Davis

The Pirates came out with guns blazing and sending a message to all, bring you’re A game or don’t bother coming… The days of marking a win on your calendar is over! Deion (The Great) Wright put on one of the most impressive performances in Pirates history, throwing for 349 yards to break James Phillips’ 13-year-old school record.  For all those that didn’t know, now you know, the Pirates are for real!

Chiawana

This team won one game last year, and I’m here to tell you they will win a lot more than that this year.  Truthfully, I feel sorry for the teams that beat them last year, because this years’ version has the ability to make teams wish the game was just over, ask Hanford! Not only did they look impressive on the offensive side of the ball, but they looked just as impressive on Defense. If there is one Achilles heel with this team, it’s their ability to kick field goals and extra points, that is something they must fix before the big dogs come calling. With that being said I don’t see anyone in the Big 9 slowing down the Riverhawks. Pick your poison, stopping Luc Graff, Jordan Downing, or Miquayah Zamora?

Richland

All I can say is Defense, Defense, and Defense! This Richland team is very physical on both side of the ball; it will be very difficult task for teams to score on Richland this year. From everything we’re hearing about the game with Pasco, the Bulldogs will score a lot of points on teams this year, but couldn’t manage to do it against the Bombers. All I can say is bring a lot of ice for your team when playing Richland. Richland is one of those team that will beat you up when they’re on offense AND defense. With the physical running of Jake McKinney and a knock-the-snot-out-of-your-nose defense, the Bombers are all we thought they would be.

Sunnyside

The Sunnyside Grizzles came out roaring Friday and showed that they are a team to fear.  Andrew Daley threw 3 touchdowns and ran for 1 more; Daley was a one man wrecking crew and if he’s able to continue this pace until Israel Manzo returns, the Grizzles will be a tough out for anyone. Watch out Pirates here come the Sunnyside boys!

Hanford

The Falcons looked really young and inexperienced, but showed flashes of a team that will compete later in the years. One of the bright spots for the Falcons was Cameron Wagar; he rushed for 116 yard on 17 carries against a pretty good Chiawana defense.  Coach Oram will get these boys back on track.  Too bad they opened against 2 of the tougher teams in the Big Nine 4A, if not the 4A state!

Kennewick

This may well be the dark horse team this year. Kennewick looked very explosive on offense and showed a lot of speed on defense. Grant Woods showed that he can take some pressure off Drew Loftus by rushing for 111 yards and two touchdowns. Kennewick appears to be a balanced team and have a lot of horses that will give opposing coaches nightmares. This is arguably the most athletic team in the Big9!  Loftus is worth the price of admission, and defensively these boys fly around! Can’t wait to see how they perform this week against Hermiston!

Wenatchee

Wenatchee continues to do what they do best, and that is win. Cooper Helm and company came into Lampson field and smacked Southridge right in the mouth, with an early 17-3 half time lead, and were able to hold off a late charge by the Suns to squeak out a one inch victory in overtime (32-31). If Cooper Helm can stay healthy, Wenatchee should continue to win most games this year.  This team will only continue to improve!  The Panthers have a number of weapons, including some nice WR’s in Jared Jeager and Keaton Smith.

Southridge

Southridge is a team that despite their opening game loss to the Panthers of Wenatchee learned some valuable lessons in week 1.  Matt Mendenhall shook off some early jitters to turn in the weeks top passing performance.  With targets like AJ Henderson, Josh Richards, and TE Jon Buffington Mendenhall may put up the best numbers in conference.  Dual threat back Palmer and Haueter are as deadly as any.  Defensively Southridge will continue to improve as well, Chance White in particular was a surprise standout for the Suns.

Kamiakin

Talent, talent, and more talent.  The Brave were missing Tyler Holle on offense, and Drew Oord on defense and still managed to slap Prosser around after an early feeling out period.  We know they will be explosive on Offense, but these boys also like to pop on D.  The Big Nine is shaping up to be THE conference in the State this year, I dare anybody to tell us differently.  Joey Jansen will improve as the season progresses, and with the weapons he has at his displsal he can take his time.  AJ Griffiths, Tim White, and Zach Umemoto will take turns in the spotlight on Friday nights.

