Border League

In predicted order of finish:

Cheney Blackhawks

1998 records: 6-0, first; 8-2, lost in first round of playoffs

Coach: Tom Oswald

Years coaching, record: 23, 21 at Cheney, 142-74-7

Starters, lettermen returning: 14, 27

Base offense; base defense: Wing T, 52

Key players: Joel Warren, 5-9, 165, sr., all-league DB; Blake Falor, 6-2, 225, sr., all-league TE-LB; Joe Wulczynski, 5-11, 190, sr., all-league DL; Michal Carr, 6-2, 235, sr., all-league OL; Lewis Pardun, 6-2, 295, all-lague OL; Aaron Madison, 6-0, 175, sr., QB.

Coach’s comments: “We are very experienced on the offensive line and defensively… . One deep we have a pretty good football team.”

Outlook: Only five starters graduated, but they filled seven all-league positions. If their replacements come through, especially Madison at QB, a third-straight league title is likely.

Clarkston Bantams

1998 records: 1-5, 2-7

Coach: Dave Curtis

Years coaching, record: 22nd, 12 at Clarkston, 124-84-2

Starters, lettermen returning: NA

Base offense; base defense: I, 4-3

Outlook: If two teams make the playoffs, Bantams have a chance to sneak in. Home against Cheney in Week 7 is key game.

Colville Indians

1998 records: 3-4 Great Northern League, 3-6

Coach: Randy Cornwell

Years coaching, record: 3rd, 6-12

Starters, lettermen returning: 8, 13

Base offense; base defense: one-back, 4-3

Key players: Ryan Brandeen, 5-11, 170, sr., QB, second-team all-league; Brandon Bassett, 6-3, 181, sr., WR, first-team all-league; Chris Lowry, 5-10, 158, jr., RB; Pat Flanigan, 6-1, 198, sr., TE-LB.

Coach’s comments: “Team is much improved over last year, but with a new league, it’s hard to gauge.”

Outlook: Moving up is difficult and with the strength of Idaho’s and FL’s best, the Indians will have a tough time making the playoffs.

West Valley Eagles

1998 records: 3-3, 5-4

Coach: Tim Trout

Years coaching, record: 2nd, 5-4

Starters, lettermen returning: 7, 22 Base offense; base defense: Double slot, 5-2

Key players: Corde Kurtz, 6-0, 190, sr., LB-OL; Matt Siley, 5-8, 170, jr., RB-LB; Anthony Hernandez, 5-8, 175, jr, WR-CB; Mike Hamilton, 6-0, 170, sr., QB; Chuck Bullock, 6-3, 285, sr., OL; Adam Aldendorf, 5-10, 245, jr., DL-OL.

Coach’s comments: “We’re a young team that will improve every week.”

Outlook: There is enthusiasm judging by the returning lettermen and a large turnout, but few Eagles are experienced.

INSIDE THE HUDDLE The four Frontier League teams join North Idaho Schools (Sandpoint, Coeur d’Alene, Lake City, Post Falls, Moscow) to form the Border League. Games between Washington and Idaho schools do not count in determining playoffs. East Valley left the Frontier for the GSL and was replaced by Colville, up from the 2A Great Northern League. Only one team officially makes the playoffs, but by combining with the Mid-Valley a second may get the chance. Lake City, Sandpoint and Post Falls are considered Idaho’s best. LC was in the A-1, Division II semifinals last year; Sandpoint won state the year before.