football • volleyball • soccer • cross-country
TRANSCRIPT
RIVALRY INTENSIFIESCentral joins Dallas in theMid-Willamette Conference
INSIDE:Five athletes
to watch this fallin Polk County
2014 FALL HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS GUIDECENTRAL PANTHERS • DALLAS DRAGONS • FALLS CITY MOUNTAINEERS • PERRYDALE PIRATES
FOOTBALL • VOLLEYBALL • SOCCER • CROSS-COUNTRY
Sept. 3, 2014 Section DItemizer-ObserverPolk County
2D Fall Sports Preview Polk County Itemizer-Observer • September 3, 2014
TABLE OF CONTENTSABOUT THE COVER:Rivalry intensifies: Dallas senior linebacker/running back Spencer McCarron and Central sen-
ior running back/linebacker Wes Riddell will face each other once again ... this time with leagueramifications on the line now that the Panthers have joined the Dragons in the Mid-WillametteConference. See their story on Page 10D.
3D DALLAS Football
TABLE OF CONTENTS
4D CENTRAL Football
5D PERRYDALE Volleyball
6D DALLAS Boys Soccer
7D CENTRAL Girls Soccer
8D DALLAS Volleyball
9D FALLS CITY - KINGS VALLEY Football
10D Cover Story: McCarron and Riddell clash as league foes
11D 5 Fall Athletes to Watch in Polk County
12D DALLAS Cross-Country
13D CENTRAL Cross-Country
14D PERRYDALE Football
15D CENTRAL Volleyball
16D DALLAS Girls Soccer
CONTRIBUTORS: Lukas Eggen, sports editor; Kurt Holland, managing editor; Jolene Guzman,reporter; Emily Mentzer, reporter; Lukas Eggen, photography.
18D FALLS CITY - KINGS VALLEY Volleyball,WESTERN MENNONITE - PERRYDALE Girls Soccer
17D CENTRAL Boys Soccer
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THE RUNDOWN …Coach: Tracy Jackson (third season).2013 record: 4-3, fourth place in Mid-
Willamette Conference; 8-4 overall; advancedto quarterfinal round of Class 5A state play-offs.
Key returners: Spencer McCarron, sr., run-ning back/linebacker; Conner Macean, sr.,offensive/defensive lineman; Hunter Lindsay,
sr., offensive/defensivelineman; Brad Huey, sr.,offensive/defensive line-man; Kyle Snyder, sr.,offensive lineman/line-backer; Jesse Wilcoxon, sr.,running back/defensiveback; Chase Mauk, sr., run-ning back/defensive back.
Newcomers to watch:Harrison Broadus, soph.,quarterback; TannerEarhart, soph., cornerback,Jacob Collins, soph., widereceiver/defensive back;Jacob Ronco, soph., full-back/linebacker; JoshuaJackson, soph., offen-sive/defensive lineman.
Significant stat: 2 —The number of timesDallas has won eight ormore games since the
2000 season, when the Dragons went 9-2. Outlook: Dallas is ready to run opponents
over this fall. Despite seeing top runningback/linebacker Caleb Naughton graduate inthe spring, the Dragons’ run-oriented offenseseems primed for a big year on the groundthis fall. An offensive line led by Maclean,Lindsay, Huey and Snyder will be the key tothe Dragons’ ground attack. The line will workto pave the way for McCarron, Wilcoxon, Maukand others in the run game. The Dragons arelikely to get multiple running backs involvedas Dallas hopes to wear down defenses with
its Wing-T offense. Thesecret to the increasedstrength among linemenstemmed from playersworking in the offseasonto improve. “Our wholefront on both sides isgoing to be really good,”coach Jackson said. “Idon’t have a kid on ourdefense that can’t power
clean 200 pounds. They’ve all worked reallyhard.” Added McCarron: “Guys you wouldn’tthink just by looking at them are power clean-ing 200 pounds. It keeps you pushing, and
you put your nose to thegrindstone and keepgoing no matter whatobstacles come in front ofyou.” While McCarron willhelp lead the squad’s run-ning backs, a new face willbe under center, as sopho-more Harrison Broadustakes over at quarterback.Broadus’ progression will
be key in making the offense tick. Seeing asophomore start is unusual for the Dragons,but coach Jackson said that Broadus, alongwith Earhart, played their way into the lineup
and earned their roles “I don’t usually likepulling sophomores up, but these guys havebeen lights out and really gave us no choice,”Jackson said. “I think (Harrison) Broadus isgoing to do a great job (at quarterback) andTanner is going to do great at corner. Theseguys really stepped up.” The Dragons are com-ing off an eight-win season that saw the teamadvance to the quarterfinals of the Class 5Astate playoffs, where they lost to eventualstate-champion West Albany. But players backfrom last season aren’t content with theiraccomplishments. They want more. Thealways-tough Mid-Willamette Conference willbe difficult to navigate, but West Albany,which also won the league title last season, isnow a Class 6A school. That leaves the race forthe conference crown up for grabs and givesthe Dragons a chance for a league title in2014. Four of Dallas’ seven league games areat home, including what should be keymatchups against Silverton, Lebanon andCorvallis. “We’d have summer workouts and60 kids would show up,” Jackson said. “Ourguys have earned their success. We hope thatit’s going to be our destiny and that weachieve good things this year.”
Polk County Itemizer-Observer • September 3, 2014 Fall Sports Preview 3D
2014 DALLAS FOOTBALL
Dragons look to build on big 2013 season
DALLAS FOOTBALL SCHEDULEAug. 29 at Cascade Jamboree 7 p.m.Sept. 5 Crater 7 p.m.Sept. 12 at Ashland 7 p.m.Sept. 19 Woodburn * 7 p.m.Sept. 26 at Central * 7 p.m.Oct. 3 at South Albany * 7 p.m.Oct. 9 Corvallis * 7 p.m.Oct. 17 at Crescent Valley * 7 p.m.Oct. 24 Lebanon * 7 p.m.Oct. 31 Silverton * 7 p.m.Nov. 7-8 5A State Playoffs TBANov. 14-15 5A State Playoffs TBANov. 21-22 5A State Playoffs TBANov. 29 5A State Championship TBA* — denotes Mid-Willamette Conference game
Maclean
Earhart
Broadus
Mauk
Senior Spencer McCarron is expected to play a big role on offense for Dallas.
Dallas enters the season with the Mid-Willamette Conference crown up for grabs
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THE RUNDOWN …Coach: Shane Hedrick (15th season). 2013 record: 4-1, second place in Oregon
West Conference; 9-3 overall; advanced toquarterfinal round of Class 4A state playoffs.
Key returners: Wes Riddell, sr., runningback/linebacker; Alberto Meza, sr., offen-sive/defensive lineman; Riley Olson, sr., offen-sive/defensive lineman; Ty Whittemore, sr.,offensive/defensive lineman; Kyler Fleming,sr., running back/linebacker; Michael Alvarez,sr., tight end/linebacker.
Newcomer to watch: Doug Clem, jr., quar-
terback/safety. Significant stat: 1,331
— The number of rushingyards Riddell gained dur-ing the 2013 season.Riddell also tied for theteam-high in touchdownswith 12.
Outlook: Central en-ters the season looking tomake a big splash in its
first year at the Class 5A level. The Pantherswill once again turn to Riddell. Central willlook to dominate on the ground this fall.
