Seamount League 1997 Varsity Football Capsules

Evergreen Wolverines

Coach - Jim Fortner, first year (previously coached Evergreen for 15 seasons, 1978-92, compiling a 65-113 record).

1996 record - 3-6 league (seventh).

Top returning players - Joe Arrants, OL/DE, 5-11, 180, sr.; Jason Crisologo, OH/LB, 5-10, 170, sr.; Chris Dye, RB/LB, 5-9, 165, sr.; Kwang Peik, QB/CB, 5-9, 170, sr.; Mark Weinreich, WR/DB, 5-9, 160, sr.

Key newcomers - Marcus Malu, WR/DB, 5-8, 170, sr.; Jon Van Parys, OH/DL, 5-10, 185, sr.; David Nguyen, QB/CB, 5-8, 160, jr.; David Vetutu, RB/LB, 5-10, 190, jr.; Kapeli Tofilau, WR/DB, 5-7, 160, jr.; Caesar Valencia, RB/LB, 5-9, 170, so.

Outlook - A lack of size and experience could hurt the Wolves early. They finished the 1996 season with just 25 players, and 17 of them graduated. But they've got decent numbers (45) and should show steady development. Peik appears competent at quarterback.

Hazen Highlanders

Coach - Rick Stubrud, 15th year (79-56 record).

1996 record - 4-5 league (sixth).

Top returning players - Kyle Hoover, RB/S, 6-0, 185, sr.; Greg Lauckner, QB/RB/LB, 6-4, 235, sr.; James Cirinoe, WR/CB, 5-10, 160, sr.; Erik Thorson, G/LB, 5-9, 175, sr.; Larry Berg, RB/LB, 5-11, 180, sr.; Steve Sutherland, CB, 5-9, 185, sr.; Michael Jackson, RB/CB, 6-0, 175, jr.; Daryl Sutherland, G/LB, 6-0, 190, jr.; Donovan Phillips, RB, 6-0, 160, jr.

Key newcomers - Roger Wing, RB/S, 5-9, 160, sr.; Dan Wilson, RB, 5-8, 160, sr.; Chad Walior, WR/CB, 6-1, 185, sr.; Tanner Stahl, C, 5-9, 165, sr.; Steve Sutherland, C/NT, 5-11, 185, sr.; AAron Gimmestad, C, 5-10, 190, jr.; Ryan O'Dell, T/T, 6-2, 230, jr.; Gerrik Platz, TE, 6-0, 180, jr.; Bennett Crump, QB/RB/SS, 5-10, 165, jr.

Outlook - The Highlanders have some quality, experienced players in spots - five starters return. But the development of others early, especially on the offensive line, will be a big factor. They have more depth than many teams in the league and should be strong defensively.

Highline Pirates

Coach - Mark Stewart, first year.

1996 record - 1-8 league (ninth).

Top returning players - Mark Becker, T/DL, 6-0, 190, sr.; Matt Stueck, TE/DE, 6-4, 230, sr.; Chris Otero, RB/DL, 5-11, 190, sr.; Dustin Russell, QB/CB, 5-8, 170, sr.; Justin Smith, TE/DE, 6-3, 190, sr.; Adam Renn, G/LB, 5-11, 185, sr.; Justin Stewart, WB/CB, 5-11, 170, sr.; Doug Mason, C/T, 6-0, 220, sr.

Key newcomers - Phil Laudry, FB/LB, 6-2, 210, sr.; Don Charles, RB/LB, 5-8, 165, sr.; Josh Livingston, T/T, 6-0, 215, jr.; Daunt Barnett, WB/S, 6-1, 170, jr.; David Nelson, G/DE, 5-9, 175, jr.; David Crawford, WB/DB, 5-8, 160, so.; Ricky Donaldson, FB/S, 5-8, 180, so.

Outlook - Stewart previously had a successful three-year run at Renton and is expected to get a lot out of this team, which has some pretty good athletes. Russell called the signals late last season and should get some protection from a solid offensive line. The Pirates need some early success to instill confidence.

Kennedy Lancers

Coach - Bob Bourgette, third year (18-3 record).

1996 record - 8-1 league (tied for first), 9-2 overall; lost in AA state quarterfinals.

Top returning players - Matt Locher, G/LB, 6-1, 190, sr.; Tyson Faulkner, T/LB, 5-10, 220, sr.; Jeff Van Fredenberg, C/DE, 5-11, 210, sr.; Robert Vert, TE/K, 6-1, 190, sr.; Floyd Wade, RB/DB, 5-9, 160, sr.; Joey Thomas, QB/S, 6-0, 175, jr.; J.R. Meier, TE/DE, 6-3, 217, jr.; James Clapp, T/T, 6-3, 215, jr.

Key newcomers - Paul Arnold, RB/DB, 6-1, 200, jr.; Bob Bourgette, FL/LB, 6-9, 160, jr.; Ryan Mummert, RB/QB, 5-8, 150, jr.; Shane Edwards, WR/DE, 6-3, 205, jr.; Nick Thurbur, WR/S, 6-3, 180, jr.; Kevin Kawasaki, FL,CB, 5-9, 150, jr.; Mike Marian, G/DE, 6-3, 215, jr.; Mike Hattfield, G/DT, 5-9, 250, so.

Outlook - Arnold and Wade: what a 1-2 punch. They give the Lancers speed to burn and have a big, quick line to run behind. Thomas is a good athlete who should handle the QB duties well. This is a team that could challenge for not only the Seamount, but the state Class 3A championship. A lack of depth is the only real concern.

Lindbergh Eagles

Coach - Michael Talley, second year (2-7 record).

1996 record - 2-7 league.

