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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

League Resembles Days Of Old West Valley, Cheney To Offer Talented, Beefy Brand Of Football

Mike Vlahovich Staff Writer

There is every indication that the Frontier League football trench wars of years past are back.

Beefy, talented linemen at Cheney and West Valley are the reason both schools are being touted as preseason favorites this year.

The defending champion Blackhawks return seven down linemen, four of them all-leaguers - including first team center Bart Olson, tight end Rich DeMulling and defender Javier Salazar -, who weigh 225 pounds or more.

The Eagles, one of four teams in position to reach the playoffs going into the last game of last season, have a quintet of players of similar proportions, including guard Joe Bonner and tight end Ty Gregorak.

It brings followers back to when Cheney’s Steve Emtman, now a Miami Dolphin defensive lineman, and West Valley’s Tim Hanshaw, a San Francisco 49er offensive line signee, did battle eight years ago.

“These players are reminiscent of that kind of athlete, with talent and size,” said WV coach Steve Kent.

But the list of large and athletic performers doesn’t end there.

Clarkston is another team with size, so much so that all-league twoway lineman Josh Martin has been moved to fullback and linebacker.

“This year we are fairly large for the first time ever,” said Coach Dave Curtis. “He was all-league in three sports. We had linemen and could afford to move him.”

Colville started nearly a dozen sophomores last season, now bulked up enough in size to match them.

Indeed, coach Ken Emmil goes so far as to rank the Bantams and himself among title contenders.

“I know nobody else is going to say that, but that’s all right,” he said.

Even East Valley and Riverside will start their share of line bulk, even if it is untested.

“I wouldn’t classify us as small,” said Knight coach Jim Clements. “I’m more concerned about our lack of experience.” There’s still room for speed and skilled players with whom to chase a league championship.

Pullman, meanwhile, must rely on an experienced and speedy backfield because down linemen are new.

“It’s going to depend upon how well we play against their big kids up front,” admitted Pullman coach Bill Christie, whose backfield features Brent Johnson.

Oswald’s concern is replacing four graduated all-leaguers, particularly quarterback Lance Hattemer.

Two-time Northeast A League champion Riverside joins the Frontier as an expansion team.

In Joel Schurtz, the Rams might have the league’s premier quarterback.

Coach Allen Martin’s concern is he is replacing five departed down linemen with untested newcomers. “Our problem is we had two good classes graduate,” he said. “Timingwise the move is not good.”

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Color Photo

MEMO: 2 Sidebars appeared with story: Frontier League day-by-day schedule Sept. 8 Colville at Kettle Falls, 7:30 p.m. Coeur d’Alene at East Valley, 7:30 pm Cheney at Lake City, 7:30 p.m. Pullman at Moscow, 7:30 p.m. LaGrande, Ore. at Clarkston, 7:30 pm Lewiston at West Valley, 7:30 pm Sept. 15 Post Falls at West Valley, 7:30 p.m. Cheney at North Central, 7:30 p.m. Clarkston at Moscow, 5:30 p.m. Coeur d’Alene at East Valley, 7:30 Chewelah at Colville, 7:30 pm Newport at Riverside, 7:30 pm Lewiston at Pullman, 8:00 pm Sept. 22 West Valley at Sandpoint, 7:30 p.m. Colville at Cheney, 7:30 pm East Valley at Clarkston, 7:30 pm Pullman at Riverside, 7:30 pm Sept. 29 Clarkston at Lewiston, 7:30 p.m. West Valley at Colville, 7:30 pm Riverside at East Valley, 7:30 pm Cheney at Pullman, 7:30 pm Oct. 6 Colville at Post Falls, 7:30 Pullman at West Valley, 7:30 pm East Valley at Cheney, 7:30 pm Clarkston at Riverside, 7:30 pm Oct. 13 Cheney at Clarkston, 7:30 pm Riverside at Sandpoint Colville at Pullman, 7:30 pm West Valley at East Valley, 7:30 pm Oct. 20 East Valley at Colville, 7:30 pm Rogers at Pullman, 7:30 pm Riverside at Cheney, 7:30 pm Clarkston at West Valley, 7:30 pm Oct. 27 Colville at Clarkston, 7:30 pm Lewiston at Cheney, 7:30 pm Pullman at East Valley, 7:30 pm West Valley at Riverside, 7:30 pm Nov. 3 Clarkston at Pullman, 7:30 pm Riverside at Colville, 7:30 pm Cheney at West Valley, 7:30 pm

