The high school football season gets under way today as teams hit the field for their first practices. Here’s a look at the top story lines and players:
THREE STORYLINES TO FOLLOW
1 Will Lakes reach the mountaintop?
Lakes has seen its season end in the Class 3A state semifinals the past three seasons. Each time, the Lancers had their sights set on a state title, and this season is no different. With All-Americans in OL/DL Zach Banner and QB/DB Cedric Dozier leading a team that returns nine starters on both sides of the ball, the second-ranked Lancers expect to end the 2011 season with the state trophy held high above their heads.
2 SPSL South up for grabs
Curtis has dominated the SPSL South the past three seasons, compiling a gaudy 23-1 league record. But with just seven returning starters, the gap between the Vikings and the rest of the league has narrowed. Bethel and Graham-Kapowsin have talented quarterback-receiver combos coming back, Federal Way boasts an athletic defense, and tradition-rich Rogers and Puyallup are among the teams poised to try and topple Curtis.
3 Can Tumwater and Cascade Christian repeat?
Both teams begin the season as a favorite to reach the Tacoma Dome. Second-ranked Tumwater, the reigning Class 2A champion, returns a load of offensive weapons, including QB Daniel Hinkle and running backs Ronnie Hastie and Peyton Olson. Top-ranked Cascade Christian will rely on experienced seniors Jake Archer and Joshua Shreffler to lead the Cougars back to the Class 1A finals for a fourth consecutive season.
THREE PLAYERS TO WATCH
1 After becoming the starting running back in Week 3 last season, Lakes’ Levonte Littlejohn rushed for 1,993 yards. Imagine what he’ll do with a full season as the Lancers’ featured back.
2 In his third season as Bethel’s starting quarterback, Justin Hordyk could challenge several SPSL records. Hordyk’s 2,757 yards of total offense in 2010 rank second in league history.
3 Offensive tackles Zach Banner, Joshua Garnett and Walker Williams have earned their share of publicity, but look out for White River senior Scott Rose. The 6-foot-4, 285-pound lineman is primed for a breakout season.
THREE GAMES TO SEE
1 Will there be a shift of power in the SPSL South? We might find out in Week 1 when Rogers visits Curtis on Sept. 2.
2 The Narrows League 4A title could be on the line – just like last year – when Olympia travels to Bellarmine Prep on Oct. 21.
3 Tenth-ranked Kentlake has big aspirations, and the Falcons can prove they’re for real when they host perennial power Auburn on Oct. 13.
By Doug Pacey, staff writer
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