Gonzaga Prep Bullpups Make Position Changes
Three Gonzaga Prep football players, from divergent parts of the Spokane area, have one thing in common.
They all willingly accepted position changes in order to better the Bullpup football team.
Ian Kelly, a North Side resident, began his career as a tight end but has since been moved to center.
“It was team needs, I think,” said Kelly.
He could block on the outside, Prep needed someone who could handle the position in the interior line.
“I know what’s going on and talk a lot, getting everyone on the same page,” he said.
Valley resident Jason Francis began his high school career as a quarterback. Now, the 230-pounder is a returning defensive line veteran.
“My sophomore year after a couple of practices (at QB),” said Francis, “I was told ‘you’re getting promoted to defense.”’ Mark Doolittle, the Bullpup tight end, began football as a safety on defense, moved to wide receiver, to tight end and back to wide receiver.
This season it’s back to tight end for the South Hill senior.
“The decision was made during the summer,” said the 180-pounder. “I’m probably one of the smallest tight ends in league.” The trio are among a dozen returning starters who make Gonzaga one of the favorites to win the Greater Spokane League.
Prep’s quest begins Friday, 5:45 p.m. at Albi against Shadle Park.
Gonzaga’s skilled positions will have a veteran look, including junior quarterback Kevin O’Connell, a burly 211-pounder, speedy junior Nick Bliss at running back and junior Sean Thacker at wide receiver.
Besides Kelly and Doolittle, Paul Clark and Zack Yarborough return to the offensive line and Ryan Turner is back at wide receiver. Brandon Kendall is a newcomer at running back and 247-pounders Darren Ferrell, Jeremy Adams and junior Matt Betts are in the offensive line.
Defensively, Tyson Thielman returns at linebacker, Shane Hartnett and Jay Herrin at defensive back.
Newcomers are juniors Damien Ramierez and Jeremy Rash in the secondary, senior Sam Magee, juniors Kevin Cronin and Sean O’Connor at linebacker, Nick Sullivan and 260-pound Chris Mutton in the line.
“Talent-wise, we can play with anybody,” said Kelly. “It just comes to who’s better in the big games.”
Kelly attended Salk Middle School, but is a Gonzaga Prep legacy. His father, Eric, played there and is now an assistant coach with the Bullpups, after coaching in Colfax, Grand Coulee and for 10 years at Pasco.
“Obviously, I’ve got help if it’s needed,” the Prep center said.
He is optimistic that Gonzaga can contend for a championship, if only because of the experience in its lineup.
“You’re going to see a lot of the faces that were out there at the end of last year,” he said. “Overall we’re doing well, having fun and getting things done. I enjoy being out there.”
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