Chewelah Pick To Be New Power Northeast A Football Preview
Gentlemen of the Northeast A, erase one loss from your slates.
Riverside, which finished 8-0 in the NEA last year and won the state title in 1993, has outgrown its old league. The Rams are sharpening their horns in the Class AA Frontier League.
Seeing Riverside leave is a mixed bag for NEA teams. There’s one less difficult game on the schedule, but also one less playoff spot to attain.
As Riverside was the overwhelming choice for No. 1 last year, Chewelah has unanimous support this season. The Cougars went 6-4 last year, made the playoffs with Riverside and Lakeside, and return a solid line for new coach Roy Albertson.”Most teams are rebuilding their lines, outside of Chewelah,” said Freeman coach John Custer. “At the end of last year, they were one of the best teams in the area.”
Colfax is generally considered the other likely playoff team, but Freeman, Lakeside and Deer Park have partial support.
No NEA team returns a first-team all-leaguer.
The league season begins Sept. 22.
, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: 2 Photos
MEMO: Two sidebars appeared with the story: 1. NORTHEAST A In predicted order of finish: 1. Chewelah Cougars: 1994 record: 6-2, 6-4; tied for second Coach: Roy Albertson Years coaching: First Coach’s record: 0-0 Top returners: Greg Belzer, 6-2, 225, sr., FB/LB; Jarrod Lindquist, 6-2, 225, sr., C/DT; Jeremy Rogers, 6-4, 210, sr., TE/ DE; Greg Rainer, 6-6, 215, sr., T; Kevin Cotter, 5-11, 185, jr., G; Zeb Abrahamson, 5-10, 200, jr., OG/LB; Dan McCrae, 5-9, 160, jr., QB; Randy Vining, 6-0, 185, jr., OT/LB Top newcomers: Steve Murbach, 6-2, 175, sr., WR/DB; Brett Skok, 6-0, 185, sr., RB/FS; Rob Weitensteiner, 6-0, 235, sr., DT; Ben Eggleston, 6-2, 235, jr., T. Quick kicks: Albertson, a 17-year assistant for Kennewick coach Ed Troxel, replaces Sam Giampietri, who was 87-79 in eight years. Coach’s comment: “We got back some kids who weren’t (playing) last year…. The less we have to play people both ways, the better we’re going to be in the fourth quarter.” Outlook: Albertson doesn’t want to fixate on being the favorite, but a lot of jaws would drop if the Cougars didn’t win the league.
2. Colfax Bulldogs 1994 record: 4-4, 5-4; tied for fourth Coach: Doug Curtis Years coaching: 17 Coach’s record: 114-50-1 Top returners: Andy Asbjornsen, 6-2, 165, sr., QB/DB; Mike Barlass, 5-10, 205, sr., OL/DL; K.C. Becker, 5-10, 160, sr., WR/ DB; Glen Sampson, 5-11, 220, soph., FB/LB; Jacob Keck, 6-0, 190, soph., OL/DL; Anthony Haynes, 5-10, 170, jr., RB/DB. Top newcomers: None, but nine freshmen are on the roster. Quick kicks: Sensing a return of backfield depth, Curtis is prepared to resurrect the wishbone offense after two years of the single-wing. Coach’s comment: “I think we have the potential to be a playoff team. I thought we had a chance last year, too, but injuries took us out of it.” Outlook: The Bulldogs should be where they want in the standings entering the last two games: home contests against Freeman and Chewelah.
3. Freeman Scotties 1994 record: 3-5, 3-6; tied for sixth Coach: John Custer Years coaching: Sixth, second at Freeman Coach’s record: 23-21 Top returners: Nick Schuerman, 5-10, 180, sr., FB/LB; Garen Friberg, 6-2, 180, sr., OT/LB; David Amen, 5-11, 210, sr., OL/ DL; Marc Reed, 6-1, 180, sr., TE/LB; Brandon Miller, 5-9, 155, jr., RB/CB; Matt Smith, 5-10, 170, soph., QB/LB; Ryan Hemingway, 6-1, 195, sr., OT/DE Top newcomers: Tobin Kruse, 5-9, 150, sr., C/NG, transfer from Twin Bridges, Mont.; Greg Dahlstrom, 5-11, 195, sr., OG/ DT, former U-Hi student; Jeremy Van Voorhis, 5-10, 155, sr., R/S Quick kicks: Custer shifted Smith from running back to quarterback, Schuerman from tailback to fullback and Reed from running back to tight end. Coach’s comment: “I think we earned respect last year - our second year since moving up from the B’s.” Outlook: Anyone would want the Scotties’ speed plus Schuerman - a potential professional baseball player. Their third year in the NEA could reap a postseason bonanza.
