FALL PREVIEW-Astoria Football
LEAGUE: Cowapa League (4A)
Although Rainier, now in the 3A Lewis & Clark League, should be improved, the Cowapa League got tougher with the addition of Pac-10 recruit quarterback Zach Anderson and the Yamhill-Carlton Tigers. Longer travel for Astoria. Banks now has a natural league rival.
HEAD COACH: Howard Rub (7th year, 22-34)
ASST COACHES: Ralph Steinback, Cam McFarland, Glenn Fromwiller, Brian Babbitt, Ryker Thornton, Adam McAloney
Rub could be on the hot seat if the Fishermen repeat their woeful Cowapa League performance. His right hand man, former offensive coordinator Pete Riley, has returned to Canada, taking advantage of his dual citizenship to attend to some health issues. Longtime assistant Ralph Steinback will coach up the quarterbacks and the defensive linemen while new assistant Glenn Fromwiller, a LaGrande native who comes to the Fishermen via Palm Springs, will handle wide receivers and DB's. Cam McFarland returns as defensive coordinator and line coach, but has tweaked the defensive scheme in hopes of more effectively stopping the run. Babbitt will pilot the frosh/soph team, assisted by Warrenton-native Thornton. Former Fishermen fullback and linebacker McAloney is a volunteer assistant.
2005 RECORD: 3-6 (0-5 Cowapa League last place)
LAST PLAYOFFS: 2004, lost at Junction City 20-0 in 2nd round
LAST LEAGUE TITLE: 1994?
LAST PLAYOFF WIN: 2004-defeated Newport 24-21 in 1st round
The Fishermen have reached the playoffs just twice this decade, losing to Sisters in a 2000 1st round game and reaching the second round in '04, both after second place finishes in the Cowapa League. The pressure is increasing for this team to produce, but in a competitive Cowapa League, a playoff berth is no guarantee this year. Also not on the roster: senior Aaron Coy who started several games on the offensive line in '05.
CURRENT COLLEGE/PRO ATHLETES: Frankie Febus (Eastern Oregon football DB), Josh Ray (Western Oregon football walk-on LB)
KEY GRAUDUATES/LOSSES: Ray (all-Cowapa MLB), Travis Wesely (all-Cowapa and Shrine Game WR), Kye Johnson (3-year all-league K), Syd Lane (WR/QB)
Ray was a physical specimen with a quick first step, also a starting fullback. Wesely was a sure-handed WR and a key defensive back. Johnson started at QB in 2005 and Lane backed him up.
OFFENSE: spread option DEFENSE: 4-3
RETURNING ALL-STARS: none
RETURNING STARTERS: 16 seniors return who were full or part-time starters
RETURNING LETTERMEN: 16
OTHER KEY RETURNEES: Senior WR/CB Brent Culver started every game in 2004 as a sophomore, but missed most of last season with a broken thumb
Last season the Fishermen thought they had a chance to be good, with three dominating wins to start the season (admittedly over lesser competition) and a competitive performance against Wilsonville, but ended up relying too heavily on underclassmen, especially on the line. With a talented running back finding nowhere to run, a passing game that could not make plays down the field and a defense that couldn't stop the run and get itself off the field, the Fishermen struggled to a winless Cowapa League season, although they were competitive in four of the five games, Scappoose being an exception.
This season, the Fishermen return a wealth of senior talent, including five experienced linemen who hope to improve their level of play. If they do, there are plenty of talented kids handling the ball behind them who can make plays...big plays!
Astoria showed off its big play ability in Friday night's 28-27 season-opening victory over Molalla, with all four touchdowns coming from more than 20 yards out.
The Fishermen return their top two running backs and their leading wide receiver and feature an exciting new offensive look that has the majority of plays coming from shotgun sets. Although they must replace a starting quarterback, most believe Astoria has upgraded at the position.
The question is, who will be this year's signalcaller. On opening night, it was a two-headed monster and may remain so for a few games, if not the entire season. Stinnett lost out to the senior Johnson in a training camp battle in 2005 and was expected to give way to talented sophomore Jordan Poyer this year. But the 6-1, 200 pound state javelin competitor battled evenly with the electrifying soph and his consistency won him the starting job for now. Both players can make plays with their feet as well as their arms, as Stinnett displayed with a 40-yard touchdown run against Molalla. Poyer has the edge in speed and elusiveness and the two are close in arm strength. This will be an interesting situation to track during the season. Expect to see both players take snaps at the position in most of the games.