“The offensive and defen-sive lines will be the heartand soul of this team,along with the hard run-ning of Wes Riddell,”Hedrick said. Anchoringthe front lines are Meza,Olson and others. But thePanthers are looking toadd a new dimension totheir offense with the
team’s lone transfer this season. Followingformer Central quarterback Ben Finnegan,who threw for 2,220 yards and 26 touch-downs last season, is no easy task, but Clem,a transfer from West Salem High School,brings speed and size (6-foot-2, 205 pounds) as hesteps under center for thePanthers. Clem led theTitans’ unbeaten juniorvarsity squad in 2012 andappeared in limited varsi-ty action as a backup lastseason. “He has a verygood arm with accuratepassing,” Hedrick said.“He’s the first to arrive andlast to leave.” ThePanthers will have toovercome some inexperi-ence after having 16 sen-iors graduate from lastseason’s roster, includingeight receivers and defen-sive backs. While Centralmay look to lean on therun offensively, the devel-opment of the passinggame could turn the Panthers into a Mid-Willamette Conference contender. “The tal-ent is there,” Riddell said. “We’re a reallyyoung team, so we just need to get someexperience under our belt. There may be afew rough games in the beginning, but we’llput it together from there.” Returning
receivers Alex Quinn,Trevor Nash and othershave a chance to breakout. Now facing largerschools, there could be afew bumps and bruisesalong the way, butHedrick said the Panthersare committed to buildingdepth. “I think the kids areadapting well,” he said.“They’ve been very receptive with whatwe’re trying to do on the field. I’m pleasedwith that. I think like everyone else in the val-ley, we’re concerned about our depth anddeveloping the younger players.” Hedricksaid he’s not using wins and losses as abarometer of success in 2014. Instead, he’slooking for his returning starters to help ayoung Central squad grow and become aforce to be reckoned with by the end of theseason. The Panthers likely will have kinks tosmooth out early in the season, but Hedrickis confident the team’s potential can makethem competitive in the MWC. “The successof the team will be measured on them reach-ing their potential,” Hedrick said. “I look forthem to have weekly improvements.”
4D Fall Sports Preview Polk County Itemizer-Observer • September 3, 2014
2014 CENTRAL FOOTBALL
Challenge awaits Panthers in tough MWC
CENTRAL FOOTBALL SCHEDULESept. 5 Bend 7 p.m.Sept. 12 at Mountain View 7 p.m.Sept. 19 at South Albany * 7 p.m.Sept. 26 Dallas * 7 p.m.Oct. 3 at Crescent Valley * 7 p.m.Oct. 9 Lebanon * 7 p.m.Oct. 17 Silverton * 7 p.m.Oct. 24 at Corvallis * 7 p.m.Oct. 31 at Woodburn * 7 p.m.Nov. 7-8 5A State Playoffs TBANov. 14-15 5A State Playoffs TBANov. 21-22 5A State Playoffs TBANov. 29 5A State Championship TBA* — denotes Mid-Willamette Conference game
Clem
Senior running back/linebacker Wes Riddell scored 12 touchdowns in 2013.
Central looks to senior running back, transfer quarterback to lead the team’s offense
Fleming
Olson
Quinn
Alvarez
Kyle, Cassie, Ruger, Diane & Wally
THE RUNDOWN …Coach: Denise Dickey (first season). 2013 record: 12-4, second place in Casco
League; 13-8 overall; lost to C.S. LewisAcademy in the Casco League Tournament.
Key returners: Madison Perkins, sr., setter;Kolbie Calonder, sr., setter; Taylor Price, jr.,middle blocker; Sarah Nelson, sr., outside hit-ter; Anna McGill, jr., outside hitter.
Newcomers to watch: None. Significant stat: 46 — The number of
serving aces Nelsonrecorded during the 2013season, a team-high.
Outlook: Perrydaleenters a new league withan experienced roster,seeing eight playersreturning from 2013. ThePirates may be facingschools with larger enroll-ments, but Perrydale
returns nearly all of its starting lineup fromlast season. Although entering a new leaguewith a new coach, one thing is clear: Playerswon’t be set in just one position. “I feel each
of these girls are very ath-letic and well-roundedplayers who can fill anyposition at any timeshould the need arise,”Dickey said. “The key tobeing successful this yearis to use all our offensiveweapons and, as always,play great defense.”Nelson will likely play amajor role on offense forPerrydale. She was one ofthe Pirates’ all-round lead-ers in 2013, when she ledthe team in digs (220),aces (46), hitting percent-age and passing percent-age, while also tying forthe team-high in servingpercentage (96 percent).The Pirates will also rely
on Telaney Newton and Price at the net, withPerkins and Calonder as setters. SavannahWilliams will play libero, while Hanna Hallockrounds out the team’s lineup as a defensivespecialist. The big question surrounds
whether Perrydale’s smallroster will make thingsdifficult for the Pirates ifinjuries or fatigue sets inas the season goes on.But Perrydale isn’t readyto lay down in the Tri-River Conference. Dickeybelieves the Pirates haveall the tools necessary tocompete for a leaguechampionship right offthe bat. “I just take eachmatch as they come,” saidDickey, whose team playsthree of its first four con-ference matches at home,starting on Sept. 9against Santiam. “How-ever, we will be very wellprepared for our newleague, and I am very
excited to see the team in action. I am verypleased with the progress they are making.…We don’t have a very big team this year,but we have some strong girls and I thinkwe’ll be OK.”
Polk County Itemizer-Observer • September 3, 2014 Fall Sports Preview 5D
2014 PERRYDALE VOLLEYBALL
Pirates aim to make a splash in Class 2A
PERRYDALE VOLLEYBALLSCHEDULE
Aug. 29 at Central Linn Jamboree 2 p.m.Sept. 3 Delphian 3 p.m.Sept. 3 Portland Lutheran 6 p.m.Sept. 9 Santiam * 6 p.m.Sept. 11 at Kennedy * 6 p.m.Sept. 16 Western Mennonite * 6 p.m.Sept. 18 East Linn Christian * 6 p.m.Sept. 20 at East Linn Christian 8 a.m.
TournamentSept. 23 at Regis * 6 p.m.Sept. 25 Central Linn * 6 p.m.Sept. 26 Damascus Christian 3 p.m.Sept. 26 Sherman 6 p.m.Sept. 30 at St. Paul * 6 p.m.Oct. 2 at Santiam * 6 p.m.Oct. 6 Kennedy * 6 p.m.Oct. 8 at Western Mennonite * 6 p.m.Oct. 14 at East Linn Christian * 6 p.m.Oct. 16 Regis * 6 p.m.Oct. 20 at Central Linn * 6 p.m.Oct. 22 St. Paul * 6 p.m.Nov. 1 2A State Playoffs TBANov. 7-8 2A State Tournament TBA* — denotes Tri-River Conference match
Hallock
Calonder
Perrydale brings experienced varsity roster to first season in Tri-River Conference
Nelson
McGill Price
THE RUNDOWN …Coach: Chris Smerke (first season). 2013 record: 0-7-0, eighth place in Mid-
Willamette Conference; 0-13-1 overall.Key returners: Tariq Miller, sr., mid-
field/defense; Lucas Diaz,jr., forward; Cody Tilgner,jr., center back/midfielder.
Newcomers to watch:Julian Dzirabel, sr., mid-field; Michael Davison, fr.,midfielder; Ian Porter, fr.,midfielder; Winston Huber,fr., midfielder.
Significant stat: 90 —The number of goalsallowed by the Dragons
during the 2013 season, the most amongClass 5A teams.
Outlook: Dallas is looking to put a difficult2013 season behind it. The Dragons wentwithout a win, scoring just seven goals whileallowing 90. But first-year head coach ChrisSmerke is optimistic about this year’s squad.Miller will be called upon to help anchor thedefense, creating chances for Diaz on the
attack. This will be key tothe offense to the Dragonsimproving on offense.“Tariq’s aggressive style ofplay and leadership on thefield will make it hard foropposing teams to cut himout of the game,” Smerkesaid. “Lucas’ speed andoverall physicality will giveother teams’ defenses
some problems. He is a dangerous player onthe attack and provides many chances for usin the final third with his speed and depth.”Tilgner also will help lead the midfield unit.The Dragons also welcome an exciting groupof newcomers. Dzirabel, a foreign exchangestudent from Germany, brings an internation-al knowledge of the game to the squad whilefreshmen Davison, Porter and Huber shouldcompete for playing time in the midfield. Withnew faces on the field, returning players areadjusting well to Smerke. “He really knowswhat he’s doing,” Diaz said. “It’s been verysmooth.” The coaching change has playerslooking forward to what the future may hold
for the squad. “Everyone is excited for this falland we want to get a couple of wins this year,”Diaz said. All that adds up to the Dragonslooking to take a step forward in 2014.“Overall, the players are coming togetherpretty well,” Smerke said. “I am anxious to see
how they play in the system I have set (up) forthem. It will be a lot different from what theyare used to playing, but I know they can riseup to the challenge.”