Frontier League In predicted order of finish:

1. Cheney Blackhawks 1994 Record: 4-1-0, 7-3-0; first place. Coach: Tom Oswald Years coaching: 23, 18th at Cheney. Coach’s record: 161-133-9 Key returners: Chad Randall, 5-10, 175, sr., RB/DB; Bart Olson, 6-3, 225, sr., C; Javier Salazer, 6-0, 240, sr., NG; Rich DeMulling, 6-3, 230, sr., TE/LB; Paulo Tabino, 5-11, 225, jr., OG; Nic Vigil, 6-0, 250, sr., OT; Pat Heeren, 6-2, 235, jr., OG; Nathan Meese, 5-11, 235, sr., DT; Joey Medeiros, 5-7, 170, sr., CB; David Ittner, 6-1, 210, sr., LB; Justin Miller, 6-0, 175 sr., LB; Chris Conrath, 6-1, 175, sr., WR/ DB. Key newcomers: Chris Collins, 5-11, 165, QB-DB. Jeremy Getz, 6-0, 190, sr., LB; Tucker Urdahl, 6-0, 160, jr., QB; Colin Fiddes, 5-10, 160, jr., WR; Paul Murphy, 6-0, 225, jr. OT; John Williams, 5-8, 145, jr., WR. Earon Davis, 5-8, 190, sr., FB/DT. Quick kicks: League champions last year after a three-year hiatus, the Blackhawks bring back a dozen players, four of them all-Frontier, who figured heavily in the outcome. Coach’s comment: “We’ve got some holes to fill (at quarterback). The bottom line is you can’t turn the ball over.” Outlook: Although opposition looks tough, don’t expect this talented team to readily relinquish its crown.

2. East Valley Knights 1994 Record: 3-2-0, 5-4-0; third place. Coach: Jim Clements Years coaching: 14, fourth at EV. Coach’s record: 84-53-3 Key returners: Jesse Ewell, 5-9, 180, sr., RB/LB; Kyle LeGrant, 5-8, 150, sr., WR/ DB; Chris Skidmore, 5-9, 150, sr., QB/DB; Todd Hughes, 5-10, 150, sr., WR/DB/K; Bill Armtrout, 5-9, 170, sr., RB; Matt Eastman, 5-9, 150, sr., RB/DB; Jason Sharp, 5-10, 160, sr., OL/LB; Jason Knopp, 6-2, 199, sr., OG/DE. Key newcomers: Brian LaMarche, 6-0, 180, jr., QB; Paul Shogren, 5-11, 175, jr., C/LB; Joe Ferguson, 5-10, 244, jr., OT/DT; T.J. Horgan, 6-0, 220, so., OG/DL; Ryan Stengle, 6-3, 225, so., OT/DT; Ty Franklin, 5-10, 160, sr., WR/DB; Josh Phillips, 6-2, 190, sr., OL/DL. Quick kicks: Improvement has taken longer than usual for a coach accustomed to winning everywhere else. Coach’s comment: “We have 25 or 26 players who can compete. I don’t know if we can dominate. I feel real comfortable with these kids and eventually they will be very competitive in league.” Outlook: After EV compiled its first winning record for Clements and in the playoff hunt until the last game of the year, if the linemen mature, watch out!