When the Fishermen run the ball, they have two proven ballcarriers in the backfield. Andy Murray started out strong in '05, but ended the season banged-up, leaving the Scappoose game early and missing the Rainier game entirely. Murray appeared well on his way to 1000-yards-plus, but finished with 583 yards after hitting the wall during league play. Murray stands just 5-9, but has excellent quickness, above-average straight line speed and a muscular frame that allows him to break tackles. Murray is also a receiving threat out of the backfield (11 catches in '05) and is always a threat to throw a halfback pass. Dursse was all-world as a frosh, moved to St. Helens his sophomore year and heralded upon his return, but was unproductive for the most part in '05, averaging less than four yards per carry. Dursse has only average speed, but is as tough as they come at 5-8, 182. He seemed to be a victim of a weak offensive line more than his own shortcomings. As more of a straightahead runner, he had trouble finding lanes. Junior Tom Jawarski was a major addition to the state championship baseball team this spring after transferring from Jewell. "Jaws" is also undersized, but his quickness and speed will be an asset on punt returns. Trevor Puckett will see carries because he is the only true fullback on the roster. Just a sophomore, Puckett is a 6-0, 180-pound bruiser with all-state potential according to Coach Rub. Little Hans Lund, a 5-7, 135-pound junior is a versatile back who could also see time as a slot receiver. Dylan Jensen, a transfer from Reno, has impressed the coaching staff so far in August. Jensen will be a regular on cover teams and may continue to work his way up the depth chart in the offensive backfield.
The Fishermen sent a wide receiver to the Shrine Game at wide receiver, but return loaded at that position. Senior Nick Alfonse stayed healthy in 2005, at least until basketball season) and led the team in receptions (19), yards (336) and receiving TD's (4). While intensely rehabbing the knee he injured last December, the 6-1, 185-pound Alfonse has packed on muscle to his once slender frame and is "swole up" for '06. Four other seniors who caught passes last year return, led by slotback Brent Culver, a sophomore standout who missed most of his junior season with a thumb injury. Adam Koehnke (6-1, 155) and Culver will rotate in the slot, while Justin Tikkala (6-2, 170) and Tony Robinson (5-11, 160) will rotate with Alfonse at the two split end positions in Astoria's primarily three receiver sets.
The key to Astoria's success will be up front. Ben Mattingly faces perhaps the most pressure at center, where he will be handling shotgun snaps more than 90-percent of the time. The 6-0, 242 pound senior was up to the task on opening night while protecting his quarterbacks from a 280-pound Division I recruit nose tackle on the other side. Brook Smith is Astoria's most versatile lineman and will backup at center while starting at right guard. Thomas Christensen, like Smith a third year varsity player, will man the right guard position. At the tackles, 5-10, 264 pound senior Craig Folgner missed some summer camp time but won the right side job with his performance in 2-a-days. Jake Banta may be Astoria's most improved lineman. The left tackle is 6-3, 237 pounds with the above average quickness necessary to protect the quarterback's blind side. Juniors Alex Whittaker and Grady Parker will spell the tackles while Will Bush will see some time at guard. Astoria's all-senior starting line averages 6-0, 227 and did not allow a quarterback sack on opening night against Molalla's attacking 3-5 defense.
On the defensive side, Banta and Folgner are 2-way starters at the end and tackle positions respectively, while Whittaker and Parker combined for three sacks on the other side of the line Friday night. Reserve tackle Ben Mattingly got good penetration late in the fourth quarter and recorded a sack and 6-3, 264-pound junior transfer Dante Combs appears to have great upside.
At linebacker, Smith moves inside to replace Ray in the middle of the 4-3, while Puckett takes over on the strong side from Joey Dursse, who will spell him. Nathan Stinnett returns to his starting "Will" spot, backed up by Thomas Christensen. Jensen could contend for more reps, but for now will back up Smith at "Mike".
Astoria's defensive backfield is loaded, but got tested by rifle-armed Molalla quarterback Josh Haqq, who passed for over 280 yards and a pair of scores. Astoria has one proven playmaker in cornerback Brent Culver, an all-leaguer as a soph in '04. Jordan Poyer could match that feat if game one is any indication, with an interception return for a touchdown and several sure tackles to his credit. Andy Murray, when healthy, will start at strong safety with Poyer at free. Poyer will also play strong safety when Nick Alfonse is on the field. Tom Jawarski will get some snaps at safety. Justin Tikkala has the length to stay with tall wide receivers, as he proved by covering Molalla's rangy Tarance Glynn. Junior Sam Johnson and senior Adam Koehnke are also capable corners.
