Area high school football capsules

Coach: Bill Beattie, 21st year

2014 record: 6-4, second in league, lost in district playoffs

Offense: Coordinator (set) — Beattie (multiple). Returning starters — 3. Top players — QB Jack Bell, 6-0, 185, sr.; OL James Gunther, 5-11, 230, sr.; RB Scott Gunther, 5-11, 185, jr.; OL Brett Thompson, 6-4, 235, sr.; WR David Woodward, 6-3, 200, sr.

Defense: Coordinator (set) — Greg Hargrave (3-5). Returning starters — 6. Top players — DB Joel Jones, 5-11, 180, sr.; LB Clay Markoff, 5-10, 235, sr.; DL Amir Matheney, 6-3, 285, jr.; DB Christian Reed, 6-2, 190, sr.; DL Brett Thompson, 6-4, 235, sr.; DB David Woodward, 6-3, 200, sr.

Outlook: Beattie expects to be in the hunt for the league championship, as usual, which will be an easier road with two offensive weapons back in good health. Woodward and Scott Gunther both return from season-ending injuries in 2014 to ignite the Bears offense. All-Narrows player Thompson will be a factor on both sides of the ball, and leads an experienced defensive line. Olympia’s only league loss last season — they were 5-1 — was to favorite and reigning champ, Gig Harbor.

Coach: Mike Spears, first year

2014 record: 5-5, fourth in league, lost in district playoffs

Offense: Coordinator (set) — Rikki Reid (pistol spread), James Jones (run). Returning starters — 4. Top players — WR Eli Allen, 6-3, 190, sr.; WR Chris Barnes, 6-0, 180, sr.; RB/WR Michael Barnes, 5-11, 170, so.

Defense: Coordinator (set) — Spears (3-3 stack). Returning starters — 6. Top players — LB Ryan Birbeck, 6-1, 210, sr.; LB Jarryn Bush, 6-2, 210, sr.; DB Uli Ma’ae, 5-11, 175, sr.; DL James Strong, 6-5, 230, sr.; DL Alizen Wilson, 6-6, 370, jr.

Outlook: A lot is new this season, from Spears to a first-year quarterback (likely junior Jacob Henning) who will replace graduated Gabe Gutierrez, an all-Narrows player in 2014. Spears said he has the foundation to pull the young Blazers out of the middle of the league, including pillars on both sides of the ball — a pair of all-Narrows players return this season in Barnes at wide receiver and Ma’ae at defensive back.

Coach: Jason Ronquillo, third year

2014 record: 4-6, sixth in league

Offense: Coordinator (set) — Ronquillo (multiple). Returning starters — 7. Top players — TE Joey Hawks, 6-3, 200, jr.; WR Kaleb Lunderville, 6-2, 185, jr.; QB Daylon Matthews, 6-2, 185, sr.; K Vernon Parker, 6-0, 200, sr.; OL Tim Piland, 6-0, 210, sr.; RB Brandon Thompson, 5-9, 180, jr.

Defense: Coordinator (set) — Todd Cordova (3-3). Returning starters — 7. Top players — LB Bo Campbell, 5-10, 195, sr.; DB Peter Finley, 6-0, 185, sr.; DL Gabe Krizan, 6-2, 250, sr.; LB Deonte Payne, 5-10, 185, jr.; DB Devante Pearson, 6-2, 190, sr.

Outlook: The Tornados have an offense packed with returning starters — but none more important than Thompson at running back. He will anchor the offense again this season after rushing for more than 1,200 yards in 2014, and will be key in keeping the Tornados out of the 4A Narrows basement. The secondary offers the most experience defensively with two all-Narrows returners in Finley and Pearson.

