2012 Football Preview: Yelm and Rainier

Yelm: Swilley finds way to honor fallen friend
Rainier: Mountaineers fight foes, apathy

YELM TORNADOS
Coach: Randy Swilley, fifth year
2011 record: 2-7, fourth in Narrows 3A.
Offense: Coordinator (set) - Randy Swilley (multiple).
Returning starters - 6.
Top players - OL Cody Anderson, 5-10, 260, Sr.; RB Kyle Brownell, 5-10, 175, Sr.; RB Quentin Buck, 5-10, 175, Jr.; RB Jacob Swilley 5-10, 185, Sr.
Defense: Coordinator (set) - Randy Swilley (4-3).
Returning starters - 6.
Top players - DB Quentin Buck, 5-10, 175, Jr.; DB Greg Martin, 6-1, 175, Jr.; DL Nathan Mix, 6-1, 230, Jr.; DE Max Painter, 5-10, 175, Sr.; DB Jacob Swilley, 5-10, 185, Sr.
Outlook: One of the schools that went up a classification after reclassification, Yelm will test the 4A waters for the first time. Again, much will be asked of Jacob Swilley – the coach’s son – in his bid for three consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons. And he’ll have to try and accomplish that behind a smaller offensive line.

2012 Yelm Football Schedule
Home games in CAPS. All games at 7 p.m. unless noted
* 4A Narrows League game
Friday, Aug. 31 – at Highline, 5 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 7 – OLYMPIC
Friday, Sept. 14 – at Stadium *
Friday, Sept. 21 – SHELTON
Friday, Sept. 28 – at Central Kitsap *
Friday, Oct. 5 – SOUTH KITSAP *
Friday, Oct. 12 – at Bellarmine *
Friday, Oct. 19 – GIG HARBOR *
Friday, Oct. 26 – OLYMPIA *

RAINIER MOUNTAINEERS
Coach: Jeff Johnson, fifth year
2011: 4-6 overall, tied for fourth place in SWW 1A Evergreen.
Offense: Coordintor (set) -- Johnson (multiple)
Returning starters – 6
Top players: OL Gunnar Delio, 6-0, 200, Jr.; WR Terry Dorris, 6-0, 185; Sr.; RB Bailey Miller, 5-11, 185; Jr.; OL Austin Carlson, 6-0, 210, Jr.
Defense: Coordinator (set) -- Todd Cordova (odd-front)
Returning starters -- 7
Top players: DL Ricky Sletten, 5-10, 170, Sr.; DL Eric Staats, 5-9, 190, Jr.; DB Tyler Wentworth, 6-0, 150; DL Gunner Delio, 6-0, 200, Jr.; LB Bailey Miller, 5-11, 185, Jr.
Outlook: The Mountaineers got a surprise in the off-season when all-league quarterback Mac Shaw transferred to Tenino. Despite small numbers, there’s a plethora amount of players (13 returning starters) with experienced. According to Johnson, linemen Gunnar Delio and Austin Carlson will make a difference in the trenches.

2012 Rainier Football Schedule
Home games in CAPS. All games at 7 p.m.
* Southwest Washington 1A Evergreen game
Friday, Aug. 31 – at Naselle
Friday, Sept. 7 -- MOSSYROCK
Friday, Sept. 14 – ROCHESTER *
Friday, Sept. 21 – at Elma *
Friday, Sept. 28 – TENINO *
Friday, Oct. 5 – at Forks *
Friday, Oct. 12 – HOQUIAM *
Friday, Oct. 19 – at Montesano *
Friday, Oct. 26 – SETON CATHOLIC