Gsl Capsules

UNPUBLISHED CORRECTION: The name of football player Jeremey Williams is misspelled in this story. The correct spelling was confirmed by his mother.

In predicted order of finish

Central Valley Bears

1996 record: 5-3, 6-3, 3rd, lost in first round of playoffs

Coach: Rick Giampietri

Years coaching, record: 5th, 25-12-1

Starters, lettermen returning: 18, 28

Base offense, defense: I; Eagle

Top returners: Wil Beck, sr., 6-0, 282, NG; Nate McFarlane, sr., 5-9, 157, CB; Garret Graham, sr., 6-5, 214, RB/LB; Jason Robisch, sr., 6-0, 220, C; Brandon Bouge, sr., 6-1, 233, DL/LG; Marc Hinckley, sr., 6-2, 188, DE/TE; Chad Adamson, sr., 6-1, 185, QB; Zac Scott, sr., 5-11, 180, CB; Courtney Brown, sr., 5-11, 176, OLB; Ben Albers, sr., 6-1, 182, RG; Chris Sullivan, sr., 5-10, 260, LT; Preston Crossman, sr., 6-5, 325, RT; Todd Millar, sr., 6-0, 175, WR; Tyree Clowe, jr., 5-10, 190, RB; Patrick Libey, jr., 6-0, 200, LB.

Newcomers: Justin Folkins, jr., 5-11, 176, FS; Ryan Nelson, sr, 5-10, 170, SS; Colin White, sr., 6-1, 205, DE; Kris White, jr., 6-2, 220, LG; Greg Papich, sr., 6-1, 160, WR/K; Dave Burnett, jr., 5-4, 136, RB; Mike Tasca, sr., 5-11, 185, P.

Quick kick: Strong senior class (22) played role for league champions as sophomores with three starters and numerous special-team players.

Coach’s comment: “These kids, being as most of them made the playoffs last year … would look at it as a disappointment if we don’t get somewhere.”

Outlook: With only four starters graduated and eight lettermen lost, the Bears are favored to emerge out of a balanced league. Experience (10 offensive starters, eight defensive return) should give them the edge at the start of the season and a tougher finish should prepare them better for the playoffs than they were two years ago, when they dominated the league and lost in the first round of the playoffs.

Mead Panthers

1996 record: 8-0, 10-1, league champions lost in state quarterfinals

Coach: Bob McCray

Years coaching, record: 1st

Starters, lettermen returning: 6, 23

Base offense, defense: wing T; 4-4

Top returners: Brandon Muzatko, sr., 6-1, 197, QB; Ossim Hatem, sr., 6-3, 238, ILB; Keith Stamps, sr., 5-11, 204, K/FB; Chris McCullough, sr., 6-2, 187, HB/LB; Zach McGee, sr., 6-2, 219, G/ILB; Zach Cassel, sr., 5-11, 172, CB/WR.

Newcomers: Nate Adams, sr., 5-10, 178, WR/CB (return from injury); Joe Zelinski, sr., 5-10, 172, WR (transfer from Prep); Chris Callahan, sr., 6-2, 184, CB/WR; Nick Slind, sr., 6-3, 266, OT; Joe Chimienti, sr., 6-3, 222, C/DT; Kyle Ellenz, jr., 5-11, 186, S; Kris Griffin, jr., 6-0, 197, HB/LB (transfer from West Virginia); Kevin Gordon, sr., 6-1, 231, OG (transfer from Oregon); Jeremy Winant, sr., 6-2, 191, LB; Tony Perdue, sr., 6-4, 218, DE/OT; Jon Koski, sr., 5-11, 220, OG; Matt Beal, sr., 5-11, 192, OG.

Quick kick: The Panthers have been in the playoffs eight straight years and that won’t change with a new coach - and a new school cutting into the player pool at Mead.

Coach’s comment: “We intend to contend.”

Outlook: The playoff string will continue, but the overall success will depend on developing depth with half the sophomores and juniors gone to Mt. Spokane and the adjustment to a new coaching staff.

