The defense has it at 4-0 Montesano

THE OLYMPIAN | • Published October 02, 2009

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By no means is Terry Jensen a coach who gazes into a crystal ball and sees what his team will do next.

While he could never foresee what his Montesano football team would accomplish through this season’s first four games, he did see what his team’s potential could be at a team camp in Central Washington this summer, where the Bulldogs were the smallest school in attendance.

As the season began, the Bulldogs’ main focus was simply finding ways to shut teams down, and finding ways to win games.

But the combination of defensive speed and the work of defensive coordinator Brian Hollatz has helped the top-ranked Bulldogs (4-0) not only win, but also earn four consecutive shutouts.

That’s right, they haven’t allowed a point through four games.

Now, as the Bulldogs enter Week 5 with the No. 1 ranking in the Class 1A polls, they’re seeking out win No. 5 – and perhaps another shutout.

They’ll travel to take on Rainier (2-2) in a Southwest Washington Evergreen Division contest at 7 tonight.

“It’s a combination of a lot of things that has allowed us to have the success,” Jensen said. “By no means are we satisfied where we are. There’s lots of room for improvement.”

The Bulldogs have outscored their opponents, 178-0, with victories over Elma (31-0), Castle Rock (43-0), Toledo (49-0) and Rochester (55-0).

As impressive as they are defensively, take a look at their offense, too.

They’re averaging 44.5 points per game, which is tops in 1A ranks. Leading the way offensively have been Gabe West and Ryan Campbell in the backfield, and quarterback Josh Tyler. The two seniors have been the team’s leading rushers. But unlike years past, there are no go-to playmakers.

“Some of the parts added together is greater than the individual,” Jensen said. “They all rely on each other.”

The players have stayed humble throughout the shutout streak, and yet they’re still hungry for more. The road the Bulldogs are focused on is their own.

Montesano is no stranger to winning and having success. The past three seasons have resulted in three trips to the state semifinals, only to come up short of advancing to the state title game each time. The Bulldogs have also won 21 successive league games – their last league loss coming in 2005 against Elma.

Is it the most talented team Jensen has had in his eight years at Monte? It’s too early to tell, he says.

“They have the potential to be a very special football team,” Jensen said.

Rainier coach Jeff Johnson knows his Mountaineers will have a tough task ahead of them in tonight’s game.

“They’re pretty solid across the board,” Johnson said. “They do things right. It’s a program that you’d like to shoot for.”

The Mountaineers are coming off a 20-7 loss to Toledo last week. But more tough news came after the game, when they learned linebacker Brad Seversike will be sidelined for the remainder of the season. Seversike, a senior, suffered a concussion on a hard hit against Toledo.

When asked if Montesano has any weaknesses, Johnson couldn’t help but laugh.

“They don’t kick enough field goals,” Johnson said. “They just put it in the end zone.”

Streaking Navigators

There’s nothing like a bit of history to motivate a team. Last week, the Northwest Christian football team’s 34-14 home win over North Beach marked two firsts for the program.

One, the 34 points scored were the most ever by a Navigators team, and two, they earned back-to-back victories. The Navigators also won their Week 3 matchup against Seattle Lutheran, 28-22.

Northwest Christian (2-2) will take on No. 9 South Bend (3-1) on the road at 7 p.m. today.