On special teams, Tony Robinson will handle kickoffs and PAT's. As a junior he backed up a 3-year all-leaguer, but according to coaches, Robinson would have been an all-league kicker in another league. Alfonse returns to handle the punting chores, while Dursse is an experienced long snapper. Stinnett will hold for PAT attempts. Astoria has plenty of choices in the return game, but Murray will be their top KR and Jawarski will take punts for now. The coaching staff will try to resist the temptation of using Poyer on returns. The 6-1, 165-pound sophomore has sprinter's speed and the elusiveness of a wet bar of soap in the bathtub. Poyer showed what he could do with a broken field on an entertaining 15-yard scramble to close the first half against Molalla, using a Costco-sized package of "Shake and Bake", while dancing through the Indians defense before finally being brought down.
TEAM STRENGTH: speed, experience and depth
WEAKNESS: improved line play a must
TOP COWAPA CONTENDERS: SCAPPOOSE, Seaside, Yamhill-Carlton
PROJECTED FINISH: will battle for top-3 playoff position
Rest assured, Astoria is a better football team in 2006. Will that translate to an extra game or two in November? Scappoose isn't going anywhere, although they lost some stud receivers and dominating lineman Nathan Hannah. The Indians have "a program" and as long as Sean McNabb is running the show, there will be good players ready to take the place of the Klobeses and Hannahs. And the Indians have their best QB since Derek Anderson led them to the first of three state championships in 2000. Justin Engstrom is not the only tall signal-caller being courted by Pac-10 schools as new Cowapa League entry Yamhill-Carlton features 6-5 Zach Anderson. All he did was light up Gladstone for six touchdown passes in an opening night victory. And Anderson has more proven receiving targets back than does Engstrom. And did anybody happen to notice that Seaside is absolutely loaded? Banks lost a lot of senior talent and Tillamook may be implementing a new offense. Astoria must beat those teams and hope to take at least one game from the other three. Seaside comes to John Warren Field to open Cowapa League play on October 6. Think that isn't a big game Fish fans?
Although Rainier, now in the 3A Lewis & Clark League, should be improved, the Cowapa League got tougher with the addition of Pac-10 recruit quarterback Zach Anderson and the Yamhill-Carlton Tigers. Longer travel for Astoria. Banks now has a natural league rival.
HEAD COACH: Howard Rub (7th year, 22-34)
ASST COACHES: Ralph Steinback, Cam McFarland, Glenn Fromwiller, Brian Babbitt, Ryker Thornton, Adam McAloney
Rub could be on the hot seat if the Fishermen repeat their woeful Cowapa League performance. His right hand man, former offensive coordinator Pete Riley, has returned to Canada, taking advantage of his dual citizenship to attend to some health issues. Longtime assistant Ralph Steinback will coach up the quarterbacks and the defensive linemen while new assistant Glenn Fromwiller, a LaGrande native who comes to the Fishermen via Palm Springs, will handle wide receivers and DB's. Cam McFarland returns as defensive coordinator and line coach, but has tweaked the defensive scheme in hopes of more effectively stopping the run. Babbitt will pilot the frosh/soph team, assisted by Warrenton-native Thornton. Former Fishermen fullback and linebacker McAloney is a volunteer assistant.
2005 RECORD: 3-6 (0-5 Cowapa League last place)
LAST PLAYOFFS: 2004, lost at Junction City 20-0 in 2nd round
LAST LEAGUE TITLE: 1994?
LAST PLAYOFF WIN: 2004-defeated Newport 24-21 in 1st round
The Fishermen have reached the playoffs just twice this decade, losing to Sisters in a 2000 1st round game and reaching the second round in '04, both after second place finishes in the Cowapa League. The pressure is increasing for this team to produce, but in a competitive Cowapa League, a playoff berth is no guarantee this year. Also not on the roster: senior Aaron Coy who started several games on the offensive line in '05.
CURRENT COLLEGE/PRO ATHLETES: Frankie Febus (Eastern Oregon football DB), Josh Ray (Western Oregon football walk-on LB)
KEY GRAUDUATES/LOSSES: Ray (all-Cowapa MLB), Travis Wesely (all-Cowapa and Shrine Game WR), Kye Johnson (3-year all-league K), Syd Lane (WR/QB)
Ray was a physical specimen with a quick first step, also a starting fullback. Wesely was a sure-handed WR and a key defensive back. Johnson started at QB in 2005 and Lane backed him up.
