August 31, 2010
By Christopher Huber
Skyline
The fact that Skyline sophomore quarterback Max Browne has some big shoes to fill might be a gross understatement. But he and his teammates aren’t letting the fact that three-time state champ Jake Heaps isn’t here to lead the team to another title get to them.
And even though Skyline lost a handful of its core varsity squad to graduation, Browne and the Spartans carried over their energy from the 2009 championship season with the same goal in mind — make it to the Tacoma Dome.
Skyline sophomore quarterback Max Browne delivers a pass during the team scrimmage Aug. 27. Photo by Christopher Huber
“I’ve never seen as much energy,” said head coach Mat Taylor after the Aug. 27 team scrimmage. “They’re really just gearing up for week one.”
In the practice game — played in front of Spartan team friends and family — Browne had a chance to work with the receiving core, which includes Washington-bound senior Kasen Williams and standouts Michael Ford and Jordan Simone.
Leading up to the season opener at Liberty, he’s working well with his receivers, Taylor said.
“He’s really making a name for himself this year,” Taylor said.
If Browne wants to continue to make a name for himself, the key this year for Skyline will be to develop an offensive line focused on protecting him and giving him time to throw the ball. Skyline lost its top seven linemen to graduation, Taylor said.
“The biggest thing is, we’ve got to get a little creative,” he said.
Among the notable starters fans will see on the field in 2010 are senior running back Kai Jandoc (5-8, 180), senior defensive back and wide receiver Teran Tioga (6-1, 175), senior running back and linebacker Alex Carey (6-0, 190), senior tight end and defensive end Conner Cree (6-5, 230) senior two-way linemen John Harrington (6-3, 220) and Chris Torres (6-1, 230).
Bottom line, said Taylor, Skyline is much the same team as the past three years. It’s a team that expects to win, which is an invaluable trait in team sports, he said.
“One game at a time, these kids expect to win,” Taylor said.
For more information on the Spartans’ team and schedule, visit www.skylinegridiron.com.
Eastlake
The Eastlake Wolves football team is coming off a relatively positive 2009 season. After going 6-4 overall and making it to the second round of the playoffs, Eastlake is looking to compete more fiercely in the KingCo Crest division with a more experienced squad, said head coach Gene Dales and various players.
“We’ve got a lot of guys with experience coming back,” said senior defensive end and center Alex Gray.
Eastlake quarterback Keegan Kemp takes snaps during practice Aug. 26. Photo by Christopher Huber
Despite losing about half of its 2009 starting roster to graduation, Eastlake was able to maintain its traditionally fast defensive, as well as build its strength at running back, Dales said. Additionally, the team has seen a good rotation of players thriving on the defensive line, with Matt Uhlar, Danny Grotjahn and Sean MacDonald leading at linebacker.
“Our defense is real fast,” he said. “We haven’t been blessed with size but we’re real fast.”
Looking to the season opener against Central Kitsap, which has been to the playoffs the past three seasons, Dales said they seem to be fairly evenly matched teams. But the Central Kitsap defense will test the new Wolves offense, led by senior quarterback Keegan Kemp, a first-year starter.
“He’s kinda crafty — good ball fakes, arm and football savvy,” Dales said. “The kids respond well to him.”
Although the team overall isn’t huge, Eastlake should be able to protect Kemp with its largest offensive line since 2007. The line includes Paul Horace (6-2, 240), junior guard Keppa Hughes (6-1, 235), junior Gino Bresolin (6-1, 245), Gray, a senior guard (6-1, 235), senior Rio Fernandez (6-0, 230) and senior Andrew Carey (215).
“Handling pressure will be real important for us,” Dales said.
Eastlake will feature two explosive running backs in 2010 — seniors Kyle Lappano and Sam Gillis. Dales said Lappano is Division 1 material and Gillis, “he is a rock. He’s a tough dude and he brings it every play.”
For more information on the Wolves’ team and schedule, visit www.wolvesfootball.com.