Kennewick (3A Big Nine)

We thought the Lions would be good last year, and  truth be told they did not live up to expectations. Well this year we will not make any bold predictions… however we will say that they have perhaps the best athlete in the Big Nine in Drew Loftus.  Loftus has received offers for Football (New Mexico State) and even more interest for Baseball (UW, WSU, etc).  Drew moves to full-time QB this year after playing primarily WR last year.

In addition to Loftus the Lions have several other baseball converts in  DL/TE Tyler Morfin and Wr/DB Trek Stemp.  More athleticism can be found at Saftey with 6’3″ Bryce Leavitt and 6’4″ Cody Gadeberg.  Zach Albertin may have the best combination of strength and speed on the team.

Names to watch on Defense include Xzavier Campos, TJ Fields and Ivan Diaz.  The Lions benefit from their new 3A classification and may just fly under the radar…

Concerns: How to keep Loftus from not wanting to play every down.  Believing that they have the juice to compete.

Family Ties: TE/Dl Tyler Morfin’s cousin is Oakland A’s OF Travis Buck.

Pasco (3A Big Nine)

Still searching (no pun intended) for an identity, the Bulldogs hope to rebound from a disappointing season and return to prominence on the Big Nine scene.  To do that it will take all hands on deck and a superb season from the likes of Brandon Search, Devaunte Lamb, and Devante Cleavland.

Always blessed with athletes, Pasco faces a Week 2 grudge match against new Pasco school Chiawana. For the Bulldogs to have success a leader must appear at QB, and upfront they need to be physical.  If those 2 things can happen they may be able to have their way with a up-for-grabs (sans Kamiakin) 3A division.

Concerns: Settling in on a QB.  Winning the recruiting war with Chiawana.

Eastmont (3A Big Nine)

The Wildcats were a team that showed flashes last season. This year things would appear to be bright starting with QB Lucas McGill, son of Head Coach Doug  McGill, Lucas showed excellent mobility to go with a good arm.  His #1 target this year will be Darren Spaeth a stout 6’2″ 210 athlete.

The line will be anchored by Jacob Sauileone, he’s the one with the hair coming out of his helmet, and he will make opposing QB’s helmets come OFF. Free Safety Trevor Osborn will play physical all game long.  The Wildcats may surprise this year, and have as good a chance as any to make nose in the 3A  ranks.

They open at home vs upstart Davis, if they can get by them intact and then come out strong vs rival Wenatchee in week2, they could be 2-0 heading into league play at-home vs. Kennewick.

Family Ties: Head Coach Doug McGill’s son Lucas is the starting Quarterback.

Southridge (3A Big Nine)

On paper, the Suns would seem to be in the middle of a rebuilding year.  Which can only mean that opponents may do better than the combined 98 points in 10 games than they managed last year.  First year Coach Tony Rieboldt takes over for Andy Troxel who stepped down at the end of last season for largely unknown reasons.

Rieboldt will have his defense charged and ready no doubt. First year Offensive Coordinator Jason Deveere (also the head Boys Basketball Coach) inherits the leading returning rusher in the Big Nine in Dallin Palmer.  Palmer is definitely worth the price of admission and should be among the league leaders again this year.

Backup RB Chris Haueter is every bit as fast and elusive as Palmer, and makes for a deft 1-2 punch.  1st year QB Matt Mendehall will look to minimize mistakes by handing off to Palmer and Haueter, but he is no doubt itching to throw the ball deep to WR Josh Richards, a Jr who drew raves from coaches at EWU this summer.

Concerns: Can the defense reload?

West Valley- Yakima  (3A Big Nine)

First year coach John Beck takes over the helm of a WV team that looks to turn around there recent troubles and start heading the program in the right direction.  To do that it will take heart (check), talent (check), and experience (not so much).  The Rams are in the middle of a self-described youth movement.

That being said, this year may be one of lump-taking, but could still produce  quality results and its share of victories.  Leading the way are names such as Senior RB Ryan Clark, OL/DL Matthew Couette, and RB/DB Gerrick Andrews.

Depth and inexperience may be the Achilles heel of this Rams unit, but as their new school building will attest, the future can be brighter than the past.

