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  • May 11, 2012

    Get To Know Dan Andersen: The New Ridgefield Spudders Head Football Coach


    After Matt Martin stepped down as the Ridgefield head football coach following the 2011 season, the Spudders found themselves looking for a new head man for a second season in a row.

    This is uncharted territory for a Ridgefield program that was the was a model of consistency from the mid ’80′s into the early 2000′s when Art “Ossie” Osmundson walked the sidelines for 16 seasons and brought home the 1995 WIAA A State Championship. George Black took over from 2002-2008 and was then replaced with Kitt Rwalings from 2009-2010 prior to the hiring of Martin for the 2011 season.

    Former Spudders assistant football coach Dan Andersen will be taking over as the head coach at Ridgefield High School for the 2012 season. Andersen has served as an assistant coach at Ridgefield for the past 3 seasons following 12 years coaching with Clark County Youth Football.

    Dan grew up in Northern Idaho where he attended Lewiston High School and played Tight End and Fullback. Following high school, Andersen played football at Spokane Falls Community College before transferring to the University of Idaho where he played Defensive End under then head coach Dennis Erickson.

    We caught up with Dan Andersen and asked him a few questions so everyone can get to know the new Spudders coach a little better.

    What was your first thought after you received the news you got the job?

    D. Andersen – My first thought was that we got a late start, receiving the job basically in April. My first initiative was to get the overall outline of the program in place and then meet with those Seniors to make sure they understood what this program was about and how we were going to attack it.

    What is your offensive philosophy and what experiences through the years helped define it?

    D. Andersen – I really like innovative offense. I played for Dennis Erickson at the University of Idaho, a very innovative offensive guy. My offense really tries to keep the defense off balance.

    What is your defensive philosophy?

    D. Andersen – I like a defense with a lot of movement, showing many different looks. I like an attacking defense, not one that sits back and counter punches the offense.

    Most head coaches at the high school level usually coordinate one side of the ball and have another coach run the other. Do you coach this way? If so, which is your strength?

    D. Andersen – My mind definitely tends offensively. I will manage the offense and its game plan while hiring an assistant coach to manage the defense.

    What is your favorite part about coaching?

    …part of the game that I gain personal satisfaction from, is having a positive impact on 75-80 young men each year.

    D. Andersen – I really like the game planning aspect of the game from a coaches perspective, coming up with a plan for each game to be successful. My favorite part of the game that I gain personal satisfaction from, is having a positive impact on 75-80 young men each year.

    What do you view is your biggest challenge taking over at Ridgefield as they move back up to the 2A GSHL?

    D. Andersen – We will virtually be the smallest 2A school in the state, so to be successful, we have to have everything in the program working perfectly.

    Where do you see the Ridgefield program in 5 years?

    D. Andersen – We want to have the Ridgefield football program annually near the top of our league, 100% graduation rates, and fine young men being prepared for their next step in life.

    During spring ball what is the first thing you plan on changing or implementing, and are you planning on taking the team to any summer camps and if so which one?

    D. Andersen – During spring football we will be introducing my offense and getting the boys familiar with our overall program. We will be taking the team to Linfield College for a summer camp.

    How did you end up as an assistant at Ridgefield?

    D. Andersen – A few years ago when Kitt Rawlings was the head coach at Ridgefield, we met and found out that we had a similar football mentality and outlook on how the program should be implemented with the boys, so he asked me to be part of the football staff.

    Ridgefield football team will be a tenacious team on the field

    What is one thing you want the readers of this article to know and understand about you?

    D. Andersen – Simply that the Ridgefield football team will be a tenacious team on the field and will play the game to the highest level of ethical standards.


  • Paul & Bryan Weekly GSHL Football Podcast – 2012 Schedule Preview


    Paul Valencia of 360preps.com and Bryan Levesque of GSHLFootball.com talk Greater St. Helens League Football on their weekly podcast

    Paul Valencia of 360preps.com and Bryan Levesque of GSHLFootball.com talk Greater St. Helens League Football on their weekly podcast

    The Columbian’s 360Preps reporter Paul Valencia and GSHLFootball.com founder Bryan Levesque will be doing a weekly podcast on the Greater St. Helens League.

