Loera excited for challenge

MOSES LAKE - After finishing the 2007 high school football season with the Columbia Basin League's Offensive Player of the Year award, Moses Lake quarterback Josh Loera is ready to the lead Chiefs into the 2008 season.

The Chiefs travel to Hanford on Thursday night to kick off the schedule and Loera said he is anxious for the opportunity.

"It feels weird knowing that my senior season is already starting," he said. "(I'm) really making the most of it, that's for sure."

The remaining Columbia Basin high school football teams take to the gridiron on Friday night, but the Chiefs start the season Thursday night.

While Loera is prepared to face the Hanford Falcons, he said he is excited about the opportunity to play at the newly renovated Lions Field on Sept. 12.

"It's gonna feel good knowing I am the first one on it," he said. "The first quarterback, first class, first everything on it. Hopefully we go undefeated on it."

After more than two weeks of practice, Loera said the most difficult task has been focusing on the upcoming season.

Loera and his fellow seniors are up to the challenge, he said.

"A lot of people have their minds on different things," he said. "When it comes down to it we all get focused. Most of the team is seniors and we all want to win."

Loera rushed for more than 800 yards last year and threw for 1,700 more to earn Offensive Player of the Year honors. Loera said he hopes to earn the award this year, but his focus remains on his team's success.

"I hope to do it again this year," he said. "It's mostly a team thing. I just want to win and go to state."

Loera is entering his final season for Moses Lake and said he will miss the relationships he has developed while playing for the Chiefs.

"I'll miss the coaches, the fans, and the players," he said. "The people I play with. I love them to death. I've been playing with them since middle school and it's just fun to come back and play with them one more time."