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2007 CENTRAL VALLEY CONFERENCE
Hear Coach Hill's
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After starting the 2006 football campaign with an 0-3 record, the reign of the Sprague Olympians as the local rulers of the gridiron appeared to be in jeopardy. Even the coaches were expecting them to finish behind West Salem. But the Olys weren’t finished, going 6-0 in the Central Valley Conference to win yet another championship. Long live the king.
Leading the way is senior Tony Wilson (6-3 230), who was a first team all-CVC fullback (142 carries-783 yards, 12 TDs) and defensive player of the year as a linebacker. He will be backed up by junior Rob Hamlin (6-2 190), who Hill likens to John Breza of Sprague’s 2004 championship team. At the halfback and wingback positions, Hill also has a full complement of players to choose from. Senior Jordan Dohman (27-129 yards, 2 TDs) brings the bulk of the varsity experience. Junior Rob Hamlin (6-2 190) who was injured early last season is expected to see extensive playing time, along with senior Rory McManus (5-8 155), junior Drew Goranson (5-11 165) and sophomore Tyson Giza (5-7 135). At quarterback, part time starter Adam Kniffin (6-2 195) is back. In 2006, Kniffin completed 58 percent of his passes, and Hill says he should be quicker and even sharper in 2007. His targets will include wideouts Dana Lewin (5-11 175 Sr.) and Peyton Schoonmaker (6-0 175 Sr.) and returning tight end Colin Casad (6-3 210 Sr.) who averaged over 23 yards per reception last year. Also back for Sprague are some offensive linemen who saw varsity playing time last season. Tackle Trent Michels (6-0 280) started last season as a sophomore, and should be a force once he recovers from shoulder problems that have kept him out of practice. Also back are a long list of seniors who saw action in 2006: center Zach Clausen (6-1 210), guards Greg Stam (6-1 215), Nick Granum (5-9 195) and Steven Cook (5-10 210), and tackle Frank Garza (6-2 240). Defensively, Wilson will be the anchor of a very talented crew. Second team all-leaguer Kyle Kniffin (6-4 215) will join Wilson at inside linebacker. On the outside, Adam Kniffin and Dohman will provide experience and punch. On the line, Casad returns at defensive end, along with Stamm and Pat Oran (6-4 210 Sr.). At tackle, Colin Mitchell (5-10 240 Sr.) and Therin Dahline (6-0 215 Sr.) will plug the middle. Dahline led the team with four sacks in 2006. McManus and Bill Montagne (5-10 165 Sr.) provide experience in the secondary at corner and safety respectively. Giza, Goranson, Schoonmaker, and Gabe Synegal (6-0 180) will also play for Sprague. After a tough preseason schedule against Canby, McMinnville and Evergreen, Washington, the Olys open the Central Valley season at home Sept. 21 on their new artificial surface against West Salem.
Get a complete CVC football schedule here
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SPRAGUE
In 2007, coaches are again picking West Salem to overthrow Sprague as league champs. But Olympians coach Robin Hill likes his team’s chances again this year.