3. West Valley Eagles 1994 Record: 2-2-1, 4-4-1; fourth place. Coach: Steve Kent Year’s coaching: 10, all at WV. Coach’s record: 42-48-2 Key returners: Joe Bonner, 6-2, 220, sr., OL/LB; Riley Allen, 6-1, 170, sr., QB/DB; Ty Gregorak, 6-3, 235, jr. TE/LB; Justin Tichy, 5-8, 160, sr., RB/DB; Andy Imada, 5-7, 160, sr., WR/LB; LB; Ben Giraud, 6-1, 200, sr., OL/DL; Ryan Stockton, 6-1, 235, jr., OL/DL; Beau Macarty, 6-2, 230, jr., OL/DL; James Eklund, 5-10, 180, RB/LB; Tim Eklund, 6-0, 190, sr., TE/LB; Joe Andrews, 5-9, 150, sr., WR/DB; Matt Assing 5-11, 175, sr. LB. Key newcomers: Eric Enger, 5-8, 140, jr., RB/DB; Jason Whitney, 6-0, 150, jr., WR; Jeremy Lukens, 5-10, 260, Sr. OL/DL. Quick kicks: A playoff team until season’s final game, Eagles didn’t come back as conditioned as Kent wanted. Coach’s comment: “The thing I’m scared about is their off-season commitment. But I’m excited because I think we have a chance to be competitive.” Outlook: West Valley returns a sizeable veteran line and all its skilled people, reason enough the Eagles should be in title hunt.

4. Clarkston Bantams 1994 Record: 2-3-0, 4-4-1; fifth place. Coach: Dave Curtis Years coaching: 18, ninth at Clarkston. Coach’s record: 110-61-2 Key returners: Josh Martin, 6-2, 200, sr., FB/LB; Darin Larson, 5-11, 175, sr., RB/DB; Corey Thivierge, 5-11, 180, sr., OG/LB; Jeremy Burt, 5-10, 205, jr., C/DT; Chad Estlund, 6-1, 185, sr., OT/DE. Key newcomers: Mike Stegner, 5-11, 190, sr., C/LB; Chris Cable, 5-10, 175, sr., QB/DB; Cory Pollock, 5-11, 255, sr., OG; Scott Mountjoy, 6-5, 295, sr., OT; Adam Gibbons, 6-1, 225, sr., OL/DL; Sam Martin, 6-2, 205, soph., QB/LB; Matt Chatigny, 6-4, 190, sr., WR/DE. Quick kicks: As defending champions, Clarkston lost three league games last year by a total of 11 points. Coach’s comment: “Last year was a major disappointment. We thought we were competitive at the state level, then dropped dramatically. We want that to change.” Outlook: Clarkston has the most size of any Curtis-coached team and after league titles in 1992 and 1993 is seeking to rebound.

5. Pullman Greyhounds 1994 Record: 3-1-1, 4-5-1; second place. Coach: Bill Christie Years coaching: four, all at Pullman. Coach’s record: 17-10-1 Key returners: Brent Johnson, 5-8, 160, sr. RB/DB; Joel Harper, 5-9, 175, sr., RB/ DB; Serign Marong, 6-4, 195, jr., OL/DL; Mark Brincken, 5-10, 250, sr., OL/DL; Scott Hayden, 5-11, 170, sr., TE/LB; Ryan Rodeen, 6-0, 190, sr., C/DL; Craig Daugherty, 5-9, 165, sr., LB. Key newcomers: Matt Wilde, 6-3, 180, sr., QB; Forrest Hurlbert, 5-7, 160, jr., QB; Jeremy Krewer, 6-0, 180, OL/DL; Mike Shinall, 6-1, 180, sr. OT; Chris Spoonemore, 5-8, 150, sr., WR/DB. Quick kicks: Upset win over Cheney in season finale put Greyhounds in playoffs last year. Coach’s comment: “We’ve got so many question marks. If we get them filled we can be competitive.” Outlook: Success for the Greyhounds will be predicated upon speedy returning backs and how newcomers perform.

