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2009 CENTRAL VALLEY CONFERENCE
Robin Hill is always smiling, but his opponents in the Central Valley Conference may not be this season as the Sprague Olympians have been handicapped as the favorites to win the CVC title in 2009. Sprague played a tough non-league schedule last season which prepared them for the rigors of the playoffs and seasoned a few younger players. Many of those same players are back for what they hope will be a championship season this time around.
OFFENSE Robin Hill says the foundation of a successful season lies with the senior class, and he rates this year's group as one of his best ever. Many of those seniors are on the offensive line--a first in several years for the Olys. The list includes big bodies: Alex Rhoten (6-1 225), Ben Bowerly (6-2 225)--honorable mention all-conference picks last season; Marcus Dahline (5-10 210), Matt Gillette (6-4 285), Grant Villwock (5-11 185) and Mike McComish (6-4 250) round out the deep group of Sprague front liners. Quarterback Jeff Kidd (6-4 185 Sr.) struggled at times last year under a strong defensive rush, but is much quicker and more of a running threat than in 2008. He should improve upon his 1200 yards-plus passing this season. At the wide receiver position, senior Jeff Weisenhaus (6-3 205) has moved in after playing last year at tight end. He will provide a large target for Kidd. Alex Black (5-11 175 Sr.) and Micahel DeSousa (5-10 170) will also rotate in a wide out. Running back as always been a strength for the Olys in the wing-T offense, and 2009 will be no different in that regard. Slashing senior Chad Coburn (5-10 185) and Brian Conklin (5-10 195) may see the bulk of the carries, but junior Jordan Giza (5-10 175) will also see plenty of time. At fullback, senior Parker Miles (5-10 175 Sr.) will split duties with fellow seniors Robert Northcutt (6-0 195), David Bass (5-9 185) and Luke Yde (6-1 185) DEFENSE The Sprague defense will employ most of the same players on a by-committee basis, which translates into depth on both sides of the ball. Rhoten, Gillette, and Dahline will be mainstays on the defensive line. Villwock, Bass, Brent Keddy (6-1 185 Sr.), Joel Thompson (6-2 195 Sr.) and Miles--a second team all CVC pick in 2008--will be the heart of the Sprague linebacking corps. In the secondary, Black, Coburn--another 2008 all-CVC pick, DeSousa, Giza, and Yde will split duties. OTHER Parker Miles returns to provide punter and place kicking duties for Sprague in 2009. He received all-conference honorable mention honors at both positions last season.
Full Access Sports Coaches Poll Prediction: 1st place
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