Auburn Approach: `Just Do It' -- Trojans Aim For The Playoffs

There hasn't been a lot of talk about the state playoffs among Auburn High School football players the past few weeks.

A lot of thought, but not talk.

Each season, naturally, the Trojans come in full of high expectations that this will be the year. But it hasn't happened - yet.

For Auburn, being the biggest school in the state has not translated into being among the best football programs. Here, basketball reigns.

The Trojans certainly aren't among the worst in football, with winning seasons four out of the past five years. They've enjoyed some good seasons, going 6-3 in 1989, for instance, just not quite good enough. The school's playoff record looks like this: One entry, 1976, 0-1.

Not much to shout about when you're just down the highway from, and in the same league with, perennial power Kentwood. Since their second year of existence, the Conquerors have missed the playoffs only once and should have qualified that year at 8-1. Auburn was the only team to beat Kentwood during last year's regular season but couldn't keep up its level of play.

Kentwood, the Class AAA state runner-up the past two years, is a heavy favorite in the South Puget Sound League's Puget Division, despite a change at head coach. The Conquerors received 11 out of a possible 15 first-place votes in a Seattle Times preseason coaches' poll. Rogers picked up three votes and the other went to Auburn, which finished a solid third in the poll. But only the top two teams advance.

With their fate also in the hands of a new coach, former assistant Bob Jones, the Trojans are quietly confident.

``The kids are very aware of what people think of Auburn football,'' Jones said. ``Our kids hear a lot about not getting to the playoffs and not being as good as our basketball teams. I think they've set their minds that they want to kick it up a notch. But they just have to do it, not talk about it, and I really believe that's what they want. They're not doing a lot of talking.''

Senior Phil Pitlick, one of six returning defensive starters, said the Trojans have something to prove.

``We know we're a good team,'' he said. ``We've just got to go out and show what we can do.''

Steve Kelly, a second-team All-Puget pick at defensive back last year, said another winning season isn't enough.

``We've had winning teams the last four out of five years, but nobody knows it because we haven't been in the playoffs,'' he said. ``We've got to step it up one or two more notches and we'll be there.''

Jones said he has sensed some skepticism among school personnel and in the community.

``Everybody's been real supportive, but they're just kind of waiting to see,'' he said. ``They want to know if I'm just another person saying things, or if I'm going to get things done. I'm sure there's still some skeptics out there, but not the kids.''

The kids say the time is now.

``If we're going to do it,'' Shane Peterson said, ``this will be the year.''

And Peterson could be a big reason why. At 6-foot-5 and 230 pounds, he's considered one of the top line prospects in the league. He's one of four starters back on the line, which should be one of Auburn's strengths. But the Trojans are in for a major overhaul in the backfield with the graduation of Keith Howard, Bobby Skoor and quarterback Dennis Harvey. Howard and Harvey were first-team choices in the all-division voting. Skoor made the second squad.

But Jones likes what he's seen from this year's stable of backs.

``They're not Keith and Bobby, but they're pretty good runners,'' he said.

Kentwood has one of the top running backs in the state in Richard Thomas, who led all Class AAA scorers last season. He's one of six offensive starters back, although tight end Ernie Conwell won't be available for the first two or three games due to a foot injury.

Thomas also starts on defense, where seven other first-liners return.

``This is a group that, on paper, looks pretty good,'' said Coach Tom Ingles, who jumped from Liberty to succeed Dave Lutes. ``We're waiting to see what happens when we play in a ballgame. We've got real high goals as a group . . . I think right now it's a group that's untested.''

Ingles, who took Liberty to the Class AA state championship in 1988, has tossed Kentwood's traditional wishbone in favor of a multiple-set offense that will feature more passing. Quarterback Scott Fitterer, who transferred in as a sophomore last year and won the starting job, has the arm to take the Conquerors up top.

Ingles counts Kentwood as one of four teams that he feels could challenge for the Puget Division title along with Auburn, Rogers and Jefferson.

Jefferson finished a game out of the playoffs last season and, like Auburn, needs to lift its level of play to get over the hump.

``I think there's a lot of potential with this team,'' said Coach Sam Beesley, who was pleasantly surprised by last year's 7-2 effort.

Workhorse Dan Meade, who carried the ball nearly twice as many times as anyone else in the SPSL last season, took his linebacking talents to the University of Oregon. But junior transfer Joe Drew (6-1, 210) could fill his shoes on offense.

``He runs a lot like Dan Meade,'' Beesley said. ``He's hard to bring down.''

