Wesco South team-by-team capsules

Published 12:40 am Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Teams in order of predicted finish as voted on by league coaches.

1. Edmonds-Woodway Warriors

Last season: 3-3 in conference play, 5-5 overall

Outlook: Predicted by local coaches to rule the Wesco South last year, E-W struggled and tied for fourth in the division, ending the Warriors’ five-year streak of qualifying for the playoffs. But with a returning crew of reliable senior leaders, including punishing linebacker/running back Zack Berg, E-W should challenge for a league title. Berg has a scholarship offer from the University of Wyoming.

Returning starters: Offense: 4; Defense: 5

Impact Players: Zack Berg, Sr. LB/RB 6-2, 205; Josh Jordan, Sr. WR 6-5, 190; Scott Douglas, Sr. TE/S 6-3, 205; Ryan Brown, Sr. OL/NG 6-2, 240

Fresh Face: Spiral Horn, Jr. WR/DB 5-10, 180

Schedule: Sept. 3 at Monroe; Sept. 10 MARYSVILLE-PILCHUCK; Sept. 17 MEADOWDALE; Sept. 24 at Mariner; Oct. 1 JACKSON; Oct. 8 at Kamiak; Oct. 15 CASCADE; Oct. 22at Redmond

Coach’s comment: “I feel pretty good about our team. We’ll be real competitive. Just like always, you’ve got to stay healthy.” — John Gradwohl, Edmonds-Woodway coach in 15th season

2. Jackson Timberwolves

Last season: 6-0 in conference play, 10-1 overall

Outlook: The two-time defending South Division champs lost Class of 2010 all-league stars like Riley Carr and Andy Gay, but the Timberwolves bring back plenty of talent and should contend for yet another South title. New starting quarterback Sam Brown will have two of the area’s best receivers in his huddle: seniors Kyle Olson and John Wilde. Although Jackson has many first-year starters, a lot of them got valuable varsity experience last year.

Returning starters: Offense: 5; Defense: 2

Impact Players: Sam Brown, Jr. QB 6-0, 185; Walker Evans, Sr. OL/LB 6-1, 210; Traishawn Patrick, Jr. RB/LB 5-11, 220; Ryan Fieock, Sr. RB/LB 5-9, 210; John Wilde, Sr. WR 5-10, 175

Fresh Faces: Colton Niblack, Jr. OL/DL 6-3, 260; Austin O’Keefe, Sr. WR 6-4, 210

Schedule: Sept. 3 MARYSVILLE-PILCHUCK; Sept. 10 at Arlington; Sept. 17 at Snohomish; Sept. 24KAMIAK; Oct. 1 at EDMONDS-WOODWAY; Oct. 8 CASCADE; Oct. 15 SKYLINE; Oct. 22 at Mariner

Coach’s comment: “We will have to improve each and every week to be there in the end for a playoff spot.” — Joel Vincent, Jackson coach in 13th season

3. Mariner Marauders

Last season: 1-5 in conference play, 4-6 overall

Outlook: Sensational running back KeiVarae Russell (1,232 yards rushing and 14 TDs on the ground in 2009) is stronger and more explosive than last year, when he earned all-league first team recognition. But to bounce back from its disappointing ‘09 season (one league win), Mariner needs inexperienced offensive linemen to step up. Center Michael Mujadin is the team’s only returning OL starter, but junior Martin Martinez (6-0, 310 pounds) has exciting potential.

Returning starters: Offense: 4; Defense: 2

Impact Players: KeiVarae Russell, Jr. RB/DB 6-0, 180; Jordan Garneau, Sr. WR/DB 5-10, 180; Jared Grant, Sr. RB/LB 5-11, 200; Michael Mujadin, Sr. C 5-9, 195

Fresh Faces: Alex Coffman, Sr. QB/DB 6-0, 180; Gabe Dye, Jr. QB/OLB 5-10, 180

Schedule: Sept. 3 ARLINGTON; Sept. 10 at Mount Vernon; Sept. 17 STANWOOD; Sept. 24 EDMONDS-WOODWAY; Oct. 1 at Cascade; Oct. 8 at Eastlake; Oct. 15 at Kamiak; Oct. 22 JACKSON

Coach’s comment: “Players worked hard in the summer conditioning program and improved overall team strength and speed.” — John Ondriezek, Mariner coach in 18th season

4. Kamiak Knights

Last season: 4-2 in conference play, 4-6 overall

Outlook: A nucleus of young talent might lead Kamiak to another solid season. The Knights aren’t very big and have just seven seniors, but coach Dan Mack has high hopes. “If we stay healthy, we expect to compete for the conference championship and on to state playoffs,” he said. New quarterback Anthony Berg, a junior, is tough, competitive and confident. “I’m expecting great things from him,” said Mack. “He could be one of the better QBs to come out of Kamiak.”

Returning starters: Offense: 4; Defense: 4

Impact Players: Nic Cooper, Sr. RB/DB 5-11, 190; Tyler Self, Jr. TE/LB 6-2, 195; Thomas Fossedal, Sr. DE/TE/P 6-2, 200; Jacob Beach, Sr. OL/DL 5-10, 225; Drew Duskin, Sr. OL/LB 5-9, 180

Fresh Faces: Anthony Berg, Jr. QB 6-2, 185; Mylz Dixon, Jr. DB/RB 5-8, 150

Schedule: Sept. 3 at Stanwood; Sept. 10 LAKE STEVENS; Sept. 17 at Monroe; Sept. 24 at Jackson; Oct. 1ISSAQUAH; Oct. 8 EDMONDS-WOODWAY; Oct. 15 MARINER; Oct. 22 at Cascade

Coach’s comment: “Although we have a small senior class this year (seven seniors, compared to about 20 in recent seasons), we have a solid group of younger players that are hungry for success.” — Dan Mack, Kamiak coach in 13th season

5. Cascade Bruins

Last season: 3-3 in conference play, 6-4 overall

Outlook: Stepping in as head coach after serving as Cascade’s defensive coordinator since 2004, Nick Clovsky discarded the Bruins’ Wing-T offense, which had been a fixture at Cascade since the Terry Ennis years. Clovsky plans to use multiple offensive sets and pass more than Cascade has in the past. Loaded with speed but short on experience, Cascade needs a solid commitment to execution and team unity to succeed this season, said Clovsky.

Returning starters: Offense: 3; Defense: 3

Impact Players: Larry Bruce, So. RB/DB 5-10, 160; Laquondis Bruce, Sr. RB/DB 5-8, 165; Lex Duncan, Sr. SE/DB 5-10, 165

Fresh Faces: Colin Maltby, Jr. OL/DL 6-0, 245; Max Kenmir, Jr. C/DL 6-1, 215

Schedule: Sept. 3 LAKE STEVENS; Sept. 10 EVERETT; Sept. 17at M-P; Sept. 24 at Newport; Oct. 1 MARINER; Oct. 8 at Jackson; Oct. 15 at E-W; Oct. 22 KAMIAK

Coach’s comment: “We’re looking to be more balanced on offense.” — Nick Clovsky, Cascade coach in first season