Wesco South football preview

Here’s a look at the Wetern Conference’s South Division, with the teams listed in the order of predicted finish:

EDMONDS-WOODWAY

Last season: 5-1 in conference play, 7-3 overall

Outlook

The Warriors have won the Wesco South four out of the past five years and have made the playoffs five years in a row. Still, this may be a transition year with former Washington State Gatorade Player of the Year tailback/linebacker Tony Heard moving on. The return of quarterback Andy Willcock helps. While the Warriors may rely more on the pass this season, RB Zack Berg, a transfer from King’s, could help fill the void in the backfield.

Impact Players

Andy Willcock

Sr. | QB | 6-4, 210

Grant Arnold

Sr. | TE/LB | 6-2, 195

Phoenix Horn

Sr. | OL/DL | 6-3, 269

Fresh Face

Zack Berg

Jr. | RB | 6-2, 185

Schedule

Sept. 4MEADOWDALE

Sept. 11at Everett

Sept. 18at Lynnwood

Sept. 25JACKSON

Oct. 2at Kamiak

Oct. 9at Mariner

Oct. 16MTLK TERRACE

Oct. 23CASCADE

Oct. 30at Shorewood

MARINER

Last season: 4-2, 6-4

Outlook

Mariner has made the playoffs three years in a row, and senior TE/DE Mychael Tuiasosopo will pair with G Chris Johnson and OT Kyle Jones to give the Marauders a formidable corps of returning blockers. Josh Thompson takes over at QB for Mariner, which has had a member of the Tuiasosopo family on its roster since 2001. The Marauders will run a Wing-T offense and are expected to continue their recent success if they can stay healthy.

Impact Players

Mychael Tuiasosopo

Sr. | TE/DE | 6-1, 245

Chris Johnson

Sr. | G/LB/DT | 6-1, 215

Kyle Jones

Sr. | OL/DL | 5-10, 235

Fresh Face

Josh Thompson

Sr. | QB | 5-10, 175

Schedule

Sept. 4at Lake Stevens

Sept. 11at Mtlk Terrace

Sept. 18CASCADE

Sept. 25LYNNWOOD

Oct. 2at Shorewood

Oct. 9ED-WOODWAY

Oct. 16JACKSON

Oct. 23at Kamiak

Oct. 30MONROE

JACKSON

Last season: 6-0, 9-2

Outlook

Jackson went undefeated in conference last year, handing E-W its only Wesco South loss, and advancing to the state playoffs before losing to Ferris 24-7. With a bevy of returning starters, the Timberwolves should be strong again this year — though they have to replace graduated leading rusher Taylor Cox. Jackson returns Andy Gay at QB and hopes to continue the success it had taking care of the ball (just two fumbles in 2008).

Impact Players

Riley Carr

Sr. | RB/LB | 6-0, 228

Andy Gay

Sr. | QB | 6-5, 215

Jake White

Sr. | OL/DL | 6-0, 235

Fresh Face

Austin O’Keefe

Jr. | WR | 6-4, 205

Schedule

Sept. 4at Stanwood

Sept. 11SHOREWOOD

Sept. 18ARLINGTON

Sept. 25at Ed-Woodway

Oct. 2LAKE STEVENS

Oct. 9KAMIAK

Oct. 16at Mariner

Oct. 23MTLK TERRACE

Oct. 30at Cascade

CASCADE

Last season: 3-3, 5-5

Outlook

With 13 returning starters, the Bruins should be a stronger team this year. Cascade coach Jake Huizinga said five or six players are in consideration to get touches at running back in the Bruins’ Wing-T offense. Cascade is hoping to continue the success it had last year scoring, while improving its ability to keep opponents out of the end zone.

Impact Players

Anthony Barton

Sr. | G/MLB | 6-1, 235

Brandon Blinn

Sr. | TE/LB | 6-2, 215

Timothy St. Marie

Sr. | OT/DT | 6-2, 265

Fresh Face

Jake Reining

Jr. | OT/DT | 6-4, 225

Schedule

Sept. 4OAK HARBOR

Sept. 11at Kamiak

Sept. 18at Mariner

Sept. 25at Everett

Oct. 2MTLK TERRACE

Oct. 9at Snohomish

Oct. 16SHOREWOOD

Oct. 23at Ed-Woodway

Oct. 30JACKSON

KAMIAK

Last season: 2-4, 2-8

Outlook

Kamiak had a down year in 2008. Still, respect for the Knights’ program is high among other Wesco South coaches. Jake Sortor will start at QB. Kamiak coach Dan Mack likes his senior leadership and said he thinks the Knights will be competitive if they can play disciplined and stay injury free.