Photo By Clayton Bunt - #42 Tate Pfefferkorn
Written By: Sven Alskog
Clearwater Valley made a trip to the state football playoffs for the first time since 1994 last year, with the expectation to return once again this season.
Leading the way will be quarterback Tyce Pfefferkorn, whose dad Craig actually played for the Rams the last time they had made the playoffs.
Tight end Tate Pfefferkorn and running backs Dylan Pickering and Lane Schilling should make major impacts as well.
It’s safe to say the efforts in the weight room during the offseason have been impressive.
“We have several players that have gained 30 pounds since last year and have a much better maturity level about them. Tyce and Tate Pfefferkorn, Lane Schilling, Davis McElroy, Dylan Pickering, Austin Routh and JJ Propst all appear to have a much better focus and willingness to work hard,” said head coach Roger Whalen.
As you would expect, there has been a main area of emphasis since the final snap of last fall.
“We have to be able to throw the ball better to take advantage of teams trying to load up the line of scrimmage,” added Whalen. “We lost key people that we will have to replace, but we will be stronger and quicker.”
There shouldn’t be much of a question in the ability of the Rams to get the ball into the end zone after putting up 48 points or more on six separate occasions last season.
As far as newcomers, junior running back and defensive back Jesse Knox was listed by the coach as a player to watch.
On the defensive side of the ball, Clearwater Valley held five opponents below 10 points last season. In the three losses however the opposition scored 48, 54 and 56 points.
We must utilize our quickness and get a lot of people to the ball, be unpredictable on the snap and continue to be aggressive,” said Whalen.
The coach likes the group he has in place.
“We have several talented players that must contribute on both sides of the ball. We are bigger and stronger. The weight room has really helped.”
The Rams begin 2019 on August 30 at home against Timberline-Weippe.