New and improved Ephrata Tigers strive toward state
EPHRATA - With music blaring from a car at the far end of the practice field and players rotating in and out each play the atmosphere at an Ephrata Tigers practice is as fun as football gets.
Don't be fooled by the players joking around with their coach and singing along to "When I Come Around" by Greenday, the 2013 Tigers mean business.
If things go as Coach Jay Mills has planned, this may be the year the Ephrata Tigers come around and put together that elusive undefeated season and make a run at their third state title.
The boys huddle up between drills and chant 1-2-3 "I'm in!" before breaking for the next drill. In just a few short minutes of being around the Ephrata football team it is clear that this year's group is committed to playing tough and winning football games.
"Our goal is to improve week to week. If we can do that the scoreboard will take care of itself. The entire group is focused 100 percent on improving our execution," Head coach Jay Mills said.
It is that attention to detail and determination that is exemplified during scrimmages amongst the Tigers as they prepare for their opening game, the battle of the Basin, against Quincy High School.
"I think a rivalry game is the perfect way to start the season. These kids are brought up knowing the importance of the battle of the Basin and they will come out with an intensity level that will match any game we play all season," Mills said.
After last season's 22-21 victory over Quincy, in which it took Ephrata scoring twice in the final quarter to edge out a win, the Tigers know it will take their best performance to repeat last year's victory.
This year they will have to do it without Tyler Clark under center, a two-year starter running the team's wing-T offense. Replacing the graduated Clark will be senior quarterback Evan Brooks.
"I embrace the challenge. I've been looking forward to this my whole life, I've spent three years learning the offense and I'm going to do everything in my power to help our team reach our goals this year." Brooks said.
It's no secret that the team's big picture goals this season include starting things off with a win in the "battle of the Basin," and then turning their sights to rival schools Prosser and Othello.
"During my time we haven't beat Othello or Prosser on their home fields, so we want to break those streaks. After that our goal is to win the state championship; we are confident we can contend on that level. We break every huddle with State Champs!" Brooks said.
This year really is all about getting over the hump for Ephrata. With losses to West Valley and Prosser by a combined six points and being blown-out by Othello, it will take every ounce of enthusiasm, effort, and execution to move those losses into the wins column. "Turnovers and defense hurt us in those close games. Not turning the ball over early and being able to finish with defensive stops in the fourth quarter will be the difference this year," Coach Mills said.
Filling the gaps left by quarterback Justin Clark, wide receiver Preston Sandberg, and running back Garrett DeVine won't be easy, but the team has made strides internally behind the play of senior quarterback Evan Brooks and senior offensive lineman, Jacob Laird and Tyrus Kemp, and David Swenson.
"We have a lot of fun together at practice, we go on vacations together, we are a family; that's how I see it, and nothings stronger than that bond. You'd do anything for your brothers and I'd do anything for the guys on my team." Brooks said with confidence.
The Ephrata Tigers have some serious goals set for their 2013 campaign and they are going to have a good time while striving to achieve them.
"I feel protected and confident behind our line this year. We are way bigger and way faster, especially on the left side and we are going to hit hard and play smashmouth football," Brooks said.