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2010 CENTRAL VALLEY CONFERENCE
The Conference coaches predict that South Salem will dethrone West as the CVC champions in 2011, but coach Shawn Stanley has plenty reasons to believe his squad could win its third straight crown. Although the Titans have lost three year starter Brett Smith at quarterback, West Salem has a strong returning group of lineman and enough excellent athletes to make a case for three titles in a row.
OFFENSE The quarterback situation could very well be a shared one at West this year with the graduation of three year starter Brett Smith. Brenden Shaffer—who backed up Smith last fall—was also a first team all conference wide receiver with 34 catches, 651 yards and eight touchdowns. Senior Andy Siemens (6-1 185) also boasts a strong arm and good mobility, and will get playing time in the preseason. At running back, senior Brenden Hanson (5-11 220) returns after receiving honorable mention all-conference honors last year— and averaging 7.3 yards per carry. Junior Nate Henkel (5-9 180), who started at the JV level last year, will rotate into the backfield. Other contenders at the position include Brenden Harrell (6-0 175 Sr.), Jaylin Jones (5-10 170 Jr.), and Kris Bjornson (5-10 175 Jr.). In addition to Shaffer, the Titans return several other players with varsity experience. Seniors Michael Cupps (6-0 185) and Bryson Gray (6-4 180) made catches last season, and Stanley says Gray had the best summer camp of all West receivers. Other potential pass catchers include seniors Riley Rediger (5-11 170), Cody Allison (6-2 175), Brandon Groat (6-2 170), and junior Cody Oden (5-10 165) On the offensive line, first team all-conference guard Carl Kreitzburg (6-3 260) returns for his senior season. Senior Chris Anderson (5-10 175) is a favorite to see time on the offensive front, along with Ryan Schlegel (6-0 205 Jr.) and Bronson Kleiber (6-1 255 Jr.). Defensive standouts Lochlin Deeks (6-3 255 Sr.), and Matt Sommer (6-4 290 Jr.) could see time offensively as needed.
DEFENSE There will be some changes in the West Salem defense, as defensive coordinator Damien Ramirez shifts from his long standing 3-5 alignment to a 3-4 set. But overall, it will still be an aggressive unit that opponents will face. The defensive line will be formidable with Sommers returning for a second straight season, after named a second team all-conference pick as a sophomore. Krieztzberg will also play both ways at times to provide more muscle on the defensive front. At linebacker, Deeks moves from from the defensive line—where he was first team-all CVC selection in 2010. He will be joined inside by Hanson. At the outside backers, Allison and Harrell will roam the sidelines. The secondary will be quick and athletic. Groat wlll play at the cornerback position, along with Oden and junior Eli Howe (5-10 180). Safeties are expected to include Shaffer, Rediger and junior Brandon Manus (6-0 170). On special teams, juniors Jordan Ward and Anthony Brainard are competing for place kicking duties. Shaffer and Cody Allison both punted last year for the Titans and should share that chore again this season.
Full Access Sports Coaches Poll Prediction: 2nd place
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WEST SALEM 