6. Colville Indians 1994 Record: 0-5-0, 3-6-0; sixth place. Coach: Ken Emmil Year’s coaching:6th at Colville Coach’s record: 13-39-2 Key returners: Casey Talon, 5-9, 175, sr., RB/DB; Dustin Villers, 5-10, 200, sr., OL/LB; Paul Smith, 5-10, 200, jr., OT/LB; Justin Fox, 5-8, 175, jr., RB/LB; Brady Noble, 5-11, 225, jr. WR/NG; Nick Easter, 6-1, 290, jr., OL/DT; Glenn Vaagen, 6-1, 225, jr., TE/DT. Key newcomers: Jimmy Day, 6-0, 160, jr., QB; Mike Franks, 6-1, 230, jr., OL; Richie Lowry, 6-0, 195, jr., TE/LB; Shane Pierpoint, 5-8, 150, sr., DB; Albert Williamson, 5-4, 140, sr., WR/CB; Cailen McCurdy, 5-11, 150, jr., RB/S. Quick kicks: Winless last year, Colville started anywhere from 12 to 15 sophomores and expects to be much improved. Coach’s comment: “I think we’re going to finally start to play well in league. I know nobody else is going to say that, but that’s all right.” Outlook: Colville has had little problem moving the football through the air, and this year will control it on the ground. The thing Indians must overcome is a tradition with few wins.

7. Riverside Rams 1994 Record: 8-0-0, 8-1-0; first in Northeast A League. Coach: Allen Martin Years coaching: Fifth, all at Riverside. Coach’s record: 24-14 Key returners: Joel Schurtz, 5-11, 195, sr., QB/DB; Ryan Baker, 5-9, 160, jr., K/WR/S; Jared Hansen, 5-10, 170, sr. TB/ LB; Matt Morin, 5-9, 180, sr., FB/LB; Dan Kruger, 5-10, 180, sr., FB/NG; Micah Lundberg, 6-0, 180, jr., TE/LB; Scott Ellsworth, 5-11, 210, OT/DT; Chris Koesel, 5-11, 160, WR/DB; Randy Downing, 5-8, 145, sr., WR/DB; Joe Beckham, 5-10, 150, jr., WR. Key newcomers: Jason Vanderholm, 5-11, 245, jr., C/DT; Bobby Finch, 6-1, 185, jr., OG; Charlie Herman, 6-0, 248, jr., OT; Brandon Hayes, 6-0, 235, jr., OT; Joe Beckham, 5-10, 175, jr., DB; Steve Patterson, 5-9, 155, jr. DB. Quick kicks: Following back-to-back NEA titles and a state championship, Riverside embarks on Class AA journey to Frontier. Coach’s comment: “The prospect of going into the league (to coach) hasn’t bothered me much at all. Most of the coaches are looking forward to it.” Outlook: Strong back-to-back senior classes have graduated so Riverside isn’t expected to contend. But after going 20-1 last two years, Rams could surprise.

Players to watch 1. Jessie Ewell, senior, running back/linebacker, East Valley. 2. Richard DeMulling, senior, tight end/defensive end, Cheney. 3. Josh Martin, senior, fullback/ linebacker, Clarkston. 4. Joel Schurtz, senior, quarterback/safety, Riverside. 5. Joe Bonner, senior, offensive guard/linebacker, West Valley. 6. Ty Gregorak, junior, tight end/ linebacker, West Valley. 7. Bart Olson, senior, center, Cheney. 8. Brent Johnson, senior, running back/defensive back, Pullman. 9. Casey Talon, senior, running back/defensive back, Colville. 10. Riley Allen, senior, quarterback/ safety, West Valley. 11. Javier Salazar, senior, nose guard, Cheney.

