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Strong senior class serves as a huge plus for Prospect By KEVIN GOFF PROSPECT -- After what was considered a rebuilding year last season by coach Mike Gordon, Prospect could surprise people this time around. Gordon returned for the 1998 season after a two-year hiatus from the program and managed only one win. But with a core returning upperclassmen, things could be different. "Right now, we have a few eligibility problems," says Gordon. "But if those things get worked out and we stay healthy, we could be a force by the end of the season." The Cougars aren't overwhelmed with returning starters but have 15 seniors coming back. "A good solid upper class is usually what makes the difference," says Gordon. "With a school this size, 15 upperclassmen is a very good number." One returning starter who made an impact over the past two seasons is quarterback-defensive end Keith Howard. Howard, a 6-foot-2, 180-pound senior, received all-league accolades at defensive end as a sophomore and received honorable mention last year in his junior season. Joining Howard on the defensive line will be 5-foot-10, 220-pound senior D.J. Wood. Wood has started the previous two seasons at running back and defensive lineman. Also returning to the starting lineup for the third season is 5-foot-8, 180-pound senior, Josh Jones. Jones anchors the offensive line at the center position and will also play on the defensive line. The Cougars hope to have running back and defensive back Jody Marshall in the fold. Marshall is petitioning for a hardship due to a death in the family during the 1998 season, forcing him to miss the last portion of the school year. "Marshall has great hands and good speed," says Gordon. "I couldn't see him not getting a hardship for this season." Other notable players with experience include 6-foot-2, 180-pound junior Zack Gordon and juniors David Malloy, Zack Coble and Brent Way. Zack Gordon is at defensive end, while Malloy will share running back and linebacker duties. Travis Tolliver joins the team after transferring from North Carolina. The senior brings good speed and hands to the offense. Gordon views the Skyline A League as a little more competitive this season with defending state champion Powers losing a lot to graduation. "Powers will be tough again," he says. "I don't think it will be as easy for them to repeat this season with Ike Ellis (quarterback) gone. However, they are tough every year because of the winning atmosphere they have built." Cougars at a glance COACH : Mike Gordon (second year back after two year absence). ASSISTANTS : Jim Smith, Jon Deshields, Roy Henson. 1998 LEAGUE RECORD : 1-7 (seventh, Skyline A). 1998 OVERALL RECORD : 1-8. PREDICTED FINISH THIS YEAR : Sixth. 1998 REGULAR SEASON SCORES Prospect Opponents 0 Elkton 46 48 North Lake 40 14 Camas Valley 48 0 Paisley 52 14 Powers 82 6 Mapleton 56 14 Days Creek 60 6 Butte Falls 46 RETURNING STARTERS OFFENSE (3) : Lineman D.J. Wood (sr.), quarterback/running back Keith Howard (sr.), center Josh Jones (sr.). DEFENSE (3) : End Keith Howard (sr.), end D.J. Wood (sr.), lineman Josh Jones (sr.). OTHER NOTABLES Running back/defensive back Jody Marshall (sr.), quarterback Don Andreson (jr.), defensive end Zack Gordon (jr.), offensive line David Malloy (jr.), linebacker/offensive line Zack Cole (jr.), defensive line/offensive line Brent Way (jr.). 1999 Schedule Sept. 4 at Paisley Jamboree, 1 p.m. Sept. 17 MAPLETON, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 24 at Camas Valley, 4 p.m. Oct. 1 ELKTON, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 8 PAISLEY, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 15 at North Lake, 4 p.m. Oct. 22 DAYS CREEK, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 29 at Powers, 3 p.m. Nov. 5 at Butte Falls, 3 p.m. FOOTBALL 99 Index Today's Sports Index Mail Tribune Copyright� The Mail Tribune 1999, Medford, OR U.S.A.