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  • WashingtonPreps.com Article On Skyview WR/DB Ellis Henderson


    Skyview WR/DB Ellis Henderson - Photo by Dirk Knudsen

    Skyview WR/DB Ellis Henderson - Photo by Dirk Knudsen

    Skyview WR/DB Ellis Henderson was the focus of a recent WashingtonPreps.com article by Dirk Knudsen.

    Henderson had received scholarship offers from 5 schools so far for football: Air Force,  Idaho,  Montana State,  New Mexico State and Washington State. While a hand full of others (Boise State,  Hawaii,  Kansas,  Missouri,  Oregon,  Oregon State,  UCLA,  Utah and Washington) are very interested in the GSHL talent.

    Both Hawaii and Oregon State have expressed interest in allowing Henderson to play both Football and Baseball while at their schools.

    Read the full article at WashingtonPreps.com.

    If you do not have a membership, you can sign up for a free 7 day trial.

  • May 23, 2010

    State All-Star Games, Where Is All The D-1 Talent?


    Skyline QB Jakes Heaps will not be playing in the all-star game.

    Skyline QB Jakes Heaps will not be playing in the all-star game. Photo by Dirk Knudsen of WashingtonPreps.com

    There has been some conversation on this site over the past week about weather the top talent in the state should play in a post season all-star football game or sit it out and play it safe. Some have said it is not worth the risk of getting injured and losing your scholarship, while others have asked if people should stop driving cars since you “might” get in a car wreck. The latter have stated that it is a privilege to play in the game as well as a good primer for the raised talent they will see once at collage.

    Today the guys at High School Cover 2 wrote an article asking if the best players should play. Jim Olsen and Dick Kalla point out how the state of Washington had 32 seniors accept scholarships to play D-1 football this year, however only 6 of those players will be up in Everett come June 26th to play in the annual all-star game.

    I took a look at WashingtonPreps.com and saw the top 10 Washington Seniors listed as such:

    1. Jake Heaps QB (Skyline) BUY
    2. Sione Potoa’e DT (Lakes) Washington
    3. Happy Iona DT (Bethel) Oregon State
    4. Jamaal Kearse WR (Lakes) Washington
    5. Chris Young RB (Auburn) Washington
    6. Michael Hartvigson TE (Bothell) Washington
    7. Ben Riva OL (O’Dea) Washington
    8. Julious Moore DT (Bellevue) UCLA
    9. Aaron Dunn TE (Mead) WSU
    10. Zach Fogerson RB (O’Dea) Washington

    First, as a Washington fan I look at this and think, “YES! About time we stop losing guys like Johnathan Stewart and Nick Cody to the Ducks.” Then once back on subject, I notice that only Lakes DT Sione Potoa’e will be suiting up this summer and playing in the game. Why is that? Olsen and Kalla don’t think the top players are not being invited, nor do I. They interviewed Lakes coach Dave Miller who will be coaching the East team (that is where our GSHL kids will be playing) asking him about the absence of top talent. “Yes, some colleges do discourage players from participating,” said Miller adding that most do not however. Miller went on to state that a lot of colleges simply start their summer programs before the game is played. The Lakes coach is a supporter of his top players playing in the game and also added, “I also feel strongly that our players need to honor the individuals who spend many hours of their time organizing and putting together this great opportunity.”

    Aside from Heritage QB Garrett Grayson, who apparently was left off the team due to a paperwork mix-up (BLOWS MY MIND), it is nice to see the top talent from the Greater St. Helens League all accepting their invitations. Prior to the season we all knew Taylor Nelson, Mitch Saylor and Garrett Grayson (oops) would be playing in this game, what a bonus to have 8 players represent Southwest Washington. I am very excited to get to cover all 8 of our GSHL Players (Zach Chapman, Tim Davison, Austin Dodge, Taylor Nelson, Justin O’Neil, Nathaniel Penaranda, Mitch Saylor, Dallin Shirley) one last time and I am one who for the record sides with playing. Then again, I was not a D-1 player who had to risk it either.

    Please read the full article “Should the Best Players Play in the State All-Star Games?” from High School Cover 2.

  • May 21, 2010

    Local Skills Camp Launches New Web Site


    Local Skills Camp Launches New Web SiteAir Assault Football Camps have a new web site.

    http://airassaultfootball.com

    The local football skills camp is run by former Washington State Wide Receiver Luke Fowler, and former Whitworth Quarterback Mike Peck. Both Fowler and Peck are R.A. Long graduates who were All-State football players for the Lumberjacks in the early 2000′s.

