2011 was a year unlike any other for the Eastlake football program. But that doesn’t mean the Wolves are content living in the past.
After taking down Plateau rival Skyline for the first time in school history and making only the program’s third run to the 4A state quarterfinals, coach Gene Dales’ squad is now tasked with replacing all 22 starters while navigating the new-look Crown Division of 4A KingCo.
“Our guys are definitely ready to replace the kids that raised the bar again last year,” Dales said. “When their turn comes, they will be ready.”
Gone are dynamic running back Ryan Lewis and quarterback Keegan Kemp, who were responsible for the majority of the offensive production on last year’s historic run.
A trio that includes a Kentwood transfer in Richard Thomas, a senior-in-waiting in Grant Beahm and Ryan Pladson, another senior that missed all of 2011 with an injury, could all provide a burst for the offense in Kemp’s absence, according to Dales.
While the running back position will also lack experience, the Wolves have a host of players ready to step into increased roles on the outside, including senior wide receiver Cameron Nelson and safety DK Thornton. Both understand the uphill challenge presented by replacing the entirety of last year’s starting lineup, yet neither was willing to discount the idea that this year’s group could again set a new standard.
“You want to top that and do better than you did last year,” Nelson said. “It kind of motivated us.”
The Wolves will be after a third straight state playoff appearance this year, a feat never before accomplished in school history, and hope the lessons of the past two seasons can allow them to reap the benefits.
Dales emphasized the importance of a brotherhood within the program and said he has been pleased to see that mantra remain a focus for 2012.
“We’re a close-knit group,” he said. “We’re ready to take it out on the field.”
The first opportunity to do that will come on Saturday in Oregon against Lakeridge (Lake Oswego) before the Wolves return to face Metro foes Eastside Catholic and Seattle Prep. All three were playoff teams last season and should provide a hearty introduction for the host of new faces that Dales will roll out.
“We’ve tried to be patient,” Dales said. “Instead of expecting too much from our kids, we just expect effort.”
The most intriguing game of the season, aside from the regular season finale against arch-rival Redmond, could come in the Crown Division opener against Bothell in week four.
The Cougars look like a potential early favorite with a three-headed rushing attack and more seasoned presence at quarterback than last season. A win at Pop Keeney could be a springboard to another division title and likely the only way Eastlake will match up with Skyline, as the Spartans remained in the Crest when divisions changed in the spring.
While players and coaches were mostly quiet on the topic of their Plateau rivals, the defending 4A state champions, both Nelson and Thornton said a shot to face a respected opponent that also happens to be just up the road is always a benefit.
“If it comes to it,” Nelson said. “That would be a great thing.”
“We’re going to have some adversity and how we react is going to be huge. Our goal is to mature and be good at the end of the season.” – Gene Dales, Eastlake head coach
9/1 @ Lakeridge (Lake Oswego, Ore.), 6 p.m.
9/7 VS Eastside Catholic, 7 p.m.
9/14 VS Seattle Prep, 7 p.m.
9/21 @ Bothell, 7 p.m.
9/28 VS Inglemoor, 7 p.m.
10/5 VS Woodinville, 7 p.m.
10/12 @ Meadowdale, 7 p.m.
10/19 VS Redmond, 7 p.m.
10/26 KingCo Crossover Game
