GSL 3A; Mt. Spokane the team to beat

The quality of play in the GSL 3A isn’t likely to be as deep as in 4A. The easy pick to win is Mt. Spokane, a team that’s been there and done that. And Rogers has the inside track to qualify for the postseason for the first time in school history.

Here’s a look around the league:

Mt. Spokane graduated 14 starters and lost 21 seniors off a team that went 10-3 and advanced to the semifinals.

Still, Wildcats coach Terry Cloer expects nothing less than a title.

“We need the defense to carry the offense early,” Cloer said. “Truthfully that’s what happened last year. It took us a while last year with our new concepts.”

19 starters return at Rogers

Rogers brings back 10 starters on offense and nine on defense.

The Pirates may have one of the best athletes in the league in speedy senior receiver Khalil Winfrey.

“We’re excited about this year,” second-year coach Ben Cochran said. “Every game we will come to compete and challenge ourselves to play at our potential.”

Shadle Park turns to the run

Shadle Park was hit by graduation, and no team suffered a more difficult loss than the Highlanders with the graduation of quarterback Brett Rypien. The Highlanders will go from a passing attack to a running-first team.

“Despite a tough nonleague schedule and the implementation of a new offense, we have a hard-working, dedicated group of young men that are dedicated to be successful and carry on the winning tradition developing at Shadle Park,” second-year coach Jim Mace said.

Griggs takes over at North Central

North Central returns 15 starters and will feature a new coach, Tom Griggs, who moves over from Riverside.

“Our defense and running attack were the strengths of our team in spring ball and (summer) camp,” Griggs said. “With the work put in, we are looking to win more games than NC has won in a long time.”