2 Sidebars appeared with story: Frontier League day-by-day schedule Sept. 8 Colville at Kettle Falls, 7:30 p.m. Coeur d’Alene at East Valley, 7:30 pm Cheney at Lake City, 7:30 p.m. Pullman at Moscow, 7:30 p.m. LaGrande, Ore. at Clarkston, 7:30 pm Lewiston at West Valley, 7:30 pm Sept. 15 Post Falls at West Valley, 7:30 p.m. Cheney at North Central, 7:30 p.m. Clarkston at Moscow, 5:30 p.m. Coeur d’Alene at East Valley, 7:30 Chewelah at Colville, 7:30 pm Newport at Riverside, 7:30 pm Lewiston at Pullman, 8:00 pm Sept. 22 West Valley at Sandpoint, 7:30 p.m. Colville at Cheney, 7:30 pm East Valley at Clarkston, 7:30 pm Pullman at Riverside, 7:30 pm Sept. 29 Clarkston at Lewiston, 7:30 p.m. West Valley at Colville, 7:30 pm Riverside at East Valley, 7:30 pm Cheney at Pullman, 7:30 pm Oct. 6 Colville at Post Falls, 7:30 Pullman at West Valley, 7:30 pm East Valley at Cheney, 7:30 pm Clarkston at Riverside, 7:30 pm Oct. 13 Cheney at Clarkston, 7:30 pm Riverside at Sandpoint Colville at Pullman, 7:30 pm West Valley at East Valley, 7:30 pm Oct. 20 East Valley at Colville, 7:30 pm Rogers at Pullman, 7:30 pm Riverside at Cheney, 7:30 pm Clarkston at West Valley, 7:30 pm Oct. 27 Colville at Clarkston, 7:30 pm Lewiston at Cheney, 7:30 pm Pullman at East Valley, 7:30 pm West Valley at Riverside, 7:30 pm Nov. 3 Clarkston at Pullman, 7:30 pm Riverside at Colville, 7:30 pm Cheney at West Valley, 7:30 pm

Frontier League In predicted order of finish:

1. Cheney Blackhawks 1994 Record: 4-1-0, 7-3-0; first place. Coach: Tom Oswald Years coaching: 23, 18th at Cheney. Coach’s record: 161-133-9 Key returners: Chad Randall, 5-10, 175, sr., RB/DB; Bart Olson, 6-3, 225, sr., C; Javier Salazer, 6-0, 240, sr., NG; Rich DeMulling, 6-3, 230, sr., TE/LB; Paulo Tabino, 5-11, 225, jr., OG; Nic Vigil, 6-0, 250, sr., OT; Pat Heeren, 6-2, 235, jr., OG; Nathan Meese, 5-11, 235, sr., DT; Joey Medeiros, 5-7, 170, sr., CB; David Ittner, 6-1, 210, sr., LB; Justin Miller, 6-0, 175 sr., LB; Chris Conrath, 6-1, 175, sr., WR/ DB. Key newcomers: Chris Collins, 5-11, 165, QB-DB. Jeremy Getz, 6-0, 190, sr., LB; Tucker Urdahl, 6-0, 160, jr., QB; Colin Fiddes, 5-10, 160, jr., WR; Paul Murphy, 6-0, 225, jr. OT; John Williams, 5-8, 145, jr., WR. Earon Davis, 5-8, 190, sr., FB/DT. Quick kicks: League champions last year after a three-year hiatus, the Blackhawks bring back a dozen players, four of them all-Frontier, who figured heavily in the outcome. Coach’s comment: “We’ve got some holes to fill (at quarterback). The bottom line is you can’t turn the ball over.” Outlook: Although opposition looks tough, don’t expect this talented team to readily relinquish its crown.

2. East Valley Knights 1994 Record: 3-2-0, 5-4-0; third place. Coach: Jim Clements Years coaching: 14, fourth at EV. Coach’s record: 84-53-3 Key returners: Jesse Ewell, 5-9, 180, sr., RB/LB; Kyle LeGrant, 5-8, 150, sr., WR/ DB; Chris Skidmore, 5-9, 150, sr., QB/DB; Todd Hughes, 5-10, 150, sr., WR/DB/K; Bill Armtrout, 5-9, 170, sr., RB; Matt Eastman, 5-9, 150, sr., RB/DB; Jason Sharp, 5-10, 160, sr., OL/LB; Jason Knopp, 6-2, 199, sr., OG/DE. Key newcomers: Brian LaMarche, 6-0, 180, jr., QB; Paul Shogren, 5-11, 175, jr., C/LB; Joe Ferguson, 5-10, 244, jr., OT/DT; T.J. Horgan, 6-0, 220, so., OG/DL; Ryan Stengle, 6-3, 225, so., OT/DT; Ty Franklin, 5-10, 160, sr., WR/DB; Josh Phillips, 6-2, 190, sr., OL/DL. Quick kicks: Improvement has taken longer than usual for a coach accustomed to winning everywhere else. Coach’s comment: “We have 25 or 26 players who can compete. I don’t know if we can dominate. I feel real comfortable with these kids and eventually they will be very competitive in league.” Outlook: After EV compiled its first winning record for Clements and in the playoff hunt until the last game of the year, if the linemen mature, watch out!

