So far this week I have focused mainly on the West team, which features 10 players from local high schools and three local coaches, including West head coach John Ondriezek.
But what about the East team? OK, OK. I’ll give them some attention.
This morning I talked to East assistant coach Jim Sharkey, who is the head football coach at Ferris High in Spokane. Sharkey is the offensive coordinator for the East team. Here are some of his comments.
On how difficult it is for the athletes to get used to playing football again
“As the week progresses they’ll kind of get back into it. It is tough, this transition. But I thought our tempo and our speed was 100 percent better (today) than (on Monday).
On teaching unfamiliar sets and formations to the players
“Trying to teach them a new offensive scheme and a new defensive scheme, there’s a lot of different things. But I’ve been really impressed with the kids picking that up and their willingness to learn some new things.”
On East quarterbacks Luke Schindele, Blake Bledsoe and Kevin Stringer
“They all kind of bring something a little bit different, so it will be fun.”
(The East team will run a spread offense and try to make good use of two tall receivers on the outside: 6-foot-6 Clayton Homme and 6-5 Guy Varsek.)
On the East team’s enthusiasm and desire to win
“There’s no doubt. They’ll get more competitive as the week goes on. There’s always been a little bit of trash talk starting.”
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