Deer Park Football Looks to Build Incoming Players with Senior Leadership

The trio of seniors he refers to are quarterback Ian Olietti, wide receiver Kale Blades, and running back Carter Criss. All three will be in their second year, running the offense as Wadkins is also the offensive signal caller. Blades earned sec - ond team all-league last fall when he brought in 30 receptions for 500 yards and six touchdowns. Olietti brings a strong arm that has been showcased the past two springs as an all-league baseball performer to his second campaign as the football team’s varsity starter. Criss transferred to Deer Park from class 2A stalwart Tumwater last fall and showcased his talents with a 209-yard performance at Clarkston.

Wadkins said he expects senior Mateo Lightsey to provide depth as running back with Brian Soderberg and Caden Knudsvig to provide the same as receivers. Wadkins added that Ben Jordan will be able to handle any of the receiving positions as well. The tallest member of the receiving corp will be 6'5" senior Cam Noel who has demonstrated his ability to outjump defenders during summer drills. His large frame and body will provide a tempting tar get for Olietti and company; Wadkins said his team will "spread the opposing defense out". Clearing the way for the ball carriers and protecting the quarterback will be a mix of seniors and underclassmen, said Wadkins. Josh Krantz returns as the offensive line signal caller at center where seniors Ro McNabb and Tristan Flugel as well as Jon Kaliman will return.

Four underclassmen are also making a push for roles as solid contributors this fall. Sophomores Justin McPhee and Noah Flugel are likely candidates to be in the offensive line rotation. Freshman Colby Fry and Wy - att Hoeck are also getting noticed in summer drills. Hoeck stands as the largest of the group at 6'3" and 270 pounds. Wadkins noted an increased turnout of over 60 at this point; last fall, the team saw a high of 40 players that ended in the upper 20s. He also noted the freshman class this fall counts 26 compared to six last year. The job of stopping the opposing offensive begins with the defensive line, where seniors Tristan Flugel and Kaliman are anticipated starters with a rotation of four players inside all weighing 270 pounds or better.

Lightsey drew praise from his head coach for an "unbelievable summer" and is expected to be a steady contributor at linebacker. Wad - kins also commended sophomore Kash Phillips for his "big leap" this summer. The secondary is headlined by returning all-leaguer Eion Bogle. Likely to play key roles at cornerback are senior Jaden Wilson, who led the team in interceptions last fall, and Blades.

Competing for playing time in the secondary also are Ian Olietti, Knudsvig, and Jackson Reed. Jordan, who earned all-league mention last fall, will handle both kicking and punting duties. Wadkins said he anticipates "big things" from Jordan who has the range to connect from 40 yards. The return specialist roles will be determined when fall practice takes place.

Wadkins anticipates West Valley to continue to be strong in defense of their league championship. He also pointed to Rogers and Pullman as teams to watch, and noted that North Central has a number of quality athletes. He listed his keys for success as "doing your job," "not beating themselves," and "staying committed to and trusting the process.” The Stags will host a jamboree on Aug. 29 prior to opening the season at de - fending Northeast "A" League champion Colville on Sept. 4.

The annual "Battle Of The Horns" matchup against Riverside will also serve as the home-opener on Sept. 11. League play begins on Sept. 18 against Rogers at One Spokane Stadi - um. The Stags welcome Lakeside for their homecoming game on Sept. 25. Road games at Pullman and East Valley precede the Oct. 16 home matchup with North Central. The final road trip is to Clarkston on Oct. 23 with West Valley visiting to close out the regular season on Oct. 30.