Quarterback Scott Orta returns to run the wishbone, but Beesley is most concerned about the defense, with just four starters back.

Federal Way, plagued by inconsistency last season, also lost a key cog with the graduation of receiver Lake Dawson, now at Notre Dame. But Coach Tom McConnaughey said Ricci Greenwood (6-4, 190) could be in the same mold. Greenwood didn't turn out last year.

``If he lives up to his potential, he could have a great year,'' McConnaughey said.

The Eagles' top returner is tough Jeff Murphy (5-10, 170), a starter at wide receiver and cornerback last season.

SPSL poll

How the SPSL football coaches rank the 1990 Puget and Sound Division races, with first-place votes in parentheses (coaches not allowed to vote for their team):

PUGET DIVISION

Prediction '89 record

1. Kentwood (11) 11-2

2. Rogers (3) 5-5

3. Auburn (1) 6-3

4. Jefferson 7-2

5. Clover Park 2-7

6. Bethel 3-6

7. Federal Way 4-5

8. Sumner 1-8

SOUND DIVISION

Prediction '89 record

1. Curtis (12) 12-1

2. Puyallup (1) 7-2

3. Lakes (1) 9-3

4. Decatur 4-5

5. Spanaway Lake (1) 5-4

6. Kent-Meridian 1-8

7. Kentridge 1-8

Puget Division

Auburn

-- NICKNAME - Trojans.

-- 1989 RECORD - 4-3 (fourth), 6-3.

-- HEAD COACH - Bob Jones, first year.

-- TOP RETURNEES - T/DE Shane Peterson (sr., 6-5, 230), WR/DB Steve Kelly (sr., 6-0, 180), WR Lyal Westendorf (sr. 6-1, 170), LB Phil Pitlick (sr. 5-10, 185).

-- STRENGTHS - Size; experience on offensive line and at linebacker; Peterson is dominant-type athlete.

-- WEAKNESSES - Untested backfield, including quarterback; inconsistency has troubled past teams.

-- OUTLOOK - With half-dozen returning starters both ways, Trojans have good base to build on. Must rebuild backfield, but potential is there. As long-time assistant, Jones make coaching transition easy. This could be the year Auburn answers critics by making playoffs.

Bethel

-- NICKNAME - Braves.

-- 1989 RECORD - 2-5 (tied for sixth), 3-6.

-- HEAD COACH - Mark Torgerson, third year, 9-9 record.

-- TOP RETURNEES - QB/SS Brett Porter (jr., 6-1, 190), WB/S David Davidson (sr., 5-10, 170), RB Bo Kukhahn (sr., 6-1, 185), FB Heath Lynn (sr., 5-11, 200).

-- STRENGTHS - Returning experience and senior leadership; seasoned quarterback; solid secondary.

-- WEAKNESSES - Lack of team speed; questionable on defensive front and at linebacker; depth.

-- OUTLOOK - With nine returning starters on offense, Braves should be potent scorers, but must fill defensive holes. Porter's a more mature quarterback than last year. Could have a say in division race if team stays healthy.

Clover Park

-- NICKNAME - Warriors.

-- 1989 RECORD - 2-5 (tied for sixth), 2-7.

-- HEAD COACH - Bob Colleran, 19th year, 105-41 SPSL record.

-- TOP RETURNEES - WR/DB Eric Carmichael (sr., 5-9, 170), RB/DB Nathan Webb (sr., 5-10, 175), G/LB Richard Lee (sr., 5-10, 185), LB Graham Ketner (sr., 5-11, 190).

-- STRENGTHS - Speed; solid senior nucleaus.

-- WEAKNESSES - New faces on offensive line; unproven quarterback.

-- OUTLOOK - CP expected to rebound from uncharacteristic down season. Team speed, helped by some recruits off the track team, could be a killer for opponents.

Federal Way

-- NICKNAME - Eagles.

-- 1989 RECORD - 3-4 (fifth), 4-5.

-- HEAD COACH - Tom McConnaughey, third year, 8-10 record.

-- TOP RETURNEES - WR/DB Jeff Murphy (sr., 5-10, 170), T/T Matt Peters (sr., 6-1, 240), RB/CB Milt DeAsis (sr., 5-11, 175).

-- STRENGTHS - Quickness; overall experience.

-- WEAKNESSES - Some skill positions questionable, including quarterback; defensive front.

-- OUTLOOK - Despite eight returning starters on offense and seven on defense, some big holes must be filled. McConnaughey will miss all-state receiver Lake Dawson, but still likes his receiver corps. Could be a notch or two better than last year.

