KingCo 3A scouting report

Bellevue Wolverines

Location: Bellevue

Coach: Butch Goncharoff (5th year, 44-5)

2003: 8-1 conference (2nd place), 13-1 overall (Class 3A state champs)

Returning starters (7 offense, 6 defense): DL Trevor Carpine, 6-1, 240, Jr.; LB Mark Farney, 6-2, 190, Sr.; RB/LB J.R. Hasty, 5-11, 200, Sr.; OL Jordan Hebert, 5-10, 230, Sr.; DL Ethan Marks, 6-3, 260, Sr.; OL Connor Mawhinney, 6-0, 215, Sr.; K Tim Nienaber, 5-9, 175, Sr.; OL Ryan Roeter, 6-0, 210, Sr.; RB/LB E.J. Savannah, 6-2, 218, Sr.; OL/DL Stephen Schilling, 6-5, 280, Jr.

Other key returners: OL/LB Griffin Bennett, 6-0, 200, Sr.; WR/DB Ryan Lee, 6-1, 185, Sr.; WR/DB Spencer McPherson, 5-11, 170, Sr.; RB/DB Keith Rosenberg, 6-0, 181, Jr.; TE/DL Keelin Watson, 6-2, 207, Sr.; DB/WR Peter Willingham, 5-11, 175, Sr.

Impact newcomers: QB/DB Eric Block, 5-10, 175, So.; QB/DB Stephen Englund, 6-3, 190, Jr.; WR Martin Lawrence, 5-10, 160, Sr.; LB Michael Scholl, 5-10, 165, Sr.; DB Kyle Stanford, 5-10, 165, Sr.; RB/DB Thomas Zaffino, 5-10, 192, Jr.

Outlook: Wolverines closed last year with 10 straight wins and return a veteran line that has the potential to be the best in Goncharoff's five seasons as head coach. RB Hasty (1,955 yards, 26 TDs) is one of the state's best players, as is LB Savannah. Both are Division-I college prospects. Fourteen-year-old rookie QB Block is mature beyond his years. Junior lineman Schilling is one to watch. Wolverines, three-time defending 3A state champs, have tough nonconference slate with back-to-back games against De La Salle of Concord, Calif., and perennial 4A power South Kitsap.

INTERLAKE SAINTS

Location: Bellevue

Coach: Luke Huard (2nd year, 1-9)

2003: 1-8 (9th), 1-9

Returning starters (5 offense, 6 defense): QB/DB Bryce Brigham, 6-3, 180, Sr.; RB/WR/LB Thomas Brooks-Fletcher, 5-11, 190, Sr.; RB/LB Billy Hancock, 5-11, 185, Sr.; OL/DL Josh Kim, 5-11, 208, Sr.; DL Val Markevitch, 6-2, 185, Sr.; OL Dustin Namdar, 6-3, 240, Sr.; DB Kostya Yefimov, 5-9, 155, Sr.

Other key returners: TE/DL Tom Drabchuk, 6-2, 180, Sr.; OL/LB Daniel Mellor, 5-10, 185, Jr.; OL/LB Zack Pupo, 5-10, 185, Jr.; WR/DB Brandon Riegle, 5-11, 155, Sr.

Impact newcomers: WR Evan Robbins, 6-0, 165, Jr.; OL/DL David Slingwine, 6-3, 270, Fr.

Outlook: Saints return two of the conference's most exciting players in QB Brigham (1,995 yds, 25 TDs) and RB/WR Brooks-Fletcher (1,644 all-purpose yds), but must improve on a defense that ranked last in KingCo 3A (469 yds/game). Huard has added several new coaches, including former Seahawks lineman Ray Roberts and former Huskies receiver Justin Robbins. Depth is a concern with only 42 players in entire program. Interlake is looking for first winning season since 1994.

