Oak Harbor football preview

Published 9:47 am Wednesday, September 3, 2008

LAST SEASON

1st place in Wesco North (8-0, 11-1)

RETURNING STARTERS:

Offense 3; Defense 3

LOOK AHEAD

The 2006 4A state champions will have a multitude of new faces after a 2007 undefeated regular season. Dave Ward, who coached the Wildcats for 17 seasons, has moved on to 2A state power Archbishop Murphy and will be replaced by Jay Turner, who has been with the program for 12 years, serving as defensive coordinator for the past eight. The Wildcats will have to replace six 2008 Wesco first-team performers — including quarterback Johnny Encinas.

IMPACT PLAYERS

Kevin Flavin, K

Senior; 5-8, 140

Stephen Lewis, RB/LB

Senior; 6-0, 210

Donovan Hunt, RB/LB

Junior; 5-10, 175

Rashad Smith, WR/DB

Junior; 6-4, 190

FRESH FACES

James Jordan, QB

Junior; 5-10, 160

Nick Rouser, OL/DL

Junior; 6-5, 220

SCHEDULE

Sept. 5CASCADE

Sept. 12at Monroe

Sept. 19at Everett

Sept. 26MOUNT VERNON

Oct. 3SNOHOMISH

Oct. 10at Stanwood

Oct. 17ARLINGTON

Oct. 24at Lake Stevens

Oct. 31M-P

COACHES COMMENT

“ We graduated most of our starters from last season. Our success depends on how quickly the young players can adapt to playing on Friday nights.

Jay Turner,

1st season