Northeast 1B North: Republic aiming for title game this season

Republic rumbled through the Northeast 1B North league last year and lost in the state semifinals. But the 2015 version of the Tigers could be more dangerous.

Coach Chris Burch must replace twins Alex and Angelo Rivera (Carroll College), but he returns 12 seniors, added two transfers and he likes what he sees on the smoky practice field.

“I like our team better this year than I did last year,” he said. “I think we will make another run into the state playoffs and hopefully get to the big game this year.”

Republic has been aided by the addition of transfers lineman Justin Riggs, from Shelby, Montana, and receiver Adrian McCarthy from Tonasket.

“I don’t know what kind of coaching (Riggs) was getting in Montana, but he already plays at a senior level. He’s an all-league type player already” as a sophomore, Burch said. McCarthy “is fast and athletic. How many times do you get a kid like that? Especially in 8-man.”

Republic will get a test from Cusick, which took the Tigers to the final minute in a regular-season loss. Republic later thrashed Cusick in the playoffs.

“When we play Cusick, it’s become a pretty big rivalry game the last three years,” Burch said. “It always turns into a good game whether one team has an edge or not.”

Cusick coach Sonny Finley agrees, but said his team faces several challenges after having to practice mostly in the school’s gym because of poor air quality.

“We are looking pretty good. I’m really excited about this season,” Finley said. “We lost a lot of quality players last year, but we were able to get in the weight room this summer. We are going to be one of the top teams on this side of the state as long as we stay healthy.”

Finley plans to start Spirit White at quarterback and Tyson Shanholtzer at tailback.

“Spirit and Tyson will carry most of the load for us,” he said. “They will be two good senior leaders for us.”

After Curlew did not field a team, Columbia was added to the league.

“They always play us tough,” Finley said of Columbia. “They are always a quality opponent.”

Republic’s Burch said Inchelium has a number of young athletes.

“They are probably a year out from being toward the top of the league again,” said Burch, an Inchelium alum. “But, I think they will be competitive. I see them as a third- or second-place contender.”

Selkirk coach Kelly Cain has 15 returning juniors and seniors, which will be a luxury for league play. However, Cain said his team weakness appears to be a lack of speed.

Northport, which didn’t know until late in the summer if it would field a team, has been revitalized by new coach Kevin Dionas, Burch said.

“They got a new coach and a pretty good turnout,” Burch said.

Dionas, who completed the school’s first summer program in several years, has seven returning starters.

One of his players was the equipment manager last year who wanted to give football a shot. Her name is Jesse Ransom. “She followed through and had an excellent summer with the football team,” Dionas said. “She is one of the toughest and hardest working players. She is expected to compete this year at wide receiver and defensive back.”

The mix of returning players makes Dionas believe Northport has a shot.

“The Northport Mustangs are tough, confident and looking to be very competitive this year,” he said.