Paying The Price Of Tradition -- At O'dea, `Football Is The Rule' And Losing The Exception

Jimaine Miller and the rest of the O'Dea High School football team is in the middle of a treacherous series of wind sprints, the kind that burns your lungs.

Coach Monte Kohler fills a moment of rest with a question.

"How bad do you want it?" he yells across the practice field, as his players gulp air.

Evidently, pretty bad. The whole Fighting Irish team charges across its practice field in Brighton Park again, looking fresh as ever. A few more sprints and the team gets a break. Miller is as fit as anyone in this league, but he can't wait to get his helmet off.

His forehead is a swamp of sweat.

"This is one of our easy days," says Miller, a senior co-captain.

He goes on to describe some of the more difficult drills Kohler runs. One called "circle of tacklers," another called "west point," in which three linemen and three running backs butt heads on an imaginary 10-yard line. Three try to score. Three try to prevent a score.

"All around, practice is tough," Miller says. "There's really no easy part, until you get your water break.

"Sometimes I feel like I don't want to do it, but you really have no choice if you want to win. You have to fight it. Because in a game when the score's 20 to 20, and you're on the 1-yard line, and you're tired and you don't want it, what's going to happen? You're not going to score."

It's not often that the Irish don't score.

O'Dea starts its season tomorrow night at West Seattle Stadium against Vancouver College in a nonleague game, but the Irish enter this season the winner of four consecutive Metro AA League championships. A fifth title has been made considerably more difficult by the infusion of five teams from the old Metro AAA League.

"The league is more balanced, more competitive," Kohler said. "Obviously, it's going to make everybody more competitive."

Said Eastside Catholic Coach Ed Crafton: "No question. The top half of our league is the best in the state at the (Class) AA level. No league in the state has seven teams like we've got."

On paper, the Fighting Irish have their holes. While Seattle Prep returns all-league quarterback Eric Feider, all-league running back Kevin McNamee and all-league tight end Bryan Weathers, O'Dea returns very little from last year's offense.

O'Dea's salvation will be its defense, anchored by five returning all-leaguers. Miller is a defensive end, as is Erasto Jackson. Brian Magneson is a defensive lineman; Luke Dacy leads the linebacking corps, and Charles Grant, one of the fastest players in the league, leads the defensive backfield.

The skill positions are vacant. Option quarterback Rodney Washington, and backs James Reese, Damion York, Kevin Palmore and Tony Ursino have graduated. This is when coaches defer to tradition, which the Irish have plenty of.

"At O'Dea, football is the rule," Miller said. "You play football. When you don't win, people get on you, because they expect you to win. When you win, people don't even smile until we get to state, because winning is a tradition."

In Kohler's six seasons as O'Dea's head coach, the Irish have won 52 games and lost 10. The Irish have had disappointing playoff losses of late. The Kingbowl is one game the Irish have never played.

Last year, the Irish were ousted in the first round by Mount Rainier, the underdog team that made the state finals. Two years ago, the Irish reached the semifinals, but were thoroughly beaten by the eventual state champion, Tumwater.

"It (a state championship) is one of our goals every year," said Jackson, a co-captain, and one of the most heavily recruited seniors in the state. "We take one game at a time. And if we win every game, the day will come when we get to the Kingbowl."

Players like Jackson are a regular occurrence at O'Dea, a small Catholic school sandwiched between the hospitals on First Hill. Out of tradition seem to come great players. Many have gone on to play college football.

Jackson, a 6-foot-3, 250-pound lineman, is being recruited by Notre Dame, UCLA, Miami and Washington. A few years ago, Demetrius DuBose left O'Dea for South Bend, Ind. Today, DuBose is a junior on the Notre Dame football team, a starting linebacker.

There is already talk around campus of the "next Demetrius DuBose," junior Jayson Bass.

"No doubt we get some good kids," Kohler said. "I always tell the kids that players make the team. But I also have a great coaching staff."

Said Jackson: "The coaches work hard and they care. They will eventually bring out the potential in you and make you a good football player. I remember my first varsity season. I was on the scout team and I'd get beat up by the older guys. We went through two-a-days and I didn't think I'd make it."

Tomorrow: Metro League's Mountain Division football preview.

