GSL 3A: There’s room to move up in ranks

Going into the 2016 season, the Greater Spokane League 3A football teams are still a bit of a mystery. The best hope is that the four teams will be competitive among themselves. And that nonleague and crossover games with the 4A GSL teams will get them ready to go toe-to-toe when they start playing each other in October. Mt. Spokane is given the nod to earn what is believed to be one play-in berth. The league has applied to glue-in with a western Washington district but won’t find out from the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association definitely if they’ll receive a second berth until October.

MT. SPOKANE WILDCATS

For a second straight year under third-year coach Terry Cloer, the Wildcats have some rebuilding to do.

It worked out well last year with Mt. Spokane finishing 8-2 and earning the top 3A seed. They return just one starter on offense and three on defense.

“It’s a lot like last year,” Cloer said. “We have a lot of question marks with personnel but we’ll figure things out.”

Mt. Spokane has advanced to play-in games seven of the last eight years.

Two-way lineman Risone Ama, running back/linebacker Dillon Lionello, wide receiver/defensive back and slotback/DB Cole Hattenburg are the returning starters.

Cloer expects running the ball and run defense to be his team’s strengths.

“If we can get through the nonleague and 4A part of our schedule with a better than .500 record and healthy we will be in a great position to contend for the title and make a run in the playoffs,” Cloer said. “We need more juniors to step up like last year.”

ROGERS PIRATES

It was a magical season as the Pirates made the postseason for the first time in coach Ben Cochran’s second year.

Rogers finished 4-6.

The Pirates graduated 13 starters but bring back eight including all but one starter on the offensive line.

Anchoring the line are seniors Markus Robinson (5-foot-9, 265 pounds) and Ben Saxton (6-1, 240).

“We are a better team this year,” Cochran said. “We have no superstar attitudes.”

Rogers plans to start 22 different players.

“We will be two-platooning,” Cochran said. “This helps with a lot of guys getting reps and keeps us fresh.” Cochran expects the Pirates to battle for a play-in berth. “Our returners are key,” he said. “We have some young guys that are really stepping up. I think we’ll surprise.”

SHADLE PARK HIGHLANDERS

The Highlanders bring back eight starters and 25 lettermen overall.

Sophomore Carson Doyle started half the season at quarterback as a freshman.

He’s joined in the back field by returning starting running backs senior Ryan Wier and junior Xavier Hicks.

The Highlanders want to play faster with a no-huddle attack.

“We’re young but we’re a cohesive group,” coach James Mace said. “Many gained valuable time last year.”

Mace sees his team challenging for a postseason berth.

“We expect to be competitive and play with anyone,” Mace said. “Outcomes will be determined by our ability to execute and limit mistakes.”

NORTH CENTRAL INDIANS

Things don’t seem as rushed for second-year coach Tom Griggs.

Having been at NC for a full year, he’s excited to see what the second year will bring.

The Indians are coming off a 1-9 season. They return 10 starters.

Senior center Neil Slotvig will be counted on to be a key leader. Seniors Jharen Pangelinan (RB), Kaleb Moses (strong safety), Khanian Charlton (RB) and Christian Barnes (wide receiver/free safety) must carry much of the load.

“We had a great spring camp,” Griggs said. “The kids were committed to summer weights. We are looking to shake some things up this year.”