ISSAQUAH EAGLES

Location: Issaquah

Coach: Buddy Bland (6th year, 32-17)

2003: 9-0 (KingCo 3A champs), 12-1 (lost to Bellevue in state semifinals)

Returning starters (5 offense, 4 defense): OL Joe Diez, 6-0, 195, Sr.; WR/DB Cameron Gellatly, 5-9, 165, Sr.; OL/DL Aaron Giberson, 6-2, 225, Sr.; RB/DB Robert Meunier, 5-9, 175, Jr.; OL Lane Rosslot, 6-2, 225, Jr.; LB David Yamashita, 5-10, 165, Sr.

Other key returners: OL Jimmy Cox, 5-10, 180, Sr.; OL/LB Zach Elmer, 5-10, 185, Sr.; WR Joe Fike, 6-0, 175, Jr.; OL/DL Scott Fletcher, 5-11, 190, Sr.; TE/DL Paul Giberson, 5-10, 190, Sr.; RB/DB Matt Glenn, 5-11, 185, Jr.; WR Chris Hamilton, 5-11, 180, Sr.; WR/DB Garrin Hammermaster, 5-8, 160, Jr.; OL/DL Ryan Houser, 6-2, 195, Jr.; QB Bryan Jones, 6-2, 180, Jr.; RB/LB Nick Veksler, 5-10, 185, Jr.

Impact newcomers: WR/DB Ryan Aritani, 5-10, 175, So.; WR/LB Andrew Bondor, 5-10, 175, Sr.; RB Matt Gellatly, 5-10, 185, So.; OL/DL Sean Maher, 6-1, 260, Jr.; RB/LB Andrew Morris, 5-10, 170, Jr.; WR Mike O'Brien, 6-0, 170, Jr.; RB/DB Greg Van Dyn, 5-10, 180, So.

Outlook: Eagles are coming off best season since qualifying for Kingbowl in 1980. Most of last year's skill-position players — including QB Mark Gray, KingCo 3A Offensive Player of Year — graduated, but Issaquah should be able to pick up near where it left off. New QB Jones has strong arm and good instincts, while RB Meunier brings promise to backfield. Three returning offensive linemen bolster attack. Issaquah had a plus-21 takeaway ratio, best in conference last season.

LIBERTY PATRIOTS

Location: Renton (Issaquah School District)

Coach: Steve Valach (6th year, 11-35)

2003: 3-6 (7th), 4-6

Returning starters (8 offense, 3 defense): RB Dean Anderson, 5-7, 165, Sr.; DL Noah Bartholomew, 6-3, 190, Sr.; OL Casey Colombi, 6-3, 255, Jr.; WR Craigh Cornelius, 5-8, 150, Sr.; DB/WR Scott DeRusha, 6-1, 180, Sr.; OL Kenny Gunderson, 5-11, 180, Sr.; TE Bryce Hockett, 6-4, 185, Sr.; DL/OL Chris Prummer, 6-2, 265, Jr.; QB Corey Slater, 6-1, 195, Sr.

Other key returners: OL/LB Tyler Davis, 6-1, 200, Jr.; OL Ryan Fenn, 6-1, 215, Sr.; K Anthony Kane, 5-8, 150, Sr.; WR Casey Langlois, 6-0, 150, Sr.

Impact newcomers: LB/TE Gary Flanik, 6-1, 180, Jr.; DB/RB Deon Horne, 5-8, 140, Jr.; LB/OL Corey Marek, 6-1, 175, Jr.; DB/WR Jeff Moeller, 5-11, 155, Jr.; DB/RB Frankie Near, 5-10, 155, Jr.; OL/DL Cole Nelson, 6-0, 195, Jr.; LB Brian Owens, 6-1, 200, Sr.; RB/DB Brandon Shelton, 5-8, 155, Sr.

Outlook: Patriots return eight offensive starters and what probably is most talented overall team in Valach's six seasons as head coach. QB Slater, a third-year starter, threw for 1,682 yards and 13 TDs last season and again will have first-team all-conference WR Cornelius (49 catches, 796 yds, 5 TDs) as a target. Both were named MVPs at their respective positions at WSU team camp this summer. Two-way lineman Prummer is team's strongest player with 335-pound bench press. Defense ranked eighth in conference last year (378 yds/gm) and must improve.

