FALL PREVIEWS-Ilwaco Football
LEAGUE: Southwest WA 1A-Trico Division
The Fishermen are by now used to changing league opponents every couple of years. They are now rematched against several teams from the former 2A Trico years (Castle Rock, La Center, White Salmon, Stevenson) while maintaining a recent rivalry with Kalama. The odd team in this mix is Rochester, which opted to join the southern half of the S.W.W. 1A when Toledo and Winlock declined. Rochester will likely be in for a 2 year bid before moving back to the 2A ranks. Ilwaco will soon be 2B if recent steep decline in enrollment (more than 100 students lost in the past year) continues. At least then Ilwaco will have a natural league rival in Naselle!
Toledo and Winlock join Onalaska and Rainier in the Evergreen Division, which also includes former 2A schools Montesano, Forks and Tenino.
The top three teams from each division advance to a crossover playoff at the end of the season. The entire league will get either 3 or 4 state playoff berths.
HEAD COACH: Ned Bittner (4th year, 11-19)
ASST COACHES: Nathan Plummer, Steve Schuele, Nick Lyster, Ian Bittner
Ilwaco has increased its win total each year under Bittner, who also coaches the girls basketball team. Bittner will call the plays while Plummer handles the defense. Steve Schuele is a volunteer assistant new to the area from Vancouver who will work with linebackers. Lyster and Bittner's younger brother Ian, who finished his playing career last year at Eastern Oregon, will coach the junior varsity.
2005 RECORD: 6-5 (5-3 S.W. WA 1A League 4th place)
PLAYOFFS: lost to Friday Harbor 60-7 in first round
The excitement created by a 6-0 start fizzled with an 0-5 finish. A schedule backloaded with the tougher teams in the league coupled with mounting bumps and bruises led to the season-ending losing streak, although a couple of breaks could have made a difference in three close losses to White Pass, Hockinson and Onalaska. A 49-7 blowout loss at Kalama started the slide, which finished with Ilwaco making only the third playoff appearance in the history of the football program, losing big to a Friday Harbor team that reached the semifinals.
LAST LEAGUE TITLE: 1990 (tied for first)
LAST PLAYOFF WIN: 12-0 victory over Forks in '90
Ilwaco has only one playoff win in the history of the program, although there were some good teams prior to the institution of a state playoff format in 1973 (1962 squad went a perfect 9-0, league champions in 1966-67). The 1990 team went on to lose to powerhouse Eatonville 57-16 in the quarterfinals. Ilwaco's only other playoff appearance came in 2001, a 54-12 loss to Tacoma Baptist.
CURRENT COLLEGE/PRO ATHLETES: none
KEY GRAUDUATES/LOSSES: Jarod Schaak (WR/DB), Mooch Smith (QB/LB), Bobby Crislip (OL/K), Joe Goelz (TE/LB)
Smith (46-104-2-553, 5 TD) transitioned from fullback to quarterback in last year's wishbone attack and was a goalline threat as a ballcarrier (10 TD, 548 yards rushing). When Smith threw the ball, 6-4 receiver Jarod Schaak was his top target (32-421, 3 TD's). Schaak was also a special teams menace, recovering multiple onside kicks. Crislip was a multi-year standout on the line and Goelz was a 2-way starter.
OFFENSE: I-formation, multiple DEFENSE: 4-3
RETURNING ALL-STARS: Eddie Knick (Jr., 2nd-team All-state RB), Geoff Hylton (Sr., Honorable Mention All-state lineman), Anthony Wirkkala (Sr., 2nd-tm SWW1A OL), Colten Chalker (Sr., 2nd-tm SWW1A LB), Alex Martin (Sr., HM SWW1A RB), R.J. Jamieson (Sr., HM SWW1A DL)
RETURNING STARTERS: 7 offense/7 defense
RETURNING LETTERMEN: 20
OTHER KEY RETURNEES: Nick Morrison (Jr., FB/LB), Matt Kaino (Jr., WR/DB), Theo Raaymakers (Sr., OL/DL), Jeff Nesbit (Sr., OL/DL), Jacob Nesbit (Jr., QB)
KEY NEWCOMERS: Ryan Blake (Jr., WR/DB), Jason Schuele (So.)