    The past 2 summers the camp had been held at R.A. Long High School in Longview, however this summer the camp has moved to District Stadium at Battle Ground High School and will run from August 2nd through the 5th. Camp times are 5-8 p.m. Peck currently is the quarterbacks coach at East Valley High School in Spokane, and his father Larry Peck was just named the new Head Coach at Battle Ground, thus the change in venue.

    The new web site has a photo gallery, testimonials, and bio’s of both Fowler and Peck. Also new to the web site is a blog section where the two former college players give “Skill Building” tips on anything from drills to conditioning to nutrition advice. Some of the blog posts have video clips from their precious camps to aid in the learning.

    You can follow them on Twitter: @aafootball or Like them on Facebook as well and never miss the latest Skill Building tip.

  • May 18, 2010

    8 GSHL Players To Play In 2010 3A/4A East West All-Star Football Game


    Every summer the best 3A/4A senior football players from around the state get together for one final hurrah.

    8 GSHL Players To Play In 2010 3A/4A East West All-Star Football GameThe summer will be no different as 64 seniors will travel to Everett in late June (June 26th 1pm) to show off their skills. The Greater St. Helens League will be well represented in Everett as eight local players will be playing on the East squad.

    • Zach Chapman, Mountain View (DL/TE)
    • Tim Davison, Kelso (DL/OL)
    • Austin Dodge, Skyview (QB)
    • Taylor Nelson, Union (LB/TE)
    • Justin O’Neil, Kelso (DL/OL)
    • Nathaniel Penaranda, Union (RB/WR)
    • Mitch Saylor, Union (WR)
    • Dallin Shirley, Skyview (DL/TE)

    Zach Chapman was Mr. Doeverything for the Mountain View Thunder over the past few seasons. At 6’4″ 230 lbs Chapman was an ideal DE/TE for the Thunder, however Coach Adam Mathieson had needs all over the D-Line, and Chapman was the man to fill them. “Often times a player such as Zach might get lost in an All-State Process because he wasn’t necessarily a DE or a DT or a TE, but rather a unique football player that was moved into different spots from time to time in order to take advantage of his skill set,” said Mathieson. Zach was a First Team GSHLFootball.com All-Level All-Star as a DE, as well as First Team 4A GSHL Coaches All-League DL, Second Team 4A GSHL Coaches All-League TE and Columbian All Region TE in 2009 as a Senior. As a Sophomore Chapman was a Honorable Mention 4A GSHL Coaches All-League TE. Zach received a football scholarship to play at Eastern Washington University. “I am very proud to be his coach … he never gave me less than his best, which is all I could ask for.  I am eagerly looking forward to watching him grow in the coming years at Eastern Washington University,” added Mathieson.

    Tim Davison is one of two Kelso linemen selected to play in this summers all-star game. Davison was a 2 year starter for the Hilanders at both Offensive and Defensive Line earning post season awards both years. In 2008 as a Junior, Davison was picked as Second Team 4A GSHL Coaches All-League Offensive Line. In 2009, Davison was selected to the First Team 4A GSHL Coaches All-League team, again at Offensive Line. He was also selected The Daily News All-Area Team First Team Offensive Line. “Tim is a beast and has a chance to excel in the future.” said Kelso head football coach Pat Hymes. ”I think that his selection was based again on the criteria that the league coaches felt that he represent our league in a positive way as an offensive or defensive linemen.” Davison has accepted a football scholarship to play at Eastern Oregon University.

    Austin Dodge is one of two Skyview football players selected to play in this summers all-star game. Dodge  led Skyview to back-to-back 4A GSHL league championships his Junior and Senior seasons and took the Storm to the Semifinals last season. Dodge passed for just under 3,000 yards and 30 TD in 2009 and threw for another 1,700+ yards and 15 TD’s in 2008. Skyview head football coach Steve Kizer said it was an honor for the program to have both players selected. “The best thing about them being selected is they both continue to work hard in preparation for the state game,” said Kizer. “Austin is working hard in the weight room,” he added. Dodge was voted 4A GSHL Coaches Co-Offensive Player of the Year, as well as Co-First Team Quarterback in 2009. Dodge was also Co-First Team Quarterback on the Columbian All Region team in 2009. Dodge has accepted a football scholarship to play at Central Washington University.

    Taylor Nelson is one of three Union Titans football players selected to play in this summers all-star game. Most football fans in Southwest Washington saw this one coming. Taylor was voted Second Team 3A GSHL Coaches All-League Linebacker in 2007 as a Sophomore, then as a Junior, Nelson was selected First Team 3A GSHL Coaches All-League Linebacker, First Team Linebacker on the Columbian All Region team along with being the All Region Player of the Year, and topped that off with an AP 3A All-State Linebacker Selection. As a senior, Nelson again was First Team 3A GSHL Coaches All-League Linebacker as well as Defensive Player of the Year. The Columbian had Nelson again as a First Team Linebacker on their All Region team and a second straight All Region Player of the Year. Nelson was a GSHLFootball.com All Level All-Star First Team Linebacker as well as Defensive Player of the Year. The AP again named Nelson to the 3A First Team again as a Linebacker. Nelson has accepted a football scholarship to play at Snow College in Utah. A few years after that, Nelson could very likely be playing Division 1 football.

