2012 Football Preview: Tumwater and Centralia

Tumwater: Otton is a proud grandpa
Centralia: Tigers want more offense

TUMWATER THUNDERBIRDS
Coach: Sid Otton, 39th year
2011 record: 7-2, 1st in league; lost in 2A first round.
Offense: Coordinator (set) - Jamie Weeks (Wing-T).
Returning starters - 3.
Top players - RB Andrew Brown, 6-1, 175, Sr.; OL Jaimie Bryant, 6-5, 260, Sr.; QB Jayden Croft, 6-0, 180, Jr.; OL Hunter Saner, 6-1, 240, Sr.
Defense: Coordinator (set) - Pat Alexander (4-3).
Returning starters - 1. Top players - DL Jaimie Bryant, 6-5, 260, Sr.; LB David Durden, 6-0, 180, Sr.; DL Jose Jimenez, 6-3, 230, Sr.
Outlook: A relative inexperienced team will get to the fire immediately in the non-league against 3A and 4A schools. In fact, Otton considers this the toughest schedule the Thunderbirds have had since their days in the 4A Greater St. Helens League (1993-96). Bryant, a Washington commit, is the only starter left from the 2010 state title-winning squad.

2012 Tumwater Football Schedule
Home games in CAPS. All games at 7 p.m.
* 2A Evergreen Conference game
Friday, Aug. 31 -- at Shelton
Friday, Sept. 7 -- TIMBERLINE
Friday, Sept. 14 -- INGLEMOOR
Saturday, Sept. 22 -- at Capital *
Friday, Sept. 28 -- WF WEST *
Friday. Oct. 5 -- at North Thurston
Friday, Oct. 12 -- CENTRALIA *
Friday, Oct. 19 -- at River Ridge *
Friday, Oct. 26 -- BLACK HILLS *

CENTRALIA TIGERS
Coach: Steve Amrine, second year
2011 record: 5-4 overall, 5th in 2A EvCo.
Offense: Coordinator (set) – Steve Armine (Pro, Spread)
Returning starters -- 3
Top players: QB Joe Blaser, 5-11, 165, Jr.; FB Chuck McKeerver, 5-8, 230, Sr.; WR John Sharkey, 6-2, 170, Sr.
Defense: Coordinator (set) – Brad White (multiple)
Returning starters – 4
Top players: LB Justice Tasby, 6-0, 200, Sr.; DB Jake Riccardo, 6-0, 185, Sr.; DL Jeff Carlisle, 6-2, 240, Sr.; DL Alex Daarud, 6-0, 285, Sr.
Outlook: The Tigers are implementing a two-offense scheme with the pro and spread following a 2011 season averaging 10.1 points per game (single-game high of 27). A big plus for Centralia is the size of its line. Five players average 245 pounds. Justice Tasby is widely regarded by coaches as one of the top linebackers in the EvCo.

2012 Centralia Football Schedule
Home games in CAPS. All games at 7 p.m.
* 2A Evergreen Conference game
Friday, Aug. 31 – at Hoquiam
Friday, Sept. 7 – WASHOUGAL
Friday, Sept. 14 – at Aberdeen
Friday, Sept. 21 – EISENHOWER
Friday, Sept. 28 – CAPITAL *
Friday, Oct. 5 – RIVER RIDGE *
Friday, Oct. 12 – at Tumwater *
Friday, Oct. 19 – at Black Hills *
Friday, Oct. 26 – WF WEST *