The Ridgefield Spudders new head football coach Dan Andersen has served as an assistant on the Spudders staff the last 3 seasons.

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 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)

Parker Henry rushed for 3966 yards and 51 touchdowns in 3 seasons at Skyview.

The 2011 GSHLFootball.com All Level All-Star Offensive Player of the Year, Parker Henry will walk-on at Washington State University this fall.

“I’m gonna be a Coug!” said Henry!

Parker was a key member of the Storm football team that advanced to the WIAA 4A state championship game last season. Henry led the state in rushing among all 4A schools when he rushed for 2192 yards on 261 carries. His 31 rushing touchdowns was also tops in 4A. In 3 seasons at Skyview, Henry ran for 3966 yards and 51 touchdowns.

Parker was also offered a walk-on at Eastern Washington but turned down the 1-AA school to play D-1 football at the Pac-12 level.

Besides being named the 2011 All Level All-Star Offensive Player of the Year, Parker earned several other awards while at Skyview:

• 2011 AP All-State 1st Team RB
• 2011 Seattle Times All State 1st Team RB
• 2011 Tacoma News Tribune All State 1st Team RB
• 2011 GSHLFootball.com All Level All-Star 1st Team RB
• 2011 Columbian’s All-Region Player of the Year
• 2011 4A Coaches All-League Offensive Player of the Year
• 2011 4A Coaches All-League 1st Team LB
• 2010 GSHLFootball.com Player of the Week (4x)
• 2010 GSHLFootball.com All Level All-Star 2nd Team RB
• 2010 GSHLFootball.com 4A All-League 1st Team RB
• 2010 Columbian’s All-Region 1st Team RB
• 2010 4A Coaches All-League 1st Team RB
• 2010 GSHLFootball.com Player of the Week (1x)

Check out our STADIUMS section by clicking on any stadium name.

To view a team’s schedule simply click on the team to go to their team page. 2012 schedules are under the video.

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There were about 30 athletes there working on their crafts under the direction of former Portland State QB John Charles and his crew.

We plan on dropping in at the Air One Football Academy from time to time to keep an eye on the GSHL guys as they get ready for the soon upcoming 2012 season.

Air One Football Academy Visit, May 2012

[Show as slideshow]

Doors open at 5:00 pm, Dinner will be provided by Goldies BBQ

• Cost to play only $50!
• Purchase a Table for $185 includes 2 seats and advertises your business, family or anything you want!

There will also be a silent auction, 50/50 drawings, and raffles!

MUST BE 21 YEARS OF AGE TO PLAY

Download flyer.

For more information contact twolvesfootball1@gmail.com

Idaho Punter Bobby Cowan (former Evergreen QB/K) shows off his Male College Athlete of the Year award with his mother Julie. Cowan averaged 46.4 yards per punt as a Junior.

Bobby Cowan, a 2008 graduate of Evergreen High School, picked up some individual hardware earlier this month at the North Idaho Hall of Fame Awards Banquet.

The 50th anniversary of the Banquet was held on Saturday, April 14th in Coeur d’Alene Idaho.

Cowan won the award over fellow finalists Andrew Blaser – Idaho track, Kyle Barone – Idaho basketball, and Justin Korthuis – North Idaho College wrestling.

“This award was a huge honor for me,” said Cowan. “That being said, I could not have done it without all the support from my family, coaches, and teammates. This award goes to them.”

In 2011 Cowan was a Football Writers Association of America first-team All-American as a punter after he averaged 46.4 yards per punt. He was also a semifinalist for the Ray Guy Award which goes to the nations best punter.

“I’m really happy for Bobby.  He has worked extremely hard to put himself in this position,” said Cale Piland, Cowan’s former head football coach at Evergreen from 2004-2006, and now the head coach at Union.

While at Evergreen Cowan was a 4A GSHL All-League punter 3 times and was voted to the AP 4A All-State team as a Punter his Sophomore and Senior seasons.

“There was a different sound when Bobby punted.  It sounded like the ball was going to explode,” said Piland. “I think it was fair to say that we believed he had a future at the collegiate level.”

Cowan still had some adjusting to do going from high school where he not only kicked but also played Wide Receiver, Linebacker and even Quarterback – where he passed for 1,908 yards and 18 touchdowns his senior season - for the Plainsmen, to being a full time punter at the college level.

“It was a bit of a transition because I was used to being on the field so much,” said Cowan. “Once I realized that the best way for me to be able to get on the field was as a punter I took the opportunity and ran with it.”

So where does Cowan go from here? He is already the Vandals’  all-time career punting average leader averaging 45.2 yards per punt on 189 career punts. What can he do as a Senior to top his already historic career?

“My personal goals are to be the best punter I can be,” said Cowan who wants to do all he can to help the Vandals improve on their 2-10 record of a year ago.

“I want to put our defense in the best position to win games. If I can do that then I’ve done my job and I will be happy.”

One thing’s for sure, there are plenty of Cowan fans in Southwest Washington who have been more than happy following him the past 3 seasons and they are excited for one final season at Idaho.

