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About Keizertimes. (Salem, Or.) 1979-current | View Entire Issue (Sept. 9, 2016)
SEPTEMBER 2016, MCNARY FALL SPORTS PREVIEW, PAGE 9 QUI Q UI CKHITS K HITS ITS A look at all the teams in the Greater Valley Conference McKay Royal Scots Josh Riddell, the new head football coach at McKay High School, admits he still has things to learn. He’s experienced at coaching, including a freshman offensive coordinator job at McNary High School in 2010, but being in his fi rst year at McKay, he is focusing on jacking up a football team that went 1-8 last year. Admitting that he does not know about 2015 Scots who were lost to graduation, he is focusing on getting his returning and new players into the habit of winning. Expected to be fi rst-stringers are Matthew Jardine, linebacker and running back; Manny Miranda, safety and running back; Hector Diaz, wide receiver and defensive back; Noah Tavera, quarterback, receiver, and safety; Carlos Garcia, offensive and defensive lineman; and Raul Solis, offensive and defensive lineman. Riddell sees possibilities for a successful running game and eventually opening up a quick passing game. Call Us Today To Haul Off Your Old Junk… LOREN’S SANITATION & RECYCLING SERVICE, INC. 503.393.2262 VALLEY RECYCLING & DISPOSAL, INC. 503.585.4300 One weakness, he said, is a lack of size where the linemen are concerned, but he hopes their quickness will make up for it. Interviewed before practice began, Riddell said he could not commit himself to anything but noted, “The kids are excited.” Riddell will be his own offensive coordinator. Greg LaFontaine will be defensive coordinator. Other assistants will be Garnell Hall, receivers and head JV coach; Bryan Huber, corners and JV defensive coordinator; Kenny Ramirez, defensive line; Dan Bowman, offensive line; and Marvin Mason, running backs. Riddell is not a stranger to the Greater Val- ley Conference. Besides his year at McNary, he spent three years with the West Salem varsity, two coaching safeties and last year as the quarterback coach. West Salem Titans West Salem lost only two Greater Valley Conference games last year and had to a 1-1 record in the playoffs. Although several of the top players of 2015 graduated, head coach Shawn Stanley is optimistic about this year’s Titans. Last year’s seniors included quarterback Brody Wittman, wide receiver Hunter Johnson, running back Kyle Terry, safety Trey Lindekugel, wide receiver Chase Larkin, and lineman Jake Thompson. “Our starters are still up in the air,” Stanley said, “but I can give you some key senior players.” He listed Manuel Bravo, linebacker and running back; Jared Oliver, quarterback; Cal Rumrill and Valery Yurchak, wide receivers; Keonte McMurrin, wide receiver and defensive back; Anthony Zeller, wide receiver and defensive back; Brenton Reddy, offensive and defensive lineman; Will Papendick, tight end and defensive end; Ross McConnell, tight end and linebacker; Justin Morales, wide receiver and defensive back; Carson Mella, wide receiver and defensive back; and Blake Buchheit, offensive and defensive lineman. Stanley mentioned as the strengths of this year’s Titans character, work ethic, speed, and athletic ability. He called experience the weakest point. Stanley is his own offensive coordinator. Damien Ramirez is the defensive coordinator. Other assistant coaches are Robert Cary, offensive line; Joe Looney, wide receivers. Ty Nicholson, running backs; Jeff Miller, tight ends; Chris Vandiver, linebackers; Jay Bacus, offensive line; and Chris Boock, cornerbacks. You We’ll It? It! Got Get
