There was a palpable sense of anticipation as Lyle/Klickitat/Wishram players scrimmaged last Friday in preparation for the first game of their 2008 eight-man football season.
The Cougars (4-5 last fall) will play their season opener tomorrow night in Lowell, Ore., with kickoff of the non-league encounter slated for 6 p.m.
Nine more Friday games will follow, including LKW's first league contests--five in all--in 10 years. LKW will make its debut as a member of the Southeast B League on Sept. 26 at home against Tri-Cities Prep of Pasco.
And though they won't be eligible for the WIAA's eight-man playoffs--LKW's combined enrollment exceeds the B-8 allowance--the Cougars will have a shot at take home the Southeast B League title and other honors.
All in all, LKW will have plenty of incentive to play well week in, week out: Seven of its nine opponents (LKW plays Touchet twice this year) qualified for state playoffs in 2007.
What's new and/or exciting about LKW football?
For the first year ever we went to a football camp as a team this summer. We also held weekly team practices throughout the summer. This put most of our kids in a great position to start the season. We also have 28 players this year.
How many starters do you have back on offense? Defense?
Offensive starting returners are Seth Davis (TB), Henry Matai (FB), Jim Price (TE), Jeromie Mason (QB), Levi Sanchey (Line), Mike Murphy (TE), Nolan Smith (TE) and Dillon Huffman, (Line).
Defensive starting returners depends on the type of offense we will see, but these six guys will play a lot: Davis (OLB), H.Matai (MLB), Murphy (DE), Smith (DE), Price (OLB), Mason (S).
How many letterwinners have returned for the 2008 season?
We have 10 letterwinners from last year returning but also four more who didn't play last year but earned letters previous years.
What's it going to take for LKW to have the kind of success every team hopes for going in to a new season?
Downhill run blocking and tough pass blocking on offense. We have the opportunity to be able to have a power running game as well as a productive passing game. We have a lot of experience on our line and if we can get the blocking I think we are capable of we will win some games even with our tough schedule.
Defensively a good pass rush with our linemen and good coverage from our DBs. A lot of teams we play will utilize a spread offense.
What's your take on how the Cougars will do against the competition from the Southeast B League?
I think we will do just fine in the SE B League. It is one of the toughest leagues with four teams going to the [B-8] playoffs last year. At camp we scrimmaged some of the best teams in the state (the state champs for one) and Oregon, as well as some of the teams in our league. We fared rather well and had some nice comments from opposing coaches.
Who are going to be LKW's impact players this season?
It's really hard to pick out impact players. We have some kids who didn't play last year who will improve our team with their hustle, hard work, and experience. Additions Michael Eiesland and Chris Wolff will solidify our O and D lines along with returners Sanchey and Huffman. Jeromie Mason is back as QB with a year of experience under his belt. Our backs, Davis, Matai, and Price will be joined by Ty Freemantle and Alan Matai. Our passing game should be improved with Murphy, Price, Freemantle and Nolan Smith returning as targets.
Defensively, again it has to be a team effort. Murphy should see some sacks. He is big and tough for most linemen to block. If our D line gives some pressure and our DBs/Safety have good coverage, our LBs will have many opportunities to make big plays. Henry Matai being a MLB will be a force.
In eight-man football there is definitely no place where you can be weak.
What are the team's strengths? Anything about the team giving you cause for concern?
Our team's strength is our size. We have some big kids who can move downfield. One thing that impressed opposing coaches at camp was the effort our linemen gave running down field. This team is eager to improve on our four wins from last year. We are 2 or 3 deep in most positions and that makes our practices better when everyone is pushed every play.
An area of concern is our defensive backfield. We have been working on pass coverage and it has shown a vast improvement since camp.
What do you know about LKW's first opponent, Lowell, Ore.?
Lowell is a perennial power in Oregon. They return two 1,000-yard rushers but graduated most of their offensive line. They run a Veer option offense which will match up against us very well. A team we scrimmaged at camp, who plays in their league, said we should do well against them. We'll have to make sure we make plays behind the line of scrimmage.
Who are your assistant coaches, and what are their assignments?
Dave Barthlow is my Assistant Coach. He is responsible for the defense and day-to-day things that come up.
Antoine Montoya is a volunteer coach. He helps out with the linemen.
Any other thoughts?
I see a totally different team this year than I did last year. The players have a very positive attitude and are looking for a very successful year.
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