Coach Cale Piland and his 2010 Titans hope the 3rd times the charm as Union faces Bellevue at Qwest Field Saturday September 4th

Well with high school’s in Washington only 20 days away from the start of practice, and only 5 weeks before opening weekend, there has been a request for a place to talk about the week 1 matchups. Well here you go.

4 games feature non-league matchups between fellow Greater St. Helens League foes.  (Columbia River at Battle Ground, Mountain View at Evergreen, Mark Morris at Kelso and Washougal at Hudson’s Bay.

The 2 biggest being Mountain View at Evergreen and Mark Morris at Kelso. The Thunder have stolen 2 in a row from Evergreen, 35-21 in 2008 and 20-14 last season. Kelso needed a last minute TD and 2 pt conversion in a 15-14 road win last season.

Washougal at Hudson’s Bay will be interesting with both schools having new head coaches and both teams needing early season wins.

Union and Camas both open the season up in Seattle at Qwest Field in the Emerald City Kick Off Classic. Union will play Bellevue… again, and Camas will take on Timberline. The 4 schools were all ranked in the 3A top 10 at the end of the regular season last year with a combined record of 32-4.

Skyview and Heritage both have very tough games to open the season. The Storm travel to Shurwood (OR) and face a Bowman team that made the OSAA Semifinals in 2009. Heritage will host Issiquah who lost the 2008 4A title game to Skyline.

While Prairie heads up north to face a Lakewood team with highly tauted QB Justin Lane, the rest of the 2A GSHL schools will host 1A schools to open 2010.

Columbia River at Battle Ground

Columbia River will start their 2010 football season just as they did in 2009, at Battle Ground. The Chieftains lost last season 42-23 to Battle Ground. The two also opened the 2008 season playing each other, a Columbia River 27-9 home win. Columbia River has won 4 of their last 6 season openers.

The Tigers open the 2010 season with a home game vs. Columbia River for the second year in a row. Battle Ground won last season 42-23 over the Chieftains and dropped the 2008 season opener on the road at Columbia River 27-9. Battle Ground has won 3 of their last 4 season openers.

Skyview will open the 2009 season on the road in Oregon against the Sherwood Bowman. The Bowman finished last season 11-2 losing to Jefferson 26-23 in the OSAA 5A (equivilant to our 3A) semifinals.

Mountain View will play Evergreen in week 1 for the first time since 1990, a 34-26 Mountain View win. Mountain View has won 3 games in a row over Evergreen when playing in week 1. Evergreen’s last week 1 win over Mountain View was in 1987 a 21-0 Plainsmen win. The two teams have split the 6 games they have played to start a season. Mountain View defeated Evergreen 20-14 last season. Evergreen’s last win over Mountain View was in 2007, a 28-27 Plainsmen victory.

Evergreen will play Mountain View in week 1 for the first time since 1990, a 34-26 Mountain View win. Evergreen’s last week 1 win over Mountain View was in 1987 a 21-0 Plainsmen win. The two teams have split the 6 games they have played to start a season. Mountain View defeated Evergreen 20-14 last season. Evergreen’s last win over Mountain View was in 2007, a 28-27 Plainsmen victory.

Heritage will play Issaquah for the first time ever in 2010. Issaquah plays in the 4A KingCo with Skyline and Bothel. In 2008 Issaquah played Skyline in the 4A championship game. In 2009 Issaquah lost to Bothel in the Quarterfinals.

For the third time in only 21 months the Union Titans and the Bellevue Wolverienes will face off on the football field. Union lost to Bellevue in the 2008 3A state championship game then lost again in the 2009 3A Semifinals. This time the two will kick off the 2010 season at Qwest Field as part of the Emerald City Kickoff Classic.

Camas will open the 2010 season up in Seattle at the Emerald City Kickoff Classic versus the Timberline Blazers. Timberline went 10-1 in 2009, winning the Olympic/Western Cascade League and loosing 34-28 to Glacier Peak in the first round of the playoffs. Local football fans should remember Timberline, the Blazers lost to Union 34-14 in the 2008 first round. Camas coach Jon Eagle also coached two games versus the Blazers when he was the head coach at Evergreen. The Plainsmen defeated Timberline 28-3 at home in 1999, then lost up in Lacey 13-6 in 2000.  Carolina Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart played at Timberline.

Mark Morris came up 1 point short at home last season with a 15-14 loss to Kelso in week 1, the Monarchs only loss of the regular season. The Monarchs won in Kelso in 2008 20-14. Kelso also lost to Mark Morris in 2007 a 9-0 road defeat. The two have played every season since 2001 with Kelso holding a 7-2 advantage over the nine seasons.

