Pirates open season with optimism

They return nine starters from a defense that was tops in its conference in 2006. They have a new starting quarterback. They are expected to contend for a conference title.

Whitworth? Yes, but also the University of Redlands Bulldogs, who take on the Pirates today at noon at the Pine Bowl in the season opener for both teams.

“They’re well coached and they have quality players throughout their lineup,” said head coach John Tully, who guided Whitworth to an 11-1 record in 2006, including the school’s first postseason playoff win. “It’s a great opportunity to play a quality opponent.”

Whitworth thumped the Bulldogs 28-3 last year as Joel Clark passed for three touchdowns, including two to Michael Allan, and Chris Ahsing ran for 104 yards and one score. But Clark and Allan, now a member of the Kansas City Chiefs, have graduated and Ahsing (hamstring) isn’t expected to play.

Junior Kory Kemp will make his first start at quarterback since his senior year at Eastlake High in 2004. Milton Nelson will probably start at running back, but three players could see time.

“I imagine there will be some nerves, but I’m definitely excited,” said Kemp, whose father, Jeff, a former NFL quarterback, will be in attendance. “I’m very comfortable. We have a lot of strong guys coming back.”

Redlands, 4-5 in 2006, features a solid defense. The unit yielded just 260 yards per game last year.

“We’re fairly quick,” said 20-year Redlands coach Mike Maynard. “I hope we can set the tone on defense and get some field position and take advantage of that.”

Bulldogs junior quarterback Dan Selway missed most of 2006 after suffering post-concussion symptoms. He played receiver as a freshman and caught two touchdown passes against Whitworth in the 2005 contest won by the Pirates, 35-21.

“We have a young quarterback who has very little time under center,” Maynard said. “He was hurt in the second game so it’s hard to say where we’ll be in game one. We have an untested offensive line, so they’ll try to put pressure on us.”

Kemp expects similar tactics from Redlands.

“As long as I make good decisions, I feel like we’ll do well,” he said.