GSL Capsules
Listed in predicted order of finish
MEAD PANTHERS
2004 records: 5-5 overall, 5-4 in the GSL, 7th
Coach: Sean Carty
Years coaching, record: 4, 17-23
Starters, lettermen returning: 11, 25
Base offense, defense: Pro set, 5-2
Key returners: Skylar Jessen, sr, RB/DB (second team, All-GSL); Andy Mattingly, sr, WR/DB (first team, All-GSL); Paul Senescall, sr, FB/LB (first team, All-GSL); Andrew DeFelice, sr, QB; Matt White, sr, DE/TE; Chase Taylor, sr, C/LB; John Sullivan, sr, OL/LB; Derek Deniston, sr, NG; Mike Magee, jr, OL/DL; Royce Bond, sr, OL/DL; Bryan Lynch, sr, TE/LB; Dan Baird, sr, WR/DB.
Key newcomers: Chris Jones, jr, QB/LB; Nick Proen, jr, WR/DB; John Toguchi, sr, DB.
Outlook: Though the backfield returns intact, Carty worries because “we don’t have a lot of varsity veterans on the offensive line.” But if Jessen, who recently committed to WSU, can bounce back from last year’s injuries and return to his sophomore form (1,616 yards rushing, first-team all-league), he can make his own holes. On defense, Mattingly (headed to WSU) and Senescall (UI) anchor a unit populated with a group of seniors Carty says “has been successful on the field since they were in the fifth grade. There are many good football players in this group that make this a special team.” Probably special enough to take the GSL title.
EAST VALLEY KNIGHTS
2004 records: 9-4, 7-2, tied for 2nd, lost in quarterfinals of State 3A playoffs
Coach: Adam Fisher
Years coaching, record: 6, 25-25
Starters, lettermen returning: 12, 32
Base offense, defense: I-formation; 4-3
Key returners: Jye Lanphere, sr, QB/DB (first team, All-GSL); Tyler Jolley, sr, TE/DE (first team, All-GSL); Brady Brunelle, sr, RB/LB (second team, All-GSL); Austin Wardsworth, sr, OL/DL (first team, All-GSL); Spencer Tuttle, sr, OL/DL; Ryan Campbell, jr, RB/DB.
Key newcomers: Chase Courchaine, sr, WR/DB; Tony Ellis, sr, OL/LB; Jake Labelle, sr, TE/DL.
Outlook: The Knights graduated some talented players prior to last season and still reached the quarterfinals of the state 3A playoffs. It was that latter experience Fisher believes is the strength of this team. “We are poised for a strong and successful season,” he said and no one will have more to do with that than Lanphere. The senior, who was all-state as a defensive back, teams with EWU-bound Jolley to anchor one of the GSL’s better defenses. More important, perhaps, he has also shaken the effects of an arm injury suffered prior to last baseball season, allowing him to throw the ball efficiently, according to Fisher. One big loss – defensive coordinator Grady Emmerson left to become North Central’s head coach – may have been offset by the addition of two big names – Adam’s father Ed, who won a state title at South Kitsap, and Dick Zornes, former EWU head coach – to the coaching staff.
FERRIS SAXONS
2004 records: 7-3, 7-2, tied for 2nd, lost in play-in round of State 4A playoffs
Coach: Clarence Hough
Years coaching, record: 10, 42-49
Starters, lettermen returning: 13, 21
Base offense, defense: Spread, Double Eagle
Key players: Caleb Rath, sr, QB (second team, All-GSL); Ryan Murphy, sr, RB/DB; Shawn Stockton, so, WR; Anthony Zachery, sr, WR/DB; Adam Eucker, sr, OL; Jonathon Brateng, sr, OL; Kyle Krustangel, sr, OL; Cameron Elisara, sr, DL (first team, All-GSL); Pat Parham, jr, DL, Byron Stevens, sr, LB.
Key newcomers: Mackenzie Murphy, so, DB; Jack Grippi, sr, OL; Jared Karstetter, so, WR.
Outlook: The Saxons’ senior class is one of the best in the league and, according to Hough, “has no egos. We have great team chemistry, built around a strong senior class, and we could be pretty good.” Good enough, Hough believes, to compete for the school’s first GSL football title. The defense, anchored by Elisara (headed to UW), has the talent to be one of the best in the league, but Ferris must find replacements at inside linebacker. Rath, who led the GSL last year with 1,836 yards of total offense and all quarterbacks with 589 yards rushing, is in his third year directing the Saxons’ spread offense. They have the talent to win it all, but that goal might be decided in the third week of GSL play, when they face Mead.