6D Fall Sports Preview Polk County Itemizer-Observer • September 3, 2014
2014 DALLAS BOYS SOCCER
Dragons ready to leave 2013 behind them
DALLAS BOYS SOCCER SCHEDULE
Aug. 28 at Century Jamboree 10 a.m.Sept. 11 at Sprague TBASept. 16 McNary 4 p.m.Sept. 18 St. Helens 4 p.m.Sept. 23 at Benson 4:15 p.m.Sept. 25 Barlow 4 p.m.Sept. 29 at Reynolds 4 p.m.Oct. 6 at Central * 4 p.m.Oct. 7 Woodburn * 4 p.m.Oct. 14 at Crescent Valley * 6 p.m.Oct. 16 Lebanon * 4 p.m.Oct. 21 at Silverton * 6 p.m.Oct. 23 Corvallis * 4 p.m.Oct. 28 South Albany * 4 p.m.Nov. 5 5A State Playoffs TBANov. 8 5A State Playoffs TBANov. 11 5A State Playoffs TBANov. 15 5A State Championship TBA* — denotes Mid-Willamette Conference match
Diaz
Miller
Tariq Miller hopes to help Dallas earna win during the 2014 season.
New coach hopes to lead Dallas into contention in the Mid-Willamette Conference
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THE RUNDOWN …Coach: Joe Orozco (third season).2013 record: 2-6-0, fourth place in Oregon
West Conference; 3-8-1 overall.Key returners: Jerikka White, sr., defender;
Grecia Diaz, sr., forward; Alexis Orozco, sr., for-ward; Victoria Padilla, sr., forward; AlyssaOrozco, soph., midfielder.
Newcomers to watch: Naomi Torres, jr.,midfielder; Noah Torres, soph., midfielder.
Significant stat: 10 — The number oftimes opponents held Central scoreless or toone goal in a match during the 2013 season.The Panthers scored 17 of their 24 goals intwo matches.
Outlook: At first glance, Central has thelook of a team that will struggle in its first yearat Class 5A. But the Panthers are out to provethey belong among the Mid-WillametteConference’s best. Leading the way will beDiaz and Orozco, both experienced seniorscapable of giving the Panthers multiple scor-ing threats. White, one of the team’s co-cap-tains, will anchor the defense. “We have play-ers who have a great understanding of thegame,” Joe Orozco said. “That’s the goal right
now, so we can do betterthan we did last year.”Sisters Naomi and NoahTorres are expected togive Central’s midfield unita jolt of energy, and allowthe forwards to keep pres-sure on opposing defend-ers, hopefully leading tomore quality scoringchances. “Our rotation willwork a lot better becausewe have enough defend-ers to keep our forwardspushing up,” coach Orozcosaid. “That will allow us toget better looks at thegoal.” With 13 upperclass-men on the roster, includ-ing Victoria Padilla andJasmine Meraz, Central isnot short on experience.
But entering a new league means Joe Orozcoisn’t sure where the Panthers will finish in theleague standings. “It’ll be a great test for all ofus to see how we do against Woodburn,Silverton and everyone,” Joe Orozco said. “The
MWC has some really good teams and it’sgoing to be a challenge for us to compete.”Joe Orozco said the key to the team’s success
will be aggressive play that creates scoringopportunities. “They don’t know how we playyet, so that gives us a little bit of an advan-tage,” Alexis Orozco said. “... We have to step upto the plate and show them that we belong.We can’t back down.”
Polk County Itemizer-Observer • September 3, 2014 Fall Sports Preview 7D
2014 CENTRAL GIRLS SOCCER
Chemistry key to Panthers’ success in MWC
CENTRAL GIRLS SOCCER SCHEDULEAug. 29 at North Eugene 7 p.m.Sept. 4 Cottage Grove 6:30 p.m.Sept. 11 Madison 7 p.m.Sept. 16 at McNary 4 p.m.Sept. 18 North Salem 4 p.m.Sept. 25 at Southridge 7:30 p.m.Oct. 6 at Dallas * 4 p.m.Oct. 7 South Albany * 6 p.m.Oct. 14 at Silverton * 4 p.m.Oct. 16 Corvallis * 4 p.m.Oct. 21 Lebanon * 6 p.m.Oct. 23 at Crescent Valley * 4 p.m.Oct. 28 at Woodburn * 6 p.m.Nov. 4 5A State Playoffs TBANov. 8 5A State Playoffs TBANov. 11 5A State Playoffs TBANov. 15 5A State Championship TBA* — denotes Mid-Willamette Conference match
Seniors looking to end career on a high with a strong showing in their final season
White
Ale. Orozco Grecia Diaz (6) hopes to have moregoal-scoring opportunities in 2014.
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THE RUNDOWN …Coach: Shana Lavier (second season).2013 record: 5-9, fifth place in Mid-
Willamette Conference; 10-12 overall;advanced to the first round of the Class 5Astate playoffs.
Key returners: AmandaDankenbring, sr., setter;Reagan Davis, sr., defen-sive specialist; BrianaClassen, sr., middle block-er; Danielle Remington, sr.,libero; Chanel Bailey, sr.,middle blocker; YasmineEl-Hato, jr., right-side hit-ter; Cambria Blaire, jr., out-side hitter; Maci Ack-
erman, jr., defensive specialist. Newcomer to watch: Hailey Miller, soph.,
setter.Significant stat: 320 — The number of
assists Dankenbring recorded during the 2013season. The four-year starter received all-league honorable mention recognition lastseason.
Outlook: A 5-9 league record may not usu-ally seem like something to celebrate, but theDragons, who finished fifth last season in theMid-Willamette Conference, the squad’s best
placing since 2009, are hoping that it is thestart of something special. Dankenbring willplay a big role in Dallas’ success. “Amanda is
going to be the key com-ponent,” Lavier said. “Thesetter is the general of thecourt and, as a four-yearvarsity player, she bringsthat experience to thecourt.” Remington is com-ing off a junior campaignthat saw her record 180digs, 16 service aces and294 serve receiveattempts, giving Dallas a player who can fill inat any spot. “She’s such a diverse player, shecan play anywhere I put her,” Lavier said.Lavier also expects big things from returneesBailey, Classen, El-Hato and Blair as Miller isthe lone newcomer to varsity. Miller will likelyplay a variety of positions, including setterand outside hitter. “Hailey has worked hardand has really developed as a player,” Laviersaid. “She played junior varsity as a freshmanand really improved.” Lavier will also be look-ing for current junior varsity players to possi-bly bring up to the varsity level depending onhow quickly they develop early in the season,to increase the squad’s roster size, which cur-rently stands at nine players. The Dragonslook to prove last season was the start ofsomething special. Despite being in whatLavier said is the toughest league in Class 5A,
she is seeing Dallas take the steps necessaryto become a contender down the road. “Lastyear is a great baseline to have,” Lavier said.“We just have to move forward. We’ve set thebar pretty high and we want to keep buildingon that.”
8D Fall Sports Preview Polk County Itemizer-Observer • September 3, 2014
2014 DALLAS VOLLEYBALL
Seniors lead experienced Dragons squad DALLAS VOLLEYBALL SCHEDULESept. 6 at Madison Tournament 8:30 a.m.Sept. 9 Woodburn * 6 p.m.Sept. 11 at Central * 6 p.m.Sept. 16 at South Albany * 6 p.m.Sept. 18 Corvallis * 6 p.m.Sept. 20 Dallas Tournament TBASept. 23 at Crescent Valley * 6 p.m.Sept. 25 Lebanon * 6 p.m.Sept. 30 Silverton * 6 p.m.Oct. 2 at Woodburn * 6 p.m.Oct. 4 at North Salem Tournament 8 a.m.Oct. 6 Central * 6 p.m.Oct. 8 South Albany * 6 p.m.Oct. 14 at Corvallis * 6 p.m.Oct. 16 Crescent Valley * 6 p.m.Oct. 21 at Lebanon * 6 p.m.Oct. 23 at Silverton * 6 p.m.Oct. 28 5A Play-In Round TBANov. 1 5A State Playoffs TBANov. 7-8 5A State Tournament TBA* — denotes Mid-Willamette Conference match
Classen
Dankenbring
Senior Danielle Remington will startat libero for the Dragons in 2014.
Polk County Itemizer-Observer • September 3, 2014 Fall Sports Preview 9D
2014 FALLS CITY - KINGS VALLEY FOOTBALL
New coach has big expectations for MountsTHE RUNDOWN …Coach: Laric Cook (first season).2013 record: 1-3 in Class 1A Special
District 1; 2-7 overall.Key returners: Tristan Yeager, sr., line-
backer/running back/tight end; Zack Weems,jr., linebacker/tight end;Ryan McNabb, jr., line-backer/offensive lineman;Zach Labrado, jr., line-backer/tight end; TannerSimmons, sr., offensi-ve/defensive lineman; BoBeauchamp, sr., defensivelineman.