MERCER ISLAND ISLANDERS

Location: Mercer Island

Coach: Dick Nicholl (26th year, 147-85)

2003: 7-2 (3rd), 8-2

Returning starters (5 offense, 2 defense): OL Jason Frankel, 5-10, 255, Sr.; OL/DL Jesse Johnson, 6-3, 200, Sr.; OL Andy Kaestle, 6-4, 271, Sr.; TE Ricky Schwartz, 5-11, 243, Jr.; LB C.J. Stafford, 5-10, 190, Sr.; QB Chris Taylor, 6-1, 180, Sr.

Other key returners: OL Matthew Brown, 5-8, 301, Sr.; LB Tyler Dierdorff, 5-10, 197, Sr.; OL Jon Eggers, 5-9, 192, Sr.; OL/DL Jacob Gottlieb, 6-2, 190, Jr.; OL Preston Holland, 5-11, 185, Sr.; RB Kenny Kim, 5-9, 200, Jr.; OL/LB Nick Losh, 5-9, 175, Jr.; LB Cole Maybee, 6-1, 180, Sr.; OL/DL Carson McKenzie, 6-0, 205, Jr.; WR/DB Brad Sesnon, 6-2, 170, Sr.

Impact newcomers: RB Morgan Anthony, 5-11, 178, Jr.; WR Taylor Donovan, 6-3, 192, Sr.; OL/DL Garret Grob, 6-2, 180, Jr.; DB/RB Jason Hostvedt, 6-1, 155, Sr.; RB/DB Brant Howell, 5-11, 175, Jr.; RB Tony Soffe, 5-11, 197, Sr.; WR Jeremy Spektor, 6-0, 170, Jr.

Outlook: Islanders must plug many holes after graduating several key players — including KingCo 3A Defensive Player of Year, Michael Gottlieb, now a walk-on at UW. QB Taylor is new to position, but learning fast. Three of five returning starters on offense are linemen, including Kaestle, a potential college player.

MOUNT SI WILDCATS

Location: Snoqualmie

Coach: Charlie Kinnune (13th year, 53-57)

2003: 2-7 (8th), 3-7

Returning starters (4 offense, 3 defense): TE Zach Bowen, 6-1, 205, Sr.; K Chris Brown, 5-10, 200, Sr.; LB Cody Hyatt, 5-8, 170, Jr.; DB Kyle Meuli, 6-2, 180, Jr.; OL/LB Jake Pearce, 6-0, 200, Sr.; WR Eric Tierney, 6-2, 200, Sr.

Other key returners: WR/DB Erik Alexander, 6-3, 175, Jr.; OL/DL Chris Connor, 6-1, 230, Sr.; RB/LB Eric Forslin, 6-0, 200, Jr.; WR/DB Alex Grazda, 5-11, 180, Sr.; OL/DL Daniel Johnson, 6-3, 235, Jr.; OL/DL Eric McCammon, 6-4, 245, Sr.; OL/DL Seth Merritt, 5-9, 190, Jr.; RB/DB Adam Rothgeb, 5-11, 160, Sr.

Impact newcomers: QB Ian Atkinson, 5-8, 150, So.; WR Marc Donnell, 6-2, 150, Sr.; QB/LB Tylor Littlejohn, 6-2, 200, Jr.; WR Stefan Marth, 5-9, 160, Sr.; OL/DL Kyle Meyers, 6-0, 230, Jr.; QB/DB Rollin Smith, 6-2, 165, Jr.; OL/DL Kirk Strandjord, 6-2, 200, Jr.; RB/DB Brandon Yakaboski, 5-10, 175, So.

Outlook: Wildcats graduated 16 players, including QB Alex Smart, now at Eastern Washington, but return a more athletic group with better overall speed. Team has depth at line and defensive back positions, and Kinnune calls linebacker corps "as strong as it has been in years." Expect Mount Si to run the ball with Hyatt, Rothgeb and Yakaboski sharing carries. Home games will be played at Issaquah while construction of new stadium is completed.