The Fishermen return a potent offensive backfield, with Knick and Martin combining for over 2000 yards and 25 touchdowns. Knick (5-9, 170 lbs.), who has rushed for over 1000 yards each of his first two years, will be one of the state's top 1A running backs in his junior year. The junior runs the 40 in 4.7 flat and has the power to break tackles when he's not dancing around them. In an attempt to utilize both players, Martin (124-801, 9 TD's) may see some time at wide receiver when Ilwaco sets up in an I-formation, with Morrison leading the way for Knick at fullback. Martin is not quite as fast as Knick, but possesses impressive lower body strength making him tough to bring down.
New quarterback Jason Nesbit has as strong an arm as Ilwaco has ever had at the position, but is wet behind the ears. Wirkkala (now 6-4 and a finely-toned 205 lbs.) switches from tackle to tight end and moves from the line to linebacker on the defensive side, utilizing his increased agility. He and Matt Kaino will be top targets in the passing game and both appear to be primed for breakout seasons, meaning Ilwaco could have a devastatingly potent offense if Nesbit finds a comfort zone.
It all starts up front, where the Fishermen have three returning starters (not counting Wirkkala) and an all-state caliber lineman in Geoff Hylton (6-1, 215 lbs.). Jeff Nesbit and R.J. Jamieson bring returning experience to both lines and Theo Raaymakers (6-2, 240 lbs.) provides a powerful presence.
Look for Morrison to take over at middle linebacker. The junior may get a few more carries on offense this year as Ilwaco keeps opposing defenses off balance with a variety of looks. Colten Chalker gives the Fishermen experience at outside linebacker with Wirkkala joined by C.J. Hawkinson in the rotation. Chalker may play some strong safety, otherwise Knick and Martin will get the call with Matt Kaino and Jordan Desimone on the outside. Desimone also will see time at wide receiver.
Newcomer Ryan Blake, a 6-7 junior transfer from Sacramento, could be a taller Jarod Schaak at wideout and defensive back. Blake's younger brother Hayden, a 6-2, 260-pound freshman beast may be a year away from contributing, but has tremendous upside. Yet another transfer student, 5-7, 140-pound sophomore Jason Schuele from Vancouver's Evergreen High School, will be a major boon to the wrestling team this winter but could also contribute on the gridiron.
On special teams, the return game is secure with Knick and Martin threats to take it to the house every time they touch the ball. As usual, the kicking game is suspect. Junior Talancon will get a crack at placekicker and is battling with Jacob Nesbit for punting chores.
TEAM STRENGTH: experience, proven production at running back/O-line
strong>WEAKNESS: depth
TOP CONTENDERS: Kalama, Castle Rock, La Center
PROJECTED FINISH: battle for top three, playoff berth
Don't expect Ilwaco to crash and burn in October this year, but a 6-0 start is equally as unlikely in a tough league.
Kalama, despite losing some transfers, is still a favorite, while Castle Rock has league MVP favorite Lucas Meyers at running back. La Center features a tricky double-wing attack that has given Ilwaco fits in the past.
The Fishermen go from being one of the bigger teams in last year's 1A to a runt in the restructured 6-class system. That's only in terms of enrollment, however, as Ilwaco has plenty of beef in its lineup, but the Fishermen are only an injury or two away from some hard times.
The Fishermen open the schedule with two of the state's top B schools with Wahkiakum at home and Willapa Valley on the road, and have another tough non-league game at Ridgefield in week four, following a road league opener at Rochester. If the Fishermen stay healthy and new quarterback Jacob Nesbit plays to his potential, this team has the talent to finish in the upper division. But Ilwaco must learn how to win the close games because just about every week could be a battle. Wherever they finish, Ilwaco will be fun to watch with the long ball added to big-play running attack.
