SPSL North team capsules

Auburn Trojans

Location: Auburn

Coach: Gordon Elliott (1st year)

2001: 6-2 league, 6-4 overall; lost to Bethel 42-14 in district playoffs

Returning starters (4 offense, 4 defense): QB/S Sam Oliver, 6-2, 185, Sr.; QB/S K.C. Herren, 6-1, 185, Jr.; C/DL Nicholai Boysen, 5-11, 230, Jr.; OT/DL Seth Dawson, 6-0, 245, Jr.; Michael Sahlin, OT/DT, 6-2, 210, Sr.; LB/RB Lamin Turay, 6-2, 195, Sr.; DB/RB Erik Hagen, 5-11, 165, Sr.

Other key returner: RB/LB Kaika Manatad, 5-11, 190, Sr.

Impact newcomers: TE/DL Miles Haney, 6-0, 190, Sr.; HB/DB Rachi Little, 5-11, 160, Sr.; WR/DB Travis Walker, 6-1, 195, Jr.; NG Curtis Kasper, 5-11, 225, Sr.

Outlook: Elliott, former coach at UPS, takes over for Bob Jones, who stepped down after 12 seasons. He brings new offense and defense, and there are many new faces in starting lineup. Herren is one of best all-around athletes in state and will be a force on defense along with Glover. Herren and Oliver have battled for starting QB job.

Auburn Riverside Ravens

Location: Auburn

Coach: Andrew Sage (2nd year, 0-9 record)

2001: 0-8 league, 0-9 overall

Returning starters (8 offense, 7 defense): QB Bryan Alexander, 6-1, 190, Jr.; WR Jon Ankerfelt, 6-1, 195, Jr.; WR Drew Cichy, 5-10, 170, Sr.; RB Garrett Bjornstad, 5-8, 180, Jr.; C John Garland, 6-2, 285, Jr.; OT Mike Anderson, 6-2, 285, Jr.; OG Danny Shaw, 6-0, 260, Jr.; OG Alex Blackwell, 6-2, 305, Sr.; LB Doug Barry, 6-2, 215, Sr.; LB Ryan Paulson, 5-9, 175, Jr.; LB Zach Armenta, 6-0, 185, Sr.; DB Kyle Hoptowit, 6-1, 175, Sr.; DB Kenny Hegewald, 5-8, 170, Sr.; DB Jeff Forinash, 6-1, 170, Jr.; DT Jabari Watkins, 6-5, 295, Jr.

Other key returners: DT Chasen Nikolich, 6-2, 250, Jr.; DE David Tillman, 6-1, 190, Sr.; OL Danny Shaw, 6-0, 260, Jr.; QB Sean Hurd, 6-0, 180, Sr.; DE Joey West, 6-0, 210, Sr.

Impact newcomers: DB Jay Komar, 6-1, 175, Jr.; LB Osa Faumui, 6-2, 240, Jr.; OL Dan Rodarte, 6-1, 215, Sr.; WR Andy Chevelier, 6-1, 185, Jr.; OT Dane Scardmbold, 5-10, 220, So.; WR Drew Klistoff, 5-11, 170, Sr.

Outlook: Sage expects dramatic improvement from last season, when Ravens endured second straight 0-9 season and extended losing streak to 23 games (after 3-1 start in 1999). Riverside scored just 11 TDs while giving up 45. O-line should be much better. Sage plans to two-platoon and has many returning starters, although leading rusher Johnny Lopez (formerly Haynes) transferred to Kennedy.

Enumclaw Hornets

Location: Enumclaw

Coach: Mike Ernaga (3rd year, 10-8)

2001: 3-5 league, 4-5 overall

Returning starters (7 offense, 6 defense): OG/LB Eric Bell, 5-11, 200, Sr.; OG/DL Gage Elder, 5-8, 210, Sr.; FB/LB Tyson Gamblin, 6-0, 195, Sr.; WR/DB Robert Harvey, 5-10, 170, Sr.; WR/QB/DB/P Billy Boyer, 6-1, 180, Sr.; TE Zach Jones, 6-0, 205, Sr.; OT Brian Smith, 6-4, 265, Jr.; Brian Elder, C/DT, 5-8, 185, Sr.; DT Tyler Hamlin, 6-1, 205, Sr.; LB Chris Phipps, 6-2, 205, Sr.

Other key returners: HB Troy Hanson, 5-10, 170, Jr.; C Brian Horaski, 5-10, 200, Jr.; WR Mike House, 6-2, 180, Sr.; TE Jeb Bell, 6-4, 205, Sr.; QB/LB Lyle Bellah, 6-2, 180, Sr.; LB Thomas Harding, 5-9, 170, Sr.

Impact newcomers: OT/DT Zach Taylor, 6-2, 225, Sr.; QB/DB Calvin Sayler, 6-1, 170, Jr.; RB/WR/DB Bradley Boyer, 5-9, 160, So.

Outlook: Hornets have one of division's best players in Gamblin, who rushed for more than 1,000 yards as a junior and was league's second-leading scorer. Few other proven skill players return. There will be a new QB in either Billy Boyer, Bellah or Sayler. Rebuilding secondary will be a key.

