SPSL South scouting report

Beamer Titans

Location: Federal Way

Coach: Jeff Housman (2nd year, 1-6 record)

2003: 1-6 (played independent schedule as first-year school without seniors)

Returning starters (9 offense, 8 defense): OT/DT Josh Davis, 6-1, 301, Sr.; G/DT Cameron Gillespie, 5-11, 260, Sr.; C/DE Elliot McFeely, 6-2, 190, Jr.; QB/S Mike Waller, 5-10, 150, Sr.; TE/DE David Tyler, 6-2, 230, So.; TE/LB Tommie McBee, 6-2, 205, Jr.; OT/DT Aaron Herrera, 6-0, 245, Sr.; WR/CB Matt Hart, 6-0, 190, So.; RB/LB Dominique Small, 6-2, 200, Sr.; LB/RB Sam Heck, 5-11, 190, Jr.; LB/RB Rodney Dunlap, 5-8, 185, Jr.

Other key returners: OL/DL Brandon Jerome, 5-10, 215, So.; RB/LB Dan Smith, 5-9, 160, Sr.; K/P Sean Davis, 5-11, 160, Sr.; QB Cole Bixenman, 5-11, 155, So.; WR/S Mark Pridgeon, 5-10, 160, So.; WR/CB Chris McReynolds, 5-11, 160, Sr.

Impact newcomers: RB/S Chris English, 5-9, 175, Jr.; WR/CB Fred Jones, 6-2, 195, Sr.; WR/CB Brandon Love, 6-0, 180, Sr.

Outlook: Titans make a titanic jump into SPSL South and face a brutal baptism: Curtis, Bethel and Puyallup, picked by coaches to sweep top three spots. Beamer has some talented athletes and good overall speed to highlight wide-open offense, but lacks depth at most positions. Could win a game or two, especially if special teams perform well, but likely must be content to build toward future.

Bethel Braves

Location: Graham (Bethel School District)

Coach: Eric Kurle (7th year, 63-10)

2003: 8-0 (1st in SPSL South), 10-1 overall (lost to Bothell 31-0 in first round of state playoffs)

Returning starters (3 offense, 3 defense): WR/FS Jamil Turner, 6-2, 194, Sr.; OG/DE Ryan Pitt, 6-1, 230, Sr.; OT/DT Steve Head, 6-3, 260, Sr.; MLB/TE Devon Folden, 6-2, 220, Sr.; LB/RB Joe Castro, 5-10, 195, Sr.; DT/OG Davin Walker, 6-2, 210, Sr.

Other key returners: WR/DB Colt Fairley, 5-9, 165, Sr.; RB/DB Jake Smith, 5-9, 188, Sr.; WR/DB Mike Yusko, 6-2, 175, Sr.; QB Chuck Hogue, 5-10, 170, Sr.; WR/DB Charles Woodward, 5-11, 175, Jr.; C/DL Casey Arnstad, 5-11, 260, Sr.; OG/DE Mitch Post, 6-0, 215, Sr.; LB Demetrius Gainey, 5-10, 190, Sr.

Impact newcomers: RB/LB Eric Granquist, 6-0, 190, So.; RB/QB/LB Austin Burton, 6-0, 180, So.

Outlook: Some expect this to be a down year by Bethel standards, but not Kurle, who says his first group is as good as he's had — meaning Braves have shot at sixth straight division title. They have won a record 28 consecutive regular-season games dating to 2000. Hogue is mobile QB who got some snaps last year and has tremendous target in Turner. Depth is a concern with sophomores in key backup spots.