The Fishermen are by now used to changing league opponents every couple of years. They are now rematched against several teams from the former 2A Trico years (Castle Rock, La Center, White Salmon, Stevenson) while maintaining a recent rivalry with Kalama. The odd team in this mix is Rochester, which opted to join the southern half of the S.W.W. 1A when Toledo and Winlock declined. Rochester will likely be in for a 2 year bid before moving back to the 2A ranks. Ilwaco will soon be 2B if recent steep decline in enrollment (more than 100 students lost in the past year) continues. At least then Ilwaco will have a natural league rival in Naselle!
Toledo and Winlock join Onalaska and Rainier in the Evergreen Division, which also includes former 2A schools Montesano, Forks and Tenino.
The top three teams from each division advance to a crossover playoff at the end of the season. The entire league will get either 3 or 4 state playoff berths.
HEAD COACH: Ned Bittner (4th year, 11-19)
ASST COACHES: Nathan Plummer, Steve Schuele, Nick Lyster, Ian Bittner
Ilwaco has increased its win total each year under Bittner, who also coaches the girls basketball team. Bittner will call the plays while Plummer handles the defense. Steve Schuele is a volunteer assistant new to the area from Vancouver who will work with linebackers. Lyster and Bittner's younger brother Ian, who finished his playing career last year at Eastern Oregon, will coach the junior varsity.
2005 RECORD: 6-5 (5-3 S.W. WA 1A League 4th place)
PLAYOFFS: lost to Friday Harbor 60-7 in first round
The excitement created by a 6-0 start fizzled with an 0-5 finish. A schedule backloaded with the tougher teams in the league coupled with mounting bumps and bruises led to the season-ending losing streak, although a couple of breaks could have made a difference in three close losses to White Pass, Hockinson and Onalaska. A 49-7 blowout loss at Kalama started the slide, which finished with Ilwaco making only the third playoff appearance in the history of the football program, losing big to a Friday Harbor team that reached the semifinals.
LAST LEAGUE TITLE: 1990 (tied for first)
LAST PLAYOFF WIN: 12-0 victory over Forks in '90
Ilwaco has only one playoff win in the history of the program, although there were some good teams prior to the institution of a state playoff format in 1973 (1962 squad went a perfect 9-0, league champions in 1966-67). The 1990 team went on to lose to powerhouse Eatonville 57-16 in the quarterfinals. Ilwaco's only other playoff appearance came in 2001, a 54-12 loss to Tacoma Baptist.
CURRENT COLLEGE/PRO ATHLETES: none
KEY GRAUDUATES/LOSSES: Jarod Schaak (WR/DB), Mooch Smith (QB/LB), Bobby Crislip (OL/K), Joe Goelz (TE/LB)
Smith (46-104-2-553, 5 TD) transitioned from fullback to quarterback in last year's wishbone attack and was a goalline threat as a ballcarrier (10 TD, 548 yards rushing). When Smith threw the ball, 6-4 receiver Jarod Schaak was his top target (32-421, 3 TD's). Schaak was also a special teams menace, recovering multiple onside kicks. Crislip was a multi-year standout on the line and Goelz was a 2-way starter.
OFFENSE: I-formation, multiple DEFENSE: 4-3
RETURNING ALL-STARS: Eddie Knick (Jr., 2nd-team All-state RB), Geoff Hylton (Sr., Honorable Mention All-state lineman), Anthony Wirkkala (Sr., 2nd-tm SWW1A OL), Colten Chalker (Sr., 2nd-tm SWW1A LB), Alex Martin (Sr., HM SWW1A RB), R.J. Jamieson (Sr., HM SWW1A DL)
RETURNING STARTERS: 7 offense/7 defense
RETURNING LETTERMEN: 20
OTHER KEY RETURNEES: Nick Morrison (Jr., FB/LB), Matt Kaino (Jr., WR/DB), Theo Raaymakers (Sr., OL/DL), Jeff Nesbit (Sr., OL/DL), Jacob Nesbit (Jr., QB)
KEY NEWCOMERS: Ryan Blake (Jr., WR/DB), Jason Schuele (So.)
