GSL Preview football

Returning All-GSL

Jeff Minnerly, QB, Ferris; Tyler Carlson, RB, University; McKenzie Murphy, RB/DB, Ferris; Isaac Fry, OL, Lewis and Clark; Jared Karstetter, WR, Ferris; Mat Barker, K, Gonzaga Prep; Alex Shaw, DL, LC; Bryan Karwacki, LB, G-Prep; Tyler Cochran, LB, Central Valley; Erick Cheadle, LB; Ferris; Danny Jordan, DB, U-Hi.

What’s the score?

Last year’s offensive statistics were pedestrian, with no 1,000-yard rusher and one 1,000-yard passer, but rushing champion Carlson (U-Hi), No. 4 Brandon Jared (Mt. Spokane) and Murphy return. Ferris and U-Hi also have experienced lines to work around. Passing leader Minnerly (1,118 yards), who took over full time when Shawn Stockton was injured in the third game, joins third-year starters Danny Jordan (U-Hi) and Andrew Durant (Rogers), second-year regulars Taylor Eglet, just an LC junior, and Glen Reser, Mead, at the helm of their respective teams. Karstetter, whose 765 yards receiving was the third best in a GSL season, and experienced backfields at most schools, mean numbers should increase.

It’s OK to be defensive

If last year’s low numbers were indicative of tough defenses – and Gonzaga Prep and Ferris were particularly stingy – six All-GSL defensive players and eight from the second team return, so they should be good again. Shaw was dominant for Lewis and Clark. Karwacki’s move to quarterback for the Bullpups could keep him off the stopper side of the ball. Cochran is a two-year first-teamer joined by Central Valley second-unit teammates Patrick Mealy and junior Brad Whitley. Another second-team all-leaguer, Adrian Milsap, joins Cheadle as part of Ferris’ veteran defense. A two-way impact player to watch is 6-foot-4, 235-pound G-Prep junior two-way standout linebacker/tight end Travis Long.

Through looking glass

Since the end of last year, a 14-13 playoff loss to Moses Lake, Ferris has been in the spotlight. There were 47 underclassmen on a Saxons roster of 63. Seventeen of those played substantially. Like last year, when Gonzaga Prep was head and shoulders the favorite, the GSL race should be for the spots behind the Saxons. G-Prep and third-place East Valley were hit hardest by graduation. Only two games separated fourth through eighth places last season, with three teams tied for fifth. “There are a lot of players coming back,” said Mead coach Sean Carty. “I don’t think the champion is as clear-cut as people say.” It’s difficult to say if this year’s GSL standings will differ substantially from last season, but expect surprises. A break here and there can sway a lot of outcomes.