Newcomers to watch:Jesse Sickles, fr., quarter-back; Dan Boon, jr., tight
end/linebacker.Significant stat: 0 — The number of sen-
iors Falls City had on its 2013 roster. Outlook: Falls City may have gone 2-7 in
2013, but new head coach Laric Cook, whocoached Mohawk High School from 2003-12,is expecting big things from theMountaineers in 2014. “Anything short of
making the state playoffs is going to be hardfor me to take,” Cook said. “We set the bar highand want to keep going up.” Cook won state
titles at Mohawk in 2005and 2007. Yeager, whoduring his first three sea-sons at Falls City has had aknack for returning kick-offs for touchdowns, willonce again play a centralrole in the squad’s success.But Cook said the teamwon’t be relying on Yeageras its sole source ofoffense. Much of that will depend on Sickles,who as a freshman will start at quarterback.Weems will give Sickles a reliable target, whileMcNabb and Simmons will be charged withhelping to protect the young signal callerwith their play on the offensive line. Cook maybe entering his first season at Falls City, buthe’s confident the Mountaineers have what ittakes to make the state playoffs in 2014 andcontend for a league title. With more than 20on the team’s roster, the Mountaineers appearto have the depth necessary to competethroughout the season. And Cook is confidentFalls City has everything it needs to hang withthe top teams in the league and change theculture at Falls City. “The ball is in the kids’
court now,” Cook said. “If they buy into the KoolAid we’re serving, I know what my other pro-grams have done and I feel like we’ll be quitesuccessful. … We don’t need a transfer or any-thing. We’ll get by with what we have and besuccessful with it.” Of note, Falls City is in a newleague this year, being assigned to Class 1ASpecial District 3.
FALLS CITY - KINGS VALLEY FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
Sept. 5 North Lake 7 p.m.Sept. 12 Mohawk 7 p.m.Sept. 19 North Douglas 7 p.m.Sept. 26 Mapleton * 7 p.m.Oct. 3 at Siletz Valley * 7 p.m.Oct. 10 Triangle Lake * 7 p.m.Oct. 17 at Alsea * 7 p.m.Oct. 24 at Yoncalla 7 p.m.Oct. 31 District Crossover Playoff 7 p.m.Nov. 7-8 1A State Playoffs TBANov. 14-15 1A State Playoffs TBANov. 21-22 1A State Playoffs TBANov. 29 1A State Championship TBA* — denotes Special District 3 league game
Simmons
Falls City looks to experienced players to help take the load off freshman quarterback
Senior Tristan Yeager (22) will carry abig offensive load again in 2014.
Weems
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POLK COUNTY — Ohio State vs.Michigan. Alabama vs. Auburn. Oregonvs. Oregon State. In the world of sports, rivalries can turn
just another game on the schedule intosomething else entirely. Dallas and Central have faced each
other before. Despite the schools’ closeproximity, something was missing. “It didn’t feel like a rivalry,” Central sen-
ior Wes Riddell said. “The game didn’treally mean anything beyond final winsand losses.” When the two schools take the football
field on Sept. 26, things will be different.Central is no longer part of Class 4A’sOregon West Conference, having beenassigned to 5A’s Mid-WillametteConference after last year’s OSAA redis-tricting and reclassification changes. And two running backs/linebackers are
hoping to lead their team to a big win in agame that has a whole new meaning.
DallasDallas senior Spencer McCarron loves
the start of football season. He lovesbonding with his teammates. The thrill ofvictory. But sometimes, McCarron lovesthe simple things football provides. “I’m just ready to hit somebody,”
McCarron said. “It’s thebest feeling ever.” Dallas is coming off
an eight-win season in2013. McCarron playeda major role on defense,recording a team-high90 tackles. On offense,the 6-foot-3, 210pounder ran for nearly300 yards, but with for-
mer running back Caleb Naughton gradu-ating, McCarron will be front and centerin the run game in 2014. “We think (Spencer) is as good a player
as we’re going to have,” Dallas coach TracyJackson said. “He’s a top-notch player. …He’s everything we want him to be. Heleads by example. He’s a great teammatein that he knows how to act and treats histeammates with respect. That’s what a
true leader does. He takes care of every-one.” Entering his final season, McCarron is
being asked to do even more. “I’ve had to become a vocal leader,”
McCarron said. “In previous years, I’vealways kind of kept my mouth shut andled by example. This year, they’re expect-ing me to be vocal and someone that peo-ple look up to. I’ve tried to take that roleon. It’s been a fun experience trying tobecome a leader that they are inspired by.”In the offseason, McCarron helped lead
summer workouts, training to get lowerwhen running and tackling. “Being low, you stay hidden from other
players,” McCarron said. “You don’t reallysee 6-foot-3 tailbacks very often, and thelower man wins every time.” The work put in during the summer is
aimed at helping Dallas not only provelast year wasn’t a one-year wonder, but byending his high school career on a highnote. “You realize it’s your last year and you
only have so much time left,” McCarronsaid. “You have to hold on to it for as longas you can and have no regrets.”
CentralRiddell knows a thing or two about run-
ning.The senior led the Panthers with more
than 1,300 rushing yards and 12 touch-downs in 2013. On defense, he had a
team-best 99 tackles. Unfortunately for
opponents, Riddell isn’tresting on his past suc-cess. “I worked on my
speed,” he said. “I’vebeen pretty fast usually,but I know to take it tothe next level, you have to hit the 4.4 (sec-ond) 40 (yard dashes), so I’ve been puttingin work to improve my speed and agility.” Riddell will once again be a major play-
er for the Panthers on both sides of theball. With a new quarterback under centerand relative youth across the board,Riddell’s role as a team leader will beamplified. “He’s a very good player,” Panthers
coach Shane Hedrick said. “He’s devel-
oped his leadership skills and he’s had ahuge impact on our program since hisfreshman year. We’ll rely heavily on himfor on-the-field leadership on both sidesof the ball.” Riddell, who also punted for Central
last season, knows adjusting to 5A won’tbe without its challenges. But he is primedfor another big season.“Playing linebacker and running back, I
know how opposing linebackers or run-ning backs think,” Riddell said. “I can seemost of the cuts or holes he’s looking forand, most of the time, I can read thatbefore he makes a move.” And while the Panthers hope for a
smooth transition, Riddell said thePanthers are ready to learn fast. “The talent is there,” Riddell said. “We
just have to click as a team. Getting expe-rience under our belt is huge. We mayhave a few rough games early, but we’llput it together from experience.”
Rivalry renewedThis fall won’t be the first time Central
and Dallas have faced off on the gridiron. It will be the first time the two teams
play as Mid-Willamette Conference foes. While that distinction may not seem big
to outsiders, for the players it changeseverything. “(Central) being in the same league just
adds to the fun of the game,” McCarronsaid. “Because we’re rivals, getting a victo-ry over them is always big. If we beatCentral and Silverton and they were theonly two teams we beat, I would be semi-content. Those are the teams I don’t wantto lose to.”But it’s not just the players who are
excited.“It’s more fun for everybody,” Jackson
said. “If you don’t have a rivalry, you misssome of the coolness about the game.” Both teams are expecting strong fan
turnout. But for the players, the gamemeans more than tallying a victory fortheir final win-loss total. It’s a chance forcounty bragging rights and pride. “When I heard we were moving up to
5A, I was real excited,” Riddell said. “Sinceour game means something now, it gives awhole new feeling toward the players.“The rivalry is back.”
COVER STORY10D Fall Sports Preview Polk County Itemizer-Observer • September 3, 2014
Rivalry intensifies Rivalry intensifies Dallas-Central matchup amplified as schools become league foes
Dallas’ Spencer McCarron and Central’s Wes Riddell will face off Sept. 26.