Jefferson

-- NICKNAME - Raiders.

-- 1989 RECORD - 5-2 (tied for second), 7-2.

-- HEAD COACH - Sam Beesley, eighth year, 21-34 SPSL record.

-- TOP RETURNEES - QB/DB Scott Orta (sr., 5-11, 165), SE/P Jeff Jordan (sr., 6-3, 185), G/T Chris Scharmer (6-4, 215), TE/T Eric Scharmer (6-7,220).

-- STRENGTHS - Size; strong option quarterback; depth at running back.

-- WEAKNESSES - Several questions on defense; yet to prove ability to win the big game.

-- OUTLOOK - Despite the loss of workhorse Dan Mead, Beesley likes looks of running backs, including junior transfer Joe Drew (6-1, 210). Will run wishbone again, with Orta a good run/pass threat. Key is plugging defensive holes.

Kentwood

-- NICKNAME - Conquerors.

-- 1989 RECORD - 6-1 (first), 11-2.

-- HEAD COACH - Tom Ingles, first year, 0-0 record.

-- TOP RETURNEES - RB/SS Richard Thomas (sr., 5-11, 185); T/T Tony Coole (sr., 6-2, 270), C/T Brent Roberts (6-3, 229), QB Scott Fitterer (jr., 6-2, 188), TE/LB Ernie Conwell (sr., 6-3, 220).

-- STRENGTHS - Tradition; strong returning nucleus; Thomas can roll up yards and points.

-- WEAKNESSES - Lack of overall speed; must adjust to new coach and offense; passing game could be suspect.

-- OUTLOOK - Conquerors could be better than ever, if all pieces fall into place. Thomas expected to carry bulk of offensive load. Fitterer flashed strong arm last year, but was also inconsistent. Receivers must prove themselves. If Conwell's able to return from foot injury, outlook's even better.

Rogers

-- NICKNAME - Rams.

-- 1989 RECORD - 5-2 (tied for second), 5-5.

-- HEAD COACH - Dave Kinkela, fifth year, 26-13 record.

-- TOP RETURNEES - G/DE Duane Sorenson (sr., 6-2, 200); T/T Chad Eaton (6-5, 278), HB/CB Deil DeForrest (sr., 5-8, 170); FB/S Scott Caufield (sr., 5-9, 180).

-- STRENGTHS - Proven running backs; better team speed than in past; depth.

-- WEAKNESSES - Lack of experience at skill positions; some defensive question marks.

-- OUTLOOK - The Rams expect to be better than last year, yet still could come up short. DeForrest and Caufield anchor running game, but quarterback is untested. Need early success to challenge down the stretch.

Sumner

-- NICKNAME - Spartans.

-- 1989 RECORD - 1-6 (last), 1-8.

-- HEAD COACH - Mike Hagadone, first year.

-- TOP RETURNEES - FB Bryan Linders (sr., 6-1, 190), HB Mark Isaacs (sr., 5-10, 175), G/DE Jason Barry (sr., 6-0, 190); TE Curt Cates (sr., 6-0, 215).

-- STRENGTHS - Team quickness; experienced running backs.

-- WEAKNESSES - Lack of size; overall inexperience.

-- OUTLOOK - Hagadone hopes to instill a new attitude, but lack of returning experience could leave smallish Spartans at the bottom looking up again.

Sound Division

Curtis

-- NICKNAME - Vikings.

-- 1989 RECORD - 5-1 (first), 12-1.

-- HEAD COACH - Bob Lucey, 15th year, 67-50 SPSL record.

-- TOP RETURNEES - RB/FS Singor Mobley (sr., 6-0, 180); RB/LB Brian Smith (sr., 5-10, 215), T/T Bernie Johnson (sr., 6-2, 225); sr. G/T Jim Gallucci (sr., 5-10, 200).

-- STRENGTHS - Good nucleus returning; defensive front; Mobley can really move.

-- WEAKNESSES - Must find big-play guys to replace Deron Pointer and Torey Hunter both ways; quarterback is untested.

-- OUTLOOK - Lucey expects to field another aggressive defensive team that could be as good as the one that shut out potent Kentwood in Kingbowl last year. Mobley and Smith give Viks solid running game, but junior quarterback Brian Jensen (5-10, 170) is green.

Decatur

-- NICKNAME - Gators.

-- 1989 RECORD - 3-3 (fifth), 4-5.

-- HEAD COACH - Greg Flynn, 11th year, 34-47 SPSL record.