LEWIS AND CLARK TIGERS
2004 records: 6-3, 6-3, tied for 4th
Coach: Tom Yearout
Years coaching, record: 5, 36-12
Starters, lettermen returning: 5, 17
Base offense, defense: Single back, 4-4
Key returners: Ethen Robinson, sr, RB/DB (first team, All-GSL); Andrew Bot, sr, LB/TE; Dan Fullmer, sr, OL/DL; Mike Bradfute, sr, OL.
Key newcomers: Ben Seebeck, sr, WR/DB; Shane Hughes, sr, WR/DB; Donovan O’Neel, sr, OL/DL; Rashad Jones, sr, WR/DB; Matt Quigley, sr, OL/DL; Colton Yeigh, sr, OL/D; Keith Richardson, sr, RB/LB.
Outlook: For the second consecutive year the Tigers return just five starters. But it didn’t seem to hurt them early as they won their first five games. LC will spread the field on offense, hoping to give Robinson, one of the league’s fastest backs, room to run. Last year he carried a league-leading 222 times for 1,156 yards. On the other side of the ball, Yearout feels “our ability to pursue will be excellent,” thanks to good team speed. Still, the lack of experience worries the Tiger coach. “(They) need to quickly adjust to the speed and pace of varsity football.” If they do, LC should return to the postseason for the seventh time in the past nine seasons.
CENTRAL VALLEY BEARS
2004 records: 3-7, 3-6, tied for 10th
Coach: Rick Giampietri
Years coaching, record: 12, 71-46-1
Starters, lettermen returning: 12, 35
Base offense, defense: I/Spread, Stack
Key returners: C.E. Kaiser, sr, OT/DT (first team, All-GSL); Zach Evans, sr, RB/K (second team, All-GSL); Titus Mertens, sr, C; Kameron Kempe, sr, OG; Matt Morgan, sr, WR; Anthony Bucknam, sr, WR; Brad Johnson, sr, TE/LB; Cameron Ebat, sr, QB; Dane Knudsen, sr, RB.
Key newcomer: Brian Adams, sr, WR/DB.
Outlook: The good news is the Bears return nine starters on offense. Of course, CV was near the bottom of the GSL in scoring last year and, in its seven losses, scored just 60 points. But any team with the 6-foot 5, 265-pound Kaiser and his mates up front should be able to move the ball. With Ebat, Evans and Knudsen, who combined for 1,149 yards on the ground last season, running the ball, CV should be improved. But Giampietri calls his defense “unproven,” with only three starters returning. The schedule couldn’t be tougher out of the gate, with a non-league game at Sandpoint followed by GSL contests with Mead and East Valley.
GONZAGA PREP BULLPUPS
2004 records: 12-2, 8-1, 1st, lost in semifinals of State 4A playoffs
Coach: Dave Carson
Years coaching, record: 13, seven at Prep, 70-45, 43-29 at Prep
Starters, lettermen returning: 4, 30
Base offense, defense: I-Veer, 4-3
Key returners: Conor Hare, sr, TB/CB (second-team, All-GSL); Vince Tschirgi, sr, FB/LB; Nick Condon, sr, OL; Spencer Savage, jr, DL/OL; Cam McMillian, jr, DL/OL; Houston Stockton, sr, S; Justin Griffith, sr, TE/DE; Ryan Murray, sr, OLB; Jacque Lenoue, sr, S; Corey Piper, sr, WR; Michael Stockton, jr, K.
Key newcomers: Max Manix, jr, QB; David Kries, jr, QB.
Outlook: The Pups were about one play away from playing in the state title game for the first time since 1987, but don’t expect a repeat. Too many senior leaders – physically and emotionally – have moved on. But this group has one thing going for it last year’s – or any G-Prep team for that matter – team didn’t: a home field. The Sept. 9 game against Cheney will be the schools first on campus, thanks to a new facility featuring a Sprinturf surface. Whomever Carson decides as his starting quarterback should do a lot of handing off and pitching to Tschirgi and Hare, who combined for 149 rushing yards in limited carries last year.