4. Lakeside Eagles 1994 record: 6-2, 7-2; tied for second Coach: Glen Payne Years coaching: 10, fifth at Lakeside Coach’s record: 38-44; 22-23 at Lakeside Top returners: Tai Saito, 5-5, 140, jr., RB/FS; Ryan Chicoine, 5-9, 175, sr., PK; Cory Hamilton, 5-11, 18O, sr., OL/DL; Randy Brownell, 6-2, 218, jr., OG/LB; George Petticrew, 6-2, 170, jr., QB Top newcomers: Guy Phillips, 5-10, 260, soph., OL; Joe Mosey, 5-11, 200, soph., OL; Craig Downey, 6-4, 210, soph., OL; Brian Coe, 6-2, 195, jr., OL/DL Quick kicks: Coe transferred from Springdale, where father Gary is the principal. Coach’s comment: “It’s a unique year for us, with a lot of wide-open battles - especially on defense. We have 20 kids vying for 11 spots.” Outlook: Chicoine’s foot gives Lakeside an edge in close games. With passing-minded Scott Jones taking over as offensive coordinator, the Eagles should have a different look but much the same success.
5. Deer Park Stags 1994 record: 3-5, 3-5; tied for sixth Coach: Bryan Frost Years coaching: Third Coach’s record: 5-11 Top returners: Paul Deakins, 6-2, 190, sr., WR/S; Todd Weager, 5-11, 175, sr., WR/CB; Chris Caruso, 5-8, 145, sr., K; Trevor Baker, 6-6, 185, sr., QB/S; Tom Barkley, 5-11, 185, sr., C/LB; Chuck Freeland, 5-11, 180, jr., FB/LB; James Nadherny, 5-8, 155, sr., WR/CB Top newcomers: Aaron Moran, 6-4, 230, sr., OT. Quick kicks: Baker may be the league’s best signal-caller and Deakins led the Stags in scoring last year. Coach’s comment: “We have excellent skill people. We have some question marks on the line and at slotback.” Outlook: Most coaches agree that the Stags have breakthrough potential. Definitely a team on the rise.
6. Medical Lake Cardinals 1994 record: 1-7, 1-8; tied for eighth Coach: John Giannandrea Years coaching: 36, 16th at Medical Lake Coach’s record: 153-129-4 Top returners: Jason Delp, 6-1, 175, jr., QB; Carlos Simmons, 5-8, 135, jr., R/CB; Vince Moore, 5-11, 190, soph., RB/LB; Aaron Carr, 5-9, 175, soph., TB/SS; Mike Johnson, 5-11, 170, jr., FL/K. Top newcomers: Karl Todd, 5-9, 165, jr., OL/DL; Josh Bahr, 6-0, 180, jr., OT/DT; Brandon Moore, 6-1, 215, soph., FB Quick kicks: Giannandrea doesn’t expect any more than five seniors on his roster. Coach’s comment: “We just mention to them (the importance of) improving every day. Last year they got shell-shocked a little bit because they were so young.” Outlook: Although the Cardinals are blessed with speedy youngsters, their return to the top appears to be slightly down the road.
7. Kettle Falls Bulldogs 1994 record: 4-4, 4-5; tied for fourth Coach: Nevin Odden Years coaching: Third Coach’s record: 7-11 Top returners: Josh Fealy, 5-9, 165, sr., RB/LB; Ian Hays, 6-5, 250, sr., T; Rowdy Bovan, 5-9, 180, sr., OG/LB; Mike Hall, 5-9, 155, sr., WR/DB; Curtis Corvino, 5-8, 175, sr., FB/LB; Guy Baribault, 6-0, 170, sr., WR/DE Top newcomers: Nathan Weathers, 5-8, 150, soph., QB; Jesse Brown, 5-9, 165, fr., QB/FS. Quick kicks: Odden touts Hays, who missed a few games last year with a badly separated shoulder, as one of the league’s premier players. Coach’s comment: “We have 35 players, is all. We have pretty good senior players, but it’s the kind of thing where injuries could devastate us.” Outlook: “Program headed in the right direction” is the analysis of more than one coach, but Kettle Falls will need quick development from young quarterbacks to hit .500 again.
