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.

The 2010 All-State teams were released yesterday for Baseball, Fastpitch, and Soccer.

Among the names on the top of those lists were Trek Stemp (’12) Kennewick and Garret Anderson (’11) Kamiakin.

Stemp, in just his Sophomore year, in continues to rack up awards as he was also one of 2 Sophomores named to the Washington State Baseball Coaches Association 4A Team. Stemp is undoubtedly one of the top prospects in his class and big things are expected of him in the years to come.

Anderson, who also excels on the hardwood, is a Left-Handed pitcher with plus stuff, and the mettle to go the distance. Heading into his senior year look for Anderson to add additional velocity and control in the off-season.

Click here to see the full list…