Othello football looking to make it 16 in a row
A streak of 15 straight state playoff appearances is on the line when the Huskies take the field for the start of the 2012 regular season. The Othello football program, now in its 19th year under the direction of coach Roger Hoell, has made the trip to the Gridiron Classic since 1997, and are itching to make it back again this season.
During their incredible run to the big stage, the Huskies have been crowned state champion twice (1998, 2004), was runner-up once (2001), made it to the semifinals twice and the quarterfinals four times.
Othello finished the 2011 regular season with an 8-1 record and a second place finish in the 2A Central Washington Athletic Conference (CWAC). The Huskies averaged 49 points per game offensively and took a seven game win streak into post season play. They turned back Steilacom 14-0 in the first round of the state playoffs, but lost to Archbishop Murphy in the quarterfinals.
However, the Huskies have their work cut out this year as the team lost 15 seniors to graduation, including star halfback Caleb Garza who finished with 1,046 rushing yards averaging 8.3 yards per carry yards and 12 TDs, and was named the league's Most Valuable Offensive Player of the Year and was First Team All CWAC. They will be without the services of starting fullback and defensive lineman Joey Gomez, defensive end Tyson Mollotte, league defensive Most Valuable Player linebacker David Walker, defensive lineman Stephen Villarreal and offensive guard Anthony Otero.
"We have a lot of holes to fill," Hoell said. "But we have some kids who have really stepped up in those positions."
Those expected to make a big contribution in place of the outgoing players are seniors Derek Cantu and Noel Suarez (TE), linebackers Callen Anderson, Eric Garza and Richie Valdez, and defensive backs David Saldivar and Keenan Pass. Two-thirds of the starting backfield will be juniors Tanner Wagner (RB/LB) and Josiah Peterson (FB/DL). Juniors who will be counted on to open some holes for the running backs are Connor Weise (OT) and Buck Castro (OG), as well as sophomore offensive guard Adrian Cantu. Junior linebackers Randy Gomez and Jesus Montes and sophomore Miguel Gonzalez will help anchor the stingy defensive unit that allowed just 7.5 points per game.
Othello does have a lot of returning players at the skill positions on offense including starting seniors quarterback David Garza who threw for 1,026 yards and 14 touchdowns and was named Honorable Mention in the CWAC, wide receiver and defensive back Justin Lind and wide receiver and linebacker Trevor Walker.
The Huskies also have the services of offensive tackle and defensive lineman Derek Valdez, junior center Colton Hall, seniors Matt Jones at free safety, Matt Melo at outside linebacker and defensive lineman Derek Gilbert.
"The strength of our team this year is team chemistry and senior leadership," Hoell said. "We also have a lot of talent at the critical positions."
The weakness of the team if any, Hoell said is depth and plugging the holes vacated by graduation.
The team is stacked with a lot of veteran players this year, but no in particular Hoell will rely on to shoulder the load.
"We will lean on all the kids," he said. "We are a team which is our major strength."
As far as whom he expects to give the Huskies a run for their money in the CWAC this year, Hoell said, all have the potential to compete no matter what their record was in past seasons.
"All the teams will be stiff," he said. "As long as they line up across from you, they are all to be reckoned with and not to be taken lightly."
Despite the anticipated stiff competition, Hoell said he likes the Huskies chances of contending for the CWAC title this year and extending their post season run.
"If we can stay healthy, take care of the ball, not give up big plays and improve as the season progresses come together as a team, we should be in good shape to at least contend for a playoff spot," he said. "But we'll have to do it without our outside linebacker senior Alec Alvarez who is out for the year after tearing his ACL during soccer season and junior offensive guard Beau Lewis who is out for the year with a concussion after a summer mishap."
Othello opened its season at home with a 39-13 nonleague win over the always tough Connell Eagles Aug. 31.
The Huskies begin league play on the road at Wapato Friday.