    Justin O’Neil is one of two Kelso linemen selected to play in this summers all-star game. O’Neil was a three year starter as on Offensive Lineman for the Hilanders. “I have to say that he is the epitome of an offensive linemen,” said Kelso head football coach Pat Hymes. “One who relishes in the gamesmanship of the battle in the trenches. Justin has started for us for three years and is one of the better OL we have had in our system.” ONeil was selected as a Second Team 4A GSHL Coaches All-League Offensive Lineman as a Junior, then as a Senior, O’Neil was selected as a First Team 4A GSHL Coaches All-League Offensive Lineman,The Daily News All-Area Team Second Team Offensive Line, and GSHLFootball.com All Level All-Star First Team Offensive Line. Hymes added, “I think his selection stems from the fact that the league coaches feel that he was one of the best our league has to offer as an offensive linemen.” O’Neil has decided to not play football in college and was accepted in the Honors Program at Washington State University.

    Nathaniel Penaranda is one of three Union Titans football players selected to play in this summers all-star game. At the start of the 2009 season, no one would have predicted that Penaranda would be in this position. “Nate battled through some tough injuries his first two years,” said Union head football coach Cale Piland. “We had a great deal of confidence in him and knew what type of player he could be if he could catch some breaks and stay healthy.  He worked extremely hard and deserves this honor.” Penaranda was used at both Running Back and as a Wide Receiver last season as the Titans made another deep play off run. After 2 injury plagued seasons as a Sophomore and Junior, Penaranda was not going to let his Senior year get away from him. “After having what I consider to be an average Sophomore season and a horrible Junior season, with having injury playing a role in both of them, it was a major priority of mine to stay healthy throughout my Senior year. To be able to do that and have some success along with being invited to the all-state game, well I couldn’t ask for much more than that,” said Penaranda. When asked if making the all-state game was a goal of his prior to the season, Penaranda said “Not at all, before the season I had set some statistical goals for myself but that was it. During the season I was so focused on our next opponent the all-state game never really crossed my mind.” Nathaniel was selected as the First Team 3A GSHL Coaches All-League Co-Offensive Player of the Year in 2009, and was also selected as a First Team Columbian All Region Running Back. Penaranda also found himself as a GSHLFootball.com All Level All-Star First Team Running Back/Wide Receiver and the All Level All-Star Offensive Player of the Year. Splitting time as both a Running Back and Wide Receiver keep his stats in each rushing and receiving at good, not great numbers. However when you put them together, 1450 yards from scrimmage and 23 TD’s and it was no surprise to see Penaranda selected to the all-state game. “For me, the best part of this game will be playing with those guys [Taylor Nelson & Mitch Salyor] one more time,” added Penaranda. “Yet at the same time I feel bad for Taylor, he’s going to have to try to tackle me in practice… Poor guy.” Penaranda has accepted a football scholarship to play at Western Oregon University.

    Mitch Saylor is one of three Union Titans football players selected to play in this summers all-star game. Along with Nelson, Saylor seemed a lock to be playing in this game. Both Nelson and Saylor the driving force allowing the new Union High School to explode onto the football landscape. “They not only are very talented, but they are willing to do the little things that make the difference,” said Union head football coach Cale Piland. ”As leaders, this gave them instant credibility.”  Fans still talk about the Ferndale game, when Dex Homer blocked a 44 yard Ferndale field goal attempt and Saylor picked it up and ran it back 65 yards for the game winning TD in the state playoffs. Saylor helped lead the Titans to the state finals his Junior season and was named First Team 3A GSHL Coaches All-League Wide Receiver, Columbians All Region First Team Wide Receiver, and First Team AP 3A All-State Wide Receiver. When asked if playing in the game was a goal of his Saylor responded, “This was absolutely one of my goals, ever since my junior year I have wanted to play in it and be a part of it!” Mitch again helped lead the Titans back to the Tacoma Dome last season and was again voted First Team 3A GSHL Coaches All-League Wide Receiver. Saylor was also selected as GSHLFootball.com All Level All-Star First Team Wide Receiver. In 2007 Saylor was also selected First Team 3A GSHL Coaches All-League Wide Receiver as a Sophomore. Saylor has accepted a football scholarship to play at the University of Montana.