Walla-Walla (4A Big Nine)

The Blue Devils are in a bit of a transition themselves.  Gone are super-stars Gary Winston (Idaho Basketball), and Michael Wiesner ( Montana Basketball).  Also gone is long-time coach Marc Yonts being replaced by Mike Gobel.

Don’t feel too sorry for the Blue Devils as there are a number of players who were waiting for their chance to shine on friday nights at Borleske Stadium.  The biggest returning playmaker is Moe Handcox, a shiftyWR-type whit a knack for making big plays.  Jake Robertson looks to fill the QB role. and underclassmen such as Jake Campau, Miguel Torres, and Jonah Hoe want to make their names known.

Don’t expect a lot of razzle-dazzle out of the play calling this year and the youth gain experience.

Concerns: The defense not giving up big plays.

Tacoma News Tribune’s 2010 High School Football Preseason State Rankings

CLASS 4A
1. Skyline
2. Auburn
3. Curtis
4. Gonzaga Prep
5. Bothell
6. Skyview
7. Central Valley
8. Union
9. Olympia
10. Richland

CLASS 3A
1. Bellevue
2. Camas
3. Liberty
4. Capital
5. Lakes
6. Juanita
7. O’Dea
8. Kamiakin
9. Mount Spokane
10. Timberline

CLASS 2A
1. Archbishop Murphy
2. Clarkston
3. Lynden
4. Prosser
5. Spokane West Valley
6. Tumwater
7. Othello
8. Ellensburg
9. Burlington-Edison
10. Mark Morris

CLASS 1A
1. Connell
2. Cascade Christian
3. King’s
4. Chelan
5. Montesano
6. Cashmere
7. Meridian
8. Royal
9. Nooksack Valley
10. Onalaska

CLASS 2B
1. Colfax
2. Adna
3. South Bend
4. Tacoma Baptist
5. Asotin

CLASS 1B
1. Cusick
2. Neah Bay
3. Lummi
4. Lyle/Wishram
5. Colton

Hanford (3A Big Nine)

This will be a year of growing pains for the Hanford Falcons. They are really thin at the skills positions and need to find a Quarterback to run Coach Rob Oram’s spread option offense. It is not all doom and gloom for the Falcons because players like Cameron Wagar, Aaron Neary, and Pete Hanson are ready to step up and lay it all on the line. The first game of the season will be very telling for the Falcons; the Chiawana Riverhawks will be knocking at the door with a bag full of tools ready to do work! Are the young Falcons ready?

Concerns:  Choosing the right quarterback and sticking with him. Depth.

Family Ties:  Sophomore Jake Oram (son of Head Coach Rob Oram).  Freshman Iasacc Bernard (son of former MLB player Marvin Bernard)

Sunnyside (3A Big Nine)

This might be the year the sun shines bright for the Sunnyside Grizzles. All I can say is Manzo, Manzo, and Manzo. Israel Manzo might be the best all around football player in Sunnyside history! What can’t he do? As a sophomore he made the AP all-state team, finishing 3^rd in all purpose yards, only trailing Jacob Sealby and Dallin Palmer, and last year against the Davis Pirates we watched while he put his whole team on his back and carried them to one of the most exciting victors I’ve seen in a long time.  Quarterback Andrew Daley would like nothing better than to

One thing I’ve always noticed about the Sunnyside football program, is how their never scared or intimidated by their opponents, this may be the year they have enough talent to go along with that no fear attitude.

Concerns:  Should Manzo wear down, who will replace him?  Playing a schedule where every game means something.

Family Ties: Sr QB Andrew Daley (Son of Sunnyside AD Bill Daley)

Davis (4A Big Nine)

Can you say the year of the Pirates? Davis may be the most athletic team in the area. With players like, David Trimble, Jackson Marquis, Sebastian Hunt, and Josh White Elk, there are no doubts the Pirates will have the talent, but will they have the know-how when things are not going their way, will they conform to the Pirates of the past, or will they show the heart and spirit of a champion.

Talent alone should win this team 4 games, but the rest must come from coaching, preparation, and believing in a new day. The Pirates have arrived!

