Pine-Eagle welcomes back league’s top runner

HALFWAY — More depth and another year of experience has Pine-Eagle football coach Blake Dennis optimistic about the 2009 season.

“This is a group that I think can put something together,” Dennis said the Spartans.

Dennis, who has been the Spartans’ head coach since 1993, welcomed 22 players out this season.

“One of our goals this year is to only look week to week. Our main focus during summer camp was staying positive, backing each other up.”

Leading the offense will be senior quarterback Jake Traw and junior running back Kyle Dennis.

Traw is a four-year varsity starter for the Spartans. Dennis led the Old Oregon League in rushing a year ago.

Seniors Justice Walker, Nathan Tanaka, Richie Gonzales, Devin Thorn and Lucas Powell also return, along with juniors Cody Powell, Brenden Clasen and Daniel Minarich, and sophomores Jesse Lawrence and Luke McCoy.

Junior running back Josh Deen has transferred to Pine-Eagle from Jordan Valley, and 200-pound junior lineman/linebacker Spencer Waterland is another newcomer.

“The Old Oregon League will be tough again,” Dennis said.

“I don’t know how much tougher Imbler can get. Cove will be right there too. The Old Oregon League gets three state berths. Those two teams are pretty much locks. So the rest of us will probably be playing for the other spot,” Dennis said.

Pine-Eagle opens its season this afternoon with an OSAA endowment game at Jordan Valley.