8. Newport Grizzlies 1994 record: 1-7, 2-7; tied for eighth Coach: Jim Murphy Years coaching: 11th Coach’s record: 42-48-1 Top returners: Nate Carrara, 6-4, 225, sr., QB/LB; Wes Larson, 5-9, 155, sr., WR/DB; Doug Knapp, 6-1, 190, sr., TE/ LB; Luke Horton, 6-0, 180, sr., RB/DB; Geoff Hamblin, 5-10, 160, sr., RB/LB Top newcomers: Shawn Mumford, 6-4, 210, soph., OL/DL; Mike Hastings, jr., RB Quick kicks: The Grizzlies lost five games last year by eight points or less. Coach’s comment: “We have kids playing above themselves, really. We don’t have the great, big horses we had before.” Outlook: Newport’s forte should be its short passing game. Despite Carrara’s numbers, that shouldn’t be enough.
2. SCHEDULE Sept. 8 Chewelah at Selkirk, 7:30 Colville at Kettle F., 7:30 ML at Milton-Free., 7:30 Priest R. at Newport, 7:30 Colfax at DeSales, 7 Riverside at DP, 7:30 St. Maries at Freeman, 7:30 Lakeside at Kellogg, 7:30 Sept. 15 Chewelah at Colville, 7:30 Newport at Riverside, 7:30 Tekoa-O at Freeman, 7:30 DP at Coeur d’Alene, 7:30 Mead JV at Kettle F., 7:30 Reardan at ML, 7:30 Gar-Palouse at Colfax, 7 Sept. 16 Hanford at Lakeside, 1 Sept. 22 DP at Kettle F., 7:30 Chewelah at ML, 7:30 Newport at Colfax, 7:30 Lakeside at Freeman, 7:30 Sept. 29 ML at Colfax, 7:30 Chewelah at DP, 7:30 Kettle F. at Freeman, 7:30 Sept. 30 Newport at Lakeside, 1 Oct. 6 Freeman at Chewelah, 7:30 Kettle F. at Newport, 7:30 ML at DP, 7:30 Oct. 7 Colfax at Lakeside, 1 Oct. 13 Lakeside at Kettle F., 7:30 Colfax at Kettle F., 7:30 Colfax at DP, 7:30 Freeman at ML, 7:30 Chewelah at Newport, 7:30 Oct. 20 DP at Freeman, 7:30 Lakeside at Chewelah, 7:30 ML at Newport, 7:30 Oct. 27 Kettle F. at Chewelah, 7:30 Freeman at Colfax, 7:30 Newport at DP, 7:30 Oct. 28 ML at Lakeside, 1 Nov. 3 Chewelah at Colfax, 7:30 Kettle F. at ML, 7:30 Freeman at Newport, 7:30 Nov. 4 DP at Lakeside, 1
2. Colfax Bulldogs 1994 record: 4-4, 5-4; tied for fourth Coach: Doug Curtis Years coaching: 17 Coach’s record: 114-50-1 Top returners: Andy Asbjornsen, 6-2, 165, sr., QB/DB; Mike Barlass, 5-10, 205, sr., OL/DL; K.C. Becker, 5-10, 160, sr., WR/ DB; Glen Sampson, 5-11, 220, soph., FB/LB; Jacob Keck, 6-0, 190, soph., OL/DL; Anthony Haynes, 5-10, 170, jr., RB/DB. Top newcomers: None, but nine freshmen are on the roster. Quick kicks: Sensing a return of backfield depth, Curtis is prepared to resurrect the wishbone offense after two years of the single-wing. Coach’s comment: “I think we have the potential to be a playoff team. I thought we had a chance last year, too, but injuries took us out of it.” Outlook: The Bulldogs should be where they want in the standings entering the last two games: home contests against Freeman and Chewelah.
