Home Sports Local Sports Former player takes over at Powder Valley

Former player takes over at Powder Valley

Written by GERRY STEELE Baker City Herald September 04, 2009 02:37 pm

NORTH POWDER — Dan Townsend steps in to replace Skye Flanagan as coach of the Powder Valley High School football team this fall.

Townsend, a 1997 Powder graduate, played four seasons for the Badgers, and has been an assistant coach for Flanagan the past three seasons.

“I always wanted to come home,” Townsend said. “Being a head coach is something I’ve always wanted to do.”

Townsend welcomed 20 players out for the first practices this fall. That was up from the 13 players the Badgers finished last year’s 2-7 season with.

“I think our charter school status might have helped the numbers a little bit,” the Powder coach said.

Townsend said a good-sized junior and senior class also helped. He said the Badgers have five seniors and six sophomores on the roster, 10 of whom have varsity experience. He said four freshmen also will contribute at the varsity level.

Anthony Shankle, a new player from Baker, will see time at running back and linebacker.

Trenton Dixon and Bryson and Gavin Kandle return in the backfield.

“Trenton will see time at quarterback and running back. He’s just a versatile player,” Townsend said.

Dakota Townsend, the coach’s nephew, will see time at receiver.

The line is anchored by returning players Brenton Reid and Jesse Brown.

Townsend also has enlisted the help of Powder alumni Jacob Bingham, Riley Martin and Jacob Brown as assistant coaches.

“One of the things I’m extremely excited about is my coaching staff,” he said.

Townsend is well aware of the strength of the Old Oregon League teams.

“The Old Oregon League is the toughest league in the state, bar none,” he said.

“There will be no easy week.”

Powder has five home games on its schedule.

“With so many home games, we hope we will be competitive,” he said. “Our goal is to take advantage of our home field.”

The Powder coach said community involvement also is a goal of the Badgers.

“Our players have been very involved in the community during the summer,” he said. “One of my goals was to make our relationship stronger with the community.”

Powder Valley opens its season today against Butte Falls at the Dufur Classic.