By Lukas EggenThe Itemizer-Observer
McCarronRiddell
SYDNEY VAN STEENBERGEWestern Menn./Perrydale Girls SoccerThe 2013 Special District 3 Player of the Year returns for herfinal high school season in 2014. Van Steenberge helped leadthe co-op squad to a 13-1 league record in Special District 3and advanced to the quarterfinal round of the state playoffs.Van Steenberge played a central role in the team’s offense,leading the team in goals and assists with 21 and 17, respec-tively, while helping Western Mennonite/Perrydale score 96goals, the most in Class 3A-2A-1A by 31 goals. She returns forher senior campaign with a chance to win Player of the Yearhonors for a fourth-straight season while helping WesternMennonite/Perrydale advance to the state playoffs once again.
ABBY McBETHCentral Cross-countryThe sophomore runner isready to build on animpressive freshman cam-paign. McBeth emerged asthe Panthers’ top runnerlast fall, setting a personalrecord of 18 minutes, 53seconds and ending herseason with an 11th placefinish in the OSAA 4A StateChampionship meet. “Abbyhas continued to dedicateherself to running yeararound,” Panthers coach EliCirino said. “I am cautiouswith my expectations forher because of the tremendous growth that she has made inthe last two years. It is unrealistic to expect her to continue toprogress the way she has been. She dreams big but is also veryknowledgeable. Having broken almost all of the Central Highdistance records as a freshman, it may not be fair to place toomany expectations on her. But based on her mileage and hercompetitive nature, I would be surprised if too many girlsaround the state can run away from Abby.”
MARCOS GARIBAYCentral Boys SoccerThe senior midfielder/forward is expected to give the Panthersa jolt on offense in 2014. Garibay, who played primarily at goal-
keeper as a junior forCentral, will be freed up toroam the field. ThePanthers scored 46 goals in2013, third most in theOregon West Conference,but 15 of those goals camein one match. Garibay’smove from the goal givesCentral a consistent scor-ing threat and someonewho can spread the fieldfor his teammates. “Wehave a goalie who is readyto step in this year,” Centralcoach Mike Lynch said.“Moving Marcos into thefield gives us a chance tocreate many more scoringopportunities.” Garibay alsoprovides depth at goal-keeper, should he be called
upon to return to the position during the season. Garibay’sability to play any position on the field makes him an invalu-able asset for the Panthers.
TRISTAN YEAGERFalls City FootballThe senior runningback/linebacker will be theheart and soul of theMountaineers’ offense thisfall. With freshman JesseSickles starting at quarter-back, expect a heavy doseof Yeager on the ground.Statistics were not avail-able, but Yeager returned atleast four kickoffs for scoresand led Falls City in touch-downs for the season.“Tristan is a good, quality1A athlete,” Mountaineerscoach Laric Cook said. “Heworks hard and has goodfootball instincts.” Yeagerwill be asked to take pressure off of Sickles, while also helpingto anchor the defense.
AMANDA DANKENBRINGDallas VolleyballDankenbring will play setter during her senior year. CoachShana Lavier said Dankenbring is the “general” on the court —and with good reason. In 2013, Dankenbring had 320 assists,92 digs and 23 aces. “Amanda is part of a great group of sen-iors,” Lavier said. “She’s a positive role model for the youngergirls to look up to on and off the court, and is one of our teamleaders.” Dankenbring will look to continue her strong play onthe court as the Dragons hope to qualify for the postseason forthe second season in a row.
Polk County Itemizer-Observer • September 3, 2014 Fall Sports Preview 11D
5 POLK COUNTY fall sportsathletes to watch in 2014POLK COUNTY
Yeager
Garibay
McBeth
Sydney Van Steenberge scored 24 goals in 2013 andearned Special District 3 Player of the Year honors. Amanda Dankenbring (left) will play setter for the
Dragons during the 2014 volleyball season.
12D Fall Sports Preview Polk County Itemizer-Observer • September 3, 2014
Hard Work Pays OffGood luck to all Polk County teams.
Call me if you need aride to or from practice!
2014 DALLAS CROSS-COUNTRY
Dallas hopes to crack top five in conferenceTHE RUNDOWN …Coach: Monique Lankheet (19th
season). 2013 results: BOYS — Sixth at
Mid-Willamette Conference Cham-pionships. GIRLS — Sixth at Mid-Willamette Conference Champion-ships.Key returners: BOYS — Isaak
Tichenor, sr.; Jesse Stuhr, jr.; TJ Cross,jr.; Matt Hofen-bredl, sr.; Seth Fast, sr.GIRLS — Catherine Rocak, sr.; Eliz-abeth Sutton, jr.; Alena Voss, sr.;Alyssa Miller, jr.; Machaiah Annear,sr. Newcomers to watch: BOYS —
Jonathon Richardson, fr.; KennySutton, fr.; Dylan Becket, fr. GIRLS—Sierra McBeth, jr.; Leah Miller, soph. Significant stat: 24th — The
place Tichenor finished at the Mid-Willamette Conference Champion-ships. Tichenor finished the race witha time of 17 minutes, 55 seconds. Outlook: A change in the league
could pay off in a big way for Dallas.Three teams, instead of two, qualifyfor the Class 5A state championshipmeet this fall. With a strong group of
returning runners, includingTichenor, Stuhr and Fast, the boysteam appears ready to take a stepforward this season. “I think we canimprove on what we accomplishedlast year,” Lankheet said. “We’re look-
ing to be com-petitive and con-tinue to improveour times.” Fast,currently theteam’s No. 5 run-ner, will play ahuge role inDallas’ team suc-cess. Cross-coun-try counts the
first five varsity runners for teamscores. “I don’t think he’s going to beour fastest guy, but he’s our pivotalrunner,” Lankheet said. “If he canhang and pass other teams’ top fiverunners, that would be huge. He’sone who is mentally tough and stayshealthy. He seems ready to rock it.”On the girls side, Rocak and Suttonwill help lead a group of girls whocurrently run in a pack. “They’re allabout the same right now,” Lankheetsaid. “I think I can get them to com-
pete with eachother and be-come more co-mpetitive duringthe races.” Afterplacing sixth in2013 in the boysand girls confer-ence champi-onships, Lank-heet said she’d
love to see both squads crack the topfive in the team standings this year.But she’s also not trying to put toomuch pressure on her runners at the
beginning of the season. “We wantto focus on team camaraderie andteam effort,” Lankheet said. “If you dothat, the rest will take care of itselfand I think it helps them to have lessstress placed on them.” As Dallaslooks to crack the top five, Lankheetsaid she’s more than pleased withher team so far and she can see bigthings happening for the Dragonsthis fall. “We’re certainly having funand working really hard,” Lankheetsaid. “I’m happy with the caliber ofkids. I think it’s going to be a goodseason.”
DALLAS CROSS-COUNTRY SCHEDULESept. 6 at The Ultimook Invitational, Tillamook 2 p.m.Sept. 10 at Silver Falls Oktoberfest Invitational, Silver Falls State Park TBASept. 13 at South Salem Saxon Invitational, Salem 10 a.m.Sept. 17 at Woodburn (vs. Lebanon, South Albany, Woodburn) 4 p.m.Sept. 20 at Seaside Three-Course Challenge, Camp Rilea 9:15 a.m.Sept. 24 at Mid-Willamette Conference Preview, Corvallis 2:30 p.m.Oct. 4 at Harrier Classic, Bryant Park, Albany 9:30 a.m.Oct. 11 at George Fox Classic, Willamette Mission Park 11:30 a.m.Oct. 15 at Central (vs. Central, Corvallis, South Albany) 4 p.m.Oct. 22 at Mid-Willamette Conference Championships, Corvallis TBANov. 1 at Class 5A State Championships, Eugene 1:15 p.m.
Stuhr
Sutton
Dallas senior Isaak Tichenorwill be one of the Dragons’top runners this season.
