Document text
Butte Falls, Powers meet in Sky A showdown By TIM TROWER Based on recent matchups, Butte Falls should have its hands full today as it sets about dislodging Powers from the top of Skyline A League football. In the past three years, the Loggers have lost to the Cruisers by a combined 142-6, including 48-0 last year. But this is a new year that finds the Butte Falls riding high after two impressive victories and an inkling that Powers might not be as strong as in recent campaigns. The Loggers (2-0, 2-0 Skyline A) are ranked ninth in the state, three places behind Powers (3-1, 2-0 Skyline A). "All of our games are big right now," says Loggers assistant coach B.J. Rodgers. "This is definitely a big game. The kids are just starting to figure out a little about themselves and learning they are capable of beating the good teams." Rodgers takes charge of the team when head coach Jack Brown is unavailable. Brown is being treated for pancreatic cancer and was away from the team early this week, but he's expected to be on the sidelines today calling plays. The Loggers don't expect Powers to roll over. The Cruisers, save for an uncharacteristic lopsided loss last week to No. 2 Alsea, have been solid. They topped fifth-ranked Condon, 22-20, to open the season and have dispatched league foes Paisley, 34-0, and North Lake, 42-6. Under coach Tim France, Powers has won or shared six of the last seven Skyline A championships. In that time, it captured three state titles, finished second once and lost once each in the semifinals and quarterfinals. "They're a great football team, and they have a big tradition going," says Rodgers. "They want to come up here and stay No. 1. They're not going to just give it up. We're going to have to take it away." After opening the season with a 28-6 win over improved Camas Valley, Butte Falls stamped itself a contender with an eye-catching, 58-8 rout of preseason league favorite Days Creek. "Actually," admits France, "it surprised me how well they're playing and how well they took care of Days Creek. I think that surprised everybody. Days Creek is traditionally one of the better teams in the league, and for them to beat Days Creek like that, it says a lot for Butte Falls." The Loggers had last week off and got a chance to scout Powers in its 58-12 loss to Alsea. What they saw was a Powers team that doesn't appear to be the power team of the past. Rather than bullying the defense, the Cruisers spread out their offense 85 percent of the time, says Rodgers. He isn't certain of what type of attack Butte Falls will see, but he believes the Loggers match up well physically and with speed. Loggers running back Tommy Lunsford is averaging 175.5 yards rushing per game and has scored five touchdowns. Quarterback Nick Rodgers directs the offense, and Isaac Stephenson provides a change of pace filling in at running back and end. The line, led by David Hoel, has carved out plenty of room to operate. The 5-foot-5, 135-pound Stephenson, a standout safety, is particularly impressive, says France. "He's an inspirational kid to watch and a fantastic football player," says the Powers coach. "He's just a little guy, and lot of people would overlook him because of his size, but you talk about a kid who plays with heart and emotion. He's good for their team because his enthusiasm is contagious." Defensively, the Loggers have also been getting outstanding play from ends John Slaton and Tony Beals. "They're two of the best in the league for eight-man football," says Rodgers, adding that their ability to contain the perimeter allows linebackers Lunsford and Rodgers to work effectively. One area of concern today will be in the secondary, where the Loggers' best cover player, Kale Freeman, won't play because of an ankle injury. While Butte Fall is enjoying the benefits of a veteran team - it returned starters at nearly every position this year - Powers has had to fill a number of holes with young players after graduating seven seniors last year. Quarterback Tommy Blanton is a three-year starter, as is running back Frank Adamek. They also are the linebackers. End Seth Fandel is the only other veteran. "We've been one of the top teams for the last eight years," says France, "but a lot of that is because of experience we've brought back. Every year we had four or five kids who, if they didn't start, played a tremendous amount. This year we don't." Reach sports editor Tim Trower at 776-4479, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.