Ephrata makes climb toward CWAC's elite

EPHRATA - Ephrata is right on the fringe of the CWAC's elite.

The Tigers finished fifth behind state placers Othello, Ellensburg and Prosser, as well as 7-2 West Valley (Yakima).

With West Valley departing for the Big 9 and home games against Othello and Prosser, 2014 could be the year the Tigers shake up the status quo.

"We've got to have a statement game," head coach Jay Mills said. "We've got to win those and we were close against those guys, except Ellensburg last year kind of really got after us, and it's just keep working, keep practicing hard, continue on that process of trying to get after them and get the breaks."

The CWAC welcomes back Quincy, who jumped a classification from the 1A Caribou Trail League. Mills is glad the larger West Valley squad moved up into the Big 9 and is also happy about the easier travel schedule with the Jacks back in the CWAC.

"Size-wise West Valley was one of the biggest schools in the league ... And they were physically one of the biggest teams in the league," he said. "Having them leave ... I don't know, we play who we play in the league. It's nice to have Quincy back in the league for travel purposes especially."

Currently, Ephrata is riding a three-game winning streak in the Battle of the Basin game between the Tigers and the Jacks.

Last year, Ephrata was able to pull away late and win, 28-12.

"Our kids are ready to go and so are their kids," Mills said. "It's exciting 'cause it's the Battle of the Basin and regardless of if we're in the league together or what the record is it's a big deal."

But before the Tigers focus on their long-standing rivalry, Ephrata will have an early season test against the Huskies.

Turnovers plagued the Tigers last season on the road and Ephrata fell, 24-3.

"Any time you have the big guys at home, especially those programs, it's a good thing," Mills said. "We play Othello second game of the year which will be a great test early for us coming out I think for both programs."

Lloyd Burleson will replace last year's quarterback Evan Brooks. Unlike Brooks - who was more of a pocket passer - Burleson is a dual threat quarterback who can make plays outside of the pocket.

"He is a very athletic player," Mills said. "Going to make a lot of plays with his feet. Throws the ball well. Doesn't throw it quite as well as Evan. Evan was more of a pocket passer ... Lloyd, he's going to make plays with his feet and his arm this year."

Burleson will also have a wealth of options at the receiver and running back positions.

But Mills knows the game is won and lost in the trenches.

"Our skill positions are pretty good and we're excited about their speed and how they run the ball," Mills said. "It's we've got to find five linemen up there and get a cohesive unit to play together."

With about a week and a half until the opener against Royal, Mills felt he had about 11 players on each side of the ball who could play varsity snaps.

"It's just continuing to work on those little things and build on what we've installed," he said. "We've got to build depth and those younger guys, those backups have got to do their job better so we can trust to put them in the game to give guys relief."