Top returning players - Eric Stephens, QB, 6-4, 160, sr.; Tyell Davis, RB/DB, 5-8, 160, sr.; Matt Thornton, C/LB, 5-11, 205, sr.; Jovi San Nicholas, G/LB, 5-8, 197, sr.; Zelotes P. Finch, T/T, 6-0, 210, sr.; Roger Venable, T/T, 5-10, 210, sr.; Travis Perry, SE/DB, 5-10, 165, sr.; Lucas Jensen, TE/DE, 6-0, 200, sr.; Jesse Hanson, RB/DB, 5-10, 185, jr.; Justin Zappalo, TE/DE, 6-1, 190, jr.; Matt Russell, SE/DE, 6-1, 165, jr.

Key newcomers - Matt Purcell, RB/DB, 5-11, 160, jr.; Scott Croy, K, 6-1, 155, jr.; Sean Dinius, FB/DL, 6-1, 185, so.

Outlook - Stephens passed for more than 1,100 yards as a junior last season, and Perry led the league in receiving (33 catches, 567 yards, three TDs). Seven other starters return, too, and most of them will be two-way players. But there's very little depth, and the Eagles must stay healty to stay in the playoff hunt. Could be the most improved team in the league.

Mount Rainier Rams

Coach - Brent Kawaguchi, third year (11-8 record).

1996 record - 8-1 league (tied for first), 8-2 overall; lost in opening round of AA state playoffs.

Top returning players - Ryan Hogan, RB/LB, 5-10, 185, sr.; Erik Day, WR/DB, 6-1, 180, sr.; Mark Bergin, C/DE, 6-0, 215, sr.; Seven Washington, G/LB, 5-10, 190, sr.; Mike Seitz, QB, 6-0, 175, sr.; Steve Hilliker, WR/DB, 5-8, 160, sr.; Taylor Glasenapp, G/T, 6-4, 250, sr.

Key newcomers - Ben Pilo, WR/DB, 6-1, 175, sr.; Josh Foster, G/T, 6-0, 255, G/T, sr.; Casey Colbern, T/T, 6-1, 305, sr.; Ben Ecklund, WR/DB, 5-7, 140, sr.; Gabe Ricks, WR/DB, 5-11, 180, sr.; Bill Henninger, T/DE, 6-2, 210, jr.; JaWaan Larue, RB/DB, 5-5, 150, jr.; Adam Keane, T/DE, 6-2, 215, so.; Justin Thomas, G/T, 5-9, 185, so.; Josh Miller, G/LB, 5-9, 195.

Outlook - Hogan looks to take over for record-setting running back Brian Cook, who had more than 1,700 all-purpose yards last season. Hogan should have big numbers of his own. But Seitz has to have a good year throwing the ball if the Rams hope to make another playoff run. Day should have some good nights.

Renton Indians

Coach - Chris Williams, fourth year (23-9 record).

1996 record - 5-4 league (fifth).

Top returning players - Ryan Rutledge, QB/K, 6-1, 200, sr.; Justin Booker, T/T, 6-3, 255, sr.; Charles Jenkins, T/T, 5-11, 230; Andre Holden, TE/LB, 6-3, 215, sr.; Andrew Bramlett, RB/DB, 6-0, 180, sr.; Jerry Newman, WR/P, 6-0, 175, sr.; Anthony Cuske, TE/LB, 6-5, 220, sr.; E.J. Ash, RB/DB, 6-0, 185, jr.; Raleigh Fletcher, TE/LB, 6-5, 255, jr.

Key newcomers - Carlin Hayes, RB/DB, 6-0, 190, sr.; Tom Misiewicz, RB/LB, 6-1, 220, sr.; Armando Ruiz, TE/LB, 6-2, 230, sr.; Earl Richardson, RB/DB, 5-10, 175, jr.; Ryan Coddinton, G/T, 5-11, 230, so.

Outlook - Renton might not be quite as speedy as in years past but still has the jets to be in the playoff chase again. Rutledge saw some time at QB last year and Ash averaged nearly 10 yards per carry. Hayes, who played at Lindbergh last year, would be a huge addition if he becomes eligible - and stays that way. With limited numbers, staying injury-free is a must.

Tyee Totems

Coach - Tom Merrill, second year (0-9 record).

1996 record - 0-9 league (10th).

Top returning players - Marr Jurewicz, C/B, 6-2, 230, sr.; Jesse Hunt, WR/DB, 5-9, 160, jr.; Jason Garrett, WR/DB, 5-7, 150, jr.; Seth Bentley, T/T, 6-3, 220, jr.; Nathan Harlin, QB/DE/P, 6-2, 225, jr.

Key newcomers - Don Phillips, RB/DL, 5-10, 170, sr.; Thomas Sregzinski, WR/DB, 5-9, 160, jr.

Outlook - Merrill has just 22 players, and not all at the same time, which makes the Totems the thinnest team in the league. But he expects this team to be better than last year's, which was outscored 294-33. Harlin has potential at QB.

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. Seamount League football forecast .

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Predicted order of finish for the 1997 Seamount League football race, based on a survey of league coaches, with first-place votes in parentheses, ballot points (seven points for first, six for second, etc.) and 1996 record (coaches not allowed to vote for own team):

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Pts '96 .

. 1. Kennedy (7) 49 9-2 .

. 2. Lindbergh 38 2-7 .

. 3. Renton (1) 36 5-4 .

. 4. (tie) Hazen 30 4-5 .

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Mount Rainier 30 8-2 .

. 6. Highline 23 1-8 .

. 7. Evergreen 12 3-6 .

. 8. Tyee 7 0-9 .