METRO'S SOUND DIVISION FOOTBALL CAPS

O'DEA

-- NICKNAME - Fighting Irish. -- 1990 RECORD - 8-0 in Metro (first); 9-1 season, lost in first round of state playoffs. -- HEAD COACH - Monte Kohler, seventh season, 52-10 record. -- TOP RETURNEES - DE/T Erasto Jackson (Sr., 6-3, 250); LB/C Luke Dacy (Sr., 6-0, 210); DE Jimaine Miller (Sr., 6-2, 195); FS/RB Charles Grant (Sr., 6-1, 170); WR Greg Baisch (Sr., 5-10, 165); QB John Hupf (Sr. 6-0, 170); OL/DL Brian Magneson (Sr., 6-1, 220); C/DT Todd Aksdal (Jr. 5-10, 205); DB/RB Jovan McCoy (Jr., 5-10, 165); DB/RB Kyle Roberts (Jr., 5-10, 180); RB Kyle Patton (Jr., 5-8, 160); DT Sekou Wiggs (Jr., 6-4, 220); WR/DB Charles Young (Jr., 6-1, 180). -- TOP NEWCOMERS - LB/WR Jayson Bass (Jr., 6-3, 180); WR/SS Lonnie Franklin (Jr., 6-3, 180); LB Sola Harrison (Jr., 6-0, 190); OG/DT Mac Kirschner (Jr., 6-2, 230); LB/OG Brian Sollom (Jr., 6-0, 205). -- OUTLOOK - Most of O'Dea's offense, one that propelled them to a fourth consecutive Metro AA League championship, graduated. James Reese, Tony Ursino, Damion York, Kevin Palmore, Rodney Washington are all gone. Most of the defense is intact, and will be relied upon early in the season. As usual, the Irish have their share of all-stars. Jackson is a major college prospect. Dacy is a first-team, all-Metro player on offense and defense. Grant, Magneson and Miller are also all-leaguers. The Irish have too much tradition, too good a coaching staff, and too much depth to have a down year. Look for the Irish to win their division, and make the state playoffs. Only Franklin stands in the way of a fifth consecutive league title. -- COACH'S COMMENT - "One of our goals is to win a state championship, but our first goal is Vancouver College (the team's first opponent). We got our butt beat (by Mount Rainier in last year's playoffs). Most of the kids who started on that team aren't here. We're expected to win, but I'm not putting any pressure on anybody. We take it one game at a time."

ROOSEVELT

-- NICKNAME - Roughriders. -- 1990 RECORD - 3-1 in Metro (second), 6-2 season. -- HEAD COACH - D.R. Clawson, first season. -- TOP RETURNEES - RB Joe Lewis (Jr., 5-11, 180); Pierre Borders (Sr., 5-10, 160); Slot Mike Sheffield (Sr., 5-9, 160); LB Mike Triol (Sr., 6-2, 190); OL/DL Nirjo Machiavelli (Jr., 6-2, 210); OL/DL Chris Giles (Sr., 6-2, 200); NG Kelvin James (Sr., 5-10, 210). -- TOP NEWCOMERS - QB Pete Nelson (So., 5-8, 140); QB Marcus Duncan (Jr., 6-0, 165); QB Sims Weymuller (Sr., 6-1, 170). -- OUTLOOK - The Teddies have to get used to a new coach, a new system and a new quarterback. The three-way battle between Nelson, Duncan and Weymuller was close. Barring any surprises, Nelson, the small sophomore, will start tomorrow night. Inexperience in the backfield might cost the Teddies. So might a lack of depth on the offensive line. Not a wealth of speedy receivers. A rebuilding year for the Teddies. Should have respectable games. With no clear No. 2 team in the division, the Teddies have a shot at the playoffs. -- COACH'S COMMENT - "We're trying to see who's going to arise and step forward. We're starting over with a new system. I'd like to get into the league's upper half. In time I hope we can compete at that level. But this year, we've got so much to put in, we'll probably struggle a little."

