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2007 CENTRAL VALLEY FOOTBALL PREVIEW
There was lots to like about West Salem’s performance in 2006. The Titans were offensively explosive at 29 points per contest, and they won their first ever state playoff game over Grants Pass.
West Salem has been picked again by coaches to win the Central Valley Conference, something they failed to do last season after falling at home to Sprague. The Titans would like to finally rack up their first win over the Olympians this year, and they certainly appear to have the tools to do it. On offense, returning quarterback Jordan Jenkins will be moving to running back, despite throwing for over a thousand yards in ‘06. In his place will be senior Aaron Hire (6-2 175) who features a strong arm and good mobility to run West’s spread offense. Hire will have some great targets to throw to. First team receiver Jordan Bishop (6-3 190) and tight end John Gallagher (6-3 235) return for their senior seasons. Bishop averaged over 16 yards a catch and had five TD receptions. Gallagher also picked up over 16 yards per reception. Also expect seniors Brett Weisbrodt (6-3 190), Jake Simpson (6-0 200), and Steven Ellis (5-9 160) to be prime targets in the West Salem passing attack. Along with Jenkins (6-1 205) in the backfield, the Titans will have burley Chase Sexton (6-4 220)—a second team all-CVC selection based more upon his ability to open huge holes than his rushing numbers of just 240 yards and 2 TDs a year ago. The offensive line is where West Salem will need to develop quickly. Senior Jordan Vanderweyden (5-11 195) and junior Jason Williams (6-0 240) provide experience at tackle. Seniors Cody Peternan (5-10 180), Kekai Walker (5-9 180), and Tyler Steele (6-2 225) will anchor the line at center and the guards respectively. The Titan defense also brings back plenty of weapons. On the line Vanderweyden and noseguard Ricky Martinez (6-0 240) will be joined by transfer Alex Fox (6-3 235 Sr.), who earned first team all-CVC honors at North Salem. The linebacking corps is deep with Gallagher (a second team CVC pick), Sexton and Jenkins patrolling inside and outside. Weisbrodt will line up at strong safety for West. In the secondary, Bishop was a first team all-conference corner in 2006. He will receive plenty of support from Simpson, Ellis, Brett Gilbert (5-9 170 Sr.), Cory Evans (6-0 170), and Matt Alto (5-7 150 Sr.). West also will have some experience on special teams, despite the loss of Kyle Farrell to graduation. South Salem transfer Ryan Allen is expected to handle punting and place kicking duties. West Salem has a brutal three game preseason schedule at Lake Oswego, and at home against Barlow and Roseburg. The Titans begin the CVC season on the road Sept. 21 in a big matchup against Sprague
Get a complete CVC football schedule here
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WEST SALEM 
But coach Shawn Stanley says his team knows there is still much left to prove.
