In addition to Edmonds-Woodway, I caught up with another Wesco South team this week: the Jackson Timberwolves.
South coaches picked Jackson, the 2008 South champion, to place third in the division (behind E-W and Mariner) in The Herald’s preseason poll. But I think Jackson might end up being the top dog again. The T-wolves open their season tonight with a non-league game against Stanwood at Stanwood Stadium (7 p.m. kickoff).
I talked to Jackson coach Joel Vincent and linebacker/running back Anthony Mortera after practice on Thursday. Here are some interview snippets.
Coach Joel Vincent
*The team’s progress since practice began on Aug. 19
“I feel good about where we’re at. As a head coach, you get asked a lot prior to the first game, ‘Is everybody ready?’ You know, we’ll find out when it’s all done. I like where we’re at. I like the way our kids have prepped. They’ve worked hard. They seem to have grasped what we’re teaching them.”
*Benefit of having 16 returning starters
“We noticed it really in the spring that we didn’t have to start by reinventing the wheel. The kids kind of came in with the knowledge already and it was more review than anything else.”
*Team captains
QB Andy Gay and RB/LB Riley Carr are permanent 2009 captains. Jackson’s two rotating captains for this week are LB/RB Anthony Mortera and OL/DL A.J. Coppage.
*Starting season against Stanwood, which returns 14 starters and is led by new head coach Aaron Cupp
“They’re going to be tough. We’ve told our kids all along they’re going to be tough. They’re very similar to us — maybe not in record last year — but they’re similar to us in terms of lots and lots of guys that are back. … They have a new coach who has a proven track record of success. I think to assume that they’re not going to be ready to play and be good would be a huge mistake on our part. We expect a tough, tough game.”
MLB/RB Anthony Mortera
*Starting season against Stanwood
“We know they have a lot of returners, a lot of seniors. They were pretty tough last year and I think they’re coming back stronger this year.”
*Senior DB Taylor Mead has been impressive at practice
“He’s been working hard this whole summer and keeping the intensity up on the field, making sure everybody is in line.”
*Playing linebacker alongside Jackson star Riley Carr
“It’s all about communication and knowing how to read. Basically, you’ve got to trust the other guy — that he’ll be there or do his thing.”
*****
9:11 p.m.
Score update: Jackson 35, Stanwood 18, 3:36 to go in the game
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