EVERETT — First-year Cascade football coach Shane Keck already knows about the Western Conference, having been a player at Mariner (Class of 1999) and an assistant coach at Monroe (2005-06).
And what Keck already knows about Cascade football is the program’s remarkable potential.
“I’ve always thought Cascade is a sleeping giant,” Keck said Wednesday while taking a break from the first day of practice. “And that’s kind of the general consensus of everybody in the coaching profession. There’s consistently a ton of talent here … and knowing the potential is what made me excited about this opportunity.”
Keck takes over a Bruins program that has been through three football coaches in as many seasons, and four coaches in the past five seasons. The goal for the new staff, he said, is to provide stability and likewise to help the players gain the confidence that comes with success.
“There’s a lot of work to be done here,” Keck said. “We’re trying to get them to learn what it takes to compete at a high level and what it takes to be a state-caliber program. … We’re trying to raise the expectations.”
The good news is, Cascade returns plenty of talent, including several college prospects. Among them, senior offensive/defensive lineman Josh Watson (6-foot-5, 265 pounds), who has verbally committed to Washington State University.
Another key senior is running back/defensive back Andrew Sibley (6-0, 200), who is “pretty special … he is kind of going to be our guy,” Keck said.
Keck also is intrigued by the recent decision of senior Brennen Hancock to turn out for football. Hancock, one of the league’s top all-around athletes a year ago in basketball and baseball, has not played football since his freshman year, but will compete to be the starting quarterback.
“What a talent,” Keck said. “We think he’s a pretty special athlete.”
CASCADE BRUINS
Head coach: Shane Keck (first season)
Key returners: Josh Watson, OL/DL, sr.; Andre Nefedov, RB/LB, sr.; Andrew Sibley, RB/DB, sr.; Matt Straughn, OL/DL, sr.
Coach’s quote: “We’ve got to make Cascade football a place that’s attractive for (prospective players). Because it’s a special, special place in terms of history and talent and community.”
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