QB Cameron Gay has re-written record book at Lakeside

When Cameron Gay suited up for the Lakeside varsity football team as a sophomore, he figured the only way he’d play was in an emergency.

A few minutes into the season, the emergency occurred.

Senior starter Keith Kovac was scrambling when he fell and broke his collarbone.

Enter Gay, who has started 27 games since.

“We were at Pullman and it was cold and rainy,” Gay said. “It was all of the above for me emotionally – scared and happy.”

Lakeside called a timeout and coach Brian Dunn told Gay to warm up.

Gay came out throwing and hasn’t stopped since.

“The first two play calls were passes,” Gay said. “The second one was a deep go route I threw for a touchdown. But it was called back for an illegal lineman down field.”

As Gay looks back, getting thrown into the fire right away was probably the best thing to happen to him.

“Throwing two passes right away, that really calmed me down,” he said. “I realized it was just a game. It took a few of the butterflies away.”

All Gay has done is rewrite Lakeside’s record book – many of which Kovac had set.

That season, Gay threw for 1,864 yards, completing 113 of 171 for 28 touchdowns and nine interceptions.

Last year, he finished with 2,571 yards (160 of 282) with 36 TDs and seven interceptions.

This fall he has 2,139 yards (134 of 218) with 28 TDs and five interceptions.

With at least three games remaining, Gay will finish with more than 7,000 yards and 100 TDs.

“I’ve been blessed to have good receivers, good coaching and an extra year than most quarterbacks have,” Gay said.

He’s gone from a 6-foot-2, 135-pound sophomore to adding two more inches and 25 pounds.

“He reminds me of Connor Halliday at that age,” Dunn said of the former Ferris and Washington State University standout. “He’s one of those kids that can eat 10,000 calories a day and lose five pounds.”

Dunn remembers watching Gay in middle school.

“At a school our size, you pick them out when they’re in junior high,” Dunn said. “When he was a freshman we knew he could throw it. He has a cannon for an arm.”

Dunn chalks up video study as something Gay has used to his advantage.

“Cameron reads defenses very well,” Dunn said. “We’re at the point now – this isn’t giving away trade secrets – that he audibles 25 percent of the time.”

Gay credits maturity.

“This year the game has really slowed down,” he said. “I see the field better. I know the offense and can tell people where to go and what to do.”

Gay loves basketball as much as he does football. A four-year letterman and three-year starter, he averaged 16 points per game last year.

There’s no doubt, though, which sport he wants to play in college.

It was easy for Gay to point out why he loves football as much as he does.

“There’s nothing like going under the lights and playing in front of people who are rooting for you or against you,” he said. “It’s just different than being in a gym.”

Gay will worry about college at a later date. Right now, he’s focused on the Northeast A League showdown Friday when Colville travels to Nine Mile.

Both teams are unbeaten in league and 7-1 overall.

Colville lost to Cascade Christian in overtime in the state championship game last year.

“I know they lost some people but they look as good as last year,” Gay said. “They have a different offense with a lot of moving parts. Last year we got a little pass heavy against them. We have to stay balanced and we can’t make turnovers. They’re well-coached and disciplined and that’s always a good recipe.”

Gay has been impressed with his team this year. The Eagles had many holes to fill after graduating their three starting receivers, a top running back and three of five offensive linemen.

“I’ve been tremendously surprised,” he said. “The heart we have is amazing. We never quit. Mistakes happen, they always do, but we just fight back. The line has been great this year. I’ve barely been touched. We have a great group of guys and I wouldn’t trade them for anything.”

Dunn is in his 25th year as a head coach, 19th at Lakeside.

“I haven’t had a better quarterback than Cameron,” Dunn said. “He’s turned into a great leader. The last two years he let the older kids lead. This year he’s taken ownership of the team. He’s one of those kids you get once or twice in your career. He makes me a good coach.”