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THE RUNDOWN …Coach: Eli Cirino (first year).2013 finish: Not available due to
computer error at district meet site.Key Returners: GIRLS — Abby
McBeth, soph.;Jamie Smith, jr.;Mandi Des-marteau, sr.; Kei-ghlee Riggan, sr.;Hanna Brown, sr.BOYS — DarienHume, jr.; TuckerEngle, jr.;Zachary Meyer,soph.Newcomers
to watch: GIRLS — Bailie Hartford,fr.; Anne Marie Hasbrook, fr.; AnnieTaylor, fr.; Bethani Altamirano, fr.BOYS — Ammon Jeffries, soph.Significant stat: 1st and 11th —
The district and state placings forthen-freshman McBeth in 2013 atthe Oregon West ConferenceChampionships and the Class 4A
State Championships.Outlook: Coach Eli Cirino is
eager to take his cross-country
teams into a newleague as Centraljoins the 5A Mid-W i l l a m e t t eC o n f e r e n c e .“Moving up tothe 5A level isgoing to be ahuge step up incompetition forus, and we arelooking forwardto it,” Cirino said.With McBeth, theOregon WestC o n f e r e n c echampion lastyear and secondplace finisher atstate in the Class4A 1,500-meterrace, returning,and a group of promising freshmen— Hartford, Hasbrook, Taylor andAltamirano — who are strong run-ners, Cirino said the girls team maybe in the top three or four teams in
the Mid-Willamette. McBeth’s win-ning time at last year’s Oregon WestConference Championships —18:53.17 — was faster than the win-ning time at the Mid-WillametteConference Championships (18:55).The boys team will see a cluster ofpotential varsity runners, includingThomas Peterson, Pedro Garcia, RexOmlid, Rufus Schrader, JoshPeterson, Nick Burgett and IsaacBurgett. Returners Hume, Engle andMeyer will lead the boys and pusheach other, Cirino said. “This is an
emerging group of runners, and Ithink that they are a long way fromreaching their potential individuallyand as a team,” he said. Cirino isoptimistic that both teams will bevery competitive in the MWC. “Thisis a fun and enthusiastic group ofstudents that get along well andlove to run,” he noted. “It is veryrewarding to work with a group ofyoung men and ladies that work ashard as they do and are willing tosacrifice for each other and for ourteam.”
Polk County Itemizer-Observer • September 3, 2014 Fall Sports Preview 13D
2014 CENTRAL CROSS-COUNTRY
Panthers give chase to new league foes
CENTRAL CROSS-COUNTRY SCHEDULESept. 4 at Darrel Deedon Cascade Invitational, Turner 4:30 p.m.Sept. 10 at Silver Falls Oktoberfest Invitational, Silver Falls State Park 4 p.m.Sept. 13 at Molalla Invitational 11 a.m.Sept. 20 at Oregon City XC Invitational 10 a.m.Sept. 24 at Mid-Willamette Conference Preview, Corvallis 2:30 p.m.Oct. 4 at Harrier Classic, Bryant Park, Albany 9:30 a.m.Oct. 15 at Central (vs. Dallas, Corvallis, South Albany) 4 p.m.Oct. 22 at Mid-Willamette Conference Championships, Corvallis TBANov. 1 at Class 5A State Championships, Eugene 1:15 p.m.
Sophomore Abby McBeth isthe Panthers’ top returnee.
Smith
Hume
Sophomore McBeth leads talented group of returning athletes for girls and boys teams
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14D Fall Sports Preview Polk County Itemizer-Observer • September 3, 2014
2014 PERRYDALE FOOTBALL
Pirates excited for independent scheduleTHE RUNDOWN …Coach: Chris Gubrud (first season, second
tenure). 2013 record: 3-1, second place in Special
District 1; 5-5 overall; lost in first round of Class1A state playoffs. Key returning players: Troy Trembly, sr.,
quarterback/defensiveback; Haylen Janesofsky,soph., running back/line-backer; Brant Barnes, jr.,running back/linebacker;Kirk Fairchild, jr., offen-sive/defensive lineman;David Silver, sr., linebacker;Keenan Bailey, jr., offensivelineman/linebacker; C.J.Marsters, soph., offen-
sive/defensive lineman. Newcomer to watch: Mike McGill, fr., tight
end/defensive end.Significant stat: 12 — The number of years
in a row Perrydale qualified for the state play-offs. The streak will come to an end in 2014 asthe Pirates will play an independent scheduleand are not eligible for postseason play. Outlook: Perrydale’s move from Class 1A to
2A would have meant a jump from eight-manto 11-man football. Lacking the depth neces-sary to play at that level — the Pirates have
only 16 players out this season — Gubrud andother school officials made the decision tohave the Pirates play an independent sched-ule. Perrydale’s offense will continue to centeron the run game, with Janesofsky and Barnesreceiving the bulk of the carries. Marsters,Fairchild and Bailey will be called upon to help
anchor the offensive line. Success on theground will open up the field for Trembly tomove the ball through the air. “We will runthe ball and our passing game will be builtoff the play-action,” Gubrud said. On theother side of the ball, Gubrud has highexpectations of the players’ ability to stuff
the run and put consistent pressure on theball carrier behind the line of scrimmage.“Defensively, our linebackers are aggressiveand flow well to the ball,” Gubrud said. But it’snot all smooth sailing for the Pirates yet.Among the issues the team is addressingincludes finding reliable receivers forTrembly. “Our passing game is a work inprogress on offense,” Gubrud said.“Defensively, we need to improve our passdefense.” Perrydale may not be competing fora state playoff spot in 2014, but Gubrud saidthe Pirates will be giving their all each andevery week. “We have a tough schedule withmany of the traditional 1A powers such asDufur, Triad and Sherman,” Gubrud said. “Wealso play 2A schools like Elgin and Crow, sothere will be no week off in our schedule.”
PERRYDALEFOOTBALL SCHEDULE
Sept. 5 Siletz Valley 7 p.m.Sept. 12 at Crow 7 p.m.Sept. 19 Triad 7 p.m.Sept. 26 Sherman 7 p.m.Oct. 3 at Dufur 7 p.m.Oct. 10 vs. Elgin at Arlington 2 p.m.Oct. 17 Opponent TBA TBAOct. 24 Naselle, Wash. 7 p.m.Oct. 31 Opponent TBA TBA
Janesofsky
David Silver carries the ball for the Pirates against Jewell last season.
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Polk County Itemizer-Observer • September 3, 2014 Fall Sports Preview 15D
2014 CENTRAL VOLLEYBALL
Panthers hope to return to state playoffs Central brings mix of youth, experience to first season in Mid-Willamette ConferenceTHE RUNDOWN …Coach:Michelle Lewis (first year). 2013 record: 4-6, fifth place in Oregon
West Conference; 6-11 overall.Key returners: Julia Kenyon, sr., middle
blocker; Ryanne Huffman,sr., libero; Paris Orin, sr.,outside hitter/defensivespecialist; Kylie Nash, jr.,setter. Newcomers to watch:
Alex Dowdell, soph., out-side hitter/middle blocker;Zoe Farnworth, soph.,right-side hitter/middleblocker; Patricia Torrez,soph., right-side hitter/de-
fensive specialist; Krista Omlid, fr., middleblocker/right-side hitter. Significant stat: 16 — That is how many
years it has been since Central volleyball hashad a new coach leading the program. Lewis,a former assistant coach, takes over for long-time Panther head coach ClaudineMendazona, who stepped down from thepost earlier this year. Outlook: Lewis is leading Central to a new
league, moving up to theClass 5A Mid-WillametteConference from the 4AOregon West Conference.The Panthers are expect-ing a fast start in their newhome despite coming offa disappointing 2013campaign that resulted ina sub-.500 conferencerecord. Seven athleteswho saw time on varsityare back this season,including Kenyon andNash. “They are the veter-ans on the team and haveplayed on the varsitysquad since their fresh-man year,” Lewis said. Butthe Panthers also have astrong crop of varsitynewcomers, including
Farnworth, Dowdell, Torres and Omlid, manyof whom will see significant game action,giving the Panthers both depth and the abil-ity to throw different looks at opponentsthroughout the match. “The sophomores
and Krista (Omlid) reallycame out strong this year,”Lewis said. “They workedhard and earned theirspots on the varsity roster.It’s very possible to have afew of them in the start-ing lineup.” That combina-tion of youth and experi-ence will make Central adangerous team during
the 2014 campaign, Lewis said. Andalthough they’re entering a new league, thegoal remains the same: Compete for a con-ference title and make a deep run in the stateplayoffs, something the Panthers did numer-ous times in recent years in the Oregon WestConference. With 2013 conference championWest Albany now a 6A school, that shouldmake this year’s Mid-Willamette Conferencerace wide open, allowing numerous teams tobe competitive. “I’m really looking forward toseeing the veterans work together with thenew players so we can find that winningcombination,” Lewis said. “It’s very possible tohave some movement between games untilwe’ve got the best athletes on the court. We
are not taking the transition to 5A lightly,and we are working hard to earn arespectable name for Central volleyball inthe league.”
