There was a sense of developing confidence among his players after some tough years of competing in the 2A Evergreen Conference. In four years as an EvCo team, the Eagles struggled with a 10-29 win-loss record.
This, after the glory years in the late 1990s and early 2000s when Elma was a regular state playoff contender, playing in the state title game four times in a six-year span, including state titles in 1997 and 2001 as a member of the now-defunct 2A Southwest League.
Now, in their second year after being reclassified as a 1A school and coming off a 5-4 season, Hill said getting the players back to having fun and working hard has paid off. The 5-4 record was Elma’s first winning season since 2003.
“We had a pretty good building year and the kids could compete again,” said Hill, who is entering his 17th year at his alma mater.
Because of the team’s athleticism, Hill is switching to the spread offense after years running the wing-T. Elma’s strength is its speed and experience, and Hill noted this is his most athletic team he’s had recently, despite the turnout – 42 players – being the lowest he’s had since he took over in 1995.
Senior Tate Shelton will switch from a defensive back to starting quarterback and showed a lot of promise with a good summer and lots of reps throwing the football.
“He’s developed into a throwing quarterback,” Hill said. “If he can make good decisions in what we’re doing, he’ll be the best quarterback in the area.”
Senior receivers Hayden Merkt, Trevon Baker and Trevin Brown are all three-year starters and will be looked upon again to lead the offense.
Baker will double up as a wideout and running back as well as playing linebacker. He ran the 100 meters in 11.7 seconds last spring in track and field.
“All three have really good speed for high school football,” Hill said. “They have good hands and good athleticism.”
Anthony Heller, a 5-8, 200-pound senior whom Hill called an all-state-caliber lineman, and junior Austin Black anchor both lines.
Injuries hit the Eagles hard last season, with two of their four losses coming by seven or fewer points.
“If we can play tough and stay away from the injury bug, I think we can expect to compete with anyone,” Hill said.
Meg Wochnick: 360-754-5473 mwochnick@theolympian.com www.theolympian.com/southsoundsports
Elma