Gonzaga Prep Bullpups

1996 record: 5-3, 5-5, third in GSL, lost in first round of the playoffs

Coach: Don Anderson

Years coaching, record: 36th, 25 at G-Prep, 263-60-4

Starters, lettermen returning: 20, 21

Base offense, defense: Pro; stack

Top returners: Kevin O’Connell, sr., 6-2, 212, QB; Shane Hartnett, sr, 6-1, 185, DB/WR; Damien Ramierez, 5-10, 170, DB/WR; Zach Yarbrough, sr., 6-3, 230, OL; Matt Betts, sr., 6-2, 240, OL; Kevin Cronin, sr., 6-1, 190, LB; Tom Black, sr., 5-10, 175, DB.

Newcomers: Kyle Gleason, jr., 6-0, 180, LB; Ryan Clifford, jr., 5-11, 180, LB; Travis Pascoe, soph., 5-11, 185, LB.

Quick kick: This is the last year for Anderson, which gives the Bullpups an emotional wild card.

Coach’s comment: “I don’t think (the retirement) is a big emotional issue.”

Outlook: O’Connell, the quarterback, is a three-year starter, but to be effective, the Bullpups must find capable running backs. Although the Bullpups are short on size and depth, the front line should have them in the hunt for a playoff spot.

Ferris Saxons

1996 record: 2-6, 2-7, seventh

Coach: Clarence Hough

Years coaching, record: 3rd, 5-13

Starters, lettermen returning: 11, 26

Base offense, defense: I; 5-2

Top returners: Jonathon Parker, sr., 6-1, 180, CB/ WR (first team all-GSL); Ty Williams, sr., 6-1, 188, RB/CB; Matt Dillon, jr., 6-3, 235, DL/FB; K.C. McVey, sr., 5-8, 165, DB; Jeff O’Neill, sr., 6-0, 185, LB; J.P. Dowling, sr., 6-0, 262, OL; James Missel, sr., 6-0, 228, OL; Garth Hamilton, sr., 6-5, 195, TE.

Newcomers: Jeremy Williams, jr., 6-5, 250, DL/ OL; Sean Flaherty, jr., 6-4, 250, OL; Nick Bozo, jr., 6-4, 200, RB/K; DeJuan Jones, soph., 6-0, 225, DL; Aaron Sedler, soph., 5-11, 205, LB.

Quick kick: The Saxons open with the favorites, CV and Mead, so the schedule could squash their high hopes if they’re not competitive.

Coach’s comment: “We have a chance to be a good team. The big question mark is at quarterback, but we should be able to run the ball.”

Outlook: With one of the best running backs (Williams) and probably the best receiver (Parker) returning to go with an experienced line, the Saxons can be contenders if a quarterback steps up. With four teams making the playoffs, the rugged opening sequence doesn’t have to destroy a season.

Lewis and Clark Tigers

1996 record: 5-3, 5-3, fifth

Coach: John Hook

Years coaching, record: 22nd, 14 at LC

Starters, lettermen returning: 6, 16

Base offense, defense: split backs and I; 4-4

Top returners: Luke Bowman, sr., 5-11, 168, S (first-team all-GSL); Kurtis Broderson, sr., 6-2, 220, OL/DL; Pete Flatt, jr., 5-8, 160, DB/RB; Chris Gray, sr., 5-11, 162, DB/WR; Derek Johnson, sr., 5-8, 155, DB; Adam Love, sr., 6-0, 189, TE/OLB; Gunnar Oprea, sr., 6-2, 231, OL; Miguel Romero, sr., 6-2, 243, DL; Colin Shields, jr., 6-0, 173, WR; Andrew Stachofsky, jr., 5-11, 194, TE/DE; Silas Wyatt, sr., 5-11, 161, WR/DB.

Newcomers: John Powers, jr., 6-3, 233, OL; Jesse Middleton, jr., 6-0, 216, LB/OL; Martin Ross, sr., 5-10, 168, RB/LB; Nick Spurgetis, jr., 6-0, 189, RB/ OLB; Don Goldsworthy, sr., 5-8, 215, DL (transferred from Ferris); Darrel Lockridge, jr., 5-10, 180, QB.

Quick kick: In 21 years as a head coach, including eight in California, Hook has had only five losing seasons.

Coach’s comment: “We must identify and develop four linebackers and two defensive ends early to be able to field a strong defense.”

Outlook: The Tigers always seem to replace big, physical players with big, physical players. But, for a change, linebacker is a question mark. If their linebacker tradition continues and a quarterback emerges, the Tigers will be in the hunt.

