EVERETT — Wesco 4A’s high school football teams were represented by coaches and players Sunday at Angel of the Winds Arena during the league’s second annual preseason media day.
Below are video interviews with The Herald from the event:
LAKE STEVENS
Vikings head coach Tom Tri and returners Bryce Slezak, Kolton Matson and Gabe Kylany describe the feel gearing up for a new season fresh off a state title. Having younger varsity talent on the line and in skill positions, Matson discussed his role as a leader with the new group as an experienced starting quarterback whose performed at a high level in key games in the past.
Tri mentioned the game plan on getting the group to gel during training camp in preparation for a hefty non-league schedule against other quality programs.
“We’re starting a fresh season with some younger guys, new leadership, but we’re excited about that,” Tri said. “We have great team chemistry right now. Our leaders have been building in the offseason (and) in the weight room. We’re super excited to get out and start playin’. We know we’re young and inexperienced, but we also know we have competitive guys who are ready to go battle for us.”
JACKSON
Jackson players Will Gamache, Sherod Earvin, Haseeb Rassulli and Jason Pham discuss the feeling of having a heavy returning corps after the group struggled in 2022 with a 0-10 record.
Each mentioned the rising confidence level of the squad after a productive offseason and what they learned from struggling as underclassmen. With having a high number of familiar teammates to lean on, the Wolves attempt to right the ship in the fall.
“Of course we want to see more wins on the scoreboard, but we’re more focused on how confident we are playing in the games,” Pham said. “We just weren’t confident and didn’t believe in ourselves, but I think I can see us playing with more of a chip on our shoulder this season and we have something to prove.”
GLACIER PEAK
Glacier Peak players Ben Williams, Jackson Murphy and Chrisvin Bonshe along with fifth-year head coach Shane Keck talk about the open opportunities within several key positions during training camp and how the group looks to bounce back from a near state playoff berth following a 7-3 year in 2022.
Returning lineman Murphy discussed the togetherness of the unit during the early portions of training camp and what that means as the Grizzlies look to make their mark in league play.
“I feel like this year, everyone is playing for the good of the team,” Murphy said. “The closeness of the players we have, it makes it a lot more fun to play and practice everyday knowing that someone’s got my back if something goes wrong, or there’s a maturity level that I know someone is gonna listen to me if there’s a problem going on.”
MARINER
First-year Mariner head coach CJ Adkins and players Robel Abraham, Kelvin Iaulualo and Karim Sy chat about the Marauders roster overhaul into the coming year and some of the underclassmen talent surrounding the key returning leaders.
Adkins talked about the potential learning curves with a younger group after losing key playmaking from last season’s 7-3 team.
“Along the same lines as last year, we have uber-athletic and talented guys, but they haven’t been in an environment as competitive as this,” Adkins said. “We expect the athleticism to still be there and big-play ability. But, they are young. We have a great offensive and defensive line, so with those guys up front, I think they can feel more comfortable.”
KAMIAK
First-time head coach Ivan McLennan along with players T’Andre Waverly, Michael Barton and Miles Moffett discuss the potential of a substantial returning group heading into a new era after somewhat of a letdown season in 2022.
After a rough go in the wins column in 2022, the Knights mentioned the high level of competitiveness in training camp as Kamiak looks to make its mark in Wesco 4A.
“I think they kinda have picked up some of that competitive spirit,” McLennan said. “I think you should see a team that is very energetic, very competitive. Ultimately, our season is gonna be defined by their effort every Friday and how hard they compete on a daily basis.”
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