“It’s been fun to follow his career up to this point,” added Piland. “It will be exciting to see what the future holds for him.”

If you are aware of any other GSHL players who have highlight videos on vimeo, please let us know (send e-mail to bryan@gshlfootball.com) and we will showcase them here as well.

The Earl Barden All-Star Football Classic features seniors from the 2A, 1A, 2B and 1B classifications and will be held on Saturday June 23rd at Zaepfel Stadium in Yakima with a 1pm kickoff.

Beavers WR/TE Nick Fuller will make the trip east and represent Woodland. Fuller, a 6’4″ 210 WR who also plays TE was a 2A GSHL All-League First Team WR as both a Senior and a Junior as well as a 2A GSHL All-League Second Team WR as a Sophomore. Fuller was also a three-time selection to the Daily News All-Area Team and was selected to the Second Team GSHLFootball.com All Level All-Star Team in 2010 as a Junior.

Woodland WR Nick Fuller (No. 82) catches 11 yard TD pass in 2nd OT to beat Washougal 35-28 at Fishback Stadium - Photo by Steve Piper

“It’s a great honor for Nick and the Woodland Football Program,” said Woodland head football coach Mark Greenleaf.

Greenleaf was not surprised that Fuller was invited to play in the all-state game, crediting both Nick’s natural size and his hard work.

“I always felt it was a possibility for him to play in the all-state game due to the potential he possessed since his freshman year,” Greenleaf added.

Statistically, Fuller did not have the numbers as a Senior that he had as a Junior, but that does not mean he did not have as good of a season.

In 2011 Fuller hauled in just 18 receptions for 350 yards, but 7 of those were for touchdowns. Those numbers were down quite a bit from 2010 when he caught 40 passes for 605 yards and 10 touchdowns. Greenleaf is quick to point out the teams win-loss records those years (0-9 in 2010 and 5-5 in 2011) and notes Fullers progression from his Freshman season through his Senior year.

“He was one of our go-to guys when we needed yards or touchdown this season, which equated to wins,” said Greenleaf. “At the start of his career he brought size and speed, then as he grew, he became a bigger target and a mismatch for most defensive backs. He was able to make clutch catches in some big games, like this past season as in example the Mark Morris and Washougal games.”

Fuller has left a stamp on the Beavers program that will be felt for years to come.

“I believe Nick came in at the right time of us changing our offense and made a difference in our overall approach to get vertical with our passing game,” said Greenleaf. “He has made some outstanding clutch catches that turned outcomes of games into the win column. He has played a big part of our success within the Woodland Football Program.”

Joining Fuller will be Mark Morris Monarchs RB Nikko Asbell.

Mark Morris RB Nikko Asbell ran 83 yards on 11 carries and 2 TD in the Monarchs 21-7 win over Kelso - Photo by John Hamlik

Asbell is a prime example that you don’t have to be huge to be a very good high school football player. At just 5’7 175lb, Asbell was a fixture in the Monarchs backfield the past 2 seasons helping Mark Morris to a 13-9 overall record and a trip to the 2010 2A Semifinals.

“I think it is a great for Nikko, he has worked very hard and put in a lot of time over the past 4 years,” said Shawn Perkins, Mark Morris head football coach. “He should be rewarded for his success and all the good things he did for our team.”

As a Junior in 2010, Asbell was one of four Monarchs RB selected to the 2A GSHL All-League First Team, himself selected as a RB. That season he rushed for 599 yards on 62 carries and scored 6 touchdowns. Fellow backfield mate Dan Feeney played in last years Earl Barden All-Star Football Classic.

This season, Asbell stepped up for the Monarchs and became the featured back, rushing for 609 yards on 101 carries and 7 touchdowns in 4 less games than the year before. He was rewarded for his success by being selected to the 2A GSHL All-League Second Team as a RB in 2011 as well as being selected to the Daily News All-Area Team as a Second Team RB.

Perkins was grateful for Asbell’s ability to play in a loaded backfield, as well as be the teams leader and work horse.

“He learned a ton form the older kids and saw what it took to be a team player,” said Perkins speaking of Asbell’s time as an underclassman. “But he also took to heart what meant to be a leader.  He has great physical skills and worked hard to make them even better.”

At 5’7 you may be asking what are these physical skylls Perkins is talking about.

“Speed!,” said Perkins. “And a desire to compete!”

Nikko may be one of the smallest players in Yakima this summer, but Perkins knows he will be a great help to the East squad.

“He is a great team player and has a desire to win,” added Perkins. “Oh and he flat loves to play the game!”

NOTE: GSHL players will be playing for the East team this season. Our players had been playing for the West in the past. The 4A/3A All-State game also has players from the GSHL play on the East team due to an unbalanced number of schools in the Seattle Metro area.

Here are the full rosters for both the East and West squads.

East

Head coach, Jeff Bartlow – Waitsburg-Prescott

West

Head coach:  Robb Myhre, Nooksack

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!