THREE STORYLINES TO FOLLOW
1 Can the T-Birds repeat?
Tumwater is the defending Class 2A state champion, beating Archbishop Murphy, 34-14, in the title game to capture its fifth state title (1987, ’89, ’90, ’93 and 2010). Helping Tumwater’s back-to-back attempt is a loaded offense that returns QB Daniel Hinkle (1,400 yards, 23 TDs in 2010) and running backs Ronnie Hastie (918 rushing yards, 10 TDs) and Peyton Olson (444 yards rushing).
2 Biggest shoes to fill
Capital and Tumwater will look to fill in the gaps with the graduation of 2010 state players of the year – Capital’s Tyler Sundberg (3A) and Tumwater’s Kyle Warner (2A), both of whom also were 3A Narrows and 2A Evergreen Conference MVPs. It was the first time two players from Thurston County were named state players of the year in separate classifications.
3 Will River Ridge maintain momentum?
For the second time in River Ridge’s 17-year school history, the Hawks posted a winning record in 2010 (5-4). The only other time River Ridge had a winning record was in 1998, when the Dale Chase-led Hawks went 7-4 and advanced to the Class 4A state quarterfinals.
THREE PLAYERS TO WATCH
1 There’s a good chance North Thurston QB Ben Broeker will set the school record for passing yards in a season. He is mobile, has a strong arm and has a talented receiving corps to throw to, including seniors Landon Rushton, Matt Reid and PK Machado.
2 River Ridge RB/WR Brad Wallace is an all-around threat whenever he touches the ball. The converted receiver-to-running back had more than 2,000 all-purpose yards in 2010.
3 He’s only a junior, but Tumwater defensive tackle Jamie Bryant is likely on his way to being an NCAA Division I recruit. At 6-foot-5, 270 pounds, he makes opposing teams take notice and choose not to run in his direction.
THREE GAMES TO SEE
1 Just like the past few years, expect the Narrows League 3A title to come down to the game between Timberline and Capital. Both teams could be undefeated in the league when they meet Oct. 21 at Ingersoll Stadium.
2 When Chehalis visits Tumwater on Sept. 16, it will be both teams’ Evergreen Conference opener, but it likely will set the tone for the remaining league games. It’s also a battle of two all-league quarterbacks – Tumwater’s Daniel Hinkle and Chehalis’ Mitch Gueller.
3 Bellarmine PREP is a heavy favorite in Narrows League 4A, but the title likely will be on the line – just like last year – when Olympia faces the Lions on Oct. 21 in Tacoma. Olympia has won three of the past four league crowns.
By Meg Wochnick, staff writer
