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Former backups flyin' high

TIMBERLINE vs. CAPITAL: Blazers' Kevin Russell and Cougars' Alex Everson prove able leaders of high-powered teams that will collide tonight

GAIL WOOD; The Olympian | • Published October 16, 2009

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To remain in first place, Capital and Timberline will rely tonight on quarterbacks who were understudies a year ago.

Capital’s Alex Everson and Timberline’s Kevin Russell were promoted to starting quarterback when last year’s starters moved to wide receiver.

And Everson and Russell have made the most of the opportunity.

“Kevin has all the qualities you look for in a quarterback,” Timberline coach Nick Mullen said. “He’s a natural leader. His release is quick. It’s hard to get to him.”

Tonight’s game will be a matchup of two high-powered offenses that are averaging more than 44 points per game. Both teams are undefeated in the Western Cascade Conference. Timberline is ranked seventh in Class 3A and is undefeated after six games.

Capital is on a four-game win streak after dropping its first two games – close losses to O’Dea and Olympia.

“The keys to the game are, we’ve got to stop the multiple weapons they have,” Capital coach J.D. Johnson said. “We have to try to force them into mistakes. We can’t turn the ball over, and we’ve got to control the clock.”

Capital defeated Timberline, 21-0, last year and lost, 6-0, in 2007.

“Our offense hasn’t scored against them in two years,” Mullen said. “Our defense recovered a fumble in the end zone two years ago. This game is going to be one of those games (when) crazy things happen.”

Russell started the final four games last season and got the starting spot this season when Delas Raiford asked to be moved to wide receiver.

“That helped Kevin relax,” Mullen said. “He didn’t feel there was someone always there breathing down his neck. Now, he just throws the ball. He doesn’t feel he has to win the game with every throw.”

Russell has been effective in an explosive spread offense that is averaging 48.3 points per game and has scored more than 50 points in each of its past four games. He’s completed 64.2 percent of his passes and is averaging 182.5 yards per game.

“As the starter, I’m able to exert my leadership more being the full-time guy,” Russell said. “I have more confidence to read a defense. That experience helps.”

Everson tossed four touchdown passes in last week’s 73-14 victory against North Kitsap.

Everson got the starting job at Capital when wide receiver Joe Tolman broke his leg at a summer camp. Kellen Camus, the starting quarterback for the past two seasons, then moved to wide receiver.

“That basically got me the job,” Everson said. “I think our starters started thinking I could lead the team early on. Knowing my team was behind me gave me more confidence.”

Both quarterbacks have prospered from having strong running games.

Capital’s Tyler Sundberg rushed for 213 yards against North Kitsap and scored five touchdowns. He ran for four touchdowns to break the school’s single-season record for rushing touchdowns. Just six games into the season, he has 23, breaking the record set by Charlie Kentwood in 1996.

“It helps having a guy like Tyler,” Everson said. “He’s carrying our team. Teams are going to have to try and stop our run, and that opens our play-action pass.”

The Blazers have a running game of their own. Timberline’s Jordan Radcliffe has topped 100 yards rushing in five of the Blazers’ six games. He’s averaging 117.8 yards rushing per game and 8.1 yards per carry.

“Radcliffe has been dominating,” Russell said. “He’s a playmaker. He’s the fastest guy on the field. He’s an animal.”

Radcliffe, a 5-foot-7, 195-pound senior, rushed for a season-high 151 yards on 16 carries in a 63-21 win against Olympic.

“The run opens up the pass,” Russell said. “It gives the defensive coordinator something to think about. Teams tend to focus on the running game. They forget about the pass, and that opens it up for me.”

Camus has adapted to the switch to wide receiver. Besides leading Capital in receptions, he’s also contributing as a defensive back and by returning kicks.

Raiford is an explosive threat at wide receiver, catching three passes for 104 yards in a 56-7 win at Port Angeles.

“Timberline can spread the ball around more this season,” Johnson said. “There’s not just Ronnie Hamlin. They have a lot of weapons.”

Timberline and Capital each still must play North Thurston, which also is undefeated in the league.

Gail Wood: 360-754-5443

gwood@theolympian.com