MT. SPOKANE WILDCATS
2004 records: 5-5, 4-5, tied for 8th
Coach: Mike McLaughlin
Years coaching, record: 22, seven at Mt. Spokane, 141-81-2, 36-34 at Mt. Spokane
Starters, lettermen returning: 7, 24
Base offense, defense: Spread, Odd
Key returners: Kris Pryor, sr, SL/DB; Matt Schaffer sr, LB/FB; Nick Ellis, sr, FB/DB; Rob Humphrey, sr, LB/DL; Kyle Redmon, jr, QB; Nick Petrie, sr, SL/DB; Josh Chant, sr, LB.
Key newcomers: Travis Niles, jr, LB/OL; Matt Johnson, jr, QB; Andy Padarta, jr, OL/DL; Adnan Hatkit, jr, WR/DB.
Outlook: The Wildcats will face a tough schedule with an inexperienced group that, according to McLaughlin, lacks depth. That could be a recipe for disaster, but don’t count out Mt. Spokane. McLaughlin, the dean of GSL head coaches, always puts a hard-hitting team on the field and he’s happy with his squad’s speed. Redmon brings size (6-2) and athleticism to the quarterback spot and transfer Hatkit (6-4) does the same to wide receiver.
UNIVERSITY TITANS
2004 records: 6-5, 6-3, tied for 4th, lost in play-in round of State 4A playoffs
Coach: Mike Ganey
Years coaching, record: 12, 50-60-1
Starters, lettermen returning: 9, 9
Base offense, defense: Pro, 4-3
Key returners: Nate Thompson, sr, OL/DL (second-team, All-GSL); Mike Conrad, sr, WR/DB; Travis Lewis, sr, LB/TE; Steele Campbell, sr, OL/DL; Dono Totten, sr, OL; Clint Moquist, sr, TE/DL.
Outlook: Experience up front on offense and defense. Experience in the defensive backfield. Everywhere else? “We have young skill position players on offense and young, unproven linebackers,” Ganey said. But with people such as Thompson (6-5, 260-pounds) upfront, the Titans’ backfield is not a bad place for a young player to learn. And they’ll have to learn quickly, because U-Hi opens with a non-league matchup with always-tough Lake City then meets Ferris and Mead. But remember, the Titans lost their first three last year, then won six straight to make the 4A postseason.
SHADLE PARK HIGHLANDERS
2004 records: 6-4, 6-3, tied for 4th, lost in play-in round of State 4A playoffs
Coach: Mark Hester
Years coaching, record: 22, 10 at Shadle, 110-100 overall, 41-55 at Shadle
Starters, lettermen returning: 4, 20
Base offense, defense: Multiple T, 4-3
Key returners: Danny Doyle, sr, OT; Austin Storhaug, sr, LB; Chad Himelspach, sr, LB; Josh Landsverk, sr, OT; Clay Scribner, sr, CB.
Key newcomers: Scott Golden, sr, C; Kevin Arthur, sr, OL; Mitch Kamstra, sr, DL/TE; Paul Burdulis, sr, DL/OL.
Outlook: The Highlanders were a veteran ballclub last season. That, of course, transfers into an inexperienced club this year, with only four starters returning. But Hester said his team has exhibited a great attitude and work ethic over the summer, which should help in dealing with the new faces. So should two of the old faces, Doyle and Landsverk, two of the larger offensive linemen in the league. No matter whom Shadle picks to run and pass the ball, the O-line should open holes.
NORTH CENTRAL INDIANS
2004 records: 4-6, 3-6, tied for 10th
Coach: Grady Emmerson
Years coaching, record: 0, 0-0
Starters, lettermen returning: 8, 19
Base offense, defense: I-back, 4-3
Key returners: Greg Conley, sr, QB; Shane Thomas, sr, RB; Anthony Voelker, sr, OL/DL.
Key newcomers: Eric White, sr, LB/FB; Jamie Tamura, sr, WR/DB.
Outlook: Emmerson has had success wherever he’s been an assistant coach, whether it was at Gonzaga Prep or East Valley. Now he faces the stiffer challenge of being the person making all the decisions. The Indians missed the 3A postseason by a game last year, but that was a senior-oriented team that featured big backs and some big guys up front. This year’s squad, according to Emmerson, has “speed at our skilled positions,” but lacks “overall size and strength.” In Thomas, NC has a big-play back (he led the GSL with a 7.3 yards-per-carry average last season) to team with Conley, who completed 50 percent of his throws. “We’re looking to get NC into the playoffs for the first time since 1977,” Emmerson said.
