Lc Tigers Hope To Bring Offense Up To Level Of Defense

The way Josh Bankston sees it, the Lewis and Clark Tigers are on the fast track to the playoffs.

Well, that’s not exactly the way he said it, but in the eyes of the 172-pound senior running back-defensive back, there’s no reason the Tigers shouldn’t finish in the top four in the Greater Spokane League standings and make the playoffs.

As a two-way starter, he has the perspective to note that defense is the Tigers’ strength and the honesty to admit he enjoys playing running back more.

His take on the D?

“We’re fast, very fast,” he said. “We’re not big, but we’re really fast.”

The Tigers went 5-3 last fall, tied for third in the league. If the defense holds its own and the offense steps up, Bankston’s optimism is well founded, since four teams make the playoffs this year.

“He’s a leader by example,” said LC coach John Hook. “He’s not very vocal. It’s his work ethic. He’s really become focused the last few months preparing for the season.”

Bankston will carry a huge load on offense. Although he didn’t start at running back, he has gotten his share of carries. Meanwhile, senior quarterback Brian Agnew has never started, the wide receivers are rookies and, Bankston said, “the linemen have got to know the plays. We’ve got guys that can do it.”

LaSean Grant (300 pounds), Chris Sherlock (196) and junior Cody Glotfelty (195) are offensive linemen with experience, and tight end Bryce Stack (194) is possibly the best in the league at his position.

“I feel pressure on offense,” Bankston said. “I didn’t … get a chance to run much. But I played a lot of defense, so there’s not much pressure.”

Hook is confident Bankston can play a big role on offense and defense. The coach said Bankston’s offensive strength was “elusiveness. Not many people get a real solid shot at him,” and on defensive, “he has good speed and he has very good anticipation.”

That’s a good combination for a two-way starter.

Like Bankston, Hook has a little more confidence in the defense.

“Our defense, at this point, is ahead of our offense,” Hook said. “We have more returning players with experience in a variety of positions on defense.”

Besides Bankston, Sherlock started at linebacker, Stack played defensive end, and Neil Carson (179) was on the line.

Jeff Wood steps into a linebacker spot, and Joe Ireland, who started for Gonzaga Prep last year, is likely to see some playing time. Ireland is also a running back.

The secondary is a little green.

“We’re really young (in secondary); it’s a little scary,” Bankston admitted. “I don’t have a buddy back there I started with before. But they’re good. They’re a lot quicker than last year’s defensive backs.”

Still, he wants to have his hands on the ball.

“I like to run the ball, score touchdowns,” he said. “I like to knock the snot out of people, but there’s nothing like scoring a touchdown.”

If he does that, expect the Tigers to reward Bankston’s confidence.

, DataTimes