Photo By Mike Turner - #4 Chris Irvin
Written by Zack Kellogg
Having a large group of returning varsity players is already enough to make players and fans excited for the jump in production, but to have a large class of seniors ready to have a breakout season is even better.
Coming off a 4-6 season and entering the third season with Brian Fulp as the head coach, the Lake City Timberwolves are looking to make another appearance in the state tournament, and erase the memory of their 58-0 loss at Mountain View in the first round in 2019.
The biggest question is the structure of the offensive and defensive lines, with a large amount of experience up front being lost to graduation. Looking to fill the leadership role are seniors Logan Parson on the offensive line and Carson Biggerstaff on the defensive line. Experience and chemistry are the keys to picking up wins and that starts with the guys on the line.
On offense, the production on the offensive line and keeping players healthy are top priorities.
Senior running back Uriah Chavez and senior quarterback Chris Irvin both were near the top of the state in production before going down with injuries and missing all league games. This threw a gear into the works for the balanced offensive attack, with the same scheme carrying over from last season.
Despite Logan Jeanselme graduating holding multiple offensive school records, the Timberwolves and third-year starter Irvin will have seniors Damon Rosenau and Ethan Russell to move into the premier roles in the passing attack. Sophomore Zach Johnson is expected to be worked into the game plan at receiver to provide Irvin with a diverse group of weapons.
For defense, two all-league selections return in seniors Jace Bowman at linebacker and Matthew Whitcomb in the secondary at defensive back.
Speed is the new game plan, with the defensive line going to an odd-man, three-player front and new coverages and schemes being added to the playbook. The Timberwolves will rely more on the secondary and linebackers to play in a more dynamic scheme, relying on their ability to cover ground quickly and read plays as they happen.
With a veteran group leading the way and moving in as the “next man up,” a scheme revolved around the strengths and weaknesses of the defense is the best way of giving Lake City a greater chance to improve its 1-2 league record from last season.
With facing Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls and Lewiston in the tough Inland Empire 5A League that had three representatives at state, having a deep playbook on both sides of the ball could give the Timberwolves plenty of room to operate and keep opposing teams on their toes every Friday night.
Lake City opens the season at home against Lakeland on Friday, August 28. Check back with IdahoSports.com for updated scores and schedules.