Kelso escaped a week 1 game at Mark Morris last season with a 15-14 win, handing the Monarchs their only loss of the regular season. The Monarchs won in Kelso in 2008 20-14. Kelso also lost to Mark Morris in 2007 a 9-0 road defeat. The two have played every season since 2001 with Kelso holding a 7-2 advantage over the nine seasons.

Prairie will start the season on the road at Lakewood. The Cougars finished the 2009 season 3-7 while going 1-6 in the 2A Cascade League. Prairie last played a 2A school in 2007, a 42-25 home loss to Washougal. The Falcons did defeat 1A Stevenson last season 20-7 at home.

Fort Vancouver defeated Ridgefield 34-28 in overtime last season at home for their third straight win over the Spudders. In 2008 the Trappers won at Ridgefield 14-0. In 2007 the two played in a week 10 cross over game at Kiggins Bowl, a 32-7 Trappers win.

Both Hudson’s Bay and Washougal have fallen on hard times over the past decade. While these teams have not played each other in a long time, they both have struggled on the football field. Washougal last had a winning season in 2004 when the Panthers went 6-4 and Hudson’s Bay has not had a winning season since 2002 when the Eagles went 5-4.

Both Hudson’s Bay and Washougal have fallen on hard times over the past decade. While these teams have not played each other in a long time, they both have struggled on the football field. Washougal last had a winning season in 2004 when the Panthers went 6-4 and Hudson’s Bay has not had a winning season since 2002 when the Eagles went 5-4.

Hockinson and La Center have played each other every season that the Hawks have been playing football. The series is split 3-3 with La Center wining at Hockinson last season 30-8. In 2008 Hockinson won at La Center 35-19 taking 2 in a row from the Wildcats for the only streak in series history.

The Elma Eagles went 3-6 in 2009 and finished in a 4 way tie for 4th place in the 2A Evregreen League. The last time the Eagles played a GSHL school was in 2001, a 49-20 home win over 4A Prairie. R.A. Long has not played a 1A school since 2003, a 35-3 home win over Hoquaim.

Woodland won at Kalama 22-0 last season to kick off the 2009 schedule. In 2008, Kalama won at Woodland 40-21 in another week 1 game. Woodland last defeated the Chinooks at home in 2006 when the Beavers won 12-0. This will be the 8th year in a row the two start the season playing each other. Woodland holds a 4-3 advantage in those 7 games.

2010 Shriners Freedom Bowl Classic DVD's only $10

Here is the full TV broadcast of the 2010 Shriners Freedom Bowl Classic from TV ETC.

This years game has Todd Picket doing the play-by-play, and Bryan Levesque (that’s me) doing color commentary.

The game will not be broadcast on TV until this fall, but in addition to watching it online now, you can purchase a DVD right here. Full game DVD’s are only $10 each with $3 flat rate shipping. We are using PayPal to capture payment. You will be taken off site to PayPal to complete the transaction, so don’t be worried.

2010 Shriners Freedom Bowl Classic DVD’s only $10

The game video is split up into each quarter.

First Quarter

Second Quarter

Third Quarter

Forth Quarter

Air Assault coach Luke Fowler former WSU WR (center) demonstrates drill to BG players Jordan Malvo (left) and John Simon (right)

Next week at District Stadium in Battle Ground Air Assault Football Camp will be teaching football skills to local youth.

New for this year the camp has opened up to football players entering 6-8 grade.

Air Assault understands the importance of teamwork and how important it is for players on the same team to get as many reps together as they can during the summer and are now offering a team discount.

Simply grab a few guys from your team, High School or C.C.Y.F. then sign up together and you will each save $10 on registration. That’s only $70 for the 4 day camp.

Last years camp was attended by 3 players who just played in the Shriners Freedom Bowl Classic. John Simon RB from Battle Ground, J Nusbaum DB/WR and William Yordy QB from R.A Long.