Coach: J.D. Johnson, ninth year

2014 record: 7-3, second in league, lost in district playoffs

Offense: Coordinator (set) — Kyle Camus/Darren Tinnerstet (multiple). Returning starters — 6. Top players — OL David Ainuu, 5-11, 250, jr.; RB Gavin Armitage, 6-0, 210, sr.; WR Carson Bertelli, 5-9, 160, jr.; RB Willie Broxton Jr., 5-7, 170, sr.; QB Cody Jenkins, 6-1, 190, sr.; RB Dexter Morton, 5-8, 190, sr.; OL Dallen Pritchett, 6-4, 260, sr.

Defense: Coordinator (set) — Johnson (3-5-3). Returning starters — 7. Top players — DL David Ainuu; LB Gavin Armitage; DB Carson Bertelli; DL Daniel Garland, 6-0, 250, jr. ; LB Jared Gearhart, 6-1, 215, sr.; LB Dexter Morton; DL Pritchett.

Outlook: The Cougars don’t have that 30-carries-a-game tailback like past years (Conner Kennedy and Kai Van Sickle, for example). So expect some Air Raid (or at least a more balanced look) with Jenkins back and a sold receiving corps. Defense will be tough, led by linebackers Armitage and Gearhart. And Capital returns first-team kicker and punter Van Soderberg, a UW commit.

Coach: Rocky Patchin, 24th year

2014 record: 4-6, fifth in league

Offense: Coordinator (set) — Patchin (pro-style). Returning starters — 7. Top players — QB Jake Harn, 6-3, 190, sr.; RB Anthony Salazar, 6-2, 200, sr.; WR Zack Sibley, 6-2, 185, sr.; RB Ross Sherrer, 5-9, 155, jr.; TE Darren Sroor Jr., 6-5, 200, sr.

Defense: Coordinator (set) — William Garrow (3-4). Returning starters — 5. Top players — LB Ryan Burgman, 6-0, 205, jr.; DL Tyler Roach, 6-0, 215, sr.; DB Zack Sibley; DB/LB Ross Sherrer; LB Gavin Utley, 6-1, 195, sr.

Outlook: Salazar will provide the power, Sherrer the quickness in the Rams’ running back-by-committee system. Combine that with a tight end who grew three inches to 6-5 in Sroor and an athletic receiver in Sibley and you’ve got an offense with playmakers. Solid linebackers with Burgman, a team captain, and Utley and Sherrer splitting time between linebacker and safety.

Coach: Matt Hinkle, 21st year

2014 record: 3-7, seventh in league

Offense: Coordinator (set) — Todd McPhee (multiple). Returning starters — 8. Top players — WR Kyle Kimball, 6-1, 175, jr.; OL Michael Huskey, 6-2, 235, sr.; OL Gable Lacy, 6-0, 205, jr.; OL Matt Malloy, 6-1, 265, sr.; WR Gabe Reyna, 5-10, 185, sr.; OL Taylor Toney, 6-2, 230, jr.

Defense: Coordinator (set) — James Sobotka (odd front). Returning starters — 8. Top players — LB Michael Hackler, 6-1, 190, sr.; DB Kyle Kimball; LB Colton Paller, 6-1, 190, sr.; LB Dylan Paul, 6-0, 195, jr.; DB Gabe Reyna; LB Tanner Rhodes, 5-11, 195, sr.; DB Skyler Ross, 6-1, 170, jr.

Outlook: A lot of experience and returning starters back from last season’s squad that ended with a momentum-building win over Class 4A Narrows opponent South Kitsap. But that was one of the few highlights in a season that started with a win over North Mason before six consecutive losses. Most of the Highclimbers experience will be on the offensive line.

Coach: Steve Schultz, 14th year

2014 record: 9-2, tied for first in league, lost in first round of state

Offense: Coordinator (set) — Jack Zilla (two back). Returning starters — 4. Top players — OL David Bowker, 6-3, 290, sr.; QB Kobe Key, 5-11 165, sr.; OL Kyle Kramer, 5-9, 290, sr.; OL Caleb Price, 6-3, 325, sr.; WR JT Wesley, 5-10, 175, sr.