-- TOP RETURNEES - QB Jason Stiles (sr., 6-3, 180), WR Brandon Bunch (sr., 5-11, 170), T/T Lati Culverson (sr., 6-2, 210), LB Brian Dawson (sr., 5-10, 205).

-- STRENGTHS - Excellent team speed; potent passing attack; big-play potential.

-- WEAKNESSES - Untested on defense and at running back; lack of depth.

-- OUTLOOK - Flynn hopes to have the Gators flying this season and Stiles is the type of quarterback who can make them soar. Receivers are all quick. Running backs must help carry load. Staying healthy and playing solid defense are keys.

Kent-Meridian

-- NICKNAME - Royals.

-- 1989 RECORD - 1-5 (sixth), 1-8.

-- HEAD COACH - Bruce Rick, second year, 1-8 record.

-- TOP RETURNEES - T/T Mark Schilder (sr., 6-4, 260), G/LB Travis Stanton (sr., 6-0, 190), RB/LB Bob Holmes (jr., 5-10, 190), QB Chris Schlecht (jr., 6-0, 170).

-- STRENGTHS - Senior-dominated line, anchored by Pac-10-type Schilder; experience at linebacker.

-- WEAKNESSES - Young backfield, lack of depth.

-- OUTLOOK - Royals hope to shore up defense and climb up division standings, but must avoid injuries to front-liners. Schilder should help pave way for young backs.

Kentridge

-- NICKNAME - Chargers.

-- 1989 RECORD - 0-6 (last), 1-8.

-- HEAD COACH - Ron Grimstad, seventh year, 26-28 record.

-- TOP RETURNEES - QB/S David Boone (sr., 6-2, 185), HB/S Mike Guibereaux (5-10, 170), HB/CB Kyle Proctor (5-10, 170), T/T Mark Divina (sr., 6-0, 234).

-- STRENGTHS - Experience at quarterback and on offensive line; improved team speed.

-- WEAKNESSES - Questionable passing attack; lack of depth.

-- OUTLOOK - After taking their licks with young players last season, Chargers believe they can strike back with a more balanced attack. Boone is a two-year starter and should be given green light to open things up, but needs some early success.

Lakes

-- NICKNAME - Lancers.

-- 1989 RECORD - 4-2 (tied for second), 9-3.

-- HEAD COACH - Dick Zatkovich, seventh year, 35-22 record.

-- TOP RETURNEES - G/DE Todd Bomkamp (sr., 6-3, 200), RB/LB Mike Allen (sr., 5-8, 180), QB/CB Lonnie Smith (sr., 5-7, 160), RB/LB Juan Spencer (sr., 6-1, 190).

-- STRENGTHS - Overall team speed; quality returners on defense.

-- WEAKNESSES - Offensive line; depth at skill positions.

-- OUTLOOK - Speedy Myron Wise will be missed, but Lancers could be as strong as last season or maybe even a bit better. Will be quick again. Offensive line, anchored by Bomkamp, must come together.

Puyallup

-- NICKNAME - Vikings.

-- 1989 RECORD - 4-2 (tied for second), 7-2.

-- HEAD COACH - Mike Huard, 10th year, 65-25 record.

-- TOP RETURNEES - QB Damon Huard (sr., 6-4, 205), RB/LB Nathan Free (sr., 6-1, 185), T Lloyd Tibeau (sr., 6-3, 220), TE/LB Andy Gilroy (jr., 6-2, 185).

-- STRENGTHS - Huard at QB; good-sized offensive line.

-- WEAKNESSES - Questionable speed and depth.

-- OUTLOOK - With a little help, strong-armed Huard can make it all happen for the Viks. Will score plenty of points, but must cut down on defensive miscues. Starters - especially Huard - must stay healthy.

Spanaway Lake

-- NICKNAME - Sentinels.

-- 1989 RECORD - 4-2 (tied for second), 5-4.

-- HEAD COACH - Bob Loose, third year, 5-13 record.

-- TOP RETURNEES - C Rob Hill (sr., 6-6, 255), RB Sheridan May (sr., 6-0, 200), QB John Stephany (sr., 5-11, 195), T Mike Hostetter (sr., 6-4, 270).

-- STRENGTHS - All-around athletic ability; speed; size.

-- WEAKNESSES - Questionable at receiver and linebacker.

-- OUTLOOK - Sentinels went from 0-9 to 5-4 and could make another strong move this season with talented returners like May, the state long-jump champ, and Hill, a Pac-10 prospect. Linebacking crew must develop for Sentinels to leap on top.