NEWPORT KNIGHTS

Location: Bellevue

Coach: Mike Miller (1st year)

2003: 4-5 (6th), 5-5

Returning starters (7 offense, 5 defense): QB Phil Brown, 6-0, 174, Sr.; LB Neal Chalmers, 6-2, 194, Sr.; RB Mujale Chisebuka, 5-8, 152, Sr.; TE Darius Hajian, 6-0, 192, Sr.; OL Doug Hollenbeck, 5-11, 218, Jr.; LB Justin Kakaley, 6-0, 216, Sr.; OL/DL Ben Leapai, 5-10, 222, Sr.; DB Brock Olesen, 5-8, 164, Jr.; RB Chris Stockmann, 6-2, 205, Sr.; RB/LB Louis Wenger, 5-11, 185, Sr.

Other key returners: DB Andrew Ferleman, 6-0, 153, Jr.; DB/WR Tyrel Gillies, 5-9, 140, Jr.; DL/OL David Harrison, 6-1, 202, Jr.; OL/DL Logan Jones, 5-11, 195, Jr.; QB/DB Travis Yerian, 5-10, 182, Sr.

Impact newcomers: RB/DB Phil Gousman, 5-10, 152, Jr.; WR Brett Griffin, 5-10, 144, Sr.; DB Mike Hazen, 5-7, 182, So.; OL Craig Holden, 5-8, 164, So.; RB Teddy Jachim, 5-11, 150, So.; OL/DL Mack Klink, 5-10, 198, So.; DB/RB Brandon Mezistrano, 6-0, 216, So.; OL/DL John Nordstrom, 6-4, 218, Jr.; RB David Park, 5-8, 150, Jr.; WR Alex Pierson, 6-1, 183, Sr.; WR Brennon Schweikart, 6-5, 172, Jr.; OL/DL Matt Winter, 6-4, 190, So.

Outlook: Longtime assistant Miller replaces Gary Taller, who resigned after six seasons. Knights have abandoned trademark Wishbone offense in favor of Wing-T, enlisting aid of local coaching legend Dwaine Hatch in transition. RB Chisebuka (697 yds, 9 TDs) and RB Stockmann (664 yds, 4 TDs) ranked in top 10 in conference last year. Newport has finished .500 or better for past 18 seasons.

SAMMAMISH TOTEMS

Location: Bellevue

Coach: Michael Stuart (3rd year, 9-10)

2003: 5-4 (5th), 6-4

Returning starters (9 offense, 8 defense): OL/LB Drew Archer, 6-0, 183, Jr.; QB/DB Lyndon Estill, 6-3, 189, Sr.; RB/LB Eric Jochim, 6-1, 190, Jr.; OL/DL Brian LeVon, 6-1, 179, Sr.; OL/DL Riley Lucas, 6-1, 178, Sr.; OL/LB Josh Marbett, 5-11, 195, Sr.; RB/DB Reid McCann, 5-9, 165, Sr.; TE E.J. Rafferty, 6-1, 200, Sr.; OL/DL Kris Wheeler, 6-0, 226, Sr.

Other key returners: OL/DL Doug Anderson, 6-0, 182, Sr.; QB/DB J.D. Alyward, 5-11, 151, Jr.; WR Sean Hughes, 5-9, 140, Sr.; K/WR Josh Lider, 6-5, 172, Sr.; RB/DB Matt Yang, 5-8, 145, Jr.; RB/LB Tyler Yount, 6-0, 149, Jr.

Impact newcomers: OL/LB Scott Bastin, 5-8, 160, Jr.; QB/DB Ross Buchanan, 6-3, 171, Jr.; WR Jason Ferleman, 6-3, 185, Sr.; RB/DB Immanuel Martinez, 5-9, 171, So.; RB/DB Sal Mata, 5-6, 132, So.; RB/DB Laine McCann, 5-9, 174, Sr.; RB Nick Price, 5-8, 137, So.; QB/WR Sean Scott, 6-3, 184, Jr.

Outlook: Totems turned it around late last season, winning three in a row to close the year, and return most of their starters. Stuart reports 63 players out, much better than last year, when he had to cancel JV season for lack of numbers. QB Estill is one of conference's better athletes, and McCann brothers and Jochim should prove able RBs. Team still has many unanswered questions on defense.

— Matt Peterson