    2012 Schedule Preview

    May 11, 2012

    In this weeks podcast:

    Paul and Bryan talk about the 2012 Greater St. Helens high school football schedules. They look week-by-week at all the key games such as Skyview at Central Catholic week 1, Union at Jesuit week 2, Lakes at Skyview week 3, Camas at Lakes week 4, Skyview at Camas week 5, Camas at Union week 7 and Union at Skyview week 9. They also touch on other key games such as Columbia River at Mountain View week 9, Prairie at Columbia River week 7 and who the whole 2A is again up for grabs once again. They talk about this and much more in this 28 minute podcast!

    Listen to the full podcast Part 1 of 2 (12:17)

    Listen to the full podcast Part 2 of 2 (15:23)

  • April 14, 2012

    Welcome Our Newest Sponsor: Air One Football Academy


    Air One Football Academy

    Air One Football Academy

    We want to take a quick moment and welcome our latest sponsor to GSHL Football.

    Air One Football Academy

    Air One Football Academy has been training local youth football players in Clark County with the mission – “To develop competition-aged student athletes into fundamentally sound leaders and exceptional football players through a system of tutoring using proven techniques.” - for several years now.

    Owner/Founder John Charles is a big supporters of Greater St. Helens League football.

    John’s Bio:

    Mr. Charles is recognized as one of the West Coasts utmost authorities on the quarterback position. His success as a quarterback, combined with personal relationships he developed as a player and coach, have provided his students a greater chance of getting to the next level.

    High School Career:

    Mountain View High School (California): John is a 1989 graduate of Mountain View High School. As a sophomore and junior, he helped shepherd the Spartans to the 1987 and 1988 Santa Clara Valley Athletic League championships where Mountain View posted impressive 10-0 season records… Outstanding Offensive Player of the Year as a junior… Santa Clara Valley Athletic League All League player… his center was, Charles Huang, the creator of Guitar Hero.

    As a senior, he was nominated for honorary award recognition with a biography published in Who’s Who Among American High School Student Athletes… Nominated for a membership in the Outstanding High School Student Athlete’s of America… Max Emfinger’s Super Scout Scouting Service selected him as one of the top football players in the region for National High School Football Magazine… mentioned in the Pre-season All-Regional Team for the Summer/ Fall magazine… Recognized as a possible Collegiate Sports of America Blue Chip All-American… For his career, 30 Varsity Starts, he completed 60 percent or 341 of 568 for 4,360 yards and 50 touchdowns with only 23 interceptions.

    Also lettered 3 years in baseball, it was during his senior year that he led the Spartans to win the 1989 Santa Clara Valley Athletic League Baseball championships… was 9-1 with a 1.90 ERA… topped out at 89 mph… He earned All-League, Peninsula and State honors. He was a top 10 finalist for the 1989 Times Tribune Athlete of the Year Award.

    College Career:

    Foothill Junior College: As a freshman starter… second in the state in passing… completed 57 percent or 210 of 366 for 3,000 yards exactly and 19 touchdowns with a 131.9 rating… averaged 300 yards per game… First team All-Conference in 1989 (the other QB was Jeff Garcia)

    As a sophomore, he broke the national community college career passing yardage record by throwing for 5,925 yards in his two seasons… went 22 of 30 passing for 452 yards and 4 touchdowns to break the old records mark of 5,448 yards set by Tim Green of El Camino… was 37-64 with 485 yards and 3 touchdowns vs San Jose… helped the Owls get to the Lions Bowl where he completed 30 of 43 passes for 375 yards and 3 touchdowns… named MVP of the Lions Bowl game… rated the top-ranked junior college player… Region 1 California All-State selection… Coast Conference North Division Offensive Player of the Year… named to the 1990 All-America Community College team… honored as the 1991 Times Tribune Male Athlete of the Year… the 1991 Athlete of the Year for the Greater San Jose Sports Association Awards. Past recipients for the award include Jim Plunkett, and Ronnie Lott… For his career, he completed 60 percent or 419 of 702 for 6,300 yards and 45 touchdowns.

    Portland State University: As a junior, he took over in the 5th game … broke the single-game yardage mark by throwing for 592 yards and 8 touchdowns in 3 quarters of one game vs Cal Poly… For the season, he completed 61 percent or 201 of 331 for 3,527 yards and 41 touchdowns and only 11 interceptions… he finished the season ranked second in passing efficiency…  named player of the year with just 8 games. Chosen as part of a National project, known as the, “Spleen Project, Athlete’s Who Care”. Spear-headed by Heisman Trophy winner Ty Detmer, middle-school aged kids across America corresponded with athletes from all levels of collegiate play.