Kent-Meridian Royals

Location: Kent

Coach: Russ Vincent (1st year)

2001: 1-7 league, 1-8 overall

Returning starters (4 offense, 5 defense): FL/SS Simon Cao, 5-9, 182, Sr.; OL/LB George Angulo, 6-1, 210, Sr.; OG/LB Jeff Treeman, 5-11, 235, Jr.; OG/DL T.J. Laumoli, 5-10, 225, Jr.; DB/RB/FL/QB Reggie Jones, 5-10, 170, Jr.

Other key returners: WR/DB Toniel Pinkney, 6-2, 160, Jr.; RB/DB Marcus Estill, 5-10, 175, Sr.; QB Drew Self, 5-11, 185, Jr.

Impact newcomers: TB/WR/DB Courtney Burns, 6-2, 170, Sr.; RB/LB Daniel Robinson, 5-11, 225, Sr.; OL/LB Brian Braseth, 6-1, 215, Jr.; WR/DB Jay Williams, 6-0, 185, Sr.; K Ian Abraham, 6-0, 170, Sr.

Outlook: Burns is a burner and could help make K-M fastest team in league. Vincent, an experienced coach taking over on interim basis, says he has five players who run a 4.6 40-yard dash or better. Royals are in a hurry to add more victories after going 2-16 over past two seasons.

Kentlake Falcons

Location: Kent

Coach: Mark Torgerson (6th year, 31-14)

2001: 3-5 league, 4-5 overall

Returning starters (8 offense, 9 defense): QB/DB Shane Simmons, 6-1,180, Jr.; RB/DB Chris Huckins, 5-10, 185, Sr.; RB/DB Pat Curtis, 5-10, 185, Jr.; OT/LB Royce Robertson, 6-0, 210, Sr.; WR/DB Jason Degraffenreid, 6-1, 185, Sr.; OG/DL Aaron Day, 6-0, 220, Sr.; OT/DL Ryan Potter, 6-3, 225, Jr.; RB/LB Chris Baker, 5-10, 185, Sr.; DL/OT Joe Perry, 6-3, 265, Sr.; OB/WR Derek Zimmer, 6-2, 210, Sr.

Other key returners: WR/DB Charlie Jannsen, 5-11, 180, Sr.; OT/DL Peter Hagen, 6-2, 195, Sr.; OG/DL Kevin Flemming, 6-0, 180, Sr.; Leroy Kendrick, 5-10, 185, Jr.; WR/DB Bradley Chappell, 5-11, 170, Jr.; RB/LB Dean Giampapa, 5-9, 175, Jr.; C/DL Jonathon Douglas, 5-9, 235, Sr.

Impact newcomers: WR/DB Kenjamine Jackson, 5-9, 165, So.; WR/DB Jeremy Lee, 6-1, 185, So.; WR/DB Jeid Dehnert, 5-8, 160, So.; RB/LB Jake Fredeen, 6-0, 175, So.; RB/LB Travis Birse, 5-9,170, So.; OL/DL Matt Sampalia, 6-1, 230, So.

Outlook: Falcons are eager to rebound from first losing season since 1997, when the school opened and went 2-7 in 3A Pierce County League, playing without seniors. Huckins is regarded as play-maker and can play at next level. Simmons showed remarkable poise as sophomore. Depth is a concern.

Kentridge Chargers

Location: Kent

Coach: Marty Osborn (12th year, 72-37)

2001: 7-1 league, 9-2 overall; lost to Wilson 20-7 in district playoffs

Returning starters (7 offense, 6 defense): G/DE Armen Petrosian, 6-1, 225, Sr.; LB/QB Kevin Broadbent, 5-11, 210, Sr.; DB/WR Derek Jennings, 6-1, 175, Sr.; WR/DB Brad Broughton, 6-2, 185, Sr.; RB/DB Danny Hass, 5-10, 195, Sr.; DE/TE Joey Henley, 6-4, 220, Sr.; OL/DL James Harrison, 6-3, 255, Sr.; C Micah Riggs, 6-2, 250, Sr.; WR/DB Nick Smith, 6-4, 200, Sr.; OL/DL Brett Pearce, 6-2, 255, Jr.

Other key returners: OL/ILB Mick Caplis, 6-1, 220, Jr.; RB/LB Chris Paris, 5-10, 170, Jr.

Impact newcomers: ILB Chris Jones, 6-1, 215, Sr.; OLB Deven Robinson, 5-10, 185, Jr.; RB/DB Corey McClain, 5-11, 155, So.; WR/DB Eric Onosko, 6-1, 150, So.; C/DT Ryan Stokers, 6-0, 255, So.; WR/DB Danny Bowen, 5-9, 150, So.

Outlook: Chargers returned to prominence last year, losing only to state-champion Kentwood during regular season. Henley is one of several outstanding multi-sport athletes and part of an impressive receiving corps that will tower over most DBs. Broadbent is a hard-nosed LB who likely will concentrate on QB.

