NEA Preview Football

Chewelah Cougars

Coach: Jim Fisk, 6th year

Offense: Spread

Defense: 46

Players to watch: Russell Whitley, Sr., FB/LB (6-0/180); Sam Fisk, Jr., QB (5-11/175); Stryker Smith, Sr., WR/LB (6-2/175); Jordan Smith, Sr., LB (5-9/230); Forest Trampush, Sr., DE (6-7/200).

Outlook: The Cougars have 30 returning players, including junior quarterback Fisk. They run a sophisticated spread offense that will cause inexperienced secondaries to scratch their heads. If Fisk can get time in the pocket to find his receivers, Chewelah will make a strong push to take the league title.

Freeman Scotties

Coach: Jim Wood, 4th year

Offense: I

Defense: 4-4

Players to watch: Chris Miller, Sr., WR/LB; Tyler Wood, Sr., C/LB; Cody Gunn, Sr., DE.

Outlook: Coach Wood looks for his team to gain poise throughout the season. He expects his non-league schedule, which features games against Priest River, Lakeland of Rathdrum and White Swan (Yakima), to help build the team’s confidence. DE Gunn, a state champion wrestler, is expected to have a big season.

Kettle Falls Bulldogs

Coach: Curtis Corvino, 1st year

Offense: Off-set I

Defense: 4-3

Players to watch: Shelby Hite, Sr., QB/DB; Trevor Zyskowski, Jr., RB/LB; Jake Ellison, Sr., RB/LB; Kolton McInelly, Sr., TB/DB; Justin Eddings, Sr., WR/DB.

Outlook: With 19 returning seniors the Bulldogs look to have a strong season. New coach Corvino plans to install a few new formations on offense and defense. Corvino is hoping three-year starting quarterback Hite will be able to show off his speed and strong arm in the new off-set I offense. Look for Kettle Falls to have a couple of big upsets this year.

Lakeside Eagles

Coach: Brian Dunn, 12th year

Offense: Spread Wing-T

Defense: 3-5

Players to watch: Eric Van Meter, Sr., RB/DB; Brady Blankevoort, Sr., QB, Gus Egland, Sr., FB/DL; Mike Dunn, Sr., C/LB; Ben Fuson, Sr., RG/DL; Kyle Kneeland, Sr., LG/LB; Jesse Maggio, Sr., TE/LB; Shuan Flemming, Sr., LB.

Outlook: The Eagles are stacked with experience and talent. Their depth will be their biggest advantage because none of their players will have to play on both sides of the ball. Every starter will either be a returning all-league selection or have varsity experience. Look for Blankevoort to have a breakout season at quarterback. The Eagles’ stamina, strength and experience combine to make them the league favorite.

Newport Grizzlies

Coach: Tim Jurgens, 6th year

Offense: Wing-T

Defense: 4-4

Players to watch: Deven Willenbrock, Sr., QB/CB; Jeremiah Schultz, Sr., TE/DE; Dylan Zickler, Sr., WR/CB; Zeke McSwain, Sr., OL/DL; Max Thew, Jr., OL/LB.

Outlook: The Grizzlies return 10 seniors, six with varsity experience. But a small turnout means depth could be a problem.

Peter Caster, correspondent