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2010 CENTRAL VALLEY CONFERENCE
Every year has been a new challenge for Hill. For 2011, the Olys will need to get experienced in a hurry in their quest to return to the 6A playoffs for yet another year. Sprague will have a very small group of seniors on this years squad, and will rely on a talented pool of juniors and sophomores to get the job done.
OFFENSE A pair of inexperienced juniors will compete for the starting quarterback job. Jon Schaub (6-0 170) saw very limited action at the varsity level in 2010. He and transfer Austin Wilson (6-3 200)—the younger brother of former Sprague and current Oregon State player Tony Wilson—will look to fill the shoes of Linfield-bound Jordan Giza, a first team all-CVC selection last fall. At running back, the team is also young, but did see some varsity playing time last season. Fullbacks Carson Hannibal (6-0 205) and Devon Gage (6-2 200) should bring a physical presence to the Olympian running attack. Running backs John Marshall (5-9 165 Jr.) and part time starter Taylor Page (5-8 170 Sr.), and wingback Nick Moran (5-10 165 Jr.) will also get the football as part of Sprague’s wing-T formation ground game. Part time starters return on the offensive line as well. Junior Riley Long (6-4 215) and seniors Cody Ferrier (5-10 190) and Liam Kucey (5-11 205) will fill three of the spots on the interior line. At tight end, seniors Jeff Pettenger (6-2 185) and Zach Sweet (6-1 180) are expected to share duties for that position. At wide receiver, Hill says seniors Sagel Banta (6-0 170) and Lincoln Cook (6-0 170) rotate at the position as they did in 2010.
DEFENSE On the defensive line, Pettenger returns after starting in 2010. Sweet and Kucey should also be key members of the d-line, and younger players are expected to fill the gaps. At linebacker, Gage and Hannibal return on the inside, while Johnson will combine forces with Andy Aldana (5-10 165 Jr.) and Brady Garcia (5-10 200 Sr.) at outside backer. In the secondary, Cook is projected to start at free safety, with Marshall and Banta at the corners, and Moran swinging between positions as needed. On special teams, Austin Johnson should handle place-kicking duties, while Cook will return to punt.
Full Access Sports Coaches Poll Prediction: 3rd place
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When Robin Hill became head football coach at Sprague, George H.W. Bush was in the middle of his only term as U.S. president. Since then, Hill has guided the Olympians to two state title games, bringing home the championship in 2004.