Shadle Park Highlanders

1996 record: 6-2, 6-4, second, lost in first round of playoffs

Coach: Mark Hester

Years coaching, record: 14th, 3 at SP, 78-55

Starters, lettermen returning: 9, 20

Base offense, defense: Full-house T; 4-4

Top returners: Chris Ryan, sr., 6-1, 185, QB/DB; Drew Sullivan, sr., 5-9, 190, RB/DE; Mike Doyle, sr., 6-2, 195, C/DE; Tim Snell, sr., 5-10, 175, RB/LB; Nick Bruck, sr., 6-0, 175, TE/DE; Ryan Burgos, sr., 5-10, 240, OL/DL; Erik Forbes, sr., 6-1, 190, OL/DL; Ken Lauritzen, sr., 6-0, 200, RB/LB.

Newcomers: Adam Peters, sr., 5-9, 150, RB/DB; Mike Caballero, sr., 6-0, 220, RB/LB (transfer from NC).

Quick kick: The Highlanders were the least-penalized team in the league the last two years.

Coach’s comment: “The only place I’m concerned is the offensive line, and I’ll always be concerned about the offensive line. That’s probably our weakness going into the season, and the fact we don’t have great speed.”

Outlook: With the program Hester is developing, the Highlanders would seem to be able to fill the many holes they have. However, a number of backups have to prove they can step into starting roles.

Rogers Pirates

1996 record: 3-5, 3-6, sixth

Coach: Dave Pomante

Years coaching, record: 7, 12-36

Starters, lettermen returning: 6, 20

Base offense, defense: one back; 4-3

Top returners: Mike Dorton, sr., 5-6, 160, RB (first-team all-GSL); Justin Ulmer, sr., 6-3, 280; Jeff Mace, sr., 6-1, 160, QB; Andy Bayne, sr., 6-0, 210, LB; Ben Norby, sr., 5-10, 190, DT; Eric Rushing, sr., 6-4, 220, DE; Kris Clarke, sr., 5-9, 170, RB; Marshall Sims, sr., 6-0, 240, DT.

Newcomers: Justin Battle, jr., 6-2, 170, S; Brett Oglesbee, jr., 6-1, 170, QB.

Quick kick: The Pirates need to remain positive despite facing Mead and CV in the first three weeks.

Coach’s comment: “I believe we have the talent to be competitive. Where we end up will be determined by our attitude.”

Outlook: Always a guess, but the Pirates have a strong front seven on defense and a good-sized offensive line. If the line can jell quickly, Dorton, the top returning running back in the league, could carry the Pirates up the standings.

North Central Indians

1996 record: 1-7, 1-8, ninth

Coach: Wes Hobbs

Years coaching, record: 7, 2 at NC, 1-8

Starters, lettermen returning: 10, 15

Base offense, defense: wing T; split 4

Top returners: David Sandberg, sr., 6-2, 210, OL/ DL; Nic Froscheiser, jr., 6-0, 175, QB/DB; Brian Mack, sr., 5-11, 190, RB/LB; Derek Phillips, sr., 6-2, 280, C/DT; Ray Bowser, sr., 5-7, 150, HB/DB; Dustin Clark, sr., 6-1, 155, WR/DB.

Newcomers: Ken Carlson, sr., 6-1, 240, OL/DL; Josh McIlrath, sr., 6-7, 260, OL/DL; Jeff Peterson, soph., 5-10, 140, QB/DB; Brett Pearson, jr., 6-0, 175, RB/LB; Josh Simpson, sr., 5-11, 230, OL/DL; Chris Stewart, soph., 6-3, 220, OL/DL.

Quick kick: The Indians have 33 sophomores, which is a positive sign. and a first-year athletic director that should help in some way - Ed Fisher won a state title at South Kitsap and put the Wolves in the playoffs the last 17 years while building a 197-48 career record.

Coach’s comment: “We’re fighting the age-old problem of getting players out, but we’re slowly getting that number up. We’ve got a couple of first-year seniors who, if they hang in there, should be able to contribute.”

Outlook: Depth is a concern, but the Indians have some where it counts, on the offensive line, to help with an experienced backfield. If the sophomores stick it out, the long-range future is brighter.