OFFENSE: spread option DEFENSE: 4-3
RETURNING ALL-STARS: none
RETURNING STARTERS: 16 seniors return who were full or part-time starters
RETURNING LETTERMEN: 16
OTHER KEY RETURNEES: Senior WR/CB Brent Culver started every game in 2004 as a sophomore, but missed most of last season with a broken thumb
Last season the Fishermen thought they had a chance to be good, with three dominating wins to start the season (admittedly over lesser competition) and a competitive performance against Wilsonville, but ended up relying too heavily on underclassmen, especially on the line. With a talented running back finding nowhere to run, a passing game that could not make plays down the field and a defense that couldn't stop the run and get itself off the field, the Fishermen struggled to a winless Cowapa League season, although they were competitive in four of the five games, Scappoose being an exception.
This season, the Fishermen return a wealth of senior talent, including five experienced linemen who hope to improve their level of play. If they do, there are plenty of talented kids handling the ball behind them who can make plays...big plays!
Astoria showed off its big play ability in Friday night's 28-27 season-opening victory over Molalla, with all four touchdowns coming from more than 20 yards out.
The Fishermen return their top two running backs and their leading wide receiver and feature an exciting new offensive look that has the majority of plays coming from shotgun sets. Although they must replace a starting quarterback, most believe Astoria has upgraded at the position.
The question is, who will be this year's signalcaller. On opening night, it was a two-headed monster and may remain so for a few games, if not the entire season. Stinnett lost out to the senior Johnson in a training camp battle in 2005 and was expected to give way to talented sophomore Jordan Poyer this year. But the 6-1, 200 pound state javelin competitor battled evenly with the electrifying soph and his consistency won him the starting job for now. Both players can make plays with their feet as well as their arms, as Stinnett displayed with a 40-yard touchdown run against Molalla. Poyer has the edge in speed and elusiveness and the two are close in arm strength. This will be an interesting situation to track during the season. Expect to see both players take snaps at the position in most of the games.
When the Fishermen run the ball, they have two proven ballcarriers in the backfield. Andy Murray started out strong in '05, but ended the season banged-up, leaving the Scappoose game early and missing the Rainier game entirely. Murray appeared well on his way to 1000-yards-plus, but finished with 583 yards after hitting the wall during league play. Murray stands just 5-9, but has excellent quickness, above-average straight line speed and a muscular frame that allows him to break tackles. Murray is also a receiving threat out of the backfield (11 catches in '05) and is always a threat to throw a halfback pass. Dursse was all-world as a frosh, moved to St. Helens his sophomore year and heralded upon his return, but was unproductive for the most part in '05, averaging less than four yards per carry. Dursse has only average speed, but is as tough as they come at 5-8, 182. He seemed to be a victim of a weak offensive line more than his own shortcomings. As more of a straightahead runner, he had trouble finding lanes. Junior Tom Jawarski was a major addition to the state championship baseball team this spring after transferring from Jewell. "Jaws" is also undersized, but his quickness and speed will be an asset on punt returns. Trevor Puckett will see carries because he is the only true fullback on the roster. Just a sophomore, Puckett is a 6-0, 180-pound bruiser with all-state potential according to Coach Rub. Little Hans Lund, a 5-7, 135-pound junior is a versatile back who could also see time as a slot receiver. Dylan Jensen, a transfer from Reno, has impressed the coaching staff so far in August. Jensen will be a regular on cover teams and may continue to work his way up the depth chart in the offensive backfield.
The Fishermen sent a wide receiver to the Shrine Game at wide receiver, but return loaded at that position. Senior Nick Alfonse stayed healthy in 2005, at least until basketball season) and led the team in receptions (19), yards (336) and receiving TD's (4). While intensely rehabbing the knee he injured last December, the 6-1, 185-pound Alfonse has packed on muscle to his once slender frame and is "swole up" for '06. Four other seniors who caught passes last year return, led by slotback Brent Culver, a sophomore standout who missed most of his junior season with a thumb injury. Adam Koehnke (6-1, 155) and Culver will rotate in the slot, while Justin Tikkala (6-2, 170) and Tony Robinson (5-11, 160) will rotate with Alfonse at the two split end positions in Astoria's primarily three receiver sets.
