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Mission Valley Football Outlook

September 4, 2008

By Terry Werner of Northwest Montana “A” Conference

Mission Valley Football Outlook
Posted: Tuesday, Sep 02, 2008 - 09:09:54 am PDT

by John Heglie for the Leader

Northwestern A Ronan

First year head football coach Jim Benn takes over the helm of the Ronan Chiefs, bringing with him a substantial rsum of experience assisting with other football programs around the state. His first order of business will be to plug the gaps created by graduation. Although the 1-7 Chiefs had a less than memorable season, they did turn out several all conference selections. Lost to graduation were first-team fullback and honorable mention outside linebacker Nick Courville, honorable mention receiver Makenzy Kelch (now at UM Western), first team kicker Ricky Luchau, honorable mention offensive tackle Mike Crawford, second team defensive tackle Frank Swan and second team defensive end Brett Burns. The Chiefs will also be without the services of all-conference honorable mention offensive guard Bridger Wayman. As they seek to improve upon last season, the complexion of this year's team is comprised of several wrestlers from last year's successful wrestling season who know how to throw their weight around. It should also be noted that coach Benn was the MCA Boys and Girls Track & Field Coach of the Year for both Spring 2006 and Spring 2007 at his former assignment at Huntley Project. At the very least, opponents can expect the Chiefs to run more effectively as the season progresses. But also back are several senior all-conference selections at key positions. All-conference honorable mention quarterback and second team safety Mike Fisher II provides a solid core around which the Chiefs can improve upon last season, with good leadership, running and passing capability at the quarterback position. Having demonstrated his speed as a defensive back, all-conference honorable mention cornerback Jamie Engeldrum could also translate those skills into an effective threat at running back. All-conference honorable mention tight end Adam Skogen has great hands and is very quick given his size. The offensive and defensive line looks solid with seniors Jeff Krahn and Ryan Metzger, along with junior Dylan Ivans. Senior Tyson Noyes as well as juniors Cory Hardy and Cameron Neiss provide good speed and continuity at the running back and defensive back positions. Junior Westyn Kiehn brings good hands and strong blocking to tight end, and also shows great potential at linebacker, as does fellow junior Micky Cheff. Senior Marcus Schiele has been shifted to the offensive line, where his quickness and strength should pay dividends. Other members on the roster will likely see periodic playing time in varying roles as their particular skills are called for as situations require. One example would be players like Evan Waldron, whose dedication and work ethic make him a candidate who could vie for playing time at both tight end and on the defensive line as the season unfolds. Ronan holds their intersquad scrimmage this Saturday, August 30, with their first seasonal game at home against Corvallis September 5.

Northwestern A Polson

The Pirates lost four talented all-conference players from last year's 4-4 middle of the pack finish. Departed are first team offensive guard and first team defensive end Skylar Knutson, first team offensive guard and second team noseguard Anthony Golden, second team tailback and second team outside linebacker Cody Doyle and first team cornerback John Rausch. The Pirates will also have to do without the services of second team all-conference inside linebacker and kickoff return specialist Brock Picard, who has transferred to Havre. Eighth year head football coach Scott Wilson and his bevy of assistants have consequently redeployed their roster as they adjust for the new season. Several all-conference selections return to reprise their roles at crucial positions. Senior second team all-conference quarterback Craig Bagnell returns as a fourth year starter, providing the team with a steady presence and has stepped up with confidence in adapting to a greater leadership role. Back is all-conference honorable mention fullback and first team inside linebacker Tim Rausch, a junior who is not bashful about wadding into the thick of things. Also returning is senior second team all-conference receiver Ryan Kelley, providing the Pirates with a versatile threat at penetrating the defensive secondary. Complementing both of these positions is Chris Alfiero, who is catching the ball well and whose performance over the past week bodes well for continued productivity throughout the season. Although injury kept him off the gridiron last Fall, Joe Andrews is healthy and looking good at running back and linebacker . Tucker Morigeau has adjusting well upon shifting to center and defensive end, different positions from those he played last year, demonstrating a measure of versatility that many a coach wishes was more prevalent. Junior Kaden Thomas could see increasing playing time with continued improvement at noseguard as the season unfolds. The higher the caliber of contributions by each of the remaining members of the team, the greater will be the success that they experience as a whole. The Pirates open their season this Friday, August 29, against Stevensville at Stevensville.

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