Curtis Vikings

Location: University Place (Curtis School District)

Coach: Bob Lucey (29th year, 178-104)

2003: 3-5 (6th), 4-6

Returning starters (6 offense, 8 defense): WR/FS Brendan Waiters, 6-2, 185, Jr.; WR/CB Eric Patterson, 5-10, 190, Sr.; RB/CB Amir Owens, 5-11, 185, Jr.; OT Grady Maxwell, 6-2, 315, Jr.; C Tyler Sipes, 5-11, 215, Jr.; TE Ross Berger, 6-5, 210, Sr.; SS/WR Brian Levenseller, 6-2, 175, Sr.; LB/RB Rodney Shaw, 6-0, 220, Jr.; LB Blaine Valadez, 5-10, 175, Jr.; DE/TE Brian Coyne, 6-2, 215, Sr.; LB Joe Ceccarrelli, 5-8, 170, Sr.; K/P/DE Garrett Rolsma, 6-1, 195, Sr.

Other key returners: OT Ben Sebau, 6-4, 240, Sr.; NG Kaleb Kaplowitz, 5-9, 175, Jr.; DT Kyle Lonzak, 5-9, 250, Sr.; QB Jordan Rasmussen, 6-4, 200, Jr.; LB Jordan Chargulaf, 5-9, 170, Jr.

Impact newcomer: OG Kalani Terukina, 6-3, 285, So.

Outlook: Brief playoff drought could be over for Curtis, which was uncharacteristic sixth the past two years. Vikings, who won four state titles from 1989 to 1996, have excellent skill players and plenty of beef. They also feature an outstanding kicker in Rolsma, who could make a difference in close games — ones they haven't been able to win lately.

Decatur Gators

Location: Federal Way

Coach: Bill Heglar (2nd year, 7-3)

2003: 6-2 (tied for 2nd), 7-3 (lost to Evergreen of Vancouver 24-0 in district playoffs)

Returning starters (3 offense, 3 defense): WB/LB Taylor McClusky, 6-0, 185, Sr.; HB/FS Rodney McCurry, 5-9, 165, Sr.; OT/DT Joe Benjamin, 6-1, 210, Sr.; LB/OG Ryan Tober, 6-3, 200, Sr.

Other key returners: C Bryan Borelli, 5-11, 225, Sr.; WB/CB Stephen Glover, 5-10, 160, Sr.; OG/LB Drew Shannon, 6-0, 210, Jr.

Impact newcomers: QB/FS Brock Gates, 6-0, 175, So.; WR/DE Michael Oates, 6-3, 185, Jr.; RB/CB Terrance McLarin, 5-8, 160, Jr.; FB Darrius Harris, 5-10, 210, So.

Outlook: After first playoff appearance in school history, Gators have giant holes to fill — notably, those left by QB/FS Darin Harris (UW) and FB/LB Kyle Bressler (OSU for wrestling). But there's ample talent, led by speedy McCurry, and some expect Decatur to challenge for playoff spot. Gates is sound QB who should get chance to open up offense a bit more. Line play is key.

Emerald Ridge Jaguars

Location: South Hill (Puyallup School District)

Coach: Kelly Susee (5th year, 4-33)

2003: 1-7 (tied for 7th), 2-8

Returning starters (2 offense, 3 defense): WR/DT Brynsen Brown, 6-2, 205, Sr.; WR Brent Dammeier, 6-0, 185, Jr.; CB/RB Neko Doy, 5-8, 165, Jr.; CB/WR Fernando Rodriguez, 5-7, 145, Sr.

Other key returners: OT/DT Bo Mullen, 6-1, 190, Jr.; OT/DT Cody Lockler, 6-1, 185, Jr.

Impact newcomers: QB/S Mike Hubbard, 6-1, 175, Jr.; RB/LB Aaron Brown, 5-10, 185, So.; QB/S Kevin Wills, 5-6, 150, So.; LB Kaelin Koppleman, 5-11, 195, Jr.

Outlook: Brown is one of only three seniors in program, but he's a good one and has solid junior class around him. Jags must improve defense after allowing 35.1 points per game last season. With just 26 varsity players, depth is major concern. Should be more competitive.

Federal Way Eagles

Location: Federal Way

Coach: John Meagher (7th year, 26-35)

2003: 1-7 (tied for 7th), 1-9

Returning starters (3 offense, 6 defense): RB/SS C.J. Green, 5-10, 185, Sr.; WR/CB Rodell Razore, 5-9, 165, Sr.; OG/DT Eric Cerf, 6-3, 290, Sr.; LB/TB Marcus Trice, 5-10, 180, Sr.; DE/OT Tyler Pac, 5-9, 170, Sr.; FS/WR JoJo Hannible, 5-7, 150, Sr.