The Fishermen return a potent offensive backfield, with Knick and Martin combining for over 2000 yards and 25 touchdowns. Knick (5-9, 170 lbs.), who has rushed for over 1000 yards each of his first two years, will be one of the state's top 1A running backs in his junior year. The junior runs the 40 in 4.7 flat and has the power to break tackles when he's not dancing around them. In an attempt to utilize both players, Martin (124-801, 9 TD's) may see some time at wide receiver when Ilwaco sets up in an I-formation, with Morrison leading the way for Knick at fullback. Martin is not quite as fast as Knick, but possesses impressive lower body strength making him tough to bring down.
New quarterback Jason Nesbit has as strong an arm as Ilwaco has ever had at the position, but is wet behind the ears. Wirkkala (now 6-4 and a finely-toned 205 lbs.) switches from tackle to tight end and moves from the line to linebacker on the defensive side, utilizing his increased agility. He and Matt Kaino will be top targets in the passing game and both appear to be primed for breakout seasons, meaning Ilwaco could have a devastatingly potent offense if Nesbit finds a comfort zone.
It all starts up front, where the Fishermen have three returning starters (not counting Wirkkala) and an all-state caliber lineman in Geoff Hylton (6-1, 215 lbs.). Jeff Nesbit and R.J. Jamieson bring returning experience to both lines and Theo Raaymakers (6-2, 240 lbs.) provides a powerful presence.
Look for Morrison to take over at middle linebacker. The junior may get a few more carries on offense this year as Ilwaco keeps opposing defenses off balance with a variety of looks. Colten Chalker gives the Fishermen experience at outside linebacker with Wirkkala joined by C.J. Hawkinson in the rotation. Chalker may play some strong safety, otherwise Knick and Martin will get the call with Matt Kaino and Jordan Desimone on the outside. Desimone also will see time at wide receiver.
Newcomer Ryan Blake, a 6-7 junior transfer from Sacramento, could be a taller Jarod Schaak at wideout and defensive back. Blake's younger brother Hayden, a 6-2, 260-pound freshman beast may be a year away from contributing, but has tremendous upside. Yet another transfer student, 5-7, 140-pound sophomore Jason Schuele from Vancouver's Evergreen High School, will be a major boon to the wrestling team this winter but could also contribute on the gridiron.
On special teams, the return game is secure with Knick and Martin threats to take it to the house every time they touch the ball. As usual, the kicking game is suspect. Junior Talancon will get a crack at placekicker and is battling with Jacob Nesbit for punting chores.
TEAM STRENGTH: experience, proven production at running back/O-line
strong>WEAKNESS: depth
TOP CONTENDERS: Kalama, Castle Rock, La Center
PROJECTED FINISH: battle for top three, playoff berth
Don't expect Ilwaco to crash and burn in October this year, but a 6-0 start is equally as unlikely in a tough league.
Kalama, despite losing some transfers, is still a favorite, while Castle Rock has league MVP favorite Lucas Meyers at running back. La Center features a tricky double-wing attack that has given Ilwaco fits in the past.
The Fishermen go from being one of the bigger teams in last year's 1A to a runt in the restructured 6-class system. That's only in terms of enrollment, however, as Ilwaco has plenty of beef in its lineup, but the Fishermen are only an injury or two away from some hard times.
The Fishermen open the schedule with two of the state's top B schools with Wahkiakum at home and Willapa Valley on the road, and have another tough non-league game at Ridgefield in week four, following a road league opener at Rochester. If the Fishermen stay healthy and new quarterback Jacob Nesbit plays to his potential, this team has the talent to finish in the upper division. But Ilwaco must learn how to win the close games because just about every week could be a battle. Wherever they finish, Ilwaco will be fun to watch with the long ball added to big-play running attack.
posted by Matt Richert at 8:27 AM
1 Comments:
Keep an eye on Toledo this year... they are going to surprise some people. Yes, they have had some pretty dismal records in the last few years, but take into consideration that this is the first year time in four years that they have had the same coach two years in a row. They have some big, talented boys on there, and their coach is working them hard. They could very well be your wild card this season.
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