Orin
CENTRAL VOLLEYBALL SCHEDULESept. 4 Scappoose 6 p.m.Sept. 9 at South Albany * 6 p.m.Sept. 11 Dallas * 6 p.m.Sept. 16 at Crescent Valley * 6 p.m.Sept. 18 Lebanon * 6 p.m.Sept. 20 at Dallas Tournament 10 a.m.Sept. 23 Silverton * 6 p.m.Sept. 25 at Corvallis * 6 p.m.Sept. 30 at Woodburn * 6 p.m.Oct. 2 South Albany * 6 p.m.Oct. 6 at Dallas * 6 p.m.Oct. 8 Crescent Valley * 6 p.m.Oct. 14 at Lebanon * 6 p.m.Oct. 16 at Silverton * 6 p.m.Oct. 18 at Philomath Tournament 10 a.m.Oct. 21 Corvallis * 6 p.m.Oct. 23 Woodburn * 6 p.m.Oct. 28 5A Play-In Round TBANov. 1 5A State Playoffs TBANov. 7-8 5A State Tournament TBA* — denotes Mid-Willamette Conference match
Nash
Huffman
Torrez
503-623-1234 • www.makmetals.com
16D Fall Sports Preview Polk County Itemizer-Observer • September 3, 2014
2014 DALLAS GIRLS SOCCER
Dragons seek bounce back season in ’14THE RUNDOWN …Coach: Cherish Henrickson (first full sea-
son, second tenure). 2013 record: 2-5-0, seventh place in Mid-
Willamette Conference; 5-9-1 overall. Key returners: Kassidy
Totten, sr., forward;Isabella Nelson, sr., mid-fielder; Hannah Nelson, sr.,defender; Olivia Dalke,soph., forward; KayleySayer, soph., forward;Sarah Ussery, jr., forward;Stefani Tallon, soph.,defender; Emmalee Jones,soph., midfield; OliviaNelson, soph.; midfield;
Katie Senger, soph., defender. Newcomers to watch: Jordyn Applegate,
fr., forward.Significant stat: 48 — The number of
goals Dallas gave up during the 2013 season,the most in the MWC. Outlook: Dallas may have finished seventh
in the MWC in 2013, but players are aiminghigh this fall. On the surface, the Dragonshave a young squad, led by seniors Totten andIsabella and Hannah Nelson. SophomoresDalke and Sayer will be joined by Applegate
and Ussery to form theDragons’ offensive attack.Tallon, Nelson, Jones andSenger will all see signifi-cant playing timethroughout the season.Despite the youth, thatdoesn’t mean the Dragonsare lacking game knowl-edge. “We are a young andsmall team, but we have
determination and experience on our side,”Henrickson said. “This season will be exciting.”The biggest challenges facing Dallas may beadjusting to their first full season underHenrickson and her coaching staff. The transi-tion, to this point, has been going smoothly.“Our strength going into the season is that theplayers on varsity have, for the most part,played an entire season together already,”Henrickson said. “These young ladies are sea-soned with experience from the high schoollevel to the club level. Some of our challengeswill be working with a new coaching staff, dif-ferent philosophies and becoming the 2014varsity girls soccer team.” Despite an under-whelming record in 2013, Henrickson said theDragons have what it takes to compete for aleague title. Whether that happens dependson how quickly Dallas’ young roster can grow
up on the field. If they can, Dallas could seeitself playing well into the postseason. “TheLady Dragons were able to make it to the
play-in round last year and I don’t see whythey couldn’t go further,” Henrickson said. “Atitle would be fantastic this year. We are in apretty competitive league, so that title wouldbe a reminder of the hard work and dedica-tion this team is going to put forth. These girlshave the right tools to have an amazing sea-son.”
DALLAS GIRLS SOCCER SCHEDULEAug. 28 at Century Jamboree 1 p.m.Sept. 9 Canby 4 p.m.Sept. 11 Lakeridge 4 p.m.Sept. 18 at St. Helens 4 p.m.Sept. 23 at Century 7 p.m.Sept. 25 at Beaverton 7:30 p.m.Sept. 29 Reynolds 4 p.m.Oct. 6 Central * 4 p.m.Oct. 7 at Woodburn * 6 p.m.Oct. 14 Crescent Valley * 4 p.m.Oct. 16 at Lebanon * 4 p.m.Oct. 21 Silverton * 4 p.m.Oct. 23 at Corvallis * 6 p.m.Oct. 28 at South Albany * TBANov. 4 5A State Playoffs TBANov. 8 5A State Playoffs TBANov. 11 5A State Playoffs TBANov. 15 5A State Championship TBA* — denotes Mid-Willamette Conference match
Totten
I. Nelson
Defender Hannah Nelson is one ofthree returning seniors for theDragons this season.
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Polk County Itemizer-Observer • September 3, 2014 Fall Sports Preview 17D
2014 CENTRAL BOYS SOCCER
Panthers set sights on postseason playTHE RUNDOWN … Coach:Mike Lynch (fourth season). 2013 record: 3-4-4, fourth place in Oregon
West Conference; 7-4-4overall; lost in 4A stateplay-in round againstTillamook. Key returners: Marcos
Garibay, sr., midfield/for-ward; Wallace Branson, sr.,defender; Orozco Pedro,sr., defender/wing; AllenVillanueva, sr., defender;Gregorio Herrera, sr., mid-fielder. Newcomers to watch:
Aaron Padilla, fr., midfield-er/defender; Erick Corral,soph., goalkeeper.Significant stat: 19 —
The number of seniors onthe Panthers’ roster thisseason. Central has 24total players on its varsityroster. Outlook: Experience is
key for the Panthers, who graduated just fiveseniors from last year’s squad. As Central pre-pares for the Mid-Willamette Conference, the
Panthers will rely on a large senior class. Theteam’s biggest addition isn’t a new player, butGaribay moving from goalkeeper to mid-field/forward. Garibay’s move from the goalgives the Panthers a dangerous scoringoption. “Marcos is pound for pound one of our
best players in any posi-tion,” Lynch said. However,if Corral struggles in goal,expect to see Garibayreturn to his old position.Central’s biggest strengthmay be its depth at everyposition. With such a largenumber of seniors, thePanthers could boast oneof the deepest rosters inthe league thanks to play-ers like midfielder/forwardGregorio Herrera andPadilla, one of the fewunderclassmen to crackthe varsity roster, givingthe Panthers numerouslineup options. Central’sfirst season in the MWCwon’t be easy as they lookto prove themselves.Woodburn has dominatedthe league in recent years, but the Panthers’experience and history of playing together isthe team’s X-factor. “It’s a big deal (to have thismany seniors),” Lynch said. “They understandthe high school game. In my opinion, wecome from the strongest 4A league in thestate, sending five teams to the playoffs in a
lot of years.” With a wealth of experience todraw from, Central isn’t just looking to post awinning record in 2014 — Lynch said playersare expecting to make a run at a league title.“The expectations are high,” Lynch said. “Weknow we have to prove ourselves againstWoodburn, but this group wants to go deepinto the state playoffs.”
CENTRAL BOYS SOCCER SCHEDULESept. 4 at Cottage Grove 6:30 p.m.Sept. 9 McNary 6:30 p.m.Sept. 11 at Aloha 7:30 p.m.Sept. 16 Century 6:30 p.m.Sept. 23 at Parkrose 4 p.m.Sept. 25 Southridge 4 p.m.Sept. 30 Sherwood 4 p.m.Oct. 6 Dallas * 4 p.m.Oct. 7 at South Albany * 4 p.m.Oct. 14 Silverton * 6:30 p.m.Oct. 16 at Corvallis * 6 p.m.Oct. 21 at Lebanon * 4:30 p.m.Oct. 23 Crescent Valley * 4 p.m.Oct. 28 Woodburn * 6 p.m.Nov. 4 5A State Playoffs TBANov. 8 5A State Playoffs TBANov. 11 5A State Playoffs TBANov. 15 5A State Championship TBA* — denotes Mid-Willamette Conference match
Gregorio Herrera is one of 19 seniorson Central’s roster.
Garibay
Carrillo
Gonzalez
Wallace
MAIN STREET SUBWAY503 837-0960 • 113 Main St. E • MonmouthOPEN: • Mon-Fri 7am-Midnight • Sat 8am-Midnight • Sun 9am-Midnight
Proud to support Polk County Sports!
