TD ready for its new journey in the 4A ranks

With several key returners back in the fold and a few transfers added to the varsity roster, the expectations are high within this group.

“We are very excited for the season,” TD lineman Dalles Seufalemua said. “We have more talent here than we have had in the past, so I think we have a chance to do some good things. We have the potential, so it will just take all of us working together to win some games.”

Offensively, the Riverhawks boast a vast array of playmakers, such as Ian Anderson, Ophath Silaphath, Yordi Sanchez, Denver Neill, Steven Preston, Baily Hajicek, Ben Schanno, Mac Abbas, JR Scott, Jessie Larson, Zach Anderson and Ben Nelson.

Back at quarterback is dual-threat Gabe Helseth, and transfer Ty’jean Green, out of Compton, Calif., is penciled in at wide receiver.

That core, along with a few others, will be mixed in at different skill positions, so coach Sugg can gauge those skill sets and implement new packages to bring out the best from a group that scored 161 points in nine contests.

“It is great to have so many weapons,” Sugg said. “With the offense we have been running over the last couple of years, we haven’t had that guy who can get to the outside and kind of stretch the defense. When you have players who can run well in our fly sweep, it opens the rest of our running game. We have to be able to run inside the tackles and hit it on the outside, which will allow us to stretch the defense a little bit with our passing game. And we have a quarterback who get them the ball and make plays with his legs.”

On the surface, TD can gain an edge offensively in a variety of ways, but it will come down to the little things if they intend on turning the corner.

“We have the ability to score points with the players we have on offense,” Sugg said. “It is important that we stop the turnovers, cut down on the penalties and limit our mistakes for us to be successful. That is something that held us back in the past. We have had too many offensive penalties and holding penalties, so we need to work on that a little bit. If we can control the ball, block the right guys and give a great effort, then I think we should be OK.”

Defensive coordinator Rich Belanger has a little more depth to play with to institute his blitzing and pressure components, with linebackers and defensive backs coming from all angles.

In this complex 4-3 formation style, discipline, reads, anticipation and fundamentals are important aspects.

In 2017, the Hawks allowed 182 points in nine tilts, but held teams to two touchdowns or fewer five times with two shutouts.

Green is added to the safety position and Seufalemua will be in the trenches at defensive tackle.

Austin Greene, Abraham Garibay, Sanchez, Larson, Anderson, Scott, Silaphath, Neill, Dante Avila, Preston and others figure to play new roles on the defensive line, at linebacker or in the secondary.

Belanger called his secondary the most athletic he has had during his tenure, so having the athletes available gives him more chances to apply pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

“What I try to instill in these kids is that we have to play with emotion,” Belanger said. “If we play with emotion, line assignments and execution, I definitely see us having success. I am excited, but all the pieces have to come together.”

The football landscape has changed this year with The Dalles in a new 4A Special District 2 Conference.

TD joins Crook County, Estacada, Gladstone, North Marion and Woodburn.

“Moving down to 4A is going to be good for us,” Nelson said. “I have high expectations for the program and I think that going to the playoffs would be just the start of it. It’s going to take a lot of hard work, but I think that we will be able to grow as a team.”

With 52 players in the program, The Dalles can play a junior varsity schedule to get 25 underclassmen some experience on the gridiron, which will aid in their development.

As those athletes grow older and mature, they will be more well-versed in the offensive and defensive playbooks.

Part of that development comes down to coaching, and Sugg will have some new eyes on the sidelines with the addition of Andy Codding (offensive and defensive line coach.)

“It is always great to add coaches who shares your vision for the program,” Sugg said. “Andy brings years of knowledge and has a passion for the game that will really help these kids. I am excited to work with him.”

TD kicks off the season at 7 p.m. Friday versus Hood River Valley in a non-league matchup at Sid White Field.