GSL 4A: A wide open race if Gonzaga Prep falters GSL 4A: A wide open race if Gonzaga Prep falters

The last couple of years Gonzaga Prep coach Dave McKenna has gone into the season trying to find offensive linemen.

This year that’s not McKenna’s biggest challenge. Far from it. He returns three starters.

Coupled with the fact the Bullpups return a starter at quarterback, Liam Bell, and a freak athlete in do-anything Nick Johnson, and Gonzaga Prep could have a formidable offense.

And, oh by the way, the Bullpups return their front seven on defense – a defense anchored by another athletic freak, University of California-bound Evan Weaver, who will see spot time at fullback.

“We could be very good,” McKenna said. “I don’t want to jinx anything but I definitely think we’re going to have a great year.”

It’s no wonder the Bullpups are picked to win the Greater Spokane League 4A championship. But it shouldn’t be easy.

Five of six teams are considered strong contenders for three play-in berths. Ferris is considered on the outside looking in because of a youth movement.

4A coaches believe as many as four teams could win the league title.

Here’s a look around the league:

Tigers believe time has come

The team given the best chance to challenge G-Prep is Lewis and Clark.

When the Tigers seniors were freshmen, they went through league undefeated. It’s understandable that LC’s seniors believe that can be duplicated this year.

LC returns 14 starters, led by standout defensive end/tight end Blake Ochsner.

The most glaring area of concern is the secondary, which is being rebuilt.

“We have a senior-dominated team with lots of experience,” Dave Hughes said. “If they show up and stay healthy, we should be vying for a playoff spot.”

Bears may find out early

Another team that could be in the title chase is Central Valley.

The Bears return six starters on offense – led by senior quarterback Tanner Sloan – and five starters on defense, along with 25 lettermen.

The Bears took some lumps last year, especially early. But they’re poised to have a solid year.

CV and LC will find out exactly where they stand early since they open league against each other.

Titans big and experienced

If either G-Prep, LC or CV stumble, University is poised to leap frog into postseason contention.

The Titans bring back 16 starters but must replace bruising all-league running back Bryce Williamson.

“I think we’ve got a chance,” U-Hi coach Rob Bartlett said. “We’ve got size up front and we’re faster than we’ve ever been by far.”

The seniors were freshmen when Bartlett took over.

This will likely be Bartlett’s last season. He has accepted a job as vice principal, which he won’t step into until after the season. The school district has a rule that no administrator can be a head coach.

“If it’s my last group to go out with, I’m just going to enjoy the season,” Bartlett said. “I thought about it long and hard. At the end of the day, it’s (vice principal) something I wanted to do.”

Sonnichsen steps in at Mead

Perhaps the team with the most question marks is Mead, which welcomes new coach Benji Sonnichsen.

Sonnichsen is replacing Mead’s run-oriented offense with a spread attack. Defensively, the Panthers were one of the top teams in the league in recent seasons.

“With a late start in July, we’ll be working on finding our strengths through the early part of the season,” Sonnichsen said.

Young Saxons will be tested

Ferris returns the fewest starters (three), and will have to rely heavily on juniors and sophomores. “We will need to use an excellent nonleague schedule to prepare for an improved GSL,” Ferris coach Jim Sharkey said.