Defense: Coordinator (set) — Jerry Madrid (stack cover 3). Returning starters — 2. Top players — DB Ryan Blash, 6-0, 185, jr.; DL Tyler Campbell, 5-8, 275, sr.; LB Zach Carter, 6-0, 220, sr.; DB Alex Coleman 5-10, 160, jr.; DB DJ Smith, 6-0, 175; sr.

Outlook: The Hawks feature quarterback Key, a second-team all-league selection who racked up 1,307 passing yards and 209 yards rushing in 2014 — and the player several league coaches figure to be the biggest threat. Schultz is succinct in his analysis of what happens when his offense is on the field: “We run the ball.”

Coach: Kirk Stevens, second year

2014 record: 5-5, third in league

Offense: Coordinator (set) — Don Means (spread). Returning starters — 8. Top players — WR Gabe Adamson, 5-10, 165, sr.; RB Cameron Berndson, 6-0, 210, sr.; OL Austen Daisa, 6-2, 260, jr.; OL Tanner Ivie, 6-1, 270, sr.; WR Mark Melendres, 5-6, 145, sr.

Defense: Coordinator (set) — Ross Rollman (3-4). Returning starters — 5. Top players — LB Milo Ames, 6-0, 215, sr.; LB TJ Borden, 6-1, 225, sr.; LB Michael Kramer, 6-2, 205, jr.; DB Jordan March, 6-0, 185, jr.; DL Cole Tobin, 5-10, 235, sr.

Outlook: The Wolves return three of last year’s four starting linebackers in Ames, Kramer and Borden. Ames and Kramer were 2A Evergreen first-teamers. That core will be key to a young defense. Offensively, the Wolves’ offensive line will be crucial. Stevens said the offense will be as effective as it plays in the trenches.

Coach: Matt Whitmire, third year

2014 record: 5-4, fourth in league

Offense: Coordinator (set) — Whitmire (spread option). Returning starters — 4. Top players — QB Joey Aliff, 5-11, 190, jr.; OL Brayden Andrews, 5-11, 220, jr.; QB Joe Finch, 6-0, 205, sr.

Defense: Coordinator (set) — Dan Hill (3-4). Returning starters — 5. Top players — DL Brayden Andrews, 5-11, 220, jr.; Joe Finch, 6-0, 205, sr.; Nolan Wasson, 6-2, 185, sr.

Outlook: It was a rough 0-3 finish for the Tigers in league play last season. But Aliff — who passed for 432 yards and rushed for 402 more last season — Finch and company enter their third season running the triple option offense and have showed improvement, Whitmire said. Centralia’s fast and athletic secondary also features three returning starters.

Coach: Sid Otton, 42nd year

2014 record: 13-1, first in league, lost in state semifinals

Offense: Coordinator (set) — Jamie Weeks (wing-T). Returning starters — 8. Top players — OL Tommy Brassfield, 5-11, 243, sr.; QB Spencer Dowers, 6-2, 190, sr.; OL Brin Hanson, 6-0, 225, sr.; TE Cade Otton, 6-5, 210, jr.; WR Easton Trakel, 5-10, 180, sr.; WR Griffin Shea, 6-0, 185, sr.

Defense: Coordinator (set) — Pat Alexander (base 3-4). Returning starters — 4. Top players — DB Noah Andrews, 6-0, 180, jr.; DB Jacob Crawford, 5-9, 175, sr.; LB Hunter Haggerty, 6-3, 235, sr.; DL Cy Hicks, 6-3, 260, so.; LB Cade Otton, 6-5, 210, jr.

Outlook: Washington state’s winningest coach — Otton is 371-128 in 47 seasons — and stellar returning offense are out to chase another 2A title. The Thunderbirds averaged 44.4 points per game in 2014, while the defense only gave up an average of 14.5 — and scored 42 of its own. Tumwater has threats on both sides of the ball, including Cade Otton, who was a first-team all-Evergreen player in 2014 and led the Thunderbirds in receiving with 23 catches, 385 yards and nine touchdowns.