University Titans

1996 record: 1-7, 1-8, eighth

Coach: Mike Ganey

Years coaching, record: 5, 8-27-1

Starters, lettermen returning: 9, 15

Base offense, defense: Pro set; 4-4

Top returners: Ryan Metcalf, sr., 215, LB/OL; T.R. McCollough, sr., 195, DL; Kendrick Chane, sr., 230, C; Chris McMurtrey, sr., 175, CB/WR; Jake Roberts, jr., 180, WR/DB; Damon Foreman, sr., 145, S; Nick Mattioda, sr., 190, RB.

Newcomers: Chris Short, sr., 170, QB; Ryan Conrad, sr., 170, RB; Chris Wilkinson, jr., 190, DE; Ben Thompson, sr., 175, LB; Kevin Mace, sr., 195, K; Mike Allessio, jr., 220, DL; Reggie Lee, jr., 180, OL/DL; Ryan Long, sr., 170, WR.

Quick kick: A good sophomore turnout with in-the-building JV coaches has Ganey eagerly anticipating the future.

Coach’s comment: “Hopefully, we’ll gain valuable experience week by week and improve with our young team.”

Outlook: With a lack of depth and experience, the Titans will struggle in a strong league. , DataTimesMEMO: These 2 sidebars appeared with the story:

1. PLAYERS TO WATCH Garret Graham, senior, running back/linebacker, 6-foot-5, 214 pounds, Central Valley. Size, strength and speed. Ossim Hatem, senior, linebacker, 6-3, 238, Mead. Could also be a standout running back. Wil Beck, senior, nose guard, 6-1, 304, Central Valley. Can dominate or disappear. Mike Dorton, senior, running back, 5-6, 160, Rogers. Top returning rusher, could rack up huge numbers. Jonathon Parker, senior, wide receiver, 6-1, 180, Ferris. Speedster is top returning receiver. Jason Robisch, senior, center, 6-0, 220, Central Valley. The signal-caller on the best offensive line. Brandon Muzatko, senior, quarterback, 6-1, 197, Mead. Dominated passing stats as a junior. Pete Flatt, junior, running back, 5-8, 160, Lewis and Clark. An exciting mighty mite similar to Dorton. Kevin O’Connell, senior, quarterback, 6-2, 212, Gonzaga Prep. Big, strong player due for a breakout year. David Sandberg, senior, lineman, 6-2, 210, North Central. Will be one of the good reasons to watch line play this year.

2. NEW ON THE BLOCK Mt. Spokane Wildcats 1996 record: First-year school Coach: Mike McLaughlin Years coaching, record: 16, 102-40-2 Starters, lettermen returning: None Base offense, defense: Single back, 4-4 Key players: Casey Clark, jr., 180, QB (Mead backup last year); Jacob Swanson, soph., 165, QB/DB; John Erik Ross, soph., 6-0, 225, OL; Matt Dunford, soph., 6-1, 215 OL; Josh Wilson, soph., 170, RB; Troy Bishop, 6-2, 200, OLB. Quick kicks: The Wildcats have 53 juniors and sophomores, 47 freshmen and Mead JHS, the Mt. Spokane feeder, has more than 60 eighth-graders out for football. “If we retain these kids, we have a healthy group of about 85.” Coach’s comment I: “I miss the (Mead) seniors a great deal. We continually talk about them. We’re rooting for them.” Coach’s comment II: “It’s been an adjustment, particularly for the coaching staff, but in the long run, it will very likely make us better coaches. We’ve had to take a step back and start from square one and re-evaluate what we’re teaching and how we’re teaching. In that way, it’s been a real growing process for all of us.” Outlook: There are some games the Wildcats could be in and a couple in which they could get beat up. The best indicator will be the final two games, in which they play two similar teams. Week Eight they play the new Kennewick school, Southridge, at Albi. Then, the Wildcats go to Tumwater to play another new school, Black Hills. Neither school has a senior class. “We didn’t think it was in our best interest to play a GSL schedule. We’re preparing for a varsity schedule, but sophomores will be sophomores and inexperienced juniors will be inexperienced juniors. We’ve had to take our time.” Two quality quarterbacks help. “It would be a lot harder if we were struggling at that position.” An all-sophomore line has great potential, especially Ross and Dunford. Wilson provides speed and linebacker Bishop is “the real deal. Our initial concern was (the new players) would not understand the intricacies of the game and some of the physical discomforts and start to miss practices older kids wouldn’t. That hasn’t been a problem. We’ve had fewer kids miss practices than ever. And the attitude has been tremendous.”