Other key returners: WR/P Chad Johnson, 5-11, 175, Sr.; QB Donny McConnaughy, 6-2 180, So.; FB/LB Thomas Montelongo, 5-9, 175, Jr.; OT/LB Landon Steiger, 5-11, 185, Jr.; OT/DE Alex Grays, 5-11, 185, Sr.; OT/DT J.R. Pulu, 6-3, 310, Jr.; C/DE Sean Conner, 6-0, 190, Sr.

Impact newcomers: C/DT Brandon Williams, 6-0, 215, So.; FB/LB Victor Williams, 5-11, 175, Jr.; WR/SS Jimmy Ivory, 5-6, 150, Jr.; OT/LB Ben Graham, 5-11, 175, Jr.; OG/DT Kline Wagner, 5-10, 230, So.

Outlook: Eagles were stunned to go from stellar (playoffs in 2002) to cellar and are determined to bounce back. Green is a gem. McConnaughy, son of former Eagles coach Tom McConnaughy (now a San Diego Chargers scout) is a special athlete. Team needs a strong start to live up to preseason hopes.

Jefferson Raiders

Location: Auburn (Federal Way School District)

Coach: Kevin Hanis (6th year, 8-38)

2003: 1-7 (tied for 7th), 2-8

Returning starters (4 offense, 5 defense): RB/OLB Josh Fider, 5-11, 205, Sr.; OT/DT James Presleigh, 6-2, 220, Sr.; WR/CB Josh Hauck, 5-9, 165, Jr.; C/NG Joe Wolleat, 6-2, 320, Sr.; FS/WR Tim Satterwhite, 6-2, 175, Jr.; OT/DE Cliff Satterwhite, 6-2, 220, Sr.; OG/DT Jason Summers, 6-2, 205, Jr.

Other key returners: QB/FS Erik Fitzgerald, 6-3, 195, Sr.; WR/OLB Matt Learned, 5-11, 165, Sr.

Impact newcomers: QB/LB Jarret Jackson, 6-2, 210, Jr.; G/LB Jake Reinitz, 6-0, 220, Sr.; OT/DT Kyle Jones, 6-1, 275, So.; WR/OLB Chris Vining, 5-8, 175, Sr.; WR/CB Tanuj Soni, 5-11, 165, So.; G/LB Enrique Silva, 6-0, 210, Sr.; OT/DT Justin Gentry, 6-4, 255, Jr.

Outlook: As always, depth is a concern for Raiders, who have not won more than three division games in a season since 1989. But Hanis is high on his No. 1 players. They are young in spots, especially in terms of experience, but very athletic and overall team speed is much improved. Still, it might be tough for TJ to move up much in tough division.

Puyallup Vikings

Location: Puyallup

Coach: Tom Ingles (1st year)

2003: 6-2 (tied for 2nd), 8-2

Returning starters (6 offense, 5 defense): TB/SS Makai Borden, 6-0, 211, Sr.; FB/LB Michael Goings, 5-10, 220, Sr.; OT/DT Tyler Maulkauh, 6-3, 245, Sr.; C/DT Keane Hansen, 6-1, 250, Sr.; G/DT Sam Emerson, 6-1, 255, Sr.; QB/CB Johnny Spevak, 6-3, 185, Sr.; DE/TE Adam Grant, 6-7, 245, Sr.; OT/DT Steve Cook, 6-3, 255, Sr.

Other key returners: FB/ILB Phillip Dominguez, 5-11, 215, Sr.; FL/DB Wyatt Ellis, 6-2, 185, Sr.; FL Zach Vaswig, 6-1, 180, Sr.; OLB Jonah Mawea, 6-2, 205, Jr.

