Frontier Has Even Outlook No Coach Willing To Take On Role Of League Favorite

Going out on a limb is not in a football coach’s job description.

All seven coaches in the Frontier League say the league will be more balanced than ever this year and loathe to predict the order of finish.

Except for Cheney coach Tom Oswald, who selects East Valley and Colville to finish 1-2.

What else would you expect from someone deflecting attention from his Blackhawks’ two successive championships and five league titles in the last eight years?

But he could have a point. The Blackhawks travel to Colville to open the league season Sept. 27 and are at East Valley on Oct. 11.

“The game at Colville is obviously pivotal,” said Oswald. “Last year they couldn’t throw (the football). If they can, they will be dangerous.”

To mention the Indians among the Frontier elite is strong praise for a team which hasn’t had much previous success.

It doesn’t bother coach Ken Emmil, although he isn’t sure passing is why his team would expect to succeed.

“I like passing. It’s aesthetically pleasing if you have a guy who can throw and a guy who can run and catch,” he said. “We can do that this year. We also have a hefty offensive line and a couple of tough running backs.”

Ah, the skill positions. That’s why optimism abounds this year. Every team has quality guys at quarterback, running back or receiver.

Colville returns its entire lineup, including first-team All-Frontier defensive player Brady Noble and three second-team offensive players.

Cheney’s big-play guys are largely untested, but with a veteran line that includes four returning starters they can be afforded time to mature.

Like the Blackhawks, EV returns its offensive line and must season new backs and receivers for second-team all-league QB Brian Lamarche.

Clarkston has back two quality receivers, including second-team all-leaguer Aaron Jelinek, a veteran quarterback and two running backs.

Riverside has four receivers who were among last year’s league leaders, including second-team all-leaguer Joe Beckham.

West Valley has the Frontier’s premier two-way player in first-team all-leaguer Ty Gregorak.

Pullman brings back its pass catchers and has added some young, speedy backs.

“The league, top to bottom, is more equal,” said Riverside coach Allen Martin. “A team could possibly have two losses and make the playoffs.”

With two playoff berths this year, teams have some margin for error.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Color Photo