Colfax running back Li hopes to make big splash for rebuilding Bulldogs

Speedy Chace Bell of Reardan has graduated. So Northeast 2B football coaches can breathe a sigh of relief.

While Alvin Li won’t be doing any Bell impersonations, longtime Colfax coach Mike Morgan is tickled that he will be toting the ball for him this fall.

Li doesn’t have to be Bell to be effective for Colfax.

The 5-foot-10, 160-pound Li has big shoes to fill. He replaces Tyler McNannay, one of the most productive running backs in recent years at Colfax.

Li is looking forward to the challenge.

“I looked up to Tyler McNannay,” said Li, a three-year letterman who started at linebacker last year and will be a two-way starter this fall. “There’s no way I’ll be faster than him. It’s not all up to me. Our linemen do everything for us. I wouldn’t get one yard without them.”

Li will get his yards for sure, though.

“He’s got an initial burst,” Morgan said. “The moment he touches the football he puts the pedal down on the gas and gets going in a hurry. Once he gets around the corner, he’s got some moves to him. He cuts back and forth. He’s got a little zig and zag to him.”

Colfax graduated a senior class that went 35-3. So it won’t be on Li’s shoulders to carry the load.

Morgan likes what he sees in this year’s seniors.

“The guys who are coming up have all played significant time,” Morgan said. “Of any group I’ve had returning this might be the group to rebuild with.”

Li agreed.

“I think we’ll be just as good as we’ve been,” Li said. “We have the tools to do it. We can potentially get back to the state title game. We just need to trust our coaches.”

Li wants to make a name for himself.

“I want to make my own mark this year,” he said. “I want to make a big impact. The more I step up the more the younger guys look up to me and help the team. I’m not only helping myself but helping the team when I lead by example.”