3. Freeman Scotties 1994 record: 3-5, 3-6; tied for sixth Coach: John Custer Years coaching: Sixth, second at Freeman Coach’s record: 23-21 Top returners: Nick Schuerman, 5-10, 180, sr., FB/LB; Garen Friberg, 6-2, 180, sr., OT/LB; David Amen, 5-11, 210, sr., OL/ DL; Marc Reed, 6-1, 180, sr., TE/LB; Brandon Miller, 5-9, 155, jr., RB/CB; Matt Smith, 5-10, 170, soph., QB/LB; Ryan Hemingway, 6-1, 195, sr., OT/DE Top newcomers: Tobin Kruse, 5-9, 150, sr., C/NG, transfer from Twin Bridges, Mont.; Greg Dahlstrom, 5-11, 195, sr., OG/ DT, former U-Hi student; Jeremy Van Voorhis, 5-10, 155, sr., R/S Quick kicks: Custer shifted Smith from running back to quarterback, Schuerman from tailback to fullback and Reed from running back to tight end. Coach’s comment: “I think we earned respect last year - our second year since moving up from the B’s.” Outlook: Anyone would want the Scotties’ speed plus Schuerman - a potential professional baseball player. Their third year in the NEA could reap a postseason bonanza.
4. Lakeside Eagles 1994 record: 6-2, 7-2; tied for second Coach: Glen Payne Years coaching: 10, fifth at Lakeside Coach’s record: 38-44; 22-23 at Lakeside Top returners: Tai Saito, 5-5, 140, jr., RB/FS; Ryan Chicoine, 5-9, 175, sr., PK; Cory Hamilton, 5-11, 18O, sr., OL/DL; Randy Brownell, 6-2, 218, jr., OG/LB; George Petticrew, 6-2, 170, jr., QB Top newcomers: Guy Phillips, 5-10, 260, soph., OL; Joe Mosey, 5-11, 200, soph., OL; Craig Downey, 6-4, 210, soph., OL; Brian Coe, 6-2, 195, jr., OL/DL Quick kicks: Coe transferred from Springdale, where father Gary is the principal. Coach’s comment: “It’s a unique year for us, with a lot of wide-open battles - especially on defense. We have 20 kids vying for 11 spots.” Outlook: Chicoine’s foot gives Lakeside an edge in close games. With passing-minded Scott Jones taking over as offensive coordinator, the Eagles should have a different look but much the same success.
5. Deer Park Stags 1994 record: 3-5, 3-5; tied for sixth Coach: Bryan Frost Years coaching: Third Coach’s record: 5-11 Top returners: Paul Deakins, 6-2, 190, sr., WR/S; Todd Weager, 5-11, 175, sr., WR/CB; Chris Caruso, 5-8, 145, sr., K; Trevor Baker, 6-6, 185, sr., QB/S; Tom Barkley, 5-11, 185, sr., C/LB; Chuck Freeland, 5-11, 180, jr., FB/LB; James Nadherny, 5-8, 155, sr., WR/CB Top newcomers: Aaron Moran, 6-4, 230, sr., OT. Quick kicks: Baker may be the league’s best signal-caller and Deakins led the Stags in scoring last year. Coach’s comment: “We have excellent skill people. We have some question marks on the line and at slotback.” Outlook: Most coaches agree that the Stags have breakthrough potential. Definitely a team on the rise.
6. Medical Lake Cardinals 1994 record: 1-7, 1-8; tied for eighth Coach: John Giannandrea Years coaching: 36, 16th at Medical Lake Coach’s record: 153-129-4 Top returners: Jason Delp, 6-1, 175, jr., QB; Carlos Simmons, 5-8, 135, jr., R/CB; Vince Moore, 5-11, 190, soph., RB/LB; Aaron Carr, 5-9, 175, soph., TB/SS; Mike Johnson, 5-11, 170, jr., FL/K. Top newcomers: Karl Todd, 5-9, 165, jr., OL/DL; Josh Bahr, 6-0, 180, jr., OT/DT; Brandon Moore, 6-1, 215, soph., FB Quick kicks: Giannandrea doesn’t expect any more than five seniors on his roster. Coach’s comment: “We just mention to them (the importance of) improving every day. Last year they got shell-shocked a little bit because they were so young.” Outlook: Although the Cardinals are blessed with speedy youngsters, their return to the top appears to be slightly down the road.