GARFIELD

-- NICKNAME - Bulldogs. -- 1990 RECORD - 2-2 in Metro (third), 3-5 season. -- HEAD COACH - Wayne Dickens, first season. -- TOP RETURNEES - OG Damon Burfect (Sr., 5-11, 228); OT Rodney Coles (Sr, 6-2, 260); OT Luke Posthuma (Sr., 6-3, 245); RB Willie Stewart (Sr., 6-2, 221); RB Jesse Hilsman (Sr. 5-7, 160); RB Ricky Bell (Sr., 5-10, 175); QB Shawn McWashington (Jr., 5-11, 170); RB/DB Jon Hall (6-0, 185); TE/LB Tim Wilson (Jr. 6-2, 225); OL Daeman Harris (Jr., 5-10, 215); WR/DB William Petty (Jr., 5-10, 165); PK Joel Pody (Jr., 5-9, 165); NT Maurice Scott (Sr., 5-11, 195); OL Marcus Dabney (Sr., 5-10, 175); OL Shea Bowman (Sr., 6-2, 240). -- TOP NEWCOMERS - LB Daemeon Burrell (Jr., 6-0, 185); LB Jason Bowens (Sr., 6-0, 205). -- OUTLOOK - Not a lot of blazing speed or finesse on this year's team, but the Bulldogs should get by on sheer size and strength. Posthuma is the best of a big, sturdy line. Most of the skill-position players are untested. The QB, McWashington, was last year's back-up. Not much depth. The Bulldogs go into the first game with 29 players. Receivers and backs are able. Key is confidence. A season-opening victory against Blanchet will make Garfield's second game against O'Dea much more pleasant. Garfield toes a fine line between a respectable season and a miserable one. -- COACH'S COMMENT - "I'm most impressed with our raw athletic ability. The key word is raw. We're not polished. It's just going to take time. If the season started a couple weeks from now, I'd be a lot happier. It's not like we have 50 guys to choose from, but I've got confidence in them. We'll dance with who's there."

WEST SEATTLE

-- NICKNAME - Indians. -- 1990 RECORD - 4-4 in Metro (fifth), 5-4 season. -- HEAD COACH - Paul Chappell, ninth season. -- TOP RETURNEES - TB/FS Aaron McCrary (Sr., 5-10, 175); DB Chris Meeds (Jr., 5-6, 150); DB/TB Pernell Row (Sr., 5-9, 175); C/NG Paul Young (Sr., 5-9, 195); LB/TE Jody Hawkins (Sr., 5-11, 185); OL/DL John Tuell (Sr., 6-5, 190); OL/DE Owen Smith (Sr., 5-9, 185); QB/FS Chris Peeler (Sr., 6-2, 185); SE/DB Dirk Pretz (Sr., 5-8, 155); OL/SS Ricky Kimberlin (Sr., 6-0, 185). -- TOP NEWCOMERS - OL/DL Anthony Dunston (So., 6-0, 270); OL/DL Joe Ulu (So., 6-0, 345); QB/DB Lenny Smith (So., 5-9, 185). -- OUTLOOK - The Indians should do better than even this season, with improved size and speed. Depth is good with about 50 players. The Indians' usually smallish line has grown. The most noticeable is Ulu, a 345-pound sophomore. He's got a 52-inch waist and wears the largest helmet and shoulder pads the league provides. Put him next to Dunston, who's close to 300 pounds. Lots of returning starters, with exception to the quarterback position. Will run a multiple, option offense. Look for the Indians to challenge for one of the league's top four spots. -- COACH'S COMMENT - "I'm happy with the fact that our guys have put on the weight, and seem to have learned everything we taught them. Our goal is to improve our running game."

BALLARD

-- NICKNAME - Beavers. -- 1990 RECORD - 5-3 in Metro (tied for third), 5-4 season. -- HEAD COACH - Fred Sato, sixth season. -- TOP RETURNEES - NT Jason Mosler (Sr., 6-2, 310); SS Kenny Kwon (Sr. 5-6, 150); TB Andrew Bryant (Sr., 6-0, 170); FB Pat Studley (Sr., 5-10, 185); OL/LB Jeff Perry (Sr., 6-2, 230); OL Jason Carlisle (Sr., 5-10, 170). -- TOP NEWCOMERS - SE/DB Robert Morris (Jr., 5-9, 160); FB Dave Flores (Jr., 5-8, 205); QB Alan Patrick (So., 6-0, 175). -- OUTLOOK - Every other year, Sato noticed, enrollment drops at Ballard and the football team faces a thin senior class. Such is the case this season. Luckily there are experienced seniors at key positions. But Ballard's younger generation will have to lend a big hand. Keep an eye on Morris, one of the state's best sprinters. He could do some damage if Patrick matures quickly as a passer. Sato said Patrick has a lot of poise and athletic ability. Studley is academically ineligible, but will be a key factor when he returns. Ballard has too many question marks to be considered a contender. But the Beavs will be a challenge for most of the league. -- COACH'S COMMENT - "We're pretty green. If they grow up during the season, we'll be competitive. In those close games, we'll need leadership and poise. That's when experience will show."

