By Ken Graham
The Times
WP Goes After Another League Title
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September 5, 2013
Above: While teammates watch, WP's new quarterback, Owen Lanning, works on his dropback during practice last month. Below: Wide receiver Luke Alexenko makes a practice catch while Trenton Kitselman looks on.
WAITSBURG - Coach Jeff Bartlow says the biggest challenge for his WP football team this year will be to replace 13 departing seniors. "Of the 24 spots on the field, only nine return, as we lost our kicker and punter too," he said.
The Cardinals enter this season as four-time defending 2B Southeast District champions. But they'll start the year with an untested quarterback in junior Owen Lanning.
"We think our defense will be strong," Bartlow said. "We hope to keep our opponents in check to give our young QB and other new starters on offense time to develop."
Defensive starters returning this year include tackle Nate Bartlow, outside linebackers Dalton LaRue and Chance Leroue, and defensive back James Thompkins. Leroue is a junior and the others are seniors.
Of the new defensive starters this year, Bartlow is expecting big things from senior defensive end Cory Brownlee. "Cory played DE in the spring and was very good," he said. "He will be a force there."
On offense, five starters return for WP: LaRue at right tackle, Bartlow at left guard, senior Nick Pearson at center, Leroue at running back and Thompkins at wide receiver. Pearson is a team leader and captain. "He's an all-state caliber kid," Bartlow said.
Bartlow also pointed out Thompkins' four state sprint championships in track last spring. "He had over 600 receiving yards in 2012hellip; could be huge in 2013," Bartlow said. "Speed kills!"
Junior wide receiver Devin Acevedo also returns this year after missing the entire 2012 season with a broken ankle. Acevedo started as a freshman on WP's 2011 state championship team. "He was a huge contribution, catching 33 balls for almost 400 yards," Bartlow said.
Bartlow said that the Cardinals will implement a new 3-4 defensive formation this year, taking advantage of their strong linebacking corps. Pass Coverage - "cover three" - will remain unchanged. On offense, a new pistol formation will be added to complement the team's spread option offense.
WP opens the football season Friday night with a non-league game at Pilot Rock.
WP Starting Lineups entering 2013:
Offense
Mike Grant (LT) 170 lbs,6-0 Junior
Nate Bartlow (LG) 230lbs, 6-1 Senior
Nick Pearson (Center)250 lbs, Senior
Right guard is still undecided, according to Bartlow
Dalton LaRue (RT) 165lbs, 6-0 Senior
James Thompkins(WR).155 lbs, 5-9 Senior
Talen Larsen (WR) 155lbs, 5-10 junior
Luke Alexenko (WR) 165lbs, 5-10 junior
Chance Leroue (RB) 190lbs, Junior
Owen Lanning (QB) 165lbs, 5-11 junior
Defense
Nick Pearson (NG) 250lbs, senior
Nate Bartlow (DT) 230lbs, 6-1 senior
Cory Brownlee (DE)(185, 6-0) senior
Mike Grant (ILB) 170lbs, 6-0 junior
Devin Acevedo (ILB)180, 5-10 junior
Dalton LaRue (OLB) 165lbs, 6-0 senior
Chance Leroue (OLB)190 lbs, junior
Trenton Kitselman:(OLB) 165 lbs, 5-11senior
James Thompkins (DB)155 lbs, 5-9 senior
Talen Larsen (Safety) 155lbs, 5-10 junior
Luke Alexenko (Corner)165, 5-10 junior
WP 2012 season results:
League: 5-1; Season:11-2
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