7. Kettle Falls Bulldogs 1994 record: 4-4, 4-5; tied for fourth Coach: Nevin Odden Years coaching: Third Coach’s record: 7-11 Top returners: Josh Fealy, 5-9, 165, sr., RB/LB; Ian Hays, 6-5, 250, sr., T; Rowdy Bovan, 5-9, 180, sr., OG/LB; Mike Hall, 5-9, 155, sr., WR/DB; Curtis Corvino, 5-8, 175, sr., FB/LB; Guy Baribault, 6-0, 170, sr., WR/DE Top newcomers: Nathan Weathers, 5-8, 150, soph., QB; Jesse Brown, 5-9, 165, fr., QB/FS. Quick kicks: Odden touts Hays, who missed a few games last year with a badly separated shoulder, as one of the league’s premier players. Coach’s comment: “We have 35 players, is all. We have pretty good senior players, but it’s the kind of thing where injuries could devastate us.” Outlook: “Program headed in the right direction” is the analysis of more than one coach, but Kettle Falls will need quick development from young quarterbacks to hit .500 again.
8. Newport Grizzlies 1994 record: 1-7, 2-7; tied for eighth Coach: Jim Murphy Years coaching: 11th Coach’s record: 42-48-1 Top returners: Nate Carrara, 6-4, 225, sr., QB/LB; Wes Larson, 5-9, 155, sr., WR/DB; Doug Knapp, 6-1, 190, sr., TE/ LB; Luke Horton, 6-0, 180, sr., RB/DB; Geoff Hamblin, 5-10, 160, sr., RB/LB Top newcomers: Shawn Mumford, 6-4, 210, soph., OL/DL; Mike Hastings, jr., RB Quick kicks: The Grizzlies lost five games last year by eight points or less. Coach’s comment: “We have kids playing above themselves, really. We don’t have the great, big horses we had before.” Outlook: Newport’s forte should be its short passing game. Despite Carrara’s numbers, that shouldn’t be enough.
2. SCHEDULE Sept. 8 Chewelah at Selkirk, 7:30 Colville at Kettle F., 7:30 ML at Milton-Free., 7:30 Priest R. at Newport, 7:30 Colfax at DeSales, 7 Riverside at DP, 7:30 St. Maries at Freeman, 7:30 Lakeside at Kellogg, 7:30 Sept. 15 Chewelah at Colville, 7:30 Newport at Riverside, 7:30 Tekoa-O at Freeman, 7:30 DP at Coeur d’Alene, 7:30 Mead JV at Kettle F., 7:30 Reardan at ML, 7:30 Gar-Palouse at Colfax, 7 Sept. 16 Hanford at Lakeside, 1 Sept. 22 DP at Kettle F., 7:30 Chewelah at ML, 7:30 Newport at Colfax, 7:30 Lakeside at Freeman, 7:30 Sept. 29 ML at Colfax, 7:30 Chewelah at DP, 7:30 Kettle F. at Freeman, 7:30 Sept. 30 Newport at Lakeside, 1 Oct. 6 Freeman at Chewelah, 7:30 Kettle F. at Newport, 7:30 ML at DP, 7:30 Oct. 7 Colfax at Lakeside, 1 Oct. 13 Lakeside at Kettle F., 7:30 Colfax at Kettle F., 7:30 Colfax at DP, 7:30 Freeman at ML, 7:30 Chewelah at Newport, 7:30 Oct. 20 DP at Freeman, 7:30 Lakeside at Chewelah, 7:30 ML at Newport, 7:30 Oct. 27 Kettle F. at Chewelah, 7:30 Freeman at Colfax, 7:30 Newport at DP, 7:30 Oct. 28 ML at Lakeside, 1 Nov. 3 Chewelah at Colfax, 7:30 Kettle F. at ML, 7:30 Freeman at Newport, 7:30 Nov. 4 DP at Lakeside, 1