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2009 CENTRAL VALLEY CONFERENCE
After advancing to the second round of the 2008 Oregon 6A football playoffs last season, the McNary Celtics have several sets of football cleats to fill for the 2009 campaign. Coach Rick Ward lost 28 seniors from last year's CVC runner-up squad, including his starting quarterback and key running back. However, Ward remains optimistic about his team's playoff chances based upon the success of this year's seniors at the JV and freshmen levels, where they lost only two games in the last two years. He is hopeful that will translate into wins for the Celtic varsity squad this fall.
OFFENSE McNary's offensive line does return some experience. Isaac Manu (6-2 280 Sr.) saw varsity playing time at the end of last year, along with senior Aaron Elliott (6-3 225). Wes Heredia (6-0 220 Jr.) who was a fullback last year, will also contribute on the line. JV starters expected to see significant playing time on the O-line include seniors Tyler Shen (6-1 275), Zach Drake (6-1 275), David Covey (5-10 220) and Ivan Fonfeca (6-1 220). Jarrett Dunnigan (6-3 205 Sr.) is expected to provide additional power upfront at tight end. Senior Marcus Larimer (5-10 165) returns to anchor the wide receiving corps. Ward has a large number of other talented wideouts, including seniors Tyrell Stewart (6-3 185), Ian Jones (5-9 155), Taylor Eaton (6-3 190), Nick Remmel (6-3 175), and Sean Curry (5-9 165). Two players are vying for the starting quarterback spot. Juniors Kyle Ismay (6-3 215) and Dan Hokanson (6-1 175) have been dueling in practice. Ismay in particular has a strong arm, airing a pass out for 75 yards at the Stanford quarterback camp. Three players are battling for time at running back--all seniors. Speedy Zach Opet (5-9 185) has some limited varsity experience. Tyler Gordon (5-8 165) and Chris Jennings (5-10 165) both saw extensive playing time at the JV level. Missing from the Celtics' offensive mix is do-it-all player Steven Rodriguez. The junior quarterback-running back-wide receiver phenom (5-8 155) suffered a shoulder injury playing summer baseball and will not be available this fall. He also played limited minutes due to injury last year after an impressive freshman season on the varsity roster. DEFENSE Defense will continue to be a strength for the Celtics. Ward says Manu will be a "force" on the line at defensive end. Other players to watch on the d-line incude senior Dallis Hamlin (5-9 185) and junior Alex Willerford (6-1 195). McNary returns the most varsity experience at linebacker. Elliott and Heredia both saw action on Fridays last year. Ward says that Heredia, who benches 300 pounds and squats 450 in the weight room, will be a physical presence. Michael Titchenal (5-9 185 Sr.) will also be a key part of the linebacking corps. In the secondary, Eaton and Stewart should see playing time at strong safety. Dunnigan is the odds-on favorite to start at free safety. The cornerback spots will be filled by committee, with Larimer, Curry, Jones and Gordon all splitting time. OTHER McNary returns placekicker Oscar Rosales (5-10 150 Jr.) who kicked 13 PATs and a 25 yard field goal last season.
Full Access Sports Coaches Poll Prediction: 4th place
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MCNARY