Five returning starters and 10 returning lettermen give Cougars Coach Dave Barthlow a solid foundation on which to build Lyle's 2003 football team around.
The returning starters are seniors Justin Carlson (QB/DB), James Stanovich (OL/DL) and Mike Dennis (DL), junior Callan Johnson (RB/LB) and sophomore Doug Ginnett (OL).
They were members of the 2002 Cougars squad that went winless in nine games and was outscored, 452-114, in the process.
But if Barthlow has his way, Lyle will be a lot more competitive during this season's eight-game schedule, thanks in part to improved offensive production.
"We are revamping our whole offense this year, adding more misdirection plays with pulling and trapping guards," Barthlow noted. "I think our strength on offense will be our running game."
Johnson is the team's leading returning rusher. He ran for more than 400 yards and two touchdowns as a sophomore. His high game was 87 yards against Liberty Christian.
He'll share carries this year with returning lettermen Dusty Vorce, James Brewer and Noah LaFrenz.
"We have four strong running backs that are working hard so far this season," Barthlow said. "And I feel that all of them will be impact players for us."
Carlson also will play a leading role for the Cougars. Last season, his first as the starting quarterback, he passed for 374 yards and five touchdowns, with six interceptions, and ran for more than 100 more.
The defensive leader will be Stanovich, who'll line up beside Dennis in Lyle's 4-2 defensive scheme. Johnson and Vorce will anchor the defensive unit from their linebacking positions.
Starters in the defensive backfield will be Carlson and LaFrenz, while Brewer will hold down one of the defensive ends.
"We have good quickness on the defensive side of the ball, and that will be a strength," Barthlow said.
The Cougars open their eight-game slate -- which comprises seven eight-man games and one 11-man contest -- next Saturday, Sept. 13 at Soap Lake.
They'll play their home opener on Saturday, Sept. 27, against Thorp/Easton.
Lyle's final game of the season will be an 11-man game on Friday, Nov. 7, against Mary Walker in Pasco.
"We have a fairly tough schedule this year," Barthlow said. "We're scheduled to play two of the top-six ranked teams in Oregon (Dufur and Ione), and two others that will be very tough opponents (Condon and Arlington)."
Information from the News and our advertisers (Want to add your business to this to this feed?)
Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup.
Error! There was an error processing your request.
Sign up to receive notifications when a new Columbia Gorge News e-Edition is published.
Would you like to receive our news updates? Signup today!
Receive weekly updates on obituaries and death notices.
Oregon Capital Press presented by Columbia Gorge News
Receive updates on upcoming promotions and special sections.
Receive weekly updates on local sports news.
Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos.
Sorry, an error occurred.
Already Subscribed!
Cancel anytime
Thank you .
Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in.
Check your email for details.
Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password.
An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the email address listed on your account.
No promotional rates found.
Secure & Encrypted
Thank you.
Your gift purchase was successful! Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in.
| Rate: | |
| Begins: | |
| Transaction ID: |
A receipt was sent to your email.
Commented