.

Naccarato recently made an oral commitment to play at the University of Montana. The Grizzlies want to use him at slotback.

Mt. Spokane has some holes to fill up front, but Naccarato expects the Wildcats to challenge for a playoff spot like they have the past two years.

“We had to replace our offensive line last year and we did it,” Naccarato said.

“We have the bodies, and we definitely have the talent and leadership from the seniors. I think we could be good.”