3. West Valley Eagles 1994 Record: 2-2-1, 4-4-1; fourth place. Coach: Steve Kent Year’s coaching: 10, all at WV. Coach’s record: 42-48-2 Key returners: Joe Bonner, 6-2, 220, sr., OL/LB; Riley Allen, 6-1, 170, sr., QB/DB; Ty Gregorak, 6-3, 235, jr. TE/LB; Justin Tichy, 5-8, 160, sr., RB/DB; Andy Imada, 5-7, 160, sr., WR/LB; LB; Ben Giraud, 6-1, 200, sr., OL/DL; Ryan Stockton, 6-1, 235, jr., OL/DL; Beau Macarty, 6-2, 230, jr., OL/DL; James Eklund, 5-10, 180, RB/LB; Tim Eklund, 6-0, 190, sr., TE/LB; Joe Andrews, 5-9, 150, sr., WR/DB; Matt Assing 5-11, 175, sr. LB. Key newcomers: Eric Enger, 5-8, 140, jr., RB/DB; Jason Whitney, 6-0, 150, jr., WR; Jeremy Lukens, 5-10, 260, Sr. OL/DL. Quick kicks: A playoff team until season’s final game, Eagles didn’t come back as conditioned as Kent wanted. Coach’s comment: “The thing I’m scared about is their off-season commitment. But I’m excited because I think we have a chance to be competitive.” Outlook: West Valley returns a sizeable veteran line and all its skilled people, reason enough the Eagles should be in title hunt.

4. Clarkston Bantams 1994 Record: 2-3-0, 4-4-1; fifth place. Coach: Dave Curtis Years coaching: 18, ninth at Clarkston. Coach’s record: 110-61-2 Key returners: Josh Martin, 6-2, 200, sr., FB/LB; Darin Larson, 5-11, 175, sr., RB/DB; Corey Thivierge, 5-11, 180, sr., OG/LB; Jeremy Burt, 5-10, 205, jr., C/DT; Chad Estlund, 6-1, 185, sr., OT/DE. Key newcomers: Mike Stegner, 5-11, 190, sr., C/LB; Chris Cable, 5-10, 175, sr., QB/DB; Cory Pollock, 5-11, 255, sr., OG; Scott Mountjoy, 6-5, 295, sr., OT; Adam Gibbons, 6-1, 225, sr., OL/DL; Sam Martin, 6-2, 205, soph., QB/LB; Matt Chatigny, 6-4, 190, sr., WR/DE. Quick kicks: As defending champions, Clarkston lost three league games last year by a total of 11 points. Coach’s comment: “Last year was a major disappointment. We thought we were competitive at the state level, then dropped dramatically. We want that to change.” Outlook: Clarkston has the most size of any Curtis-coached team and after league titles in 1992 and 1993 is seeking to rebound.

5. Pullman Greyhounds 1994 Record: 3-1-1, 4-5-1; second place. Coach: Bill Christie Years coaching: four, all at Pullman. Coach’s record: 17-10-1 Key returners: Brent Johnson, 5-8, 160, sr. RB/DB; Joel Harper, 5-9, 175, sr., RB/ DB; Serign Marong, 6-4, 195, jr., OL/DL; Mark Brincken, 5-10, 250, sr., OL/DL; Scott Hayden, 5-11, 170, sr., TE/LB; Ryan Rodeen, 6-0, 190, sr., C/DL; Craig Daugherty, 5-9, 165, sr., LB. Key newcomers: Matt Wilde, 6-3, 180, sr., QB; Forrest Hurlbert, 5-7, 160, jr., QB; Jeremy Krewer, 6-0, 180, OL/DL; Mike Shinall, 6-1, 180, sr. OT; Chris Spoonemore, 5-8, 150, sr., WR/DB. Quick kicks: Upset win over Cheney in season finale put Greyhounds in playoffs last year. Coach’s comment: “We’ve got so many question marks. If we get them filled we can be competitive.” Outlook: Success for the Greyhounds will be predicated upon speedy returning backs and how newcomers perform.