The key to Astoria's success will be up front. Ben Mattingly faces perhaps the most pressure at center, where he will be handling shotgun snaps more than 90-percent of the time. The 6-0, 242 pound senior was up to the task on opening night while protecting his quarterbacks from a 280-pound Division I recruit nose tackle on the other side. Brook Smith is Astoria's most versatile lineman and will backup at center while starting at right guard. Thomas Christensen, like Smith a third year varsity player, will man the right guard position. At the tackles, 5-10, 264 pound senior Craig Folgner missed some summer camp time but won the right side job with his performance in 2-a-days. Jake Banta may be Astoria's most improved lineman. The left tackle is 6-3, 237 pounds with the above average quickness necessary to protect the quarterback's blind side. Juniors Alex Whittaker and Grady Parker will spell the tackles while Will Bush will see some time at guard. Astoria's all-senior starting line averages 6-0, 227 and did not allow a quarterback sack on opening night against Molalla's attacking 3-5 defense.
On the defensive side, Banta and Folgner are 2-way starters at the end and tackle positions respectively, while Whittaker and Parker combined for three sacks on the other side of the line Friday night. Reserve tackle Ben Mattingly got good penetration late in the fourth quarter and recorded a sack and 6-3, 264-pound junior transfer Dante Combs appears to have great upside.
At linebacker, Smith moves inside to replace Ray in the middle of the 4-3, while Puckett takes over on the strong side from Joey Dursse, who will spell him. Nathan Stinnett returns to his starting "Will" spot, backed up by Thomas Christensen. Jensen could contend for more reps, but for now will back up Smith at "Mike".
Astoria's defensive backfield is loaded, but got tested by rifle-armed Molalla quarterback Josh Haqq, who passed for over 280 yards and a pair of scores. Astoria has one proven playmaker in cornerback Brent Culver, an all-leaguer as a soph in '04. Jordan Poyer could match that feat if game one is any indication, with an interception return for a touchdown and several sure tackles to his credit. Andy Murray, when healthy, will start at strong safety with Poyer at free. Poyer will also play strong safety when Nick Alfonse is on the field. Tom Jawarski will get some snaps at safety. Justin Tikkala has the length to stay with tall wide receivers, as he proved by covering Molalla's rangy Tarance Glynn. Junior Sam Johnson and senior Adam Koehnke are also capable corners.
On special teams, Tony Robinson will handle kickoffs and PAT's. As a junior he backed up a 3-year all-leaguer, but according to coaches, Robinson would have been an all-league kicker in another league. Alfonse returns to handle the punting chores, while Dursse is an experienced long snapper. Stinnett will hold for PAT attempts. Astoria has plenty of choices in the return game, but Murray will be their top KR and Jawarski will take punts for now. The coaching staff will try to resist the temptation of using Poyer on returns. The 6-1, 165-pound sophomore has sprinter's speed and the elusiveness of a wet bar of soap in the bathtub. Poyer showed what he could do with a broken field on an entertaining 15-yard scramble to close the first half against Molalla, using a Costco-sized package of "Shake and Bake", while dancing through the Indians defense before finally being brought down.
TEAM STRENGTH: speed, experience and depth
WEAKNESS: improved line play a must
TOP COWAPA CONTENDERS: SCAPPOOSE, Seaside, Yamhill-Carlton
PROJECTED FINISH: will battle for top-3 playoff position
Rest assured, Astoria is a better football team in 2006. Will that translate to an extra game or two in November? Scappoose isn't going anywhere, although they lost some stud receivers and dominating lineman Nathan Hannah. The Indians have "a program" and as long as Sean McNabb is running the show, there will be good players ready to take the place of the Klobeses and Hannahs. And the Indians have their best QB since Derek Anderson led them to the first of three state championships in 2000. Justin Engstrom is not the only tall signal-caller being courted by Pac-10 schools as new Cowapa League entry Yamhill-Carlton features 6-5 Zach Anderson. All he did was light up Gladstone for six touchdown passes in an opening night victory. And Anderson has more proven receiving targets back than does Engstrom. And did anybody happen to notice that Seaside is absolutely loaded? Banks lost a lot of senior talent and Tillamook may be implementing a new offense. Astoria must beat those teams and hope to take at least one game from the other three. Seaside comes to John Warren Field to open Cowapa League play on October 6. Think that isn't a big game Fish fans?
posted by Matt Richert at 12:57 PM
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