Bears Are Big Up Front And Solid In Back

Defensive end Nate Bartlett is just about Central Valley’s most experienced football starter.

Which says more about the Bears than it does about Bartlett.

As a sophomore he started at quarterback for University High in the final game of the GSL season. He was there because his older brother Mike was finishing his career as the Titan running back.

Last year, he transferred to CV and was one of three juniors to find a place on the Greater Spokane League championship football team.

“I kind of fit in as the season went on,” said Bartlett. “At first it was awkward. It’s normal now.”

Now he, kicker Peter Martin and lineman Andy Van Hees are the senior citizens on a team that will start mainly juniors and sophomores.

Wide receiver Tyler Zyph and free safety Pat Flanigan are the only other seniors who figure to start.

Returning junior starters are Nate McFarlane, a running back-defensive back, 280-pound linemen Wil Beck, an all-state nose guard, and 350-pound tackle Preston Crossman.

Other probable starters are junior quarterback Chad Adamson, running backline-backers Garrett Graham and sophomore Tyree Clowe, junior wide receiver-defensive backs Zac Scott and Todd Millar. i

Linemen both ways are juniors Brandon Bouge, Jason Robisch, 260-pound Chris Sullivan and tight end-defensive end Marc Hinkley.

Others are sophomore defensive back Justin Folkins, junior linebacker Courtney Brown, Ryan Nelson and defensive end Colin White, another U-Hi transfer.

”(Coaches) told us it’s almost the same situation as two years ago when the junior class was larger than the senior class,” Bartlett said.

The Bears tied for second.

Bartlett, who lives at Liberty Lake, attended Greenacres Junior High. He almost went to CV as a sophomore.

“I couldn’t stand playing against my brother,” he said. “I got to play with him the last game and had a great time.”

Because his cousin, Robert, was another quarterback candidate at U-Hi and his brother had graduated, Bartlett decided the best course for him was to attend CV.

Quarterback last year was a lock for R.J. DelMese. At 205 pounds, Bartlett settled into a vacant defensive end position.

“Coach tried me at a lot of positions,” said Bartlett. “Defense was a change. Everything was intense all the time.”

This year he also is competing with Adamson at quarterback.

“He is experienced at defensive end but that is not the deciding factor (about who will start),” said Bear coach Rick Giampietri. “It’s whoever gets the job done at quarterback.”

Despite the fact there are so few seniors on the CV roster, don’t expect things to drop off. The Bears are huge up front and have solid, if inexperienced backs and receivers.

“The line last year was awesome and huge, but a lot of sophomores played and have a quarter season’s experience, at least,” said Bartlett. “The young guys are going to have to step up if we are to have any success.”

With a little help from a handful of old-timers, like Nate Bartlett.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Photo

MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: Bears schedule Sept. 12: Rogers at Albi, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 20: Gonzaga Prep at Albi, 8:30 p.m. Sept. 27: Mead at Albi, 8:30 p.m. Oct. 4: University at CV, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 11: North Central at Albi, 5:45 p.m. Oct. 18: Ferris at Albi, 5:45 p.m. Oct. 25: Shadle Park at CV, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 1: Lewis and Clark at Albi, 8:30 p.m. Nov. 7: East Valley at EV, 7:30 p.m.