    Dallin Shirley is one of two Skyview football players selected to play in this summers all-star game. Shirley anchored a Skyview defense which only allowed 15.2 points per game in the regular season last year. Shirley was recognized for his monster Senior season when he was selected as the 2009 4A GSHL Coaches All-League Defensive Player of the Year. Shirley was also a Columbian All Region selection at DL and GSHLFootball.com All Level All-Star First Team DL. The AP also included Shirley as Honorable Mention 4A AP All-State. “We are real proud of Austin and Dallin,” said Skyview head football coach Steve Kizer. “I think they will both preform great in the game along with the other Southwest Washington players.” Shirley was also voted to the First Team 4A GSHL Coaches All-League as TE in 2009. Shirley is walking on at BYU to play football.

    We will be there to provide complete coverage of the game, including video and pictures from the game as well as player interviews.

    Complete East-West All-Star Game Football Rosters

    EAST

    Greg Logan, WR/DB, Graham-Kapowsin; Austin Dodge, QB, Skyview; Jake Miller, P/K, Central Valley; Joe Fuerst, RB/DB, Eisenhower; Levi Taylor, RB/DB, Lewis & Clark; Bo Tully, DB/WR, Mead; Leon LaDeaux, DB/WR, South Kitsap; Travis Ward, QB/DB, Mount Spokane; Michael Madden, WR/DB, White River; Mitch Saylor, WR/DB, Union; Willis Wilson, RB/DB, Lakes; Coleton Williams, WR/DB, Mount Spokane; Anthony Meray, RB/DB, Bethel; Bennett Bontemps, DB/RB, Rogers (Puyallup); Darrian Creamer, RB/LB, Peninsula; Jordan Radcliffe, RB, Timberline; Darius Waters, TE/LB, Lakes; Dallin Shirley, DE/TE, Skyview; Nathaniel Penaranda, RB/DB, Union; Austin Graves, TE/DE, Southridge; Zach Chapman, TE/DE, Mountain View; Justin O’Neil, OL/DL, Kelso; Sione Potoa’e, DL/OL, Lakes; Matt Turner, LB/RB, Decatur; Ashton Boothroyd, OL/DL, Mount Spokane; Brent Anderson, C/DL, Southridge; Drew Schultz, OL/DL, Olympia; Trevor Poole, OL/DL, Ferris; Chris Edison, OL/DL, Curtis; Tim Davison, OL/DL, Kelso; Christian Wesley, WR/DB, Central Kitsap; Taylor Nelson, LB/TE, Union; Kjelby Oiland, OL/DL, Ferris.

    Coach: Dave Miller, Lakes. Assistants: Adam Fisher, East Valley (Spokane); Mark Keel, Central Kitsap; Willis Freeman, Lakes; Jason Silbaugh, Lakes.

    WEST

    Cole Graves, DB/WR, Juanita; Marco Henry, DB/WR, Nathan Hale; Sean Penberthy, P/K, Skyline; Andy Smith, QB/DB, Arlington; Joey DeRitis, DB/RB, Seattle Prep; Khayree Johnson, WR/DB, Rainier Beach; Trenton Pinson, RB/DB, Federal Way; Naji Taylor-Moore, RB/DB, Meadowdale; Conner Varnell, WR/DB, Arlington; Taylor Mead, DB/WR, Jackson; Mychael Tuiasosopo, DL/TE, Mariner; Tristen Askew, QB/DB, Kentwood; Chris McGrath, WR/DB, Cascade; Larry Dixon, RB/OLB, Olympic; Markeem Adams, WR/DB, West Seattle; Evan Hudson, DE/TE, Bothell; Blake Johnson, DB/WR, Olympic; Cameron Talley, LB/WR, Liberty; Anthony DeMatteo, LB, Skyline; John Hampton, C/DL, Rainier Beach; Nick Rouser, DL/OL, Oak Harbor; Konner Knudtsen, OL/LB, Tahoma; Kyle Bossom, OL/DE, Marysville-Pilchuck; Aaron Moetului, OL/DL, Mount Si; Loren Danielsen, OL/DL, Snohomish; Galen Rock, OL/DL, Renton; Coleton Langdon, OL/DL, Liberty; Nathan Herrick, DL/C, Kentwood; Conner Hamlett, TE/DE, Meadowdale; Chris Pitre, DL/OL, Kennedy Catholic; Dylan Zylstra, LB, Kentridge.

    Coach: Mark Stewart, Meadowdale. Assistants: Tony Davis, Tahoma; Curtis Bogan, Tahoma; Dean Wiley, Meadowdale; Jim Ward, Meadowdale.

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