Concerns: Replacing CJ McCray on the DL.  Playing games as the “Favorite”.

Family Ties: David Trimble’s dad played football at UW in the 80′s.  Wr Cooper Kupp’s Grandfather played with Archie Manning and his dad Craig with the Cowboys…

Eisenhower (4A Big Nine)

Eisenhower had one of the most amazing runs in high school football last year, but that was last year. They have so many holes to fill and I can’t see how that will be possible. This team lost so much and returns such youth, it appears this will be a year of struggles and frustrations.

If Eisenhower is to have success this year, it would have to come from players like, Abel Soto, Matt Briceno, and Dustin Martin. All of these young men understand what it takes to be successful, if the rest of the team is willing to follow, there is hope. Sophomore QB – Kolney Cassel is being called the next in line in the history of quality Ike QB’s.

Concerns: Youth, experience at the skill positions.

TRICITY FOOTBALL CAMP AND SOME EARLY TEAM OBSERVATIONS

RICHLAND (4A Big Nine)

Last year Richland finished 6^th in total defense in the CBBN.  This year I’m making an early prediction that they finish somewhere around 1^st in total defense.  Led by Joel Teats, Richland’s front 7 is fast, physical and senior heavy.

Concerns

Richland’s offense struggled to find any kind of a passing game last year and from all indications that may also be the case this year.  What they do have going for them is their stud running back Jake McKinney and what may be the best O-line in the CBBN.

Comparisons-2009 Wenatchee Panthers

KAMIAKIN (3A Big Nine)

Last year Kamiakin finished with 718 yards on the ground for the season.  That was enough to finish at the bottom of the CBBN for rushing yards.    Early observations show that this may be the strength of Kamiakin this year.  They had so much depth at wide receiver to start the season they were able to move Zach Umemoto to the running back position.  He will be paired with Dom Davis, a move that I believe will be very beneficial to the team.  This will add an element to their offense that they didn’t have last year, making this already dangerous passing attack, even more dangerous, in Scott Biglin’s high flying, spread offense.

Kamiakin’s new Quarterback

Joey Jansen was not on the roster last year.  Had he of been, he may have battled Corey Hutchinson for the starting QB position.  Instead he was recovering from a knee injury.  This year this is his offense, under the guidance Of Coach Biglin, Joey has been working hard this year to learn the offense and to get some confidence in his knee.  He has a nice arm and he is very fast.  This will also improve the running game for Kamiakin.

Concerns

Joey Jensen is going to be trying to fill some big shoes that were left by Corey Hutchinson.  Jensen is also a shorter QB and because of knee problems, his footwork seems a little off.  It will get better as Coach Biglin works with him on footwork everyday.

Comparisons-None/2010 Kamiakin Braves are a unique bunch, loaded with talent and we may be looking at a state title contender.

CHIAWANA  (4A Big Nine)

Last year the Chiawana Riverhawks didn’t have one Senior on their team and they didn’t finish last in any category.  That in itself is very impressive especially since they suffered all kinds of injuries.  This year the Riverhawks are older, bigger and more determined.  During this year’s camp many of their players came in chiseled from all the hard work they’ve been putting in the weight room.  Luc Graff is the best Quarterback in the CBBN and Michiaha Zimora is one of the two best receivers in the Big 9.  Jordan Downing is a throwback runner who would rather run over a defender than run past one.

Concerns

Offensive and Defensive line.  Not that they’re not skilled, they just don’t have the size.  Watching a scrimmage between them and Richland was very telling.  On every pass play Luc Graff was harassed in the backfield by Richland defenders.

From Left; Miquiyah Zamora (Chiawana), Zachary Umemoto, Tyler Holle, Tim White, Joey Jansen (Kamiakin), Jacob Schmidt, and Troy Redmann (TC Prep)

7/14/10 Kennewick, WA–

We are reaching the mid-point of summer (already?) and for many kids across the state their summers have been chockfull of activities.

Most went right from spring sports into summer baseball, football and soccer. There was spring football, then team and individual camps at Boise State, Eastern Washington and Central. The Tri Cities teams held their own team camp and most schools have “voluntary” weight lifting and athletic development “camps”.

