|
2010 CENTRAL VALLEY CONFERENCE
Coach Shawn Stanley may not talk about a state title directly, but there are plenty of reasons for Titan fans to believe it could happen this year. A Division-I quarterback, a good core of returning linemen, and a commitment to excellence combine to make West Salem the popular pick to take the CVC championship again in 2010.
OFFENSE The spotlight is on West Salem quarterback Brett Smith (6-3 195). The senior is back for a third year as starter before moving on to Division-I college football. Smith is a legitimate dual threat--passing for over 1400 yards and 16 TDs--and rushing for over 700 yards and another 9 touchdowns last season. The Titans have a formidible offensive line to protect Smith. Returnees include juniors Carl Kreitzberg (6-2 255) and Lochlin Deeks (6-3 240), who played like seasoned veterans as sophomores. Senior Jacob Hanke (6-4 240) and Dillon Shaffer (6-2 210) will also be forces up front. Others expected to spend time on the o-line include sophomore Matt Sommer (6-4 275) and seniors Emmanuel Lopez (6-1 280) and Josh Whitney (6-3 265)--who won the district shot put championship last spring. At running back, Kadin Robago (5-11 190 Sr) and Zach Buczinkski (5-8 170) could be in the backfield alone or together depending on the formation. Wingback candidates include seniors Alex Bradt (6-3 220), Shane Kuenzi (6-0 205) and Neal VanNess (6-4 220). West's wide receiving duties will be handled by committee. Those included in the mix include seniors RB Alderman (6-3 180), Mike Faber (6-3 185), Bryan Bowman (5-10 180), and Lucas Nornes (5-10 180) among others. DEFENSE The defense should be a strength for West Salem again this year. The Titan d-line has a good mix of size and speed. VanNess, Deeks, Hanke and Kreitzberg will have to play both ways, but will get plenty of help in the person of scrappy Jordan Powell (5-10 205). Linebacker is very deep again this year for West. Brodt and Buczinksi will split time with inside with junior Bendon Hansen (5-10 205) and senior Kenny Smith (6-0 210). At the outside backers, Kuenzi, Shaffer and Bowman will share with senior Bryant Hayes (5-10 190), The Titan secondary returns Faber at a corner. Other corner players could include Brett Smith, Nornes, junior Eli Manning (5-9 160) and and junior Bryson Gray (6-4 185). Robago will shift to free safety from linebacker where he played last year. He will share the position with senior Scott Walters (6-3 190). OTHER Bradt will return to provide place-kicking duties for the Titans. Bradt and Cody Allison (5-10 150 Jr.) are considered the top prospects at punter.
Full Access Sports Coaches Poll Prediction: 1st place
|
WEST SALEM 
A state semi-final finish in 2009 is a good season, but at West Salem High School, the players are hoping to build upon that success this year.