Impact newcomers: OG/NG Kacy Hansen, 6-1, 290, Sr.; OT/DE Paul Hackerel, 6-4, 240, Jr.; WR/DB/K Brian Webber, 5-7, 140, Sr.; QB/P Ryan Graves, 5-11, 190, Jr.; CB Caleb Barsh, 6-4, 175, Jr.; RB/S Nick Shadle, 5-10, 180, Jr.; TB/CB Ricky Cooper, 5-9, 170, Jr.

Outlook: Expected by many to end Bethel's five-year run atop SPSL South, Vikings have several high-profile athletes, led by massive Grant (committed to UW) and multi-talented Borden. They also now have one of the state's winningest coaches in Ingles, former Kentwood guru. He will rely on run more than Puyallup is accustomed to and has mobile QB in Spevak, who throws well, too. Could go deep into playoffs.

Rogers Rams

Location: South Hill (Puyallup School District)

Coach: Gene Bowen (1st year)

2003: 6-2 (tied for 2nd), 6-4 (lost to Kentwood 46-21 in district playoffs)

Returning starters (3 offense, 5 defense): WR/DB Brandon Gibson, 6-1, 185, Sr.; OG/NG Chris Perez, 6-0, 310, Sr.; QB Kyle Raden, 5-11, 170, Sr.; LB/TB Jesus Iniguez, 5-10, 200, Sr.; DE/OT Jonah Sataraka, 6-2, 235, Jr.; DE/TE Josh Jacobson, 6-2, 220, Sr.; NG/OC Trevor Hansen, 5-10, 230, Jr.

Other key returners: OT/DE Chris Bush, 6-5, 260, Jr.; OG/DT Frank Dimayuga, 5-10, 250, Sr.; WR/DB Jon Hofner, 6-0, 175, Jr.

Impact newcomers: WR/DB Jesse Kase, 6-0, 175, Jr.; RB/LB Zach Hulle, 5-10, 185, Jr.

Outlook: After allowing more than 300 yards per game last season, Rams are making defensive changes under Bowen, who moves up after two years as assistant. He figures they can be in playoff hunt again if they don't give up many big plays. Physical team has quality first-line players, but inexperienced depth. Raden, Gibson are quality passing combo.

Spanaway Lake Sentinels

Location: Spanaway Lake (Bethel School District)

Coach: John Robak (10th year, 46-41)

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

Returning starters (4 offense, 6 defense): OT/DT David Marshall, 6-3, 240, Sr.; OG/DE Mike Savageau, 6-3, 230, Sr.; C/DT Pancho Sapunto, 6-2, 285, Jr.; FB/LB Donavan Esser, 5-10, 195, Sr.; DE/OT Jason Brace, 6-5, 240, Jr.; LB Matt Wickens, 6-1, 185, Sr.; S/RB Willie Davis, 5-10, 185, Sr.; DB/WR Bobby Burns, 5-11, 150, Jr.; S/RB Chris Wilson, 6-0, 185, Jr.

Other key returners: OT/DT Jason Marshall, 6-2, 295, Jr.; FB/LB Bobby Hughes, 5-10, 200, Sr.; WR Robert Colon, 6-1, 180, Sr.; WR/DB Scobey Johanson, 6-0, 160, Sr.; RB/DB Marquez Jackson, 6-0, 175, Sr.; QB Jeff Webb, 5-11, 180, Sr.; QB Steve Easterly, 6-0, 185, Sr.

Impact newcomers: QB Chase Dutcher, 6-0, 170, Jr.; RB/DB Woo Johnson, 5-9, 170, So.; RB/DB Daniel Flores, 6-0, 180, Sr.; OT/LB Lance Maulupe, 6-0, 210, So.

Outlook: With offensive line that's athletic and aggressive to go along with super overall team speed, Sentinels could make push for only second division title in school history (they shared 2000 crown with Bethel). Like many others in SPSL South, they have strong first 11, but questionable depth, at least in terms of experience. Webb is expected to get nod at QB with Easterly (ineligible early) and Dutcher (JV last year) in wings.

— Sandy Ringer