LAKESIDE

-- NICKNAME - Lions. -- 1990 RECORD - 3-5 in Metro (sixth), 3-6 season. -- HEAD COACH - Bill McMahon, 13th season. -- TOP RETURNEES - QB Reilly Schanno (Sr., 6-1, 185); SE Bruce Larson (Sr., 6-5, 200); SE Gordon Chan (Sr. 5-7, 150); OL Aaron Patterson (Sr. 6-2, 220); OL Steve Dodobara (Sr., 5-9, 190); OL Paul Bailey (Sr., 6-1, 190); OL Mark Chang (Jr. 5-10, 195); Slot Tim Curry (So. 5-10, 140); Slot Jeremy Kiefer (Sr., 5-10, 160); Slot Paul Pschetter (Jr. 5-9, 165); DE John Strickler (Sr., 6-1, 165); DB Bill Lowry (Sr., 6-2, 165); DL Andy Schocken (Sr. 5-6, 140); LB Alex Bennion (So. 6-1, 195). -- TOP NEWCOMERS - OL Josh Weintraub (Sr., 6-1, 195); FB Woody Richmond (Jr., 6-0, 170). -- OUTLOOK - The Lions could make a big move, with a wealth of experience coming back. Schanno returns from a productive season. He passed for about 400 yards and rushed for about 600 yards, for a 1,000-plus 1990 season. Larson and Chan are both veterans. Larson averaged 23 yards a catch last year, while Chan averaged 34 per reception. The Lions are dumping the wishbone this season in favor of a one-back offense. Look for more passing. Richmond will have to do a lot of blocking this season. Depth is not good. Size is so-so. A lot of 190-pounders. -- COACH'S COMMENT - "We'll have to avoid injury and illness. We do have quite a bit of experience, and our skill people are pretty skilled. This is Schanno's third year and he knows the game. He has a good picture of what's there in front of him. The team has conditioned tremendously, and they've taken it on as something important. There's no crying at all."

EASTSIDE CATHOLIC

-- NICKNAME - Crusaders. -- 1990 RECORD - 4-5 overall (this will be Eastside's first season as full-fledged member of Metro League). -- HEAD COACH - Ed Crafton, third year, 9-9 record. -- TOP RETURNEES - QB Chris Hixson (Jr., 6-3, 190), WR Danny Ballough (Sr., 5-10, 160), HB Brad Baumann (Sr., 6-0, 175), FB David Colter (Sr., 5-10, 165), C Paul Beyer (Sr., 6-1, 260), TE R.E. Bender (Jr., 6-3, 195), OLB Kurt Krebs (Sr., 6-0, 175), OLB Ben Hunt (Sr., 6-3, 175). -- TOP NEWCOMERS - ILB/OT Josh Sirlin (Jr., 6-0, 195), T Tim Kauth (Jr. 6-2, 220), ILB Zach Cooper (So., 6-1, 195), FS Ryan Powell (So., 5-10, 185). -- OUTLOOK: Should be tough on offense with strong group of returning skill-position starters and two-year starter Beyer anchoring the line at center. Only two starters return on defense. Eastside has enough for winning season but league strengthened by addition of five former Metro AAA teams provide too many roadblocks for playoff berth. -- COACH'S COMMENT - "Our goal is to win every game. There's not a team in that league we can't beat. We could win the thing, but we're going to have to play really well."

. METRO'S SOUND DIVISION FOOTBALL POLL. . Predicted order of finish for the 1991 Metro League's Sound Division football race, based on a survey of the division's coaches (first-place votes in parentheses; coaches did not vote for own team):. . .

1990 1990. Team League Season. . 1. O'Dea (6) 8-0, 1st 9-1, lost playoff opener. . 2. Roosevelt 3-1, 2nd, Metro AAA 6-2. . 3. Garfield 2-2, 3rd, Metro AAA 3-5. . 4. Ballard 5-3, tie for 3rd 5-4. . 5. Eastside Catholic # 5-4. . 6. Lakeside 3-5, 6th 3-6. . 7. West Seattle 4-4, 5th 5-4. .

# Eastside Catholic's games against Metro AA League competition last season didn't count in league standings, although the Crusaders were 4-2 against league competition.. . -- Metro's Mountain Division members: Franklin, Seattle Prep, Rainier Beach, Hale, Ingraham, Chief Sealth, Blanchet and Cleveland.. . -- Metro League has three state playoff berths..