Coach: Bob Wollan, 10th year

2014 record: 5-4, second in league

Offense: Coordinator (set) — Bob Wollan (multiple). Returning starters — 7. Top players — RB Nathen Anglin, 5-11, 180, sr.; QB Elijah Johnson, 5-11, 180, sr.; OL Colton Moorhead, 6-2, 260, sr.; OL Tyler Pallas, 6-1, 225, sr.

Defense: Coordinator (set) — Jamie Rakevich (4-3). Returning starters — 7. Top players — DB Brody Holcomb, 5-10, 165, sr.; LB Cody Miller, 5-10, 190, sr.; LB Colby Steen, 5-8, 180, jr.

Outlook: Wollan and his staff were voted the 2A Evergreen coaching staff of the year last season, suffering their only loss to league champion Tumwater in the season finale. The Bearcats return three offensive first-teamers in Anglin, Johnson and Pallas. The defense also returns talent in first-teamers Holcomb and Steen.

Coach: Eric Snelson, third year

2014: 2-7, fifth in league

Offense: Coordinator (set) — Shane Dover (Pro I). Returning starters — 7. Top players: OL Chase Dover, 6-1, 270, sr.; RB Joseph Foley, 6-0, 185, sr.; TE Tiki Hickle, 6-3, 210, sr.; QB Nick Taylor, 6-3, 180, sr.

Defense: Coordinator (set) — Eric Snelson (3-4). Returning starters — 8. Top players: DB Andrew Filmore, 6-1, 170, sr.; LB Luke Kimbrel, 5-11, 205, sr.; LB Kage Thayer, 5-8, 170, sr.

Outlook: Snelson will try to get on the positive side of an 8-11 record after two seasons with the Warriors. Taylor will be the player to watch on the Warriors offense — which averaged 17.6 points per game in league play last season — while Kimbrel will be key to defensive success.

Coach: Randy Swilley, second year

2014 record: 4-5, sixth in league

Offense: Coordinator (set) — Tim Edmonds (single wing). Returning starters — 8. Top players — QB Calvin Guzman, 6-1, 225, sr.; OL Riley Noonan, 6-0, 260, sr.; RB Thomas Pier, 5-8, 180, sr.

Defense: Coordinator (set) — Swilley (4-2-5). Returning starters — 7. Top players — DL Jack Burnham, 6-3, 265, jr.; LB Nihls Peterson, 6-5, 210, sr.; DL Kaleb Strawn, 6-0, 195, sr.; DB Robbie Wall, 5-9, 180, jr.

Outlook: The Beavers only won two league games in 2014, but have leaders on both sides of the ball to call the shots this season. Swilley said Guzman — who had 700 all-purpose yards last year — is a second coach on the field on offense, while Wall aligns the defense and calls the coverage. Tenino also returns Pier, who rushed for 1,600 yards and 19 touchdowns out of the backfield in 2014.

Coach: Terry Shaw, third year

2014: 2-6, fourth in league

Offense: Coordinator (set) — Shaw (triple option). Returning starters — 9. Top players: QB McKoy Bichler, 5-10, 170, sr.; OL Dalton Kinkela, 6-0, 245, sr.; OL Jesse Nubbe, 5-10, 195, jr.; RB Ian Russell, 6-1, 210, so.

Defense: Coordinator (set) — Calvin Hicks (3-4). Returning starters — 9. Top players: DB Nathan Anderson, 5-8, 165, jr.; DB Keaton Carlson, 6-1, 185, jr.; LB Tim Clifford, 5-10, 185, sr.; LB Alec Miller, 5-8, 190, sr.

Outlook: The Mountaineers have been building since Shaw’s arrival in 2013. After finishing 3-7 Shaw’s first season, Rainier improved to 6-4 in 2014, and only graduated two seniors. Bichler was the 2B Pacific league MVP last season.

This story was originally published September 2, 2015 at 10:35 PM with the headline "Area high school football capsules."