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- Subscribe - Contact Us - Rate Card - Place an Ad Valley&State Backpage O&E Sports Archives Classifieds Faith&Beliefs Obituaries Revels September 9, 2004 Grizzlies looking for early confidence boost By Joe Zavala Ashland Daily Tidings The Grizzlies are pretty sure that they've come a long way. But they'll have to go a long way - in a bus - to prove it. Ashland High Junior Sam Littleton will start at quarterback when the Grizzlies open their 2004 season Friday night at Rex Putnam. Littleton and company are anxious to see what they can do in a real game. Denise Baratta | Ashland Daily Tidings The Ashland High football team travels to Milwaukee in the Portland area Friday to take on Rex Putnam in both teams season opener. For the Grizzlies, it will be the first chance to show the Ashland faithful what they can do in a real game, following last week's encouraging performance in the Grants Pass jamboree. After last season's winless Southern Oregon Conference campaign, Ashland desperately wants to start 2004 on the right foot. "I think it's important going into the season that we start establishing ourselves from a mental standpoint," Grizzly head coach David Coldiron said. "We felt pretty good from practice, but this one's for keeps." Grizz junior fullback Robby Bruce agreed. Ashland wants a positive showing, he said, despite the fact that the game means absolutely nothing in the SOC standings. "We really want to win because how do you spell fun? W-i-n. That's what coach says," Bruce said. "We heard that Rex Putnam has a lot of speed, so we're kind of compensating for that, doing some extra conditioning. I think we're ready." Most of Ashland's starting lineup is set, but not in stone. Coldiron says several positions will be up for grabs Friday. A rise in depth and numbers has made Ashland's practices much more competitive. That's a good thing as far as Coldiron is concerned, a new dynamic that should only make the team better. "We're hoping that that changes the way we go out to the game on Friday night, something different than we did last year," Coldiron said. One position that is not up for grabs is quarterback, where junior Sam Littleton has established himself as the clear-cut starter. Ashland's offense was almost nonexistent at times last season, but putting the athletic Littleton behind a more experienced, physically stronger offensive line should give the Grizzlies increased scoring potential. Coldiron will keep a close eye on Littleton and the Grizzly defense, which should also be much improved. "I'm really curious how well the defense is going to play, because they've looked really good in practice and last year we gave up too many yards, quite frankly," Coldiron said. "So, we're hoping that the defense really gives us something we can lean on while we have a quarterback that's developing and an offensive line that still needs a little bit more time together." The Grizzlies will be playing without senior offensive guard Thomas Clinkenbeard. According to Coldiron, Clinkenbeard suffered an injury during the jamboree and has decided not to play this year. The Rex Putnam Kingsmen are one of eight teams that compete in the Three Rivers League. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. The game will be broadcast locally on ESPN Radio (580-AM). Ashland's home opener is Sept. 17 against Cleveland. DailyTidings.com Home Page Valley&State | Backpage | O&E | Sports | Archives | Weather | Classifieds Columnists | Faith&Beliefs | Obituaries | Revels | Subscribe | Contact Us Copyright 2004 Ashland Daily Tidings and Ottaway Newspapers All Rights Reserved Click Here Site Search: .:Advertisements:. RESOURCES - Mail Tribune News - ODOT Road Cams