Photo By Michella Davenport - #7 Joey Follini
Written By: Sven Alskog
After opening eyes with a trip to the semifinals last year, Timberlake returns the majority of the skill position talents from that team, giving the program plenty of optimism that this group can make some noise as well.
“We will be a very senior-dominated team. Our maturity will make a big difference,” said head coach Roy Albertson.
Leading the experienced group is quarterback Joey Follini, an All-League selection last year who also excels from the defensive back position on the other side of the ball. Follini is a dual-threat from behind center who keeps the defense honest between the run and pass.
Joining Follini in the backfield is the trio of Louis Powell, Jeremy McLemore and Tanner Larson, with Powell and McLemore both coming off All-League efforts last season.
“We return almost all of our skilled players from last year, but have to replace four linemen. The development of our line is the key to our offensive success out of the wing-t,” added Albertson.
Dustin Carlson and Josh Wiscavage appear to be ready to lead the new-look offensive line, which will be relied upon to ensure that Timberlake can keep things humming on the offensive side of the ball.
“We have worked at developing our young offensive line and getting faster and stronger,” said Albertson.
Josh Yanez and Gage Benefield are both tight ends and members of the defensive front seven that will make impacts this season as well.
The coach acknowledges that the back-end of the defense will be an area of emphasis in order to ensure that the White Tigers can slow down their opponents.
“We lost three good defensive back from last year. We need to find players to step in to shore up our pass defense.”
Albertson leads Timberlake into his 17th season on September 6 with a road game at Freeman (WA) to start the year.