    As a senior, he led the nation in total offense averaging 338 yards… completed 194 of 281 for a school record 69 percent, 2944 yards, 24 touchdowns and only 8 interceptions to rank second in the nation in pass efficiency with a 181.3 rating for the second straight season.

    In his 2 years at Portland State, he completed 63.9 percent of his passes and went 326 of 510 for 5,389 yards and 65 touchdowns against only 19 interceptions. He finished his Portland State career with an efficiency rating of 183.4… The first player in Western Football Conference history to be named player of the year twice… Completed 33-40 passes with 444 yards and 3 touchdowns to upset 16th ranked Boise state University… first player in conference history to be named player of the week four times in one season, three weeks in a row, seven times in two seasons… named Sports Illustrated national player of the week in 1991… named national player of the week twice in 1992 with USA Today and Sports Illustrated… honored by NCAA for winning total offense national title in 1992… passed for three touchdowns or more in 17 of 18 starts the past two seasons, three or more touchdowns in every game… Oregon Banquet Of Champions finalist two years in a row… finalist for the prestigious Harlon Hill Award (Division II’s equivalent of the Heisman Trophy). Despite wrist injury and 8 games, he finished third in balloting with 106 points and 13 first place votes… completed a perfect sweep of NCAA All-America First Teams by being selected to the USA Today All-America Team, Kodak/American Football Coaches Association, and Associated Press All-America Teams… He was one of five National Jefferson Award winners for Public Service in 1993. Winners receive a Bronze medallion from the Franklin Mint in Washington, D.C. and also published with the American Institute for Public Service in Washington, D.C.

    Professional Career:

    Was invited and attended the NFL combine in 1993, but due to the previous injury to his throwing wrist, he was selected as free agent in the 1993 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons. Played in preseason… In 1996, he played one season for the Arena Leagues, San Jose Sabercats. A shoulder injury forced him to retire.

    Training and Coaching experience:

    23 years (1988), trained with Raymond Ferris (Trainer), Jerry Rice, Roger Craig, Barry Sanders, Ricky Waters, Jaime Williams, Greg Baty, Glen Milburn, Darrien Gordon, Kenyan Branscomb, James Hundon, Sam Adams, and Barry Bonds for 2 years. Our Hill (“The Hill”) workouts were known as the toughest in America.

    When you go, make sure to thank him for his support of Greater St. Helens League football!

  • March 23, 2012

    Trey Foote Fundraiser With The Blazers


    Former Skyview football player Trey Foote, passed away in 2006 after he battled Osteosarcom, a very aggressive cancer of the bone.

    You can help support the Trey Foote Foundation just by attending a blazer game this weekend!

    Here is the official press release:

    Trey Foote was a normal 17 year old boy. He loved sports, wakeboarding, laughing, spending time with his family and most of all to smile. Trey loved to laugh and make those around him laugh as well. He was always ready with a joke or funny saying.

    At a CCYF player picnic honoring Trey Foote. In this photo CCYF coaches Jim Foote and Rick Fields are with Trey.

    At a CCYF player picnic honoring Trey Foote. In this photo CCYF coaches Jim Foote and Rick Fields are with Trey.

    Trey was dedicated football player who played in CCYF and at Skyview High School. During football season his sophomore year, he was diagnosed with Osteosarcom – a very aggressive cancer of the bone. After enduring chemotherapy, three major surgeries and a partial amputation of his leg, Trey was informed that he was healed. However, the cancer returned. On October 19, 2006 Trey was finally cancer free again when he passed from this world. He holds a special place with the Skyview football community. To honor is courage and dedication, the family has formed a foundation in his name to help battle childhood cancer.

    Please support the Trey Foote Foundation’s fight against cancer – The next events are at the Rose Garden for two exciting nights with the Blazers. By simply purchasing a ticket you can help us raise money to battle childhood cancers and watch some great basketball. Tickets are available for the 100, 200 and 300 Levels and a portion of your purchase will help fund the Trey Foote Foundation and the research of Dr. Charles Keller from Dorenbecher Children’s Hospital Pediatric Biology Program. Choose between the following games or attend both!