18D Fall Sports Preview Polk County Itemizer-Observer • September 3, 2014
MASTER APPLIANCE
SERVICE145 Knox St. N.
Monmouth503-838-1667186 SE Mill St. • Dallas
503.623.3812
Window Coverings Paint • Wallpaper
All CityGUTTERING INC.2555 Liberty Rd.
Dallas503-623-5350
Serving Polk Co. since 1971
Second Century of Service694 Main St. - Dallas
503-623-3286
Computer Ease IIInc.
13770Orchard Knob Rd
Dallas
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Diamonds, Colored Stones,Jewelry & Watch Repair
837 Main St.Dallas
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Family DentistryTom Davis Jr.
DMD
410 E EllendaleSuite #2Dallas
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967 Main St.Dallas
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UGO’SPizza
Parlor
CHARLES E. HOLTON JR. D.C.
289 E. Ellendale Ave., Suite 102Dallas
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Mitch Ratzlaff289 E Ellendale, Ste 603
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WindermereWestern View Properties
Amber Archibald Brk.503-551-3244
2014 FALLS CITY - KINGS VALLEY VOLLEYBALL
Mountaineers enter 2014with inexperienced roster THE RUNDOWN …Coach: Roxi Barnhart (fourth season). 2013 record: 5-11, sixth place in Casco
League; 6-11 overall. Key returners: Selena LaVoie, soph., out-
side hitter; Anna Lammers, soph., setter;Allison Kidd, jr., setter; Tiauannah Davis, jr.,
outside hitter. Newcomers to watch:
Chelsea Croy, soph., out-side hitter; AutumnJohnson, jr., server;Makayla Rancore, fr.,libero.Significant stat: 9 —
The number of matchesthe Mountaineers lostover their final 11 contestsafter going on a five-match win streak fromSept. 10-19 in 2013. Outlook: Falls City may
have finished under .500in 2013, but Barnhartbelieves the Mountain-eers are close to turningthe corner. “When I lookedback through the scoresfor each match, I wasreminded how close we
were to finishing three places higher inleague than we did,” Barnhart said. “It was lit-erally a difference of a couple points in sever-al matches.” Lammers and Lavoie are bothlooking more confident than ever, Barnhartsaid, despite Lammers moving to setter forthe first time in her career. But the differencethis season will be how the team responds toan overall lack of experience. Croy, currently
slotted to play outside hitter, is capable of fill-ing in at multiple positions for theMountaineers, who are looking to grow andcompete with the Casco League’s top teams.Rancore could see significant playing time inher first year at Falls City High School, whileJohnson may be one of the Mountaineers’strongest servers. Barnhart is hoping thatsome positive practices are the signs of betterthings to come, especially with the leaguewide open thanks to the departure ofPerrydale and St. Paul, which moved up toClass 2A. “Things are off to a great start and ifthe trend continues, we should shock andamaze our crowd with our growth, especiallyconsidering our lack of experienced players,”Barnhart said.
FALLS CITY VOLLEYBALL SCHEDULESept. 4 at Country Christian * 5:30 p.m.Sept. 9 at C.S. Lewis * 6 p.m.Sept. 11 at Jewell * 5:30 p.m.Sept. 12 Mohawk 5:30 p.m.Sept. 16 Veritas * 5:30 p.m.Sept. 18 at Willam. Val. Christ. * 5:30 p.m.Sept. 23 Crosshill Christian * 5:30 p.m. Sept. 25 Livingstone Adventist * 5:30 p.m.Sept. 30 Country Christian * 5:30 p.m.Oct. 2 C.S. Lewis * 5:30 p.m.Oct. 7 Jewell * 5:30 p.m.Oct. 9 at Veritas * 5:30 p.m.Oct. 14 Willamette Val. Christ * 5:30 p.m.Oct. 16 at Crosshill Christian * 5:30 p.m.Oct. 17 at Alsea 5 p.m.Oct. 21 at Livingstone Adv. * 5:30 p.m.Oct. 29 1A State Playoffs TBANov. 1 1A State Playoffs TBANov. 7-8 1A State Tournament TBA* — denotes Casco League match
2014 WESTERN MENNONITE/PERRYDALE GIRLS SOCCER
Squad eyes league title,deep run in state playoffsTHE RUNDOWN …Coach:Mike Woodward (second season).2013 record: 13-1-0, tied for first place in
3A-2A-1A Special District No. 3; 15-2-0 over-all; lost to Catlin Gabel in quarterfinal roundof Class 3A-2A-1A state playoffs.Perrydale returners: Sydney Van
Steenberge, sr., center midfielder; CheyenneLocke, sr., left midfield-er/forward; Emily Nelson,sr., central defender.Perrydale newcom-
ers: Stephanie Juanillo, fr.,defender; Lauren Foster,fr., forward/midfielder;Kiely Griffin, fr., forward.Significant stat: 6 —
the number of freshmenon the roster this year.Outlook: Second-year
coach Mike Woodward haslofty goals for the WesternMennonite/Perrydale teamin 2014 — and beyond.“Our expectation everyyear is we want to go outand win the league.” Theteam nearly did that lastyear, tying Creswell for theconference championship.Creswell has moved toanother league, but Woodward is anticipatingcompetition from Dayton, Special District 3’s2013 third-place finisher. Woodward said thesix Perrydale players on the team this year willmake a significant contribution toward chal-lenging for a league championship. VanSteenberge, last season’s Special District 3
Player of the Year, and Locke, a first team all-lea-guer, will be a strong one-two offensive punch.“I’m looking for them to keep improving everyyear … and vocally, I’m looking for them to bethe senior leaders that they need to be.” As theteam’s most proven defender, Nelson will bekey in helping develop a young and inexperi-enced group. “Emily started every game lastyear,” Woodward said. “We are looking for her tobe a leader.” As for the Perrydale newcomers,Woodward is thrilled to have the raw talent tobuild upon. “They are three very good athletesand they are all soccer players,” he said. “I’mexcited not just for what they will do this year,but for all four years.”
W. MENNONITE - PERRYDALEGIRLS SOCCER SCHEDULE
Sept. 5 at Creswell 4:30 p.m.Sept. 8 Blanchet * 4:15 p.m.Sept. 9 Westside Christian 4:30 p.m.Sept. 11 at Amity * 4:15 p.m.Sept. 15 Dayton * 4:15 p.m.Sept. 17 Catlin Gabel 5 p.m.Sept. 18 at Gervais * 4:15 p.m.Sept. 22 at Salem Academy * 4:15 p.m.Sept. 29 at Taft * 4:15 p.m.Oct. 2 at Blanchet * 4:15 p.m.Oct. 6 Amity * 4:15 p.m.Oct. 8 at Dayton * 4:15 p.m.Oct. 13 Gervais * 4:15 p.m.Oct. 16 Salem Academy * 4:15 p.m.Oct. 23 Taft * 4:15 p.m.Nov. 4 3A-2A-1A State Playoffs TBANov. 8 3A-2A-1A State Playoffs TBANov. 11 3A-2A-1A State Playoffs TBANov. 15 3A-2A-1A State Championship TBA* — denotes Special District 3 league match
Van Steenberge
Locke
Lavoie
Lammers
Polk County Itemizer-Observer • September 3, 2014 Fall Sports Preview 19D
Brandt’sSanitaryService
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615 MAIN ST. E.MONMOUTH503-838-6096
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TOWING9680 Hoffman Rd.Independence
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TERIYAKI PLUS
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Located in DallasCall us for your electrical needs.
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August 2015Polk County Fairgrounds
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Rickreall503-623-3048
1042 Main St.Dallas
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Serving Polk County Since 1910
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480 Main St. EMonmouth
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Products, Inc.1350 SE Shelton
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SPECIALISTS IN ORTHODONTICS
580 MAIN ST., SUITE EDALLAS • 503-623-5002
Davison Auto Parts373 Pacific Hwy.
Monmouth
503-838-0460
165 Main St. EMonmouth
503-838-2951www.monmouthfit.com
Fresh MarketsServing Polk County
Since 19831401 Monmouth St.in Central PlazaIndependence
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410 Main St.Monmouth
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Showroom open by appointment only.
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20D Fall Sports Preview Polk County Itemizer-Observer • September 3, 2014
ROYALFLUSHPORTABLES , I NC .
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