Even more have been honing their skills in a variety of ways including individual workouts and “Combines”, basically a skills showcase for bettering ones chances at a college scholarship.

WSN held its first combine and a small, yet talented group of locals turned out to compete. What did we learn? Well Kamiakin for one appears to be LOADED with talent and athleticism (check out our Football preview coming soon). Other schools including Chiawana and Tri-Cities Prep want recruiters to take notice too.

Here is a quick assessment of the participants and the Combine:

Tim White:  The creme of the crop that attended that day.  White led the league in both reception and receiving yards last year as a Junior, with 70 catches and over 1,000 yards.  Tim had attended other combines earlier this summer and was familiar with the drills so this played a huge benefit right from the start.  White has received recruiting interest from several colleges including  EWU, CWU, WSU.  We think he is D1 material, due to his quickness, precise route running and hands.  White performed well in the combine drills with top marks every event except vertical and bench.   Look for Tim to be one of the standout players in the Big Nine.

Zack Koons:  The only lineman that attended that day.  Koons is a 09 transfer from Connell.  Zack showed good mobility and athleticism.  This was his first combine and he settled in as we went through the drills.  Look for Zack to be a key contribute on a Kennewick team that needs to show toughness on the line this year to compete.

Troy Redmann:  Closing in on the top all-time receiving records  in the 8-man state history (already holding records for single game receptions (16), and single season touchdowns (25). Redmann has a “next level” frame and displayed great competitiveness and poise.  Redmann would be a starter on any team in the TriCities and should not be overlooked because he plays 8-man.

Miquiyah Zamora:  The athletic junior-to-be is reported to have participated in our combine with a broken foot.  According to those in the know, he is having his foot evaluated so as to maximize his potential in his junior year.  Despite the foot problems Zamora’s name routinely comes up as one of the top HS athletes in the TriCities, and his coaches absolutely gush over him.  He posted the top strength marks with 16 reps of 185lbs, which means if he gets his foot problems taken care of watch out.

Tyler Holle: Holle posted some impressive numbers overall and looks to be the breakout player in the Big Nine.  Deceptively fast at 6’2″ Holle’s laid-back demeanor belays the competitive fire that burns beneath.  Good vertical marks show his explosiveness.  Also a stand-out basketball player for Kamiakin, Holle should be fun to watch this year.

Joey Jansen: Listed at a generous 5’10 Jansen will compete for the starting QB spot on the Kamiakin Braves team.  A natural leader, Jansen turned heads in the quickness and explosiveness drills.  Most impressive was his day’s best vertical jump of 32in.  A star Baseball player in his own right, Jansen’s elusiveness may spell trouble for opposing defenses this year.  Though he probably leans toward baseball, if  he sticks with football he projects as a WR or DB.

Zach Umemoto:  Zach has a nice combination of power and speed that will serve him well this year as a starting RB for Kamiakin.  Umemoto’s name was called often in games we covered last year, as a sophomore.  Look for Umemoto to increase him combine numbers in the months to come.   His short-shuttle time alludes to his agility and balance, a good combination for a Big Nine back.

Jacob Schmidt:  Schmidt, just a Junior, showed quickness in each of the drills and looks to cause havoc alongside teammate Redmann in the B-8 ranks.  Schmidt did not participate in the bench-press due to a bad wrist.  With 2 years to develop prior to college expect to see Jacob improve his marks while helping Tri Cities Prep to another state run.

We have been out at the practice fields all week getting a good look at several area teams.  We will have our camp report to you soon.  This will be an interesting year with the new 3A & 4A split.

It’s never to early to start talking football. The Big Nine will be undergoing BIG changes next year. The first of which is the realignment with 3A/4A

The 4A Big Nine will look like this:
Chiawana (could be the best team in only 2nd year of existence)
Richland
Walla-Walla
Wenatchee (should retool pretty well)
Eisenhower
Moses Lake
Davis (should do quite well this year)

3A like this:
Eastmont
Hanford
West Valley (Yakima)
Southridge
Pasco
Kennewick
Kamiakin (early favorite as league best)
Sunnyside

Top Returning Players
The list below is a look at some of the top returning players according to washingtonsportsnetwork.com. For players hoping to play at the next level they should take every advantage to work their tails off this summer and attend a few camps (especially at schools they would like to attend).

