Fresh start for Lynnwood

LYNNWOOD

The Lynnwood High School football team took the first steps on laying what new head coach Dorian Manza and his players hope will be a solid foundation for a program that has struggled for years.

The start of the Royals’ annual spring practices marks yet another change for a program beset by far too many changes through the years.

This is not the first time the Royals have looked for a fresh start under a new coach. Manza is Lynnwood’s sixth head coach since 2001.

The coaching merry-go-round definitely has taken its toll on the players. Last year’s head coach, John Morris, resigned just days before the start of the regular season. He was replaced by assistant coach Reggie Corns.

The Royals have won only two of their last 57 games, with both victories, one of which was a forfeit, coming in 2004.

Senior-to-be quarterback Andrew Beatty has had to learn a new system almost every year.

“All of (the coaches) had set up different offenses,” Beatty said. “It’s been pretty difficult.”

Teammate David Harris, another senior-to-be, agrees that it’s been confusing dealing with all the changes that invariably take place under a new coach.

Lynnwood has lacked a sense of continuity.

“Other teams have the same offense for the past 10 years,” said Harris, a center. “They come out for spring drills, it’s pretty much review. We spend most of our spring drills learning, so that’s been pretty tough.”

If the players are skeptical of yet another change of coaches, they aren’t showing it.

One of the reasons may be because unlike some of his predecessors, Manza has ties to his players. Manza has been an assistant coach with the program. He also has a history with many of the underclassmen since he coached them when they were at Alderwood Middle School, where Manza is a physical education teacher.

“I’ve pretty much followed these guys all the way up,” said Manza, who also worked with many of the seniors in track. “I’ve had coaching experience with all these athletes in some regard, so we’ve got a pretty good rapport and I think we’re building a pretty good thing.”

That previous interaction between Manza and the players makes a difference.

“He’s more tapped-in to the players,” Harris said. “He’s here for the long run, so that’s pretty inspirational — to know that we’re going to have a coach who’s going to stick with us through thick and thin.”

Manza’s enthusiasm seems to be rubbing off on his players.

“He’s really dedicated to rebuilding the program and he’s going to lead us through it,” said senior defensive tackle Nick Portillo.

Manza brings a welcome sense of humor, senior Curtis Weisser said.

“He’s a hard worker,” Weisser added. “He’ll keep us motivated. I think he’ll bring a whole new attitude for the program. I believe it’s going to raise the bar for what our standard is and how we approach the game.”

Manza has plenty of experience to work with, especially at the skill positions. Beatty is a three-year starter at quarterback and he’ll be throwing to several talented wide receivers, including Scott Hill, Chad DeGraw and Weisser.

“They all run really good routes and they’re all really fast, so our offensive threats are pretty good,” Beatty said.

The level of returning varsity experience is as high as it’s been in years.

Part of the reason for Lynnwood’s past struggles is that the team has started many underclassmen on varsity.

In some respects, that experience has helped the players because they are used to the fast pace of varsity ball, Beatty said.

“Since everybody has played varsity, has played at the varsity level, we should know what to expect this upcoming season,” Beatty said. “I think we should be ready for it.”

The Lynnwood offense will have a new look in the fall as the Royals won’t be running the shotgun. The plan is to change to an offset-I mix.

“We’re going to be a multiple-set offense, a multiple-formation offense,” Manza said.

The change means Beatty and the offense have a lot of work ahead.

“It’s just going to be different,” Beatty said. “I haven’t taken a snap under center since freshman year. So it’s going to take some time to get used to it again.”

The change, however, is a welcome one for DeGraw.

“It’s bringing back the old ways,” he said. “It’s a change for the better, definitely. We’re all coming together to learn the offense. We know what we’re doing. That’s what we all grew up on — the I formation.”

The resignation of their head coach before the start of last season definitely shook up the team and it took a while for the players to regain their footing.

Those challenges appear to have increased the returning players’ resolve to make a change for the better this year. Their mental outlook is as strong as ever, Manza said.

“What I really respect about these seniors and juniors that are out there now is that even after a tough season like that they’re here and they’re hungry,” Manza said. “They’re excited about football. It doesn’t seem to deter these guys and that’s what I like about them. They’re got great character. They’re got some perseverance.”