Document text
Skyline A: It's the Powers that be By TIM TROWER A power shortage at Powers might not mean much in the grand scheme. Sort of like a Las Vegas casino front blowing a light bulb. The Cruisers are down, says coach Tim France, but everyone else -- in the state, not just the Skyline A League -- is still looking up at the three-time defending Class 1A state champions. Powers returns only two starters as it tries to stretch a 34-game winning streak that dwarfs any other in the state. "We have a lot of question marks that need to be answered before we look too far down the road," says France, whose four-year, 43-2 record should send a few jaws to the floor. Of course, downplaying a program of this stature is futile, something France seems to realize as he adds, "but the future definitely looks good." The future was on display last year, when the Cruisers won by an average score of 50-10 and the reserves got enough playing time to earn tenure. Chief among them was quarterback Tommy Blanton, a 5-foot-11, 165-pound sophomore who replaces Ike Ellis, the state player of the year last year. "We run a true option, where the quarterback makes all the reads," says France. "He got quite a few reps last year, but he's the go-to guy this year, and he'll get his reads down a lot better." The lone starters back will pave the way. They are juniors Denny Stallard (5-10, 210), the center, and Jeremy Mowe (6-5, 235), a guard and the brother of University of Oregon basketball player Jenny. The top rushing candidate is senior Ramsey Bushnell (5-10, 165), and ends Luke Rector (6-1, 180), a junior, and Tyler Davis (6-1, 185), a senior, will be threats. Here's a look at the rest of the Skyline A: DAYS CREEK -- Having played second fiddle while Powers conducted its symphony of success, the Wolves could be ready to move to first chair. Seven players return who started full or part time, including three who earned all-league accolades. "Last year was rough because we had a lot of kids injured," says coach Gene Forman. "But it also gave these kids an opportunity to play." The caveat, he says, is that the talent is "average" compared to some of his stronger teams. Seniors Joey Sands (6-foot, 165 pounds) and Antoni Brown (5-10, 186) were all-leaguers a year ago, Sands at receiver and Brown at guard. Quarterback J.C. Hildebrand (6-0, 168), a junior, earned second-team honors. Hildebrand passed for 1,470 yards in six games. "He may be the best runner we have, as well," says Forman. Other returners are senior running back-defensive end Kyle Season (5-11, 168), junior running back-linebacker Steve Brown (5-10, 158), junior offensive lineman-linebacker Brett Nixon and junior center Nick Harris (6-0, 218). Shad Stufflebean (6-1, 160), a senior receiver-defensive back, returns after not playing the past two years. The Wolves will know early how they stand. They open against Elkton in a game Forman says could well determine the league's No. 2 representative to state. Days Creek ends the regular season against Powers. ELKTON -- Third in the Skyline A a year ago, the Elks try to crack the state playoffs behind receiver-turned-quarterback Seth Williamson. "He's our team leader," says coach Ron Owings. "How he does, the rest of the players should follow." The limited experience Williamson, a 6-2, 190-pound senior, has playing quarterback is of minor concern to Owings. "He's an athlete, and he'll be able to make quick decisions and bring the pace of the game to that position," says the coach. "He knows what it takes, how fast the game is." He'll get protection from two other two-way returning senior starters on the line, Paul Vincent (6-0, 200) and John Woodward (6-1, 220). Three players will get a chance at running back, led by senior Aaron Parrish (5-7, 160). Junior Royce Long (5-10, 165) and sophomore Seth Williamson (6-0, 195) provide backfield depth. PAISLEY -- Don Boyd begins his first year as the head coach of an eight-man program, but he's been coaching for 28 years. Last year, his first with the Broncos, he was an assistant. He inherits three returning starters and another player who received significant playing time. "We're young, inexperienced and looking to improve our skills," says Boyd. Senior Dan Byers (6-2, 235) returns as the starting quarterback and a linebacker. Returner Brady Murphy (5-10, 165), a senior guard and linebacker, provides support, and the ball will go to another returner, junior halfback-linebacker Darcy Zarosinski (5-10, 185). Sophomore tight end-defensive back Matt Weathers (5-10, 145) and sophomore quarterback-defensive back Chaylan Shuffield will also contribute. NORTH LAKE -- Tom Nelson was an assistant last year for North Lake before taking over the program this year. He has some sizable players, namely the Puckett brothers, to build around. Returning starters Abe Puckett, a senior fullback-defensive end, is 6-4, 265 pounds. He'll run behind his little brother, sophomore Jeremiah, who is 6-5, 230 pounds. "He's got real good feet for a big guy," Nelson says of Abe. "With Abe, we'll run more than most teams." Kico Villigrana (5-7, 150), a senior tailback-cornerback, averaged nearly 100 yards rushing a game last year before he was injured halfway through the season. Another returner is senior center-defensive tackle Jafe Adams (6-0, 200). Among the biggest question marks is who will hand off to the runners. Several players are vying to start at quarterback. CAMAS VALLEY -- One of the league's stronger teams in recent years, coach Craig Munion finds the Hornets at the wrong end of the numbers game: eight of his 13 players are sophomores and freshmen. "They have to play," Munion says, noting that he has five freshmen, none of whom weighs more than 125 pounds. "Sizewise, we're at a disadvantage, but the determination is there." Two starters return. Senior quarterback Jesse Banks (5-11, 167) will also play in the secondary, and sophomore lineman John Cress (6-0, 202) accounts for some poundage on both sides of the ball. Senior center Clayton Casteel (5-10, 162) saw some action last year. He'll block for a running game expected to be led by sophomore Rob Thrush (5-6, 165). FOOTBALL 99 Index Today's Sports Index Mail Tribune Copyright� The Mail Tribune 1999, Medford, OR U.S.A.