Week 9 - Statistical Leaders
FALCON FOOTBALL NOTES - SEPTEMBER 4,2009

Here's the 2009 season preview, which includes the roster and a prediction based on a vote of league coaches.

Projected finish: Fifth.

Coach: Rob Oram (5th year, 15-25).

Last league title: 1999.

Last playoff berth: 2008.

Home field: Fran Rish Stadium, Richland.

Projected starters (returners in bold)

OFFENSE POS YR HT WT

Brenton Griffin QB Sr. 6-3 185
Shawn VanDeMark RB Sr. 5-9 175
Cameron Wagar RB Jr. 5-10 190
Robert Cichy WR Sr. 5-10 160
Dylan Dikes WR Sr. 5-10 160
Aaron Neary TE Jr. 6-3 225
Channing Stredwick C Sr. 6-0 225
R.J. Harris T Sr. 6-1 260
Rhys Lloyd T Sr. 6-3 235
Nathan Bernier G Sr. 6-1 240
Matt Latka G Sr. 5-11 260
Joe Clements PK Sr. 6-2 185

DEFENSE POS YR HT WT

Aaron Neary DE Jr. 6-3 225
Kurt Rueter DE Jr. 6-3 210
David Lowe DT Jr. 6-2 295
Clinton Price DT Sr. 5-11 220
Joe Clements OLB Sr. 6-2 185
Ruben Solis MLB Jr. 5-11 180
Brent Sawacki OLB Jr. 5-9 180
Michael Banks CB Jr. 5-9 175
Dylan Dikes CB Sr. 5-10 160
Cameron Wagar FS Jr. 5-10 190
Lamar Bowser SS Jr. 5-11 190
Clinton Price Punt Sr. 5-11 220

Others to watch: RB Bowser; WR Clements; CB VanDeMark; CB Cichy; LB Aaron Brown, so. (5-10, 220); DE Corey Craig, jr. (6-0, 185); LB Jesus Campa, sr. (5-9, 180).

The Falcons enjoyed their best season in a decade in 2008, winning their most games since 1999 and posting their best league finish since tying for the Mid-Valley League title that same year.

But like that season, they experienced heartache in the postseason, losing at home to Mount Spokane in the regional round, and now the challenge is to avoid the same fall that followed -- only two winning seasons out of the next eight.

"I don't believe in cycles," Oram said. "We're a little short on experience, but not on athletic ability. If we stay healthy, we'll be pretty good."

Unlike last season, when the Falcons returned a ton of skill players but were inexperienced up front, they have three starters back on the O-line, led by Harris, a second-team all-league selection a year ago.

Hanford had the CBBN's top rushing attack last season, and Oram is confident that the newcomers in the backfield will be able to sustain that production.

"Wagar and VanDeMark are both heck of a running back, but how many carries were they going to get behind Kody (Winsor) and Nick (Betzsold)," Oram said.

Griffin takes over at quarterback for all-leaguer Travis Chalk not having ever taken a snap in a varsity game. Chalk was adept in the option game, while Oram foresees calling more dropback plays with Griffin under center, with Neary an inviting target down the middle of the field.

"Brenton's a four-year guy, and he understands our offense," Oram said. "This is our third year running this offense, and the kids feel comfortable with the schemes and their responsibilities."

Defensively, the coaching staff still can't decide between Solis and Brown at middle linebacker. Solis gets the nod for now, but don't be surprised to see Brown -- who missed much of last season because of injuries -- seize the job eventually.

"He just has a passion for the game," Oram said. "He's a beast in the weight room."

Neary didn't turn out for football last season but has been turning heads in fall camp with his play.

"He's got a great motor," Oram said.

2009 CBBN Cascade Honor Roll

Here is the preseason honor roll for the 2009 Columbia Basin Big Nine Cascade Division:

-- Strongest arm: Corey Hutchison, Kamiakin

-- Best running QB: Michael Weisner, Walla Walla

-- Surest hands: Miquiyah Zamora, Chiawana

-- Hardest hitter: Seth Kline, Eisenhower

-- Best athlete: James Lopez, Eisenhower

-- Fastest player: Tim White, Kamiakin

-- Most underrated: Jared Turner, Richland

-- Top college prospect: Seth Kline, Eisenhower

-- Top impact newcomer: Aaron Neary, Hanford

-- Biggest shoes to fill: Jamison Rowe, Richland

-- Must step up: Luc Graff, Chiawana

-- Program on the rise: Kamiakin

-- Upset of the year: Hanford over Richland

2009 CBBN Cascade Returning All-Leaguers

Here is the list of 2009 CBBN Cascade returning all-leaguers:

First team offense

OL -- Zach Sumerlin, sr., Wa-Hi.

First Team Defense

DL -- Zach Sumerlin, sr., Walla Walla; Nick Vincent, jr., Chiawana. LB -- Seth Kline, sr., Eisenhower. DB -- Miquiyah Zamora, so., Chiawana.

Second Team Offense

QB -- Hayden Hilty, sr., Richland. OL -- RJ Harris, sr., Hanford; Ryan James, sr., Walla Walla; Garrett Galllinger, sr., Richland; Ethan Bugg, sr., Eastmont. WR -- Miquiyah Zamora, so., Chiawana. TE -- Seth Kline, sr., Eisenhower.

Second Team Defense

DL -- Ryan James, sr., Walla Walla; Garrett Gano, sr., West Valley; Jon Allen, jr., Kamiakin. LB -- Jordan Downing, so., Chiawana

Honorable Mention Offense

RB -- Jacob McKinney, jr., Richland. WR -- Colton Arias, sr., Walla Walla.

Honorable Mention Defense

DL -- Ryan Watson, sr., Eisenhower; Jared Turner, jr., Richland. DB -- Slate Diessner, sr., West Valley; Tim White, jr., Kamiakin.

Honorable Mention Special Teams

Punter -- Matt Watson, jr., Walla Walla. KR -- Joe Fuerst, sr., Eisenhower.