Kentwood Chargers

Location: Covington (Kent School District)

Coach: Tom Ingles (13th year, 92-36)

2001: 7-1 league, 13-1 overall; beat Pasco 38-24 in 4A state-title game

Returning starters (4 offense, 6 defense): OG/DL Drew Fowler, 6-5, 260, Sr.; TE/OLB Ryan Conwell, 6-5, 215, Sr.; DT Alex Moaolii, 6-1, 241, Sr.; NG/OG Travis Meyer, 5-11, 218, Sr.; TE/OLB Aaron Egbert, 6-2, 210, Jr.; FB/ILB Tahj Bomar, 6-2, 212, Sr.; OLB/FB Justin Forney, 5-11, 205, Sr.; ILB Dan White, 5-9, 185, Jr.; ILB Chad Helgeson, 6-0, 180, Sr.

Other key returners: RB/OLB Drew Bolinger, 6-0, 185, Jr.; OG/DT Leon Wroblewski, 6-2, 230, Jr.; WR Joey Ravotti, 5-10, 155, Sr.; OT/DT Demetrius Bibb, 6-4, 240, Sr.; TB Casey Merz, 6-1, 210, Jr.; QB Kalen Roy, 5-9, 170, Jr.; WR Brett Haack, 5-9, 155, Sr.

Impact newcomers: RB/DB D.J. Pennewell, 6-1, 190, Sr.; WR/CB Greg Otis, 6-1, 180, Sr.; RB Will Thompson, 5-8, 160, Jr.; TB Travis Nauta, 5-10, 170, So.; OT Andy Hooper, 6-4, 280, So.; OT/OLB Mike McNett, 6-2, 215, Sr.; OT/DT Dave Jenson, 6-2, 235, Sr.

Outlook: Sure, Conquerors lost several outstanding players at key positions, but there's plenty of talent left. Explosive LB Bomar has committed to UW. Fowler, a preseason all-state selection, anchors untested offensive line that must protect Roy at QB and open holes for RBs. JV team was unbeaten last year.

Sumner Spartans

Location: Sumner

Coach: Keith Ross (1st year)

2001: 4-4 league, 5-4 overall

Returning starters (5 offense, 6 defense): TE/DE Matt Ellison, 6-2, 240, Sr.; WR Joe Holombo, 5-10, 170, Sr.; QB Adam Hoffman, 6-3, 195, Sr.; OG/DT Bryant Hunter, 6-0, 240, Sr.; TB/FS Craig Britt, 5-8, 150, Sr.; DT/OT Rocky Hanni, 6-6, 270, Sr.; LB Geoffrey Boyko, 6-0, 195, Sr.; CB/RB/P Phil Odstricil, 6-0, 190, Sr.; CB Jake Smith, 5-7, 170, Sr.

Other key returners: WR/DB Brandon Priest, 6-1, 175, Sr.; LB Chris Bowden, 5-10, 180, Jr.; HB/LB Drew Hamilton, 6-1, 180, Jr.

Impact newcomers: TB/LB Robert Pearson, 5-10, 180, So.; C/DT Zac Espinoza, 6-0, 220, Jr.; OT/DE Nick Trumble, 6-3, 230, Jr.; OG/DT Sutton Christianson, 6-1, 225, Jr.; HB/LB Daryl Ausbun, 5-8, 190, Jr.

Outlook: Ross moves up from assistant coach. Strong-armed Hoffman split time at QB as junior. New one-back offense will feature a combination of Britt, Odstricil and Pearson. Improved running game will be imperative and ingredients appear there with highly-recruited Hanni leading charge up front, with Ellison and Hunter.

Tahoma Bears

Location: Maple Valley

Coach: Tony Davis (9th year, 44-32)

2001: 5-3 league, 5-4 overall

Returning starters (6 offense, 3 defense): C/LB Carl Rogers, 5-7, 205, Sr.; OG/DL Jesse Orndorff, 5-11, 216, Sr.; WR/DB Austin Proctor, 6-1, 185, Sr.; OT/DL Ryan Grose, 6-3, 242, Sr.; TE/LB Jacob Bannach, 6-1, 193, Jr.; OG/DL Jake McMurray, 5-8, 254, Sr.

Other key returners: RB/LB Brandon Bentrott, 6-0, 195, Jr.; QB/DB Ryan Johnson, 6-0, 175, Sr.; RB/LB Kevin Litras, 5-10, 180, Sr.; OT/LB David Turnvull, 5-11, 190, Sr.

Impact newcomers: QB/LB Cory Ridge, 6-6, 219, Jr.; DL Tom Lorenson, 6-3 1/2, 189, Jr.; WR/DB Scott Anderson, 5-10, 165, Sr.; RB/DB Vince Schroder, 5-7, 190, Jr.

Outlook: There are no returning all-league players or hyped-up newcomers, but Bears have solid group and chemistry that could make for a special season. Many seniors were part of 10-2 campaign in 2000. Johnson and Ridge could rotate at QB, although Davis would prefer not to with the tricky option offense. Both likely will play defense. There's some experience on line and good depth.

Compiled by staff reporter Sandy Ringer