    March 25th, @6pm vs. Golden State Warriors
    or
    March 29th, @7pm vs. New Orleans Hornets

    To Purchase Tickets:
    Online – Visit tickets.trailblazers.com/deals and enter the password TREYFOOTE

    Via Mail or Fax
    Fill out the order form located on our wall and mail or fax it to the address listed.

    For More Information Contact:
    Ben Haugen, 503.739.9637
    ben.haugen@trailblazers.com

  • September 21, 2011

    Paul & Bryan Weekly GSHL Football Podcast – Week 3 Recap And Week 4 Predictions


    Paul Valencia of 360preps.com and Bryan Levesque of GSHLFootball.com talk Greater St. Helens League Football on their weekly podcast

    Paul Valencia of 360preps.com and Bryan Levesque of GSHLFootball.com talk Greater St. Helens League Football on their weekly podcast

    The Columbian’s 360Preps reporter Paul Valencia and GSHLFootball.com founder Bryan Levesque will be doing a weekly podcast on the Greater St. Helens League.

    Week 3 Recap And Week 4 Predictions

    September 21, 2011

    In this weeks podcast:

    Paul and Bryan talk about the games form week 3 including the big win for Camas over Columbia River, Union over Westview and Skyview over Heritage.

    Parker Henry of Skyview was dominant in the Storm’s 49-7 win over Heritage at McKenzie Stadium. Henry ran back an interception for a touchdown on the first series of the tame, then ran in 3 more scores on Skyview’s first three offensive possessions.

    Camas won on the road at Chieftain Stadium 38-14 over a very tough Columbia River team. Zack Marshall had a rushing touchdown and also caught one out of the backfield form QB Tony Gennaro, who also had a rushing touchdown himself. John Norcross again proved that he just flat out makes plays, as this week he did not return a fumble for a score, but ran in a fake punt 42 yards for a touchdown in the 4th quarter to extend the Paermakers lead to 17 points.

    Mountain View ran for 326 yards in their 44-28 win over Prairie. Falcons QB Colin Seitz continues to out up HUGE numbers, as he threw for 345 more yards and 4 touchdowns in the loss.

    The talked about Washougal, Battle Ground, Union, and Kelso’s wins as well.

    They also look ahead to week 4. Camas at Skyview, Heritage at Mountain View and Union at Kelso.

    Listen to the full podcast (17:14)

  • September 7, 2011

    Welcome Our Newest Sponsor: Challenge Fitness Crossfit


    Challenge Fitness Crossfit is located at 17030 Southeast 1st Street #101 in Vancouver

    Challenge Fitness Crossfit is located at 17030 Southeast 1st Street #101 in Vancouver

    We want to take a quick moment and welcome our latest sponsor to GSHL Football.

    Challenge Fitness Crossfit

    Located just off of 162nd Avenue in East Vancouver at the corner of SE 1st Street and NE 172nd Avenue, Challenge Fitness Crossfit is not far from anyone in Clark County.

    Owners Mike and Patti Case are big supporters of Greater St. Helens League football.

    Mike’s Bio:

    As a certified personal trainer through National Academy of Sports Medicine since 2002, I have had the honor of helping many people reach their fitness goals over the years.  At Challenge Fitness CrossFit, my goals are your goals, and it is my desire to help you reach them.

    Prior to opening my own training facility, I worked as a master trainer for a “big box” commercial gym.  Besides the many wonderful people that I was blessed with as clients during this experience, I was also honored to be selected as a fitness ambassador to staff the High Performance Training Center in Beijing for the U.S. Olympic Team during the 2008 Summer Olympics.  This truly was an event of a lifetime and an amazing experience I will never forget.  Having the opportunity to work with these athletes ultimately led me to CrossFit and becoming a CrossFit Certified Trainer. CrossFit workouts are difficult, but can be scaled based on each person’s ability.  My clients range in age from 14 to 70 years old at every fitness level.

    Specialty Certifications:

    • Performance Enhancement Specialist
    • Corrective Exercise Specialist
    • Integrative Flexibility Specialist
    • Sports Fitness Specialist

    When you go, make sure to thank them for their support of Greater St. Helens League football!

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