“I have been to two Air Assault football camps and I’m glad i did. The coaches know what they are talking about and you learn many techniques that can improve your game. I personally liked it because it freshened up my mechanics right before the season started so by the time double days came I was in great shape and my throwing was great. This year my teammates and I made school history. We were the first team ever to make it to the playoff tournament and we had fun. It was a great feeling to have played so well and to advance that far and we owe part of that success to this camp. All our skill players went to this camp two weeks before the season started. We got back into the football groove, learned some new skills, and our conditioning went up when we left this camp. When we played our first game you could tell there was a difference between us and the other team on the little things that matter and made the difference in a win or loss in the game. Overall, this camp is very helpful and i recommend it to anyone who wants to work on their mechanics and want to give themselves a head start on their season.” William Yordy QB R.A. Long High School

Check out their web site at: airassaultfootball.com

New Athlete

New Athlete is located on Highway 99 next to the Radio Shack (7219 NE Highway 99 #101) in Hazel Dell.

Owner Ryan Paul is a strength coach as well as a Licensed Accelerated Recovery Performance (ARP) trainer and has been working with athletes and the general public for over 7 years.

Former Columbia River RB Jordyn Jackson trained with New Athlete and credited Paul as a big part in Jackson signing with the San Diego Chargers.

The Union Titans Football and Cheer are having a 4 person scramble with shotgun start at 1:00 pm.

Fee is $100 per person (Includes green fee, cart, range balls, gift bag and dinner.

Download Registration packet as well as Tee/Green Sponsorship information

2nd Annual Little Titans Football Camp - Wed July 28, 2010

The GSHL District Champion Union Titan Football Team would like to invite your son/daughter to participate in the second Annual Little Titans Football Camp. Participants will be taught by Union’s award winning coaching staff and players. They will not only learn football skills but also learn the dedication and strong work ethic it takes to be a champion! Hope to see you there.

• Camp is for grades 3rd – 8th
• Wed July 28, 2010
• 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• What to wear – Shorts, T-shirt, shoes for Astroturf surface. Plenty of water will be provided. You may bring your own drinks and snacks.
• McKenzie Stadium

Camp Fee $30.00, before 07/18/10, After 07/18/10 $40.00

For more information e-mail littletitans2010@comcast.net

Download application here.

Register by mail at: Titan Football, PMB 375 16505 A S.E. First St. Vancouver WA 98684

Day of camp registration available at 12:30 pm

Tonight at Kiggins Bowl in the 8th Annual Shriners Freedom Bowl Classic, that is exactly what happened. While I was one of the few people not playing or coaching on the West team that thought the game would be close, I figured it would be a close, HIGH scoring “shoot out”. I was thinking something in the range of 38-27 or 42-35, a final score of 14-6 was not on my radar.

The first big play of the game came on defense, as Evergreen DB Marvin Thomas picked off a pass from Columbia River QB Neil Daly. Following the Thomas interception the East went on a 12 play drive that covered 50 yards, however Hudson’s Bay LB Jeremy Hickman’s interception keep the game scoreless.

Heritage QB Garrett Grayson was the games MVP with his 58 yard TD run in the 4th quarter of a 14-6 East win. PHOTO BY Dave Scott

Fowling 2 more punts, the West finally got things going. R.A. Long QB William Yordy connected on a pass that was tipped yet ended up in the hands of Hudson’s Bay WR Danny Christensen for a 48 yard gain. 2 plays later, Yordy hit Skyview RB Adam Brown from 19 yards out after Brown slipped out of the backfield and ran up the middle into the end zone. A missed extra point attempt left the West with a 6-0 lead with 1:32 to go in the 1st quarter.

The 2nd quarter flew by as both teams went on long drives that both ended without a score. The East drove 46 yards down the the West 20 before penalties moved them back to the 40 and forced a punt. Taking over at their 10 the West then went on an 11 play 81 yard drive down to the East 9 before Daly forced a ball into the end zone where Heritage DB C.J. Hatchett picked him off with only 1:20 left in the half.

Despite Daly’s 2 interceptions, the West was moving the ball on with his legs. Daly and RB Travis Kinder out of Mark Morris worked the shotgun zone option almost to perfection as the East could not figure out which one had the ball for most of the first half.

A halftime score of 6-0 in favor of the West was definitely a shocker.

The West took possession to start the 2nd half at their 20 and had picked up a first down before a fumble recovered by Hockinson’s Justin Gillispie set the East up on the 34 and knocking on the door for a go-ahead score.

5 plays later, Union RB Blake Russell powered his way in for the score from 9 yards out tying the game at 6-6 with 8:24 to go in the 3rd. The successful extrapoint by Camas K Stuart Jergensen gave the East their first lead of the game at 7-6.

The West came close to scoring one more time later in the quarter when Skyview WR Ian Zarosinski looked to be open in the back of the end zone, however Daly’s pass was picked off once again by Evergreen’s Marvin Thomas.

