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2009 CENTRAL VALLEY CONFERENCE
Shawn Stanley's Titans finished just out of the playoff money in the 2008 Central Valley Conference football season. Coaches this year are betting that won't happen this fall. West Salem did lose some experience to graduation, but still has plenty of talent back from 2008--talent at key positions that the Titan coaching staff should be able to build upon. That, combined with the infectious energy and enthusiasm that Coach Stanley brings to the field, should mean a return to post season competition for West.
OFFENSE The West Salem offense begins and ends with second team all-CVC quarterback Brett Smith, who wowed the entire conference as a sophomore in 2008, throwing for more than 1100 yards, while rushing for another 600-plus. Senior running back Sal Herrera (5-9 180) rushed for nearly 500 yards last year before suffering an injury, and should be even more productive in 2009. He will receive plenty of back-up from juniors Caden Robogo (5-11 175), and Javante Land-Adams (5-11 210). Senior Jake Fowler (6-3 190) returns after having 22 receptions for 409 yards last season. Also returning at wide out are seniors Xavier Frantilla (6-4 190) and Cole Pittman (5-10 180) who had 20 catches between them in 2008. Senior Phil Tolley, the back up quarterback, will also see time as a receiver. Senior Trent Gallegos (6-5 310) is is the returning anchor for the offensicve line. He will be joined by fellow tackle Karl Kreitzburg (6-2 235 Soph.), guards Connor Kryskalla (5-11 220 Sr.) and Jacob Norton (6-1 220 Sr.), and center Scot Kryskalla (5-11 220 Sr.). Junior Neal Van Ness (6-4 225) will also see extensive playing time. DEFENSE It should be another solid defensive year for West with an experienced group of players returning. On the line, Gallegos and Van Ness will share time with senior Ben Cagle (5-9 175), junior Jordan Powell (5-9 210), and sophomore Lochlin Decks (6-3 200). There is considerable depth at linebacker. Inside, Ricardo Caudillo (5-10 200 Sr.) will be joined by Robogo, senior John Herring (5-9 175), and juniors Kenny Smith (6-0 210) and Alex Bradt (6-2 205) Outside linebackers include seniors Corey Ellison (6-0 175) and Austin Cuellar (5-9 170), and juniors Shane Kuenzi (5-10 190) and Andrew Vander Weyden (5-11 185). In the secondary, Fowler is expected to start at free safety, with Tolley, Pittman and Herrera dividing time at corner. OTHER West Salem has good prospects in their kicking game. Fowler, Herringa and Bradt are battling for the punting position, while Herring and Bradt have shown good legs as place kickers.
Full Access Sports Coaches Poll Prediction: 3rd place
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WEST SALEM 