CHENEY BLACKHAWKS
2004 records: 4-6, 3-6, tied for 10th
Coach: Jason Williams
Years coaching, record: 2, 7-14
Starters, lettermen returning: 6, 25
Base offense, defense: I, 52
Key returners: Jonathan Miller, sr, DB; Mike Kinnie, sr, QB; Josh Quisenberry, sr, RB; David Dobbins, sr, OL; Zalen Schoenhuth, sr, LB; Brian Larsen, sr, OL; Greg Moore, jr, DL; Sam Baer, sr, DL.
Key newcomers: Donny McKee, sr, RB; Riley Merrill, sr, QB; Frankie Lascuola, jr, OL; Tyrel Podsri, jr, WR.
Outlook: One of the Blackhawks’ strengths is also part of their problem. “We’re a young, energetic team that continues to improve,” Williams said. It’s the young part of that statement that worries him. “We need to improve our play every week,” he said. Quisenberry’s opportunities to carry the ball were limited last year with the Blackhawks’ featuring league-leader Brett Igbinoba. But Quisenberry was able to rush for 348 yards on 47 carries, a 7.4-yard average. Kinnie returns at quarterback with hopes on improving on his junior year statistics.
CLARKSTON BANTAMS
2004 records: 5-6, 4-5, tied for 8th, lost in play-in round of State 3A playoffs
Coach: Dave Curtis
Years coaching, record: 29, 148-121-2
Starters, lettermen returning: 2, 7
Base offense, defense: Spread, 4-3
Key returners: Eric Entel, sr, QB/S; Kyle Beggs, sr, RB/CB; Jacob Acey, sr, SL/CB.
Key newcomers: Wes Braun, sr, OT/DE; Mike Stillson, sr, OT/DT.
Outlook: This will be the Bantams first year in the GSL without quarterback Jason Curtis, who finished his Clarkston career in the top five of most league career passing statistics. Entel’s daunting task – replacing Curtis – is made tougher with the graduation of 20 starters from last year’s team. Still, Curtis the coach thinks “we could be OK if we can execute properly. We need to not have injuries at key spots, like we had last year.” A good turnout means the Bantams have a lot of depth at almost every position and Curtis feels their size and speed will make them competitive.
ROGERS PIRATES
2004 records: 1-9, 1-8, 13th
Coach: Ted Lyon
Years coaching, record: 2, 2-17
Starters, lettermen returning: 8, 16
Base offense, defense: Gun Option, 4-4
Key returners: Dorian Vaughn, sr, RB/DB; Josh Hicks, sr, QB/LB; Devon Hickam, sr, OL/DL; D.J. Gaines, jr, RB/LB; Scotty Livengood, jr, LB.
Key newcomers: Sean Adebayo, jr, RB/DB; Brad Cowin, jr, OL/DL; Andrew Durant, so, QB/DB.
Outlook: Speed, speed and more speed. The Pirates return some of the state’s fastest athletes, so Lyon and offensive coordinator Matt Miethe are changing their offense to exploit it. The Pirates will run the shotgun option popularized by Urban Meyer at the University of Utah. But the offensive line is young and Lyon faces a numbers crunch. “We still do not have enough players who want to commit to the summer conditioning,” he said. “I’m still concerned about our depth. I think we should score at a greater pace than the past two years, but teams may wear us out.” Despite the lack of depth, Lyon thinks the Pirates will not only be exciting to watch, but will compete better than in the past.
WEST VALLEY EAGLES
2004 records: 0-10, 0-9, 14th
Coach: Craig Whitney
Years coaching, record: 1, 0-10
Starters, lettermen returning: 16, 23
Base offense, defense: Multiple set, 4-3
Key returners: Tyler Hobbs, sr, DE/TE; Cameron Wieber, jr, QB; Phil Gannon, sr, RB/SS; Camron Bowman, jr, RB/FS; Corey Lewis, jr, OL/LB.
Key newcomers: Bryan Peterson, so, QB/FS; Ryan Rose, so, TE/DE; Andy Vennum, so, RB/LB; Tim Pring, so, WR/SS.
Outlook: Whitney suffered through a baptism of fire last season, but he feels the Eagles emerged with a chance to make some noise this season. Despite having 16 starters back, West Valley expects to use many younger players who got lots of varsity experience last year and then mix in a strong group of sophomores. All that being said, Whitney feels “depth will be our biggest hurdle.” Not at tight end, where Hobbs (6-4, 230) emerged as a threat two years ago, then followed that up with a junior year in which he caught 36 passes and averaged nearly 10 yards a reception as Wieber’s favorite target.