Never assume that to just be good enough will get you noticed.

Here are a few things to do:

1. Submit your information to the major scouting services: Rivals.com, & Scout.com

2. Attend a combine style workout

WSN will be holding an NFL-style combine this summer (hopefully) the same week as the Tri Cities Team Camp. This will be a great opportunity for players 8th grade thru 12th grade to get unbiased evaluation of their 40-time, shuttle, broad jump, vertical, even bench.

3. Create a highlight DVD

WSN can also help your athlete with this as well. We have created highlight DVD’s for several area athletes. Contact us at info@zsportsmedia.com for more information.

2010 Big Nine Top Returning Players List

Drew Loftus – Sr, 6’2, 180, QB/RB/DB – Kennewick**
CJ McCray – Jr, 6’2, 250, OL/DL – Davis**
Tim White – Sr, 5’11, 175, WR/DB – Kamiakin**
Alec Martin – Sr, 6’4, 245, OL/DL/TE – Wenatchee**
David Trimble – Jr, 6’1, 182, WR/DB – Davis**
Jordan Downing – Jr, 5’11, 185, RB/LB – Chaiwana**
Jake Mckinney – Sr, 6’2, 185, RB/LB – Richland**
Dallin Palmer – Sr, 5’10, 160, RB – RB Southridge
Luc Graff – Sr, 6’1, 180, QB/LB – Chiawana
Cooper Helm – Sr, 6’2, 185, QB/WR/DB – Wenatchee

Cameron Wagar – Sr, 5’10, 190, RB/DB – Hanford
Nick Vincent – Sr, LB – Chiawana
Miquiyah Zamora, Jr. WR/DB, Chiawana
Moe Handcox – Jr, 5’10, 150, WR/DB – Walla-Walla
DeVaunte Lamb – Sr, 6′, 175, RB/CB – Pasco
Brandon Search – Sr, 6’2, 185 S/WR – Pasco
Israel Manzo – Sr, 5’8, 165, RB/CB – Sunnyside
Deon Wright – Jr, 6′, 172, QB – Davis
Sebastian Hunt – Sr, 6’2, 220, OL/DL- Davis
Noah Fenhaus – Sr, 5’11, 200, RB/DE – Wenatchee
Abel Soto – Sr, 6’1, 240, OT/DT – Eisenhower
Dustin Martin – Sr, 6’2, 210, C/DT – Eisenhower
Angel Guerra – Sr., 6′, 175, P/K – Wenatchee
Reggie Clinton – Jr, 6′, 160, WR/DB – Kennewick
Zach Albertin – Sr, 6′, 170, RB/LB – Kennewick
Tyler Holle – Sr, 6’2, 185, WR/DB – Kamiakin
Darren Spaeth – Sr, 6’1, 200, DB/WR – Eastmont
Andrew Daley – Sr, 6′, 185, QB – Sunnnyside
Rowdy Thompson – Jr, 5’9, 160, RB – Kennewick
Kurt Reuter – Sr, 6’3, 210, TE/DL – Hanford
Josh White-Elk – Sr, LB – Davis
Keaton Smith – Sr, WR/DB – Wenatchee
Taylor LeGrave – Sr, – Moses Lake
Lucas McGill – Jr, 6’2, 190, QB – Eastmont
Tyler Morfin -Sr, 6’5, 245, TE/DL – Kennewick
Austin Brinkworth – Sr, OL – Southridge
Matt Briceno – Sr, OL, – Eisenhower
Ryan Clark – Walla-Walla
Jon Allen – Kamiakin

Jarrod Turner – Richland

Joel Teats – Sr, LB, Richland

Joey White – Richland
Aaron Neary – Hanford
Pat Sullivan – Chiawana
Kabe Fluaitt – Jr – Moses Lake