6. Colville Indians 1994 Record: 0-5-0, 3-6-0; sixth place. Coach: Ken Emmil Year’s coaching:6th at Colville Coach’s record: 13-39-2 Key returners: Casey Talon, 5-9, 175, sr., RB/DB; Dustin Villers, 5-10, 200, sr., OL/LB; Paul Smith, 5-10, 200, jr., OT/LB; Justin Fox, 5-8, 175, jr., RB/LB; Brady Noble, 5-11, 225, jr. WR/NG; Nick Easter, 6-1, 290, jr., OL/DT; Glenn Vaagen, 6-1, 225, jr., TE/DT. Key newcomers: Jimmy Day, 6-0, 160, jr., QB; Mike Franks, 6-1, 230, jr., OL; Richie Lowry, 6-0, 195, jr., TE/LB; Shane Pierpoint, 5-8, 150, sr., DB; Albert Williamson, 5-4, 140, sr., WR/CB; Cailen McCurdy, 5-11, 150, jr., RB/S. Quick kicks: Winless last year, Colville started anywhere from 12 to 15 sophomores and expects to be much improved. Coach’s comment: “I think we’re going to finally start to play well in league. I know nobody else is going to say that, but that’s all right.” Outlook: Colville has had little problem moving the football through the air, and this year will control it on the ground. The thing Indians must overcome is a tradition with few wins.

7. Riverside Rams 1994 Record: 8-0-0, 8-1-0; first in Northeast A League. Coach: Allen Martin Years coaching: Fifth, all at Riverside. Coach’s record: 24-14 Key returners: Joel Schurtz, 5-11, 195, sr., QB/DB; Ryan Baker, 5-9, 160, jr., K/WR/S; Jared Hansen, 5-10, 170, sr. TB/ LB; Matt Morin, 5-9, 180, sr., FB/LB; Dan Kruger, 5-10, 180, sr., FB/NG; Micah Lundberg, 6-0, 180, jr., TE/LB; Scott Ellsworth, 5-11, 210, OT/DT; Chris Koesel, 5-11, 160, WR/DB; Randy Downing, 5-8, 145, sr., WR/DB; Joe Beckham, 5-10, 150, jr., WR. Key newcomers: Jason Vanderholm, 5-11, 245, jr., C/DT; Bobby Finch, 6-1, 185, jr., OG; Charlie Herman, 6-0, 248, jr., OT; Brandon Hayes, 6-0, 235, jr., OT; Joe Beckham, 5-10, 175, jr., DB; Steve Patterson, 5-9, 155, jr. DB. Quick kicks: Following back-to-back NEA titles and a state championship, Riverside embarks on Class AA journey to Frontier. Coach’s comment: “The prospect of going into the league (to coach) hasn’t bothered me much at all. Most of the coaches are looking forward to it.” Outlook: Strong back-to-back senior classes have graduated so Riverside isn’t expected to contend. But after going 20-1 last two years, Rams could surprise.

Players to watch 1. Jessie Ewell, senior, running back/linebacker, East Valley. 2. Richard DeMulling, senior, tight end/defensive end, Cheney. 3. Josh Martin, senior, fullback/ linebacker, Clarkston. 4. Joel Schurtz, senior, quarterback/safety, Riverside. 5. Joe Bonner, senior, offensive guard/linebacker, West Valley. 6. Ty Gregorak, junior, tight end/ linebacker, West Valley. 7. Bart Olson, senior, center, Cheney. 8. Brent Johnson, senior, running back/defensive back, Pullman. 9. Casey Talon, senior, running back/defensive back, Colville. 10. Riley Allen, senior, quarterback/ safety, West Valley. 11. Javier Salazar, senior, nose guard, Cheney.