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2010 CENTRAL VALLEY CONFERENCE
After finishing second behind West Salem in the Central Valley Conference football standings last fall, the South Salem Saxons had a solid post season, advancing to the 6A semifinals before falling to Tualatin. That gives South Coach Scott Dufault a good feeling about 2011. With many skill position players returning from 2010, South looks to improve upon their finish this season, but will need to develop a young line in a big hurry.
OFFENSE At the center of the Saxon spread offense is Junior Espitia (6-2 220 Sr.), who took over at quarterback four games into the 2010 season and still garnered second team all-conference honors. Espitia rushed for over 1100 yards and threw for another 800—and coach Scott Dufault expects his passing numbers to improve thanks to his experience in throwing the javelin for South’s track team last spring. Espitia won the 6A title in that event. At running back, junior Jaylin Bailey (5-10 195), who started at QB last season, is expected to be the marquee player. Dufault says Bailey—with a 10.9 time in the 100 meters—is the fastest player on the Saxon squad. Junior Craig Adams (5-10 180) should also see time at the single set back position. Seniors Kyle Moore (6-0 190) and Dustin Watson (6-0 180) return as starters at wide receiver, where they are expected to build upon their 200 combined receiving yards from a year ago. Senior Luke Brown (6-3 150) and sophomore Kevin Martz (6-1 180) will also be a part of the receiving corps. Slotbacks include returners Jake Dufault (6-0 205 Jr.), David Mason (5-9 165 Sr.), and Nick Livingston (5-9 170 Jr.). The offensive line is the biggest area of concern for the Saxons. Guard Austin Gutierrez (5-9 210) is the sole returning starter from 2010. Dufault is hoping for quick development of his other young linemen. As many as seven players are vying for the interior line spots. They include Hayden Ficek (6-3 240 Jr.), Tyler Despain (5-10 210 Sr.), Thomas Pressley (5-10 220 Sr.), Tyler Andres (6-1 220 Jr.). Also expected to be in the fray for playing time are Austin Cieslack (6-2 200 Jr.), Maxwell Barber (6-2 210 Jr.), Branton Fiering (6-0 220 Jr.) and Reid Foster (5-11 220 Soph.) For tight end sets, Dufault says Jensen Chipman (6-1 195 Jr.) and Zack Merritt (6-0 205 Sr.) will get the nod.
DEFENSE First team all-conference selection Jimmy Raynak (5-11 220 Sr.) returns to the defensive line for the Saxons, and he should get plenty of help up front. Ficek , Chipman and Foster will get some playing time, and should get some relief from the likes of Bryant Larkins (6-0 200 Sr.), Connor Durnin (5-9 220 Jr.), and Kyle McLaughlin (5-9 200 Jr.). At linebacker, Espitia will patrol the outside with lots of assistance. Merritt, along with Jeremiah James (5-10 180 Jr.), Keenan emery (6-0 200 Jr.), and Alex Ferry (6-1 180 Sr.) are contenders for playing time. At inside backer, Adams has as many as five players competing for on-field action. They include Dirk Bowman (6-1 200 Sr.), Bryson Fiering (5-10 175 Sr.), Jordan Knoll (5-10 190 Jr.), Joey Graber (6-0 185 Jr.), and Chris Shipman (5-10 180 Sr.), who returns to the gridiron after missing 2010 due to injury. The secondary is deep. Mason and Bailey are projected starters at corner, but Jake Kelly (5-9 165 Jr.) and Anthony Carlsile (6-1 170 Sr.) will also be in action. At safety, Dufault, Moore, Livingston, and Martz bring experience and athleticism.
Full Access Sports Coaches Poll Prediction: 1st place
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SOUTH SALEM 