More info to come…

Coach of the Year: Scott Biglin, Kamiakin – Revamped offense, made it to playoffs in 1st year, I’d say that’s pretty good!
MVP: Jacob Sealby, Senior RB/LB Wenatchee – Biggest game changer in the league on both sides of the ball, just ask Pasco!
MVP Offense: Joe Fuerst, Senior RB Eisenhower – Best combo of speed and power in the league
MVP Defense: Austin Graves, Senior LB/DL Southridge – An absolute beast on the defensive side of the ball

All-Offense Team:
QB: Dylan Signorelli, Senior, Moses Lake – Hutch had more yards, but Signorelli had accuracy and mobility
RB: Jacob Sealby, Senior, Wenatchee – see above
RB: Joe Fuerst, Senior, Eisenhower – see above
WR: Tim White, Junior, Kamiakin – route running, quickness, speed, D-1 potential
WR: Antonio Martinez, Senior, Eisenhower – under appreciated WR, good hands, play-maker
WR: Drew Loftus, Junior, Kennewick – great athlete, deceptive speed, game changing ability, multi-sport D-1 potential
OL: Mike Marboe, Senior, Wenatchee - earth mover, headed to Idaho next year
OL: Brent Anderson, Senior, Southridge – hard working, blocks til you submit
OL: Alec Martin, Junior, Wenatchee – look for even bigger things next year, stood out on a stellar line
OL: Zach Sumerlin, Senior, Walla-Walla – man-child, size and power to get it done
OL: Abel Soto, Senior, Eisenhower – opened holes for Fuerst, can’t question his heart

Special Teams

Gunner: Lucas Sealby, Senior, Wenatchee – caused havoc on kickoffs and more!
Return Man: Israel Manzo, Sophomore, Sunnyside – Most exciting return we saw live (game winner vs. Davis!)
P: Enrique Espinoza, Senior, Eastmont – Athletic versatile player
K: Angel Guerra, Junior, Wenatchee – Great kicks all year long

All-Defense Team

DL: Austin Graves, Senior, Southridge – see above
DL: CJ McCray, Sophomore, Davis – most athletic DL we saw all year
DL: Broderick Hirai, Senior, Southridge – impressed us every time we saw him
DL: Ryan Watson, Senior, Eisenhower – Big part of Ike’s success this year
LB: Seth Kline, Senior, Eisenhower – “guided missile”, next level motor and intensity
LB: Jacob Sealby, Senior, Wenatchee – see above
LB: Matt Minnich, Senior, Kamiakin – followed in the tradition of great Kamiakin LBs
DB: Aaron Flippo, Senior, Walla-Walla – helped shut down opposing passing attacks
DB: Dallin Brimley, Senior, Kennewick – nose for the ball, instincts to match
DB: James Akers, Senior, Eisenhower – athletic, gritty play all year long
DB: Leo Cueller, Senior, Sunnyside – another kid with a nose for the ball, always in the right place at the right time

The tough thing about picking a top 20 players list (especially in a league with 15 teams) is that players often get overlooked.  Also, new players transfer in or out, JV players move up to Varsity, Freshman become Sophomores and (gulp) new Freshman arrive.

That being the case we will be updating our list each week with new rankings.

Here are some players in the Big Nine that did not make our top 20 list, but are players to certainly keep an eye on:

Devan Homer LB Kennewick
Travis Sharp DL Kennewick
Nik Tulenberg OL Richland
Stephen Garcia QB Southridge
KC Hooper LB Kennewick
Joe Fuerst RB Eisenhower
Luc Graff QB/LB Chiawana
RJ Harris OL Hanford
Johnny Allen ath Kamiakin
Brodrick Hirai DC Southridge
Colton Arias WR Walla-Walla
Slate Diessner db West Valley (Yak)
Eathan Bugg ol Eastmont
Garrett Gallinger ol Richland
Garret Gano dl West Valley (Yak)
Sebastian Hunt dl Davis
Alec Martin TE Wenatchee
Dylan Sigorelli k Moses Lake
Mitch Hill wr Moses Lake
Blair Dorn RB Wenatchee
Dalyn Palmer RB Southridge
David Tremble WR Davis
CJ McCray DT Davis
Corey Hutchinson QB Kamiakin
Chance Graff OL Sunnyside
Matt Minnich LB Kamiakin
Cameron Wagar RB Hanford
Dom Davis RB Kamiakin