West Valley Eagles Flying Thin On Experience

West Valley football coach Steve Kent is telling his team that it’s not just a nine-game season

“It’s an 18-game season,” he said. “We don’t have enough seniors (to realistically be a Frontier League title contender). This is a two-year plan.”

The Eagles have only a handful of seniors and few linemen on the roster. But they do have an exceptionally talented junior class, particularly in the skilled positions.

They’ll be asked to carry the burden when the season begins next weekend.

“We lettered several sophomores last year,” said Kent. “They’ll be the heart of our team for two years.”

Included is Chris Hilsabeck, who averaged nearly 7 yards per rush last year on offense and who was all-league at defensive back.

Ryan Spivey, Matt Heitala and Brad Groh are other key junior veterans.

Spivey will play fullback and linebacker. The 260 pound Heitala is the most experienced lineman. Groh is a 6-foot-3 wide receiver and free safety.

Junior newcomers are linebacker-running backs Rick Collins, Lee Rottweiler, Justin Demke, Trevor Britton and running back-defensive back TJay Frampton.

Nick Brumback, last year’s backup quarterback, spent the summer working with former University of Idaho QB Eric Hisaw and is improved.

Tony Wacenske and Ty Roberts are junior wide receiver-defensive backs. Chris Sorenson is a tight end-linebacker.

“I think we have an athletic group of linebackers,” said Kent of his junior crew.

As good as they are, the young players will only be as good as the line, said Kent. Lack of depth there is his major concern.

“We don’t have an experienced backup at center or either guard,” he said.

Juniors Wes Hood at center, 200-pounder Jesse Oka at guard on the same side of the line as Heitala and Sorenson are going it alone.

Three seniors, Ryan Soss, Kyle Eickerman and Josh Rieger will rotate on the other side. Another senior is first-year wide receiver Dustin Barton.

They’ll all play defense as well.

With a turnout approaching 40, and the largest freshman group in years at the school, Kent can be pardoned for echoing that familiar refrain, “Wait ‘til next year.’

The Eagles are likely a year away from a title challenge.

, DataTimes