Eastside Catholic
The Eastside Catholic Crusaders are looking to turn things around in 2010. After winning the KingCo 3A title in 2008, Eastside Catholic went 4-6 overall (2-3 Metro) in 2009, losing tough battles against league leaders O’Dea and Seattle Prep.
During practice Aug. 27, second-year head coach Jason Gesser highlighted the team’s cohesiveness and camaraderie that he said will likely be the key to success in 2010. The team lost a good portion of its 2009 starting squad to graduation, including quarterback Connor McCormick. Sophomore Trey Reynolds is taking the helm for the Crusaders and will rely on his quickness and a strong running game from the likes of senior Rob Granfelt and junior Chevelle Walker.
“We’re not great in numbers, but we’ve got a lot of quality guys out there,” Gesser said.
Crusader quarterback Trey Reynolds takes snaps with his offensive line Aug. 27. Photo by Christopher Huber
Despite a lack of experience at the quarterback position, Gesser noted Reynolds’ agility and leadership on the field, compared to Conner McCormick’s strong throwing arm in 2009.
“Trey is more agile and athletic,” Gesser said. “He’s a good overall field general.”
Although the team is small compared to seasons past, Gesser said Eastside Catholic will have a strong core of experienced sophomores and juniors in 2010. That fills the pipeline for 2011 and 2012.
Among the key players for the Crusaders this year are: junior linebacker Joe Soutt, senior wide receiver Alex Smith, and senior linebacker Mario Salazar.
“I think we’ll surprise a handful of people,” Gesser said.
For more information on the Crusaders’ team and schedule, visit www.eastsidecatholic.org.
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Other Stories of Interest: Eastlake football, Eastside Catholic football, football, high school football, Skyline High School Football
The fact that Skyline sophomore quarterback Max Browne has some big shoes to fill might be a gross understatement. But he and his teammates aren’t letting the fact that three-time state champ Jake Heaps isn’t here to lead the team to another title get to them.And even though Skyline lost a handful of its core varsity squad to graduation, Browne and the Spartans carried over their energy from the 2009 championship season with the same goal in mind — make it to the Tacoma Dome.
Skyline sophomore quarterback Max Browne delivers a pass during the team scrimmage Aug. 27. Photo by Christopher Huber
“I’ve never seen as much energy,” said head coach Mat Taylor after the Aug. 27 team scrimmage. “They’re really just gearing up for week one.”In the practice game — played in front of Spartan team friends and family — Browne had a chance to work with the receiving core, which includes Washington-bound senior Kasen Williams and standouts Michael Ford and Jordan Simone.Leading up to the season opener at Liberty, he’s working well with his receivers, Taylor said.“He’s really making a name for himself this year,” Taylor said.If Browne wants to continue to make a name for himself, the key this year for Skyline will be to develop an offensive line focused on protecting him and giving him time to throw the ball. Skyline lost its top seven linemen to graduation, Taylor said.“The biggest thing is, we’ve got to get a little creative,” he said.Among the notable starters fans will see on the field in 2010 are senior running back Kai Jandoc (5-8, 180), senior defensive back and wide receiver Teran Tioga (6-1, 175), senior running back and linebacker Alex Carey (6-0, 190), senior tight end and defensive end Conner Cree (6-5, 230) senior two-way linemen John Harrington (6-3, 220) and Chris Torres (6-1, 230).Bottom line, said Taylor, Skyline is much the same team as the past three years. It’s a team that expects to win, which is an invaluable trait in team sports, he said.“One game at a time, these kids expect to win,” Taylor said.For more information on the Spartans’ team and schedule, visit www.skylinegridiron.com.The Eastlake Wolves football team is coming off a relatively positive 2009 season. After going 6-4 overall and making it to the second round of the playoffs, Eastlake is looking to compete more fiercely in the KingCo Crest division with a more experienced squad, said head coach Gene Dales and various players.“We’ve got a lot of guys with experience coming back,” said senior defensive end and center Alex Gray.
Eastlake quarterback Keegan Kemp takes snaps during practice Aug. 26. Photo by Christopher Huber
Crusader quarterback Trey Reynolds takes snaps with his offensive line Aug. 27. Photo by Christopher Huber