Following a punt then a few turnover on downs, Heritage QB Garrett Grayson took to the ground on a 1 play drive consisting of his 58 yard TD run. Grayson ran to his left then cut back to the right and turned on the speed and was not going to be caught from behind. Another Jergensen extra point gave the East the 14-6 least with only 3:43 left in the game.

West QB Neil Daly took over at their 36 when Kelso RB Lane Sari set up his team with good field position following a long kick return. Daly got the West as far as the East 43 but could not get any further and the ball was turned over on downs with only 53 seconds left in the game.

For a low scoring game there was plenty of big plays and lots of nice open field tackles.

Following the game, Garrett Grayson of Heritage was named the games overall MVP. East defensive MVP went to Marvin Thomas of Evergreen, while the East offensive MVP was given to Union RB Blake Russell. West defensive MVP went to Ian Zarosinski of Skyview, while the West offensive MVP was given to Neil Daly of Columbia River.

Post Game Interviews

Marvin Thomas (Evergreen DB) East Def. MVP

Blake Russell (Union RB) East Off. MVP

Ian Zarosinski (Skyview DB) West Def. MVP

Neil Daly (Columbia River QB) West Off. MVP

Adam Matheison East Head Coach (Mt. View)

James Ensley West Head Coach (Fort Vancouver)

Heritage coach Nate Becksted continued to install his 1 back spread offense during the fully pad practice. Defensively, Evergreen coach Jack Hathaway worked on defending a similar 1 back offense the West will run on Saturday.

3 additional players were added to the roster Tuesday as Union’s Zach Strausbaugh, Mountain View’s Tyler Procive, and Heritage’s Dean Rogers were picked up to fill out the defense.

The east also has a few scratches from the original roster. Tyler Vailea (Camas), Eric Mince and Nick Gubser (Washougal), Kyle Toohey (Evergreen). Hayden Lucia (Prairie), Mitch Saylor (Union), Josh Andersen (Stevenson), Mike Matsubara (Heritage)

Heritage QB Garrett Grayson leads the East in the 8th Annual Shriners Freedom Bowl Classic Saturday at Kiggins

Monday the 8th Annual Shriners Freedom Bowl Classic began with practice and a BBQ.

The areas best seniors gathered together in 2 camps Monday afternoon. At McKenzie Stadium, Mountain View head coach Adam Matheison will lead his group of kids from East Clark County along with coaches from Heritage (offense) and Evergreen (Defense). Over at Fort Vancouver High School, Fort Vancouver coach James Ensley will lead his group of kids West Clark County as well as for the first time, kids from Kelso/Longview.

Mathieson’s East team again appears to be loaded with 10 players on the 2009 GSHLFootball.com All Level All-Star Team. (John Simon – BG, Zane Shaut – BG, Blake Casebeer – CAM, Stuart Jorgensen – CAM, Garrett Grayson – HER, Zach Chapman – MV, Nathaniel Penaranda – UNI, Taylor Nelson – UNI, Devin Myers – UNI, Zach Strausbaugh – UNI. The East will be with out the services of Union WR Mitch Saylor who was told my Montana he could only attend one All-Star game this summer. Saylor chose to play in the All State game in Everett where he caught 2 TD’s and was the games MVP. Heritage QB Garrett Grayson will make one last showing in Clark County before he heads off to Colorado State later this month.

Ensley’s West team may only have 3 2009 GSHLFootball.com All Level All-Star Team members in  Lane Sari – KEL, Ian Zarosinski – SKY, Dallin Shirley – SKY, however they still have plenty of talent. Dillon Kelly and Derek Van Soest of La Center were voted the 1A Trico Players of the Year in 2009 and J Nusbaum of R.A. Long was 1st Team AP All-State at DB. The west will also be with out the services of their All State game QB. Skyview QB Austin Dodge, who threw both TD’s to Saylor last month is out with an injury. Woodland QB Trevor Hurn was not at practice Monday. If Hurn does not play in the game, either Neil Daly of Columbia River or William Yordy of R.A. Long should start Saturday. Both Daly and Yordy looked very good in practice.

This year, both teams plan to spread out the field and toss the ball around. Oops, Ensley asked me to say they are going to be run heavy… I guess I let that cat out of the bag. Sorry.

We will be hitting both practices this week to get some video footage as well as heading up to the hospital with the teams on Wednesday.

Both teams will be practicing the rest of the week leading up to Saturdays game at Kiggins. For more information on the game please visit www.freedombowlclassic.com