These boys just love playing football

You can ask forever and watch every game, but you’ll likely never learn all of the keys to football success at Royal High School. They are many.

One is the love of football. Another is the love of each other. That was evident at the Royal football banquet last week, when the state champs received their letters and some were given special awards.

Coach Wiley Allred choked up while speaking accolades for one of his boys and had to stop and say to the parents: “I love your kids.”

Assistant coach Jeremy Scroggins, who is a product of the Royal High program, did the same – twice.

“I love your kids, too,” said the tough-talking, teared-up defensive coordinator.

It’s a mutual love. The boys not only shook hands with their coaches but also exchanged embraces after being called to the front of the room.

Another key is will, as exemplified by linebacker Andy Villafana at the state championship game. He went to the sideline with his left hand really hurting in the third quarter. Wiley was about to pull him and started to ask if he could continue.

“Before I could ask, he said, ‘I’m playing,’ and ran back to the game,” Wiley said.

Visiting the doctor on Monday, Villafana learned he’d played nearly half a game with three fractured fingers on the left hand.

When Wiley spoke of Villafana and linebacker running mate Valente Cortez, he noted they were known as the bash brothers before they became linebackers.

“Andy and his buddy Valente are two of the best linebackers we’ve had,” he said.

“We’ve never had a pair of linebackers like this,” Jeremy added. “They got to the party (in Tacoma) with 190, 200 pounds of attitude.”

Wiley spoke of the friendship among the boys. Many of them had nicknames. Junior Juan Hernandez was called The Grinch.

“He became the Grinch who stole every (opponent’s) Christmas,” Wiley said.

Speaking of 6-foot, 155-pound – maybe – linebacker Carson Gilbert, Wiley noted that Jeremy and he had exchanged fearful thoughts of a skinny linebacker getting battered. But it was Gilbert who did the battering.

“He came flying in there and took people down,” Wiley said. “Sometimes he missed, but he was always flying in there.”

I don’t know if Mr. Knight is Houston Miller’s nickname, but Wiley called him that because of his dedication to Royal football. He started out as the ball boy just after learning to walk. His dad tried to get him 16 years of credit. Wiley offered 14. I think they settled at 15.

Wiley said the coaches knew Joe Lang’s athletic quality and versatility before the season. But, Wiley said, Joe became even better at his craft(s) this year. Eastern Washington University wants him to become an Eagle.

Wiley noted that mighty Jose Ponce, all 5-4, 155 pounds of him, had “done it all at different times” in his three years as a starter. Mainly he was a kicker, a punter, a receiver and a defensive back. Mostly he was 155 pounds of seriousness.

Jeremy spoke about him, too, in a touching observation.

“He really grew up as a young man,” he said.

Then Jeremy stopped speaking to get control of some tears and command of his speech.

“Thanks for letting me be a part of it,” he added.

Speaking of Sam Christensen, Wiley said: “He surprised a lot of folks around the state.”

Not about being able to play but about how well he did play. His finest hour was in the title game, where he gained more than 100 yards on eight pass receptions.

Senior Randy Dunn set a Gridiron Classic record for punts when he belted one 67 yards against King’s to get Royal out of a big hole. It was his first punt of the year.

“We are great coaches,” Wiley said, and the room filled with laughter.

Jeremy brought some laughter to the proceedings after junior quarterback Kaden Jenks was called to the front of the room. Kaden had what can only be called a spectacular year, with 45 touchdown passes, more than 2,700 yards and only two interceptions.

Jeremy claimed to be the quarterbacks coach, angling for credit for Kaden’s gifts. No, Wiley said. Wiley was the quarterbacks coach.

The room filled with laughter, and off in a corner, assistant coach Jackson Noftle shouted: “Hey, I thought that was my job.”

Wiley and Jeremy deferred to Jackson, and he received a hearty round of applause.

There was more, but there is not enough space in this paper to record it all. So I’m closing this column with a heartfelt quote from Jeremy with which all Royal football fans can agree.

“The journey was great. I enjoyed the ride. Thanks for everything you’ve done for Royal football.”