It’s early, but Friday told a tale

So what did we learn after the first week of Greater Spokane League football?

A lot really. And not a lot, really, considering there are eight more weeks of league play.

Here are a few noteworthy items:

• Ferris, Mead and Gonzaga Prep should wage an entertaining tug-of-war in the chase for the league championship.

And with two 4A teams advancing to the postseason, certainly Central Valley, which was given the preseason nod as a slight favorite, will continue to be in the mix.

And one other team will have a say in the chase for the league title – 3A Shadle Park.

• It’s something the average fan may have missed, but at least twice on two of Jalen Hicks’ four touchdowns for Ferris, Saxons senior quarterback Christian Olson not only got down field to block but beat the speedy Hicks to the end zone.

• The forward pass was introduced more than 60 years ago.

Option-based Gonzaga Prep, though, appeared to discover it Friday.

Every year – going back to the Don Anderson era – the Bullpups say they’re going to pass more.

And every year after the season starts, the Bullpups end up staying with what’s comfortable – their bread and butter.

If Friday is an indication, though, the Bullpups may pass it more than ever. Senior quarterback Kevin Thomas, who sat out last year with an injury, completed all seven of his passes for 182 yards and two touchdowns.

No it wasn’t a school record. But it was one of the best individual performances for the opening weekend of football in Washington.

G-Prep had another outstanding effort. Junior running back Jack Bamis rushed for 186 yards on 25 carries including two TDs as the Bullpups handled Lewis and Clark 42-13.

• Central Valley started seven players both ways.

Bears coach Rick Giampietri made it no secret that his team’s depth is thin. He says it’s made thinner by a small junior class.

Giampietri will have to find some depth in a hurry, though, because the Bears will wear down and suffer injuries. He may need to dip into his sophomore class to develop some depth.

• As expected Shadle Park came out ablazing, putting a 62-14 hammer lock on Rogers.

Junior quarterback Brett Rypien threw five touchdown passes, completing 15 of 21 attempts for 323 yards. All in the first half.

Hash marks

Lakeland didn’t score a TD in its 14-5 loss to Lewiston, but the Hawks moved the ball even if they couldn’t find the end zone. Running back Tuekota Vandever had 187 yards on 22 carries. … Timberlake of Spirit Lake and Riverside of Chattaroy opened the season against each other and the game was played at the Kibbie Dome. What? Yes, it was Riverside’s home game and the coaches wanted to treat their players to playing on a college field. Timberlake agreed, and the Tigers made the most of it with a 27-14 win. … North Central receiver James Weigel had 11 catches for 202 yards and two TDs. … Wade West led St. John-Endicott past visiting Wellpinit by rushing for 201 yards and six TDs.