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2010 CENTRAL VALLEY CONFERENCE
2009 was a major step forward for North Salem's football program with a pair of wins in conference play and high praise from opponents. Coach Jeff Flood and his staff want to see that improvement continue--and they have plenty of weapons back on both sides of the football. But missing from the mix will be their starting quarterback from the last two seasons. If the Vikings can combine the returning talent with rapid development of young players, they could surprise plenty of people in 2010.
OFFENSE North Salem is having to make some adjustments after two year starting quarterback Cole Ferguson decided to sit out football to concentrate on baseball, where he is an NCAA Division I prospect. Fortunately, the Vikings do have two players back who can direct the offense. Senior Kai Post (5-10 190) and junior Sam Lyon (6-3 210) are both familiar with the wing-T set. Post's season was cut short last year by injury, while the left-handed Lyon served as Ferguson's back up. Flood says both players to compete for the starting spot and will see playing time during non-league contests. In the rest of the backfield, the Vikings also have some experience. Shifty senior wingback Jonny Garza (5-11 155) will try to build upon the 350 all-purpose yards he generated in 2009. Fellow senior Tavin Williams (5-10 190) saw action early last year, and could provide some breakaway plays for North. At halfback, Santano Suseda (5-7 160 Soph) will get his first test at the varsity level. Senior Zach Causey (5-10 230) is a stalwart at fullback, and will split time with Sergey Dorokhov (5-6 170 Sr) and Abel Nnez (6-1 200 Soph). The line will also have plenty of returnees. Flood believes senior Anthony Toleafoa (6-2 250) is one of the best two-way players in the state, and will anchor the offensive side at guard. Seniors also on the line include center Phil Busey (6-0 200) and guard Josh DaFoe (5-10 235) who has moved from fullback. Junior Adrian Steley (6-0 205) is also expected to start at guard. The Viking receiving corps' has lots of speed, paced by junior Avry Holmes (6-1 175) who had 30 catches as a sophomore last year. Senior Alex Ramirez (5-10 165) and sophomores LJ Westbrook (6-2 150) and Deshaun Keebler (6-2 160) will also see action at wide out. At tight end, junior Shai Gray (6-4 215) has transferred back into the North High area from Tigard. DEFENSE Depth remains an issue at North, so some players will be going both ways. On the line, Toleafoa and DaFoe will see plenty of playing time. Gray is being groomed as a pass rusher, probably at defensive end. At linebacker, Causey will patrol the middle. Lyon is expected to contribute at outside linebacker. The secondary will be patrolled by Holmes, Garza, Williams and Post at various times. Defensive coordinator John Tremblay is anticipating some younger players will see plenty of playing time as well. OTHER North has had a 1.4 million dollar artificial turf field installed, and it should be ready in time for their first home game on September 10.
Full Access Sports Coaches Poll Prediction: 5th place-Tie
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NORTH SALEM 
