PORT TOWNSEND — A large turnout of freshmen coupled with a number of veteran returners from last season’s Nisqually League champion squad likely translates into a season of competition with the occasional hiccup thrown in the mix for East Jefferson.
The Rivals steamed through Nisqually competition last season courtesy of a ground-churning run game and a defense with a knack for making big plays.
East Jefferson lost talent and leadership in Nisqually MVP Logan Massie, all-state linemen Marshall Graves and Chris Fair and other contributors such as Anson Jones to graduation.
Junior quarterback/defensive back Cash Holmes is back to call the plays.
“He learned lots of wrinkles,” head coach Tony Haddenham said of Holmes’ sophomore season. “He learned how to read the defenses and learned from his mistakes. He’s grown physically and mentally and become a student of the game. He spent the summer in the weight room, went to camp, is a team captain and he’s making the right reads so far.”
Seniors Trevor Wilson and Austen Hammer are likely to split time at tailback or B back in the Rivals’ offensive terminology.
Wilson also will slot in at inside linebacker and Hammer at rover back, defensively.
“Those are a couple of our fastest guys,” Haddenham said.
Senior Tanner Haddenham put on some muscle during the offseason and is up to a listed 185-pounds. He will open holes at fullback and fill them at inside linebacker.
“He was in the gym all winter, in my strength training class all year and has lifted on his own this summer. He’s ready to go,” Haddenham said of his son.
Senior Siamau Auseuga (6-3, 245) provides a big target for Holmes on offense and for double teams along the defensive line.
An All-Nisqually League selection last season, Auseuga is the most likely Rivals player to continue on at the next level.
“Teams like to run away from him because of his size,” Haddenham said. “That gives the backside end and tackle and rover more opportunities to make plays. He’ll get double teamed and still force the play to the right side.
“Offensively, he’s a weapon. Nobody can really match his size and speed. It’s hard to miss him. I did talk to the coordinator from Eastern [Washington] this past spring, and put a bug in his ear. He’s going to make it happen for himself and we will help him.”
East Jefferson Rivals
• Head coach: Tony Haddenham (second season, 5-0, 6-3).
• Last year’s record: (5-0, 6-3) won Class 1A Nisqually League championship. Lost in first round of state tournament.
• Key returners: Gerald Lindsey (OL/DT, Sr.); Siamau Auseuga (TE/DE, Sr.); Cash Holmes (QB/DB, Jr.); Trevor Wilson (RB/LB, Sr.); Tanner Haddenham (FB/ILB, Sr.); Austen Hammer (RB/DB, Sr.); Aaron Glanz (FB/FS, Jr.); Lars Wakefield (C/DL, Jr.); Sean Jones (OG/LB).
• Newcomers: Brody Moore (WR/DB, Soph.) Rivals top baseball pitcher is out for the squad this season. Gary Zambor (WR/DE, Jr.) and Reme Martin (WR/CB, Fr.). Martin, the younger brother of former Rival Cade Martin, has impressive speed and is penciled in to start the season at CB.
• Strengths: Speed, some experience in different spots. On the flip side, the team is extremely young.
• Areas to improve: Behind the starting upperclassmen, the Rivals are light on experience with 18 freshmen out of 42 players on the roster. “We are going to be focused on getting our young kids as much experience as we can in JV games and scrimmages,” Haddenham said. “Because when there are injuries, they are going to have to fill some spots for us.”
• Outlook: “I think in a lot of ways it will be a growing year for us,” Haddenham said. “Are we going to compete? Yes. Are we going to struggle at times? Sure. But I think we will have a lot of fun along the way.”
• Schedule: Sept. 2: Kingston; Sept. 9: at King’s; Sept. 16: South Whidbey; Sept. 23: Cascade Christian; Sept. 30: at Life Christian; Oct. 7: Vashon; Oct. 21: Klahowya; Oct. 29: at Bellevue Christian; Nov. 4: at Granite Falls.
